Countdown to Disney.....We did it!

 We did it. We actually managed to make it to Disney without the children figuring it out. It was a LONG rainy drive from Atlanta to Orlando and every one of us was pretty tired but we got lots of renewed energy when the kids saw that famous sign! There was a lot of squealing and disbelief and a whole lot of happy smiles and laughter. That moment made it all worth it to me. The sheer joy in that vehicle made everything worth it and it still makes me smile just thinking about it. 

It was such a wonderful vacation. Everyone had the best time. We did almost all of the things that we wanted to do. We did things we hadn't even planned. We wore all of the shirts. We ate all of the food. We rode all of the rides. We did new attractions and old favorites. We even went antiquing! It was definitely one of our very best family vacations ever and we brought home some great souvenirs but most importantly....fantastic memories! I can't wait to dig in to each day's event and document those memories right here.

From the beautiful immersive Van Gogh Experience that was such a hit with all of us to the Lakeland Antique Mall that we stopped at on the way back home, the entire trip was full of fun and new adventures. 

Countdown to Disney....souvenirs

 Souvenirs are a big deal in Walt Disney World. So many options to choice from and so many places to purchase and so many high prices! Do we pick ears, Loungeflys, shirts, pins!? Which parks? Which Stores? All of them!? 

Each child usually gets a couple of souvenirs of their choosing. Pretty wide open, as long as it isn't too pricey. No Light Sabers that cost $300 over here !Typically, we use leftover Dining Credits at the end of our trip and get snacks that double as souvenirs. I love that we are able to do so. It let's the magic take use home, to school, wherever we go for a little while longer. The kids love a Mickey shaped snack from the trip to pop up in their lunchbox at school! So again, I really miss Disney Dining Plans! 

Another new adventure for this trip leaves me thinking about what to do on the last day before we leave the parks. Our tradition of trading in snack credits isn't an option. How do we cap off the trip and make sure we bring a little magic home? For one thing, I have decided to pick souvenirs very carefully. 

When I think back on my favorite souvenir, it is from our second family trip to disney. Our youngest was 4 years old and fell in love with "Chip & Dip"  while we were there. She would get so excited every time that we saw them. She had never so much as mentioned them before that trip. We searched and searched and finally found a Mickey hat with a little Chip & Dale plush set. It documented the year on the ears and had Chip & Dip to help us remember those moments. It was a little tough to find but was the perfect represenation of that memory. Every time we clean the playroom and I see it, it makes my heart happy. I can see her sweet little 4 year old smile and her that cute litte voice, "It's Chip  & Dip!" 

I can't wait to see what we experience this year that becomes our favorite memory. And, I look forward to searching stores for that 'just right' souvenir to help us remember that moment for years to come. This is what Disney Magic is all about. 

I also have done a lot of thinking about ways to keep the magic flowing. I love the idea of a Disney puzzle to put together as a family after we return home. Maybe a Disney cookbook so we can recreate some of our favorite meals and snacks. I have also considered stopping by one of the local antique malls and bringing home a legitiate piece of Disney! I really hope that time allows for that option. A pillow from the Grand Floridian or a Lamp from the Polynesian. Wouldn't that just be the coolest!?

What's your favorite Disney Souvenir?