This weekend, I was preparing the presentation board which will display pictures and memories of Joshua throughout the years at his high school graduation party this Saturday. I have divided the board into several sections: School Years, Indian Guides, Faith & Service, Sports, Music, Drama and, of course, a section called Growing Up Disney. As I was searching through all of the pictures we have accumulated through the years, I was reminded of such wonderful memories.I started to think about why we started going to Walt Disney World in the first place and why we kept the tradition year after year. I remember the times we could not afford to park hop or eat in the parks, but we were there and that is all that mattered. We saved to go, stuck to our budget, and we had a wonderful family time that has closely knit our family together with threads of Disney memories that I hope will last a lifetime.
The main result of my reminiscing about our trips to Walt Disney World was an even stronger resolve to make sure that every family realizes they can visit WDW without spending a fortune. So, today I am going to talk about the reasons why you should plan your trip and Thursday I will be talking about tried and true money-saving tips to make your dream a reality.
WHY SHOULD WE GO?
- Time is ticking: There is utter truth in the phrase “time passes way too fast.” Don’t take one second for granted when your kids are young. Trust me, they will be grown in the blink of an eye; and while you are waiting on “maybe next year” your time “this year” is lost. There will come a time, sooner than you think, when your children will have lives of their own and this valuable time will be gone.
- Caring is sharing: Sharing special time with the kids is what they will remember throughout their lives and, trust me, there is no place more special than Walt Disney World. Families on vacation tend to spend quality time together; talking, laughing and enjoying new fun experiences. And don’t forget, the family that plays together stays together.
- Nothing to do but what you want: Can you remember a time when your schedule was truly your own? When you are on vacation, no one will have to rush to practice, a game, dance class, etc. Your time on vacation is spent on whatever you want to do without life pulling you in a million different directions. When is the last time your family had dinner all together at the same time? If it has been a while, a vacation is a great time to rebuild that family relationship.
- Unplug and get away from it all: Getting away from technology for a little while helps everyone to focus on what’s most important. In my opinion, this is relationships. Some children have not yet learned the value of a close-knit family that needs only rely on their relationship with one another to enrich their lives. A vacation is the perfect time to really get to know one another, and what a blessing that is.
- Open your mind to new things: Travel is an excellent learning tool for kids. Nearly every vacation activity involves teachable moments. For instance, at Epcot children can learn about different cultures, foods, history, climate and much more. They will actually be able to meet people from other countries and have exposure to accents and personality traits specific to their regions. At the Animal Kingdom they can see animals in their own natural habitat and learn about the environment up close and personal. There are many opportunities in which to learn, and it is much more fun to learn things hands-on than by doing homework.
- You deserve a vacation: Life is hard nowadays; many people work too much and play too little. One of the most important reasons to take a vacation is simply for rest and relaxation. Have you heard of it? Have you experienced it lately? If not, experience it again soon.
- Being surrounded by Disney: The best reason to visit Walt Disney World is simply being exposed to the magic that is Disney. I believe in the Disney philosophy of every visitor being a guest. People are even nicer and clearly happier when they are at WDW. They are not fighting the clock, deadlines, gridlock and all the things that get us down. It is wonderful to carry on conversations with nice, happy people from all over the world. Walt Disney opened this world up to us to enjoy and share with family. I know it has brought an abundance of happiness to mine.
I sure hope you will seriously consider the reasons why your family might be due for a Disney vacation. Stay tuned this Thursday for my tips on money-saving strategies to help you make your dream trip a reality.
Want help planning your Disney vacation? Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make it all simple…and save you time and money too!
Brenda is a native Texan born and raised on the Gulf Coast. She visited Disney World twice as a teenager and always dreamed of growing her family Disney. She took her first-timer husband and their three children to Disney World in 2000 and they now spend every Thanksgiving there. Brenda writes with a comedic twist on various Disney topics. She will be sharing tips she has learned during her travels and also hopes to enlighten people on little-known freebies that Disney has to offer. She wishes she could have met Walt Disney and considers herself to be a student of Walt. In parallel to his dream it is her wish that everyone would take at least one trip to Disney World in order to share in its magic with their families.
It is sad when your babies all of a sudden become adults – or so it seems! I took my youngest the first time at age 6 – this year (keeping fingers crossed) we will celebrate his 21st birthday in World Showcase. This was his one wish to do this with his mom (tears!) on his 21st birthday!
The best memories and pictures are of watching your children grow up in Disney – going from strollers and multiple breaks to letting them have their own time in the park to enjoying it with them as adults is something all parents need to experience!
You are so right, Debbie. We have watched them grow up there. I had such a nostalgic feeling putting Josh’s board together and looking at all our Disney photos through the years. I am so glad your son asked for that special gift for his 21st. I hope when Josh is 21 he will ask for the same thing!
Hugs and hope you will have a magical day!