Disney World - Part 3 of 3: Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Departure

Day 5 - Hollywood Studios

After our one-day break from park-hopping, it was time to go to Hollywood Studios...but just like the day before, we slept in a little bit. We knew the park wasn't too big, so we didn't need the whole day to explore. 

We didn't get to the park till 11am, but as SOON as we entered, the First Order's theme started to play...and then THIS happened.

As a huge Star Wars fan, this was a great way to start the day.

After our minor geek-out, we went on The Great Movie Ride, which is a slow ride that showcases classic films. I loooved this ride.

We spent a good hour or two just walking around, and then Ralph, my mom, and I went on the Hollywood Tower of Terror.

The ride was a little bit different than the one in California Adventure. I would say that the one in California has bigger drops...but it was still fun!

Afterwards, we went next door to watch Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage. Fun fact: Beauty and the Beast is my dad's favorite Disney movie. When I was little, I remember my dad telling me that Belle was (and continues to be) his favorite Disney heroine because "she's smart, respects her father, and loves the Beast for who he is and not what he looks like". And that stuck with me, even to this day; therefore, Belle is also my favorite Disney Heroine, and I classify Beauty and the Beast as one of my favorite Disney movies too.

Afterwards, we went on Star Tours. My mom and dad went first, then Ralph and I went. Our experience was not very enjoyable...all I'll say is that there was something malodorous in our ship. Ugh.

LOOK AT THAT AT-AT. *GEEKS OUT*

And then we went to Pixar Place, where we rode on Toy Story Midway Mania. It's exactly the same as the one here.

The Monkeys!

The loading dock of the ride was designed like Andy's room.

Yep, I'm Player 1. Ralph claims you get an extra 20,000 points if you have better accuracy. Uh huh.

After that, we walked around some more and enjoyed some ice cream.

He sure loves his "Wowo".

Since Hollywood Studios was the smallest of all the parks, we ended our day early. It worked out perfectly because the next day was going to be a long one...and we were going to have to get up suuuper early.

Sunset at the Old Key West Resort.

Day 6 - Magic Kingdom

Just a little after midnight, Owen woke up crying. It was very unusual because Owen has always been a good sleeper; and if he wakes up, he usually just rocks himself back to sleep. Ralph picked him up and moved him to our bed, and as soon as I touched him, I knew he had a fever. Unfortunately, I didn't bring his thermometer or any medicine, so all I could do was strip him down to his diaper to let him cool down for the rest of the night. Owen cuddled between me and Ralph and fell asleep almost right away.

As soon as Ralph and I woke up, we checked on Owen, and he seemed a lot less warmer than he was. So we got ready and let Owen sleep as much as he could. We arrived at the Magic Kingdom right when the gates opened.

Our goal was to hit up the Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride first because we knew that ride was going to be the busiest...but of course we had to take pictures in front of Cinderella's castle first before it got SUPER crowded. And boy...that castle is gorgeous.

After the Mine Ride, we went across the way to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride, which is Owen's ride...

...unfortunately, it was having "technical difficulties" at the time, so we went on It's a Small World instead.

Towards the end of the ride, there were boards that displayed our names. I'm guessing there was some sort of scanner on our boat that picked up on our Magic Bands.

Patricia is my real name for those of you who were wondering who the heck that was, lol.

Then we went back to the Pooh ride. While we were waiting in line, there was a little area nearby where kids could play. Why can't they have that at Disneyland?! Then again...we never ever have to wait more than 5 minutes for the Pooh ride at Disneyland.

The ride's exit took us to a Pooh store, which Owen went crazy over. There were Poohs everywhere.

We stayed in Fantasyland for another hour or so. We stopped by Gaston's Tavern (snack shop) and went on Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid (it's the same exact ride as the one in California Adventure).

Prince Eric's castle.

We took a break from Fantasyland and headed to Liberty Square, where we all went on Haunted Mansion. They don't decorate it with The Nightmare Before Christmas stuff like they do at Disneyland...so no gingerbread house in the dining hall. :(

And then it was time for lunch!

Lobster Roll. Om nom nom.

After lunch, we headed for Tomorrowland so we could ride Space Mountain. On the way, we went through Rapunzel's town and saw her tower.

