WHEN I imagined motherhood, I thought I knew where I stood.
There would be no yelling at my children in shops, no sitting in front of the telly for them while I finished whatever I was doing and definitely, yes definitely, no trips to see Mickey Mouse and pals in Florida.
While the first two of these rather deluded expectations were proved wrong a long way back, I've resolutely stuck to the last.
Every time the words "Disney theme parks" were uttered in my house, I sort of shrugged and looked away if I was in a good mood or muttered darkly under my breath if I was feeling a bit stressed.
Over the years lots of friends have raved about Disney, about the fun to be had and the beautiful sunshine. Meanwhile, I just sort of resigned myself to the fact that well, it wasn't for us.
I was always delighted that my mates and their families had enjoyed such a lovely time but felt we couldn't afford to also sample the Disney experience. Or even if funds could stretch that far, that it was all too plastic, too false somehow, for the likes of us - more used to a holiday park in Wales or a walking break in the Lakes.
Fast forward to last week, and there I was, blubbing like a baby as I strolled through Cinderella's castle at The Magic Kingdom.
Now I've vowed to return for my daughters' birthday, along with friends, if at all possible. And just a week earlier my daughters had been to Disneyland, Paris, where they had a whale of a time.
Thanks to a whirlwind tour of the four parks at Walt Disney World, my about face is complete.
Okay, so I went as a guest of Disney, with a bunch of other bloggers*, rather than my family, but it was one hell of a trip and one that has opened my eyes to Mickey's charms in a most spectacular way.
The customer service was flawless, the gourmet food a revelation and the five-star spa Swedish massage, an unforgettable treat. But alongside the laughs I shared with my fellow bloggers and our unflappable Disney PR lady, my enduring memory will be of the unadulterated joy etched on kids' faces as they witnessed Cinderella, Snow White or Mr Incredible brought to life.
They even get the chance to customise a T-shirt with their favourite character and their own personal message at the Haynes Design a Tee store. How cool is that?
I bristled at the Bibbety Bobbety Bootique where little girls were made over to look like Disney princesses, thinking it was all a bit too much, too grown up. But why should my cynical adult prejudices get in the way of the very willing models' fun? Minutes later as I saw numerous Little Mermaids clippety -clopping along with their families and beaming from ear to ear, I relaxed. Why on earth shouldn't they?
The tears I shed at The Magic Kingdom weren't just for me, so moved by the joy (yes joy, however corny that sounds) I could see around me, but for all the times I'd shrugged or muttered as I'd said: "No, we can't go to bloody Disney". With hand on heart, I know I won't be saying that again.
Before my trip, I never would have believed it. I thought adjectives better fitting the Disney experience were "expensive", "schmaltzy" and "artery clogging" - thanks to all the burgers and fries on offer.
But I couldn't have been more wrong. My visit to Walt Disney World was a joy, (there's that word again) pure and simple. As I rode the Aerosmith Rock N Roller, the adrenalin rush made me screech and giggle my head off. Minutes later I braved the Tower of Terror and swore like a trooper when I wasn't laughing so much I couldn't speak.
I hadn't ridden a scary rollercoaster in 10 years, limiting myself to the kiddie rides to accompany my daughters. There'll be no such limits in future. For that alone, I would have been eternally grateful.
But of course there's lots more I could write. I will return to the Disney theme in later posts on this blog, about the superb food, water parks and spas, but I don't want to gush any further for the time being.
When I read yesterday that Disney's profits had plunged, I actually felt a tinge of sorrow. I never would have seen that coming. Here's hoping more families can discover the magic. Yes really. My name is Linda and I'm a Disneyholic.
Tips on Navigating Theme Parks With Toddlers in Tow, supplied by Disney
Traveling with toddlers is easier than ever at Walt Disney World Resort if you plan ahead, pace yourself and take advantage of the many added conveniences for children ages 5 and under.
• Plan to arrive to the parks early and take a break in the middle of the day for lunch and afternoon naps (for parents and tots). Head back in the late afternoon after everyone is well-rested and ready for more fun.
• Baby Services locations are ideal for moms with infants. Located at all four Disney theme parks, the private rooms offer rocking chairs and low lighting for nursing mothers, feeding rooms with highchairs, bibs and plastic spoons, plus diaper-changing rooms. Baby-care products such as disposable diapers, pull-on rubber pants, formula and teethers are for sale.
