Day 1 ~~ EPCOT

This is our December 2004 trip to Disney World.

I actually had enough pictures from this trip to put this report together.

Sarah (17), Emily (15), Alex (9) & Jeffrey (4) were with us on this trip.

This was the first time we stayed at Old Key West and didn't get a room near the hospitality house.

I was disappointed at first but it turned out to be just fine.

This first picture is a stand of huge bamboo that was right across from our bus stop.

Jeff loves bamboo!

We started the trip at EPCOT and with lunch at our favorite restaurant the Garden Grill.

The girls were still on West Coast time and weren't up to joining us that first day.

This gave the boys lots of opportunity to get their pictures taken by themselves.

We always have to follow up lunch at the Garden Grill with a ride on Living with the Land.

Now I ask you, how cool is a Hanging Fluted Pumpkin?

Baby alligators in their sauna.

Pumpkins being turned into Mickey Heads.

Hmmmm.... not sure... giant hanging cucumbers?

After our ride through the greenhouse we headed for the World Showcase.
Meanwhile in Norway:

Some of the pretty scenery:

Looks like the girls finally caught up with us in China.

Over in Germany we took some time look at the miniature train set up.

The first complete with lizard.

 They have it done up for Christmas.

In Japan they had a lady telling the story of the Daruma.

Without a doubt, there was nothing I loved better than the Tin Toy Exhibit in Japan.
I could have spent hours in there admiring all the great vintage toys.
Now I am SO happy I took all these pictures because the exhibit is not there anymore.
The boxes are as cool as the toys.

Monsters, my favorites!

Spaceships... my OTHER most favorite!

OH wait... ROBOTS! My other OTHER most favorite!

We spent the whole day wandering around and got to enjoy the sunset over the lake:

Day 2 ~~ Animal Kingdom & Wilderness Lodge

Day 2 took us to the Animal Kingdom.
Hippos for Emily.

We got to see some tigers really close up through the windows.

This gives me the heebee-jeebees just thinking about it.

Everyone else of course could not WAIT until it was open!

 We ate the Wilderness Lodge that night and Jeff got up and did the Hokey Pokey!

Posing under the Lodge Christmas tree.
The boys are holding their winnings from the Animal Kingdom carnival games.

Inside the Lodge:

Day 3 ~~ Magic Kingdom, Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey's

Today was Jeffrey's birthday! He was turning 4.

I finally got a picture of our room (sort of).

Jeffrey having some breakfast and Alex watching TV.

They are wearing their Goofy and Pluto hat souvenirs.

It was fun because most of the cast members who saw them would say

"Hi Goofy, Hi Pluto" and boys thought it was great.

Today we were off to Magic Kingdom.
Here are the boys posing with their favorite character, Buzz:

Off to fight the space aliens:

Posing with Zurg

We had lunch at the Crystal Palace which was late enough for the girls to be up and join us.

 The waitress brought Jeffrey a cupcake and a card signed by all the characters for his birthday:

We decided we needed to take a drive so off the Autopia.
Watch that driver.. he's goofy!

Then it was time for a spin in the teacups.
Notice I am not sitting in this cup?
I wanted to keep my lunch down and that might not happen when Jeff is in charge.

I sat with the girls and took this picture of Emily.
It's my favorite one of her from this trip!

We ate at Chef Mickeys that night.

Jeffrey got more special stuff for his birthday.
A piece of cake with more whipped cream than he could eat and a placemat signed by each character.