• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Join Me On

Love Always, Joann

Stay Connected!

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Disney
    • Recipes
    • Disney Planning
    • Disney Vacation 2019
  • My Story
  • Special Needs Parenting
    • Autism
  • Blog
    • Health & Beauty
    • Sponsored Posts
    • Product recommendations
    • Cooking & Baking
    • Travel
  • Etsy Shop
  • Privacy Policy

on May 22, 2020 ·

Magic Kingdom Day!

Best Day Ever! Seriously, let’s say that again … Best. Day. Ever!!

There is no feeling like returning ‘home’ again and walking into the Magic Kingdom. My husband even turned to me as we walked through the gate and said, “Welcome home!” Let’s face it, the Magic Kingdom has that effect on most of us. Home. Finally. After 19 years of being away, I was back. Best Day Ever!

We were, once again, up early and out the door! I didn’t think I could get there fast enough! I had waited all week for this and I was going to make sure we all enjoyed every single second of the day. This was my boys’ very first visit to the Magic Kingdom; it had to be special in every way. My husband had been there when he was a teenager and it didn’t have quite the same magical effect on him as it had me. I felt the need to make sure he left that park feeling differently then he had so many years ago. Looking back on our time at the park, I can definitively say, “Mission accomplished!”

To be honest, I couldn’t even remember the entrance or the way to get in the park. I had forgotten all about having the choice of the monorail or ferry. We decided to take the ferry and it was my first time doing so. I loved it. There was a nice breeze, everyone was smiling and there were ears everywhere! We did have to wait to get on the ferry, but it wasn’t too bad. I could tell the moment we got outside it was going to be a hot one! I think it was the only day we had that was really hot and humid.  

As we made our way off the ferry and into the park, I was tearing up. Seriously, I’m tearing up writing this! LOL! I tried to take as many pictures as I could. I obviously failed. LOL! I thought I was taking enough but I think I was so distracted that, at times, I just forgot. I also knew we had the memory maker and there would be a great selection of photos from that too. 

The park was beautifully decorated for Christmas. Hearing the holiday music in the background made it even more magical. As we made our way down Main Street, taking in the sights, I looked up and there she was – the beautiful Cinderella Castle! Just breathtaking! We were able to get in line for our castle pictures right away and the wait wasn’t long at all. The only complaint I had (and heard from the peanut gallery) was the sun glare! It was difficult to smile and keep your eyes open, but we did the best we could. It was still a great picture and now I have it as my wallpaper on my phone. It’s a great reminder of the best day ever. 

We headed over to Adventureland and made our way towards the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. I remembered loving this as a kid and I was pretty sure my boys were going to feel the same way. Seriously, how much fun is walking up 116 steps to peek into the best tree house ever?!  I know it’s not the most exciting attraction in the Magic Kingdom but, for me, it’s one of my “must do” attractions. It brings back memories of my mom and the first time we visited the Treehouse. She loved it and so did I.

From there we headed to one of my favorite rides, Pirates of the Caribbean. The very first time I went on this ride, I was 14 years old. I had no idea what to expect and, after that first dip, I was nervous. I turned to my dad and said, “Is this a log flume ride?” LOL, he said, “Calm down and enjoy the ride!” I did and I’m happy to report that I now love that dip in the ride!

One of the best things after getting off a ride is how it leads you right into the gift shop. Okay, parents. Don’t come after me! I know it could be a disaster too. I get we don’t want to spend millions of dollars on the merchandise, but I love the merchandise! Apparently, so does my son Alex. He immediately made his way over to the swords and had to have one. I was more than happy to let him take a piece of my favorite ride home with him. I had no idea that in the next half hour, I would have to be in a picture staged to look like I was in a sword fight! He had to get the perfect picture so, while we were waiting for our lunch, Alex coordinated these fight scenes with the sword! 

After lunch at Tortuga Tavern, we made our way over to Frontierland. My dad and his girlfriend, Cheryl, had a fastpass for Splash Mountain, but the standby line was so long. We decided to jump on the raft over to Tom Sawyer’s Island. It’s another favorite and probably one of my favorite kids’ books ever. It was a nice ride over to the other side. The sun was shining and it was perfect for exploring. We went through all the caves and the boys really enjoyed it. Alex asked if we could stay there for awhile or come back at night and “hang out.”  

