Well, it’s been about a month since our magical trip to Disney and although I had this post in my mind since we got back, you know…Life happened! Getting back in the grove of summertime with Harper being home all day and hustling to get caught back up with work (I have the best and most patient clients EVER) kept pushing this post back. Yet, I knew I simply had to share our time at the Happiest Place on Earth! A place that lives up to the name! On the trip, we were so thrilled to have my parents Nancy and Bill, my sister, Kate, and her boyfriend’s sister, Jennifer join us! By the time we were done with four parks in four straight days (five parks if you count Universal along with Islands of Adventure), we all came to the conclusion that we will NEVER set up our week like that again! You definitely need a day (at least) of rest between all the walking, standing in lines, and the heat. The week we were in Florida was gorgeous! In fact, we had no rain at all! However, it was averaging 97 degrees each day! It was HOT! We joked we spent more money on bottled water than anything else! But, we pushed through and visited the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios including Toy Story Land, Universal and Harry Potter World, and finished at Epcot. Full disclosure, in my mind I had thought I would have my camera with me at all times during our park excursions, however, after day one at Magic Kingdom I quickly determined it wasn’t going to happen. See my child LOVES rides! And my entire family does as well! Between running to get in line for our fast passes, keeping track of Harper, and trying to ensure my camera didn’t get broken being stuffed in and out of bags it became not as important as being in the moment. I started out with a camera strap and carrying it around with me, but again lines, rides, and just being HOT I decided after the first day I would stick to my phone. I know, I know! I am happy I had my camera at Magic Kingdom when Harper met some incredible princesses like Ariel, Rapunzel, Tiana, Elena of Avalor, and Cinderella! She was pretty starstruck and her “shy smile” was out in full force for photos! I still love her though! When I asked Harper what her favorite part about the park, her response was the fireworks! They really were phenomenal! The projection on the castle with various Disney characters, the colorful fireworks, the music, and the high-flying surprise at the end sent me into a full-fledged happy cry as I snuggled my girl close! This was quite a theme throughout the trip, especially when witnessing Harper’s joy seeing characters I grew up with or watching her excitement after rides! So wonderful and the tears flowed regularly. 

Our visits to Toy Story Land, Universal, and Epcot were just as fun since these were many of the characters and movies that Harper has loved from the beginning! As huge Harry Potter fans, Kate, my dad, and I were all pretty pumped to spend the day between Hogwarts and Hogsmead! We let everyone in on the fun too including Harper who rode each and every ride she was tall enough for like a big, brave girl! She really has no fear whatsoever! Her Tee Tee (aka Kate) helped her pick out her first wand, which was Luna’s wand, and watching Harper skip throughout the park made me realize it was the perfect fit! By the last day at Epcot, my child who had been absolutely perfect as far as being patient in lines, excited about what the next activity was around the corner was…OVER IT! I tried pointing certain things out to her as we walked around the differnt countries and she could have cared less about the pretty flowers in the shape of Mickey and Minnie! She did love meeting Anna and Elsa as well as talking to Crush from Finding Nemo, but other than that, she was done! As were the rest of us, who called it quits early on the last day to hit the pool and soak our feet! However, between seeing Woody and Buzz, riding the awesome Slinky Dog roller coaster, introducing her to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and spending much-needed family time together, this trip was unforgettable! Harper has already been asking about different places and things we didn’t have the opportunity to experience like Animal Kingdom so I guess we already have to plan our next visit! 

Warm Regards, 
Lauren

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