Kennedy's 4th birthday will be written down in her books as "The Most Amazing Birthday of my Life" I have no doubt! You know that AMAZING Captiva trip we just took? Well, Kennedy woke up in Captiva thinking she would be going to the beach again...BUT.... mommy and daddy had a special surprise for her. We gave her a surprise book. Here is what it said...
Kennedy Brooke, this is one MAGICAL day.
Guess what? We have a surprise to say!
YOU are a princess! Yes it's true!
You will never know how much WE LOVE YOU!
We can't believe you're almost FOUR years old.
Time is quickly slipping from our hold.
We are so blessed to be your father & mother...
...that we wanted to give you a surprise like no other!
We asked the princesses to help us out.
Listen to the clues to figure it out!
There's nothing quite like tea while twirled.
Come and be a part of Ariel's world!
It's a small world after all!
Be brave & you will have a ball!
Just like the day she found her glass shoe,
Cinderella can't wait to see YOUR dreams come true.
Jasmine is so happy she's flying high!
There's a magic carpet ride for you that's nearby.
There's nothing like a red kiss from Snow White,
and watching the fireworks that dazzle at night!
Did you know that Mulan used to wear a disguise?
She now enjoys riding an elephant that flies!
You can watch Peter & Wendy on a ship that is dangled.
So let's brush your hair without a fuss just like Tangled!
Come on Sleeping Beauty! Let's rise and shine!
Hopefully we won't run into a long line.
Belle wants YOU to "be her guest".
Let's go! Hop up! Hurry & get dressed!
The colors of the wind are leading us north.
THIS birthday is going to be your fourth!
There is a place with a castle in the air.
Just like Tiana...you're almost there!
All of these Princesses want to celebrate with you!
Mickey & Minnie will be there too!
SURPRISE! YOU'RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!
It was such a great morning in our little condo in Captiva! We are kind of Disney Dorks and had just gone to Disney last fall. Before flying to Captiva Kennedy had asked if we were going back to Disney {since the last time we flew that's where she went}. I did my best to convince her no.... and that she would get to go to Disney again when she was older. When we surprised her it didn't sink in! HA! I said, "Are you ready to go?" And she replied, "Maybe when I'm a little older." HA! We had to convince her that we were truly going! We loaded up and drove to Orlando!
We arrived at The Grand Floridian to find out we had been upgraded to a park view! WOO HOO! I also had a little extra Disney Magic added with a gift basket waiting for Kennedy from Disney Dreams Delivered. check them out on Facebook!
Okay.... my opinion on Grand Floridian.... I liked it MUCH better than Polynesian! They have a great lobby, pool, kids splash area etc. Im not sure our stay would have been as magical if we hadn't have had the park view. It was GREAT watching the fireworks and water parade on our balcony each night. I liked the layout of the room much better. One thing to note... if you stay here... the monorail is great for Magic Kingdom because it's the very first stop. However, to get back to the Grand you have to make the full loop through all the other resorts. If there's a boat readily available... the boat is faster for the trip back. Also.... there is NO walking path by the boats coming out of Magic Kingdom. There is a very deceiving walkway that leads to absolutely NOWHERE. Not that we were the idiots that tried this. =)
Kennedy loved her room! She said she was staying in a castle! Love love loved!
First priority for a Disney Birthday celebration.... BUTTON! Go ask the front desk of your resort for one of these special badges of magic. Disney "cast members" are the best! The service is above and beyond, and when you have a child that wears one of these buttons... well... you are stopped a lot and noticed for very special recognition.
When we first arrived we headed to the Poly to eat at Ohana. We had done the Ohana character breakfast back in the fall with Lilo and Stitch etc. We LOVED the breakfast. The food was the best we had had. The atmosphere is great! Although dinner doesn't have the characters, the atmosphere is still a blast. The theme.... "Ohana", from the movie Lilo and Stitch...means family. I couldn't think of a better place to celebrate this blessing! A cast member goes around singing songs and playing games with the kids. They have a race where the kids sweep a coconut with a broom! K loved it!
