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Our Adventure Begins at the Grand Floridian

Posted on March 26, 2011 9:03 am by TheAngelForever

Last Thursday morning, we got up before the sun came out, dropped our car off, and went to the airport. The boys and I were heading to Walt Disney World for the 2011 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Southwest had us boarding the plane and ready to take off within 15 minutes. We loved that the Albany airport seems to be testing a new front and back loading system. It was a very painless experience that more cities should try. Before we knew it, the sun was shining and we were up in the air.

NHL and I sat together, while JSL sat with TechyDad. It was a quick flight and soon we could feel the sun and warmth of Florida welcoming us. Thanks to the Magical Express, we were able to gather the boys and a few small bags to head right to the Grand Floridian. As we got off of the bus, we knew it was going to be an amazing adventure ahead of us. We pulled up just in time to see this:

Yes, that is a bride heading to her Disney fairytale wedding in the Cinderella coach. Ah, only at Disney World will you just bump into things like this. We continued into the lobby for check in. We did the online check-in for the first time and it was amazing. The Luck of the Irish for St. Patrick’s Day was with us since our room was ready at 11:30. Rather than go right there, we went to the hospitality area in the convention center to officially check into DisneySMMoms 2011!

The magic was just starting as we were handing our Park Hoppers, papers, agendas, and other goodies. Once we were finished there, we walked over to find our room. The grounds of the Grand Floridian are beyond gorgeous and the rooms amazing. These are just a few photos of our first glances at the place we would call home for three nights.

Since we had a few hours before the first event of the evening, we packed the boys up, put on sun lotion, and went to the Magic Kingdom. For the third time, we rented a double stroller from Orlando Stroller Rentals – which was a lifesaver many times.

When we were waiting for the monorail, someone recognized me. It was Kim Moldofsky from Hormone-Colored Days and Mom Impact.

After exiting the monorail, we went into the Magic Kingdom. It never gets old listening to your children gasp and chatter away when they see the Castle for the first time on a visit.

We were all hungry, so we stopped for lunch, then we did a few rides

Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the room. The boys relaxed for a bit, while I went to the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons Platinum Soiree. More coming very soon!

Disclosure: Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World, we were given an incredible deal thanks to Disney. The sweet conference fee included 3 nights at the Grand Floridian, several meals for the entire family, 7 day park hoppers for everyone, conference/meals for me and some other items to take home. Also note that Disney never asked us to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan it is my pleasure to share my experiences from the event.

Categories:
Blogging Conference bloggy friends Disney DisneySMMoms

Saying Goodbye to Disney For Now

Posted on March 25, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Magical family memories are what you dream of when traveling to Walt Disney World and it is a simple item to fulfill.

On this trip alone we have done many new and old favorites which include:

Bouncing with Tigger when getting a photo taken
Searching for the hidden Mickey’s that lurk in all different places
Eating with Belle, Aurora, Ariel, Alice, Cinderella at Akershus
Taking the entire family on Kali River Rapids together since the little guy was tall enough
Eating at Boma still soaked 3 hours after the previously mentioned ride
Meeting the amazing people behind Cake Wrecks
Watching Captain EO and traveling back to 1986 with my boys
Traveling around the world and back to complete a passport
Trying Kim Possible
Catching a glimpse of the Main Street Electric Parade before heading back to the resort after 12 hours
Eating pizza at 9:30 and laughing that we are having dinner so late

The boys and I have had yet another fantastic experience, filled with memories that will last a life time.Of course, the hardest part of a vacation is packing up to head home and going back to reality. By the time you read this we will be home, in the cold temperatuers, possible facing more snow. Right now, I am still hear and heading off for our last magical day at Disney.

My question for you today:

What is the hardest part of going back home after a vacation, and how do you help to ease back into things? One other thing –> Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.

Aloha #144

Categories:
Blogging Conference Disney DisneySMMoms fun jl jsl nhl photos vacation

Hungry Hungry Hippo

Posted on March 23, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Categories:
animals Disney DisneySMMoms me moments photos vacation Wordless Wednesday

What a Difference a Year Makes

Posted on March 22, 2011 12:00 pm by TheAngelForever

The first time that we took the boys to Walt Disney World, they were beyond excited. We made reservations to begin the trip at Chef Mickey. Before I knew what was happening, both of the boys were cowering away from the characters. Yes, the kids were scared of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, and Goofy.

On that trip NHL eventually warmed up and was able to get autographs and photos. JSL, would clutch to us for photos. Then, on his second birthday we had dinner at The Crystal Palace. A break through moment occurred. JSL went over to his favorite, Tigger, and honked his nose. It may not seem like much, but it meant a lot to us.

Last year NHL was a character pro and eager to meet and greet everyone. JSL was willing to go, if one of us went with him. We had no idea what we would experience with him this year. To our surprise JSL runs up and bear hugs the characters. When he has to leave from his turn with them, he will hug and kiss them as his way to thanking them.

We learned not to push the issue and let the boys ease their way into seeing the Disney favorites. Many more memories and photos to come soon.

Categories:
Disney DisneySMMoms jsl looking back nhl photos vacation

Thank You Disney Social Media Moms Celebration

Posted on March 21, 2011 10:52 pm by TheAngelForever

The weekend has come and gone and the 2011 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration is now over. As I sit here at Walt Disney World with my family, it is hard to wrap my brain around everything that has taken place. Over the next few weeks, or longer, I will share items with you.

The speakers taught me a wealth of information that will help me with my blogging, freelance writing, and life in general. I also met so many amazing people over the weekend and wish I had time to see even more of my social media friends that were at Disney. I only wish I had taken some more photos of everyone there. Here is a special one from after Illuminations Saturday evening.

A special thank you to Leanne, Laura, and the rest of the Disney Social Media Moms team that helped to make this magical event a reality. It was a pleasure being a part of this experience and getting time to meet both of you. Thank you for the photo during the Disney Junior Party, it meant so much to me.