Disney Day 2: Bonnet Creek Resort

As I mentioned in an earlier post, this Disney trip was rather impromptu.  We didn't deicide until early in May that we were actually going to go this summer.  However, we were very fortunate to be able to find a VRBO at Bonnet Creek Resort which is one of the only resorts inside the gates of Disney that is not Disney owned.  Let me tell you, it was fabulous!  

It had multiple pools (many of them with watersides, lazy rivers, splash pads, etc.), 

a beach volleyball court, 

a playground, 

kid activities throughout the day, restaurants onsite, and wonderful accommodations. 

After our day at Epcot we decided to have a resort/rest day in order to prepare our bodies for the LONG day we knew we would have when we visited the Magic Kingdom.   We had a great time playing in the various pools all. day. long.  I think Ace might have been the only one of us who caught up on his rest, but we had a great day anyway! :) 

Disney Day 1: Epcot

Last Friday we loaded up the car and headed to Florida for a quick Disney getaway!  We aren't ones for spending months planning, scheduling, or reserving, and we had loads of fun nonetheless!  

We didn't get checked in to our resort until late Friday night so the kiddos didn't get their "Welcome Bags" until the woke up on Saturday morning.  Each bag had goodies that I had purchased before the trip like Disney water bottles, t-shirts, light-up wands, stuffed animals, etc.  I knew the items would be much cheaper from Amazon than if we waited to purchase them at the park.  The girls loved their goodies, and Ace seemed very content with his Mickey Mouse stuffed animal and paci.  

After breakfast, we headed to Epcot.  We got there pretty early which meant we got a good parking space not far from the entrance and we were able to ride several of the big attractions with little to no wait.

In the afternoon we headed over to the World Showcase to eat lunch and visit with as many characters as we could. This was Lydia's favorite part! 

The heat was terrible, but we were able to cool off in various country's exhibits that were located indoors.  This was a lifesaver for sure.  We also had to seek shelter when it started thundering and lightening.  It never rained on us until we were headed to the car, but the storm clouds did cool it down quite a bit so we were thankful for those!  

We were so happy that Grams and Pop O were able to make this trip with us.  We love any chance we get to spend time as a family, and this trip was no exception! We all took turns riding the rides and sitting out with Ace when he couldn't ride or was asleep.  Having an extra set of hands and eyes was definitely a blessing! 

 We left Epcot around 6PM, grabbed a bite to eat, and returned to our resort.  You can tell by the looks on these faces that Day 1 was a success.  There were smiles all around and memories were made that would last a lifetime! 

Summer Kick-Off at Great Wolf Lodge

For the past 6 years (with the exception of one) my sister and I have started off our summer by taking the kiddos to GWL. It's a fun tradition that everyone loves... including the adults!  This year we went right at the beginning of June so many of the schools in NC were still in session which meant we never really had to wait in line at all.  Also, since it was so early in the summer they were still giving out their "spring wolf ears" for us to add to our collection!

Each morning we started our day with breakfast from Dunkin Donuts (onsite) and then hit up the waterpark.  If you get down to the water right when they open you can usually ride everything you want to ride multiple times without a wait at all!  The same holds true for later in the day as well.  

Ace didn't really get in the water this year except to have his picture made, but we still had to put on his bathing suits each morning because he was just "so adorable" in them according to Lydia!

Since Mickey's main project is in NC near the watermark he was able to come up one evening and enjoy the water with us.  We had to pay extra to get him a day pass, but it was totally worth it.  The girls and I loved having him there, and he even convinced Mackaylan to ride the Howlin' Tornado!

Lydia loved the slides this year!  She constantly wanted to ride "the green tube" and the "racing tubes!"  Next year she will probably be tall enough to do them all so that will be fun.  She is definitely our little thrill-seeker! :) 

I am so very thankful for the past few years that my mom has joined this excursion to help me out with the little ones.  This year she had it made with Ace, but next year there may not be very much sitting by the pool relaxing because he will be all into the fun!

There is plenty to do onsite that you really never have to leave once you get there.  However, shopping is my hobby so you know we have to hit up the outlet mall nearby- ha! It is also tradition to ride the carousel in the Food Court so Lydia was not going to let that opportunity pass her by.  

 It was also good practice for Ace as we prepare for our upcoming trip to Disney! I'm not sure if he liked it our not.  He just sat with this look on his face the entire time! LOL

Each night there is a story time around 8:00 and then the little ones can meet a character and have their picture made.  This was right up Lydia's alley.  Of course, Ace and I enjoyed it too!

When we go to Chick-fil-a or Chuck E Cheese Lydia is always the kid that will not leave the mascot alone.  She will stalk them out and follow them around like crazy.  Isn't it funny how some kids have such fear of these characters and others do not?  I always find that intriguing.  Anyway, with that being said, she absolutely LOVED meeting any character she could during our trip and having her picture made.

On the last day before we headed home, Eli and Mackaylan played a bit of MagicQuest,  the girls and I enjoyed a few slides together, Mackaylan raced the boys and Tia on the racing mats (one of her faves!), and Lydia and Granny finally endured the line to get her face painted!  

It was definitely a perfect start to #oshieldssummer2015!