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Our Disney World Vacation: Making Memories

April 8, 2014 By Ashley 23 Comments

After sharing with you all How to Make the Most of Your Disney World Vacation I wanted to follow that up with a more personal post. Again it took me awhile to sort through the pictures I wanted to use remember I took over 1500 and also to put into words how amazing our trip was. I still don't feel like this post can do it justice, the magic of Disney is something that you have to experience for yourself. But I do hope if you are a Disney lover this will remind you of “home” and if you have not yet experienced the magic of Disney that this will bring some Pixie Dust into your life.

Making Memories at Disney World

As soon as we announced to the kids we were going to Disney World they could not wait. To help with the “is it time to go to Disney yet?” I made a cute countdown calendar that my girl was in charge of keeping up to date. I'm not sure who was more excited, me or the kids? All I know is when that sign said ZERO days we all cheered. 

After touching down in Orlando and riding the Mickey bus aka The Magical Express we pulled into Art of Animation and the kids jaws hit the floor. The larger than life characters, massive Nemo themed pool, and our Lion King suite were amazing. We dropped our stuff and caught the next bus to the Magic Kingdom. 

Art of Animation Resort

The Art of Animation resort is amazing. The details are awesome!

Art of Animation Resort

 Hangout with Squirt and the rest of the Nemo crew at the massive reef pool!

For me, you have to start your Disney vacation in Magic Kingdom. Walking down Main Street USA to the castle, makes me grin just thinking about it. This trip aside from being my first in many years was all about my kids' first time at Disney World. Experiencing Disney as a child is astounding, being able to relive that amazement and watching your children discover the magic is so heart warming. I cannot even find the words to communicate how I felt watching them take it all in.

Walking through the entrance and out onto Main Street USA I thought their hearts were going to burst. The Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade was just starting, and they got a great place to stand. Their eyes were wide as they watched beloved characters ride by, waving, dancing, and singing. The ones who were walking came right up to them and gave them high fives and hugs. After the parade we continued on to the castle. Stopping to see the iconic Walt Disney and Mickey statue The Partners Statue with Cinderella's castle in the background. It all gleamed in the sun, like a beacon of imagination. 

Magic Kingdom Parade, Disney Parade, Stitch

My children's faces, the smiles, the laughter. It was a pure joy that is so rare to experience in this world. 

And it wasn't just the kids experiencing the magic. One of the most magical things about Disney to me, is you don't have to be a child to feel like one. I felt like a kid again, just as wide eyed with wonder as they were. Trying so hard to see and take it all in. 

My 4 year old loved every minute of every day. He was amazed at everything and just had the biggest grin on his face all day. It was hard for him to contain his excitement every time he met a character. Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Jake, they were all real and he could hug them as much as he wanted. The little charmer didn't mind one bit tagging along with big sister to meet the Princesses. After all, what handsome pirate doesn't like a beautiful lady? 

Disney Making Memories

First ride on the Monorail, he was in heaven!

Speaking of pirates. While in Adventureland stick around after you ride Pirates of the Caribbean and you just might meet everyone's favorite captain, Jack Sparrow. He offers lessons to would be pirates and asks them to join his crew if they past the test. Each child receives something special from Jack at the end. The Pirates League is also nearby, where your pirate can get dressed up to sail the seven seas. 

Pirate Show at Disney World with Jack Sparrow 

Both of them loved learning how to be a pirate from Captain Jack. Left Right Punch em in the stomach!

For my Princess, I knew we had to do the Bippity Boppity Boutique. What little girl or big girl for that matter wouldn't want her own personal Fairy Godmother? The Queen and King stopped by each little girl's station to greet them and gush over their preparations for the ball. This smart mama scheduled a fast pass for her to meet Rapunzel her favorite in the Princess Fairytale Hall right after finishing up in the Boutique. I don't think she stopped smiling and gushing over meeting Rapunzel for the rest of the trip! 

Bippity Boppity Boutique, Rapunzel Disney World, Fairy Tale Hall

Don't let the glitter fool you, my girl is also a dare devil. She jumped at the chance to ride ALL the thrill rides. Dinosaur, Tower of Terror, Test Track, Everest, you name it. Not just once mind you, but at least 3 times each! She even lost her tooth on Everest! Don't worry it was already loose. A wonderful Cast Member in the shop right next to the castle help me put together a special surprise for her from the number one fairy- Tinkerbell. 

Disney Memories

She now tells everyone if you want to lose your tooth, do it at Disney Tinkerbell is the best toothy fairy EVER! 

The friendliness of the Cast Members, the atmosphere, the food, the littlest of details, all make your trip the most magical in the world. It's hard to not talk about everything we did and ramble on like an excited person on speed. Here are some pictures highlighting other magical memories!

Baby Giraffe, Animal Kingdom, Disney World Animal Kingdom, Safari

Loved catching this little guy who is the picture for joy on the Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom. 

The Festival of the Lion King at Disney World, Simba

I cannot be at Disney World and miss the Festival of the Lion King! Love the show and the kids got to get up and dance with the monkeys!

Epcot Food and Wine Festival

 My first time being in Disney World for the Food and Wine Festival. Amazing food! And wine too!

Be Our Guest Restaurant, Beauty and the Beast Castle

Be Our Guest Restaurant, The Grey Stuff

The Grey Stuff is delicious now you don't have to ask the dishes! Couldn't help myself ๐Ÿ˜‰ 

Boo to You Halloween Parade Disney World

 Mickey Mouse at the Boo to You Halloween Parade. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party was so much fun. Dancing with villains, the headless horseman, special character meet n greets, and more. Totally worth it!

