In 2019, our family took its first trip to Disney World. The boys were the perfect ages, 4 & 6 when everything was magical. It was also such a blessing because we went in December of 2019, right before we knew the world was going to be turned upside down by Covid and we wouldn’t see our family for over a year. At the time, we said it would be 5 years before we returned, but last year my sister and I started fantasizing about it again. The boys were super into Star Wars which opened a whole new world to them there. Her you youngest was turning 3 which felt doable. To our husbands dismay, we decided to book it!
Little did we know that in those short years, Disney had changed a lot. The new Genie system made everything more complicated. We had never “planned” anything before, we just bought tickets and showed up. Apparently, now it requires a lot more stress. Luckily we worked with a “mouse Counselor”- yes that’s a thing. And I became an expert in the Disney app. The beforehand stress paid off because the three days turned out perfectly. Yes, we had meltdowns, yes it was too hot one day, yes it was hard juggling everyone’s desires- but in the end, it was awesome.
We do what I call “Disney light.” We show up for a week, but only go to the parks three days. We spend the other days chilling at the resort pool and even a spa day. I highly recommend that strategy. Since the dads had to work, we were luckily to have grandparents join in on the fun and be extra hands. We also had extended family (who happen to be Disney experts) also join us for some family bonding at the parks.
Day 1: Disney Hollywood Studios
This was the day, I was most excited about due to the boys’ year long fascination with Star Wars. It did not disappoint, and they even got me to go on Ride of the Resistence- a true family bonding experience. We also got to share “cocktails” at Olga’s Cantina. Despite all that, Asher’s favorite ride was Tower of Terror.
Day 2: Magic Kingdom
This was our hardest day. It was super hot, and rides kept braking after we had already waited in a long line for them. The first half of the day was rough, but after some frozen lemonades and a relaxing ride on “It’s a Small World,” it eventually smoothed out. AJC and his Aunt became roller coaster buddies as they braved the super fast Tron Lightcycle ride together. Of course, my favorite part is always the amazing fireworks show at the end.
Day 3: Epcot
We weren’t sure how the kids would respond to Epcot. We thought it might be boring for them. To our surprise, it was everyone’s favorite day. It helped that the weather was beautiful and the park was practically empty. They loved visiting the different countries. The boys loved seeing the Norse legends in Norway, zodiacs in China and the Day of the Dead alebrijes in Mexico. AJC had to take pictures of himself in England to show his British teacher and buy him some tea that wasn’t “rubbish.” We had delicious ice cream and pastries in France. They met several characters, and had an amazing princess lunch in Norway. Of course, AJC’s favorite was the new Guardias go the Galaxy, his most intense roller coaster yet. It was an amazing day to wrap up the trip.
It was amazing to share this experience with family. I’m also glad we went when we did. At 10, Even at 10, I can see the “magic” whamming for AJC. Instead, he was totally focused on the thrill rides. We say we won’t go back for awhile, but who knows…
Family Stoke 