Disney Birthday Adventures - Day 3 (Magic Kingdom)

On day 3 of our trip, we made our way to Magic Kingdom, "the Happiest Place on Earth". Doesn't Dad look happy? Ha!

Seriously, he really doesn't like crowds, but he was a good sport. This picture was posed as we waited to enter. As soon as we started walking down Main Street, we stopped at one of the cast member photographers and had a little photo session with Cinderella's Castle as a magical backdrop. 

We rode several rides, including Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Tomorrowland Speedway, and the Haunted Mansion. We eventually made our way to Frontierland where we took the log raft to Tom Sawyer's Island, before Mom, Dad, and Ben got in the 75-minute line for Splash Mountain. I knew the line wouldn't get us through in time for the Festival of Fantasy Parade, so I decided to pass (I really didn't want to get wet anyway). I went and watched The Country Bear Jamboree (one of my favorites!) before finding my spot for the parade - I found a spot where the road turned, so the characters looked like they were headed straight for me, and I got some great pictures!

After the parade, I was HOT and sweaty! So I treated myself to a trademark Disney treat - a pineapple Dole Whip sundae. I had heard a lot about them, and the hype was right - it was delicious! I ate my Dole Whip while everyone else watched the Country Bear Jamboree, after which we wandered around riding some more rides, had a tasty dinner, and went back to find a spot near the castle for the Wishes fireworks.  

Tinkerbell!

After Wishes (which was spectacular, by the way!), we set out to ride a few more rides - Peter Pan's Flight, Under the Sea (Little Mermaid), the Caroussel and the Mad Hatter Teacups. I really wanted to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but the line was really long, so we gave up on that and headed to our last big adventure - meeting Mickey Mouse! It was so cool! Mickey talked, and did magic tricks, and was so kind to wish me a happy birthday.

Yes, I said he wished me a happy birthday. We were supposed to be at Magic Kingdom on my actual birthday, so all day long we pretended that day was my birthday. I wore a birthday button and the cast members all day long wished me a happy birthday. It was so much fun, and such a special way to celebrate my 40th, even if a month late. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for such a fun celebration - I loved spending time with you at the happiest place on earth.