Quality time is the language of love of my family. It goes hand in hand with our thirst for travel. From time to time, I can bring one of my parents. Living in seven states far from my extended family, we cherish each time we pass with them, which always involves jumping on a plane somewhere.
Bond junkets at the stay on weekends, my husband and our two toddlers extended our comfort zones and shared new experiences, both as a nuclear family, and also with my parents on separate occasions. (And on these occasions, let’s be honest: having an additional set of eyes and hands on your children as they run wild in unknown environments.
Recently, however, we spent three nights in Disney World with my mother and stepfather, and that was not at all what I expected. Here are four reasons why I think that is one of the best multigenerational travel destinations:
1. Large families can stay comfortably in a Disney Resort without breaking the bank.
Several adults and children staying in a Disney Resort may look like a budgetary error – certainly, you should get rid of large dollars for a room that is comfortably sleeping everyone. Not so much. The art of Disney animation, one of the park’s value stations, has a punch with affordability, space and convenience.
The family suites sleep up to six, and although they are only a room, the arrangements are compartmentalized with a generous space (the living rooms and eating are open but feel like separate areas, each with their own “hidden” double beds). Since my toddlers cannot share a room, we kept my two-year-old child in the room with my husband, while my four-year-old child and I stayed in the living room, and my mother and my stepfather were in the dining room. My children each slept in their own bed for the little Slemberpod – undoubtedly my most precious travel goods.
Catch Z’s: I took the bed of Tourte Slemberpod on a cruise, and now it’s my whole personality
The complex is theme around films like “Cars”, “Finding Nemo” and “The Lion King, and gives you the impression of being in it (with the help of a little imagination). It also houses the largest Disney World swimming pool and the reef playground just appreciated. Outstanding equipment includes Disney Skyliner and complementary bus transport and fast -service restaurants.
2. Keeping an open schedule gives way to some of the best moments (unforeseen).
It is easy to want to fill your daily hours of rides, characters’ meetings, parades and more – after all, you had a nice penny for this trip. But flexibility is key To everyone to have fun. I suggest identifying at least one essential for each person in your group. (Not everyone could have one.) For children, this could mean getting at least one route for which they meet the requirements of height or to see a specific character.
As a type A traveler, it was difficult for me not to have every minute of every day planned. What I found most useful is to plan some experiences not to be missed, while keeping a list of “possible” activities. This eliminated the pressure of having to do everything, and also facilitated the pivot when the unexpected (Boo-Boos which required bandages and kisses, layers of poopy and frequent pot breaks, etc.) appeared. I also took into account the time of down / nap every day, which made a difference in the world in the moods of my young people for the rest of the afternoon and in dinner.
More importantly, the free time blocks give way to some of the most memorable and unforeseen moments-like a picnic by the pool with grandparents and grandchildren and a surprise appearance of the favorite princess of my young people. Multi -generational holidays in Disney World should not have the impression of running a marathon; This should allow everyone to move at a regular rate and savor every moment.
Do not jump a beat: How to plan a multigenerational Disney World holidays
3. Having an additional set of eyes and hands on your children allows each person to be more present.
Each parent can relate to the idea that family holidays do not always feel like a vacation. My husband and I have always adopted the fact that our holidays are different these days, but even with more “realistic” expectations, traveling with our children is always full of challenges.
Although I believe that making family trips from four people helps us to become more adaptable, I like the respite that traveling with my parents brings. The best: my parents help because they want it, not because they feel obliged. The sharing of responsibilities allows everyone to be more present.
4. Three generations appreciating Disney traditions together are the magic of higher level.
The haunted mansion, breakfast at the chef Mickey, the most elaborate fireworks show – reading these moments of my childhood, with my mother and my children during this special and multigenerational travel experience, was a level of nostalgia that I cannot quite put in words.
My children may not remember to hang on to our arms while ghosts followed us through the haunted manor, dancing with Mickey while throwing himself on his homonymous waffles, or looking at the sky with the most impressive eyes while fireworks were dancing around the Cinderella castle. But the quality time that they shared with my mother will always leave an imprint in their hearts.
And my mother will remember the eyes of my children’s face when they witnessed the magic for the first time – the same look I had when she brought me to Disney World over 30 years ago.
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