Danny's Disney Trip, Day 3

The third and final day of the trip was a full day at the Magic Kingdom, including tickets to A Very Merry Christmas Party. However, my day started before everyone else got ready. Neither George nor I had yet gotten over Megan being kicked out of line to see Mary Poppins at Epcot. There are more details to the story, but I won't bore you with them. Let's just say, we spent a lot of money for three days, and it was less than magical. George even likened some of the service we'd received so far to Wal-Mart. So, I had a talk with Janice at the concierge desk regarding our experience so far, and she was appalled at a few of the details. She then went out of her way to make our experience better. She set up an escort to and a private meeting at the Grand Floridian

with Mary Poppins!

Megan was ecstatic! We continued on to the Magic Kingdom

and our day of fun began. Danny signed up to be a young sorcerer to help defeat Cruella de Vil, and we traveled down main street to the different interactive spots for him to finish his quest.

Then we went to the bakery to share one of the best cinnamon rolls ever!

We stopped to take some photos and watch the show at the castle.

Then, we headed into Liberty Square, where I proceeded to lock everyone up for taking most of the cinnamon roll.

Then, onto the Haunted Mansion ride we went. Disney has made some changes to many of its rides and attractions (sorcerer'd club is one), and Haunted Mansion is no exception. There is an interactive graveyard set up at the entrance.

Once the ride was finished, we were greeted by a band just outside who played Sousa-style for a bit - very entertaining.

Our reservation time had come at the Liberty Tree Tavern, and we arrived just in time.

We had a delicious lunch, and then took the train to Tomorrowland where the kids conquered Space Mountain

and Emperor Zirg.

George then conquered the philly cheesesteak coney dog

and after a quick photo op,

we went on a people-mover adventure.

Megan begged to sit in the Starlight Cafe and listen to Sonny Eclipse (something I've done since childhood), so we hung out for a bit.

Then it was off to the big top (another change) for a ride on the Barnstormer, Goofy's roller coaster. The kids were so proud that they rode all by themselves that they posed for a picture in front of the coaster's poster.

Unfortunately, they got photo bombed.

We moved through Fantasyland next, admiring the view of Belle's newly constructed castle

and then enjoying the Winnie the Pooh ride,

Peter Pan and It's a Small World. By this time, the park was closing and the Very Merry Christmas Party was about to begin. After getting our armbands, we got free cocoa and cookies,

strolled around Frontierland visiting Brer Rabbit's home, eating a turkey leg (another Creamer family tradition), and attending a showing of the Country Bear Jamboree.

Because the tickets were limited, attendance was low, and George and I could not remember ever sitting so close to the stage. We absolutely enjoyed it. We also enjoyed the parade like we were kids again, mainly because we had perfect viewing spots on the porch right outside of the Country Bear theater. Highlights? Mickey and Minnie of course,

Donald and Daisy,

Chip and Dale,

Goofy's candy float, complete with smell,

Clarabelle baking gingerbread, complete with smell,

various traveling characters,

and finally Santa himself.

When the parade was over, Danny and George got to ride Thunder Mountain one last time, and then we headed to Main Street for shopping. I enjoyed the shopping, while Megan and Danny enjoyed the "snow" blowing into the street.

By the time shopping was complete, the second parade was making its way through Main Street, and I got a glimpse of the little boy inside my Danny.

He's growing up so fast that this image of him waving at Santa is one I'll cherish forever. When we got back to the hotel room, we got the biggest surprise of all. Someone had delivered a birthday present to Danny, a white chocolate carving of Donald.

It was so nice and Danny was so happy. It was truly magical for us all. Happy Early Birthday, Danny!