Balance and Compromise--Keys To Copacetic Family Travel

Our family has been traveling for. . . years!  The boy's first airplane trip was when he was three weeks old.  Over the years, we've racked up lots of frequent flier miles and have had to make adjustments in our travel style and expectations due to the boy growing up and, well, us getting older.  Balance and compromise have become keys to copacetic family travel.

The boy at Vibe--Teen's Club on the Disney Dream

Freedom for the boy has been an area of balance and compromise since we took our first Disney cruise--he was 4--and we have been adjusting ever since.  I can remember him telling us, loudly, one morning on the ship as we were readying for a port adventure that he "just needed a few minutes in his club."  A few minutes in his club, the kids club on board, wasn't on the agenda at that moment and he was having difficulty adjusting.  Compromise on his part in that moment and yet compromise for us on future cruises giving him more time in his club and more freedom.  Now, when we sail, he has the run of the ship after a family dinner--usually joining us for the after dinner show, but not necessarily sitting with us--and then returning to the stateroom at 1:00 or 2:00 am, depending on when the club closes.  For the last two cruises, he has asked to join "after parties" and there has been no compromise on that issue--no.  The flip side of his expanded freedom on the ship is that the husband and I do more adult-centric activities.  Sometimes we do those together and sometimes separately, providing for more balance of "me" time while on vacation.

Freedom at Walt Disney World, given its expanse, has come slower.  The boy has gradually been granted more freedom to experience attractions, explore, navigate transportation, and enjoy resorts independently.  With cell phone in hand or pocket, he has responsibly communicated with us and reported at designated spots at appropriate times.  When he says, "I'll meet you at the resort," the husband and I know we can take our time traversing a theme park or other parts of the resort and meet him in our resort room upon our return.

Sleep--when and how much--can also be up for compromise.  The boy is at an age where he prefers to sleep a little longer in the morning.  We've adjusted a bit, having fewer early mornings or later mornings.  I prefer to go to sleep earlier, and not wait for the boy's return to our stateroom in the wee hours of the morning as an example, so the husband stays up reading, while I drift into slumber being rocked to sleep by the sea.  I may wake up earlier, too, and enjoy the quietness, even though we are still sharing space.

Eating.  Feeding the boy on a Disney Cruise Line ship is the easiest way to find compromise.  As he puts it, "free food 24/7."  He can eat pretty much whenever and mostly, whatever he wants.  We do insist on an evening family meal.

When at the Walt Disney World Resort, specific dining reservations give us time frames for when we eat, although there are choices as to what to eat.  The boy has freedom to chose from the menu or specials and typically selects quite well.  I made a suggestion at a restaurant, he agreed, and then ended up sending it back because he didn't like the dish.  If we are dining at a buffet restaurant, he has full reign to make his selections.

I'm anticipating that money will be the next area requiring balance and compromise.  The boy doesn't like spending his own money and has difficulty spending money in general.  He enjoys purchasing, just not the decision making and prioritizing that come with staying within a budget or limited amount of funds.

For our family, finding the right balance makes for a peaceful and happy family vacation.  We find that balance through continued compromise and negotiations.  Just because we've done something one way doesn't mean that there isn't another way to do something or that the boy is ready to navigate more independently.

In the meantime, the husband and I have discovered or re-discovered how much we enjoy activities for just the two of us.  I remember the boy telling us on one of our cruises that we needed to go to the adult sections of the ship, such as the pool, and explore.  He was giving us the message that he was ready to be by himself and wanted us to extra fun, too.

Checking In--What's It Like 15 Days Before Trip #14 to the Walt Disney World Resort

We are 15 days out from trip #14 to the Walt Disney World Resort.  The boy asked last night if I was packing his bag.  My reply—“No.  You’ll need to do that before you leave for camp.”  I think his question was more about how close are we to our trip and what needed to be done rather than whose job it was going to be to pack his bag.

Taking the "feelings" reading—it’s a combination of excitement, anticipation, and relaxation.  Maybe assuredness is more accurate. 

All is done except for putting needed items into suitcases.  I’ve got the matching shirt sets ready and a packing plan/list.

