What's Orlando Without a Little Mouse?

GG had to head home to Delray Beach early this afternoon, so we spent the morning hanging out with her, getting in some quality time before it was time for her to leave. We were sad to have to end our visit with her, but happy that she got to spend several days catching up with Alex and Ari and hope that she'll be able to come up to visit us at some point.

We were debating what to do in the afternoon- the weather looked a little iffy (and was very, very hot and humid) so we thought of going to an indoor science center, but it closed on the early side so we ended up deciding to get a taste of the "true" Orlando experience and go to Downtown Disney. On our way, we called Daddy for a weather report (since he was staying closer to the Disney area) and found out that he was done with work for the day and available to join us for our outing.

We had decided earlier in the week to skip the big Orlando parks this visit because of several factors: namely the hot, humid weather and the fact that Alex and Ari are a little young to appreciate the experience. We'll save that adventure for a future visit a few years down the road. However, Downtown Disney was a perfect "taste" of Disney without the whole Disney experience (or cost). The kids loved the Disney stores and there was even a carousel...Ari threw quite the fit when the ride was over and it was time to get off! But she was quickly distracted when we went into Goofy's Candy Shop. As soon as we walked in, she lit up and pointed to all of the "cookies!!!" She's definitely her Mommy's daughter.

Ari meets the Disney character dolls

Ari tries on a Princess sash in the Cinderella area

On the carousel (it was hard for Aunt Candy to get a good picture)

Uncle Jerry, who was on his way home from South Florida, was passing by Disney just in time to stop and meet us for dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. The wait to get into the main restaurant was hours long, but a nice hostess suggested we sit in the bar area (air conditioned and non-smoking) which was almost as good as sitting in the main restaurant. Alex and Ari were mesmerized by the fish in the aquariums, the special effects, and the decor. They ate pasta, garlic bread and french fries (with katsup!) for dinner and for dessert we headed back over to the candy store for some special treats.

Ari browses the Kids' Menu

A family shot at dinner

A nice picture of Daddy and Ari

Daddy and Ari in the fun house mirror at the candy store

Alex and Mommy in the fun house mirror at the candy store

We were all on a sugar high by the time we got home (after dropping Daddy off at his hotel) and certainly glad we chose to go to Downtown Disney instead of the science center.