She also got to say her name and tell everyone how old she was on the microphone. And the guy led the whole restaurant into singing Happy Birthday to her! It was a blast!
Wyatt thought so too! And let me just say... the FOOD.... ohhhhh YUM! It was DELICIOUS! The best I've ever had at Disney. They start you off with salad. The dressing is delish! Then they bring out chicken wings and pot stickers. Both good! Then they bring out noodles and broccoli as your side dishes. Then they bring around chicken, beef and pork kabobs. They keep refilling your meat, but we were stuffed. It was all delicious. I would DEFINITELY recommend. In fact, I will be booking a dinner here for our next trip for sure! Make sure to try and book 180 days in advance!
It's hard to see, but I ordered a little banner from etsy that said "Happy Birthday Kennedy!" The background of each letter was a scene from a Disney Princess movie. She felt so special!
Kennedy woke up on her "actual" birthday to another Disney Dreams Delivered Basket. She loved getting surprises in her room!
After some Mickey Waffles served in bed... Magic Kingdom here she comes!
She wore the same outfit she had in the Fall with Ava. Ava's grandmother helped crop the pants into capris, and I had a "4" embroidered in the carriage heart!
Bub also wore some of his "fall" Disney outfits. I have always loved the Madras Mickey!
We rode the monorail over to Magic Kingdom and luckily, had GREAT weather all day! The crowds were fantastic! It was slightly higher crowd levels than the fall, but overall... we couldn't have asked for a better "wait time". I think the longest we waited was 10 minutes. We Fast Passed Peter and Ariel and Buzz and Big Thunder Mountain. Everything else was zero to 10 min wait. I think the only thing Kennedy didn't ride was Space Mountain because she was too short and Splash Mountain because she was afraid of getting water in her eyes.
We had a lunch reservation at The Plaza on Main Street. No characters but a yummy little meal with a GREAT view of the castle. It's kind of cut off in the picture, but it's right behind us!
Dave and Bub!
Wyatt and Dave hopped on the monorail and went back to nap while K and I continued riding rides. She finally got pooped so we bought her a Princess outfit in the store on Main Street and headed back for a short break before dinner. She fell sound asleep in the stroller! That's a lot of magic!
We headed back after our break with an Ariel look alike!
Next stop: Birthday Dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table!
First we got to meet Cinderella. There was a photo op included, and we actually received a little framed image of Cinderella and our princess.
Kennedy loved her fancy gloves!
Bub liked Cinderella this time. He wasn't to sweet on her during our fall trip.
We then took the long and winding staircase up to the restaurant. I think Kennedy was a little overwhelmed.
Kennedy was presented a wand and Wyatt a sword & a wishing star. I had contacted special events at Disney and had ordered the "Her Royal Highness Package". She was presented with a beautiful crown.
She was in awe!
I honestly don't remember what food I ate here! It was good. Not the best. Not the worst. Nothing compared to Ohana, but for the experience IN the castle and WITH the princesses.... it was totally worth it if you have a little girl! Each princess was introduced with a little bit of their storyline provided and the restaurant would cheer for them. I always think Snow White is so pretty!
Sleeping Beauty!
K's very FAVORITE! ARIEL!
Twins!
The very voluptuous Princess Jasmine.
Wyatt was OBSESSED with her. He started blowing her unprompted kisses as soon as she walked over to our table.
She leaned over to hug him and he planted a BIG one on her cheek.
She planted one back on him.
Touched by a Princess! HA!
Also part of the package was Kennedy's surprise birthday cake! The cake was VERY good and all edible with a souvenir topper with hidden stickers inside. They had several princesses to choose from. Kennedy was so surprised!
This is my FAVORITE picture! What joy!