As we returned to Frontierland, everyone except me and my sister wanted to take on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I know, no surprise there. I wasn’t sure about the boys but, considering this was the last park of the week and they enjoyed all the other roller coasters, Gabe and Teddy grabbed the boys and waited in line. Patty and I walked around and did a little shopping before heading back. We got there just in time to watch them go by! They loved it! Who knows, maybe next time I’ll join them! 

I’ve always loved Liberty Square! It’s very reminiscent of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Because that is where I spent my childhood summer vacations, it brings back warm feelings. However, as much as I would have loved to see the Hall of Presidents, it just wasn’t going to happen this trip. It’s ok because Liberty Square has the Haunted Mansion! The best! If you remember me explaining how I was deathly afraid of this attraction on my first visit back in 1980, it is now my #1 favorite attraction at the Magic Kingdom. If you missed it, I’ll link it here. The funniest thing about returning is being in the position to help someone in our party who was a little scared as well. I was more than happy to tell him the story of my fears and how he could easily relax. Happy to say, he enjoyed it too!

Next stop, Fantasyland. I’m sorry to repeat myself, but I love Fantasyland! I noticed so many changes right away. That, or I just don’t remember, but the entrance from Frontierland into Fantasyland – with the castle walls along the side are just beautiful. It’s so pretty!

Okay, confession time. I’m not a fan of Alice in Wonderland. I find it strange, but it won’t stop me from enjoying the Mad Tea Party ride! We waited in line but, luckily, it was moving quickly. My sister and I hopped in one together as the rest of my family members found their own teacups to ride in. It was so much fun!

Our next ride was It’s A Small World. We didn’t have a fastpass for this, but I have to say that using Michael’s DAS pass really helped with the wait. When it came to working with guests with disabilities, Disney did not disappoint. They really made it very accommodating for Michael. We all enjoyed a nice cool ride through It’s a Small World. The music, air conditioning and all the smiles were priceless. 

Somewhere around this time, the discussion of everyone returning to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train came up, including my sister and I getting on the ride as well! I don’t know what happened, maybe it was the heat or maybe the magic of Disney, but I decided that I was going for it! We made our Fastpass and I bit all my nails off waiting for our time. 

While we waited, we continued our way through Fantasyland riding Journey of the Little Mermaid, Peter Pan’s Flight and Winnie the Pooh. Every ride was so much fun, but the best thing was being able to see how much my boys really enjoyed it. Michael smiled at everything and laughed. You could tell he enjoyed everything we did. Alex was having a blast spending time with his family, experiencing the rides and picking out all kinds of souvenirs to take home! 

It was time for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. I nearly peed on myself! I’ll admit it; I was so scared! But, I was determined to get on it! And I did! I did it! I was crying, laughing and shaking by the time the ride ended but it was so worth it. I took a picture of me and my sister right after and you can tell I was excited. Everyone was smiling and laughing but I did it! I can’t wait to go back and get on it again! I can’t wait to try Space Mountain next! Well, maybe. LOL! I wanted to remember this moment forever, so I made sure I picked up a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Christmas ornament. I love it! 

It was getting late in the day and finally starting to cool off. It was a welcome relief. My dad and his girlfriend were going to head back over to Epcot to meet some friends for dinner. Before they left, I knew I had to get a group picture of all of us together. I only wish that I had thought of getting a picture of my boys with my dad in front of the castle. Before they took off, we all got together and squeezed in everyone for our picture. It’s the only group picture I was able to get with all of us in our Disney Family t-shirts. It’s one of my favorites! 

As we made our way back to Fantasyland, it was starting to get dark. That only meant one thing to me. It was time to head over to the Rapunzel restroom area for the Memory Maker’s Tangled Lantern photo. I had already told everyone, ‘I’m not leaving this park until we have those photos taken!’ It’s my absolute favorite! We waited almost an hour and it was worth every minute! Thankfully, the boys were patient and we took turns getting in and out of the line for breaks. 

After finishing up with our pictures, it was time to head over to Tomorrowland. We had a fastpass for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. That was so much fun and (Surprise! Surprise!) I had the best score! Believe me, no one was more surprised than me! I can’t believe I hit that many targets! 

As soon as we finished, we headed over to the People Mover! What a great way to experience all the lights and Cinderella’s Castle all lit up! It was the perfect last real ride of the night and I took as much video footage as I could. It was always my mom’s favorite thing to do at the Magic Kingdom. I imagined her sitting next to me, smiling and pointing to everything along the way. How I wish my mom could have been there with us.

