The Experience of a Lifetime- Walt Disney World

I plan Disney vacations. I hear it all the time.  "This is a once in a lifetime experience".  No it's not. You'll be back. And here is why you should.

1) Life is CRAZY! You deserve a break.  The average home in America has a dad that works 40 hours a week.  If you live in North Dallas or any other metro area add another 20 hours for your commute.  Some of those homes have Moms that work outside of the home and commute too, or Moms that work in the home, or stay at home Moms and Dads. If you are like my husband & I we interact more through text throughout the week than we are able to face to face.  Call it a sad reality of the 21st century or an awesome tool to stay connected in the midst of the madness-most of you can relate. We are BUSY. Between work, preschool, training, church activities, karate, guitar lessons, drama kids, grocery shopping--the list goes on.  And don't get me wrong, I love my life. I love my crazy busy, awesome life but I absolutely get giddy when I think about our next Disney trip.  Let's be honest, that is most likely because I don't have to cook for a whole week, but because it is a break from the reality from the craziness of life. Disney is magic for everyone, young and old.  Everyone can have a magical time. And connect and reflect on why you work so hard all year--you deserve it, and so does your family.

2)There is something for EVERYONE of all ages, not just young kids.

Disney is full of character meet and greets, Princess encounters, The Dumbo ride and Enchanted Tales with Belle. There are parades with Princesses and a "real" flying tinkerbelle but don't be fooled. Disney is not just for kids.  As if the notion of escaping and feeling like a kid again isn't enough incentive to spend time in Disney the five star dining options, Broadway quality shows, Cirque de Soliel, celebrity guest appearances during special events like Star Wars weekend and the Candlelight Processional during the holidays, breathtaking light displays,top of the line spa treatments, the Food & Wine festival, the Flower & Garden festival and luxurious resort options-why wouldn't you want to vacation here as an adult?

3) You get to feel like a kid again. So if you didn't catch the notion the Disney has tons for adults to do, I'll repeat it here. DISNEY HAS A LOT OF ADULT ACTIVITIES. Despite that, Do you know what my favorite is though? Walking hand in hand with my husband (even on our adult only trips) and feeling that giddy, uncontained excitement when I wait in line to meet Belle at Enchanted Tales with Belle or when I see Mickey Mouse coming to my table at Chef Mickey's. It is a place to escape, to relive the wonders of childhood and escape from the pressures of modern living. At Disney, you can hop in the puddles, spin the teacups with exilerating speed and kick your kids butt in beating the evil Emporer Zurg in Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin, laugh like you haven't in awhile, eat all the ice-cream you want and boogie down with the Incredible family. Who wouldn't want to do that?

4) Disney feels more and more "all inclusive" every-time I go. The trend in the travel industry is to build all inclusive vacations where people can escape to a destination with little worries and do not have to budget once they are.   Not to be outdone, Disney had caught onto this trend, and is making the Disney experience more and more inclusive. Initially introduced in the early 2000's, the dining plan features options that can be added to any package at Walt Disney World have helped make that all inclusive feature a reality. The packages range in price and amenities at with quick service food options at a minimum to packages that include three meals a day and spa treatments, golf and more. That, in addition to transportation to and from the airport, transportation around the parks and the new induction of the magic bands system all you really need when you get to Disney is a pair of running shoes and a smile. 

5) You build memories-memories build strong families. Without getting overly sentimental here, close your eyes. What are some of your fondest memories? A camping trip where dad could spend all of his time with you?  That vacation where mom didn't cook and she could giggle and laugh with you, and indulge your every whim or that trip you and your sister became best friends because you bonded over something new and magical? Whatever memory it is, for most people, it was centered around an experience outside of daily life where family members could enjoy each other's company.  Something extraordinary. Strong, happy memories build strong faithful families. Do you need a trip to Disney to do that, maybe not--but what better place to build family memories than the most Magical place on earth? 

6) Disney's quality standards are unsurpassed by anyone in the industry. I am frequently reminded of this "fact" when I go to local venues, visit other "big" theme parks or eat at local five star dining locations. Disney just does it better.  Just yesterday I was at a local indoor activity center and I was appalled at the state of their facilities. I wouldn't let my kids touch the escalator handles. Now before you go thinking lady, OCD is real and most of us don't care about that stuff, let me deter you. I am NOT a neat freak. My husband wishes I was-and I have tried but I am a piler, not a filer. I usually have 20 or so empty water bottles next to my bed when my poor ten year old has trash duty on Sundays. I let my kids play in mud, color on themselves , skip a bath on the weekends ect. but this place was filthy. All I could think about was how at Disney, someone would have cleaned up the 400 empty sugar packets on the counter, and the bathroom would be pristine (despite thousands of guests a day), and there wouldn't be machines that weren't functioning for long. Of course this experience was an extreme, but I have seen it played out at major theme parks too! Putting my hand on a railing to touch other people's gum is not usually the highlight of my day. Additionally, the Cast members in Disney are usually cheerful and kind and play up to the role they are perceived to have. It makes the whole experience come together magically.  Those standards simply don't exist in other businesses. The cleanliness, the superb quality, the well trained Cast members all give the Disney brand a quality like no other.  

