We got up at 5:30 to take an 8am flight. Lucky that we used the local airport near us that is in the same town we live in :). Another benefit of driving ourselves to a local airport, we packed the car the night before. We got Evie up right before we left. We were very smart and kept her in jammies. Woke her up, changed her pull up and put her in the car. Yes she is potty trained, but don't want to deal with "gotta pee" and the mess that could go with an accident during take off and landing. But she was fantastic and did not pee in the pull up at all.
The airport is maybe 15 minutes away. About half way there, we realized we forgot Evie's pillow, so had to turn around and grab it. Not a big deal, but an added little stress. She sleeps so well with her pillow that we didn't want to forget it.
We got to the airport. Decided to park in the parking garage over the long term parking. The rational behind this: we get in at 9:30 at night, would rather not wait for a shuttle to get to the car an possibly clear off snow. Those with kids, if traveling during the winter - DO THIS. You do not want to sit there and dig your car out at the end of the trip. Checked in quickly (Southwest did not have a line surprisingly!) and got through security fast. Was able to pick up breakfast at the airport once through security and we ate on the plane.
The way down is around 3.5 hours. So much faster than our previous flight to California. Food, potty, movie, etc kept her entertained. I brought some gel window clings that entertained her for a good 20 minutes. Best $1 spent at Target for the trip. She pulled them off and put them on. They were Valentine's Day themed, so had X and O. Was able to teach her those two letters to. The flight attendants were quite entertained with her, they had never thought to bring those on the plane and work SO WELL!
Also for this trip, I wore sea bands. The trips to California I was queazy and did not feel well. The result of pregnancy. The sea bands helped so much. Worth the $7 to have them incase you need them.
Orlando Airport is HUGE. So happy I brought my ergo and was able to wear Evie on my back. Baby bump in the front and 2 year old on my back. Where southwest gets into Orlando Airport, you need to take a tram to the main terminal. Then you walk a ways to get baggage. Then even further to the car rentals. All on different floors. So if flying into Orlando, make sure you have a stroller or carrier for you kids!
Should have gotten a good full picture of Evie and I and my bump, but here is us when waiting for our luggage to arrive. Some how (knock on wood) we are very lucky and our luggage arrives very quickly. Do not know how that happens, but I'll take it.
Went to Alamo to pick up our car. Was very quick and a large line formed behind us. Alamo is nice since you get to pick out your car in the lot. Orlando Airport is amazing in that the car rentals are across the street and you don't need a shuttle. We had to go through the whole line of midsized cars to find one we wanted. Ended up getting a Toyota Corolla. Not a bad car and drives well.
Left the airport. Florida knows lots of tourists travel from the airport. Within 5 miles we hit 2 tolls. $2.25 I believe is what we spent on tolls. Not bad, just wish they had one toll. Directions were easy from the airport to Disney. Have to say everything is labeled really well. Did not need our garmin at all :)
Got to the Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House. So cool when you walk in. We checked our luggage when we arrived. Before kids we never did this, but with kids, it is worth the tip to have people help with luggage. Checked in and got our room keys. But our room was not ready yet. It was 3pm. So we walked around the main floor. Evie and I went outside and saw giraffes while Nick ran to the car to put the parking pass in it. Then we wandered around more and found Evie's YiaYia and Papou! We all met and went to lunch at Mara (the quick service restaurant there) since we had the quick service dining plan.
Lunch was yummy. I had a african stew which was yummy. Evie even loved it! Checked and our room was not ready yet, so let Evie run around the playground they had. AFter still not ready so we chilled on a couch. The 2 year old had not had a nap yet, so was starting to get cranky. Finally at 4:45 or 5 our room was ready!
Was able to quickly unpack and we headed out to Port Orleans Riverside Food Court. They have a great pasta bar where you choose your pasta ( fettuccine, spaghetti, penne ), sauce, chicken or shrimp, and a ton of veggies to put into it. Was yummy and a TON of food.
Went back to the hotel and just chilled. We were all exhausted. We watched animals outside our balcony (AMAZING). We all went to bed early to start the day relaxed.
Were not sad we didn't go to a park. Would have been nice to get in to the room and put Evie down for a nap. But oh well. Was a fun day since we were staying in such a nice hotel :)
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