As I put the final touches on my giveaway post for a Family Pack of Tickets to Disney on Ice – 100 Years of Magic (enter the giveaway here), I was reminded of our trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando this past April. Disney you say?
Yes, Nanna, Uncle Andrew and all of us went to Disney. They flew and we drove to Orlando, Florida on our way home from Mexico. Instead of heading straight when we hit the USA border, we took a right at Corpus Christi, Texas.
Below are some of the highlights of our trip.
Accommodation
Since Nanna is a Disney member, we stayed at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn at the resort. She got us two connecting rooms where one of them was a full suite with washer/dryer/full kitchen/jacuzzi and main floor terrace. The resort had a manned community centre where The Kids did crafts and when they weren’t running up and down the halls, they were swimming in the pools. Our terrace looked out over the boardwalk so Uncle Andrew and Ed spent their evenings smoking cigars and watching the fireworks at Epcot.
Dining
Since we had a fully stocked kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave and even a dishwasher, we were able to go grocery shopping and prepare all of our breakfasts and lunches. All but two of our dinners were cooked in and one night we spent at nearby Medieval Times (in case you didn’t know, they also have a restaurant in Toronto, anyone ever been?). Other friends that were visiting Disney at around the same time had made reservations at “Character restaurants” up to six months in advance however, when I went to make reservations the week before, there wasn’t one spot left. Truth be told, The Kids weren’t much interested in the characters and they had a chance to interact with them at the parks so we opted to spend our money elsewhere.
The Parks
Out of our five days there, we spent two days at the Magic Kingdom and one at the Animal Kingdom. It was the perfect amount of time for us to see and do most everything including the “It’s a Small World Ride” twice in a row (almost three times!).
Each day, we’d catch the parade at Noon and also in the afternoon. Even sweltering heat couldn’t keep us from Mickey and Minnie and the Dragon.
Next time, we might consider taking a day to enjoy the water parks (one of them was closed for renovations when we went) however, it wasn’t that hot in April (if you weren’t in the sun) and we really enjoyed having some down time.
Our Favourites
Besides the pool, The Kids favourite activity was the Monsters Inc. movie starring Mike Wazowski. Mine was The Lion King show at Animal Kingdom. Ed’s was the jumbo sized ice cream sandwiches not to be confused with the turkey leg and Uncle Andrew has been to Walt Disney World more times than I can count but Space Mountain is still a favourite of his. As for Nanna, her favourite part was seeing all of us so happy.
Dos, Don’ts and Annoyances
I had long lost of things to do, not to do and things that bothered me such as; almost nonexistent WiFi access at the park, forgetting to get fast passes and almost vomiting on the Dumbo ride however, truth be told, all of those situations have long been forgotten and replaced with fond memories.
Would We Go Back?
While the viewing of animals may be better at African Lion Safari and Parc Omega and the rides more adrenaline pumping at Canada’s Wonderland*, there is really something special about Walt Disney World and I’ve never felt anything like it anywhere else. If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say that it’s Magic and if you ask The Kids, they’d agree. Whatever it is, we will definitely be going back.
Have You Ever Been to Walt Disney World?
Come and Discover The Magic of Walt Disney World #Travel #Disney @zoojourneys https://t.co/UEYnvTgkda
— Journeys of The Zoo (@zoojourneys) February 5, 2016
Note: The dragon “video” was made using stop motion animation. Check out my easy MonkeyJam tutorial to create one yourself.
* We only went to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom so I can’t speak for the other Parks.
Oh, how I love Disney World! I so want to go back. I really wish I lived CLOSE to Orlando because I’d be a pass holder. It really is just magical. I love It’s a Small World and the Peter Pan ride. Let’s just go now!
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Dear Christy,
We didn’t get a chance to experience the Peter Pan ride but we knew that we’d be back again so we just tried to take everything in. We’re hoping to head back in April 2017!
Besos Sarah.
Sarah recently posted…Win Tickets to @DisneyonIce: 100 Years of Magic! CAN 2/12 #DisneyonIce
I’ve been to Disney but it’s been so long since I’ve been. Would love to take the kids again someday.
Have not been back to Disney for a while, it would be great to go again
with my grandkids.
Have not been back to Disney for a while, it would be great to go again
with my grandkids.
We just went to Disney in August. We opted for the waterpark option (fist time). We’re glad we did so, since it was so incredibly HOT and HUMID on our trip! Our kids loved their waterparks!!
How fun! It is a long time dream of mine to visit Disney World. We live in California so it’s kind of far for us. The good news is that we do live close to Disneyland and are actually planning a trip for next week. Looks like your family had a blast! Thanks for sharing.
Dear Samantha,
Next week, how exciting! I hope that it exceeds all your life long dreams. Be sure to tell us all about it.
Besos Sarah.
Sarah recently posted…Don’t Get Locked Out of Your House in Mexico #Travel
We have been to Disneyland but we would really love to go to Disney World. I understand there is so much more there. You guys look like you had a blast. Wonderful! Memories made for sure!
Dear Debbie,
After almost a year later, The Kids still talk about their trip every.single.day. In fact, tonight’s book had to do with Mickey Mouse and we had fun pointing out all the rides and events that we’d been to that were in the book. Memories to last a lifetime!
Besos Sarah.
Sarah recently posted…Don’t Get Locked Out of Your House in Mexico #Travel
We have never been to Disney, it is on the bucket list to do.
Dear Loriag,
Disney really is magical but there are a lot of local places that you can attend that are tons of fun as well! I hope that you fill your bucket list.
Besos Sarah.
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SO much to do there! i would need two weeks there I think 🙂 Can’t wait till my girls get a bit older and we can go on a family vacation. I parents never had the opportunity to take us when we were young
Dear Kristen,
I recently asked The Kids what their favourite part of Disney was and they said “swimming at the hotel pool” 😉 I hope you make it to Disney some day.
Besos Sarah.
Sarah recently posted…WIN a Barbie Dreamtopia Rainbow Doll! CAN, 9/1 #giveaway
I used to live in Toronto and reading you mention Canada’s Wonderland made me think about all the times I went there as a kid. I didn’t know that it was still open and I’m happy to find out that it is!
I’m glad you had a wonderful time at Disney World 🙂 ~Aleen
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Dear Aleen,
I grew up in Toronto and my family and inlaws still live there so we visit often. It’s a small world.
Canada’s Wonderland is still going strong and we’re hoping to make it there this coming Summer. We had such a great time at Disney in 2015 that we’re heading back in May 2017. Looking forward to making more great and long lasting memories.
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your story.
Besos Sarah.
Sarah recently posted…Don’t Get Locked Out of Your House in Mexico #Travel