Ready to book your families first, or next magical vacation?  Visit www.momentsofmagictravel.com or email laura@momentsofmagictravel.com.  (Laura Moll) As a Disney Authorized Vacation Planner agency, our services are free to you. Moments of Magic Travel also has a fantastic referral program.

Pop Century, Star Wars Weekend and Disney World in June 2014

This trip was on the day after school let out.  It was a surprise for the kids.  Rylee-Grace told me to turn the lights off and quit messing with her when I woke her up to tell her we were going to Disney World.  Noah was elated, but didn't believe me until I threw our "We're going to Disney World" shirts at him. Declan was prancing around in his Lightening McQueen book bag making sure that everyone knew that we were "going on an aeroplane" and he had "play dough in my cawr bookbag". The plane ride there was great. Declan mixed all the play dough colors which made me extremely anxious, because well green play dough should stay green and so on. However, after a few deep breaths, a few cups of gross airplane coffee and the fact that we were going to Disney World, I was able to let it slide. Rylee and Noah were great. Plane rides were a breeze.

When we landed, Noah, Rylee and Declan were elated.  They were dodging all over the airport and I had to contain them without stifling their excitement.  I bet you don't want to know how many times I heard "home much longer" or "are we there yet" on our twenty minute drive to the resort.  I wont torture you. It was a lot. But their excitement was blissful. I love Disney. I love seeing it in my kids too.  They are true Disney Dorks.
























When we got to Pop Century it was raining. We swam, we walked the resort, we ate.  The kids were asleep by 6 pm and Jordan and I sat outside our room and listen to the hustle and bustle of people with kids...who were awake.


Day 2: Animal Kingdom- Rylee whined. It was hot. Noah was exuberant, and I started my 6 day trek, carrying my toddler in June. In Disney.

Expedition Everest was so scary to Noah, but he did it! I was really proud. Rylee is an adrenaline junkie and wouldn't let on that she was nervous. She conquered it like a champ.  The Rider swap program is exceptionally handy here. And Declan had a BLAST on the TriceraTop Spin. Just ask Jordan. I think they rode it 15 times!

We ate lunch at Tusker House. Do yourself a favor and go there. Character interactions are remarkable and the food was awesome! 

 That night, we went to T-Rex. We hadn't tried it before but it turned out great! The wait was long, (we walked up) but the kids played in this fabulous "dig site" while the hubs and I enjoyed a Blue Moon!

It was a great recovery from Declan's initial impression, when he saw this.

Photo Credits to Flickr.com

Every time there was a "meteor shower" Declan jumped on my lap and said "I wanna hug you". Great experience but skip it if you have sensitive kids!

Day 3- Magic Kingdom- We took the typical pictures in front of the castle. They are my favorite. At first we headed over to Frontierland and tackled Big Thunder Mountain, then the Haunted Mansion.

Noah wasn't feeling good (like pukey not good), but he didn't want to stay back at the hotel. I gave him the discretion to choose, and as long as I saw him getting better (which he did), I let him do it. He sat out for most of it, but was still in AWE of everything. Declan was hot, probably because he was in my arms. But this girl was READY!


I threw down 60$ on spinny fans that I swore I wouldn't buy. I really stuck to my guns :)! And of course, we got Mickey Pops.

As always with long days, we left for a midday nap. Even the grown ups take naps. Jordan was super tired (and likes to snuggle with Minnie).

We got back as people were going to dinner.
The kids had a blast jamming with the Incredibles at their dance party in Tomorrowland, and rode the Tomorrowland Speedway 6 times in a row, and Buzz Light Years Space Ranger Spin was incredible! Noah and Rylee really enjoyed Monster's Inc laugh floor too! Tommorrowland is the best at night! 

We had (the coveted) Be Our Guest reservation for that night, but canceled it because the kids were starving before we  left the resort and we just ate there. At Disney, with three kids, sometimes you have to "just go with it". We ended the night with Wishes and Main Street Electrical Parade, in front of our favorite spot, The Main Street Bakery (aka Starbucks). I'm a native Nyer! It's never too hot for coffee!

Day 4- Hollywood Studios. Let me preface this part of the synopsis by saying that this day was LONG anticipated by my boys, and by the end of the trip was referred to as "the day we hit the wall". It was madness, but it was Mother Nature's fault, not Disney's.

We arrived early for the Star Wars Galactic Breakfast. I had waited on hold for four hours to get this reservation for my boys. It was good! Great food, cool atmosphere, but once again, Declan was scared of the characters. He is easily consoled, so it wasn't a big deal. Great Meal, cool blue milk and breakfast with Storm Troopers. What else could you ask for?

