From Honeymooners to Stroller Pushers: Our 10th Anniversary Disney Comeback

[autkidd]

First time posting a trip report here, but my wife and I have been to Disney a few times over the years. This one’s going to be a whole different ballgame — it’s our first trip with our daughter, Isla, who will be 20 months old when we go.

Now, I’ve been eagerly encouraging my wife for months that we needed to take Isla. Okay… maybe “encouraging” is putting it lightly. I’ve been on her about it — talking up how fun it would be, how perfect the timing is, how she’s already obsessed with Mickey. Finally, one night at dinner, she looked at me over her fork and said, “Alright… let’s do it.” I might have pumped my fist under the table.

And I knew Isla was ready. A few weeks ago in Pigeon Forge, we stopped into the Disney Store, and the second she spotted the Mickey and Minnie dolls she went absolutely berserk — squealing, giggling, and waving while trying to grab them all at once. My wife and I just looked at each other like, “Yep… this is happening.”

Fun fact — this isn’t actually Isla’s first Disney park. Back in 2023, before we knew she was on the way, we were heading from Alabama to California to catch our Alaska cruise. We had a two-day stop at Disneyland, making a slight detour to Anaheim as our cruise ship was leaving out of San Francisco. Just a few days later, we found out she was “brewing.” We had been trying for 5 years, and actually had planned on submitting adoption paperwork if things didn’t click this time. We even had already started or portfolio and had professional pictures done before we left for our vacation. So while she has no idea she’s technically already been, I like to think a little Disney magic was with her from the very beginning.

And to make this trip even more special:

• December marks our 10-year wedding anniversary, and we honeymooned at Walt Disney World, so we’re coming full circle — now with a stroller in tow.
• We’re staying at the Dolphin on Marriott points (because dad loves a good deal).
• We’ve got Park Hopper tickets so we can adjust the plan on the fly.
• This will be Isla’s first flight, so send all the prayers, snacks, and noise-canceling headphones our way.

Trip Details

• Dates: November 6–11, 2025
• Where: Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
• Who: Me, my wife, Isla
• Transportation: Flying into MCO late on arrival day, rideshare to the Dolphin
• Tickets: Park Hopper
• Extras: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

We used to do Disney “commando style” — rope drop to fireworks, Genie+ stacking, squeezing every drop out of the day. This trip? Totally different. We’re going at a toddler’s pace: shorter mornings, afternoon naps back at the hotel, and more time meeting characters than chasing thrill rides.

And, of course, these plans are subject to change based on weather, crowds, or how many Goldfish crackers Isla has left in the snack cup.

The Plan

Thursday, Nov 6 – Arrival Night

• Late flight into MCO — Isla’s first flight ever. Hoping she sleeps, but I’m packing for the possibility she doesn’t.
• Check into Dolphin, unpack, get the stroller ready.
• Maybe grab a snack on the BoardWalk before bed.

Friday, Nov 7 – Magic Kingdom → Nap → Hollywood Studios

• Morning: Rope drop Fantasyland for Peter Pan, Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, then head to Adventureland.
• Characters: Mickey, princesses if we can, whoever makes her smile.
• Lunch: Columbia Harbour House.
• Midday: Nap break at Dolphin.
• Evening (Park Hop): Hollywood Studios for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Toy Story Mania, Frozen Sing-Along, maybe Fantasmic if we all still have gas in the tank.

Saturday, Nov 8 – Animal Kingdom → Nap → ‘Ohana

• Morning: Rope drop Kilimanjaro Safaris to catch the animals when they’re most active.
• Characters: Hoping to see Mickey and Minnie in their park outfits.
• Late Morning: Festival of the Lion King and maybe a spin on Na’vi River Journey.
• Lunch: Yak & Yeti — I’ve already got my eyes set on the Sweet & Sour Shrimp.
• Nap: Back to Dolphin.
• Evening (Park Hop): Dinner at ‘Ohana and fireworks from the Polynesian beach.

Sunday, Nov 9 – Chef Mickey’s → Disney Springs → Nap → EPCOT

• Morning: Chef Mickey’s — first real character meal for Isla.
• Midday: Disney Springs for shopping and snacks.
• Nap: Dolphin break.
• Evening (Park Hop): EPCOT for Food & Wine booths, World Showcase stroll, and some character time.

Monday, Nov 10 – Sleep In → Character Breakfast → Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

• Morning: Sleep in — we’ll need it.
• Late Breakfast: Cape May Café with Minnie and friends.
• Nap: Recharge for a late night.
• Evening: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — parade, fireworks, cookies, cocoa, and holiday characters.

Tuesday, Nov 11 – EPCOT → Departure

• Morning: Rope drop EPCOT for a few rides and more characters.
• Lunch: Connections Eatery or Food & Wine booths.
• Afternoon: Head back to Dolphin, pack up, and fly home.

Trip Goals

• Watch Isla meet Mickey for the first time and hopefully capture the squeals on camera.
• Slow down and soak up the little moments we usually miss when rushing.
• Enjoy plenty of character meets, even if it means skipping a ride or two.
• Celebrate 10 years of marriage with a trip that’s different from our honeymoon, but just as magical.
• Survive (and maybe even enjoy) Isla’s first flight.

If you’ve got tips for toddler naps in the parks, must-do character interactions, or how to keep a stroller clean in Florida rain, I’m all ears.