We spent the rest of the night working our way towards Main Street, shopping along the way.  I’m not kidding, but I went in every single shop. I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I didn’t go crazy buying Disney souvenirs; although, I did have some regret about certain items I didn’t purchase after returning home. The good thing is I can always return! 

As the best day ever was winding down, we found a good spot to wait for the Happily Ever After Fireworks show! To be honest, everyone was tired and getting a little cranky. I wasn’t sure we were going to make it through, but I’m happy that we did. It was breathtaking! To me, it was almost like watching the Electric Light Parade when I first visited in 1980. It was amazing! The colors, lights and the music! It was the perfect way to end a very Magical day!

It was difficult to leave. After a year and half of planning, it was time to say goodbye to my ‘home’ – the home that took me so long to return to. After almost two years of planning, our first family trip to Walt Disney World had come to an end. Believe me when I say I was holding back the tears as I left the park. I kept looking back trying to take everything in. 

There was one last thing I wanted my boys to experience before leaving – the monorail. From the first time I stepped on that monorail in 1980, I became obsessed with it. I remember passing through the middle of the Contemporary Resort in amazement! At 14 years old, it’s a memory that has stayed with me. I remember my dad saying to my sister and me, “Watch girls. We are going right through the hotel!” I thought to myself, ‘One day I will stay in that resort!’ Today, I want to stay in every resort! LOL! The boys loved the monorail but, between you and me, I think they liked the ferry better. Oh well. 

Although we had finished visiting all the parks, our vacation was not over. We still had one more day to enjoy and I’ll tell you all about it in my next Disney Blog post!

Tweet
Pin8
Share
8 Shares

Filed Under: Disney, Disney Vacation 2019 Tagged With: Disney, Disney Planning, Disney vacation, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Previous Post: « Hollywood Studios Day!
Next Post: Introducing Race And Ethnicity To Children With Autism »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. CArnone says

    May 27, 2020 at 3:57 am

    Joanne you write so beautifully I feel like I was there with you. I’m so happy
    that you were all able to go especially Michael & Alex it will stay with them forever. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Love, Aunt Chris

    • Joann says

      May 27, 2020 at 12:45 pm

      Thank you!

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our mailing list

Recent Comments

  • Joann on 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!
  • Joann on 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!
  • Jamieadstories on 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!
  • Lisa | Mind and Body Intertwined on 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!
  • Joanne on Let’s Make Disney’s Churros at Home!
DisneyStore.com

Recent Posts

  • What I’m Taking To Disney!
  • We’re Going Back To Disney!
  • Summer Vacation Postcard Exchange

Archives

  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • April 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018

Categories

  • Autism
  • Beauty
  • Cooking & Baking
  • Disney
  • Disney Planning
  • Disney Vacation 2019
  • Disney Vacation Planning 2022
  • My Story
  • Product recommendations
  • Recipes
  • Special Needs Parenting
  • Sponsored Posts
  • The Little Things….Monthly Favorites
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

