As usual, the plans for the end of our trip had a lot of room for discussion. We had planned on doing Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom before dinner at the neighboring Polynesian Resort, but instead opted for a quick visit to the Animal Kingdom followed by lots of downtime at the hotel. But first things first...
At Animal Kingdom, it was an Extra Magic Hours day so we were in just before 8am. First, we had a great ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris (so decided to give away our Fastpasses instead of a second ride).
Next we headed over to Dinoland USA. We rode Triceratop Spin, Hartley got hurt walking (again. of course, right? poor girl! Counting down the months until dance class!), and finally it was time for the boneyard to open. If you recall (and I don't blame you if you don't), we've yet to check out this play area because it's always insanely crowded with rambunctious kids. That day though, since the park had literally just opened to most guests and they would be trampling one another for a Safari ride or trip on Expedition Everest, we shared the place with just a handful of others... and Emmersyn and Hartley loved it!
We took another walk through the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, this time with two awake girls, and then headed in for the 10:30 showing of Finding Nemo: the Musical. We were so excited that the girls were finally going to get to see the show, just knowing they would love it! While Hartley was a bit nervous, they did both love it (after "skipping" just a moment or two at most!). And after all, what's not to love?! It was great to see it again after a several year break!
Before leaving the park we sat for lunch at Flame Tree Barbecue. As always we were joined by ducks pecking at our toes for food, but this time there was literally a crane or something stealing food off of tables when people weren't looking. Isn't there some sort of "bird in distress" call they can play or something in this particular area....? Just sayin'.
Lunch was delicious, but Hartley and Emmersyn were exhausted. We knew we'd have to keep them up until we got back to the hotel if we wanted any attempt at a nap, so it was time to bolt.
Back at Saratoga Springs, Zach and the girls went for a nap/walk while I packed and did laundry. It was a bit trickier than usual with the entire day ahead of us tomorrow after checking our luggage, but I was not about to complain about extra vacation time!
After the girls woke up, we went for a swim at the Congress Park quiet pool. Still (and I'm now writing this weeks later), that particular afternoon - and the nearby playground we ran out of time to use, the beautiful grounds, etc that we love so dearly about SSR - has me wondering if we made the right choice for our December reservation. I think we'll be back though, even after that, so I'm sure it's ok. ;) But I digress...
The swim was fun. A lot of fun. The girls were hilarious trying new tricks, and were incredibly brave - even moreso than a few nights earlier. This summer should be a blast!
Eventually (after a great, "down" afternoon - definitely the right choice!) it was time to get ready for dinner. We arrived at the Poly a bit early, so we took some time to walk around. I really do love that place! Who am I kidding? Apparently there is only one resort that I don't love, which is a pretty good track record for any vacation destination I'd say.
For the first time ever, we were checked in at Ohana and seated relatively quickly. Emmersyn and Hartley enjoyed the Coconut Race, though I do think they would have enjoyed the Maraca Shaka Parade even better if the timing would have worked out. It was going on just as we were finishing up, but still - dinner there is always wonderful, and it was even moreso with girls at such a fun age who really got into it - the singing and celebrating, the kids activities, the theming. Can't wait to try Aulani .... eventually! ;)
Stuffed and happy, we headed to the Magic Kingdom for the evening activities. We had a bit of time to kill so we checked out the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, where Emmersyn and Hartley were excited to hear their names called out with the first joke of the show! Next we rode the TTA, where Hartley belted out "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow", making her Daddy and I quite proud.
Given the crowds, we had to get our parade spot a bit earlier than usual. Nobody minded though since it was so late (darn late sunsets!), and Hartley and Emmersyn especially loved playing while waiting for the parade to start. They loved it so much, in fact, that Emmersyn was nothing short of broken-hearted when it was time to give the "spinning hoops" back.
That didn't last long though, because parades at Disney World - especially the nighttime parades - have a way of cheering you up. Both girls smiled and waved nonstop at the floats, and loved the parade as much as the last time.
When it was through, we walked behind ("We're in the parade!") to secure our spot for Wishes, and the new castle show, "The Magic, the Memories, and You". Which, might I add, was really lame. I was so bummed... but Wishes didn't disappoint! And neither did the girls' headphones. :)
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