Our lengthy upcoming stay has allowed us to combine busy park days with more restful days, or as like to call it, “lazy Disney.”  Due to Fastpass+ and the ability to select return times for attractions prior to a trip and without physically being in the park, we have days in our trip itinerary that include water park visits or Disney Springs or just hanging at the resort followed by evenings at theme parks where we can still reserve a spot for and experience high demand attractions.  Nothing like walking into a park later in the day knowing that what you want to do is waiting for you! (Yeah, Disney, you can use that line!)

The battle of wills has already surfaced.  For me, a trip is about the experiences, including dining and photos.  I must admit that some photos are a quest—two being  fireworks photos and since water parks are on our itinerary, a wave photo in Typhoon Lagoon.  The boy is balking at the fireworks photo.  “We do that every year.  Do we have to do it again?”  Yes!  And, it has been since 2014, two years mind you, that we have had either of those photos taken.  The 13 year old eyes roll.  Yes, I know where he learned that.  I’m not above bribing to get what I want.  I know what he likes and I know his budget.  Negotiations and deals can be had!

Fireworks photo--July 2014

Wave photo at Typhoon Lagoon--as the wave was coming. . .you can see it in the background.

And as the wave hit!  So love Photopass Photographers!

The more weighty concerns are on the home front rather than the trip itself.  When we get to this point prior to our vacation, I have to re-think grocery shopping.  Just this morning, my thoughts wandered to strategizing about when to purchase lunch meat to make the sandwiches needed for the trip to Orlando.  Do we have enough milk to get us through?  When does the milk expire?  To top it off, the boy will be at Scout camp the week prior to us leaving so the grocery equation gets a bit more complicated.

Haircuts, orthodontist visits, and maybe a pedicure are also on the list in the coming days. 

Excitement.  Yeah, definitely, excitement!

Grateful For Our Disney Vacation Adventures!

Let's all be Wilderness Explorers!

This post is coming from a place of gratitude.  We are very fortunate to have had so many Disney vacation adventures in a short amount of time.

Let's recap the last year:

July 2015--We took a trip out west for a grand summer vacation that included stays at two Disneyland Resort Hotels and a week-end at Legoland.  We learned so much on this trip!  A highlight was the Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour at Disneyland's Magic Kingdom.  Click here to read more.

Legoland--we stayed at the Legoland Hotel

Disneyland's Magic Kingdom--celebrating 60 years

Inside Walt Disney's Apartment on Main Street, U.S.A in Disneyland.

Disney's California Adventure!

December 2015--Disney Cruise #7.  Our second sailing on the Disney Fantasy and our second New Year's Eve cruise.  Highlights include the boy getting himself on stage during the magic show in the Walt Disney Theater, multiple Star Wars movie viewings, and New Year's Day on Castaway Cay.  I got out my water shoes the other day and they still hand sand on them from Castaway Cay--a slice of paradise!

Fun in the Port Terminal prior to boarding.

Castaway Club Reception--Meeting the ship's Captain

The husband DID ride the AquaDuck with me!

New Year's Eve.  Hats provided by Disney Cruise Line.

New Year's Day on Castaway Cay!

February 2016--A Big Birthday trip to Walt Disney World.  I cannot think of a better way to celebrate a birthday.  Fireworks, special treats, and many people wishing me a Happy Birthday.  Highlights from this trip include being chosen to open Magic Kingdom, the boy being picked for Lights, Motors, Action!, Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour, Star Wars fireworks and character greetings at Hollywood Studios, and purchasing our first Annual Passes.

The boy on the big screen at Lights, Motors, Action!

Opening Magic Kingdom!

Chewbacca for the hug!

Birthday cupcake!

Birthday Cake!

Birthday ice cream!

Nothing beats a family hug in the Magic Kingdom!

The husband with our Annual Passes! 

Yes, we get to go often to the places that some people only dream of going.  Is it always easy? No.  Each day we make decisions based on our priorities--family vacations are the priority for us.  Every family has different priorities--no right or wrong--just different.  Something I appreciate is that the husband and I are on the same page when it comes to priorities for our family.  I can imagine that could emerge if that was not the case.

For anyone dreaming of a Disney vacation, know that Walt believed that dreams really can come true!

