Throwback Thursday – Disney Style

Last year at this time I was eagerly counting down the days to our epic Walt Disney World vacation.

This year, my days are slightly less magical. You know, since I’m sitting here in my sweats and have recently realized that I haven’t showered in 48 hours. And I’m positive that I have baby vomit on my shoulder.

But seriously, the last 365 days have completely changed the six people pictured above. Courtny and I were childless. Nate and Kristin were pregnant. Cody and Amanda were only dating. When we rang in the New Year in Epcot, none of us realized how girly 2013 was about to be.

Two baby girls and a girl’s best friend, to be exact.

I’m pretty sure nothing will top New Years Eve at Mickey’s house, so today I’m reliving the experience. Disney World is entirely different as an adult. Yes, we were uber excited about the rides, the characters and the parks, but we were probably equally as excited about the food and the booze (mocktails for Kristin!).

I mean, who doesn’t get excited for the teacups?

We visited every park. We ate delicious meals. We lived out our childhood dreams – the girls dined with the princesses in Norway while the boys found out there is a TWO LITER beer limit in Germany. To top all other experiences, we had dinner in the Beast’s brand-new castle. IN-FREAKING-CREDIBLE.

On New Year’s Eve Eve, Disney “practices” their performance for the next night. We spent the evening in the Magic Kingdom, and were anxiously awaiting the fireworks show. We happened to overhear a cast member say that the best view is actually behind the castle, so we took our chances.

I’m pretty sure all six of us were in tears due to the magnitude of this fireworks show. Like, I cry every time I see the video. Seriously. Just click and watch the magic (because for some reason I can’t embed it). To explain this video, Courtny started recording after we thought the show was over. We were so, SO wrong.

By far, those moments were my favorite from the trip. I could have went home after that, and I would have been content. But what’s a New Year’s trip without drinking around the World in Epcot on New Year’s Eve?

Margaritas in Mexico.

Champagne in France.

Wine in Italy.

Beer in Germany.

We even had sake in Japan. It’s gross. Don’t do it.

Add to that the best dance parties we had ever seen, and you have an unforgettable party. I mean, China had a fire breathing dragon. I’m pretty sure the bars in Indy can’t compete with that.

We finished our night by watching another amazing firework show, and counting down to 2013 from the Japan pavilion. Nothing will ever compare.

I’m just going out on a limb here and saying our NYE plans for this year won’t get any wilder than a glass of champagne while feeding the babies… if we even make it to midnight. Maybe a game of Wizard, if we get real crazy.

Ok. I’m done reminiscing for today. But my husband should be warned that I’m already dreaming up ways to get back to Disney ASAP…

If you’re planning a Disney trip, I highly recommend our Disney Vacation Planners at The Mouse Your Way. Without them, we wouldn’t have gotten the prime reservations or found the best deals. They are definitely the best, and know everything there is to know about the World!