Disney Family Vacations

What a wonderful vacation it was. It was hot as heck and there was a ton of sweating and resting, but Lauren and I had a fantastic time.

We stayed at Caribbean Beach resort. The room was small, but the location was perfect for us. Close to the pool and most importantly, it was short walks to both the Skyliner and bus stop. This is important as I have a bum knee and we were able to score Park Hopper passes for the trip.

Our first full day was filled with new adventures for both of us (kind of). We started the trip at Animal Kingdom. After 6 years of waiting, I was finally able to ride Avatar Flight of Passage, I just needed to take off my shoes as my feet and calves are too big to fit. Lauren and I did what we wanted and left in the early afternoon to just cool off back at the hotel room. Once we were back for like 90 minutes, Lauren really wanted to ride the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios and possibly do some rides and make a Light Saber. We did just that. We walked into the park, did Star tours twice, went to Smuggler’s Run, made a Light Saber, met up with a family we were talking to on a ride and then went to Toy Story Mania and then Rise of the Resistance where it was a walk on, no wait.

The next day started at Hollywood studios. We did some more rides and then decided to head over to Magic Kingdom in the evening. We once again met up with Lauren’s new friend and got on Buzz Light Year for one of the final rides before it went own for refurbishment.

We are now at Aug 4, Lauren’s birthday. Just like every trip that Lauren has been with me, We dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table, in Cinderella Castle. The difference from 10 years ago when she dressed like Cinderella and walked her up the stairs to now was unbelievable. Instead of “Princess” conversations, they had a real one where Lauren was dressed in the theme of Cinderella. If you did not figure this out, Cinderella is Lauren’s favorite princess. We walked the park afterwards, rode some rides, took a break and then came back for an evening of disappointments. We got in line for Space Mountain, we were next to board when we waited 25 minutes before they closed the ride, but hey they gave us Lightning Lane passes to 2nd tier rides. We passed as I bought a Dessert Package for Fireworks viewing. Well It started to rain and we were seated without a roof. This delayed the Parade and Fireworks. Lauren and I were both tired so we left on our sugar high between storms.

The next day was at Epcot, more rides including Guardians of the Galaxy and some good eats. the next day was Hollywood Studios. And to end it Back to Magic Kingdom for Tron and Epcot for dinner.

It was a wonderful trip where I did not plan it out to the 15 minutes. We had dining reservations an one day of Lightning Lanes to schedule around, but other than that, it was just a free for all and it was GREAT. Did we ride every ride, no; but more importantly, did we ride those we wanted and most importantly, did we have a wonderful time, ABSOLUTELY!

I have to give a big thanks to Monica at Wanderhaven Travel. She was wonderful to work with and found deals I was not even looking for that gave me extra benefits while saving me money.

It has been way too long since I have been to Disney World, especially Magic Kingdom.

My last visit happened during the COVID19 pandemic. It was a bucket list item for me to experience with my now ex-wife. She opted not to go, but I could not kill my dream. Why was it a bucket list item, well I was born in 1971, Magic Kingdom open on Oct 1, 1971. We share the same birth year, so how can I not go the start of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Disney World?!?

Well back to now. As you have read, the family as you knew it is no more. This summer, Laure will be turning 16 and she wants to spend it not getting her license, but rather with Cinderella in her castle, specifically having breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table. I have the means and I will be doing this for her (and me).

The trip wont be the same as it will only be the two of us, but on the last trip, it really was that way anyway, so why not make it real this time.

There will definitely be a updates as the trip gets closer. Working at Northwestern Mutual has it benefits and one of them is they were able to hook me up with a travel agent who will be doing the heavy lifting for me this time. Don’t get me wrong, I love the planning, but this time, I want to make it a vacation and not a second job.

Well it is time to plan the next trip. I do not know when and where, but I do know you never stop planning for the next trip!

Hopefully, I can do a better job of posting and planning this trip. The last one was pretty good except for pulled muscle, swamp crotch and a wee bit of a storm right as I was trying to board a boat.

All of the dining that is mandatory has been made. There are a few extras that we can look at bu do not need. Other than that, it is sit back and wait for the 60 day mark.

Oh, I cant wait to go!

The trip is in full force planning as this post is being written. A belief of where to dine is almost finalized so that we can decide what to do in the parks.

Here is to hoping that we can get in where we want.