What Am I Most Looking Forward To. . . A Top 10 List

The other day, the boy tipped his hand and indicated that out of all of our upcoming trips, he is most looking forward to Legoland.  That got me thinking. . . What am I most looking forward to?

Being the planner, this question is a hard one for me.  My role is to find out what the rest of my traveling party wants and plan accordingly, throwing in a few surprises here and there—like last summer when the husband and the boy had no idea about the FROZEN Summer Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  I didn’t tell them and instead, snuck in visits to what were some of our favorite parts of our vacation.

Okay, back to the question.  To answer requires a top 10.  Here are the top 10 things (in no particular order) I am looking forward to from all of our vacations happening this year including Disneyland, Legoland, Walt Disney World, and a 7-night cruise on the Disney Fantasy:

1.         A non-stop, direct flight to L.A.  No connections, no traversing an airport to find the gate for the connecting flight.  Even after studying airport maps on the back pages of the airline magazines in the pocket in front of me, I still do not like the disorienting feeling of emerging from the jetway and figuring out which way to turn to find flights displayed on the screen, the nearest bathroom, and which way to go to get to the next gate.  (I have found following the people in front of me and asking airline staff has been helpful.)

2.         The parks being a hop, skip, and jump from our resorts at Disneyland.  I know it is really more than that, but comparing to the proximity of resorts to the them parks at Walt Disney World, I know it will seem that way.

3.         Being at Disneyland for its 60^th Anniversary Celebration.  We didn’t know this when we originally planned our trip, so all the special activities are a bonus!

4.         Walt Disney World decorated for the holidays.  I am especially missing the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.  If I can get into the middle of millions of dancing lights, hear the music, and get some photos taken, our trip will be worth it.  Get me to the dancing lights!

5.         Castaway Cay!

6.         The Legoland Hotel—the amenities, entertainment, bunk bed set up, and free breakfast are a big draw.

7.         Legoland Water park.  I find myself looking more forward to the water park than the theme park.  We’ll see which one I like more. . .

8.         Photos!  Of all of it!

9.         Hearing “Welcome aboard, the Williams Family!”  I never get tired of hearing that!

10.       Spending time with my family—fellow adventurers—and making more memories.

Guess I could add an 11^th and that is being able to take family vacations to Disneyland, Legoland, Walt Disney World, and a Disney Cruise all in one year!

Why We Make Family Vacations A Priority

Kids grow up fast!  And, that’s one reason why I’m glad that we have made family vacations a tradition. 

The husband has fond memories of annual treks to Minnesota and other travels. . . to California and Colorado for example.  I can recall two family vacations from childhood—Florida and Pennsylvania—but do remember my grandparents taking me to other nearby destinations for day trips.  When I got older, I traveled with student groups and friends.  The husband’s tradition of family vacations has seeped into our family, even though the destinations have changed.

Here are some reasons we have made family vacations a tradition, a priority:

• Memories!  Wow—we have lots of them and they are shared.  The stories and photos last a long, long time.
• Fun!  Family vacations are a great time to let loose and have some fun.  The family that plays together stays together.
• You have to be “present.”  At home, it’s easy to get distracted with chores, duties, responsibilities, as well as escapes such as TV, computers, and phones.  On vacation, the mere fact that you are most likely removed from those distracters means that you can be “present” in the moment to listen, connect, and enjoy.
• Seeing family members in a different light.  At home, I’m the problem solver, but on vacation it can be any one of us.  The husband has dealt with baggage handlers and hotel services and the boy has navigated queue lines and menus.
• There is some learning, too.  Destinations require research and the whole family gets involved learning the ins and outs as well as helping with the planning.

Family vacations don’t have to break the bank and can happen during any time of the year, any season.  And, if your family can’t agree to a destination—compromise.  Now, go ahead, make some memories!

Common Disney Travel Misconceptions

Helping others plan their Disney trips brings me great joy and I had the opportunity to do that just the other day—in person—rather than via the Williams Family Blog.  The only thing better is our own family’s vacation!

What made me smile and cringe all at the same time was that I knew parade times at various parks and good viewing locations among other things.  It’s a little “sick” isn’t it?  The husband disagrees, so that makes me feel better.

The person I was helping is going to Disney for the second time.  Our conversation about their first trip got me thinking about first time travelers in general and some common misconceptions.

