We'd been talking up Disney World for a while before the trip (turns out Timmy was too--at school). We just wanted to make sure that he actually wanted to go and that it was something he was excited about. Turns out he was very excited about the entire idea and all that was involved--so excited that we had to put a calendar on our fridge counting down the days until we left so he would stop asking every day if we were leaving for Disney the next day. It was nice to be able to share a few days with my mother-in-law too. I know that other family wish they could have come--especially after hearing us discuss our day and seeing some pictures. Well, there's always the next trip, right? =)
There was one park that we knew we wanted to visit with my mother-in-law because she had never been there--Animal Kingdom. Some people say it's a glorified zoo but it's really a lot more than that (of course!). There are zoo aspects to it but there are also rides, shows and characters to meet and greet.
On our last trip to Disney World (when I was pregnant with Timmy) it was Erik's least favorite park. I'm sure that there were several aspects that played into that--not the least of which was parents of children. Some people just want to get what they deem to be their monetary value out of the parks which is just kind of sad. Yes, Disney is expensive--however, you should have known that before your trip. We look at the trip as having a good time and ensuring that our child has a good time as well--what a concept!
Timmy getting all set for his first day at Disney--eating cereal and watching the Disney Channel
Timmy and I ready for the day
Captain Erik
Anyway, our first day went really well. We got to the park about an hour after opening (hey, it's my vacation--the only alarm clock I have is my child) and proceeded to find our first characters of the day--Lilo and Stitch! He did really well waiting in line and asking for their autographs. I was so proud of him!
We next ran into Pocohontas and Meeko. Turns out that raccoons can actually write their names--who knew? 
After entering the park we decided to go to Camp Minnie Mickey which really worked out to our benefit. The Festival of the Lion King had just started so we were able to get pictures and autographs from a lot of characters while the show was going on. After getting the autographs and pictures we then went to The Festival of the Lion King. Look how smart we are!!Family picture with Thumper and Miss Bunny
Koda with Erik and Timmy
Timmy asking Goofy for his autograph
Timmy and I by the elephant float from Festival of the Lion King--we were even able to sit in the elephant section!
After eating some lunch we decided to get FastPasses for Kilimanjaro Safaris. Before our FastPass time we went up to Rafiki's Conservation Station. There we were able to meet and greet the biggest cricket I have ever seen (and it's the first time I remember seeing Jiminy Cricket out and about for pictures/autographs). 
Once we were done at the Conservation Station we headed back for our safari. Upon exiting the safari Timmy immediately saw this stuff elephant that he just HAD to have (and luckily he had some of his own spending money). He named the elephant "Ducky".
After buying "Ducky" we went over to the Kali River Rapids--the ride is as wet as it sounds. Erik and I really enjoyed the ride the last time we were at Disney and I'm glad that everyone seemed to enjoy it this time too.Erik and I after going on the Rapids
Timmy post-Rapids
Once we got off the Rapids we decided to get some frozen lemonade and call it a day. I was really proud of how well Timmy did with getting autographs, posing for pictures, and just being a generally pleasant little boy. Way to go! 
