Ending our WDW Chapter; Help me make it memorable!

[SantiagoCrewLeader]

My husband and I have decided that we will take a hiatus from spending our family vacations at WDW for a few years. Although we are excited about the new possibilities and adventures we will encounter, I cannot help but begin to get nostalgic about the separation :-(.

We are planning our final trip for this summer (the only time I can really go). In organizing the vacation I've felt the need to really fit in things "I've always wanted to do" or "things I'm really going to miss" and then it dawned on me....what about the things "I've never even known were wonderful" lol. There are many parts of WDW that I have felt were wonderful experiences; either because I enjoyed them myself or because I relished the awe in my daughters (dd8, dd9) eyes/faces as they experienced it for the first time.
Rides - soaring, tower of terror
Shows - finding nemo, electrical parade
Restaurants - Coral Reef, Aloha show @ Poly
Resort - strolling through AoA, finally staying deluxe (AKL here we come lol)

So now I was hoping for some help in making this final chapter memorable by adding some new experiences that I didn't even know was wonderful. What would be something you'd want to do for sure? What if you knew a return to the world was so far away that your kids would be probably be adults? What is your favorite WDW family moment that made your trip magical?

 

[Missymouse18]

I would definitely suggest a lunch or even an ADR at BOG. Your daughters will love it (so will you).
For the past 3 years DH has said that we were skipping our annual WDW vacay for the mountains, cruise, etc. But every January when we start planning our summer trip HE is the one who always ends up saying, "You really won't be happy if we don't go to Disney, will you?" He knows me too well
Have a magical time and take plenty of photos.
OH! BTW... you didn't mention fireworks... Wishes, Illuminations, and Fantasmic are all very memorable.

 

[Momof2Singers]

We are in the same boat as you. But our daughters are much older and so are we. Both older parents (in my 40's when I had both daughters), they are now in high school and college, but still love Disney

My husband feels we are getting too old, it is totally not a relaxing vacation for him. He was the one to carry them all the way through the park when they fell asleep on many occassions, looking back, I don't know how he did what he did, of course I was the one always carrying everything else and ended up taking every picture, so I was not in but a small handful of pictures the times we went.

I agree about an ADR that maybe you haven't been to before. The one I like that you never feel rushed is the Garden Grill at Epcot.

They have food that usually suits everyone and the characters come around lots of times.

Resting during the day and going to a late park opening has always held the best memories for my girls. Running on the rides, getting off and getting back on Buzz until they closed the park really stood out.

Each person is different, so I would think about what is important to your family and spend time doing more of those things. Then make a memory book when you get home. My girls used to write down things that meant the most to them and we would attach them to the book. It is amazing when you go back and read years later, that they still remember those feelings. And it is even more special in their own hand writing with all the misspelled words.

Have a wonderful time, and let us all know the new memories you made

 

[SantiagoCrewLeader]

I've done most night shows...with exception of illuminations; no one ever let's me get more than one day at Epcot (until this year!) I was wondering if the special area festivities are worth it? Those cruise tours...or dessert parties...will have to continue the research!

BOG sounds spectacular, however I have gotten tired of calling to check on cancellations of reservations. Only thing left is to wait for the 60 day mark for a fp.

To be honest, returning has me nervous. The long waits for the characters and BOG have prompted me to schedule in more resort time (something else I've wanted to do, lol). I'm hoping it doesn't affect the mood of the park. That, in addition to all of the magicbands and fp+ is making me wonder if everyone and everything will continue to function in their magical way.

