I must admit a favorite reason is the FREE FOOD included in our outstanding package. Without a doubt, the absence of worries about sharing or saving money on meals is a huge appeal and in large part what makes this vacation affordable and alluring. Our deal this year included two counter-service meals (with drink and dessert) and two snacks each day, as well as a refillable souvenir cup, for each person.
The fancier sit-down meals of past were not missed as the quicker meals gave us more time for “playing” and an abundant variety of food, including Mexican, Moroccan, Italian, Chinese, and American cuisine.
Our snack favorites included Eddy’s ice cream on homemade waffle cones, Dole Whip pineapple floats, and of course, Mickey Mouse Rice Krispie bars. Finding it impossible to eat two snacks every day, we used our remaining snack credits at the end of the trip to bring home thirty-four of Mickey’s famous treats!
FITNESS is another appeal. We prefer more active vacations, probably to justify our increased eating! Six months prior to our trip, the boys and I began walking about two miles almost every day. As we rapidly raced the crowd to Toy Story Mania one morning, I excitedly reminded the boys, “This is what we trained for!”
Without a doubt, Disney kept our bodies moving as we headed to parks early each morning, dashed to our favorite rides, and often stayed until closing. Throughout the day, our legs only rested at meals and on attractions.
Our FAVORITES continue to draw us back to Mickey’s Florida home. All of my guys believe Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the best rides ever. I prefer The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. For a thrill, my sons will choose Rockin’ Rollercoaster or the Tower of Terror, which Brandon has now ridden 78 times. During the hottest summer "training" days, we dreamed of being drenched on Kali River Rapids, but our favorite water ride is undoubtedly Splash Mountain.
Disney World is FUN! The entertainment for us this year included all four amusement parks, Typhoon Lagoon (a water park), Downtown Disney, and miniature golf at Fantasia Gardens. Even during our “down” time by the pool at the resort, we found ourselves playing – and winning! – Disney trivia games and watching an outdoor movie just after sunset.
Magical Moments always seem to occur for our family, probably because we arrive at the parks early and are often first in line. Usually the rewards are worth our efforts. This year, we received VIP seats to two shows, Mike was chosen to participate in the Indiana Jones show, and Nicholas “drove” the car in the Lights, Motor, Action Stunt Show.
We were also chosen as honorary greeters for the Magic Kingdom. Arriving over thirty minutes before opening time, we set ourselves at the front of the line to be the first into the park. As honorary greeters, we were pulled to the side, given giant Mickey Mouse hands, and asked to wave to all the guests who arrived later than us, yet were marching right past us and getting to the rides first. I laughed as I waved to all those visitors, pondering the irony of the “special” moment that caused us to get behind the crowd rather than ahead of it, yet knowing it would forever be a part of our Disney storytelling.
The best part of a Disney vacation is undeniably FAMILY! The priceless times together accompanied by numerous bonding moments continue to draw us to this vacation spot. We were further blessed this year by Mike’s dad and Ella returning with us. We do not take these trips together for granted and appreciate the opportunity to experience all of the food, fitness, favorites, and fun together with those we greatly love.
“You have put gladness in my heart….” Psalm 4:7a