Vacation Education

Some things I learned about traveling and Walt Disney World recently:
1. Continue to plan ahead, but be very flexible about said planning!
2. Buy the case of water before you leave town. You will be glad you did. Florida water is not the most palatable and Disney water is not the most economical.
3. If staying "on property," buy the refillable mug. It's around $13. It can be refilled during your stay with cocoa, coffee, hot tea, even soda. (Notes: Coffee=Nescafe in Disney, hot water tastes better than cold, the cocoa is actually ok, caffeinated soda is quite helpful to a Mommy missing her morning mocha!)
4. Take the boat to the Magic Kingdom. It is not to be missed and really relaxing.
5. Some children will not "sleep through the night," while you drive through the night.
6. Take time to relax. We forgot this on the 2nd day and ended the day with tired, cranky kids and tired, sore feet! Oh, and it felt FREEZING that evening. *Lesson Learned!
7. Ask at your resort about the "not-so-well-known." We spent a relaxing time watching the Electric Water Pageant from a balcony at our resort.
8. Switch drivers when it has taken one driver 90 minutes to travel 40 miles due to construction and traffic. I am so grateful to my DH for taking over at this point. (We drove straight through, with lots of "switching drivers" moments.)
9. Smile.
10. There are so many things to be learned on a trip like this. One that stands out to me: Even though we are on a relaxing vacation, our manners are not. Being kind to others, respectful, considerate and thankful make it a better experience for us all.
I am thankful that we had this time as a family. We made so many warm memories. What a wonderful gift for the holidays.
~Tracy ---I couldn't resist a few photos of my sweet girls!

The girls starting out with "Humphrey" at the Mercantile.

Meeting Tinker Bell!
And Iridessa.