Vacation 2012: Extra magical.

Day 9, part 2: Magic Kingdom Extra Magic Hours

After our full day at Hollywood Studios, we headed back to the French Quarter to regroup. Because that Friday night offered "Extra Magic Hours" at the Magic Kingdom, Katie and I were itching to head back to that park. The fellas weren't quite so thrilled at the prospect of staying up past 2 a.m., so they stayed behind.

Soon after arriving, we found one of the few concession stands open and bought some iced coffee. We needed a little go-go juice, but after that, we went-went!

Just like we did the night before, we lucked into seeing the Electrical Parade. This time, though, it didn't signal the park's closing.

Being there so late at night gave us a chance to see the park without the usual crowds.

Of course, the park is gorgeous at night, and with the slower pace, we could really take it all in.

At one point we walked through the castle and saw the amazing mosaics lining the walkway.

Simply stunning!

We also paid a few more visits to the Haunted Mansion, and then we had to get our "Buzz" on and shoot some targets.

While in Tomorrowland, we also took a much slower spin on the PeopleMover. That was such a pleasant surprise!

I almost hate to mention this, but because of the Fantasyland construction barricades (not to mention the swarms of strollers in that vicinity), we never even SAW Dumbo, much less took a ride on those iconic elephants.

We did stumble upon the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, however.

Since that part of Adventureland was virtually deserted, we got to fly our own private carpets, all by ourselves.

Like a boss.

Probably the best part of our late night/early morning, however, was getting to take on Splash Mountain. One of the biggest draws in the park, Splash Mountain had super long lines during our previous visits, and we had chosen to use our Fastpasses on other attractions (like Space Mountain).

So imagine our glee as we strode through the winding queue right up to our own private log!

EEK!!! What happened to the boys?!

We couldn't resist riding several times. Too. Much. Fun.

It was surreal to walk down Main Street and notice the time. We were yawning an awful lot as we boarded the Monorail, but wow, was the sleep-deprivation worth it.

It was extra magical indeed.

Vacation 2012: More magic.

Day 8, part 2: Magic Kingdom redux

After our afternoon break, Katie and I were itching to get back to the park, but the boys were content just hanging out at the resort.

Katie was really wanting to get more celeb shots, so we got a Fastpass for the Disney princesses before seeing any attractions. After visiting the Haunted Mansion, People Mover, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and a few others, we ended up catching the ladies near the end of our visit with little waiting! We were so impressed with how these "princesses" took their time to make conversation with each guest, never giving the slightest hint that it was late and they were tired. (I was exhausted just watching them interact with everyone!)

Princess Aurora

Belle

Cinderella

Upon leaving the princesses' venue, we walked right into the Electrical Parade. We had caught this back in 2006 at California Adventure, so it was a trip to see it again! (Actually, I remember it from my family's first Disneyland vacation waaaay back in '78.)

Lights and '70s synthesizer music: trippy!

Pete's Dragon! Talk about a flashback!

Katie and I had missed supper, so we got ourselves a snack before boarding the monorail.

It was a delicious evening!

Vacation 2012: Magical memories.

Day 8, part 1: Magic Kingdom

Once again, we used RideMax to make the most of our day, which began bright and early. We were through the turnstiles before the big park opening ceremony.

YES! We're HERE!

And so is the train!

And so is MICKEY!!!

YAY!!!

Our first view of (this) Main Street

First stop: Fantasyland

I love me some Pooh.

Buzz Lightyear space cadets

Make that maniacal space cadets

With Chip and Dale

"And then we went WAAAAAY up high!"

View from the Astro Orbiter

Family portrait

The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room

Talking totems

We love the classics

Playing around in the cemetery

Katie gets into the mood

Not missing our stroller days

Parade time!

For lunch we booked reservations at the Crystal Palace. Even though our kids aren't so little, I really wanted us to have one character meal!

Character buffet at the Crystal Palace

My mean look

Katie said we should make funny faces. Um, Katie? WE?!

Pretty cool to see these "characters" from home there!

Eeyore knows another melancholy soul when he sees one.

The view from inside the restaurant

Another parade

Always good to see M&M

Foreboding

We were glad to finally get to meet the mouse, the legend:

After a long day at the Magic Kingdom, we went back to our resort, where Brett and the kids tried out the arcade:

Then the rains hit!

We were pretty glad to be nice and cozy in our room.

But that wasn't the end of this magical day...