Family Vacation | Walt Disney World

The day after Thanksgiving we left for the "happiest place on earth."

It was our first trip with our children to WDW.  When we visited Disneyland in California

a couple years ago we had the greatest time.  We decided this was the year to visit Disney World.

We purposely waited until we were out of the nap stage, so we could more fully enjoy the parks.

I know looking at family vacation pictures isn't all that exciting for anyone outside of our family,

but this one is for my memory books! Thanks for indulging me!! ;)

My absolute favorite day was when we went to the Very Merry Christmas Party
at the Magic Kingdom.  It was a "magical" afternoon and evening full of spectacular weather, shorter lines, lots of character encounters, Christmas music, parades, and snow!! {of the artificial variety!}

If you are EVER there during the Christmas season,  I highly recommend
buying the special event ticket. We stayed till 11:00 PM, which is late for
both my boys, but it was absolutely worth it!!

The new Fantasyland expansion had just opened a few days before we arrived.
We spent a lot of time there, including a dinner at the Beast's "Be Our Guest" Castle.

Something I didn't realize was the need for reservations at ANY sit down restaurant in the parks and at the resorts.  Book early!  We got this reservation out of sheer luck.

Charlie was absolutely entranced by every character.  He was especially fixated on seeing Mickey, Donald Duck and a Princess.  He got his wish in a big way!!

My favorite moment of the trip was watching the boys in a skit with Belle.

Andrew was Maurice {her father} and Charlie played the part of The Beast.

{Click here to see the full 6 minute video.  It was pretty amazing.}

We were there for 5 days and told the kids they could choose three parks to visit.

Too many large crowds and long lines make for a tired Mama.

I also think it can get to be too much of a good thing for children too. 

 I'm perfectly fine not visiting every park, maximizing every dollar and missing a few rides.  

We really let the children dictate the pace of this trip and we followed their lead. 

If they felt like taking a dip in the pool, or playing in the sand, or lounging around a bit, that

was more than ok with us too.  I think vacations like these come with pressure to do it all, but 

that doesn't suit our family.  We need a little time to be lazy too. 

The pools at our resort were heated and deserted!

We spent a few hours at Disney's Boardwalk Resort.

A favorite spot of mine that my brother introduced me to when I visited him during

his internship days with Disney when we were in college.

The family bike rental is another must!

Oops we fed the sea gulls our pizza crusts BEFORE we saw the sign asking people not to!

Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure was a BIG hit!

It was a superhero paradise!  The Spiderman ride blew us all away!

Andrew and Charlie both got their very own wizard wands.

The wands are sold all over the park, but if you go, you have to visit Ollivander's shop for

the full experience.  Charlie was convinced he was casting spells all over the park afterwards. 

He is waving his wand in the above picture, reciting some magical words.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was so well done, I didn't want to leave.  

It was like walking into the book!

Seussville was transformed into Grinchmas for Christmas. 

We had planned to go to Hollywood Studio's but the boys decided they wanted another day

at the Magic Kingdom instead...

Anyone ever tell you that the week after Thanksgiving at WDW isn't crowded??

They are liars! :) haha!!

We finished our vacation with a trip to Celebration 

{an idyllic little town envisioned and created by Disney}

Trying to out run the fountain..

You can see how that turned out...

Andrew didn't make it either.  Thank goodness for spare clothes in the trunk!

All in all though, it was an amazing trip.

We made wonderful memories, ones I hope they keep forever.

It was more crowded than I was expecting, but the weather was incredible, and

everyone was healthy and happy.   {Charlie came down with a stomach bug a day 

after we returned.  A very narrow escape, I say!!}

We will go back one day, but there is something so special about the first time 

you visit that is never quite recreated.  

When we go again, the boys will be older and it will be all about the thrill rides.

Now it's time to start getting ready for Christmas at home!!

Thanks for looking and letting me share our trip!

xo