So I know I usually share tips with you each week, but today I thought I’d share with you one of the most important things I’ve learned about Disney vacations.
I can’t call it a secret since it comes up in almost every post I write. But it is the key that I keep in the forefront of my mind every time I work with a new family.
Ready?
“Every family experiences Disney differently.”
Okay, so maybe this seems like common sense (or you picked it up from the title). Of course families with little kids do different things on vacation than a couple of adults. But it goes further than that. Here’s why:
Every Trip is Different
I’ve been visiting the Disney Parks since I was about 3. I don’t remember my first visit, but I sure have heard plenty of stories (including me refusing to get off a slide and my dad having to “rescue” me from the top).
Since then I’ve been to the parks in a variety of situations:
- Growing up with my parents and sister
- With my grandparents
- On college trips
- For adults-only long weekends
- On a mini-honeymoon
- For a conference
- While pregnant
- With my husband and baby
The question people keep asking me is, “How can you keep going back there?” Well every single one of these trips was different. We have different memories from each one.
I remember spending a leisurely afternoon at the Cove Bar in California Adventure with my husband to celebrate a successful rocket launch. I remember the thrill of completing every major attraction in four parks over two days with my college friends. And I remember that first ride on Dumbo with my three month old son and watching him enjoy the breeze.
Each trip is filled with different moments. It always amazes me how it is sometimes the smallest of these that stand out so much in our minds.
As Families Change, So Do Their Experiences
So when I said that every family experiences Disney differently, there was something I left out. Every time you go to Disney you are a different family.
Maybe you added on a member. Or perhaps someone couldn’t make it this time. Maybe the grandparents decided to come along. Most of the time you’ve just grown and your interests have changed.
Steve and I went to Disneyland for a long weekend as a mini-honeymoon. Though we had been there before, this was the first time we were our own “family”. We started some traditions, such as the token photo in front of the Partners statue and closing out the night on the bench in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Our fun was in riding all the thrill rides and indulging in every main treat in the parks (we have a rule that we can get anything as long as we share it).
Last year we were able to take our infant son on his “first visit”. Same family, but different in every way. Sure we still enjoyed the thrill rides and the treats (can’t go without Dole Whip). But this time we were equally focused on creating special memories with Alex. We started seeing the parks through his eyes.
So think about how different those trips will be with your family. Right now your little girl may live to meet her favorite princesses and get a royal makeover. But in a few years she’ll be racing to her first big coaster and ready to lounge by the pool. One of my favorite songs is Darius Rucker’s “It Won’t Be Like This for Long” and it pops into my head every time I think of my son and the other families I work with.
You only have 18 summers where your kids are kids – I promise every one will be a different experience.
You’ll Never Run Out of Things to Do on a Disney Vacation
You could visit Walt Disney World 50 times and still find something new to do.
Between the rides, shows, games, characters, dining, recreation, fireworks, and more you’ll never run out of things to entertain your family. The trick is to know what’s out there and what’s worth it to you.
This is one of the points where a vacation planner that specializes in Disney can be a great help to you. Even some experienced Disney veterans don’t know everything about the parks (unless they spend all their free time researching it like we do). Plus they’re constantly coming up with new offerings.
Every family has their personal favorites – their Disney checklist of family traditions. But it doesn’t hurt to also come up with a Disney “bucket list” too. Try something new on your next visit. A new attraction. Some new treats. A new show. Maybe just a new resort. Who knows? You may find a new favorite.
Tip: Want to be up to date on the latest Disney news? Follow me on Facebook!
When It Comes to Planning, Every Family Wants Something Different
People have different expectations when it comes to a Disney vacation. Some are ready to go all out and spare no expense. Others are more budget-conscious and just want the basics.
I can work with two families with the same family structure (2 adults and 2 school-aged children) and their trips will still be wildly different. While there are certain universal tips, there’s no perfect template that will give both of them the vacation they really want. I start from scratch each time.
I think back to myself as a kid and how hard it must’ve been for my family to plan trips around a child who wouldn’t ride rides. And then forward a few years when all I wanted to do was sit on roller coasters one after the other.
This is why I refer to “your dream Disney vacation” and not “the perfect Disney vacation”. I want your family to have a unique experience. I want to foster those memories that will truly stand out to you. There is no such thing as the “perfect” Disney vacation because it’s whatever is filled with the most memorable experiences for you at that moment in time.
Why This is Important
No two families are alike, and thus their Disney experiences will always be different.
Perhaps you know a family who loves to race to their favorite coaster at “rope drop” and spends the whole day jumping from ride to ride. But maybe your family likes to take it slow and take breaks by the pool in the afternoon. There’s no “right” answer. As long as everyone is having fun, you’re doing Disney the best way for you.
Ready for your next Disney vacation? I’d love to help you design a unique experience for your family. My services are 100% free to clients who book with me and include personal service from now until you return home from your trip. Send me an email at jtullino@themouseexperts.com, call me at (321) 222-DSNY, or fill out my web form for a quick quote.
What will make your next Disney vacation truly special?