• No need to pack up all the baby gear for a trip to Disney. In-park stroller rental ($15 a day, $13 a day for length-of-stay rentals) makes traveling through the theme parks easy. Reserve cribs in advance at one of Disney's resorts. Bed guardrails are available upon request.
• In-room baby-sitting services (407/828-0920) or resort-based child-care programs such as Mouseketeer Clubhouse or The Neverland Club (407/939-3463) are a great option for parents looking for a night out without the little ones.
• A theme-park "rider switch" policy gives both mom and dad a chance to enjoy the latest attractions without the double wait. A parent who waits with a young child while the other parent rides the attraction can get on the ride with minimal wait time once the first parent comes off.
• While youngsters are typically captivated by all of Walt Disney World Resort, be sure to seek out attractions and activities that are appropriate for little ones. (Some attractions may be too spooky for tykes.) Sure hits: "The Seas with Nemo & Friends," The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, it's a small world, Dumbo, the Flying Elephant, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, "Mickey's PhilharMagic," Mickey's Toontown Fair, "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage," "Jim Henson's MuppetVision 3-D," "Festival of the Lion King," TriceraTop Spin and The Boneyard, plus daily parades.
• If available, choose a seat located near the back or side of attractions for a quick exit.
• There are baby-changing stations in all bathrooms, including men's and family rest rooms.
• Most Disney restaurants offer children's menus, plus crayons and coloring books to keep kids entertained. Character dining -- where a cast of characters visits your table while you eat -- is a great way to introduce little ones to Disney characters. For more information or to make reservations, call 407 939 3463.
• Be prepared for the Florida sunshine. Bring extra sunscreen, a hat, umbrella, plus a sweatshirt for chilly, air-conditioned theaters.
More general tips to make the most of your trip
• Buy Walt Disney World theme park tickets before you travel to take advantage of the great value offered by the UK-exclusive tickets – Disney’s Ultimate Ticket valid for 14 or 21 days and Disney’s Premium Ticket valid for five or seven days. It also saves queuing to buy them on the gate when you arrive!
• Planning is VITAL! Guests don’t realise how much there is to see and do and how big Walt Disney World Resort in Florida really is. Even the most basic of itineraries will prove invaluable for getting the most out of your holiday. The latest information about Walt Disney World can be found at www.disneyworld.co.uk which could be helpful. You can also order a free Planning kit online including DVD.
• The Florida sun can be very strong so make sure you wear a protective hat and high factor sun cream. Having a poncho, umbrella or light raincoat might be a good idea, too. And don’t forget comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
• Remember to bring your camera and autograph books to capture those magical moments and character signatures, but don't worry if you forget. Autograph books, cameras, film and batteries are available for purchase in the Theme Parks.
• Measure your child's height before you arrive at the Park so you know which attractions he or she is able to ride – all height restrictions can be found on the attractions listing pages on Disneyworld.co.uk.
• On arrival at the entrance of each Theme Park, pick up a Park Guide Map which details the latest information and times of shows, parades, fireworks and Park hours. Study the map of the Park prior to your arrival to become familiar with the location of the attractions you are most interested in.
• Once in the Theme Parks, be sure to check out the “Tip Boards” throughout the day as they show the current wait times for the most popular attractions at the Park. • Don’t linger at the first few rides near to the gates when you enter the park – head to the far corners to get straight on rides with much shorter queues.
• Most people work their way clockwise around the theme parks so avoid the crowds and travel anti-clockwise.
• The theme parks are often quieter in the early evening and during the afternoon parades which means shorter queues at some of the popular attractions.
• Don’t forget Walt Disney World Resort covers 47 square miles – that’s an area the size of Manchester! Use the network of complimentary transportation around the Resort including buses, boats and a monorail, and be sure to allow enough time to experience all the magic that Walt Disney World Resort has to offer.
• Disney's FASTPASS cuts waiting times at the most popular theme park attractions so make sure you get yours early in the day. Pick up a free FASTPASS voucher at the entrance to the ride which will give you a dedicated time slot to return and get straight on with little or no wait.
• Remember, adults with youngsters too small to ride may take turns riding an attraction. There is no need to wait in line twice. Just ask a Cast Member for details of this “Baby Switch” service.
• Theme parks can be exhausting so why not take the kids back to your hotel for a swim and a rest before returning in the evening for dinner or to watch the fireworks.
• In addition to the listed attractions, special "behind the scenes" tours are also available at the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Just call 001-407-939-8687† from the UK or 407-939-8687† once in Florida for reservations and details.
