Tuesday morning we headed for the Disney gates! We left before the first shuttle so we walked the 1/2 mile to the entrance. We got checked in and got our real tickets. Right when we came in we saw Mickey and were able to get a picture. From there we headed to the left which happened to be Adventureland. We really were super clueless. The Jungle Cruise was family friendly so we jumped on that with all of the kids and Erica was there to meet us when we got off. From there we were off and running with our tour guides.

I really can’t remember all that we did but I jotted down a few notes that first night so here is our day:

We went through Tarzan’s Treehouse – the kids liked it but it was really just a lot of stair climbing. Next we did Pirates of the Caribbean. That one had cool things to look at it. It was slow so the kids could all go with us  but it was a little scary. We also took all of the kids through the haunted Mansion (not good if you’re claustrophobic like me). And we rode Splash Mountain which is one of the few that I remember from when I went as a 13 year old kid.

Splash Mountain

Indiana Jones was next. You had to be 46″ to ride so Ben, Benji and I went. Running from the boulder was intense.

Benji was a little Nervous but liked it. He rode Splash Mountain twice and LOVED it.

Carousel.

Raymond even had a good time.

Dumbo was next. The line was way to long but we had done 2 older kid rides and Rose and Cali were begging for it so we stuck it out, waited forever and the kids liked it.

waiting in line with Gentry – they were cutie pies! (most of the time)

And we were off to the Buzz light year Shooting game. Also known as Astro Blasters. And it was F Uh N. Packer’s favorite of the day – hands down. The babies could ride on our laps and Rose wouldn’t let me control the gun because she WANTED to do it BY SELF!

Space mountain! Very cool and dark roller coaster. Benji, Pack, and Cali all tried this one. Packer was scared and stayed away the rest of the trip. Cali and Benji LOVED it.

Pacen and Benj in the front, Cali and Jana in Middle and Camry and Erica behind us! It was so fun to ride with my kids and with friends.

Next Girls went to see fairies. We Saw Mary Poppins singing and dancing in the street. Cali and Rose loved Tinkerbell. They stood in line for at least 30 minutes talking about the fairies and trying to see them through the trees. 

Meanwhile, Ben took the boys to Jedi training. Packer wanted to be picked so bad but it didn’t happen. They did enjoy the show though.

On to the Disney parade.The Girls  Loved the princesses. We went at the last minute but got a great seat thanks to Than not being afraid to ask the workers 🙂 Somehow we ended up front row, shade, in the reserved area!

After the parade we went to Finding Nemo. It was a Long line. But we were all starving so we a Ate and drank while in line. I Held our spot in line with the babies while the others ran to do space mountain again.

A submarine ride with lots of Nemo characters. I was a little claustrophobic again but the kids were entertained.

Autopia was next.  You Drive the cars and try not to slam the middle track to often. I WAS BARELY TALL ENOUGH TO DRIVE! so the kids had to take turns going with us.

a little more waiting in line

Autopia with Dad

Autopia with Mom

We decided to go to the Buzz Light Year Astro Blaster again. Benji and I went with Erica, Pacen and Camry to try the Matterhorn. It was Fast and fun, I remember that being my favorite as a kid. Cali was too short but really wanted to try it so we had a big fit from her.

waiting in line for BUZZ

Then we went to the Fireworks show in downtown Disney. They do a show over the castle but they make everyone stand up so us shorties couldn’t see much. By the time the fireworks ended Cali, Rose and Raymond were alseep.

sleepy kids – it was only 10pm  🙂

With 6 out of  10 children asleep you might consider going home… but not when you are with the Hancock’s! It was just after 10 and Than had a whole lot more rides in mind. We did the Rocket ships that spin – also known as the Astro Orbitor. I rode with packer. Benji with Pacen and the other kids stayed asleep with Ben.

Benji finally got some food

I took a turn with all of the sleepers while Ben and Benji went back to Pirates and who knows what else with Than. Erica took Packer on Buzz a few more times and finally – sometime after midnight – when all of the rides were closed we made our way back to the hotel! We had a stroller full of sleeping kids and Benj and Pack were exhausted but we made it back to the hotel by 1:00 am with plans to meet at the gates the next morning at 6:45!

Day 1 was a success!