For the seventeen years I’ve lived in Florida, people are often surprised to hear we’ve never been to Disney World. We have no definitive reason why we haven’t other than every time we thought about it, we decided to explore somewhere else instead, concluding that what it costs for a day at Disney could get us several days in another town on our bucket list. That said, we know lots of people who love their Disney excursions and figured we’d take the family there eventually. It happened by accident last week after we realized the weather forecast was going to be too cold for Volcano Bay where we were planning to take the family on our weekend trip to Orlando to celebrate Dash’s birthday. We gave him the choice between a party or a weekend adventure with the family, and he chose adventure because he is Dash.
The Orlando sky when we arrived was singing Happy Birthday Dash.
We found a 3-bedroom Airbnb so my dad and Gary could stay–the perfect setting for our own little family birthday party. We cooked dinner together, played cards, ate cake–all the birthday things.
As for Disney, if you’re looking for “how to do it” tips, don’t listen to me. I simply don’t know enough about it, and I’ve realized there’s basically an unwritten encyclopedia of ins and outs and secret tips and ways to navigate Magic Kingdom that can make a day go smoother beginning with “Never visit Disney on a Saturday.” Saturday is what we had for this trip, so that’s when we arrived–at park opening–and we still dealt with overwhelming crowds and wait times, even with the disability pass. Nella’s disability pass allowed us to check in at rides and come back at a given time rather than stand in lines, but she had to be riding for it to work for the family; and she was very hesitant about getting on any rides that day. Thankfully, Disney employees were very understanding that siblings got bummed out, so they made accommodations. And we did what we do best–had fun given the circumstances.
Arriving to the park…
We were exceptionally lucky to have the most amazing weather the day we visited–cool enough for sweaters in the morning, my favorite.
It took some convincing to get Nella on the Small World ride (another woman in line was selling it to her–“It’s just a pretty boat ride! Not scary!”), and I’m so happy she finally agreed.
The fast pass line for the Peter Pan ride was still a really long wait, but one of my favorite moments of the day happened when we stepped off. Dash realized his birthday wish when he blew out his candles the night before came true–he wished he could fly.
One of the best things we did–thanks to lots of people recommending it–was bring our stroller even though our stroller days are over. We used it to stash our stuff and periodically hold a pooped out kids who needed to sit.
Other favorites…
Mickey treats.
Mouse shadows.
The parade!
The 4-D Donald movie (the kids really loved this).
Lainey’s rainbow Minnie ears.
Having the poppas with us so we could split up when needed.
My favorite photo of the day.
This stinkin’ Minnie wand I made the night before we left–made her happier than any ride.
Watching Nella and Dash fill their Disney journals when the day was over.
Climbing into bed Saturday evening.
Our birthday celebration for Dash continued this weekend with family and more cake and a proud birthday boy who insists he’s much taller now that he’s seven.
How fun. Great photos. Lainey looks like a model ~ so beautiful.
…”birthday boy who insists he’s much taller now that he’s seven.” Ha!! So cute. 🙂
As a non-Disney mama myself, I was waiting for this post, mainly to see how you’d handle it after all the controversy on IG. Per usual, you handled it with much grace, choosing to focus on the positives, and “enjoying the small things” that brought your family joy. Thank you for the reminder that there is a graceful way to handle disagreements and differences. I’m glad Dash had a lovely birthday- I bet he’ll remember it forever!
We had an hour to kill last time we went and decided we would pop in line for the Peter Pan Ride….TWO hrs later we got on the ride. Your experience has further validated that one time was enough and I won’t be riding it again lol
My family was in Disney last week, how overwhelming! I wish I would have caught a glimpse of your beautiful family <3
This post definitely made it clear that You and Nella aren’t Disney fans but I hope Lainey and Dash get an opportunity to go again (if they want) so that they can explore. Dash probably would’ve really liked Animal Kingdom. It’s a much smaller park and not as overwhelming to plan for.
Wonderful post and beautiful pictures. Thanks Kelle.
When did your first born get so old? That picture of Lainey mesmerized me. I’ve been following since my college days when Nella was a baby. Love watching your family grow up!
Right? Seems like yesterday.
The castle in Disneyland is The Sleeping Beauty Castle. I have been seeing it called the Cinderella Castle. For people who know their fairy tales Cinderella didn’t live in a castle. Sleeping Beauty fell asleep in her castle where the prince had to find her and wake her up with a kiss.
This is bugging me.
Sorry, I’m sure you guys could care less about this little fact. I just heard DisneyWorld (Disneyland) and I had to bring it up.
I enjoy your blog. You write so well.
LA reader
Cinderella castle 🏰 s in DisneyWorlds Magic Kingdom and Sleeping Beauty Castle is at Disneyland. Each park has their own. I’ve been to both numerous times.
Yes! Florida is Cinderella and Disneyland’s sweet treasure is Sleeping Beauty!
Did you take Lainey when she was younger? I’ve been following your blog since Nella’s birth & thought I remembered a time when she went before? I always love seeing other family’s Disney pictures & experiences!
Yes! I took her to Epcot to accompany a friend.
Any suggestions for enjoying Disney with a person with a disability?? We are taking my SIL who has Down Syndrome with us next week and I’d love some tips. She’s quite a bit older than Nella but I’m sure you’ve got some good advice.
Other than getting the disability pass when you check in, I don’t know Disney enough to know what to tell you. I will say the staff is really great about accommodating and recognizing disabilities.
I was born and raised in Anaheim so Disney was close by. Four of my six siblings got part time jobs there. We went in the time when paper tickets were used for rides and rated A through E. We never came home with E tickets because they were for the best rides. I was never a big Disney mom myself. I think they are masters of wonder for sure, but the price and crowds is discouraging. I recently went with my 18 year old son and he was over it after 7 hours. I feel bad for families that spend a fortune to travel here, pay for hotels, meals, transportation and then have to spend $235 per ticket for anyone over 10. That isn’t even counting eating in the park and any souvenir you might want. That is a ton of money and I can think of so many other great adventures that families can have for that money. There a a gazillion Disney lovers her in Southern California and I say great! I’m just not one of them. Disney is big business and I think Walt may be disappointed if he saw what his lovely park has become.
It’s definitely a ton of money but we go every year because we all love it. My husband claims it’s just while our daughter is young but we think he secretly loves it too. We live in GA so we had been going to DW since my daughter was almost 2. We have graduated to flying to California and going to Disneyland because it’s so much more laid back and doesn’t require the amount of planning that you have to do for Magic Kingdom. We absolutely love California summer weather too! It’s dreamy!
You always make things so fun!
Would love to know and see more about those journals that you made! They look awesome!
I was curious to know more about the journals the kids do too! Such a cool idea. 🙂