Disney Vacation

The Zimm Twins made their 2nd trip to Disney World in Florida June 9-14th.   It was another amazing trip!
Beginning in Dallas, delayed from take off due to rain, the Kate & Doug were patient and great airplane travelers.
We stayed at Disney's Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Hotel.  This was a great choice, as we were within walking distance from the Magic Kingdom, we were on the lake (good for GDaddy), the monorail drives through the middle of the Contemporary Hotel and we watched fireworks from our balcony!  
The first evening, we ventured to the Magic Kingdom where we ate dinner inside the Castle at Cinderella's Royal Table.   Meeting all the Princesses, making wishes with our magic Wishing Star, & Daddy eating his asparagus, the dinner was amazing and magical!   During the dinner, the waiter noticed GDad's birthday was coming up in a few days.  He brought a special candle in his dessert as well as giving a family Fast Pass to any ride we chose!

The new Double Dumbo

We ended Sunday evening in the New Fantacyland, riding the updated double Dumbo and Goofy's barnstormer roller coaster.

 

Tigger & Family at Animal Kingdom

Monday, we began our morning at the Animal Kingdom.  We at Breakfast at one of Gmama's favorites, the Tusker House with Donald Duck and friends.   Daddy skipped breakfast to ride the roller coaster, Everest.   We experierenced the Kilimanjaro Safari again, no trip through the 'Disney savanna' is the same; amazing animals very up close!   Very quickly, we entered into the Tree of Life.  Putting on the 3D bug glasses, the Zimm Twins got a taste of the creepy crawlies!
Animal Kingdom is always a hot park, so after a few more rides, we made our way back to the Hotel.

Our Favorite Stuffed Bear at Animal Kingdom

Kate drinking British Tea

Monday afternoon was special, as the boys took the boats all around Seven Seas lagoon and Bay Lake, the girls went to High Tea at the Grand Floridian.  This is a traditional British Tea.   Kate enjoyed her own tea pot and making sure her pinky finger was up at all times!

Kate at High Tea

Monday evening, GParents went on a date night while the Zimm Twins took their parents to Epcot Center and ate at the Coral Reef, watching sharks and 1000's of fish!


Dinner at Coral Reef inside EPCOT

Our new car at Test Track

Tuesday, was an exciting day at Epcot Center after a breakfast at Chef Mickey's!   Chef Mickey's is always fun to dance with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy & Donald Duck.   Epcot Center was an exciting time, as we rode into the big ball, Spaceship Earth.   Doug was very excited to design his own car and ride Test Track by GM.  The ride hits speeds up to 70 mph!

Tony, Kate & Beth in the backseat

 


GMama, Doug & GDaddy in frontseat

 

2 story water slide at hotel

We enjoyed lunch in Germany, especially Dad!   Looking at all the different countries and cultures that are presented is a fun and fast way to explore the world.



Kate coming down water slide

Tuesday afternoon brought the Zimm Twins back to the Contemporary where GDad rented Mouse Boats and explored Bay Lake.  After a boat ride, everyone made their way to the 2 story water slide at the hotel.  Much to Mom's amazement, both Zimm Twins braved the water slide multiple times.. no fear!  For dinner, we rode a boat to the Wilderness Lodge, where we dined at Whispering Canyon.  Doug asked for ketchup and he received it!   All the other kids from tables brought 23 bottles of ketchup!   The next table that asked their waiter for ketchup was in for a treat, as Doug & Kate delivered the bottles to the next unsuspecting guest.
Wednesday morning, we began our day at O'hana at the Polynesian Hotel.   This is one of Mom's favorite breakfasts, as they serve great pineapple bread!  O'hana's was invaded by Stich, followed by Lelo, Mickey & crew!   Kate and Doug were part of the parade party around the restaurant led by Stich!

Breakfast with Stitch

The park of the day was Disney's Hollywood Studios.   By the time we arrived at the park, and middle of the week, the crowds began to take hold.   As Mom & Dad rode Rock n Roller Coaster and Dad rode Tower of Terror, GParents and the Zimm Twins made their way to the Ariel Show.   Mom & Dad joined for Disney Jr. Live on Stage, where Kate & Doug both caught golds of bloom falling from the sky when Jake & the Neverland Pirates made an appearance.   

Monster's Inc at Hollywood Studios

GParents took the Zimm Twins to 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian where Doug was afraid he would be kissed by the wicked step sister again. (2 years ago, he was kissed during dinner at 1900 Park Fare.)  Although, he was not kissed, the Zimm Twins enjoyed watching Cinderella & Prince Charming dance at the Royal Ball.   

1900 Park Fare Character Dinner

As Thursday rolled around, we began our day at the Magic Kingdom.   With early breakfast reservations at the famous Crystal Palace, we were allowed into the park early; even earlier than the early entrance guests!   Mom took this opportunity to capture some amazing photos in front of the Castle before the crowds arrived.  -  As GParents, Mom  & Kate enjoyed breakfast with Winnie the Pooh and friends, Dad and Doug ran to Buzz Lightyear, Space Ranger Spin.   Doug was able to defeat the evil emperor Zurg twice before Kate finished breakfast! 



1 of Doug's 2 rides on Buzz



Kate's magic photo

Doug's magic photo

Kate & Belle after the fork & spoon acting

Starring Doug as the Beast

 
A quick ride on GMama's favorite ride, It's A Small World and we were off to GDaddy's new favorite ride, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.  He really enjoyed riding inside a Honey Pot! 
Within the new Fantasyland, the new Belle's castle and Storytime with Belle.  Although Daddy wasn't excited about storytime, as it turns out, we are glad we stood in line!   Each time Belle tells her story, she picks 1 boy from the audience to be the Beast and Doug was picked!   Kate was selected to be the dancing spoon and fork.   The Zimm Twins stage debut proved to be successful.  (Broadway, here we come!)

Family Mouse photo!

Friday morning began with early opening of Epcot where Daddy & Doug ran to Test Track (again) and Kate, GParents & Mom went to the country of Norway to have breakfast with the Belle and other Princesses.  As soon as breakfast was finished, everyone met at Test Track where we took one last ride.  (obviously Test Track is a family favorite.)

We LOVE Disney!

After the fun, it was time to return to Texas.   This was another fun vacation for the Zimm Twins.  It was fun for Mom & Dad, as well as GParents, to watch how Kate & Doug interacted with the characters this time.   5 years old is a great point for the Zimm Twins to re-experience Disney.   Here's hoping it won't be too long before we return!