By now, I’m sure you’ve figured out that I’m all about the “experience”. I’m always looking for ways to enhance stuff that we do…and most of the time I just stumble across something that makes me think “that’s pretty fricken’ awesome”.
About a year ago I was out belly dancing (don’t ask) with some friends in the ‘hood. After swishing and sashaying our hips donned with bells (and maybe a couple of margueritas), we started talking about a graduation trip for our boys. Wouldn’t it be so cool if we could pull off a surprise trip to Disney World in Florida ? Most of us have never been before.
We all imagined surprising our kids, you know…
“Wake up, honey pack your bags we’re leaving on a jet plane.”
So, the plan was in motion to make it a reality.The pact was to keep it a secret as long as possible. The teachers were in on the scheme. Family members were all set in place with Grandparents helping out with siblings. Everyone was sworn to secrecy.
Well, it finally happened! 5 moms and 5 boys. It was a trip of a lifetime full of memories! I’m all emotional just writing this. The moms were fun and amazing travel companions. We admit we had more than our fair share of getting lost (darn GPS) but the boys showed incredible patience with the countless U-turns.
Their friendship was amazing to witness. The singing and laughter. The conversations about “love and like” being the same thing, as in “if you like someone, you love them”...and another boy responded “No way, it’s SOO not the same… I LIKE that tree but it doesn’t mean I LOVE it”. So many funny moments that we will cherish.
But let me tell you honestly, for someone who’s never been to DisneyWorld – it just scared the beejeezus out of me! Disney is so GRAND and has so much to offer…as I’m sure you already know. I was bombarded with too much information over the past year from friends and family. When I’m on vacation I don’t really want to research too much and plan too much. I generally have an idea of what I want to do …and I’m a “go with the flow” type.
We knew, as a group, we had to make the most of the theme parks but we were a large group (10 in total) so to move us like clockwork was going to be a challenge.
Another mom in the ‘hood had just returned from her Florida family vacay and recommended we checked out a service called Michael’s VIPs. They are “guides” who specialize in Disney World.
I laughed and thought… it’s a bit over the top don’t you think? But she explained that guides can help with planning out your vacation to make the most of the time spent there. So we decided to look into it.
...and I admit I may just be a little high maintenance.
Stay tuned…I’ll give you the scoop on how you can enhance your Disney experience with Disney Guides and Michael’s VIP Service guides.
How about you? Do you enjoy planning your vacations on your own?
It truly was the trip of a lifetime! Thanks for being a great travel buddy, co-pilot and roommate on the trip. Can’t wait to plan the trip for the younger guys!
That’s so rad, Sonya. Can you please be my mom?!
It was totally priceless! I think my son was the most shocked out of them all! I better start saving for the next kid…I’ve got another 3 years. 😉
Sonya! How amazing!!! and my sister was JUST there on Friday doing Michaels VIP….said it was fantastic!