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?

Countdown to Disney.....shopping

 Shopping....ugh. I am not a big fan of shopping but I have been doing a lot of it for this trip. It has been a few years since our last trip in 2018 so kids have outgrown Disney gear. Plus, with the lack of Disney Dining Plan, we are taking Breakfast foods to have breakfast in the room and we won't have our refillable mugs. I feel like there are so many extra things that we need for this visit. I may overthink things a little but I have been shopping around for months. Shirts, ears, water bottles, backpacks, chargers, etc. 'Save for Later' has been my friend lately.  I am so indecisive about the silliest things, like shirts and always think I can find something better or cheaper. I worry about whether the kids will like them or my husband will think they are silly. The majority of things I place in the cart, usually end up in save for later. I did that this time and then ended up ordering it all at once. I actually think I prefer this method. It gave me time to look around and order with no regrets because I knew I had really searched the ends of the interwebs! I even have some items saved for the next trip. I orignally planned to share my purchases with you now but ultimately, I think the better option is to wait until our trip is over. I will be able to give great reviews and feedback on lots of great new Disney themed merch. Glad I can do all of the overthinking for you! 😂

Up next....souvenirs.....

Countdown to Disney....resort

 We are less than a month away from our surprise trip. So, let's talk about resorts. We will be staying at A Finding Nemo Family Suite at Art of Animation. Finding the right accommadations can be fun if you don't let it stress you out. I always let it stress me out! 😂We like to stay somewhere different each time we go. We have stayed at Art of Animation in a Cars Suite on a previous trip so we know we can make that work. When it comes to staying at Disney for larger groups, there are limited options that won't leave you broke. I know that these Family Suites are actually a bit crowded but I am not concerned becuase I also know that we spend VERY little time in our room while at Disney World. Basically, the room is a place to shower and sleep so don't worry too much about it. I just like to make sure that transportation to the park is easy. Finding Nemo is pretty close to the bus stop and skyliner (YAY!) so I think it is a great option. Plus, they were recently remodeled! 

Previous trips have seen Old Key West, Port Orleans Riverside, Cars Suite and more. While we have loved them all, some of them weren't very spacious. Old Key West was a two bedroom and definitely my favorite but we honestly spend so little time in the room that I don't think I should worry about it as much as I do.Something that I always stress about even though after so many trips I know it doesn't really make a big difference. I think it is just my natural reaction because I am used to that being difficult to plan for us on most trips. Though it is getting easier. I think most places are starting to adapt to the fact that the traditional idea of a family being two parents and two kids is not realistic. In the grand scheme of things our family isn't huge but it does take some extra thought and planning. 

If you find yourself worrying too much about the resort options, don't. ALL of them make for a magical stay. All of them give you a shower and sleep. Just play around with resort options and worry less about space and more about fun! Just pick one that works best for your budget. Our resort motto is to Shower, Sleep and Have a Magical Day. 

In the end....Our room is booked and I have marked that stress off my list! 😉 I can't wait to show you around the Finding Nemo Family Suite. 

Next Stop....Dining reservations.

A Big Surprise to Come.....

 It has been a big year for us. The oldest child (she's still not an adult, I won't allow it) moved out. The 2nd one graduated high school and is about to start is IT career (IT Student of the year!) and we just had 9th and 10th Birthdays for the youngest. After the chaos that was 2020, we decided it was time for some fun to celebrate! For the girls' birthdays, we gave them a quick trip to Atlanta to see the Van Gogh Experience. They are super excited little art lovers!  What they don't know? When we leave Atlanta that day, we aren't headed home. We are going to Disney! We plan to keep it a secret until they figure it out on there own. We are currently placing bets on how long it will take and which kid will be the one to realize what is happening. 

Planning a surprise trip is quite the endeavor in normal times. Covid-times has made it even more interesting. I can't wait to be in Disney with smaller crowds though! 

Stayed tuned to learn more about  the planning process and of course, the big reveal!