Child Bricker’s first Christmas-time journey to Walt Disney World was unbelievable and enjoyable…however not flawless. This covers the errors we made and classes realized alongside the best way, together with different ideas concerning the good & dangerous of our household trip to WDW with a toddler and actionable recommendation for different mother and father.
Our intention was/is to do photograph stories following each household journey we make to Walt Disney World, just like our ‘mum or dad fails’ from Child Bricker’s first WDW journey – half 1 and half 2. We additionally shared ‘what went proper’ throughout our household journey – half 1 and half 2. These posts had been well-received by readers, each as recaps of our journey and teachable moments for different new mother and father.
Nevertheless, it’s been a busy month-plus for us, Christmas is fast-approaching, and I’ve a backlog of (actually) three-dozen posts. Lots of these are touring subject exams which have a shelf life (so the clock is ticking on writing them!) and lots of others have sensible planning recommendation. So they appear extra helpful than my musings about our journey, particularly since most of the “classes” we “realized” had been actually extra like good reminders, anyway. Right here goes with the record of little classes/reminders so you may be taught from our errors/experiences, or just hear about some features of our WDW Christmas journey, because the case could also be.
Life Comes at You Quick
We beforehand talked about that Megatron took her first unassisted steps within the parks shortly earlier than Thanksgiving. It was a serious milestone, to make sure, however progress isn’t linear. She solely did that on a few events, and after we received again residence, she not wished to stroll with out holding one in every of our fingers.
Quick-forward to the top of a protracted journey day that culminated in us lastly arriving in our Cabin at Fort Wilderness. After throwing our stuff in storage spots and getting the requisite room images and movies for a forthcoming assessment, we crashed. Megatron had different concepts.
As a substitute of crawling round a bit or, you understand, falling asleep after being up since 4 am, Megatron explodes in a burst of velocity that will make her namesake proud.
She was zooming everywhere in the cabin, strolling with out help. It was not like something we had seen earlier than. Nicely, I imply, we’ve seen individuals stroll earlier than. However we hadn’t seen this out of her. She isn’t simply taking a couple of tentative steps at a time, she’s operating round with a slightly-misplaced sense of confidence.
Clearly, I don’t want to clarify this to oldsters, however toddlers strolling independently is a gamechanger. All through the remainder of the journey, she oscillated between eager to stroll all by herself with zero help (~75% of the time) and really a lot wanting our fingers (~25% of the time). RIP babywearing, as she went from loving that to fully rejecting it within the span of some days.
Forged Members are the Magic
That was a fairly superior evening one shock, however the enjoyable didn’t finish there. After Megatron closed her rings operating round our Cabin at Fort Wilderness (and totally dirtied her ft), we headed out for dinner at Crockett’s Tavern. She made a number of associates with the Forged Members there and we had an incredibly good meal.
After that, we made our method over to Tri-Circle-D Ranch, which is open late this time of yr because of the Vacation Sleigh Rides. As talked about beforehand, she and I watched “A Horse’s Story” on the in-flight rest video display screen throughout a latest long-haul flight to assist preserve her colm. Megatron construed these creatures because the “cat-cats,” so I wished her to see the true factor.
Nicely, she couldn’t see the true factor as a result of she and Cinderella’s Ponies are each on the brief aspect, and a taller barrier separated them from one another. So I did what any good dad would do and lifted her above my head, Lion King model. Inside a minute or two, a supervisor seems out of nowhere. He tells us that he was on his lunch break and noticed us on the digicam (uh oh…?), and our daughter’s response to the horse was lovely, so he wished to let her see one up shut–and pet one.
Once I talked about just lately that Disney has “received me…hook, line and sinker” that is precisely the kind of factor I’m speaking about. It’s not simply strolling by means of the fort, seeing an incredible attraction, and so forth. It’s the individuals. Time and time once more on this journey, Forged Members had been the difference-makers and several other of our most memorable moments had been both interactions or them making magic for us–or each.
