Disney Magic is Real
Back in 2014, I finally made a childhood dream come true: a magical family vacation to Walt Disney World Resort! I planned the entire adventure for myself, my husband, our then-8-year-old daughter (now a grown-up 19!), my sister, and her adorable toddler. Growing up, Disney was always just out of reach—and while my parents weren’t too enthusiastic, they joined us for this unforgettable family escape.
I dove headfirst into the planning—every detail from flights and hotels to daily itineraries and dining. We went all in: Park Hopper tickets, Water Park access, the Disney Dining Plan, and the amazing Memory Maker photo package, which meant we got incredible photos of the entire crew in front of iconic landmarks—all smiles, no one left out!
Foodie Magic and Character Encounters
Dining at Disney is an adventure in itself. We devoured delicious meals at Rainforest Café and dined with royalty at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall—yes, the Disney Princesses were there in full fairytale glam. But the real surprise hit? Whispering Canyon Café. I won’t spoil it... but let’s just say it was one of the most entertaining meals we’ve ever had!
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Dining with Disney Royalty
Thanks to the dining plan, feeding our hungry crew (including a tiny tot!) was a breeze. And don’t even get me started on the resort gift shops—Disney merch heaven!
Where We Stayed: Animal Kingdom Lodge
We chose the stunning Animal Kingdom Lodge, one of Disney’s deluxe resort hotels, where the magic started right outside our window. Imagine sipping your morning coffee while giraffes and zebras wander by—it’s like waking up in Africa, but with Mickey Mouse just a bus ride away. Speaking of buses, Disney’s transportation system was super easy and got us wherever we wanted to go, fast and hassle-free.
View from balcony at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom: Adventure in the Wild
We kicked things off at Animal Kingdom—a natural first stop with two animal-loving kiddos in tow. We braved the splashy fun of Kali River Rapids, wandered lush trails spotting exotic animals, and took a wild ride on the Kilimanjaro Safaris, where animals roam free across the savanna. Our daughter collected Wilderness Explorer badges like a champ, and we met Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost. Oh, and the Finding Nemo stage show? Big puppets, big emotions—absolutely magical.
Up close and personal on Kilmanjaro Safaris
My daughter and husband at Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Magic Kingdom: Pure Disney Joy
This day was packed from start to finish, beginning with a deliciously fun character breakfast at Chef Mickey’s (hello, selfies with Mickey and friends!). Highlights?
Jungle Cruise – Hilarious puns and jungle antics
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – A timeless favorite
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – The perfect starter coaster
Pirates of the Caribbean – Arrr matey, still a classic!
Haunted Mansion – Spooky but not too scary
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station – A total hit on a hot day
And of course, fireworks over Cinderella Castle—pure Disney magic lighting up the sky!
My Dad loved Chef Mickey’s - they loved the whole Disney Experience
Hollywood Studios: Lights, Camera, Action!
This park was packed with thrills and fun! We blasted through Star Tours with C-3PO, competed in the zany Toy Story Mania, and were blown away (literally) by the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular—think explosions, jumps, and movie magic!
My daughter ready to take on the Imperial Forces
Epcot: A World Tour in a Day
If we had more time, we could’ve spent days exploring everything, but even in one, we soaked up so much. The showstopper? Soarin’ Around the World—a breathtaking “flight” across global landmarks that felt so real. And then there was the World Showcase—a whirlwind journey through food, culture, and fun across 11 countries. This was one of the absolute highlights for me—so much wonder packed into one park!
Blizzard Beach: Chilly Fun in the Sun
Even with cooler weather, we had a blast at Blizzard Beach. The kids adored Tike’s Peak, and we all floated along on Cross Country Creek—relaxing, scenic, and a great way to unwind between high-energy park days.
My Mom enjoying Tike’s Peak
My daughter taking her zip lining very seriously at Blizzard Beach’s Tikes Peak
Princess Dreams Come True
A true highlight for our daughter was her magical transformation at the BibbidiBobbidi Boutique. She became Princess Jasmine, complete with costume, makeup, hair, and a fabulous photo shoot. There are even packages for brave little knights! It was one of those pure Disney moments that made all of us tear up a little.
Final Thoughts
This trip was more than a vacation—it was a whirlwind of laughter, bonding, and pure joy. From thrilling rides and world-class dining to princess transformations and nightly fireworks, our Disney adventure gave us memories that still make us smile years later. In fact, we loved this vacation so much we went back in 2018 and loved it just as much the second time around. I would go again in a heartbeat. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge into the magic, do it. Just be ready for non-stop fun, big surprises, and a whole lot of pixie dust.
The whole gang at Epcot’s World Showcase