lovealwaysjoann

Lovealways,Joann
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Yesterday I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Yesterday I went to Alex’s basketball game.  Although they lost, it was sooo close and such a great game.  I never had an interest in basketball, but amazing how things change when you have kids! I’ve become an “Official” basketball mom! 😜
I’m still working on decluttering my house and organizing as much as I can every day.  I’m slowly working my way through getting rid of things that I no longer need, want or have any use for.  It feels good to finally be in the right mindset for letting things go.  I don’t think I’m a pack rat, but for many years I’ve held onto things for the “Just in case” moments.  I’m trying to keep focused on the fact that keeping things for that reason isn’t necessary anymore.  It feels so freeing as I am starting to see a real difference.  So far so good.  How was your weekend? Have a great evening! #weekendupdate #basketballmom #declutter #declutteryourhome #organizing #autismmom
Do you like to cook or bake? Over the last several Do you like to cook or bake? Over the last several months I have been receiving DM’s asking if it was possible to do a cooking collab with me. It seems as though many of you love to cook and bake AND want to share your skills on my YouTube channel! I love this! If you are interested in releasing your “Inner Chef” on my channel, please let me know! I’d love to have you! My next available spot is for March and I’m open to whatever you want to do! Whether you want to make a Disney recipe or an old family recipe, I’m here for it! So, who wants to join me, just send me a DM or let me know in the comment below ⬇️ Let’s do this! Have a great evening my BFF’s! #cookwithme #innerchef #wannabecook #bakewithme #youtube #cooking #baking #disneyrecipes
Good evening BFF’s! We are almost there, I can s Good evening BFF’s! We are almost there, I can see Friday from here! 👀 I’m so ready for this week to end.  It’s been a little tough for Michael this week and that means it’s been tough for us too.  We are pushing through the best we can and hoping for calmer days ahead. 
I know I’ve been a little quiet over here but I’ve been keeping myself busy decluttering and organizing our home.  In between that, of course I’ve been working, and keeping up my reading goal.  In case you missed it, yesterday I posted a “Spend The Day With Me,” vlog, please go check it out if you haven’t already.  Thank you for watching and have a great evening! #wednesdaymood
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Yesterday I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Yesterday I had to work but after that I headed to Alex’s basketball game and they won! Right after the game, we headed to Applebee’s (per his request) to celebrate! 
Today I spent a majority of the day decluttering, organizing and cleaning.  I’ve made it a goal this year to get rid of everything in my house that’s dragging me down.  I want to be able to walk into a room and feel peace, not overwhelmed.  It’s a work in process 😂 
Thankfully I am off tomorrow.  My only plan is to finish my second book of the year!! I’m on a roll my friends! Have a great evening! #weekendupdate #basketballmom #decluttering #organization
Come bake cranberry muffins with me while I finall Come bake cranberry muffins with me while I finally answered your questions in this week’s bake and chat with me on my YouTube channel. Thank you for watching! Direct link in bio.  #bakeandchat #bakewithme #cranberrymuffins #youtube
I’m loving my new spice jars! I’ll be sharing I’m loving my new spice jars! I’ll be sharing more about it these beauties in next week’s vlog! Stay tuned! #spicejarorganization #organizing #pantryorganization
Valentine's Day Coffee Gift Card Holders - PRINTAB Valentine's Day Coffee Gift Card Holders - PRINTABLE BUNDLE 

Show your love and appreciation with these cute Valentine's Day Coffee Gift card holders.  Can also be used for Target or Amazon gift cards! 

