We’ve been a busy family over the past two weeks and there’s a lot I could write about, but the whole focus of this blog will be the amazing trip we took to Disney World with Nana, Papa, the Goldbergs, Austin and Krissy over Fourth of July weekend. It was a truly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip and we’re so thankful that Nana & Papa made it happen!

We set out on Friday morning, 7/1, raring to go!

Same for Nana, Papa and the Goldbergs in NY. <3

We all stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort which is a Disney property that has a bus to Magic Kindgom and a very convenient Skyliner (tram) to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. I’d definitely stay there again to help avoid busses.

Austin and Krissy didn’t get in until after dinner on Friday but the rest of us took a bus to Magic Kingdom and then the monorail to the Conteporary hotel for a first night dinner at Chef Mickey. A character restraurant was defiitely the way to kick off the trip.

With Mickey…

Pluto!

There were so many happy smiles like this from the kids througout the whole trip.

Minnie!

Sammy was telling Minnie that he likes Pluto better

Goofy and the grownups.

Goofy and the Kids

Donald!

A toast to a great night and the start of a great trip. <3

The kids were up and ready for an early bus to Magic Kindgom to take advantage of early entry for resort guests. In fact, they were ready so early I had to drag them off their devices to get to breakfast.

Magic Kindgom!! Amaya went to Disneyland in October 2018 and Sammy went in May 2019 but this was Steven’s first time and it was long enough ago for Amaya and Sammy that they all felt the magic.

With early entry, we were able to make our way to Space Mountain for our first ride. Steve and Jason hit up Buzz Lightyear while the rest of us road the roller coaster. It was Amaya’s first and she loved it. She has learned that she’s a true thrill seeker.

Me, with Sammy and Chse on the ride. (When Sammy and I went to Disneyland we rode it three times. I think it’s possible he liked it more back then. 🙂 )

Daddy and Steven soaking it all up.

We met up with Steven and Jason at the Speedway ride. Sammy was my buddy while Amaya rode with Charlie.

Then it was off to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This is one of my nostalgic favorites. Such a fun little roller coaster. It was the biggest coaster Steven had been on to that point and I wasn’t sure how he’d feel about it but he loved it. “I loved it.” His exact words.

He got to ride between his parents.

Sa and Dave, right behind us

When we got off, Steven was so enamoured that he asked to ride again, standby. I was all in for that plan so we got back in line while the Goldbergs, Amaya and Sammy went to the Haunted Mansion.

Mr. Curls McGhee waiting in line.

The Haunted Mansion gang.

Late morning, Nana, Papa, Austin and Krissy all made it to the park – scooters ready for Nana and Papa.

Pirates of the Carribean

I think our last ride at Magic Kindgom, before the skies opened, was Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – my first time on the ride. Another great roller coaster that we loved.

My favorite!!

It stopped raining by the time we got back to the hotel so the kids were able to spend the afternoon at the pool. It was a perfect way to unwind after a park day.

Even Uncle Austin and Krissy got in.

Dinner, pool side.

Saturday was Epcot day! Beautiful, HOT day in FL. Really, really hot. And humid. But worth it!

Photo 1: Steven immersed in his map, with Uncle Austin suggesting he put it down for the family picture.

Success!

Alice

Steven and Amaya saw so many displays that they wanted to capture in photos. The Epcot grouns really are beautiful.

Phone booths – a novelty almost as good as a ride!

The kids loved Test Track. Jason and I were paired with Steven. Amaya was with Charlie and Uncle Dave. Sammy was with Aunt Sara and Chase. (Chase + Sammy was a big theme of the trip and, of course, Amaya was by Charlie’s side almost the whole time.)

See ya!

For me, the whole draw of Epcot was the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride. Thanks to our amazing travel planner, we were able to ride twice – via Individual Lightening Lane tickes and the virtual queue. The ride was a bit too wild for Steven who did not like it and did not want to ride a 2nd time but the Goldbergs, Amaya, Sammy and I were in. Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios is incredible but I think this is my favorite ride of the trip.

SO GOOD.

We met up with Nana and Papa after Guardians for Soarin’ and lunch together. Soarin’ is another long time favorite. If I had a relaxation room in my house, I would want it to be the Soarin’ ride. Even Chase, a thrill junkie, thought it was awesome.

Amaya and Sammy both came home with Groot.

Sammy isn’t big on pictures but really wanted one, with Groot, in this spot.

Amaya spotted a Minnie Mouse photo op and chose to wait for a picture while the rest of the group went ahead. It was some nice time for us together.

In Italy, on our way back to the Skyliner, right before the rain (shut down the Skyliner).

Day three, Sunday, was our Hollywood Studios day. I was excited to save it for last because I’ve never experienced Galaxy’s Edge and the Clines love Star Wars.

It’s a short Skyliner ride to Hollywood Studios from our hotel.

The Goldbergs, Amaya and Sammy started their day on the Rock ‘n Roll rollercoaster which Steven and I opted out of in favor of Slinky Dog in Toy Story Land. What a visually fun part of the park!

I do not think this roller coaster got a thumbs up from Sammy. 🙂

Afterward, the thrill crew rode Tower of Terror. Sammy sat out the first time but joined them all later in the day.

Amaya is not bothered.

Galaxy’s Edge! Steven and I wandered around together before meeting up with everyone else. It’s so cool.

Porg on his arm!

Rise of the Resistance is a mind blowing experience. I’ve never been on such an immersive ride in my life. It is super impressive and I can’t wait to ride again. Not the wild thirll of Guardians but extraordinary in it’s own way. Definitely a can’t miss and 100% worth the cost of the Individual Lightening Lane tickets.

Steven and I took another ride on Slinky Dog together. It’s a fun little coaster.

Daddy and Bobes

Toy Story Mania – such a fun, simple ride.

We got lucky and were able to see Chewy and Rey right before we rode Millenium Falcon: Sumgglers Run. The kids were thrilled. (So was I.)

The Cline 5

Using the Force

We’ve got two boys who joined the Rebellion.

We wrapped up our visit to Disney with a family dinner at Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios. Nana and Papa had stayed back during the day to save all their engery for dinner and 4th of July Fireworks.

Steven was thrilled to ride in a green car on the Skyliner. In fact, we stayed back to wait for one.

Nana and her grandkids. The best.

The OG Best. <3

The WHOLE gang at dinner. This is our one photo with all 13 of us. Nana felt dynastic.

Lots and lots of character time at Hollywood & Vine. Steven had his Goofy doll with him and bonded with the “real” Goofy.

Amaya asked Mickey if he loves Minnie. When he pantomimed “yes” she said, “Mickey and Minnite sitting in a tree…” And you all know the rest of that…

The characters would have little dance parties and Amaya mached right up to join in, eventually joined by her brothers. I think it might be my favorite memory of the whole trip – seeing Amaya get up with confidence and the joy on all 3 faces while they danced.

What a trip!

We wrapped up a night with a Skyliner ride over to Epcot for some phenomenal, memorable fireworks. Simply the best.

Truly a trip we’ll all remember forever.