Day 3 of our Disney Adventure: The Magic Kingdom!

Day three of our Disney adventure started bright and early. Since we were traveling in such a large group, we were able to participate in what Disney calls their "Grand Gathering Experiences" which are open to groups of eight or more. Since there were 10 of us on this adventure, we definitely qualified and signed up for two experiences - the first being a special character breakfast at the Magic Kingdom. The only downside of this experience was that we had to be AT the Magic Kingdom at 8:30 a.m., which meant getting up at 6:30, not something I was too keen on while on vacation!

RP and I got up, showered, and dressed, and ran next door to get her cousins. I was greeted at the door by my brother who was a tad distressed because one of the kids had gotten sick at 4:30 in the morning, and they weren't sure if he was going to be able to join us for the breakfast. He decided to try, and we all headed to the bus where we waited for just a few minutes before boarding. Luckily we were among the first on board, because we no sooner sat down than my poor nephew got sick all over again... and all over the back of the bus. We all jumped off the bus and after a brief discussion it was decided that my sister-in-law and I would take the non-sick kids to Magic Kingdom for the breakfast, so it was back up on the bus and away we went.

Despite the fact that the person at the gate sent us to the WRONG character breakfast, we made it on time and were actually surprised that it wasn't much more crowded. We were seated at the front of the restaurant and soon we were all surprised with Mickey waffles, eggs, bacon - the works. After eating Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy were introduced and made their way to the tables. RP was in HEAVEN when she saw that Goofy was back, although she was also excited to meet Donald Duck, and see her old friends Mickey and Minnie again! After the breakfast the MC called up one couple to dance that were celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary, and Goofy came over to our table to ask RP to dance with him. She was so excited and looked so cute up there dancing with Goofy and the other characters, and afterwards all the kids were called up to the front of the room to dance the "Hokey Pokey" with all the characters. RP had so much practice "hokey-pokeying" while we were at Disney that she is more than ready to kick butt on that dance at the next wedding we attend!

After breakfast we managed to luck into another opportunity to meet characters because they were opening a new character location at the same place we just finished the breakfast, and we were first in line for the girls to meet three of the Disney princesses. My niece was in heaven because she LOVES the princesses, and RP took her cue from her big cousin to really enjoy the opportunity as well. After meeting Belle, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty (and posing for LOTS of pictures with them!) we took the train to Frontierland and wandered around with the kids. RP loved the train, but she REALLY loved the Aladdin ride we went on next, and squealed in delight each time the ride went up or down. We hit the carousel for not one, but TWO rides around on that, which she also enjoyed, then we set off to find something to drink in the heat, during which time RP promptly fell sound asleep in the stroller.

After RP's nap it was time for the princess luncheon at Cinderella's Royal Table in the castle itself. This luncheon was a "girls-only" gift from Nana, so the five of us met at the castle and proceeded in, where we discovered that the girls would again get to spend time with Cinderella, have a photo session with her, and then have a royal luncheon where they received princess wands and special wishing stars. During lunch we were visited by Snow White, Ariel, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty, and the girls learned how to cast special wishing spells (which my niece is still practicing and perfecting!).

After the lunch we headed back to the hotel as the park was ridiculously crowded and RP was tired of being hot, sweaty, and standing in line. We hit the timing just right because it started to rain again that evening, and later we headed out in the rain to Downtown Disney where we stood in line forever to eat at Wolfgang Puck's Express restaurant, which was delicious, but anything but express. The day started early and ended late, but was a great day nonetheless, and it was time to rest up for the next day which would be an adventure at Animal Kingdom!