Disney Vacation Planning

This summer we are headed to DISNEY!!! I cannot freaking wait! I am as excited as the kids. When I first broached the subject to Nick of a possible trip to see Mickey Mouse, I wasn't sure if he would be on board. But once he was, full steam ahead with the planning. The first week I stayed up until 2am most nights planning, pinning away on pinterest, and reading every blog post with tips on the "perfect" Disney vacation. This will be ALL of ours  first time to the most magical place on earth!! I have already made reservations for all our dining and have an itinerary put together. There is always room for improvement so if you have any tips let me know! We are only doing 2 days at the Magic Kingdom. I didn't want to send Nick or our budget into Disney hell. I have other things planned for the non park days. Nick wants to check out the Kennedy Space Center. So that is on our list as well. We are staying at the Value Resort on the Disney property to take advantage of the free Disney transportation and the dining plan. I spent about an hour on the phone one evening with my close childhood friend, Kendra. She is my Disney guru!! I was able to decide on a hotel and rides and a route through the park to ride the rides! I honestly feel like a kid planning this vacation. I want the kids to have the most magical time and look back on this trip and just be in awww when we get home for  years to come.

You know when I give up a vacation to Charleston I am serious (the road trip to see my aunt that I am planning to North Carolina and then for a night stay in Charleston doesn't count, right?).

So far the most fun part has been scheduling our dining reservations! My top priority reservation was at the Crystal Palace for an 8 am breakfast with pooh and the gang. I was able to make this reservation at the exact minute it would allow me to make them! I made a list (shocking, I know ☺️) of each dining reservation that we wanted to do and was able to narrow down what days we needed to make those! My main reason for such an early reservation time at the crystal palace was to allow access to the Magic Kingdom before it actually opened to all but guests with reservations! This way I could snag that coveted picture in front of the castle with no one but us in it! Yes, this is a priority for me! Plus I could snap a few other pics of kids before they get worn out and anti picture. Or Nick for that matter ! Ha!

 Another reason for staying at a Disney resort was so we could head to the Magic Kingdom as early as possible! My goal on our 2nd day is to make it for rope drop! But then to leave and head back to resort as soon as afternoon parade is over and let kids swim and Nick nap! Yes, I schedule Nick nap times each day! He loves his nap! I want him to be in a good mood for our trip and if that means scheduling the man a nap, a nap he gets!! I hope the kids will nap as well and maybe I can relax at the pool! Hey those are my goals anyway! While I have it all planned out and itenerized to a T, I am not gullible to think I won't have to be flexible . Hells, I am traveling with 2 kids! It can get stressful. I will need to be able to somewhat go with the flow. But one of the biggest tips I have read multiple times is to go to Disney with a "plan". Doesn't have to be set in stone but everyone needs a game plan! Here are a few of my planning tips that I have used in this Disney vacation process!!

15 ways to ruin your trip

packing list

Free Disney Activities

sanity savers

Dining

So what are your tricks and tips for a magical Disney vacation? Be on the lookout for my favorite Disney apparel by small businesses, my welcome basket, Disney countdown craft and more!

Only 102 more days!!!