Surprise! Happy Birthday, Julia!

We got up bright and early this morning to head to Stuart to see Nan, Big, CC & Ethan. What the girls didn't know was that we were making a pit stop at the Magic Kingdom before we went to Stuart. Michael and I decided that this year we would do an "experience" with Julia rather than buy her a toy or something for her birthday.

We didn't tell her we were going anywhere besides Nan and Big's. This was her reaction when we got to Disney. 

 On the tram, ready to go!

 On the monorail!

We knew we didn't have a ton of time so got straight to the rides! First up was The Many Adventure of Winnie the Pooh. The cast member at the FastPass entrance saw Julia's birthday button and said old us to come to the FastPass entrance and happy birthday to Julia!

 Charlotte's first ride

After the Winnie the Pooh ride we spent the rest of the afternoon riding rides. We didn't see any shows and the only character we met was Mickey Mouse. We couldn't go to Disney and not see Mickey Mouse!

They are still working on renovating Fantasyland but they have redone the Dumbo ride since we were there last. They've added a big indoor playground in the waiting area. When you get to it they give you a pager like you get at restaurants and you play inside (IN THE AIR CONDITIONING!!) while you wait your turn to ride. Best. Idea. Ever.

 After Dumbo we headed over to meet Mickey and Minnie. Unfortunately, Minnie was out shoe shopping again. Julia was so excited to see him. She had been telling us all day that she was going to show Mickey how she could whistle and she did! Charlotte just kinda stared at Mickey. I don't think she wasn't real sure what to think!

 "Mama, I gotta show Mickey how I can whistle"

 Mickey was impressed!

Mandatory pictures in front of Cinderella's castle

Next, we headed over to TomorrowLand. We got there just in time for Stitch's Club 626 Dance Party. Julia was a little hesitant at first but warmed up quickly!

C

 

Chip (or Dale, I'm not sure) came off the stage to dance with Julia! 

"Mama! It's Call Me Maybe!"

Charlotte slept through the dance party!

Julia waved to everyone we saw on the People Mover 

When we finished in TomorrowLand we headed over to AdventureLand to ride The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and back to FantasyLand to ride It's a Small World.

 

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

It's a Small World

We made reservations at Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner. When we made our reservations they asked if we were celebrating anything special and we told them we were celebrating Julia's birthday. We ate our dinner and they brought us our check so the girls and I went outside to get a spot up front for the electrical parade. We parked the stroller up front and I was saving Michael and I room to sit on either side when my phone rang. The waiters and waitresses were at our table to sing Happy Birthday to Julia! Michael met me at the door and I sent Julia inside while Charlotte and I saved our spot.

 

waiting on the parade to start

Happy girl!

Unfortunately, after all that the electrical parade was cancelled! We had planned to head out as soon as the parade was over. Since we had a little "extra" time we decided to ride the tea cups and Goofy's Barnstomer before we left. The line was so short and Julia liked it so much that she rode it twice - once with me and once with Daddy!

In line for Julia's first roller coaster! 

She loved it!

After Goofy's Barnstormer we started making our way to the car. We watched the fireworks and stopped in the Main Street Emporium to let the girls pick out a treat. Julia got a Sofia the First playset with Minimus and Charlotte got a stuffed Mickey Mouse.

watching the fireworks

The girls were both sacked out before we even got out of the parking lot! It was a long day but we had lots of fun!