• Walt Disney World is 40 minutes or so from Orlando International Airport.  If you are taking Disney’s Magical Express to get to your resort, plan on waiting a bit to get on the bus, the drive, and possible stops at other resorts to drop off guests.  Give yourself at least 3 hours between the time your plane lands until you have to or plan to be somewhere like a park or an ADR—the more time the better.  And better yet, don’t make any ADR’s for your arrival day as planes are known to be late.  This will reduce the worry and stress for the first day of your vacation.  Who wants to start a vacation that way?
• It will be hot—most of the year, and crowded—most of the time, so plan for it.  It’s Orlando and Magic Kingdom had over 17 million visitors last year.
• You will not be able to do/see it all—just know this and plan to return or just be okay with what you get done.  This was something I was impressed with when helping to plan the other day as their family was admittedly overwhelmed on their first day when going to Animal Kingdom.  They did three things and one of them included a picture in front of the Tree of Life, so Animal Kingdom is top on their list for this trip.  Now, some folks would get so frustrated about the cost of that one day and not getting the most out of their money that they may not return to Disney, but not these folks.  They are troopers and realize that Disney can be overwhelming, but if you plan and pace yourself, you can do it!  Good for them!
• There will be moments of frustration and feeling overwhelmed.  It’s a sign that it is time for a break—either from the parks, walking, or each other.  I’ve written before about taking a break from your family members during a vacation, even it means just splitting up for a bit to take in different attractions, etc.  We have all seen and heard people who aren’t handling these feelings very well and it quickly takes the magic out of their vacation for their family and those within earshot.  Don’t be that person or that family.  Even after 9 trips, our family still has those moments.  On our last trip, it was our arrival day—spills in the airport, closed bathrooms, losing the boy in the airport, difficulty finding our room at the resort, etc.  So, we headed to the resort pool—the boy and husband went first which gave me a moment to myself and then I joined.  The husband had his book to read and we eventually got a bite to eat.  This was our “break” and it worked like a charm.  But hey, we got it all out of the way on the first day and the rest was cake.  It really was!
• There will be waiting.  Attractions, parades, shows, food, buses, monorails, trains, park openings, boats, or someone from your party to use the restroom will all require waiting.  If you are taking a Disney Cruise vacation there will be waiting to board the ship, for shows to start, characters, and for shore excursions.  Practice waiting gracefully.  It will serve you well.
• Weather will happen, you decide whether it hinders your vacation or not.  We’ve experienced cold—like cold enough to snow, rain, and extreme warmth.  We prepared as best we could and soldiered on with smiles and enjoyed our vacation.  On our first trip, the temps dropped and we weren’t prepared as I had only packed one long sleeve shirt for each of us.  While the husband and I were okay, the boy ended up wearing that same long sleeve t-shirt under his other clothes almost every day of the trip.  I did get a pair of Mickey gloves out of the deal and still use them all winter.

Combine all of the above with some realistic expectations, a positive attitude, sense of wonder, and ability to have fun and you are sure to have a magical Disney vacation.

Ways To Save For Family Vacations

I just read an alarming statistic.  According to Bankrate.com the typical family with children under the age of 6 spends $239 per month going out to eat.  What? 

The context of the article was about saving money for a family vacation or summer vacation and included various ideas for reducing every day expenses so that more money could be directed towards the vacation fund.  To combat the funds being used for dining out, the article suggested eating meals at home or having a “pantry” week where you don’t go to the grocery store and just eat from the supplies you already have at home.  Both ideas seem reasonable at least to me.

Let’s start with the $239 per month for dining out.  While our child is now 9 and the article didn’t give any statistics about families with children over 6, I’m guessing the monthly amount increases.  I’m envisioning this money being spent on quick meals at drive-through restaurants and pizza nights in addition to an every now and then family goes into a restaurant for a sit down meal.  As children get older and are involved in more activities on week-ends and after schools, I imagine that the dining out gets more frequent.