I hesitate to share particular examples as a result of I’m delicate of being a ‘blueprint’ for others making an attempt to take advantage of Forged Member generosity (a ‘no good deed goes unpunished’ kinda deal). The underside line is that Forged Members had been unbelievable for us on this journey. That’s at all times been the case, however we’re positively discovering it extra true now that we’ve a daughter.
It’s probably not actionable recommendation, however our suggestion right here could be the reverse of utilizing this as a blueprint in your personal journey. Don’t go in anticipating something. Forged Members don’t owe anybody “additional” magic. From what we’ve seen, entitled attitudes are counterproductive, and the perfect recipe for fulfillment is being form and gracious. Mainly, being anti-entitled achieves greater than the opposite method round.
Forged Members additionally made our first time assembly Figment as a household each constructed as magical and memorable as I had constructed it up in my head. Suffice to say, that have exceeded expectations, and that was a direct results of Forged Members within the Creativeness pavilion.
December is Pleasant
Through the first half of our journey, there have been lows within the 40s and highs underneath 70 levels. To be clear, this isn’t a grievance about it being too chilly. After enduring a number of depressing summers, Florida can by no means be too chilly. (See additionally, the Greatest Lesson We Discovered from Child Bricker’s Summer time Journey to Disney World.) When you really feel in any other case, keep in mind: you may at all times placed on extra layers, however there are solely so many you may take away earlier than safety will get concerned.
Level being, the climate was blissful. It truly felt like Christmas. When the snow fell on Important Avenue, there was believable suspension of disbelief. After we retreated to Wilderness Lodge on a very chilly night, it was vaguely paying homage to warming up by the hearth again residence in Michigan after a day within the snow. (Okay, not fairly.) The climate was superb, and such a pointy distinction to the previous couple of visits.
It was additionally unbelievable to return collectively as a household for our favourite window of the yr after a 2-year hiatus. We missed our favourite week by every week, nevertheless it was nonetheless a unbelievable time to go to. Barely larger crowds, nevertheless it’s not like we had been lining up for TRON, Slinky Canine Sprint, or actually something with a fabric wait time. The journey felt method too brief and we had been unhappy to be leaving so quickly–we instantly began planning subsequent yr’s Christmas journey upon returning residence, and I can’t keep in mind the final time we’ve accomplished one thing like that!
#SaveDinoland
I remorse to tell you that it’s not simply the Boneyard that I like, but additionally, the character meet & greets in Dinoland USA. I had at all times appreciated these character costumes, particularly round Christmas, however was pleasantly stunned by the unbelievable interactions.
Two of our high three character experiences occurred again right here, and we met rather a lot of characters this journey. It simply looks like these meet & greets supply extra latitude for the characters to be goofy and improvise, and meaty and significant interactions. We cherished them, and now are unhappy to see them go.
The Boneyard was one thing that we couldn’t wait to expertise “once more” with Megatron, regardless of barely even remembering it within the first place. It was positively higher than I keep in mind–in all probability partially as a result of there’s no method I had skilled it in full beforehand. I used to be relieved that it wasn’t all an enormous dig web site with rocks and dirt. There’s additionally a fairly sized space for smaller children with large fossils and squishy floor.
The Boneyard and areas prefer it additionally took on outsized significance as Megatron wanted or wished a spot to run round, unimpeded. Even with low crowds on the parks (besides EPCOT), this wasn’t actually attainable outdoors of play areas. One factor that stunned us is what number of adults are oblivious to their environment (not an enormous shock, truly) and can mow down kids. I’m all for extra adults-only areas at Walt Disney World, nevertheless it’s such a disgrace that the kids-only areas appear to be going extinct.
Every part Takes Longer
One of many entries on our record of the Prime 10 Issues We Can’t Wait To Do with Child Bricker at Walt Disney World was “4 Parks in 1 Day” together with child’s first Early Entry and cord drop. Hahahahaha.
The most effective laid plans of mice and males typically go awry. Or on this case, the largest pipe dream and wishful considering. My reasoning was that, since Megatron is now on Jap time and wakes up between 6:30 and seven a.m., we may simply knock out Early Entry and cord drop. From there, why not hit all 4 parks.
