By Wendy Hershey, TNT Travel
This is a frequently asked question in my home. We run down the list of residents inhabiting “the happiest place on earth” at least once a week. As fall approaches, we are planning our next Disney adventure. This will be the first trip for our twin 4-year-old boys and our almost 3-year-old princess. We have made other trips with our 12-year-old in the past but this one is as exciting for me as it should be for them. To watch my children see with their own eyes the characters they have grown to know and love will be an experience of a lifetime.
My husband is not quite as convinced as I. He fears our child who has a complete melt down when any character acts as if he may come in our direction, will certainly diminish the “fun factor”. Hope springs eternal in a mommy’s heart. As a travel agent booking Disney adventures, I believe in the magic of all things Disney. My biggest dilemma is the Magic Kingdom vs. the cruise. Perhaps both! Maybe I am getting a bit ahead of myself for three toddlers.
This is a very special time of year at the Magic Kingdom. My favorite time is right after Thanksgiving but before the Christmas break. The crowds are relatively light and the weather has historically been pleasant. I wouldn’t recommend a visit to the water park unless you are a true thrill seeker. I love all the special events this time of year, such as: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade, Holidays around the World and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Disney also offers some amazing deals this time of year. Currently, they are offering a package with free dining included if you spend 4 nights and 5 days at a value or moderate Disney resort. It is good for most dates from October through March of next year; the only caveat is that it must be booked by the end of October. This can be an amazing savings for a family with children. In the days before my vehicle was overrun with convertible car seats, I would have been less concerned about meal options. I have now found that I am quite the planner. Having the monorail for naps and/or breaks from all the excitement are a must to get back to the room. Also, having the ability to snack or eat as needed takes the pressure off having to carry around an endless supply of (what if) provisions.
Since our family of six will most likely make the drive, I want to get as much out of our vacation as possible. We will stay on property, which will give us early and late access to characters. I am also saving money, as I keep reminding my husband, since my daughter will not be 3 until the end of December. Under 3 is still free!!! We will use the Free Dining Package and try some different restaurants and also reserve some character meals with the Princesses, Buzz and Woody and of course Mickey. I think all in all this will be something they will talk about for years, and I know I will.
How about you moms, have a favorite “must do” while at Disney or any tips to share? Please share your comments!!
Wendy Hershey is our new Smarty Disney Travel Expert, boy did we need one! Contrary to popular belief, you actually SAVE $ by booking through a specialized Disney travel agent. Plus, Disney is so overwhelming, you can save so much time and energy by working with an expert who knows the in’s and out’s. We look forward to learning so much more from Wendy during these Disney travel planning months! You can find Wendy at:
Wendy Hershey, TNT Travel
Email: wendy.tnttravel@gmail.com
Phone: 980-216-6640