 

[SantiagoCrewLeader]

We are in the same boat as you. But our daughters are much older and so are we. Both older parents (in my 40's when I had both daughters), they are now in high school and college, but still love Disney My husband feels we are getting too old, it is totally not a relaxing vacation for him. He was the one to carry them all the way through the park when they fell asleep on many occassions, looking back, I don't know how he did what he did, of course I was the one always carrying everything else and ended up taking every picture, so I was not in but a small handful of pictures the times we went. I agree about an ADR that maybe you haven't been to before. The one I like that you never feel rushed is the Garden Grill at Epcot. They have food that usually suits everyone and the characters come around lots of times. Resting during the day and going to a late park opening has always held the best memories for my girls. Running on the rides, getting off and getting back on Buzz until they closed the park really stood out. Each person is different, so I would think about what is important to your family and spend time doing more of those things. Then make a memory book when you get home. My girls used to write down things that meant the most to them and we would attach them to the book. It is amazing when you go back and read years later, that they still remember those feelings. And it is even more special in their own hand writing with all the misspelled words. Have a wonderful time, and let us all know the new memories you made

Aww...I got teary eyed reading this! I never thought to have THEM write it down I remember the first time I went they were in 2 & 3. Everyone said "they won't even remember" meanwhile...they still discuss their memories of that trip when they look at the picture books!

I love the late park opening! That's actually how we were able to convince our very tall 4 year old to ride Tower of Terror...no line...quick entry=no opportunity to explain the ride she was not very happy when it was done and her picture made everyone at the counter laugh, when they asked her how much she like the ride she answered "I liked it 0 amount" with that grumpy cat face....and now....it's her favorite ride!

 

[LisaBi]

I always like to end a trip w y viewing Wishes on the last night. If it was the last trip for a while, I definitely would. And I'd probably spring for the Wishes dessert party. It's a very relaxing way to end a day.

 

[JeremyGNJ]

Congrats OP!!! Not only will you experience lots of new and fun things...but when you eventually return to WDW, it's will seem more magical!

 

[Momof2Singers]

SantiagoCrewLeader I think the main thing, don't let expectations or thoughts of not doing enough new things prevent you from having a wonderful time. We have NEVER come home with regrets no matter what we did or didn't do. Each age that you go through with your children, you know it will not happen the same way again. Enjoy them, they grow up so fast, my oldest daughter is a music major, classical singer, I know my days are numbered that she will be nearby me if things so as she hopes. I already miss so many concerts because we just can't make the 2-1/2 hour trip hope at midnight.

We ALWAYS visit Magic Kingdom on the last night of our trip, and fight back tears and sadness walking out of the park for the last time, so many never have the opportunity to come here, that's when you know, its been great! As Walt envisioned, it is truly magical !!

 

[gilesmt]

Take a carriage ride thru port orleans french quarters, starting at port orleans riverside.

 

[Donut23]

I always like to end a trip w y viewing Wishes on the last night. If it was the last trip for a while, I definitely would. And I'd probably spring for the Wishes dessert party. It's a very relaxing way to end a day.

Remember our Wishes, for they are the Magic in this World. Now lets all put our hearts together and make our Wishes come true........


Make a Wish to return while watching. This way you will not be so sad about the end of this trip.

 

[Aliceacc]

I would book the Tomorrowland Terrace dessert party; there's something so very civilized about watchng Wishes from a SEAT, with a cup of coffee (OK, for me it's tea) in your hand as Tink flies overhead.

But, honestly, for me it's not really about one "Must see" ride or attraction. It's about the time we spend together, talking about what we've done. It's time at Stormalong Bay with "Mom, I'm going on the slide." Or laughing as we wait on line. Or, probably most of all, talking about our day as we sit in a restaurant waiting for dinner to be served.

Sure, there are rides I really love-- TSM, Soarin', and lots of others. But when I anticipate a trip to WDW, it's about time we share, not so much about what we do.

So, anyway, to answer your question:
I would book the dessert party.

Then I would ask each member of the family to name his/her top choices, and get them all in.

If there's stuff you don't experience, that's fine.

 

[Tinydancer34]

Every trip WDW is memorable, my son is now an adult and will get (secretly) excited about its a small world!
Memories come from everything you do, the best part of my last trip was sitting on floor feeding drops of water to a lizard I live in England so we don't have lizards wondering around. It was definitely a highlight for me

You'll find the children will remember the parts they liked regardless of what you do with them kids remember the funniest things
Have a lovely trip