The frugal side of me just can’t seem to grasp this concept.  Yes, there are times when it would be easier or more convenient to hit a drive-through than to prepare a quick meal.  For example, earlier this spring, the boy was involved in play.  Rehearsals began at 6:00 pm.  At least one night a week he also had swimming lessons which ran from 4:30-5:15.  The locations for the swimming lessons and rehearsals were 2 blocks apart.  So, a sack dinner was prepared in advance for both the boy and the husband—who typically took him to swim lessons and then rehearsal—so that they could both eat before rehearsal.  Imagine the savings from doing that for 6 weeks in addition to the gas savings of driving to/from a drive-through to purchase meals. 

When the calendar calls for a particularly busy week of activities, I cook ahead over the week-end—getting the most out of my oven use by baking a ham, chicken breasts, potatoes, muffins, and anything else that might be beneficial for the week.  This makes it easier to prepare meals at home or for on the go throughout the rest of the week. 

So, our family has mostly mastered the “eat at home” for savings concept.

Now let’s tackle the “pantry” week.  I’m going to add “freezer” to the pantry category.  We typically do this especially before a vacation when going to the grocery store seems frivolous.  (I get even more frugal right before a trip.)  Since I stock up on sale items, the husband was making fun of the number of cans of pork-n-beans on our pantry shelves.  I was banned from buying any more even when they were a great deal.  Just last night he joked about some militia coming because we were hoarding food and if they took it we would still be left with cans of beans.  I reminded him of the uneasy feeling he gets when the shelves are bare.  And, just last night, I did a little shopping for food in our “freezer” and found bacon and shredded cheese.

Yep, we’ve got the idea of a “pantry” week that minimizes grocery shopping.

Other ideas the article had for reducing everyday costs to support vacation funds were:

• Reduce subscription services—such as cell phone, cable, etc. We’ve maximized our savings with all the discounts we could find to apply to our monthly cell phone bill.  In addition to the monthly “points” that can be used for products and services, we get a 25% discount by combining various discounts for our carrier.  As far as the cable bill, I phone our company at least once a year to negotiate the price for our cable/phone/internet package.  I then lock in a discounted price by agreeing to a length of service.  If I disconnect service before the end of the agreement, I would pay a penalty.  Win/Win—the cable company knows they are going to get paid and I get a reduced rate for services.  The last time, I negotiated for a two year term of service.  No more surprises when opening the bill either!
• Sell your stuff.  A garage sale may be on the agenda for later this summer!
• Consider cutting back on non-essentials—like going to the movies.  This is similar to the “eat at home” idea for reducing costs.  Our movie going is infrequent.  The husband and the boy did go see The Avengers but they went during a matinee, which is less expensive, and I stayed home which reduced admission costs.  Manicures and pedicures might fall into this category, too.  I went all last year without a pedicure.  I did get one recently as I received a gift card for Mother’s Day and used it to treat myself to a pedicure.
• Use your tax refund now—meaning that you change your withholding on your W-4 to reduce the amount of taxes being withheld from your paycheck.  Your paycheck will increase almost immediately.  Do the math carefully as there is a fine balance as you don’t want to end up paying taxes if not enough is taken out.  We made this change a year ago.  We did not have to pay taxes, but our refund was smaller as we had that money monthly on our paychecks.
• Use rewards and miles from credit cards to support your trip.  We have taken advantage of frequent flier miles and frequent stayer incentives to support our travel and help us save money.  My advice—sign up for frequent flier programs and frequent stayer programs on your very first flight or stay—or even before.  We are flying US Air for our next trip and have already signed up for their frequent flier program and have it attached to our flight reservations.  Often people think it isn’t worth it or that they aren’t going to do this again or they will sign up next time.  It is easier to get points/miles for flights if you are signed up before than during or after your flight as you have to provide boarding passes as proof of flights.  Sign-up early!

The boy’s first flight was when he was three weeks old and the husband and I had been traveling before that and we’ve continued ever since.  It’s a priority for us to save money for family vacations and we have learned a thing or two along the way and continue to learn something from each trip or experience.  If you have a special travel savings tip, please share with us via comments.

Airlines Impose Seat Assignment Fees

The Associated Press released an article yesterday about airlines adding or increasing fees for seat assignments on flights possibly forcing family vacationers to be separated during flights.  Click here to read the article.

