We've been to Disney, a lot.
For some, I know that this is a once in a lifetime trip. Myself, I never went to Disney until I had kids. We didn't vacation much when I was a younger and when we did it was to the Outer Banks or Virginia Beach. Maybe that was the same trip, but the bottom line is Disney was never in our travel plans.
That's all changed with our kids.
My oldest has been to a Disney related park probably around 20 times. That includes Disney World, Disneyland, and even Disneyland Paris. Throw in a few cruises on Disney Cruise Lines and we are VERY MUCH a Disney family. Disney can be a daunting experience to plan for, as there are too many websites, books, and videos all telling you that has to be the case. If you go on any of these sites like Disboards.com or Passporter.com there are literally hundreds if not thousands of people telling you how to experience Disney.
I am not going to get into any specifics about how to plan for a trip like this, but needless to say, if you follow all of the advice of everything that you read or hear, you will drive yourself crazy and never fully enjoy your experience. I know people that have their whole itinerary planned out to the second, but if you do that, you will truly miss out on the magic that Disney offers.
I have two boys so our trips are a little different than families with girls. Sure we go on all the rides and see many of the same characters but we don't have to see ANY of the princesses which I know take up a lot of your day. I've seen the lines and I don't envy those people in the slightest. My oldest was always a Mickey fan, so we knew where to go and see him with the least wait (Hollywood Studios, One Mans Dream - skip the 15 minute movie and Sorcerer Mickey is right there). Of course you could always dine with the characters so you don't have to worry about seeing all of them in the parks.
Why do we go all the time?
Sometimes I wish we didn't go as much as we do, but we truly love it. I'll be honest with you though some of the magic has worn off. Gone are the days where Tyler was running around hugging every character in sight or Carter would scream hysterically at the mere mention of them. The fireworks shows have begun to blend into one another and the parades aren't the spectacles they once were. But the boys are experiencing new rides every year and while the magic isn't the same, it's evolving. The excitement of seeing Donald or Goofy has been replaced with the thrill of riding Space mountain. While they aren't scared to go in the Haunted Mansion anymore, there is a fear of falling to your death as they ride The Tower of Terror. It's almost as if something new comes a long every time we go.
Disney is not for everyone and I certainly see where a lot of people would have issues with them. We are not one of those families. I would never tell anyone that they have to spend their money and go to Disney, it's not cheap. I know that I am totally sounding like an ad for Disney right now, but it's probably my boys favorite place in the world so why wouldn't I speak glowingly of it?
The bottom line is, we'll be going back as long as the boys want to go back. The magic won't last forever, so we will ride it as long as we can.
For some quick tips from a first time Disney visitor please check out my friend Daddy Knows Less. He just got back and made a list of things he wish he knew before he went.
For some quick tips from a first time Disney visitor please check out my friend Daddy Knows Less. He just got back and made a list of things he wish he knew before he went.
If YOU have any questions about Disney or quick tips to offer please leave me a comment below.
