Hoping for Holiday Magic: One Family’s Hopeful Escape

[MouseTriper]

Hey there, fellow Disney enthusiast! I am Beth, and I’m here to share the wild adventure of planning a Disney trip that may or may not actually happen. Joining me on this, potentially magical journey, are my amazing daughter, who is 20 and my son, who is 16 (but will be turning 17 right in the middle of our Disney escapade, if everything goes according to plan).

The past couple of years have been, well, let’s just say, the kind of roller-coaster even Disney wouldn’t design. Between juggling life’s unexpected twists and turns, and a few loops that left us all dizzy, we are in desperate need of some magic, pixie dust, and perhaps a Mickey–shaped pretzel (or two). This trip isn’t just a vacation; it’s a mission to recharge our spirits, rediscover joy, and celebrate my son’s 17th birthday in the most epic way possible.

Our dream is to head to Disney in early December, when the parks are decked out in their Christmas finest. Imagine the sight: twinkling lights, festive music and more holiday cheer than you can shake a candy cane at. But, like any good Disney story there are a few obstacles to overcome.

First, let me tell you about the moment I decided to look at the cost of a Disney vacation. My eyes practically popped out of my head! Sticker shock doesn’t even begin to describe it. It was more like sticker trauma. I had no idea that visiting the happiest place on earth would require the budget of a small nation. There were a few minutes of pure sadness as I stared at the screen, wondering how in the world we could ever afford this.

But then, hope flickered like a faint twinkle of holiday lights. Determination set in. Surely, there must be a way to make this happen. I started investigating every possible option. Points for hotel stay? Check. I’ve been hoarding those like a squirrel with acorns. But Disney park tickets? That’s a whole different ballgame. It’s like trying to afford a small fleet of gold plated pirate ships.

And then there’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Oh, how we’d absolutely LOVE to go. The thought of snow falling on Main Street, cookies and cocoa around every corner, and special holiday parades and fireworks…it’s the stuff of dreams. But when I saw the ticket prices, I was shocked silly. I had to sit down and fan myself. I mean, do they sprinkle pixie dust made out of actual gold at this party?

I feel like I might need to win the lottery, set up a GoFundMe (totally kidding, I would NEVER do that) or maybe even start a collection at the local grocery store with a sign that says, “Help Beth’s Family Experience Disney Magic” (again, kidding, I would NEVER do that)! Desperate times call for desperate measures though, right? So better yet, maybe I start a new side hustle: “Beth’s Bizarre Fundraising Adventures”. Picture me at the local supermarket, serenading shoppers with Disney tunes while shaking a collection jar, or hosting a neighborhood bake sale, featuring Mickey-shaped cookies and cupcakes. Of course, anyone who knows me, would tell you that my singing is more likely to clear the supermarket than raise funds. As far as my baking skills, they’re not too bad for my family, but they are no competition for the treats on Main Street. So, maybe scratch those ideas, too!

Anyway, so here we are, determined to find a way to make this trip happen without breaking the bank. We’re looking for every deal, every discount and every bit of pixie dust we can gather. Will it be enough? Will our dreams come true? No matter what, we’re keeping the magic alive in our hearts. We’re dreaming big and hoping that with a bit of luck (and a little bit of pixie dust), we’ll find ourselves at Walt Disney World.

We’re counting down the days, even though we haven’t actually booked anything yet. The idea of wandering through the Magic Kingdom, sipping hot cocoa on Main Street, and seeing the castle light up in all its holiday glory is what keeps us going. And let’s not forget the birthday boy - I’m hoping to plan a celebration fit for a prince, complete with a special dinner and (fingers crossed) a few surprises.

Of course, with our luck this trip could go either way. Maybe we’ll end up at Disney, or maybe we’ll just have a Disney movie marathon at home with some homemade churros and popcorn. Either way, we’re determined to make the best of whatever happens. After all, it’s the dream and the planning that make the journey fun, right?

So, dear readers, stay tuned as we navigate the ups and downs of trip planning. Will we make it to Disney in December? Will my son’s 17th birthday be celebrated with Mickey and pals? Or will we just laugh our way through the chaos of trying to make it happen? Whatever the outcome, we promise it will be filled with humor, love, and a touch of magic. Until next time, keep dreaming big and never forget - the best is yet to come!

 

[MouseTriper]

Hey Beth! Your Disney adventure sounds absolutely magical and like just the thing to sprinkle some joy back into your lives! Planning a trip like this can be such a fun experience in itself. Do you have any specific ideas or questions about your Disney trip so far?

Hello there! Thank you for the kind words. We're really hoping this Disney trip will be just the magical boost we need. The planning process is definitely an adventure of it's own. I'm still in the early stages, trying to absorb all there is to know about planning the perfect Disney trip. Now granted, we have been to Disney before, but it was so long ago that there were still the old paper Fast Passes - way before Magic Bands, Genie or Lightening Lanes and who knows what else. Haha.

As for specific ideas or questions, I am juggling a few things. Most importantly, where to stay! I know with the Disney package prices being what they are, we are going to have to stay in a non-Disney hotel. I am hoping to use some points for a hotel, or a combination of points and money. I have been looking into the Swan and Dolphin, as well as the Marriott World Center and maybe a Hilton over by downtown Disney.

I have been thinking more about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. The idea of snow on Main Street and all the festive fun is so enticing, but those ticket prices are something else. I kind of doubt they ever go on sale, right?

Magic Bands! I have no idea how these work. Can we still get them if we are staying at the Swan/Dolpin? My kids would love to have them, I just know nothing about them. What if we stay at a completely different hotel?

Along those same lines, if we stay at the Swan/Dolphin or another non-Disney hotel, how do we connect our stay to the Disney app? Or do we need to?

Park tickets! I was hoping I could purchase them online and make payments but it looks like you can't do that just for tickets alone. My concern is what happens if I have to change my dates or cancel? (I don't even like typing the word cancel - I am choosing to stay positive)! Smiles.

Oh and let me tell you about flights! Finding affordable airfare during the holiday season feels like hunting for a needle in a haystack. If you have any tips on snagging a good deal on flights, I'm all ears!!!! (Mickey ears...hahahaha) I have heard the best days to look for flights are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays so I will be doing that tomorrow. I have been running all kinds of different scenarious. Like other airports, round trip verses one-ways and all the different airlines.

And then there is dining! I'm looking for ways to save without missing out on all the Disney magic. I know packing snacks and sandwiches can help keep costs down, but are there any budget-friendly restaraunts you'd recommend? We want to experience some Disney dining magic, but we need to be strategic about it. Are there any quick service spots with great food, or maybe some less pricey table service options that you'd recommend? Any advice on how to enjoy great meals without breaking the bank would be fantastic.

Thanks for any advice, and may the pixie dust be ever in your favor!