Disney - Day 3

Tuesday was full of fun, and many firsts! Breakfast with the characters, Magic Kingdom, water park, and then back to Magic Kingdom that night. We had reservations for our character breakfast at the Ohana Polynesian resort. I went to this same character breakfast on my first trip to Disney when I was four. My mom was so excited to do it again! It was a real treat, and absolutely the best meal we had all week. They do a family style breakfast, with unending Mickey waffles, and many other gourmet breakfast foods.

Sweet girl and her daddy taking in the view.

Ready to meet Minnie (but not really!). 

 Thankful for this one group shot, because I think it's the only picture from the whole week with all of us together! 

 The food just kept coming. It was a fantastic spread! 

 Horrible picture, but Eli was fascinated with the Mickey waffles. They tasted even better than they looked!

 We got to dance throughout the restaurant with Mickey. 

 Layla clung to me for dear life.

 We had a beautiful view from our table.

 We met Lilo & Stitch first. 

 I would say Layla liked Lilo the best. She wasn't quite as scared, I should say.

 Once the characters started coming to our table, this is where she stayed. She would jump straight out of her highchair when she saw them coming. She wasn't screaming in fear, just a little unsure, and wanting to keep her distance. 

 She loved waving to them from afar, and always gave them a big goodbye when they left. She was glad to see them go!

 Cindy and Eli were loving it, though! They got big hugs from everyone.

 Layla said no way hosay to pictures with Mickey!

 Pluto was so fun! 

 Layla didn't think so...

After breakfast, we rode the monorail into Magic Kingdom.

 There's just nothing like seeing the castle for the first time. Eli had one of his "is this really real" moments. He thought it must be too good to be true!

There was a show going on at the castle, so we were able to catch that. 

Next stop...teacups! A favorite of Eli's.

 And then onto the racetrack. Eli and Cindy were behind the wheel!

They survived!

 Layla found her happy place inside the secret Dumbo play place. It was perfect for her, and gave her the chance to stretch her legs away from the crowds.  

 And to slide over and over again!

 Eli lucked out and got an extra ride on Dumbo. Layla was going to ride with me on this particular time, but she wasn't too thrilled. We did an over the fence kid swap, and Eli got to ride a second time.

We continued to ride throughout the day, but as the day progressed, my picture taking slowed down, as I was toting around a tired toddler on my hip. Did I mention that our bodies were achy everyday?!

We made it until late afternoon, and then went back to the resort to relax by the pool. No naps for anyone this day!

 We made our rounds and hit several different pools.

 The splash pad was perfect! Dan & I were able to relax while the kids played for a while. 

Little one soaked up some sun too!

Later that night, after an early bedtime for the kids, we were able to get away for a date night in Magic Kingdom. We rode space mountain and several other rides, and then found a good spot to watch the light show and fireworks. 

The castle is breathtaking at night! Fighting the large crowd of people after fireworks...not so much.

This was an unforgettable day, for sure! We were all overcome with emotions as we watched Eli experience the magic of Disney. He really made our trip perfect!