09/07/2024
As we head home from WDW today, there are a few things I’d like to share:
1. In my opinion, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is worth the extra money. We always get so much done and the atmosphere is so fun, even for your littlest spooks. We also enjoy the Christmas party. There are lots of discounts and promotions going on right now if you’re on the fence about experiencing any of these special events in the next year and want to hear more!
2. The Animation Experience at Conservation Station is a fun and free activity that all my kids love at Animal Kingdom’s Rafiki’s Planet Watch. We do this every visit, and I collect and compare their drawings from year to year. I hang them in our playroom, and they love to watch their progress as they grow. Their artwork makes sweet, free souvenirs! And yes, if you’re wondering, my kids all love the rides and roller coasters too, but this experience is worth fitting into your schedule. This year, the artist gave us his sketch to take home.
3. Try the Night Blossom at Pongu Pongu in Pandora — The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom. Also try a Turkey Leg at Magic Kingdom just to say you’ve done it. 😉
4. Bring plastic straws. Just trust me on this. Add it to your packing list now.
5. Check out Sam’s and Costco for cute Disney clothing and merchandise. I got my pjs and Sylvie’s newest Rapunzel dress from Sam’s a couple of weeks ago. You can also purchase discounted gift cards there.
6. If you ask my children what a favorite part of their Disney experience is, they’ll tell you about the small gifts Tinker Bell leaves for them to find each morning. These are usually small things that they can use at the parks or in the room. Ask me, and I’ll be happy to share more about this. The girls received crossbody bags, stick on patches to decorate their bags with, and hair tinsel, which they wore all week. Graham received Pop Darts from her on our last morning. Because of these treats, we rarely buy souvenirs at expensive prices at the parks.
7. Another fun tradition for our trips is that my children each have a snack box and earn car bucks on the long drive down (10 hours of driving plus stops). I read a blog about these years ago, and we adopted the idea. Again, ask me and I’ll be happy to share more details about how we use this system. Here is the blog: https://www.upliftingmayhem.com/car-bucks-printable-for-kids/
8. Last but not least, I want to point out that the best dads push strollers and wear Matilda Jane backpacks through the parks. If you have a guy like this, this is your friendly reminder to be sure to thank him for all he does.
If you’re thinking about visiting Disney or Universal (I’ll be there in again in 2 weeks 😉), please reach out. I’d love to help you plan. These magical moments with my family turn into the happiest memories that I’ll always cherish. I’d be honored to help you experience the same!