We enjoyed swimming (our villa was right next to one of the pools), fishing, riding the Amberville train and this was all before we even got to any of the parks! We also went on an airboat ride and played miniature golf.
We were all sad to leave the village but after our week was up we stayed at the Contemporary Hotel in Disney. The kids thought it was cool to have a monorail running right through the hotel! (though when the time came Lauren was not too keen on riding it, she kept saying "can't we just take the car?")
Lets see-
We went to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure where Timmy rode every ride he could. Most 4 or 5 times! Lauren was happy with the carousel of Seuss characters and One Fish Two Fish which she rode 3 times. We had special passes so we didn't have to wait in line which Tim thought was just "awesome". Lauren had a special meet and greet with Lassie after an Animal Planet Live show. She also got some one on one time with Barney after his show. The park people and characters were all great. As soon as they saw Lauren's Give Kids the World button they were all over her. They danced with her in shows and did special things with her and Timmy. I was a little concerned at first that she would be afraid of the characters because they're so big but she just ran up to them all, even the super heroes and the scarey looking Green Goblin.
At SeaWorld the kids got splashed by Shamu, fed and touched the dolphins (Lauren said they feel like hard bouncy balls), fed the sealions and touched stingrays.
We went to Gatorland and Jungleland Zoo where we all fed the huge alligators. Lauren and Timmy got their picture taken with an alligator on their lap and a snake around Lauren's neck. Yes - both alive! At the zoo they each got to hold a small gator by themselves. Lauren was so funny. Every time she asked the "gator guy" a question she called him "Mr. Crocodile Hunter"
On Saturday we moved over to the Contemporary hotel and did the Disney parks (Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and MGM Studios) the last four days. Once again Timmy went on every possible ride (even Tower of Terror and Rockin Roller Coaster at MGM) the more wet or wild the better, while Lauren preferred the shows, parades and meeting the characters (though she did like Dumbo and Its a Small World). Both kids got to dance in the finale of The Lion King show at Animal Kingdom and in the parade at Magic Kingdom. We watched an awesome fireworks/laser show at Epcot although I think Lauren slept through most of it! We all enjoyed having breakfast with the characters at Chef Mickey's.
At all of the parks the people (and characters) were so nice and always went out of their way for us. They made sure Lauren and Timmy got to meet and have pictures taken with all the characters they wanted. At MGM they even set up a special meet and greet with Belle and the Prince after the Beauty and the Beast show. Lauren sat on her lap and they talked about Minnie Mouse and Barbie (two of lauren's favorites).
We all had a fantastic time on this trip and got to meet some really great people both at Give Kids the World and at the the parks. Everyone went out of their way to make this a really special and very memorable experience for not only the kids but for Bill and I too. None of us wanted to leave, especially Lauren. She looked out the window of the plane and said "Goodbye Disney World (and Minnie) I'm going to miss you." For her it truley was a "magical" time.
I did take tons of pictures and I promise to get them up online soon but unfortunately I have to go pack (even tho I just finished unpacking) for Round 7 of antibodies. We will be leaving this afternoon for the Ronald McDonald House and have to report to clinic first thing tomorrow morning. During this 2 week round Lauren will also be having her 3 month scans to make sure she is still NED (no evidence of disease).
Ahhhh back to reality!
As always - thanks for checking in on us and for all the continued prayers.
