A Magical Family Trip to Disney I’ll Never Forget

It was an amazing trip nine years in the making and one we will never forget! 

My brother, sister in law and their five children took a first plane ride to Orlando to meet my parents and I for a trip nine years in the making. Every purchase on the Disney card, every air mile, every dinner for NINE years contributed to our family trip of a lifetime. Walking through the door of this beautiful VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) six bedroom, five bath home was so exciting. Clean and airy and especially exciting to see glistening in the distance, an amazing pool and hot tub! I loved the roars of laughter the kids let out when I spontaneously jumped in with all my clothes on.

Can you believe we snagged this amazing home in Kissimmee, Florida (just minutes from Disney) for under $1,500 for the week? Not bad for TEN people. Complete with full kitchen, washer/dryer, beach towels and even a game room for the kids on a rainy day. If you were to plan a trip with another couple and their kids, this could be very affordable. Especially if you make sandwiches to bring into the parks. We had no problem getting our own water, snacks and sandwiches through security. It saved on funds and allowed us to enjoy one really fun dinner out at The Rainforest Cafe at Disney's Animal Kingdom. That dinner was free from Disney points and all our Disney tickets. Nine years is a long time!

Christmas card shot! This is my brother Doug and his family. They loved Universal. It was our first park stop and the one they spoke about the most, so if you are planning a trip I recommend this park the most. Harry Potter was amazing and I recommend the FROZEN Butter Beer. It was creamy, delicious, cool, refreshing and exactly how they described it in the book. We loved the train ride, it was so realistic and I was impressed with how the entire clan of us could fit in one car. The only difference I experienced was there were paper tickets you had to hold on to and most rides required lockers for your bags. That gets a little old, so go lightweight to Universal, if you can. Personally, I love Epcot. Spaceship Earth still gives me the tingles, probably just a nice memory from childhood. I remember sitting with my parents and even the smell inside.

"Soarin" was a family favorite. We waited about 90 minutes but it was well worth it. It really felt like you were flying, even my parents loved it. Flying over the orange farm and smelling the citrus was a nice touch and even the smell of pine trees emanating from the woods as you soar over in your seat. This is a must see and experience at Epcot.

One thing I really missed about the warm weather is this. The beauty of flowers and green, green grass. It was abundant, as you can see from one of the many displays of gorgeous greenery throughout Epcot. Amazing life-size Mickey, Mini and Goofy made from ivy. Even The Chipmunks and Cinderella. All made from bright, fragrant flowers.

I think the best part of the trip was seeing it through the eyes of my niece and nephews. The 7am wake-up call every morning, snuggling. The exciting talks on the way home about their favorite experience of the day and especially snapping this shot of the youngest child, clutching a coconut he found. Epcot starfish stuffy $18.00...coconut found on side of road? Priceless!

One last surprise for the  kiddies? A stretch Hummer to take them home. My nephew said "is this real life Auntie M?" I don't have kids so pitching in for this trip was well worth the smiles and memories they can pass on to their children or nieces and nephews someday.