East Coast Eason's: Walt Disney World Vacation

At Epcot..... with sleeping Brock

The Eason Family had a wonderful time at Disney World! We took the direct flight from SEA to MCO (Orlando) and signed up for the Magical Express, which takes you directly from the airport straight to the hotel; free of charge (Brent likes to say you pay for it with your hotel stay, but I'm going with free of charge - it makes me feel like I'm saving something).

When we arrived at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, we went straight to the balcony and sat in awe of all the animals we could see. It definitely makes your hotel room that much more special when you can peer out the window and see giraffes, zebras, gazelles, antelope, hogs, wildebeests, and cranes; just to name a few!

The entire resort at Animal Kingdom follows the African theme. It was really cool, very different than any of the other resorts I've been to before. Obviously this was nothing like most parts of Africa since everywhere you looked there was an overabundance of food and people splurging on knick-knacks and Disney gear, but I couldn't help but think of my cousin Katherin and the entire Michon family living in Burundi every time I walked in to the lobby.

Our first full day at Disney World, we tried to get in to the Magic Kingdom. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to us, cast members were blocked for only that park for the months of June and July, so unless we wanted to use some of our other passes, we were going to be out of luck. (We couldn't resist and ended up going to the Magic Kingdom the last day). So we hopped on the monorail to Epcot!

Brock's very first ride was Spaceship Earth in the Epcot ball. Is that a factoid I can add in the baby book? He was mesmerized by the moving parts and sounds. Over-stimulation!!! Then we walked over to the World Showcase section. It's funny how when I was a child, I hated this section - thinking it was so boring - and now I thought this section was entirely better than the "Future World" section in the front.

After riding the Maelstrom in Norway at Epcot

We were so lucky to be in the right area at the right time so we could meet Winnie the Pooh and Tigger!! Brock was enamored by Pooh and Tigger. The characters must have taken at least 5 minutes with our family, holding his hand, patting his head and then taking pictures. Brock loved it and loved looking at them!

Brock staring at Tigger. I am holding a small Tigger that we had bought earlier that rattles - Brock laughs when you rattle it!

We stopped to eat in Italy at Via Napoli and it was pretty close to the pizza I've eaten in Naples, Italy! So thin and cooked just right! Highly recommend.... if you want to splurge on a $30 pizza.

Ovens where they cook the pizza

Brent is happy because his belly is full :)

Okay, enough for Day one - we have to get some sleep for Animal Kingdom tomorrow!

Our Animal Kingdom day was hands down the hottest day we were there. I hate to say it, but it truly felt like we were in Africa!

According to Katherin, we are in Kenya, as Tusker is their national beer :)

After running to the Kilimanjaro Safari ride for the FastPass, we hung out in the shade and let Brock nap. The safari ride is by far the best ride at the theme park. I think Brock was able to see a few of the animals when they moved.

NOT glowing, that is sweat

"Mom, can we go back to Seattle where it's cooler?"

The center point of the Animal Kingdom theme park is the Tree of Life - a sculpted 145 foot high, 50 feet wide artificial tree.

We had lunch reservations at the Yak and Yeti, and the food was delicious! Perfect time to get out of the heat and also miss some of the afternoon rainstorm (which only added to the humidity).

Dessert was too yummy, we didn't take a picture until after we were done! (Fried Wontons with ice cream)

We were at the right place to watch the Jungle Parade at the Animal Kingdom. I think Brock liked the floats and the music!

On to Day Three - we needed a break from the theme parks! So, we hopped on a bus to the Wilderness Lodge for Breakfast and then spent some money at Downtown Disney.