Happy 4th Birthday to my Baby K! After she blew out the candles it was timed perfectly with the restaurants special effects. They have a little ditty where the kids wave their wands and swords and make a wish. The lights twinkle with some special music. It's really sweet! Another random and neat thing about celebrating your child's birthday at Disney World... seeing all the other kids that share the same birthday! HA! This was amusing to me for some reason! Since it was kind of an off season... after spring break and before summer vacation.... most people there were celebrating something!
I love this little girl with my whole heart!
Four years ago I was forever changed by the love God gave me when she entered this world! Every year gets better and better because of her!
After ALL that magic... she was presented a keepsake glass slipper.
On one side it was engraved, "Dreams Do Come True".
On the other... "Princess Kennedy".
And then in the middle was her birthdate. I know she is not going to remember every detail of this trip, and that's okay! I wanted her to have something special though... because this was a very very very special trip!
We were so tired after dinner that we headed back to our room to watch the fireworks.
The BEST daddy in the world!
My sweet Wyatt... still celebrating his kiss from Jasmine!
Having little ones and being able to watch the fireworks from the balcony was GREAT! It wasn't too loud and you could watch them in the comfort of your room with your pajamas and snacks on. PLUS... since bedtime was so close after... no fighting crowds to leave the park and get back to the room.... you were already ready for bed! It was the PERFECT way to end a 4th birthday!
We were all so happy and soooo sleepy. To bed we went!
The next day we decided to go back to the Magic Kingdom. We really wanted to eat at the Beast's Castle and Magic is Kennedy's favorite place....so we did it all again! HA!
First we headed to our favorite Disney restaurant... Ohana! But this time for breakfast! Kennedy's 3rd birthday party was a Bouncy Lilo and Stitch theme. She's still very much into those characters AND we wanted to be able to see Mickey! We WERE in Disney after all!
Lilo!
Ready to shake some Maracas!
K got to dance with Lilo to Hawaiin Roller coaster Ride!
We still love Lilo soooo much!
Wyatt was not so sure. In fact... he cried when he saw his favorite... MICKEY! He loves that little mouse... but he's not exactly sure about the giant one that sneaks up on him in restaurants! HA!
Mickey and K!
He did take a pic safely on daddy's lap!
It's stitch!
Breakfast proved to be yummy once more! The server surprised K with a special cupcake for her birthday. Ohana is a must, but breakfast and dinner and two different experiences... DO BOTH!
One of K's favorites! Goofy Barnstormer!
It's Ariel in Mermaid form!
And I had to include some shots of K's favorite ride! Voyage of the Little Mermaid is amazing! Enjoy if you haven't had the privilege of experiencing it yet!
Although it's JUST a bathroom... the new Tangles section in Fantasyland is adorable!
Loved Tangled's Tower!
There's Dave and K riding Big Thunder Mountain! K rode this coaster 3 times and the Haunted Mansion twice and loved them! That was a new experience this trip!
Our little one is growing up!
We also made a special stop to see Tiana! WE loved her Louisana accent. She was precious!
Bub loved her too!
Posing like a Princess! I vote that Tiana, Belle and Rapunzel be added to the Princess dining at Cinderella's Royal Table!
We had lunch at Columbia Harbor House. I love their fish sticks! HA!
On the way back we stopped to watch the short little parade. The kids loved it! It was very short... but the perfect quick attraction before naps!
Hi there Mickey and Minnie!
After naps we headed back to Magic Kingdom and rode a few rides and then headed to the highly anticipated "Be Our Guest" Restaurant. Because every princess needs to dine in the Beast's Castle!
The whole fam!
The details were spectacular! Napkin like a rose!
The lighting and decor is just magnificent and beautiful!
I love that it was roasting hot outside, but looked like it was snowing on the inside! Beautiful special effects!
Wyatt loved the pretty lights!
K was in awe. We were seated in the main dining room. The hostess leads us to the table with a candelabra. It was all so magical.
