The Adventures of Riley: First Trip to Disney: Part 1

Riley has been obsesed with Mickey Mouse since he was old enough to notice the TV on in the background. He calls "The Sensational Six" his "friends". As he got older and his interests evolved, he added Jake, Handy Manny, and some of the other "guys" into the mix. His 2nd Birthday was even a "Mickey" party, complete with a Mickey Mouse cake made my his sister and myself.

Not bad for an amateur job!

We decided over a year ago that we wanted to take him to Disney World for his third birthday.It took a year of planning but we made it happen! We were really lucky because my whole extended family was able to join us for the trip: my parents and both of my brothers and their wives and kids. We stayed at the Polynesian Resort, which was absolutely beautiful, and spent 4 days and 5 nights exploring Disney.

We left Wednesday after school and drove 8 1/2 hours straight. When we got there, we checked into a hotel outside of Disney's gates because our reservations for the Polynesian didn't begin until Thursday. We got there after 1:00am and Riley was just a little hyped up from napping in the car and having to sit still for so long.

"Mommy's pillow case makes a great tent for hiding"--Riley

After what didn't feel like enough sleep (lol), we woke up, had breakfast, and headed straight for the Magic Kingdom.

The first reaction is always the truest. I love the expression on his face here.

"Does a real princess live there?"

Cinderella's Castle

Riley's first ride: the spinning tea cups.

Grandma and Riley

Daddy let Riley drive the race car.

Riley and Jack

Kimberly, Kenzie, and Riley rode the Flying Dumbo ride. Riley says he didn't like it though because he's "Scared of high stuff".

Jack hitched a ride in the stroller.

Checking out the Street Party with Uncle Danny. Donald Duck had some sweet moves!

And of course, that old Magic Kingdom staple: "It's a Small World".

"Look at the puppet people! That's amazing!"--Riley

That was about all Riley felt like handling without taking a nap first. He started to get sad and say that he missed Blue and wanted to go home. So we headed back to the Polynesian to check in and take a much-needed nap. After that, we headed out to where "the cousins" were camping to have dinner and check out their campsite.

Uncle Drew grilling up the burgers.

Good times.

Sticks have endless possibilities.

How many people can you cram on a golf cart for a trip to the Ferry?

We took the Ferry over to the Magic Kingdom to check out the Main Street Electrical Parade and the fireworks. Riley was still a little overwhelmed at this point, so he didn't really enjoy it that first night.