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At long last, I’ve uploaded the pictures of our Disney trip. There are about 82 pictures here at our Picasa Web Album. Think of it as an online slide projector show, but you can view this at your leisure (if at all).

All in all, we had a great trip. We stayed at the beautiful Polynesian Resort (which is right on the monorail) and it was the best place we’ve stayed while in Orlando (Pop Century Resort and Coronado Springs are the others). The rooms are big and there are many things to do while there. Kayla and I had a special night when we watched the “Wishes” fireworks display from the pier of the hotel. We were treated to a light parade on the water during the fireworks.

We went to all 4 parks during our stay.

Of the 4, Animal Kingdom is my least favorite. Don’t get me wrong, it’s amazing and awe inspiring and all, but I like the other parks just a little bit better. The one neat addition to Animal Kingdom that raises a few notches is a great roller coaster ride called “Expedition Everest.” Kayla, Susan and I thought it was something special. Emma absolutely loved the Kali River Rapids ride as everyone who road it got soaked.

Disney’s MGM park has a lot going for it. I remember going the first year they opened, and thought it was just so-so. However, they’ve made some great additions. Aside from the wonderful theme (30s and 40s Hollywood, only miniature), there are 2 thrill rides that are worth the trip. The Rock N Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror. Of course we rode them.

EPCOT is a favorite of mine (even though it’s the least favorite park among guests). I love the rides, but I also love the countries. We ate at the Biergarten in Germany one night and at the Coral Reef Grille another night. Both were outstanding! The Biergarten had a live polka band and the Coral Reef Grille dining room faced the “Living Seas” tank. It was great! Of all the trips we’ve made to Disney, Susan and I agreed we experienced the best dining.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom was great for the kids (and the parents). Kayla, Susan and I rode Space Mountain, but the whole family rode the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin ride. I got high score (it must be all those arcade hours I logged when I was younger). We all rode the Mad Hatter tea cup ride. I’ll never ride it again. Kayla overcame her fears and rode The Haunted Mansion ride.

On the last day, I took the girls and rode Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. As Emma and I came out of the ride, we were awarded special passes as a part of their “Year of a Million Dreams” promotion. The passes gave us “Fastpass” access to several high profile rides. Unfortunately, Big Thunder was our last ride so we couldn’t use them. At Susan’s suggestion, we gave them away to some newlyweds as they entered the park. They were pretty thankful for the passes.

Things I do again? Most of it.

• We got on the Disney Dining Plan and we ate better than previous trips.
• Even though the holiday season is more crowded than when we went in January, it’s a really special time to go. All of the parks and resorts are decorated. There are special events everywhere. Some are free, others cost money. I didn’t particularly want to pay for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade because the price was a bit steep.
• As long as we have the kids along, I’d continue to go to the Character meals. We went to Chef Mickey’s, the Restaurant-osaurus, Hollywood & Vine and the Crystal Palace. Emma and her cousin went to a Mad Hatter Tea Party at the Grand Floridian. Because of the characters, the kids were thrilled with each and every meal…it’s why we go.

I don’t know when we’ll go back. The Mouse takes a bite out of your bank account. However, I wouldn’t mind making it an annual thing.