Disney Birthdays Again

 Some years ago we started the whole Disney birthday trip phenomenon. And, I don't know about anyone else but I love it. This year Addison turned 17 and I was happy that she wanted to experience Disney again. We set out with some lofty goals and so we got right to it. We rented this cool car and headed south ...

stopping to see a familiar friend along the way ...

we put our bags in our room and headed out to Disney Springs and ate at Planet Hollywood.

The next morning we were all set. We purchased Genie Plus and Individual Lightning Lanes for two of our must dos, Guardians of the Galaxy and Tron, and a Lightning Lane for Ratatouille (which is normally sold out for the day by 10:00 AM).  We began the day, however, with early entry to Hollywood Studios ...

One of our regular favorites, Tower of Terror was first on our list and Rockin' Rollercoaster is still down for a lengthy renovation. 

Next was Micky and Mini's Runaway Railway (Listed wait was 40 min. actual wait under 20 min)

Toy Story Mania was also listed at 40 minutes and was actually less than 20 minutes. There is a lot of controversy over the scores here because I most certainly won but I think there was a glitch on the scoring - anyway ...

Then to Star Tours with a very short wait. We took the time to walk through Star Wars land but we traded the wait for Rise of the Resistance for the opportunity to ride two new rides for Addison in EPCOT. Both of us like "Rise" but had both ridden it recently and felt that it was not worth the gamble on a posted 80 minute wait.

just cool to me ...

So we made our first Park Hop of the day to EPCOT

We had a few minutes to go on a few rides adventures before our appointment with Ratatouille. This is the new Moana water feature. We also rode Nemo, Living with the Land, and Sourin'. Drinks to drink on the way and arrived at Ratatouille.

A quick dash then to Guardians of the Galaxy. A great ride, and we both loved it alot.

After lunch we made our second Park Hop to Magic Kingdom. Someone offered to take a picture of us touting that this is our third park of the day...

We rode Pirates of the Caribbean. All of these rides were ridden with little or no wait thanks to Genie Plus. Next was Big Thunder Mountain but I forgot to take a picture.

Space Mountain ...

Haunted Mansion ...

Next, a moment at Gaston's. And yes that is a regular size plate.

These trips are meant to please the birthday celebrator but I think she chose the Hall of Presidents to sooth my soul.

A thirty minute wait reserving our great spot and then the big show.

Next, our appointment at Tron

Then we did Jungle Cruise and Peter Pan (not pictured)

Sadly, Disney was closing so we called it a night.

The next day was mostly recovery from running hard at the parks. We did get around to some of the Disney Resorts and first we went to Port Orleans because it is the best place to get these. Hot, Fresh, and Yummy. Great first stop.

The Polynesian was next and yes it came with its own treat. Dole Whip

The Grand Floridian and The Contemporary and then back to the room to do a couple of hours of true recovery time.

Dinner reservations at Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club was a great end to our stay.

The next morning was breakfast at our hotel and back to home.

One last wave to our friend. 

I am so thankful for all the fun, experience, and safety on our trip. I love all of it - but not nearly as much as love my sweet Addison and getting to know her better - spend time with her - and share a portion of our lives together. I will never forget these times and specifically this trip for as long as I shall live. I love my girls and I am thankful to God for them and most thankful that they love Him too.