The premise is that airlines want to cater to their “bread and butter” or frequent fliers so to speak.  The airlines will hold back blocks of seats and offer them at an increased charge or to the frequent fliers.  Passengers who refuse to pay the fee for an assigned seat or don’t know they need to pay a fee may separated from their traveling party throughout the plane.

We have a frequent flier account with multiple airlines and the boy has racked up enough miles to keep us in magazine subscriptions.  We have yet to be burdened by the extra fees for seat assignments.  And, as a family of 3 we most likely have an advantage over larger families.  Yet, I’m having difficulty swallowing this concept.

As the article states, the airlines can only take this so far.  The tipping point may be when frequent fliers are having to supervise children who are separated from their parents during flights.  Maybe the article needs to be re-titled “Airlines Offer Free Babysitting or Child Care During Flights.”  I’m envisioning an episode of Modern Family where the children are scattered in seats throughout the plane and annoying the passengers who paid extra for their assigned seats or the frequent fliers in the aisle or window seats.  At what point will those folks want their money back when they offer to give up a pre-paid premium seat to a parent who has been separated from their child? 

I also envision a David Kelley written episode of Harry’s Law in which something happens to a child who is seated away from their parents and the parents decide to sue the airline.

Though I write this tongue in cheek, I know that some parents will be just fine with their child sitting somewhere else on an airplane and it will be up to the flight attendants and passengers to work it out.  Those who have pre-paid for a specific seat most likely will not want to move without some form of compensation.  Either that or be seated next to an unaccompanied minor. 

When we were at the airport waiting for our flight home from our last trip, there was a television show being broadcast that was about saving money.  I remember it was a man who was hosting, but I don’t remember the name of the show.  He pointed out to the airlines, that instead of spending money to refit planes with larger overhead bin compartments, that it would be more cost effective to stop charging for checked bags.  Hmm. . . What a concept!  And, while the airlines haven’t bought into the logic yet, maybe they will eventually see the error of their ways with customer complaints with the new fees for seats policy.

We Are Now THAT Family

Growing up, my family took a handful of vacations by car.  I can recall driving from the Midwest to Pennsylvania one summer and Florida—to go to Walt Disney World, another summer.  Some trips were just a few hours away such as Kansas City, St. Louis, or Chicago.  While I only can recall bits of the memory, I’m told I flew with my uncle to New Jersey to visit cousins when I was 4.  It wasn’t until I reached high school that I flew again and haven’t stopped flying since!

On one of those high school flights, I noticed a family—mom, dad, small children. . . boys I think—dressed neatly and comfortably.  They seemed like such a cohesive unit from an onlooker’s perspective.  I remember wanting to be like that when I grew up.  I wanted a family like that; a family that traveled together..  That memory has stuck with me for a long time;  for years.  That mental picture hanging on the memory walls guiding goals and wishes, so clear I could tell you which side of the plane the family was sitting on.

Well, on the flight home from our last trip, it dawned on me.  We are THAT family. 

It first hit me when we boarded our nonstop flight after a delay at the gate that included changing planes due to an electrical problem.  No problem.  The plane got exchanged and we boarded soon thereafter.  Then, once loaded, the plane backed away from the gate, only to return minutes later with an announcement that there were still problems.  The feeling on the plane changed from one of expectancy to one of anxiety.  Cell phones were being powered on and not-so-hushed conversations were taking place throughout the aircraft.  Except our row, well, at least our side of the row. 

We were fine.  The husband had a worried tone and I reminded him that we had everything we needed right there.  I then whipped out one of the two tubs of snacks from our bag, put down the tray table, and proceeded to enjoy the happenings of both passengers and crew.  The boy was immersed in a handheld game.  He was aware of the situation and I like to think that my calm handling of the situation helped him to relax.  Truly, we did have everything we needed;  each other. 

There was no one we needed to contact about picking us up at the airport.  We were flying home on a Saturday and didn’t have to be at work until Mohday, so there wasn’t a time crunch.  Our pets were being taken care of and the weather was spring like both in Orlando and at home.  Our luggage was checked.  We had necessary items with us on the plane.  No worries.

We did eventually take off and we’re an hour late reaching our final destination.  What troubled me the most was thinking of the passengers waiting at the airport for the plane that would take them to Orlando.  Their vacations were going to be delayed!

