Disney World

If you don’t do park hopper passes, decide you don’t want to head back to the park after naps, stay most of the day and are parked out or do Animal Kingdom, which closes early, and need somewhere to go, Disney Springs is the perfect place. So much so we went there three times. Three times. There’s a ton of restaurants for every palette, plenty of interactive shops, a carousel, street performers, live music…

The Lego Store is impressive for all ages.

Complete with a custom wall where you fill your own bucket.

Race your own cars.

Ride a ferris wheel.

Snack break. One of many throughout the trip. These cookies often served as breakfast, dinner, dessert…

Once Upon A Toy, a.k.a. The Potato Head store, where you build your own potato head was one of the best moments of the entire trip.

Lilly and her mom got so excited about picking out all of the pieces like a Mickey balloon, ears, popsicle, popcorn, camera, Goofy hat, Minnie heels… It was so much fun.

T-Rex Restaurant, naturally, has a gift shop (What doesn’t these days?) that’s worth exploring.

And then there’s Rainforest Cafe, equally enticing for the under 10 set.

With Tracy the talking tree. Lilly said, “Don’t worry, Mama, Bunny speaks tree.”

My restaurant req? Don’t waste time waiting for a table- and your food at any sit-down place there. Our experience was not pleasant. Instead, hit up Wolfgang Puck Express for order-at-the-counter, seat yourself, delicious food, quick service and turn-around time. Gives you more time to play!

Next up? Animal Kingdom. Probably my biggest regret of the trip is that we didn’t do the safari. I went with my nephew, who was Lilly’s age, seven years ago and we loved it. It’s pretty impressive. Granted, who knows if Lilly would have felt the same. But we had a rough night, with many a nightmare, wake up and, as a result, slept in the morning of. Knowing what a full day we’d have, I didn’t have the heart to wake her and force her on something she may not have loved. So we missed the early hours, hadn’t Fast Passed it in time and, when we got there, the wait was two hours. No thank you.

Still, the park is worth a visit. Just the layout and visuals themselves are such a departure from the others. And it’s the coolest, temperature-wise, by far with all the trees and shade (Not that it mattered to us as the weather was absolutely perfect, 65-75 and sunny the whole time we were there, but if you’re going in the summer, it will!), far less congested too.

First up? Minnie and Mickey together (and in outback gear!) at Adventurer’s Outpost.

The Festival of the Lion King is a must! Like a mini version of the Broadway show.

Roaring with Simba and Daddy.

Watching the show.

Lilly was asked to be in the show. Of course, she wouldn’t go without her mama so it was 10 kids… and me. Parading around.

It was a highlight. She still talks about it.

Sadly, the dinosaur dig site was closed for renovations while we were there. The rides and games were open but those didn’t really appeal to my tired, shy girl.

Nothing a little animal love couldn’t make up for.

Meeting Dale was special because not only was her grandfather a chipmunk but her mama and Nonna also once greeted the furry fellow. Full circle moment.

Toddler musts? Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo The Musical, Safari, character meet n’ greets.

The end of another great day.