A couple weeks ago, we took the kids on a trip to Disney World to take part in the Disney Social Media Moms Conference. It’s a great experience that provides a conference for bloggers and several days of fun for our families. The last time we went was in 2013, and I was honored to be invited again . . . and also a little excited because two years really makes a difference. On our last trip the kids were 8, 6, 6, and 4, and I feel like their current ages mean that they will have better memories of the trip. It also meant fewer meltdowns. They are so much easier to travel with now. (Parents of small ones – take heart! It gets better.)
This trip ended up timed perfectly because we were right in the middle of our remodel and needed to be out of the house. A little intention family time was a welcome break from renovation hell as well. Even if we were on the phone with Home Deport right up until the plane took off.
We landed late at night and headed straight to our east coast indulgence: Waffle House. It’s the best worst place ever, and always the right call at 1am.
I don’t know what comes over me on Disney vacations. I never put my kids in matching clothes but this is the one time I become That Mom. I also packed their outfits in ziploc bags for each day. I don’t know who I am anymore.
It’s hard to really do justice to the highs and lows of a Disney vacation. Our time in the parks was 20% weaving through crowds, 20% yelling at the kids to stop whining/fighting/roaming off, 15% finding a bathroom, and 45% PURE, SOUL-SOARING JOY. It’s funny how it retrospect (and in photos) it’s the joy and the memories that remain. If you asked me on our last day how the trip was going, I would have said that it was a lot of work and that we were all very tired. Ask me today, and this vacation was the most epic family time we’ve ever had. Both statements are entirely true.
We stayed at the Yacht Club this year, which is a gorgeous hotel right next to Epcot. If you’re ever planning a Disney World vacation, it’s definitely worth it to stay in one of their hotels. The transportation between parks and the special park hours for hotel guests are such a great perk.
I have an old friend who is one of the Dapper Dans and he let my kids lead the flag salute one day.
Kembe also shone in his role as The Horse in Beauty and the Beast, proving once and for all that there are no small parts, only small actors.
Jafta enjoyed the culinary offerings at Disney World. He was a big fan of Epcot where you can try foods from all over the world. This dish was a little spicy.
I am a big fan of Epcot because they serve alcohol. Rum over Dole Whip, specifically.
And also hard cider. And kale salad. And falafel on pita. So good.
It was a really great trip for all of us. Only minor meltdowns, and the kids were all tall enough to ride anything they wanted. Which, for my kids, meant lots and lots of rounds on Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain. India even rode the upside-down coaster for the first time.
And potty breaks. The horror.
It was just the together time we needed in the midst of this crazy season.
