Disney: Day 4 (Universal and Harry Potter World!)

On Tuesday, we went back to Universal for the sole purpose of going to Harry Potter World. Josh and Scott went golfing this day, because they are NOT the HP aficionados that we are. We got a late start since half the group was sick and Addi kept sleeping till 11. Once we got to Universal, we ate lunch at a sit down place that was really good. When we walked back to HPW, imagine our horror when we are told the park is at capacity!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! I've waited my whole life for this!!! So, we grab a ticket that says we can enter in about 4 hours. Ummm...so here is what we did to kill those hours.

Addi met Popeye and Olive Oyl.


And...that was probably the only picture I took. Whoops. Sweet Josh met us right before we went into HP world to get Addi so I could fully enjoy the world that is Harry Potter. That was the BEST decision made, because it was a mad house once we got in. I might have teared up once we first got in and I looked around at Hogwarts, all the little shops, the butterbeer vendors and just felt, man I really wish this world existed. Haha! I'll let the pictures do the talking.










Let me just tell you this, we rode the most AMAZING ride in the entire world. It's a rollercoaster through Hogwarts, except it's not really a rollercoaster. It's like a 4D simulator and it feels like you are actually flying!!! It was the COOLEST thing ever. Except, there are three scary parts: 1. a dragon breaths hot air right in your face. 2. there are realistic spiders that spit venom (water) on you. 3. You come face to face with a dementor. I had my eyes shut so tight during those parts. Typical Hufflepuff. :) That's right, as you can see in the above picture, I am a Hufflepuff. I got made fun of a lot.

After the ride and walking around, we ate dinner at the Three Broomsticks. It was so good!







Oh my word, this was probably my favorite part of the trip. It was a dream come true for any Harry Potter fan!!!

Disney: Day 3 (Magic Kingdom)

On Monday, we did Magic Kingdom! Let me just say, I have never EVER seen crowds like this before in my life. If you are planning on a Disney vacation, just know the week before Christmas is their busiest time of the year.
The kids outside the park.

We split from the group this day, but took Dustin with us. We ate lunch at Tony's! It's the restaurant in Lady and the Tramp. It was booked out for two weeks, but after an hour wait, we got in!


It was so good and Addi slept through the whole lunch so it was nice to eat in peace. Haha!
This is us in front of Cinderella's castle.

After our lunch, we took Addi on a carousel! It was so much fun and I think she liked it!


We also took Addi to see a couple of those 4D movies. She wouldn't wear the glasses, but she really enjoyed watching the screen. She was in such a good mood all day, which was such a blessing!!!

We spent quite a bit of time in Futureland. There was a lot of things Addi could do there also which was good.

Cinderella's castle all lit up. So pretty!

Us in front of the castle. Note: I am BEYOND ready to leave. I don't do well in crowds. Josh is soaking wet because him and Dustin rode a water ride...it was at least 45 degrees outside. He is wearing my jacket which is tiny on him. Oh my goodness, I just have to laugh now!!!

So, that night Emma, Ashton and Dustin all got hit by a stomach bug. I was walking Ashton to her mom's room at about 4 in the morning so I got to see part of the eclipse!

Disney: Day 2 (Universal Studios)

When we woke up Sunday morning, Josh had brought us breakfast AND made me coffee! He is such a sweetheart! They had the cutest little Mickey shaped waffles!


Josh and Addi waiting on the bus

There was a bit of drama actually getting to universal...I'll save you, but thankfully we met the BEST cab driver ever who had a huge van with a carseat! He saved us a couple hours of bus hopping and got us to Universal in time for our reservations at Emeril's!

So yes, we ate lunch at the Emeril's!!! It was AMAZING!!! I'll let the pictures do the talking.

I just love this picture, all the kids just adore Addi!

We tried to get Addi's picture on this surfboard, but she did not want to cooperate!

Universal was great though. We had so much fun and towards the end of the day we got to see their version of the Macy's Christmas parade. Addi was asleep so she missed it. :(



Oh and we left her precious cow in the taxi so we had to buy her a grinch so she could nap. Luckily, our taxi driver was coming back to get us and he still had it!

We had to make a quick pit stop at Starbucks...actually it took about an hour to get our drinks since everyone had the same idea!

We ate dinner at a little diner that was so good. Addi was being such a ham!


Me, Josh and Amber went to the Curious George kid's town while the others rode one last ride. This place was a little too crazy for my liking, seeing how it was all a bunch of rowdy boys throwing and shooting balls at my precious little girl...and the back of my head. I don't think Josh has seen me go all momma bear on someone before, but he was a little nervous when I gave one of those kids the stank eye.




We decided it was probably best to play in this cute little slide area that was totally clear of any crazy kids. Addi had the time of her life sliding!!!






When we got back to the hotel, Addi was being such a sweetie pie.



I think she was excited that Rhen and Michael were here!