I’m lucky in so many ways. I have great friends, a fabulous family, and, despite the crazy hours, I have a pretty cool gig here at UrbanMoms. This week the coolness is maximized: I get to take my kids to Disney World! This is an experience on every kids’ wish list. And as a parent I am really excited for them. I remember going to Disney World as a kid and it was pure magic. The rush of Space Mountain, the Main Street Parades, the fireworks. I can’t wait to share it with my kids. And now that it’s 2010 and not 1979 I’m sure the thrill will be beyond our wildest imaginings.
I am so excited to be staying here:
Animal Kingdom Lodge where wild animals roam outside your room and the wilderness extends indoors. Awesome.
Top of our list of things to do are the thrill rides like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror:
Gah! I can’t wait! Terror awaits around every corner!
Then, Expedition Everest. Who doesn’t want to be chased by a Yeti? I do and so do my kids!
Of course we will do tons of other stuff and I promise I will revisit Small World and have another go at Epcot and check out some of the cool stuff at Disney’s Hollywood Studios too. Keep reading or join the UrbanMoms fan page on facebook or follow me on Twitter @Jen_Maier to get the latest.
And please, send me your recommendations. What should we definitely do at Disney?
I started following you last night. I’m NBPhotog_Jen 🙂
Yes! Follow me on twitter too at @Jen_Maier. We had a great time! What is your twitter handle?
Were you part of the Kathy Buckworth and Scott Stratten crew? I’ve been following them on Twitter! I’m so glad everyone had such a great time!
Epcot was our favourite. Disney does a scarily good job of keeping the countries feeling authentic. Africa was terrific. If Soarin’ is still at Epcot, do go on it — absolutely amazing. Everest was well liked by my husband and son. We would have liked a full day at Epcot. It’s also the one park where you can eat somewhat healthily
We found the 3D movies got really old, really fast. They start to feel repetitive and they all begin with a 5 to 10 minute standing presentation inside what feels like a very claustrophobic entranceway into the theatre. It’s not that they aren’t good, they are, but very similar. Bug’s Life was great, but Mickey’s Philharmagic (I think that’s what it’s called… at Magic Kingdom) was a standout.
Animal Kingdom has a great pace because there’s no music piped in all day long. If you plan to do a stage show, the Lion King at AK is great. And the shows at MGM (special effects, card) are really good.
And there’s no getting around it — the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom truly are magical. When they end, stay for ice cream and let the crowds dissipate. You’ll take the same amount of time to get out of the park and to your shuttle, but you won’t wait in as may lines to do it.
Have a blast!
This has to be called Year Disney. Unreal, I can barely mention vacation and nearly every single person I know is going or has gone since Jan 1!!
Enjoy Jen!! My only Disney advice is to just stop every while and just try to really experience this vacation, it will be one you and the kids will remember for ever. Sometimes making the most of something is really just looking at it, with deep presence.
My folks took our family to Disney when we were 6-12 years old, by far the most memorable holiday as a family.
Ali, I already have dibs on the suitcase! Since I haven’t been to Disney since 1979 either, I am in no position to recommend anything other than sunscreen. But you knew that one already, right?
jealous…..jealousjealousjealous! oh well, you work hard, why not! i do believe you deserve it.
epcot has changed so much. there’s a neat “kim possible” scavenger hunt you could do…takes about an hour to ‘search the world’ and save it from destruction.
as for food, if you want yummy, go to the norwegian pavillion (epcot) and have the buffet! you will probably have to be there with ALL the princesses but oh! the buffet! (but only if you’re a fish person!) ooooh! the buffet! it’s so different from the regular fare one usually gets.
you are so lucky! have a great time!
GAH! The envy!
that hotel looks AMAZING!
want to pack me in your suitcase?