Zippity Doo Da... DISNEY

I always tell Simone that the only bad part of fun things is that they always have to end.  And that couldn't be more true this past week.  We had the most AWESOME Disney vacation!!  Simone did better than we could have imagined, and we all had more fun in one week than we ever thought possible.  We had a big camera glitch and lost more than one pair of sunglasses, but beyond that.... it was practically perfect in every way, as Mary Poppins would say!

 Even though Simone is a Disney veteran, she didn't remember much of her younger visits.  So for her, everything was like the first time.  Going through the gate on the first day was like magic for her, and the magic just kept coming.  We arrived for the opening ceremony, which totally captivated her.

We stayed at Shades of Green again and just loved it.

Simone really loved meeting the characters and collecting their signatures in her autograph book.  She was so committed that she INSISTED we wait nearly 30 minutes in the blazing sun for Daisy Duck despite all kinds of negotiations to abort.

 And naturally Simone took the opportunity to practice her archery while waiting for Merida.  Simone likes her because she has curly hair too.

This year we were lucky enough to score a reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table inside the castle.  They did a great job making the kids feel special with photos, magic wands, a wishing ceremony, and make-your-own sundaes.  Simone picked her own pink crown especially for the occasion.

No trip would be complete without the electrical parade and a visit to downtown Disney -- perfect after dark fun!

playing at the Lego store...

 ...and a Ghiradeli sundae with daddy.  Yes, he does have a Mickey sticker on his head--his favorite place to put stickers.

At EPCOT Simone and her cousin toured the world showcase, festively posing in each country...

 Simone and Madalyn also had a special afternoon at the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party--Madalyn as the spitting image of Alice and Simone as the Cheshire Cat.   Personally, I thought they made the most adorable two guests of them all, of course I'm incredibly biased.

And finally a few random shots... 

at the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review.  Don't ask me what Simone's face is all about, she really was having fun.

 Simone thought this humongous Mickey hat was pretty cool.  She actually asked for pictures in front of it.

 On the Toy Story ride -- my vote for best ride at Hollywood Studious.

Geared up for the Star Wars ride, which made me incredibly motion sick.  But Tony and Simone loved it.

And even the rain didn't get us down.  Simone just suited up in her Minnie poncho an pushed on.

Our Chip and Dale campfire sing a long was the only thing to get rained out.  But that didn't stop the girls from getting into the chipmunk spirit.

Well, that does it for this trip.  Until next time ...