It was a little after noon at this point, and we noticed that Owen was a little...rosy. I was monitoring his temperature (by touch) all morning, and he didn't seem febrile; but because he started getting the sniffles, we took him to the First Aid Center...just for peace of mind.

He looks horrible here, but he WAS running around for a good 20 minutes right before this picture was taken.

The First Aid Center was busy! You wouldn't think that accidents or illnesses happen at a place like the Magic Kingdom, but they certainly do. The nurse took us back and checked Owen's temperature, which was only 98.2 (Hallelujah!); she also gave him some Tylenol (at my request) because I just wanted to keep his temperature at bay. 

Afterwards, my parents went back to the suite to take a break. We decided to take a break too by watching a parade and having a mid-afternoon snack.

Unfortunately, once the parade started, it started to rain - and not just a light drizzle - it was POURING. Good thing we were underneath an awning...but all the characters got soaked!

Anna's reaction to the rain was the best.

"I came in like a wreeeecking baaaall!"

Once the parade was over, we went to the Country Bear Jamboree (Ralph's insistence). They closed the one in Anaheim back in 2001.

Then we hopped on the train and took a trip around the park. Owen loved riding the "choo choo". He did well the rest of the day. He was happy and energetic, and the only thing that bothered him was a runny nose.

And then we had a super early dinner at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (sheesh, what a name!). I loved the fact that they had self-serve condiments, including guacamole.

After dinner, we went back to explore the rest of Fantasyland and ride whatever rides Owen could go on.

This was Owen's first time going on the teacup ride, and he LOVED it! I've never seen him smile so big at any other ride...except on the Pooh Bear ride, of course.

When we went to the Dumbo ride, they gave us a buzzer (like the one you get at restaurants) while we waited in a play area. Isn't that genius?! Best idea ever! Owen spent the whole time going down a slide that was way too small for him...but he didn't care.

The waiting area was designed like the circus from the movie "Dumbo".

We also went on Peter Pan's Flight, which was sooo much better than the one at Anaheim.

Once it started to get dark, headed for Main Street to do some shopping. The Magic Kingdom was just as beautiful at nighttime.

We just had to get these for Owen! The bus rides were his favorite!

Afterwards, we headed for Cinderella's Castle to reserve a good spot to watch the projection show and the fireworks. My parents met up with us with some coffee and pastries.

The people sitting next to us bought too many glow sticks and were nice enough to share some with us. 

The projection show was amazing. I was crying halfway through...

Of course, the tears kept coming during the fireworks show.

Perfect ending to a perfect day.

I hope so!

Day 7 - Departure

Our last day was a sad day...we did not want to leave, but we managed to drag ourselves out of bed, pack, and check out; however, our flight wasn't until 7pm, so we decided to hang out by the pool until we had to leave (we were told there were showers near the pool...so convenient).

Unfortunately, my mom and I woke up with sore throats, so I'm guessing we caught whatever Owen had. Nevertheless, we still made the best out of the last moments of this trip.

It took some time for Owen to get used to his life-jacket, but he was jumping into the pool in no time at all...though he hates staying in the pool...? We think it's because he doesn't like the feeling of "floating" in the water, that he prefers to have his feet on the ground. Bah, who knows.

The Community Hall was amazing. It had activities for kids, a pool table, video games, and basically all the Disney movies you could watch.

The employee there had us color this pumpkin and took our picture to hang on the board. Had I known this was going to happen I would've had my mom and dad join us!

And then it was time to go...we got on the Magical Express, and we were off to the airport.

Baaaaaaiiii, Orlando!

It was truly an amazing trip, and Ralph and I cannot thank my parents enough! BEST VACATION EVER!!! We hope to visit again, but it may be a while before we go on a trip like this.

Once we got home, it was back to work/packing mode - we're moving tomorrow! I have to give a huge shout-out to my parents for looking after Owen while Ralph and I were at work; and a HUGE shout-out to Ralph for doing ALL THE PACKING and making the necessary arrangements for the move. And may I add that Ralph got sick too? And Owen had a fever of 103 on Saturday, and I had a 104 fever last night? Whatever this bug is, it's been a real you-know-what.

More updates after the move!