K and I ventured into the other rooms to take a peak! We saw the rose! K was actually very scared in this room! not suitable for little ones! Stick to the MAIN ballroom!
The desserts!
I had the salmon and Dave had steak I think. It was all very good!
Bad picture, but during dinner they announce the Beasts and although it's not a character dinner... he strolls through the ballroom. To be honest... I think they are crazy for not having Belle too!
They brought K a special birthday dessert!
And then they surprised her with THE GREY STUFF! It was, in fact, delicious! Just make sure you specify you are celebrating when you check in! It's not on the menu!
We headed back to the room and packed up. The next morning we checked out and then drove to Hollywood Studios. WE WERE SOAKED from the rain! It was AWFUL! HA!
The kids stayed dry in the stroller and rain jackets but D & I were NOT prepared! We made the most out of it tho! We had a reservation for the Disney Junior breakfast at Hollywood and Vine. Dave ran and got a Fast Pass for Toy Story while I checked in. Make sure to Fast Pass this ride IMMEDIATELY! We got there at at 8:50 and didn't get a fast pass until 10:30 a.m.
The buffet was standard and complete with Mickey Waffles. It wasn't the greatest, but still good! They have two entertainers singing on miss and walking around and dancing to all the Disney Junior songs. It was fun!
We aren't that "into" Handy Manny but he was super sweet. K loved him! He spent a lot of time with us.
Jake was our favorite! Of course!
Wyatt LOVED him! That face made this breakfast worth it!
Wyatt giving Jake high fives!
Kennedy even got picked to dance around the restaurant with Jake!
Kennedy was NOT letting go! I'm pretty sure she has a character crush! HA!
He spun her around and kissed her hand at the end. Her face was beaming! HA!
It's June from Little Einsteins! She's sweet too! Let's be honest tho... it's time to cut some and add Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First! HA! I see an update in store for this breakfast!
Overall... it was a GREAT morning for little ones who love watching Disney Junior! I'm really glad we did it!
Happiness!
We saw Oso last... and the kids loved him too! Wyatt wasn't scared at all of any to these characters as opposed to MICKEY... which is his favorite show! I think it was the familiarity of the songs and atmosphere here! It was geared more towards itty bitty babes! Do it if you have a toddler!
Next stop was the Disney Junior Live show! This was newly updated since the fall with Doc and Sofia added to the lineup. We got excited when we were able to sit in the front. WRONG! The front was harder to see for the little ones. You just sit in the floor. Sit in the back! you will be able to see better!
We still loved it!
Amber!
Sofia! We loved her new show and Doc! It snowed during the Sofia part and bubbles came out from everywhere during doc! LOVED IT!
Amazed!
Heinous pic of me but bub was infatuated!
This was her face when Jake came out! HA! She totally has a crush!
If you have a toddler or preschooler this show is great for them!
We danced a little while waiting for The Little Mermaid Show. let me just say this... they have updated some special effects since I had seen it years ago. The bad news... the singing Ariel... bless her heart... was very bad. It was painful for the audience to listen too. Why in the world don't they just let her lip sing? Hmmm.... It was the worst part of our WHOLE Disney trip! Kennedy didn't seem to notice too much. She still loves Ariel! Thank goodness!
We got to meet the characters from Wreck it Ralph! We LOVE Vanellope!
Ralph was a little intimidating! HA!
Our last attraction before heading to the airport... MONSTERS INC.! K LOVES this movie and we cannot wait for Monsters Univeristy. These characters were so sweet. They really loved on my sweet K!
We really love Sully!
Mike and Sully!
We are so blessed to celebrate another year with our healthy, dramatic, sweet, sensitive, goofy dimpled girl. It was a perfect surprise trip to Disney World that brought us as much joy as it did to her! I pray she always feels like a princess and that the love she has been shown flows outwardly towards everyone she meets! Happy 4th Birthday to our Beautiful Princess K! We love you dearly.
