We have just returned from kicking off the summer with a Disney bang! and it was terrific!
Seven years ago we began bringing Simone to Disney as just barely a toddler. Mickey has watched her grow from a sleeping baby in a stroller to a singing, bouncing, little mousketeer. We have fully transitioned from characters and kiddie rides to full-fledged thrill rides and lots of clowning around. Each and every visit has brought some new magic and many cherished memories, and this time was no different. We stayed up late, woke up early, and squeezed every possible drop of fun out of the week.
 |
| We stayed again at Shades of Green, our Disney home, and of course took the obligatory pose with Mickey. Simone barely came to Mickey's waist when we first brought her, and soon she'll be as tall as the statue. |
For the most part, Simone wasn't very interested in meeting characters, but that doesn't mean we didn't have some fun with a few. This one was during lunch in EPCOT.
We vacationed with a new crew this year and all the parents loved watching our three little ladies have as much fun as we did.
For a new twist, we added a couple of days at Universal Studios to our week. Harry Potter world was amazing and Simone got a huge dose of thrill rides.
 |
| We rode the Hogwart's Express both ways between parks -- very cool! |
We loved Seussland in Islands of Adventure! Simone instantly fell in love with the baby THING ONE she is holding here. He, of course, is now home with us and has gained a prized position in her bed next to her bunny. Simone also scored a super cute tee shirt that says "Only Thing" --lol!
 |
| Minions in the house! |
The rest of the week we spent in the Disney parks which had lots of new things to offer to us. A few highlights: Animal Kingdom is now open at night, Soarin' --which we rode a whopping THREE times-- is all new, and the California Grill began offering a Sunday brunch which was awesome!!
We were greeted with mimosas and a grand view of the Magic Kingdom, followed by a scrumptious array of brunch foods.
The girls' --ok, maybe everyone's-- favorite part of brunch was the finishing pastry tray. YUMM!! the salted caramel chocolate bark was out of this world! Still dreaming about it.
 |
| This pic... a total teenage Simone preview! |
 |
| Couldn't resist meeting one of Disney's newest characters --BAYMAX! |
 |
| Here in line with Rylee at the ToyStory ride. They are holding up 12 fingers because only 11 people we in front of us in line! We got to ride twice--once on the brand new third track. For the first time EVER mommy won both rounds on ToyStory --can I get a *woot woot*!!?!? |
 |
| Three beauties! |
 |
| And a rare shot with mommy! |
