So sad – I love vacations, especially with Hubby, but we were in Disney World, so off we went.  There’s a new area in the Magic Kingdom that took over Mickey’s Village. I liked the village with the funky cartoon houses you could go in but I guess I was in the minority. There’s been an expansion of Fantasy Land with the Storybook Circus. I’m not a big circus fan, so it didn’t take long to see that part.  But they had added the Enchanted Forest with is Beauty and Beast so that was very good. We got to see  Belles library (as an author my favorite)     

We rode It’s a Small World, for nostalgia and everyone needs an earwig. Then we headed back over to Epcot to see The Land – now that was research for the third book in The Melting trilogy (cover reveal for book one coming soon!) and another WIP – Alien Encounters. 

Finally we headed over to Norway in the World Showcase to see if we could find Anna and Elsa, the newest princesses from Frozen (and the strongest!) We missed them but enjoyed nachos and margaritas for dinner outside the Mexican pavilion. It was a wonderful vacation if not especially long. We’ll have to do it again sometime soon. April really is a wonderful month!  Thanks for celebrating it with me (and it’s not over yet!)

     I’ll learn this selfie trick eventually.  Don’t forget one more bag o’books to be given away on 4/25.  Stop by and say hi!  Rafflecopter

Since it was just us, Hubby and I decided to take the Keys to the Kingdom tour – one of the behind the scenes tours. We headed over first thing the second morning and discover this is a five-hour walking tour. Between the EB and the un-replaced knee, no way. So we rented a wheelchair. Hubby got his exercise but thank goodness he’s the best there is.

The tour does not allow pictures because of course that would be like the magician showing his trick, but it was fascinating. A lot of the tour was history. Walt, of course, was the artist behind the dream, but a lousy businessman. Enter Roy, his brother and a great businessman who wanted to make his brother’s dream come true. Thank goodness we had both of them. 

Disney Land came on-line in 1959 (and the story of their opening day was incredible). Disney World followed in 1971. They learned their lesson about being land bound in California, so they kept very quiet and bought land through M. T. Lott (say that to yourself three times fast) and bought what they needed. For example, after they discovered who was buying these orange groves in the swamps the cost went from $150 an acre to $80,000 an acre. But Disney had already bought what he needed before the news broke. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, 2 water parks, Downtown Disney and all the hotels (Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian) take up 1/3 of the available land. Another 1/3 will remain natural and they still have another 1/3 to build on.

After the tour we headed to the new area – Under the Sea, with Ariel (hey, she’s a redhead so one of my favorite princesses)   (one of the littler princesses we saw) 

Then to keep up with the nautical theme, we had our special anniversary dinner over at the Coral Reef in Epcot that evening.  Beautiful setting, excellent food –   Our complimentary dessert – chocolate!! 

Don’t forget another bag 0’books on the 15th, leave a comment and check out the Rafflecopter – a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yep – guess where we went for our anniversary (without children this time!) We had great weather and a marvelous time. Disney has this vacation thing down pat.  We went the Disney Vacation plan this time, they sent us cool bracelets to wear that open your hotel room, pays for your meals and gifts (well, puts it on your credit card), gets you in the park, etc. You don’t have to carry anything. 

We arrived around 2:30 and just walked out of the airport, because Disney handled the bags. We jumped on the monorail and headed over to Epcot. Had to go to Soarin’ – one of our favorite rides. Then over to the Finding Nemo ride (so we could find Coral Reef – more about that later). Found Mickey himself and got a picture, then to Spaceship Earth (the giant golf ball). That has been updated and was very good.

Then we finally headed back to the hotel. Bags there, all cool.  The room was very nice and of course you can see the mouse everywhere you look. 

Okay so first half a day – more tomorrow!

Remember another bag 0′ books on the 15th – be sure to leave a comment or enter the Rafflecopter – a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yes, I’m having a wonderful birthday. Hubby made me an incredible lemon blueberry cake I found on-line. He does a much better job than I do on the Italian cream cake I make him on his birthday. The kids called and had a little celebration at work too, so I’ve been well celebrated.  

So now I celebrate with you.  The winner of the first bag of books is Denise S – be sure and contact me so I can get a mailing address.  You still have time to enter, ‘cause I have two more bags to give away. Leave a comment here, or at the It’s April! post and enter of the Rafflecopter. I’ll be enjoying myself all month (and Hubby is delighted that I’m cleaning out the office a little, so you’re making him happy too.)

And a Happy Birthday to my twinsy – Lilly Gayle

And here’s Hubby’s cake for me!