Yes, we went to Disney World without our kids and it was AWESOME!!!
Instead of including our Disney trip in the 'Florida' section (don't have yet, but will someday!), we've decided to give the most magical place on earth its very own page! First up for discussion, Magic Kingdom. I (Jamie) have been to Disney's parks 5 times and my first stop is always the Magic Kingdom. It just wouldn't feel right to start anywhere else! Stepping foot on Main Street, USA, and looking out to see Cinderella's Castle looming in the background, you can't help but get the goosebumps! For me, it feels like coming home...
We spent 8 glorious days at Walt Disney World and were joined by family members, my grandparents and an aunt & uncle (who are, btw, Disney experts. I really don't think we could return to Disney without them!). Ok, so here is the thing about the Magic Kingdom.. does not matter your age, you feel like a kid again! And we've heard that feeling is only heightened when you go with your children, which we definitely plan to do someday, but are waiting until the boys are old enough to enjoy & remember it (and can walk it all on their own ha!).
The Magic Kingdom is full of Disney classics like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan's Flight and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Some of its long-time and well-known rides include It's a Small World, Space, Thunder & Splash Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. If riding isn't your thing, there are plenty of shows to take in such as the Country Bear Jamboree, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Enchanted Tiki Room, the Hall of Presidents, just to name a few. There are also street shows & afternoon parades - Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is a must! And just you wait until the sun sets and you witness the most amazing display of fireworks in Disney's 'Happily Ever After' spectacular! It really can't be described in words, so you better scroll on down and see for yourself!
Main Street fun & Cinderella's Castle...
Disney's Festival of Fantasy Parade below
The one thing I will always cherish about our Disney trips are the laughs we've shared over the years as a family. Granny has always been such a great sport! We pretty much (gently) force her to go on rides, particularly Splash Mountain because she ALWAYS gets wet! She was also very kind to pose with her turkey leg and let me snap a picture :)
This Space Mountain picture (below) was quite the laugh of the trip! Papa and I had no clue that Chet was planning to flash the camera and it looks like Papa is trying to peek over Chet's shoulder to see what in the world is going on.. and he's kind of frightened by what he sees ha! Another memory from this trip - how OBSESSED Chet was with the Buzz Lightyear ride/game. He was bound and determined to hit a certain score that would earn him a pin stating he "helped defeat Zurg". He even woke up early one morning, went to Magic Kingdom by himself and rode the Space Ranger Spin as many times as he could before the line was too long. Now that's some dedication! He didn't hit the score he needed to earn the pin but he came pretty darn close!!
And the moment you've all been waiting for..............
Disney's 'Happily Ever After' spectacular!!!! As well as a picture of beautiful Granny, hanging out on the railing while we waited for the show.
Pretty amazing, right?! Can you imagine what it was like in person?! Well, if you've never been, you should stop imagining and go see it for yourself!! I promise you won't be disappointed. In fact, you will more than likely catch the Disney-bug and will feel the need to return to this magical place, year after year (or as we do it, about every 4 years :)
To wrap this up, I am leaving you with my favorite picture of the trip. It's my favorite because I am lucky enough to have had my 5th visit to Disney World with two of my most treasured people in this world, Granny & Papa. The amount of memories we've shared here are countless and this place will always be extra special to me because of them and the time we've spent here as a family. I know there will come a day that I have to do Disney without them and that just about kills me. But I am choosing to focus on the fact that we were able to do Disney together at least one more time and the memories we made on this trip alone will stay with me throughout this life and beyond. Love you G&P...
We are no Disney experts but if you have any questions, are looking for suggestions & recommendations, shoot us an email at thebackpackingblotskes.com and we would love to help out as best we can!