Splitting Up While At Walt Disney World--Point and Counterpoint

From the Husband’s Perspective:

My lovely wife really loved the Frozen sing along so much that she wanted to see it again. I enjoyed it but not enough to see it a second time. The boy claimed he hated most of it. Our brand new teenage son thought it was too girlish. What to do? How about splitting up for a little bit?

This decision worked out great for several reasons. The first one is that the vacationing Williams Family members need a smidge of time away from each other’s company. For me it gives my brain a chance to re-set. I can have a “guy” relationship with the boy which is slightly different when the spouse is about.

Slumbering fellas

Then there is sleeping in. Usually the Williams Family gets up early so we can do our favorite rides and attractions at the parks before it gets too crowded and not have to use  the coveted Fast Pass. Doing this several days in a row does wear me down. The opportunity for extra “Z”s was nice. The boy and I also were allowed to putz around the room a bit.

We can do some non scheduled stuff. Don’t get me wrong. I love the tremendous effort my spouse puts forth organizing and deciding so we get the most fun out of our trips. Going off script does allow the Williams Family to appreciate the little things of the vacation. The wife enjoyed the people watching in the Frozen audience as much as the show itself. The boy and I explored our resort and talking to Star Wars cast members at Hollywood Studios before reconnecting with my better half.

When the Williams Family got back together we shared our separate experiences and proceeded to have a magical day.

From my perspective:

On this particular day, we had NO plans—other than dinner.  Options for our day included Disney Springs, miniature golf, hanging by the pool.  I know that sounds like plans, but they weren’t firm, no times, no order of events, just suggestions.

I was already up and decided to shower and get ready.  Then, I checked my phone.  There were Fastpasses available for the FROZEN Sing-Along at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 10:00 (which I thought meant the show was at 10:00) and I snagged them. 

So, I let the slumbering guys know that I was taken off.  I would grab some breakfast at Studios, they could get breakfast at Pepper Market and meet me at Studios around 10:30. 

The husband mumbled a few questions including asking if I had laid their clothes out.  Yes.

My Trolley Car Cafe breakfast!

Out the door to the bus stop, on the bus and headed to the park, and I arrived just shortly after 9:00 am, when the park opened.  Breakfast—I went to Starring Rolls Café but nothing was appetizing, so I hopped across the street to The Trolley Car Café, sponsored by Starbucks, and ordered breakfast.  It was lovely dining on the umbrella tables just outside the café. 

When I finished, around 9:30 am, I headed to the Hyperion Theater, where the FROZEN Sing-Along takes place and discovered the first show was at 10:30 am, not 10:00.  Sent the husband a text—that I wouldn’t be able to meet until shortly after 11:00 and then got in line for The Great Movie Ride which had minimal wait.  Oh, and I met Max who was greeting guests just outside the theater.  You know who Max is, right?  He’s Goofy’s son!

Exited The Great Movie Ride just in time to queue up for the show, using the Fastpass entrance which is around the corner from the stand-by entrance.

By this time the guys had gone to breakfast.  I had sent some reminder texts—be sure to tell the bus driver you’re getting off at stop 1 (we had had a transportation issue on another day while traveling to breakfast).  March of the First Order was happening at 11:00—we had only seen a few seconds of it on another day as it had started raining.

I got a great seat for the show and did a Live Facebook feed.  This show really is cool—pun somewhat intended—and the jokes are very timely.  It reminded me of the Aladdin show at Disneyland last summer. 

I had a text from the husband that they were watching March of the First Order.  I messaged back—show over, going to the bathroom, meet you there.  Actually, I could see them in the crowd as I headed to the restroom, so they were easy to find.

When we met up, we had a few photos taken on the way out of the park, ordered large glasses of ice water at The Trolley Car Café, and then caught a boat to the Swan and Dolphin so we could walk across the street for some miniature golf.

Why splitting up worked:

• We weren’t worried about using a day of park ticket.  Because we have Annual Passes, we can come and go to any park on any day. 
• Everyone was familiar with the transportation system, the park, everything.  If there was uncertainty, splitting up would have been harder.
• Cell phones.  We kept each other informed.

While I certainly enjoy traveling and touring with my family, going solo was freeing.  I felt light and nimble, not having to be concerned if the people who usually follow me were following.  I didn’t have to announce the next destination and wait for any feedback, I just decided and went on my way.  And, it was a great opportunity for the husband and boy to navigate without me.