Doing Disney

Okay wait.

Is it just me that is now second guessing the title of this post?

I love Disney.

Not too over the top Disney love, but just enough. I don't have Disney themed kitchenware (the apron Kelly bought me doesn't count) but I love me some Disney movies and I swear each song has a subliminal message "go to Disney world, you must go to Disney world"

I was very lucky to go to Disney at a young age (5 I think). I personally feel that there is a small window of opportunity to go when the magic is still real. I barely remember that trip...I mean I was five. I kind of remember my sister getting lost, and there is a vague recollection of hanging out in my Nana's hotel room one night when my parents went out. I remember refusing to go in the haunted mansion (it was at night…come on) and I stayed with my Nana while my parents & sister went. But these could all be in my head or a result of looking at pictures and hearing old stories.

My sister and I got to again (I was in third grade) with my Aunt & Uncle. Young, married and no kids, and they both loved Disney. I think they were more excited to take us then we were about going. Maybe. I remember this trip a bit more... the excitement of the surprise of going, getting to miss school, the special kid’s meals (hot dogs and snacks in a box ala happy meal) on the Delta flight (THE airlines of Disney at the time). I remember going on space mountain and loving it. I remember losing my most favorite hat on the ferry.

** i seriuosly looked everywhere for the pictures when my sister and I went when we were little, but no dice. you'll have to enjoy pictures from my grown-up visits instead.

There's lots of things I remember about those two visits, a lot I'm don't I'm sure, but the effect on me is the same. It was just pure magic.

Years later we went again as a sort of junior high graduation (if there is such a thing) and I got to take a friend with me. We had such an amazing time. Being older now to go on ALL the rides, MGM had just opened, and not to mention the obsession we had with the Mickey Mouse Club.

I could seriously write 10 more pages here about all the other times I've gone, but I was very lucky to be able to go quite a lot in my adult life. Friends working there (discount!) and a few years of having work conferences there have all helped, but it's always been a wonderful, magical, and fun place to go. It also helped not having kids or a mortgage. Oh disposable income, how I miss you.

All of this to say I always knew I wanted to take my kids to Disney when they were young. So aware (I feel especially with a boy) that if we waited too long some of the magic would be gone. To say it took a lot of convincing (and by that I mean saying "we are going I don't care what you say") of the hubby, who is not a huge Disney fan and doesn't like crowds or lines (oh what fun he'll have!) is an understatement, but I finally got him to cave and I'm so happy. I'm hoping that the magic and excitement the kids will be feeling will rub off on him a bit :)

So yeah.

I'm going to Disney.

The end.

Seriously though, we are going, and I will plan on writing more about the process of planning everything because man, when you have kids involved and are going for a short amount of time, planning is key. So, if any of you have been with kids, I welcome any and all advice!!

We have a few months before we go so all help is welcome :)

#kids #vacation #disney