I love Halloween. Love it. I have more decorations for it than all other holidays combined, except for Christmas, but even then it would be close. This year we decided to take Vera to Disney's "Not so Scary Halloween Party", and it was magical. Vera took a late nap in the afternoon so that she could stay up way past her bedtime and party. And party we did.
Two Hula dancers and a sweet strawberry. Vera rocked her strawberry. Nailed it!
Love it! Yes, Vera is holding up a rock she picked up at Disney. She has become obsessed with rocks, thank you Ruthie.
Giddy with excitement in Tommorrowland, our first stop for candy. There were candy trails set up throughout the park, and they passed out insane amounts of really good candy. We came away with three giant bags. Necessary? No, but it was totally worth it.
Veve and Dad by the race cars
The park closed at seven to people not participating in the Halloween party, so there were no lines and Vera could go crazy! Here she is running to the next candy station.
She panicked every time she had to say "trick or treat", but she never failed to say thank you. I can live with that.
Another added bonus was that there was absolutely no lines to see the characters. This amazed the tar out of me. What was even more amazing was that my little strawberry showed no fear and interacted with all of them. Strawberry suits must give you added courage.
Under the sea with the family. Ariel kept asking Vera if she was a strawberry or a seaberry. Vera looked at her like she was crazy.
Since we moved to Disney two years ago, it has been my dream to meet Maleficent and play her in the stage show. I think I would make an amazing "queen of all evil", plus I could rock those horns. This truly was the highlight of the evening for me. Vera wasn't even scared of her, which shocked me. She just said"she's talking to me", and that made her alright in her eyes. Here we all are with our "evil faces".
"Quite a glittering assemblage". (Matthew was still in evil/serious face mode)
And then there was the most amazing Halloween parade ever! Every character, hero or villain, was there and in costume. It was beyond words for this Halloween lover. Vera was waving to Minnie who was dressed as the Queen of Hearts.
The ghosts from The Haunted Mansion even came out to dance. It was truly awesome how they brought that ride to life with dancers and multiple floats.
Cruella Deville looked stunning in her mink coat
Best villain ever. She got her own float (Seriously, I could do that)
The Headless Horseman
The actual Headless Horseman kicked off the parade and rode through the park on a giant horse. Seriously, it was cool.
The Villain's stage show was crazy too. Every scary character sang and Vera was just smiling and clapping away.
What good are witches and general evil doers without fire? Amiright?
After the show we even got to meet Captain Hook. We're making our hooks.
And then there was the thirty minute castle show where they project images onto the castle. It was a special show for Halloween, but Matthew captured the Rapunzel and love story part. The idea was that love and good will always triumph over evil. I cried. Seriously, watching Vera's face light up with amazement, and realizing that I am living my fairy tale everyday. That, and that stupid song from Rapunzel; it was too much, and I cried. Darn you Disney!
We waited in line for a mystery character to appear, and it was the fairies, who were not wearing Halloween gear. Vera ran straight to them and actually hugged them. Again, it must be the strawberry suit.
The garden fairy was really happy to see a strawberry, and Vera loved her right back.
Getting a kiss from Rosetta
Not paying attention anymore because she spotted Tinkerbell.
Wardrobe malfunction. Thanks for giving me a hand Tinkerbell.
I'm "fairy" certain I was a Disney character in another life.
On our way out the the park Vera was falling asleep, it was 11 o'clock after all. I saw that there was nobody in line to meet Jane, so why not. It woke Vera up and led to a series of funny pictures. Veve hasn't watched Tarzan yet, so this was just some weirdo lady in a yellow dress.
Not looking to sure
Ummm.
The castle is behind us but it was blacked out since the parade was coming back through again.
I found my happy place...
And then Vera found hers. We were literally walking out and I suggested we go see Mickey and Minnie. I am SO glad we did; they were in their Halloween costumes, there was NO line, and Vera ran to Minnie with a huge smile on her face.
Bliss
Mickey Mouse wanted in on the hug action too. Vera wasn't too sure about that at first.
SCORE! I've waited two years for this shot! Two years!
It's scary how much fun I had. On the way out of the park, Vera gave me a kiss and said, "Thanks mom". It was so cool to start a tradition with her, and Lucy next year. Boo to you!
Last saturday, Vera and I decided to go to Animal Kingdom instead of our usual Magic Kingdom. They have a Safari ride where you get to drive right beside giraffes, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and even a lion way up on a rock. I think it's pretty neat. However, all Vera wanted to do was to go and see the goats. It's a big fenced in area where you can chase goats and brush them if you want. Vera usually stays about 10 feet away from them, but she was feeling brave on this particular trip.
The goats have a roped off area where you aren't suppose to mess with them. Vera is trying to determine if this goat is inside the safe zone or fair game for brushing.
Here she is. Actually brushing a goat. Notice she has a brush in each hand.
The is Frank the goat. He loves the camera.
Vera couldn't figure out what to do with Frank's odd behavior of standing on the bench. She tried to stare him down, but Frank wasn't giving in and Vera refused to brush him unless he stood on the ground.
Vera then moved to an easier target. A pig passed out in the corner.
Then she moved on to trying to brush a pig in motion. That didn't go so well. He made it to the safe zone before Vera connected.
Our fabulous neighbors always have amazing decorations for every season, and since we were already in matching outfits...
Just checking out the Jackson's Fall tree
Stinker
Picking the perfect spot for the scarecrow
Lucy wanted to check it out too
Mmmm...not so much
Her sad face is still cute, -but I like the smiles better
"This tree is stunning, simply stunning"
Hilarious, amiright?
I told Vera not to pick the flowers. She's giving me the "buzz off" face, but she did refrain from doing it.You just gotta love that Fall in Florida is still 80 degrees!
