by Sunny
follow me on Twitter @sunnylooksleaps
Spring Break is upon us, and it seems every conversation begins with, “So, do you have big plans for Spring Break?” And yes, we are going to Disneyland! No surprise to those who know us well, but in talking with other families, you hear about other points of view about visiting Disney. I recently heard a tale about a 9-day beginning of summer trip to Disney World. While that trip was no doubt expensive, it also allowed plenty of time to experience nearly everything while still having some down time at the pool. If you are only taking the kids to Disney once or twice, I say go for a trip like this! We visit every year, so our trips are much shorter (3-4 days). We would rather be able to get our annual dose of Disney in shorter amounts, than only go once or twice during MJ’s childhood. But the question remains: Is there really any difference between going at the age of 3 AND 4? Will a 2-year-old really enjoy it? Here are some of my favorite things about visiting Disney year after year.
New Rides: Disney is ever changing and growing, but still manages to keep the “Disney spirit” alive. There are rides and attractions that come and go as well as the classics that remain current and relevant despite the change. As a 2-year-old, MJ was able to ride many of the classics including Dumbo (her fave), Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, Jungle Cruise, and the Tea Cups. As she’s grown each year, we’ve added new rides into the rotation including Soarin’, Tower of Terror, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Splash Mountain. And there are still attractions she is looking forward to trying when she is taller: Space Mountain, Everest, Rockin’ Rollercoaster, and Test Track. As most families do, MJ has a special spot in our home where we measure her height regularly, It’s fun to then search the Disney website to see what new rides she is eligible to ride on her next Disney visit!
Even without the ears, she’s tall enough to ride Soarin’!
New Obsession: We joke that MJ can’t just like something, she has to completely obsess over it! The Princesses have always been a hit with her. She was moved to tears before meeting Rapunzel at the age of two, and she literally couldn’t speak when she met Elsa and Anna for the first time after a four hour wait. This year, she is caught up in the Star Wars mania and wants to try Jedi Training Academy at Disneyland. Whatever your kid’s Disney obsession, there is plenty to satisfy it! Dressing in costume and getting attention from the Cast Members will also fill your little princess or pirate with joy!
Speechless!
New Characters: So I’ve already talked about meeting Rapunzel, Elsa, and Anna, but there are so many characters to meet. We’ve collected pictures with all of the Princesses, four of the fairies, the Fab Five (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto), as well as an assortment of other villains and sidekicks. The autograph books are fun and are a great way to keep track of all of the characters you’ve met. Next month, we are on the hunt for Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Zootopia! When you get a chance to meet new characters, do it, because they may not stick around depending on the popularity of the movie they represent.
Scare up some fun with Mike and Sully!
Pictures: There are certain places in Disney where we always have our picture taken. Of course, there is the traditional castle photo. For a special castle photo-op, use your Extra Magic Hours or Magical Mornings to take some special photos. We did this once in Disneyland and it was beyond our expectations. The Photo Pass Photographer took many posed picture of me, Jimmy, Mom, and Dad in front of the castle together and as couples. Then he escorted us over to the side of the castle for more pictures with Snow White’s wishing well. It only took about 15 minutes, and with practically no one else around, we were able to get some amazing pictures . Another favorite place to get a picture for us is in the Norway pavilion in Epcot near the waterfall. I have a picture of myself in this spot from my first visit to Disney World, and I continue to take a picture there during most visits. Now, I take my daughter’s picture there, too and the tradition continues. If you want some great photos of your entire family, take advantage of the Photo Pass services. We don’t spring for the Photo Pass CD every visit, but we are always happy with our purchase when we do.
Looks like we have the whole park to ourselves!
Family Time: Dad always compared Disney to being in a bubble, where you don’t worry about anything outside the bubble and all seems right with the world. I think this feeling is one of the things that brings us back year after year. We love the beach vacation, the big city vacation, and visiting Wendy and Jack, but there is something about visiting Disney that’s unique. It’s hard to put your finger on it. Maybe it’s that the cast members consistently go out of their way to accommodate the guests. Maybe it’s the fact that EVERYTHING is fun in Disney. (That’s what I always tell first-timers.) Maybe it’s seeing the adults and the kids enjoy the same rides and attractions. And going back to Dad’s metaphor, it is like being in a safe place where you aren’t worrying about day to day issues but enjoying the moment in a wonderful place with people you love.
Family time!
Wendy once told me, “Madrid is my Disney World. I could go every year and never get tired of it.” What is your favorite repeat destination?