Destination: Disneyworld
Intro
Ever since we began to have a fall break in our PISD schedule, the rumor has been that families in Plano go to Disneyworld in October. Realistically, I don't think we're all heading off to Dworld at that time, but it is an opportunity to enjoy Dworld with lower temperatures and crowds.
In all, I've visited there 3 times with kids at 3 different age levels. Each time our experience was a little different. Now I can see that Disneyworld can be whatever you make of it, depending on the tastes and ages of the visitors. One thing it will never be is cheap. Disneyworld is a world-class operation, and you will witness this yourself when you go there and hear many different languages and accents being spoken by visitors and staff. Clean, beautiful and filled with friendly workers and spectacular shows, Disneyworld delivers your money's worth. Bite the bullet and plan your budget to enjoy it all.
My first trip was spawned while I was recuperating from the birth of my second child and a Disneyworld commercial came on TV. Oh yeah, you're vulnerable then...the first few months after the birth of a child would make anyone fantasize about a trip to happyland. One year after seeing that commercial, we were there with two under-3 children. My two-year old already had an appreciation for Disney, as we had been viewing classic Disney movies - "Little Mermaid" and "Peter Pan" were screened daily on demand. I admit that we also watched "Cinderella" and some Mickey Mouse cartoons to prime them for the upcoming trip. I was the true Disney fan in the bunch, having watched "Wonderful World of Disney" every Sunday evening on TV and growing up with movies like "Mary Poppins", "101 Dalmations" and "Jungle Book". It isn't necessary to see a lot of these features to enjoy Disneyworld, but for anyone who is a Disney fan, it will be more memorable when you see Cinderella's castle and have your picture taken with Mickey or any of the other characters.
But Disneyworld is about much more than a celebration of their characters. It is a collection of four "worlds": Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM and Animal Kingdom. Two water parks and an entertainment area for 18+ patrons rounds out the variety. Magic Kingdom is the focal point for young children, fans of Disney classics and those who love to see how imagination and technology can combine to create unique experiences. Epcot is part science exploration, part world exploration. MGM is great fun for anyone who has favorite movies or TV shows and loves excitement. Animal Kingdom is an opportunity to see and learn about all animal life, from dinosaurs to insects to animals from 3 continents.
Tickets are divided into 3 age groups: Under 3, 3-9 and 10 and up. Now I know why. Under 3 will have fun, but won't be able to enjoy many of the activities and will remember very little later on in life. Ages 3-9 will enjoy the characters and mild activities, but much of the fun will still be unavailable to this age group due to height requirements and the "scare" factor. By age 9, most kids will be tall enough and mature enough to enjoy about everything there is to do.
For families traveling with children ages 3 and under, the good news is that there is no charge for admission and some of the character meals for the under-3 ages. Parents know, however, the challenges of traveling with kids this age. Going to Disneyworld with kids this age is a less expensive way to go, but there will be the difficulties of managing meals, naptimes, diaper changes etc. My kids do not have a lot of memories of their trip at this age, so go if YOU want to visit Disneyworld. Know that when you get there, you may not be able to enjoy all of the grown-up rides and activities unless you have a plan to have one parent watch the kids while the other goes on Space Mountain. I enjoyed my first visit to Disneyworld and we were able to go for the cost of two adults. I didn't feel like I'd missed much or had not gotten my money's worth. There is plenty to enjoy, even if you don't get on the thrill-seeker rides.