My Star Wars fans headed over to build their own light saber. It hurt my wallet(a lot), but warmed my heart. They were in their glory, and of course it ended in an epic dual ( and two kids with their heads cut off) Shortly after, we headed over to our VIPS section for the Star Wars Premium dessert party. We enjoyed "all you can eat" ice cream and beverages. Just as the parade rolled in...so did the biggest storm of the ENTIRE trip. It wouldn't let up and the parade was canceled! MAJOR bummer.  We waited awhile, but it was break time, my kids are not marathoners and we ran back to the hotel for a quick nap. We went back and rode Star Wars, played in the It's a Bugs Life playland and ate dinner at the ABC Commisary (quick service). The sun was out and the day was looking better! We had reservations (as a part of the Premium Star Wars Package) that we were excited about. We got the kids faces painted and walked around the Streets of America. Noah literally could NOT believe the backdrop was just a picture. The artistry was incredible. When it started pouring again, the kids asked to go to the hotel and play at the arcade. I am NOT a glutton for punishment so I complied. We missed the desert party that                                                                                         we paid (a lot) for, but the kids were happier. 

It may seem odd that I added this section in my PRO Disney blog. Our day at Hollywood Studios was madness! Every detail was planned to a T, but well contrary to what I wish would happen, the weather doesn't follow my rules and my kids temperaments can't always comply either. What this day did do, was solidify my confidence in the Disney brand and their commitment to quality and customer service.  Despite several disappointments for the evening, we ended it happy as can be with a pool and an arcade and some pizza delivery in our room! I am not a complainer, but with a simple mention of the events at Hollywood Studios at concierge, I was once again blown away by Disney's commitment to customer satisfaction.

Day 5- Downtown Disney/Magic Kingdom- We started day five slowly.  Of course, if there is a Starbucks within a 5 mile radius it is mandatory that Jordan and I stop, so that was our first stop off the bus from downtown Disney.  We had gotten a spectacular, 20% off coupon at the bottom of our Starbucks receipt, so off we went to spend a fortune. I can't even say the kids were the only ones that loved being in there. I did too. We could have spent all day there. But this guy ate Noah's finger and Rylee Grace was a little grossed out.


Instead, we made lego cars and raced them for hours at the Lego store.  We admired the lego dragon and the seven dwarfs dragon. Simply mind blowing. They are worth seeing and the kids were fascinated.

As soon as we finished playing with Legos, the torrential June downpour began, so being the glass half full people that we are, we ran to Splitsville and threw down a few rounds of bumper bowling.  They had the best Sushi I have ever had. Try it. The kids had a lot of fun and it was a good way to play and unwind at the same time. Of course we got chopsticks, so walrus teeth were absolutely mandatory.







Later that evening we went back to Magic Kingdom and the boys rode Space Mountain. We had a fast pass and didn't want to miss it!  Rylee, Declan and I waited outside and then this happened. As you can see, Rylee was less than thrilled about being soaked, and I actually found Declan on the ground replicating the service dog lapping water from a puddle. A slow motion NOOOOOOOOOO!  Of course, they both ended up with new clothes, because that was the one leisurely day that I forgot to bring extra clothes.

That night, we had dinner at Chef Mickeys. The food was ok, but the character interactions were remarkable.

We went back to Magic Kingdom Buzz Lightyear again, tackled It's a Small World, Peter Pans flight. We rode the teacups four million times, and the Tommorrowland Speedway. The kids just couldn't get enough.

Day 6-Epcot-

Nana arrived in the morning.  I was so excited because I was hoping maybe Declan would want to "hug" Nana. And by "hug" he means, be Carrie. We had a double stroller but he literally wanted nothing to do with it. Jordan and I were so excited to see her! We went to Epcot and discovered The seas with Nemo and Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush, Living with the Land and Mission Space!

We had a late breakfast at Akershus and I loved the atmosphere and the aura of the place. Rylee Grace was excited to meet all of the princesses! after that we explored some of the countries and then took the kids back to the hotel for a break! Words cannot explain how excited they were to swim in the pools. Jordan and I went back to Epcot for a night out while the kids played with Nana at the pool! We spent the evening "Around the World", and enjoyed or share of Grapefruit Beer and Carmel popcorn from Whether's! We love Germany! It was nice and refreshing! parents, Disney is fun for the kids, but take a night for yourself! You won't regret it! If you don't have a "nana" Disney has kids clubs at select resorts and in room babysitters that you can request!

Day 7- Magic Kingdom

We woke up early for our last day in the parks. Sad to be leaving, but so excited to be going back. We had a late breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table. Meeting Cinderella made Noah blush a little bit, and as much as Rylee tried to rebel against the girly girl in her she could hardly contain herself.


Later that day we sat and watched the Move it! Shake! Dance & Play and Disney's Festival of Fantasy parade.  We finally got to Adventure land and had our dole whip, rode the Aladdin ride, and ran up and down the Swiss family Robinson Tree house.

Rylee was able to buy a "real" princess crown for herself and for her friend and she was so proud of it. She still is.

Jordan even got to be Belle's night in shining armor, in Enchanted Tales with Belle. My Hero!

The last day we hung out at the pool until we had to embark on the Tragical Express. We all slept the whole way, but elated to have had such an imperfectly INCREDIBLE, magical Disney Vacation.

If you are thinking about planning a vacation to Walt Disney World, email me! Laura@momentsofmagictravel.com

http://momentsofmagictravel.com/disney-vacation-planner-dallas-fort-worth/