Suffice to say, we by no means made it out the earlier than earlier than 8:30 a.m. That was truly an enchancment over final time, however nonetheless not sufficient for 4 parks in at some point. We did handle to hit 2 parks and several other resorts in at some point, which actually felt like a fairly large accomplishment on reflection. I simply want I hadn’t gone in with unreasonable expectations–I completely ought to’ve identified higher. Every part takes longer with children.
We Need to Love Port Orleans, However…
The second half of our journey was at Port Orleans French Quarter. We stayed right here largely for the sake of the brand new rooms (assessment coming quickly), but additionally because it had been a bit and we love the vibe of the Port Orleans Resorts. They’re the final of the ‘old style’ Reasonable Resorts left at Walt Disney World.
I’ll begin out by saying that, from a sensible perspective, French Quarter has clearly moved about Riverside in our rankings. That’s at all times been the case for Sarah, who appreciated the extra compact structure and single bus cease even in our youthful and extra agile days. Now that we’re a household of three, I agree.
One other constructive is that bus service was unbelievable. There’s at all times a component of luck–good or dangerous–to this, however we by no means needed to wait lengthy for transportation. With that mentioned, we paid over $300 per evening for our room, which was after low cost and for one of many “cheaper” two queen mattress rooms.
For nearly the identical value, we may’ve accomplished Caribbean Seashore. For a lot much less, we may’ve stayed at Pop Century. Each would’ve been higher choices because of the Skyliner. For a bit extra, we may’ve accomplished one of many lodges, Gran Destino Tower, or the Backyard Wing at Modern, which is rapidly turning into a go-to for our household. And we’d have accomplished any of those choices however for the “want” to assessment the brand new rooms. As common vacationers, the choice would’ve been a no brainer.
The well-themed surroundings and romantic vibe of Port Orleans is unbelievable, however solely does a lot. As soon as a resort breaks the $300 barrier (actually, I’d really feel the identical method if we paid $250), it had higher supply one thing extra. Because it stands, we mainly received a plussed-up model of an All Star for over double the fee. With no distinctive transportation and comparatively common facilities, it’s actually tough to justify the Port Orleans Resorts at these costs.
All the time Pack a Change of Garments
You’re in all probability considering that we’re whole newbies as a result of after all each mum or dad is aware of to pack a change of garments for a child. And so will we. If something, the perfect follow is 2 modifications–by no means know what life is gonna throw at you!
No, that is that we should always at all times pack a change of garments for us. I received’t be going into additional element pursuant to our “rule” to by no means write something embarrassing. However I’m guessing any mum or dad with even a modicum of creativeness can envision a situation (or three!) the place this may apply.
One factor that has actually “amazed” me about being a mum or dad is how squeamish goes out the window. There have been, ahem, situations that will’ve made me lose my lunch up to now. Now I simply roll with the punches. It’s like a dormant intuition in me was woke up a yr in the past, and now my superpower is tolerance in direction of gross stuff. That’s not even a joke. I imply, it’s sort of humorous what mother and father soak up stride, however I don’t imply it as a “haha” sort of factor.
Meals is Difficult
This was our first journey to Walt Disney World throughout which Megatron largely ate solids. This proved tougher than we anticipated. I suppose you might say we’re “choosy eaters” with regards to her meals, and Walt Disney World isn’t conducive to that. We truly discovered it tougher to feed her at Walt Disney World than in Tokyo or Hong Kong, and positively extra so than Disney Cruise Line (best of all).
I don’t wish to fixate on this an excessive amount of as a result of I do know we’re a small minority who cares, however Walt Disney World meals is admittedly unhealthy. Positive, there’s rather a lot that’s wonderful, however there’s rather a lot that isn’t–particularly at counter service eating places. Each location has binders that record elements, that are normally used for meals allergic reactions. In some circumstances, it was a problem to see these–or undue effort to clarify that we cared about meals high quality and didn’t have any allergic reactions.
