Where Dreams Come True!

Would you ever believe that a person could visit all 5 parks at Disney World in just 2 days? Well, with swollen aching feet and dripping sweat, we did it! And we had smiles on our faces! Check out the pics to see our favorite parts.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is a ride on an open air safari vehicle through the savannah of the Africa area in Disney's Animal Kingdom. We didn't get there til later in the day and it was incredibly hot so most of the animals were sleeping. Todd really wanted to see a male lion and luckily we did see one. The detail was unbelievable. Even the concrete roads were deformed and painted to look just like wet mud!!

The Tree of Life - From A Bugs Life - Utopia

Epcot- We walked "downtown" of about 10 countries in one day at Epcot: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada. Our favorite was Italy, but that was only because we stopped to eat their crepes. It's interesting to see the different decorations and food as you go from one downtown to the next.

 

The Disney Castle  & Universal Studios

We got our Letters to Hogwarts!!!

 

I can happily report I was not disappointed with Universal Island's newest addition- HARRY POTTER LAND!!!! The level of detail is amazing. The first amazing site you see  is the Hogwarts Express plowing through the wall into Hogsmeade. The first stop for us was a photo with the Conductor to document the occasion.

  

Harry Potter Land consists of the main street of Hogsmeade, and then the Hogwarts castle. All the buildings on main street are covered in a thin layer of fake snow, which I thought looked really weird in warm, sunny Florida. But it was the perfect look for Hogsmeade.

 

The giant barrel in the middle of the street feature Butter Beer. Oh my gosh it is delicious! They offer a frozen and unfrozen version. We only tried the frozen version, but considering that it was 102 degrees outside, it melted before we got done. We definitely prefer it frozen.

 

Molly Weasley: "Your sons flew that enchanted car of yours to Surrey and back last night."           
Arthur Weasley: "Did you really? How did it go?" 

 There is a ride inside the castle called the Forbidden Journey. This ride simulates flying on a broomstick.  One moment you’ll be hanging there, moving back in forth in front of a screen during a quidditch game then the next you’ll be thrust at high speeds through the castle interior experiencing actual tangible objects in the distance.  You’ll have to evade the dementors and once you come to the conclusion of the ride you’ll receive a standing ovation from Dumbledore himself and the students of Hogwarts.  I’d never before been on a ride quite like it.  It’s definitely the highlight of the wizarding world. 

Inside the castle, visitors travel through narrow halls aligned with statues of legendary Potter folklore. There’s also the talking frames and don’t forget the sorting hat (shown below).  You will also see Dumbledore’s office and his image projected standing there and talking to you. Then it’s on to another room where you’ll be greeted by Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

At this point, I am begging Todd to start reading Harry Potter. I guess we will see what happens. I think his interest was definitely sparked after seeing the wizarding world at its finest.

For me, this was the best part of our trip.

Engagements

 

A Big YES!

 
 

 A year ago  &  Today

                     

                                        


Today started out like any other day. Todd and I were sitting on the couch bored debating what we should go do for the day. Gym, Café Rio, Golf? Those were the usual things we did. After no decision could be made, Todd popped up from the couch and said he had a good idea. When he came back he was holding one of his shirts in his hand…ummmmm ok I thought. He came over to me and tied the shirt around my head so I couldn’t see, and said lets go.

We drove around for a while. I did my best to use my senses to figure out where we were, but Todd took too many detours trying to throw me off. I didn’t have a clue. 

Finally it came time to get out. With the blind fold still on, Todd came around and led me out of the car. First, he didn’t warn me about the sidewalk and I stubbed my tow on it. Ouch!! Hey warn me next time would ya?? And only 30 seconds later he led me off the sidewalk where I jammed my knee because he again didn’t warn me. A little nervous maybe??!

Still totally clueless where we were, we finally got inside of a building. Todd talked to some people and then led me outside again and put me on a cart type vehicle. Once it started I could tell, yes we are on a golf course. Cool. He took me to an awesome golf course as a surprise!!

I sat patiently waiting for us to stop. We went up hills, down hills, around sharp turns, and finally he turned it off. Todd asked me to wait there for a couple minutes and then he came back again and began to lead me off into some grass.

We walked about 20 feet and then he stopped me. Ok hold on a minute he said. Ok take the shirt off your head. We were at the Thanksgiving Point gardens, in front of the massive waterfall. Todd had set up a blanket with food from our favorite restaurant. We were having a picnic. Sweet! Kailee will you marry me? Wait what?!!! Yes!!! This just became the best picnic ever.  

 Minutes later a little boy came down to us and asked if we had just gotten engaged. After saying yes, he gave us 13 cents and then ran away. I think we are off to a good start :)