Did you miss me? A February 2025 Pre-Trip Report

[eliseisawkward]

Well did ya? Hi friends. It’s been… a long time. And this trip has been a long time coming. There’s a chance it doesn’t happen… but I’m really really hoping it all works out.

Anyway, who am I even?

My name is Elise. I’m 30-something years old and it’s been more than 4 years since I’ve been to Disney thanks to a combination of COVID and then me having my first child. She’s 3 now and I think it’s time. Time to introduce her to the most magical place on earth.

Anyway here’s me:



Favorite Park: Hollywood Studios
Favorite Character: BB8
Favorite Ride: Seven Dwarves Mine Train
Favorite Resort (so far): Pop!



This trip will include my husband, Derek, and our 3 year old. I’ll refer to her as Noodle, since that what I call her most of the time anyway.

Noodle’s favorites: All the Princesses (Moana is top), Minnie Mouse, Lightning McQueen.

We’ve been to Disney in February twice before and really enjoyed it. So February it is again! We like to get in before the spring breaks start, and like we have in the past, we will include a visit to Derek’s grandma in Boca Raton.

Anyway. Thanks for joining me. I’ll try to lay out some details soon. I’m open for ALL the suggestions regarding Disney with Littles because I’ve never done this before.


1. Where?
2. BOOKED!
3. Character Meals? Yes please, done!
4. Tickets please?
5. Tickets please!
6. The final countdown...

 

[eliseisawkward]

Where?

So I’ve been tossing around a few ideas. At first Derek was pretty into keeping it short and sweet. He may be amenable to a longer trip, especially if I can convince my sister to come (not likely) and we make it a *big deal* for the Noodle. Budget is negotiable.

So where would you stay with a 3 year old for their first trip? Things to keep in mind:

1) while budget is negotiable, I’m not spending $800/night.
2) a less expensive per night location will likely mean a slightly longer stay
3) 3yo doesn’t nap anymore
4) Magic Kingdom might end up being the only park we visit

 

[eliseisawkward]

Tentatively booked Beach Club for Feb 2-6!

Let’s see if husband is on board.

 

[DLo]

Following along. Looking forward to reading more. I will be at YC the same time .

 

[eliseisawkward]

Following along. Looking forward to reading more. I will be at YC the same time .

Yay! I’m a little bummed we are going during annual maintenance for Stormalong Bay, but I assume that’s why the rooms were such a great deal.

 

[eliseisawkward]

Texted my sister about the room booking and offered for her to join. She’s trying to see if it’s possible for them to make it (visa stuff and international travel). Fingers crossed she can because that would make this trip even more fun!!

 

[eliseisawkward]

Character dining… help???

I was thinking 2 character meals, one with the fab 5 and one with princesses. Sooooo which do I pick?

 

[eliseisawkward]

Character dining… help???

I was thinking 2 character meals, one with the fab 5 and one with princesses. Sooooo which do I pick?

Booked 2 breakfasts:


Topolino’s Terrace Monday Feb 3 at 12:10

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Wednesday Feb 5 at 9:00

I think using Topolino’s breakfast as a lunch will work for us. I wanted a meal with Mickey and Minnie towards the beginning of the stay, but also wanted to be able to do MK that first full day. My goal this trip is to plan out broad strokes and hope for the best. My toddler is really well behaved, but she’s still a toddler so expectations are low.

 

[eliseisawkward]

2 or 3 days? Park hop or not? HALP.

Brainstorming tickets and what to do. We will do at least 2 park days, potentially 3. And do we go for park hoppers or not? We've literally never park hopped and as adults it's been fine. But I wonder if flexibility is better with the Noodle? We have narrowed it down to 4 ticket options. The least expensive is 2 day single park tickets, and the most expensive (nearly double the cost ) is a 3 day park hopper.


Potential 2 day single park plan:
Monday
Magic Kingdom at Open
Bus to Topolino's for Lunch
Back to room for a rest/break after lunch
Magic Kingdom Evening (quick serve dinner?)
Back to hotel for bedtime

Tuesday
Non-park day activities TBD

Wednesday
Epcot at Early Open
Breakfast at Akershus
Lunch TBD
More Epcot
Back to hotel for bedtime


And then all the way to a 3 day park hopper with more flexibility:
Monday:
Magic Kingdom at Open
Lunch at Topolino's
Rest Time
Epcot for Evening

Tuesday:
No idea, but Magic Kingdom for part of the day
Maybe Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom???

Wednesday:
Epcot at Open
Breakfast at Akershus
Lunch TBD
Afternoon/Evening at Magic Kingdom

 

[eliseisawkward]

We settled on 2-day park hoppers, with 1 day of resort fun!

Monday:
Rope Drop Magic Kingdom
Breakfast (lunch really @12) @ Topolino’s
Post lunch rest time at the hotel
Epcot evening!

Tuesday:
Lazy resort morning
Lunch @ Beaches and Cream!
Afternoon at a playground?

Wednesday:
Rope Drop Epcot (Frozen!)
Breakfast with the Princesses @9
Lunch somewhere?
Rest in the room after lunch
Magic Kingdom afternoon/evening!



We finally told Noodle where we are going (yesterday) and she’s very nervous and excited. Honestly, me too kid. We will see how she does with lines and with rides.

 

[Counting Stars]

Wow your trip is almost here! This has to be really exciting for you all! There is so much to see and do I am sure you won't run short- and you picked some great character meals. It's so exciting/nerve racking to take your kids for the first time. Mom wants to make it special really kicks in to overdrive Have a wonderful time. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures!

 

[eliseisawkward]

Why is the week before vacation the worst???? I can’t concentrate on anything.

 

[Sarahh1027]

Just found your PTR and I’m super excited for you!! I’m bringing my littles for their first trip in May. Also, love the Star Wars Little Sleepies pjs!

 

[eliseisawkward]

Just found your PTR and I’m super excited for you!! I’m bringing my littles for their first trip in May. Also, love the Star Wars Little Sleepies pjs!

I love LS! I have matching Star Wars for myself! And a blanket for me. It’s an addition. I ordered the new Mickey and friends PJs for Noodle, and crossing my fingers they ship before we leave.

I’m hopeful to be able to write up at least a bare bones trip report pretty soon after we get back! I’m hoping to have some good advice for trips with toddlers… or at least what NOT to do.

 

[eliseisawkward]

February is a great time to go-nice weather and fewer crowds before spring break madness kicks in. Noodle is going to have the best time meeting all the princesses! If you haven’t already, checking out the Festival of the Arts at Epcot could be a fun extra.

I’m so excited for the festival! We haven’t been to Epcot in February before, so it will be a first time for me!

 

[Sarahh1027]

I love LS! I have matching Star Wars for myself! And a blanket for me. It’s an addition. I ordered the new Mickey and friends PJs for Noodle, and crossing my fingers they ship before we leave.

I’m hopeful to be able to write up at least a bare bones trip report pretty soon after we get back! I’m hoping to have some good advice for trips with toddlers… or at least what NOT to do.

Hahha yess what not to do with toddlers is helpful too!! No pressure but I’d love a trip report!
The new Mickey LS are precious! I had to skip that drop because I went overboard with their new Harry Potter one and a different brands Lord of the Rings jammies the pj addiction is REAL! The kids will have a different Disney pj for each night of our trip at this rate

 

[DLo]

I will be at YC starting Sunday. Maybe we will see each other. My first FARTS - can’t wait

 

[eliseisawkward]

Sneak peek mid-trip (Noodle on the beach):

 

[eliseisawkward]

Trip report started here!