disney

Haga ‘Next Gens’

Published January 26, 2018

Finding it harder & harder to coordinate FAMILY time, as the Hagas ‘Next Generation’ get older & older. I get it, I also was 20 once. Hmm…. Think… If you buy them, they will come. Disney World tickets, of course 🙂

[ALL the Next Gens were Disney-introduced early in life, each still in diapers. It’s one commonality they share ❤]

Hopped a late Thursday nite flight to Orlando. Rental car pick-up, hotel check-in, sleeps: 2am Florida time. Yikes! Morning plans? Breakfast, groceries & a hair cut. True story. Personal life/work. Hard to fit EVERYTHING in sometimes. #noregretlife

Connecticut FAMILY meet-up: 11am. Next stop: Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Star Wars Stormtroopers (FUN), Sci-Fi Diner (FOOD), whole lotta live-action shows (WOW) – Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast and Frozen. Half-day Disney FULL. Hotel by 8pm, Epcot in the morning. Breakfasting in Norway. FAAANNNNTASTIC!

: Haga ‘Next Gens’ & Eli

: all Disney, all Day

: Toy Story

: fave live-action shows: Frozen, Beauty & the Beast

Hollywood Studios 2018

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Disney magic

Published November 14, 2016

Each of the kids were introduced to Disney early in life, all were still in diapers. It’s one commonality they share.

25 years later, 2 of 3 still feel that magic. The force is strong with these two 🙂

Since finding my ‘forever home’ in Colorado, I often struggle with our distance & actively maintaining relationships. Dave’s a moderate-to highly operating autistic…has been since age 3. Now 21, he’s Level 2 on the spectrum: “requiring substantial support”. David has the truest heart of the 3, the kindest soul…but he will always need care. Physically strong, mentally adept – but trapped in a mind which misfires social signals. Always been Disney-motivated, super strong bond to his Mom. Plan B? My guest room in Colorado is adorned with Peter Pan memorabilia. Dave will always have a home.

Took advantage of an open-ended offer to join David & family sometime during their 3-week Disney adventure. Purchased airfare & a Park Pass, bed-shared at the family’s timeshare. Although not a fan of crowds…I do love my family. PLUS, crazy fun to see Dave & Michaela in their element/favourite place on Earth/where they feel most comfortable.

Quick shower after my Saturday morning marathon, shared two half-days at MGM Studios…sandwiched ‘round a full day at Magic Kingdom. Park rides, Disney princesses galore…and a whole lotta shows. FAAANNNTASTIC magical time!

: Dave’s fave

: Cinderella castle

: who doesn’t love a parade?

: Tigger: T-I-double-guh-er

: YIKES!

: hands UP for the big DROP

: best photo-bomb EVER!

: Beauty and Gaston 🙂

: Star Wars showcased ‘front-n-center’

: fake flakes in sunny Florida

Magic Kingdom 2016

MGM Studios 2016

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DAVE-cember celebration

Published December 11, 2012

Hello Florida & Happy DAVE-cember!

Although large crowds & high humidity are not my thing (wilderness & snow worshiper here), couldn’t have been more excited to celebrate Dave’s 18^th birthday in the place he loves best…DisneyWorld Orlando.

Limited myself to 3 full days. Up by 630am each day, stayed ‘til park closings at 11pm – 3 FULL days. If you’re gonna do it, go BIG, right? Arrived late Saturday afternoon – was the last to arrive in Orlando (Mountain time zone challenged). After hotel check-in, rushed to Magic Kingdom for dinner at Cinderella’s castle, followed by fireworks.

Spent Day 1 at Hollywood Studios, Day Two around Epcot, Day 3 in Magic Kingdom.

Can’t go wrong sharing time & memories with family! Happy DAVE-cember!

Fav Park – Epcot (World Showcase fan)

Fav Dinner – Coral Reef (lover of fish – both in the tank & in my belly)

Fav Ride – Aerosmith’s Rock N Rollercoaster (not generally a thrill ride guy but the music rocked)

Fav Impromptu Christmas Event – Candlelight Procession (American Adventure Pavilion/Epcot)

Fav Breakfast – Akershus Royal Banquet Hall/Norway (smoked fish & pastries – my kind of breakfast :))

Fav Buffet – trick question/no such thing as a favourite buffet (reason Americans are bursting at the seams)

Fav Character – Lady Tremaine & Stepsisters/Cinderella (idea to Disney: an ‘all-Villains’ Park, cool huh?)

Least Fav Character – Ariel, little Mermaid (met 2 of them – both were creepy, been left underwater far too long)

Fav Stage Show – Beauty & the Beast/Hollywood Studios (yep, even better than Fantasmic!)

Most Over-rated Grand Opening – Fantasyland (wait ‘til 2014 when everything is built)