Visitors from another land

I received my first visitors from home this past week. My sister and brother-in-law, as well as his parents came down for their vacation. The first part of the vacation they spent with their family. The second half they spent in Orlando with me. They arrived in Orlando Tuesday night.

Wednesday morning we went out for breakfast, and then we spent the rest of the day at EPCOT. We did all the main attractions in Future World in the morning and early afternoon. Then we headed over to the World Showcase and they got a little taste of the Food and Wine Festival.

Thursday, we went to Universal's Island of Adventure. This was my first time at Universal. It was a long day. I had fun, don't get me wrong. But it wasn't Disney. It reminded me too much of Six Flags Great America. It was fun for a day trip, but I'm glad that I didn't buy a season pass.

Friday I had to work so we just went out for lunch before I headed to Hollywood. Saturday I also had to work, but we spent the morning and early afternoon at Magic Kingdom. We actually made really good time and we were able to get over to Hollywood Studios earlier than expected. They all spent the rest of the day there, while I worked.

On Sunday morning, I took them to the airport... at 5am.... I was there and back before it was light out! Ha!

They all had a good time. I tried to give them a few magical moments, but they really lucked out! They received several magical moments that I did not plan. At the Magic Kingdom, we were walking in and just talking about getting pictures at the Castle. One of the cast members overheard us and asked if we would like a ride in his vehicle to the castle. So we all jumped on and drove on by all the people walking. It was fun. This is just one example of their Magical Moments.

I'm glad I was able to spend time with my sister and her family! It was a lot of fun, albeit exhausting. I don't know how vacationing families do the parks open to close for several days straight.

Happy Anniversary Walt Disney World

On Saturday, October 1st, Walt Disney World celebrated it's 40th anniversary. On that exact day 40 years previous, the park opened it's gates for the first time to the public. Needless to say, the magic has been kept alive for the past 40 years. So of course, we had to celebrate! The Magic Kingdom had a special celebration that day. They had a ceremony at 10 am. They also passed out special park maps and 40th Anniversary pins. In addition, they had special merchandise that was only sold on that day.

Me and one of my roommates got up early and (after dropping another roommate off at work) went to the Magic Kingdom for the opening Train Ceremony. This is something they do every morning, but I don't recall ever seeing it. I was like a kid in a candy store! I was so excited. Then we got in and went on a couple rides. At 10, we watched the ceremony which was really fun. I almost started crying just thinking about it all. Walt Disney is such an inspirational man!

After the ceremony, we met some characters and then went on more rides. It was a really fun day. And I felt so special being able to participate in the 40th Anniversary Celebration. My life is so Disney! And I love every minute of it!