Yet the whole experience brought back the memories of the flight with that family that I so wanted to be like and I was able to have that realization that my family, the three of us, are now THAT family!

The Disney Bubble

Have you heard of the Disney bubble?  If yes, then you know what it means to be completely immersed in magic, service, fun, adventure, and family.  If not, then let me try to explain the phenomenon of the Disney bubble and how it feels to go in and come out.

I was reminded of the Disney bubble by my husband as when I returned home from work the other day, I couldn’t wait to be inside our home, away from the rest of the world; cocooned.  I told him that coming home that evening was similar to the feeling of being in the Disney bubble.  He then told me the Disney bubble would be a good topic for the blog.  So here it goes. . .

The Disney bubble is the state and feeling of being removed from the real world.  “Leave your troubles and your worries far behind. . .” as the song goes.  It is being isolated, but not alone or lonely.

We begin to experience the state and/or feeling when we all get in the car and head off on vacation.  Somewhat removed, but still having access to news, newspapers, cell phone connectivity, etc.  Since the cell phones go off when we board the airplane, the feeling of being inside the bubble increases. . . but it is not yet a Disney bubble.  Once we board our Magical Express bus to our resort, we have entered the Disney bubble surrounded by all things Disney.  It is a feeling of relaxation, excitement, and anticipation all rolled into one!

From that point on, we are in control of what permeates the membrane of the Disney bubble.  News?  Not usually.  Only the weather report.  Newspaper?  Nope.  Computer?  I did check e-mail a couple of times on our last trip using the free Wi-Fi at the resort.  I didn’t search anything else, though.  Contact from home?  A handful of text messages, and 1-2 phone calls. . . just to check-in. 

We typically don’t leave the Disney bubble until we are back at the airport waiting for our flight back home.  The re-entry into the real world can be painful, almost shocking sometimes.  It’s being re-exposed to news of the world, weather in other parts of the country, and service outside of the Disney bubble.  I can remember us standing outside of the cruise terminal in San Pedro, California, luggage at our sides, waiting for a hotel shuttle that said they would be there in 30 minutes or so.  The husband turned to me and said, “Well, that’s the end of Disney service.”  Yeah!  I can also remember on trip when we returned to Orlando International Airport for our flight home, Sarah Palin’s name was in the news and we hadn’t even heard of her before our trip.  Talk about a feeling of time warp!

Staying in a Walt Disney Resort helps keeps our vacation within the Disney bubble.  Some guest venture out of the Disney bubble voluntarily.  Not us.

There’s a Disney bubble while cruising with Disney, too, but you exit the bubble during shore excursions.  While shore excursions, also known as port adventures, are offered and purchased through Disney Cruise Line, they are not operated by DCL, but outside vendors.  Sometimes dealing with the outside vendors temporarily pops the Disney bubble, but another bubble forms once back on board the ship.  That’s what makes Castaway Cay such a tranquil experience; being on shore and still being in the Disney bubble.

Cocooned describes the feeling and state of the Disney bubble best; cocooned in service, fun, adventure, convenience, efficiency, and magic.  Who wouldn’t want that?

Just Ordered Custom Photo Checks!

The picture above along with three more from our most recent trip to Walt Disney World is going to appear on customized photo checks that I just ordered.

Ordering the custom photo checks was easy at 4checks.com.  There’s even a significant discount for first time customers—just check the “Special Offers.”

If you are an Ebates.com user, and click on Ebates.com first, you will also get 12.5% back when you make your purchase.

I just couldn’t resist customizing checks with four photos from our vacation, but you can upload any photos to make the checks.  There is even an opportunity to “edit” your uploaded photos as to how they will appear on the checks.

Customized photo checks!  Who knew?

Expectations For Magic On A Walt Disney World Vacation

There are no greater expectations than when guests visit Walt Disney World.  So true.  Shows about Walt Disney World on the Travel Channel will tell you the same thing.  The commercials for Walt Disney World, including the homemade videos of children and families so excited to make their way to the most magical place on earth, support the same message. 

For most families, a visit is a once in a lifetime trip.  A put all your eggs in one basket scenario.  Parents plan and children dream of a magical, perfect (whatever that is) visit to Walt Disney World.

