It’s a rite of passage for parents to take their children to Walt Disney World (or Land). We were fortunate to take a trip to the most magical place on earth this past January. Because of how expensive Disney World can be, we were only going to stay for 3 nights. However, as soon as we landed our airline informed us via email that our departing flight home had been cancelled due to the enormous blizzard that was about to hit the north east. Our tiny trip turned into a week-long adventure. Yippee! Unfortunately, we can’t eat for the rest of the year since we spent our entire savings and the kids’ college funds on this vacation, but who cares?! We went to Disney World! 2016!
When we go on vacation we like to get the kids good and sick. It’s how we roll. On a trip to Maui two years ago Aron and I made sure that we all had colds, ear infections and high fevers before we boarded the plane. I then drugged us all up on Benadryl and antibiotics and we slept the entire way. It’s the only way to travel. This Disney trip was no exception. Below is a photo of my babies right after we went through the Magic Kingdom entrance, and right before Children’s Advil kicked in. It was magical.
Even the most hardened of hearts can’t help but feel excited when they see one of Disney’s iconic characters in the flesh fur. I thought for sure that Cameron and Wesley would have their minds blown when they met Mickey, Donald, or even Stitch (whatever that thing is), but I wasn’t prepared for my reaction. I became the fanatic I was in my New Kids On The Block days circa 1989. I got Pluto to wave to me because I screamed his name so loud. I screamed until my throat was sore. I picture an old woman in that costume. I hope I made her day with my enthusiasm, because she sure made mine!
The first question any waiter in any Disney restaurant will ask is if anyone has any food allergies. Being a family that suffers from them, it was so reassuring that these restaurants took this ailment very seriously. We had breakfast at the Polynesian Resort’s Ohana restaurant, and ate the most delicious vegan waffles. They were fluffy, light, and shaped like Mickey Mouse.
Disney Turkey Legs are a must. They are salty, greasy, and probably loaded with chemicals. But boy are they good. Aron bought one for each of us at Hollywood Studios. While sitting on a sidewalk in the shadow of Tower of Terror we began to eat. No one spoke to each other as we devoured our Flinstones-like meal. Afterwards, we were all completely full and very exhausted. For the next hour we only spoke in grunts.
Okay, here is the deal…there is a child melting down somewhere, at some point in the Disney World complex all of the time. Every kid is doing it, and every adult in Disney is understanding, so don’t worry. In fact, every time a child has a temper tantrum a Disney fairy gets her wings, so it’s cool. Cam’s meltdown happened during lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern. I don’t recall what set him off, but at one point he abruptly turned his back on us, and then cried. I looked around the room to see if other adults were judging me, or my kid. What I got in return were little nods of “Yeah, our kid just melted down an hour ago. You’re good. Order the Pilgrim’s Feast, it’s delicious”. So I did what any parent would do and I took a picture of his back mid-meltdown. Incidentally, the Pilgrim’s Feast at the Liberty Tree Tavern is delicious.
Epcot is my happy place, and I imagine the happiest place for every other parent too. Here’s why…
The food is darn good. I ate a scotch egg at the United Kingdom Pavilion’s Rose and Crown Pub. A scotch egg is a hard boiled egg that is wrapped in sausage meat, coated in bread crumbs, and then deep fried. It’s good eating.
In the France pavilion I ordered the most scrumptious dessert atLes Halls Boulangerie-Patisserie. It’s called Duo, and it’s a dark chocolate and white chocolate mousse cake. Heavenly.
The entertainment at Epcot is top-notch. One night, we ate at Germany’s Biergarten Restaurant. This restaurant has buffet-style dining, delicious food, great beverages, and a live German folk band. The kids all danced on the dance floor and the adults all watched while drinking German beer.
The alcohol at Epcot is plentiful. In every land they offer wine tastings. On the last night I ordered a champagne cocktail in France called Royal. It is champagne and creme de cassis. I then drank it in front of the fountain while my husband watched the boys run around in the United Kingdom.
A day spent at any Disney park will make you child’s bedtime extremely easy to execute. That’s the upside. The downside is you’re equally wiped out, so as soon as they fall asleep you’ll be falling asleep. That means that there aren’t any child-free moments during your entire day. But who cares?! You’re at Disney World!
Before I end this post, I have to mention the people who made our vacation that much more fun. A trip to Orlando would not be complete without seeing my good buddy Rachelle and her lovely family. Rae and I go way back to the 7th grade. She’s a smart cookie, a fellow New Kids On The Block fan circa 1989, and one of the nicest people I know.
I also got to spend some time with my parents who met up with us for a few days during their two week camping trip. They not only were a big help, but it was nostalgic going on rides with them. I felt like a kid again. Circa 1985.
And of course, my vacation wouldn’t have been half as good if I couldn’t spend it with my boys.
