1. A thought out and anticipated ‘surprise’ might not go as expected.

We had an elaborate plan for surprising our kids with the news that we would be going to Disney World. We knew they were going to reallllly love Disney, and that the trip would be amazing. We knew that they would find our clever scavenger hunt on Christmas morning intriguing. What we did not fully process or expect was that they had never been to Disney, they had no concept of what to expect, and that the trip was several weeks in the future – so, their reaction was lack luster, at best. We were expecting accolades and jumps for joy, but instead got ‘Oh, cool, are there any more presents to open?’ This put a real damper on Christmas morning for me and Shawn at least. All that planning for a rather disappointing and anti-climatic reaction. Womp Womp. 

Two things about this – now, if we surprised them with the news that we would be going to Disney again, we know their reactions would be much more enthusiastic. They have been, they saw, they enjoyed immensely. And also, next time, I would surprise them the day of, if possible. I think that would be super fun and way more exciting for them then having to wait it out.

Have you ever done a Disney surprise?

2. If you exhaust and starve your kids, they will melt down.

Our first park day was overwhelming. Although we had a wonderful itinerary from the amazing ladies at 2 Dis Chicks, there is no amount of planning that can prepare you for finally launching this elaborate vacation. And the kids, and adults too, were on sensory overload. By the end of the day, our kids were fried.  Although we did eat, it was a long, hot day. We probably did not provide enough fuel on a regular basis, or find enough quieter areas to take a mini break. We know now that at least one of our kiddos needs those sensory breaks to stay sane. We ended our first day with threats of flying home. It wasn’t pretty, and now we know to make a point to schedule regular food, drink, and break-breaks.

3. I really enjoy easy, fun vacations – even if they are manufactured. In fact, when they are manufactured by talented engineers – er, Imagineers, and experts in hospitality and the customer experience – you are bound to have an amazing experience.

If you have a reluctant Disney goer in your party, or if you are that reluctant person, try to keep an open mind. Sure, Disney is a manufactured experience – it is not a historic landmark, a beautiful beach, or an otherwise organic experience – but it is still pretty amazing. If you can’t find something to entertain you or something that you find enjoyable in the Disney complex, then I humbly suggest you take a hard look at your life and your attitude, sir, or madam. 

4. Not everyone does Disney at the same level of intensity, and that is ok. This is your vacation, and you do not have to do all.the.things. In fact, that would be virtually impossible.

When you are planning a Disney vacation, you will get all kinds of advice. It typically involves getting up at the crack of dawn, eating at off hours, and maximizing your time to ride the most rides, see the most shows, meet the most characters. We knew that we were not those people. Before we went, I knew that we could not keep up that kind of schedule, nor would I want to on a vacation. I like to come home feeling rested and rejuvenated, not exhausted and weary ( I mean, I don’t, but, I like to). 

It took us until the last day of our five day trip to find our own groove, and to be ok with it. We canceled our morning breakfast reservation, got to the park around 10 or 11, did quick service meals instead of sit down (though we landed a walk in sit down dinner at the very end of the night), and rode the most rides and had the best day. Be your own people, people.

Do you, and your Disney vacation will be amazing.

What Disney tips do you have? Need some inspiration, check out this blog post our friend Tracey did sharing all about her adventures in Epcot with her toddler.