Destination Disney.

Going in to this we heard a lot of - “Your kids are too young.”  - “They won’t remember it!”  - “You should wait a few years until they are old enough!”  ...you get the idea. 

Those comments come whether you care or not.

The way I see it, I’ve been to Disney world before, I was an ‘adult’ and do I really remember it (my memory fails me more than I’d like people to realize)!?!?

I remember what I see in the pictures I took and I remember it was an awesome time with my family but I don’t think I remember it like I should. -

So why wait until we can all “remember” or until we are “old enough”?  If Graham were “old enough” would he have had the expressions on his face that was REALLY worth the entire trip – because those were enough for me! Probably not.

He would know these characters are just costumes with real people inside of them that live everyday lives. He wouldn’t skip and scream and drag us to each interest with near the excitement! - He might but MAYBE not.

So -  while sitting on a beach somewhere kid-less sounds nice… I’ve really waited my whole life to be this mom and I can assure Walt himself, I soaked up every square inch of this. The man was a genius.

Walking into the Magic Kingdom and seeing his statue alongside the mouse he created almost 90 years ago meant more to me now strolling in with two kids than ever before.

                                                 
 The Animal Kingdom was Graham's favorite hands-down. The kid was on fire and Griffin and I could barely keep up. :)       -------->

Here’s the deal.  It was how Adam and I wanted to spend our vacation money this year.  We have had a very busy last year and while I realize they were not neglected doing something without them just didn’t seem right.

I have had a number of friends who have this vacation in mind or already in the works that want a little insight and things to do or not to do and while I am NO WHERE near an expert on this location, I do have a few tips.

1.       Three days was our max! That’s all we had in us!

When planning this trip I had a girlfriend that worked there and helped me through every step of the way. We agreed on a 4 night/3 full day stay for us. Plus – we were working with Adam’s days off in February and this is what suited best.

                       I read a number of mama blogs and tried to be as prepared as possible.

One tip I took while packing my kiddos was to pack each outfit (socks, underwear, shorts, shirt, and bow to match – in Griffins case – she never wore) in gallon Ziploc bags. I liked that. It worked well for us. Each morning we just pulled out a bag and threw it on and went. Plus it eliminated a bomb that usually goes off when any of us open our suitcases. 

3.      
     We also had no care to see IT ALL! Since we only had three full days and purchased a “base ticket” we knew we could only go to one park per day. That was okay for us. The other option is a “park hopper” and if you have older children that might be good for you. The price difference is pretty huge. So base ticket was our choice!

Our first morning waking up to the Animal Kingdom. He had no idea these animals were right outside his door. 

4.       We stayed at the Animal Kingdom and were “club level” guests.  Club level is not necessary but when we went with my family back in the day we had this pleasure and I was glad we purchased it this time too. It’s just a special level for guests. They have cookies and candies and drinks (of all kinds) to enjoy whenever you want. It’s fancy. We left a mark. We spilled enough chocolate milk for a ‘wet floor’ caution sign… but it’s Disney World. Kids rule! I’d purchase this again. We stocked up on apple juices and waters before setting out for the day, Adam was a fan because it was the only place you could find something that resembled a Dr. Pepper aka Pibb Xtra. So, if you have this level in your resort I'd recommend it. 

 

           Bring plenty of layers!

Also – go to the Dollar Store before you leave and buy ponchos. We used ours!

(If you wait till it rains and they bust out the kiosks with fancy official DISNEY WORLD ponchos – it will cost more!)
Changes are it will rain at least once while you are there. I've heard this is very common. 

6.       We also had the standard dining plan and it was awesome and plenty! We actually had credit left over that washed some of our gift shop expense. Choose that if you haven’t already. To clear this up, we had to ask more than once, you get one snack, one fast service meal and one table service. 
The snacks consist of almost everything on the Starbucks menu and if you are inside a theme park there will be a little square beside each "snack" that will work for your credit. Your fast service meal will be a entree, side, dessert and drink (in a lunch size portion). The table service is what it says, you get a waitress and a specialty drink, entree, side and dessert. Awesome food and more than enough!!!

You hardly need any cash on you at all. We just wore our magic bands and paid by “scanning Mickey to Mickey” – they’ve really figured it ALL out.

7.     

            We also used the Magic Express transportation provided when arriving at the airport and between parks and Griffin and Graham took to it beautifully! They loved it and it was easy and we rarely had to wait for over 20 min. – but we also chose a time of year where they don’t have a TON of guests. It was pretty chill.

I’d suggest that too but realize it isn’t always possible.

                                       

One more thing – we learned the hard way. If you have a dining reservation and you wait until the day of to cancel it they will charge you $30 per person anyways …my advice, just go! An insider told me you can be up to 30 minutes late to these things and it’s no big deal.

Download the My Disney Experience app on your phone and don’t make your “fast pass” selections until the day of.  

I’m sure everyone has a different take on this but here are my suggestions.

It was a wonderful trip for us. Exhaustion at its best. Get prepared for that. Adam made the comment toward the end that he is used to sitting on his rear for two weeks at a time so his arms and back were dying from all the baby luggin’. I have to love that a little.

This little girl ONLY wanted her Daddy. Here he is finding some relief from his "burning arm". :)

….OH! and how could I forget! If you have a baby to lug or stroll or whatever and he/she uses a diaper – the men restrooms have changing tables too and their lines were MUCH shorter so guess who got to 

change a majority!!? Again, I have to love that a little.

I'd do it again, I'd suggest it with little ones of all ages and we plan to do it again when Griffin turns four!