A day off from the parks

After our crazy day yesterday, we knew we would need a little down time today. That didn't stop the kids from getting up before 7:00 AM!!! Michael and I gave the kids their Valentine's gifts this morning and then everyone had showers and breakfast. Michael also took Lauren and Joe to Universal because they were using their down day to go to Harry Potter World. I think Michael was a little jealous, but he did say he was glad that he wasn't having to do all of that walking and standing today - his feet are sore!

Around 10:00, we loaded up the cars and drove over to Disney Springs. We had promised the kids that they could pick out their souveniers for Disney World today. I figured this would be easier than trying to find something for everyone when we were at four different parks on four different days! Everyone had lots of fun looking at all the different things to choose from in the World of Disney store.

In the end, Alex and Charlie chose to get a stuffed Simba. Lucy decided that she wanted a snow leopard that she had seen at Expedition Everest. Of course, that would be one of the souvenirs they only sell at Animal Kingdom so we are working on figuring out a way to get back and get her one. . . hopefully we can tomorrow.

Harper was so excited to see this Aurora stature outside of the store - that's her favorite princess!

Next we headed over to the Lego store - they had all kinds of neat Lego creations that the kids just loved!

They also had places where you could just play with Legos. This of course, entertained the kids for quite a while and so the big kids took a little break!

Charlie made a house for his Simba!

More Lego fun!

Look at Charlie trying to be the Hulk!!

After Legos, the kids started to say they were hungry so we went in search of lunch. We decided to eat in the Rainforest Cafe. I was afraid we wouldn't be able to get in without a reservation, but we were able to walk right up and sit down! We sat in between the gorillas and the elephants and some fish!

 

Michael and Joe have a competition going between them to see how many people they can get to wish them Happy Birthday. Both of them got a button yesterday at the Magic Kingdom and Joe seemed to get more birthday wishes than Michael! Michael did get them to sing to him and bring cake though at the Rainforest Cafe and we videoed it and sent it to Joe to let him know Michael was winning!

After lunch, we went in search of some dessert for everyone. They were playing music as we crossed the bridge and Alex felt the need to take a little dance break. 

We found a place that served Italian Ice and so everyone got a scoop of rainbow flavor. The kids were so excited!!!

After our ice, then it was time for rides! There was a train and a carousel and of course, we had to ride both! All the kids had so much fun. (Rosa is hiding behind Lucy!)

On the carousel, Charlie wanted to ride the teacup and of course, we had to see if we could get it to go as fast as the teacups in the Magic Kingdom!!!

There was one more toy store to check out before we left. Even though we already had our souvenirs, we had to make sure that we didn't miss seeing any of the cool toys. They had some cute figures outside this store and the kids enjoyed posing with them.

There was a station where you could build your own droid. . . everyone had fun building one in the store!

More fun hats!!

As we were leaving, the grownups stopped to get some ice cream since we didn't have italian ice. While we were waiting, the kids went over where Stitch was. . .he spits water out and the kids had the best time getting wet!!!!

We came home and the rest of our afternoon was spent being lazy and watching movies and resting. Now it's time to get a good night's sleep so we'll be ready for Hollywood Studios today!!