But what happens when the trip isn’t as magical as expected?  What if the magic moments never materialize?  What if a family returns home having a horrible time, wishes they had never gone, and won’t be returning?  It can happen.  We’ve had friends who’ve had this type of experience with a Walt Disney World trip, unfortunately.

Let me begin with the suggestion that Walt Disney World hosts nearly 40 million visitors annually and it is in Florida.  Crowds and heat are going to be part of the equation almost year around.  If that is something that will melt your family or cause meltdowns, then Walt Disney World may not be the best vacation destination for your family.  Knowing that ahead of time and not falling prey to peer pressure or outside expectations that “all children must go to Walt Disney World” at some time in their childhood may save some families the hassle of going and having less than a magical experience.  Still take a vacation—that’s what memories are made of—just consider a cabin by a lake or a hotel on a beach or something else your family might like. (Note:  Disney offers both of those suggestions.)

It is also helpful if everyone in your family is on the same page, so to speak, about a trip to Walt Disney World.  If everyone isn’t behind the concept, then unpleasantness may abound.  That one person who is going to be miserable may make everyone else’s vacation miserable.  Either leave that person at home, or offer a compromise.  Something like, “Okay, your ideal vacation includes golfing.  After spending the morning in a park with the family, take the afternoon and go golfing at one of the many Disney golf courses.  We’ll meet you for dinner.”  There are times when our family splits up to make sure people get to do what they want.  For example, on our last trip, the boy and husband went to Star Tours.  I grabbed a snack and seats for Indiana Jones.  When I told the husband where I would be sitting, he said, “I know.  Down on the left.”  Yep, that’s where I was and had snacks for the crew.

If, upon reflection, your family is still poised and ready to take on the World, the next step is planning.  Yes, I know, it’s a vacation.  The idea of planning on and for a vacation sound ludicrous.  But trust me, if you want to get the most out of your vacation dollar and not be the parent screaming “this vacation cost a lot of money and you’re/we’re going to do. . .” at your child(ren) then planning is key.  After deciding when you’re going, how you are getting there, where you are staying, come the details.  Which park on which day?  Where to eat and when?  How to use Fastpass.  How to use Disney transportation.  You would be amazed to see how many people follow us at Orlando International Airport from the plane to the Disney’s Magical Express Check-in. (It's most likely the Disney lanyards and matching shirts that give them the clue of where we are going!)

Prepping the children is another key component of planning.  We have seen children gladly ride Dumbo as the child can see what the ride entails, but then refuse to go on Peter Pan’s Flight, as the ride itself is hidden to guests’ views.  This is where books and videos come in.  There are many books available for kids to read about Walt Disney World.  The Guide to the Magic for Kids was part of our bedtime reading before several trips.  YouTube offers many ride through videos of attractions so kids can see what they are getting themselves into.  Having the kids learn about Walt Disney World helps to build their excitement.

Once you arrive, have a daily plan.  We start with the first 3 attractions or things, then wing it from there, except for Advance Dining Reservations (ADR’s), leaving plenty of room for magic.

Yes, there are Walt Disney World guests that go without plans, but trust me, they are veterans.  They are repeat travelers, not first timers.  And, if this trip is your family’s once in a lifetime adventure, then planning is essential.

Now, about the magic.  This is a more elusive concept.  Yes, Walt Disney World is magical and magical things happen, but what we have found is that we make our own magic.  And, when we are making our own magic, even more magical things happen.  Some of our magic comes from other guests—on our last trip one guest told us we glowed.  What a compliment!  Another guest, who saw us later in the day, said she had seen us meeting Mike and Sully and that we looked like we were fun.  I would like to think that we are fun.  She made our day!  We try to help make magic for other guests by helping, offering suggestions to first timers, etc.  We were selected to do something special at Animal Kingdom this last trip and the husband grabbed another family to join us.  Some magic comes from Cast Members who share a tip, interact positively with guests, provide great service with a smile, or sprinkle pixie dust.

So, showing up with an “I’m here. Make some magic,” attitude isn’t going to create magic and most likely, magical experiences will not happen.

It breaks my heart a bit to write that Walt Disney World may not be for everyone, especially if it isn’t going to be a pleasant experience.  Yet, a trip to the most magical place on earth can be memorable. . . and magical!