We got up reasonably early and after a few tears from Winnie who wasn’t sure if she could bare to say goodbye to Donald in person because her heart would miss him too much, we decided to get fully packed, head to the pool for a few hours then head back to the Magic Kingdom for a final farewell this trip.
It worked really well, and the girls had a lovely play in the pool before we had to leave and get ready. Steve waited for bell services with the cases while we headed for the bus, but it took so long to arrive that Steve actually arrived with us in time to go to the parks together.
It was around 11.30 so the girls and I went and got a shaded spot for the parade whilst Steve went to ask about upgrading our tickets to the DVC annual pass. We actually need the next pass up which isn’t on sale until next week, but I’d read that we could buy the DVC one today and upgrade, and we decided if we could use our current tickets towards the cost that we’d take that option. He found out that we could do it, but needed me with him, so came to join us for the parade and we would sort it after.
The parade was absolutely magical and the best way to end a trip. Naveen had a chat to the girls as he was passing, Wendy came over to say hello to the girls again and asked for a photo with them, Smee came for a hug and then Donald spotted Winnie from far away and ran to get Daisy and then proceeded to try and hurry the float out of the way so they could get to the girls faster. They then had the biggest hugs which was just lovely and made them both so happy. It couldn’t have been a more perfect end to a trip.
We then headed for the Liberty Square ticket office and walked straight to the front where our tickets were sorted really quickly and efficiently. We paid just over $1500 to upgrade 4 adult 14-day tickets with waterpark plus on all 4 and photo-pass on one. We do need to upgrade to the next level of pass when they go on sale next week to cover our December dates but if we’d left it til then we wouldn’t have been able to use our current tickets against the cost, so it was the best way for us. With 3 trips this year, one of which is over two weeks, it made perfect sense for us.Whilst at the ticket office Polly saw a pin, she loved on the trading board. As we’d packed everything and had nothing with us, we ended up having to buy her the cheapest pin we could find so she could trade for it! Winnie also got a new patch to sew on to her denim jacket.
We grabbed some cheesy tater tots from Friars Nook before the grand finale of the trip, Carousel of Progress where Steve managed a mandatory nap! A boat ride back to Wilderness Lodge, a quick lunch which none of us except Steve really ate (we are always a bit anxious until we get to the airport), a change into our travel clothes and we were on our way. We used Uber and it was $45 without tip for an XL which easily held all of our luggage.
An event free flight home (where we had the loveliest cabin crew lady ever who was so kind to the girls, and Steve got given a bottle of red wine for no apparent reason…his reputation clearly preceded him) and we’re back home with so many wonderful memories. I love our time together as a family wherever we are, but being together at our happy place is truly the most wonderful thing in the world. I never take our trips for granted and know we are so lucky we now get to go so often, and I truly do treasure every moment with my loves. So while I’m sad to be home, my heart is bursting with all of the memories we’ve made of days we will never get back but will be able to talk about for years to come.
Thank you so much for following along on our adventures. Until next time!
Doodle & Peg Do Disney 