Chronicles of a Carolina Mama: October 2016

We just got back from the kids' first trip to Disney World! I had mixed feelings about the trip beforehand. I was excited for obvious reasons-- I knew the kids would love it. I was around six years old for my first flight and trip to Disney, so I thought it was pretty neat that Camden would also be six for our family's flight and trip to Disney. But I also had hesitations. I mean, it's Disney. Which, to me, is synonymous with ridiculous crowds, long lines, and heat. I didn't know how my kids would do with all of the walking and waiting around. I didn't know how Matt or I would do with all of the walking and waiting around (ha).

As it turns out, Disney is pretty--- wait for it--- magical. Yes, there were crowds. Some lines had a 2 hour wait (no, we did not stand in those lines). It was unbearably hot one day. But, it was still pretty perfect.

Camden fell in love with roller coasters. Before we left for our trip, one of my friends asked me if Camden is adventurous-- if he would go on all of the "big" rides. My answer? I have no clue. Now I know: he's definitely fearless when it comes to amusement parks. He rode Space Mountain and Splash Mountain without batting an eye. He loved the simulated rocket launch at Epcot-- otherwise known as the most intense ride in the park. Matt said that instead of screaming, he laughed his way through the coaster rides.

Macey's favorite thing to do at Disney was meet princesses. Thanks to fast passes (mostly) and luck (a little), we were able to meet: Belle, Aurora, Jasmine, Cinderella, and Ariel. No Elsa and Anna, BUT thanks to a little hurricane mishap and lots of cancelled fast passes by other guests, we were able to snag a spot on the new Frozen ride. Watching Macey meet the princesses for the first time is something I'll always remember. The look on her face-- there are just no words to describe how a little girl looks when her favorite toys come to life.

So, we're home now and I'm already thinking about our next trip to Disney. I never, in a million years, thought I'd be that person. What would I do differently next time? Stay on campus. We had an awesome rental house with a pool (thanks to my generous parents). The kids loved it. But next time, I'd want to stay on campus so we get some of the added perks, like first access to fast passes and easy transportation to the parks. I'd also love to go in October again but next time I'd want to splurge for the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Pricey, but I think it'd be worth it with older kids.

In a nutshell: well, I still wouldn't choose Disney for my honeymoon (yes, there were LOTS of honeymooners there), I would say I've hopped on the "Disney is the greatest!" bandwagon.

Waitin' on our plane...