Bear in mind again when Disney’s former CFO made the feedback about meals prices? Most followers centered on the notorious ‘visitor waistline’ half, however she additionally mentioned this: “We will regulate suppliers. We will substitute merchandise.” Suffice to say, Walt Disney World has accomplished precisely that, and among the stuff within the meals they serve isn’t truly meals. When you’ve ever questioned why you are feeling bloated or torpid after some meals at Disney, that may be your reply.
A part of me hated studying this, as a result of I like consuming Walt Disney World meals. Sure, I had a hunch that it’s horrible for me, over-processed, stuffed with fillers and carcinogens, and so forth…however so what? All issues moderately, proper? I nonetheless really feel that method with regards to what I’ll eat, however Megatron is a unique story. Feeding her on the parks goes to be tough. (That is one other situation the place I want the park executives had been topic to their very own selections. I do know there’s no method health-conscious Bob Iger would put these things into his physique.)
Fortunately, this isn’t an insurmountable impediment. We already do grocery supply each journey, however now we’ll be doing much more of it. We’ll pack extra nutrient-dense and high-protein meals for the parks, and complement with meals at eating places which have really wholesome menu choices–and loads of them do!
Depart Early for MCO
That is in all probability deserving of its personal submit as a cautionary story, however we got here shockingly near lacking our return flight out of Orlando Worldwide Airport. This was regardless of having a Mears Join pickup time virtually 4 hours (!!!) earlier than our departure and having TSA PreCheck.
A few issues went improper for us, however based mostly on latest reader feedback and my very own observations, what we skilled wasn’t essentially an anomaly. Simply two cases of dangerous luck–Mears Join delay and lengthy traces on the Delta counter–piled up collectively. If we needed to undergo the traditional line for safety (25 to 35 minute wait), we would nonetheless be in Florida.
Nowhere is Like Walt Disney World
Look, we all know that we give grief to Walt Disney World. But it surely comes from a spot of affection and wanting it to be the perfect model of itself, really the crown jewel of the Disney Parks empire. As a result of it’s.
As a lot as we love and sing the praises of different parks, nowhere is like Walt Disney World for us. We don’t fake that they’re good (as a result of they aren’t!), however they’re “residence” to us. This was an ideal journey (not a flawless one–see the above factors a couple of change of clothes and finest laid plans going awry), and I felt that each step of the best way–from our arrival afternoon to the ultimate evening of our journey.
An essay about what makes Walt Disney World particular could be interminably lengthy, and it’s my aim to start out writing extra concise posts–so I’ll share one goal and one subjective level. The target one is that WDW actually is the Trip Kingdom of the World, or Walt’s imaginative and prescient for a metropolis of the long run vaguely realized.
Walt Disney World may be the perfect metropolis that America has to supply (or not less than probably the most purposeful one), and as somebody who loves the city expertise, Walt Disney World makes me really feel like I’m again in a Disneyfied model of Paris, Tokyo, or Hong Kong. (Severely.) There’s actually one thing to be mentioned for taking the various types of transportation, Park Hopping from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT; from EPCOT to Disney’s Hollywood Studios; from resort to resort.
Subjectively, each time we return to Walt Disney World collectively, it takes me again to 2020-2021. I’ve little flashbacks to powerful occasions, joyous experiences, and mundane moments. It’s honest to say that was a tough time for everybody, us included. Walt Disney World received us by means of to the opposite aspect, and I’ll ceaselessly be grateful to the parks and resorts for that. I may fixate on the destructive or attempt to block all of it out, however as I sit there with Sarah by my aspect and our daughter in our arms, I can not assist however be appreciative and grateful.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study accommodations on our Walt Disney World Lodges Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the perfect place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing you have to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Ideas on these little classes realized (or ‘reminders’ of issues we already knew) throughout Child Bricker’s first Christmas journey to Walt Disney World? The rest you’re concerned about studying about with regard to Megatron, our holiday-time expertise at WDW, or different matters touched upon right here? Anecdotes of your personal holidays with toddlers to the Disney parks? Another questions? Listening to your suggestions is at all times appreciated, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