You get 10 designs and all you have to do is download, print and add your gift card! Makes a great teacher, neighbor, employee or family gift for Valentine's Day! Direct link in bio. #valentinesday #giftcardholder #coffeegiftcard #teachersgift #printable #instantdownload #etsy #valentinesdaygiftideas
How was your weekend? Yesterday morning bright and How was your weekend? Yesterday morning bright and early I had to take Michael for bloodwork.  I was dreading it all week! But a huge thank you to Michael’s home therapist for helping me and he did awesome! What a relief! 
I went to mass on my own today.  Alex had a slight temperature and sore throat, so my husband stayed home with him.  Michael stayed home too because I’m not brave enough to go with Michael on my own. 😝
Since I was going by myself I decided to go to mass at a smaller church that I use to go to. This was the church we attended when we moved out of the town I grew up in. 
My mom loved this church because it was a smaller church community, similar to our old parish.  It was such a beautiful mass and it was nice to visit again. 
The rest of the day consisted of my favorite thing in the world, laundry.  But I have managed to do a lot of reading this weekend.  I’m so happy to say, I am almost finished with my first book of the year! If all goes well, I should be finished tomorrow.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  #weekendupdate #lovealwaysjoann #autism #autismmom #autismfamily #littlecornerofmyworld #littlestoriesofmylife
Good morning ☀️ Have a wonderful day! #sunday Good morning ☀️ Have a wonderful day! #sunday #spaceshipearthsunday
Give me ten minutes a day. That’s what I asked Give me ten minutes a day.  That’s what I asked my family when my dad gave me a Kindle for Christmas.  I told them to please just give me ten minutes a day so I can return to reading, something I truly missed.  I’m happy to share not only have I been getting ten minutes, but some days I get a whole half hour.  It’s been wonderful getting to slip away into my room and leaving the beautiful chaos for a few minutes! I was so excited to get back to reading that I decided to include reading in my own personal goals this year.  I’m going to aim for 50 books this year and hope for the best.  I just recently started my old Goodreads account again and if you also enjoy reading, please consider joining me.  The link to my Goodreads account is linked in my bio.  Now if you’ll excuse me, my ten minutes of reading is about to begin! Happy reading! #kindlepaperwhite #reading #readinggoals #goodreads #goals
Are you team goals or team resolutions? Or maybe Are you team goals  or team resolutions? Or maybe neither? 
When I was younger, I remember friends and family asking me, What’s your New Year’s resolution? I used to hate that question and I still do.  I always felt like why  did I need to make a resolution? What was the point? As I got older, I realize that resolutions really weren’t necessary. At least not for me.  Any resolution that I had ever made, I never followed through.  For the longest time, I sailed through the new year only counting down the days to summer. 
After start my blog in 2018, things changed and in order to grow my blog, I needed to work on goals.  That’s when I realized I was much more of a goal oriented person and I accomplished so much more.  With that said, of course I do have goals this year and I will share more about them in my next Youtube video. 
Speaking of Youtube, I’ve been thinking about what direction I’d like to go in this year and I’m going to make a few changes.  I’m excited about it and I’m hoping this will be something you enjoy watching too.  I’ll share more with you all soon. 
Earlier, I posted a Q&A box in my stories and I would love it if you could send me some questions.  It can be about anything including my drunken escapade with Long Island Ice Teas! 🤣🤪 If you are not sure what I’m talking about, go watch my Christmas Cocktail Challenge video and you’ll find out. 😉 
I’m looking forward to talking about new goals, word of the year (which I may or may not have this year) and of course cooking, baking, Disney and autism.  Thank you for sending in your questions and let me know in the comments below ⬇️ Do you have any goals, resolutions or a word of the year? I’d love to hear! #goals #resolutions #wordoftheyear #autismmom  #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife
A very Happy 13th Birthday to my Maggie! She had a A very Happy 13th Birthday to my Maggie! She had all the treats she wanted today! 🐶 🐾 🎂🥰 #seniordogsofinstagram #chocolatelab #chocolatelabsofinstagram #seniorlab #seniorlabsofinstagram #happybirthday
Day 1/365 - Walking into Day 1 of a new year with Day 1/365 - Walking into Day 1 of a new year with anticipation of what’s to come! Leaving behind last year’s never ending journey of trying to do and be everything.  Here’s to living a slower pace and more present life! Here’s to a new year and new beginnings! Happy New year! #dayone #2023 #newday #newbeginnings
As we get closer to the end of the year, I just wa As we get closer to the end of the year, I just want to thank you for all the love and support you have given me this past year.  Whether you followed along on social media, watched my videos on YouTube or made a purchase in my Etsy shop, I’m so grateful for each and everyone of you! Thank you, thank you! ❤️🙏
So many wonderful memories were made in 2022! An unexpected Disney trip, Michael transferred to a private school and watching my little YouTube channel growing to 290 subscribers, it was a really memorable year! I’m looking forward to seeing what the new year brings! 
Wishing you all a Happy New Year’s Eve Eve! 🎉 #thankyou #goodbye2022 #hello2023 #newyearseveeve
New in the shop! Valentine’s Day Handprint art! New in the shop! Valentine’s Day Handprint art! You get 8 designs and all you have to do is download, print and add your child's handprint/footprint using a non toxic paint.  These can easily be framed and give as a gift or hang in your home.  Makes a perfect gift for grandparents and family! Direct link to shop in bio. #valentines #valentinehandprint #handprintart #footprintart #valentinesday #kidsartideas #kidsartsandcrafts #valentinesdaygiftideas #kidsvalentines #printable #digitaldownload #instantdownload #etsy #printableart #lovealwaysdesignshop
Thank you so much to everyone who sent me a Christ Thank you so much to everyone who sent me a Christmas card! I made my last pick up of the year today and I was so happy to see all your beautiful cards! I wrote out the last of my cards today so you should be receiving them shortly.  Thank you again and I will see you in the summer for my Summer Vacation Postcard Exchange! #christmascardexchange #christmascards
I lost my mom to cancer on December 27th, 2013. I I lost my mom to cancer on December 27th, 2013.  I can’t believe it’s been 9 years.  I miss her every day and I would do anything to see her again, even if it was only for a few minutes.  I’d love to give her a hug one more time.  Life is short.  Don’t waste one second of it .  #imissmymom #grief #griefjourney #timedoesnotheal
Happy Anniversary Patty & Teddy! ❤️🥰😘 #a Happy Anniversary Patty & Teddy! ❤️🥰😘 #anniversary #happyanniversary
Merry Christmas everyone! Have a wonderful day wit Merry Christmas everyone! Have a wonderful day with your family and friends! 🎄🎁❤️ #merrychristmas #jesusisthereasonfortheseason
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas Eve! Have Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas Eve!  Have a wonderful day! #merrychristmaseve
Load More... Follow on Instagram

© Joann Salas and LovealwaysJoann.com, 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (including photos and videos) without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Joann Salas and LovealwaysJoann.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

lovealwaysjoann · Copyright © 2023