Hollywood Studios, Tower of Terror

Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios, Lights Camera Action Stunt Show

First time seeing the Lights Camera Action Stunt Show. This show is great for the whole family. And if the area looks familiar, it use to be a part of the backlot tour.  

We cannot wait to start planning our next family trip to Disney World. Not a day goes by without the kids asking when we are going back! Okay okay, I'm also begging to go back too! I can't help I will always be a Disney Kid at heart!

As Mickey Mouse says “See Yah Real Soon!”

Walt Disney World

Filed Under: Disney Vacation, Featured Tagged With: Disney, Disney Vacation, Disney World, travel, Vacations

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for angela johnsonangela johnson

    April 8, 2014 at 10:50 am

    Disney is all about making memories!! What a wonderful trip you had! You kids will remember forever.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Megan LMegan L

    April 8, 2014 at 11:18 am

    Seeing your pictures makes me want to go back again.. lets be honest I’ll always want to go back. Loved that there are such wonderful Cast Members to make everything absolutely magical!

    Reply
    • Avatar for AshleyAshley

      April 9, 2014 at 12:56 pm

      Exactly how I feel, I always want to go back!

      Reply
  3. Avatar for tara pittmantara pittman

    April 8, 2014 at 2:36 pm

    I want to go to Disney so bad. It is a wonderful place and we loved visiting it.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for BenBen

    April 8, 2014 at 2:58 pm

    Thanks for sharing the great pics. We are going to Disney this Thanksgiving for a week. Our kids are super excited about it.

    Reply
    • Avatar for AshleyAshley

      April 9, 2014 at 12:58 pm

      How awesome Ben! My bucket list is to be at the parks for each holiday at least once

      Reply
  5. Avatar for JennyJenny

    April 8, 2014 at 4:30 pm

    Looks like you all enjoyed yourselves. I’ve never been to Disney World and hope one day I’ll be able to take my future kids there!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for KungphooKungphoo

    April 8, 2014 at 7:17 pm

    Disney is all bout the memories..

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Lucero @We Are EarthformedLucero @We Are Earthformed

    April 8, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    Looks like you all had a great time. My husband wants to take the family but I am resisting because it is so expensive. I never went as a child and have plenty of wonderful memories to share.

    Reply
    • Avatar for AshleyAshley

      April 9, 2014 at 12:59 pm

      Lucero, it isn’t as costly as you might think. We are budget savvy and I believe Disney can be affordable for everyone. I have a few posts about it I encourage you to check out ๐Ÿ™‚ If you have any other questions please let me know!

      Reply
  8. Avatar for AleaAlea

    April 8, 2014 at 9:52 pm

    What a fun trip! It looks like you were able to squeeze a lot of fun activities into your vacation.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Heart of a Philanthropist Blogger KimHeart of a Philanthropist Blogger Kim

    April 8, 2014 at 9:57 pm

    This post is so much fun! What does the grey stuff taste like? I want to go to DisneyWorld. My son wants to go to Legoland Florida. So, it looks like we may be vacationing there soon.

    Reply
    • Avatar for AshleyAshley

      April 9, 2014 at 1:02 pm

      Hi Kim, the grey stuff tastes like something sweet, not too sweet, light, and tasty. It’s kind of hard to describe but it is delicious!

      Reply
  10. Avatar for Gina BGina B

    April 9, 2014 at 10:34 am

    We have been about 6 times, since we HAD a baby. (She was just our excuse since she couldn’t enjoy much at 6 months old, lol!) OTOH, Disney LOVES babies, what a great time had even that first trip. What a lucky duck – to go during the Food & Wine Festival!! We’re going to have to plan that one one of these years ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Avatar for AshleyAshley

      April 9, 2014 at 1:03 pm

      Food & Wine was awesome! LOL on your excuse, I will make ANY excuse necessary to go to Disney World ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  11. Avatar for Mommy PehpotMommy Pehpot

    April 9, 2014 at 11:39 pm

    Disneyland is a dream destination for us.. hopefully next year! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Avatar for AshleyAshley

      April 10, 2014 at 9:52 am

      I have never been to Disneyland but I am looking forward to visiting when I finally making it out to the west coast in October

      Reply
  12. Avatar for kiakia

    April 10, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    What a robust trip. My kids are still young so I bet I would go without them if I had a choice at this point in time. Maybe when my youngest is at least 4.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Liza | @aMusingFoodieLiza | @aMusingFoodie

    April 14, 2014 at 7:30 pm

    I have never been to Disney World (or Land for that matter), so I can’t wait until we can afford to go as a family. Hopefully in the next few years!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Kristin @littlemamajamaKristin @littlemamajama

    April 15, 2014 at 10:56 pm

    Disney is just ridiculously fun. I’m so glad you made so many great memories!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for CensieCensie

    April 17, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    Cant wait to take our kids!!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Forest RoseForest Rose

    April 17, 2014 at 3:51 pm

    Disney is amazing! We went two years ago (I have 3 girls) We had to meet every princess that was available:-) Great Pictures. Thanks for sharing your memories.

    Reply
  17. Avatar for ashley pashley p

    April 17, 2014 at 6:37 pm

    we are big disney fans! We honeymooned there, and then a family vacay in 2011. My MIL actually just booked our next vacay today! (January 2015)

    Reply

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Avatar for ashley pAshley Saunders is a movie critic, writer, podcaster, and gamer from the Washington DC area who is always ready to travel.
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