Disney Day 2: The Magic Kingdom

 One of the biggest changes that we adjusted to on this trip was the virtual My Disney itinerary online. Each day's schedule, FAST passes and booked meals were all linked to an online schedule. Our Magic Band wristbands gave us access to our park tickets. With the swipe of our wrists, we also were admitted into the fast lane of our scheduled rides--crazy! It really was so convenient to line up the mickeys on our wrist bands to get into our room. No more keys to carry around. Our meal credits were also linked to our wristbands. We lined up the mickeys to cash in our meal points. If you truly wanted to be cashless on the trip, you could charge everything additional back to your account.

Our first fast pass of the day was Enchanted Tales with Belle. Honestly, we probably didn't need a FP for this interactive experience first thing in the morning. It's hard to know which rides will be the most popular when booking them from the comforts of your couch 30 days in advance:)We probably saved a 20 minute wait in line. We entered Maurice's cottage where the littles saw moments from Belle's childhood including her growth chart on the wall:) We finally focused on the mirror on the wall and it started to sparkle and turned into a doorway to enter into the wardrobe room where the candlestick came alive on the mantel.
  Eliza Kate and Miller both were a little slow to volunteer for any of the performance roles in the wardrobe room on this experience. Belle's grand debut couldn't have been any more magical for this momma in the library. If I remember correctly, Eliza Kate's mouth dropped open:) As you can see, the lighting was terrible. Guests have the opportunity to take individual pictures with Belle at the end for the photo pass option or you can also use your own camera. Miller obviously protested:( The kids left with Belle bookmark momentos.

We had just enough time for a bathroom break in between fast pass bookings. Gaston was hanging around his tavern and we got to shake hands and say hello with the most cocky confident man in the park:) Under the Sea with Ariel was next on our agenda. We boarded up on a spinning clamshell to enjoy an oceanic tour of the movie. We entered Eric's castle through an underground tavern. Scenes from the movie came alive especially with fish forming a congo line during the song Under the Sea.

 My favorite memory is Eliza Kate waving and exclaiming "Ariel" to every single sighting of her very favorite Disney princess. Miller was a sport on our first two girly rides. He survived the Kiss the Girl song at the end of the ride where Eric is trying to steal a kiss on the water. Eliza Kate noticed Ariel's blue bow that matched her own--precious! Miller knew his attraction was coming & I just love how he celebrated his sister enjoying her birthday trip. Sibling miracles do happen.

 We concentrated on touring the newer Fantasyland section of the park in the morning. Reservations at the Belle's castle are pretty hard to score for dinner, so I was so thrilled when we only waited 30 minutes to eat here for our quick service lunch. As we waited in line, we were entertained by talking statues of knights cracking jokes.

When it was our turn, we used a computer screen to make our lunch selections and carried our tray out to Belle's ballroom. I'm still scratching my head as to how the server knew where we found a seat to deliver our order. We're thinking it has to do with our magic bands:) Lunch was delicious--French cuisine! Eating underneath the glittering chandeliers in Belle's ballroom was the icing on the cake. Notice Eliza Kate's formal curtsy.

After lunch, Eliza Kate and I made a character stop in the Storybook circus tent while the boys rode the Barnstormer mini -coaster. Miller loves stealing time away with Landon at every opportunity. Character sightings are purely magical at four years old. She loved Minnie Mouse all decked out in her favorite color. Eliza Kate's precious hugs and waves are forever etched in my mind from this trip.

 The pink Dumbo ride is always a must. We toured the newer circus themed playscape in a little AC as we waited in line. We quickly figured out that we actually stepped out of line to play. You live & learn:) The new Fantasyland has two sets of rotating Dumbo rides. The carnival music really set the circus tone and fun was had by everyone jolting up and down with the hand controls.

The highlight of the morning for Miller was Tomorrowland Speedway. Our girl's only car was a little ahead of the boys --"ladies first". Man, this is a jerky ride to navigate.

After the teacups we headed home for an afternoon nap while Miller squeezed in some swim time at the resort. Using our fast passes, and getting up and at em' early allowed us to conquer quite a few rides on our first day.