• Make use of the “Extra Magic Hour”. Guests staying at Walt Disney World Hotels are allowed into the parks one hour earlier each morning and three hours later each evening than all other guests. Each day a different theme park has the facility so check with your hotel reception for a schedule.
• Be sure to keep your ticket and have your hand stamped upon exiting the Park if you plan to return on the same day.
• Walt Disney World doesn’t go to sleep at night, there are loads of great shows, fireworks, parades, places to eat, drink and party.
• The Disney Character Breakfasts are popular so make sure you book in advance. Use the button on your hotel room phone if you are staying in a Disney Resort Hotel otherwise call dining reservations direct on (001) 407 939 3463.
• Make sure you pre-book your reservations for dinner – especially if you want to enjoy a character dining experience. This can be done at either Guest Relations or the desired eatery. To make advance plans, please call 001-407-939-3463† from the UK or 407-939-3463 once in Florida.
Tips from a mum - by Jo, a member of Disney's mums' panel:
Magic Kingdom
One family is chosen to open the park, they go on the train with all the characters. Arrive very early for a chance to be chosen.
The walkway on Main Street is red as Walt wanted to lay down the red carpet for guests
Wake up Tinker Bell, the first person to ask at Tinker Bell’s Treasure’s gets to wave a wand and wake her. They also get a certificate.
Sit in the last carriage of the Railroad train and you may get to be the guest conductor.
EPCOT
Do the Kidcot stops all around world showcase. Children get a mask to colour and a small symbol from each country to add to their mask, once complete they get a lovely certificate/picture.
General
Pre-order the photo pass to save $25 and get free international shipping.
Photo Pass – ask for the TinkerBell shot, find the Captain Hook funny photo by Pirates, at DHS there is a funny Stitch photo you can get.
What does it cost?
The following prices don't include flights. They are an indication of what prices start from and have been based on September this year. According to yesterday's news, costs are now set to stay the same for the rest of the year to help attract more people. Don't forget to make the most of the Dining Plan that is right for you, to add more value to your holiday.
VALUE - 7 nights in Orlando – All Stars Music
Seven nights in Orlando with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Orlando, accommodation at the 3V+ All Stars Music on a room only basis and transfers included starts from £827. Prices are per person based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a standard room price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change.
MODERATE - 7 nights in Orlando – Caribbean Beach Resort
Seven nights in Orlando with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Orlando, accommodation at the 3V+ Caribbean Beach Resort on a room only basis with free Quick Service Dining Plan and transfers included starts from £830. Prices are per person based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a standard room price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on departures between 05-25 Sept 2009.
MODERATE - 7 nights in Orlando – Saratoga Springs
Seven nights in Orlando with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Orlando, accommodation at the 4V Saratoga Springs on a room only basis with transfers included starts from £815 – price includes free Disney Dining Plan. Prices are per person based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a standard room price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change.
DELUXE - 7 nights in Orlando – Animal Kingdom Lodge
Seven nights in Orlando with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Orlando, accommodation at the 5V Animal Kingdom Lodge on a room only basis with transfers included starts from £955 – price includes free Disney Dining Plan. Prices are per person based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a standard room price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change.
* Here's a collection of posts so far from my fabulous blogging buddies.
Lulu at Family Affairs says we were like giggly schoolgirls with Tourettes.
Becky at EnglishMum lists her top 10 moments
Alice at Dulwich Divorcee laments a missed opportunity for romance with Mickey.
Erica at LittleMummy.com gives a tour of her room, (complete with video, go Erica!)
Laura at Are We nearly There Yet Mummy describes her Swedish massage.
Exmoor Jane appears to be softening to Walt's charms.
I'd like to thank the PR team at Disney for making the trip possible, providing such amazing hospitality and treats, and Lulu, Becky, Alice, Erica, Laura and Jane for making it such fun. Who knew that seven women could laugh so much?
Pictures by Becky , Laura Driver and Lulu Campbell.
....If you're wondering which one is me on the picture taken on the Dinosaur ride. Yes, I'm afraid it's the over excited one in the blue T-shirt.
We went in 1999.
The whole Disney experience is amazing. If you can get a PR to take you to Universal Studios too, then you can contrast the two.
We loved Sea World (Universal) the best of all - but they have all changed in the ten years since we mortgaged our souls (and bank balance) to go.
You also need to visit Busch Gardens and NASA space center (not misspelt considering its location, but still looks odd!) too. It really is no wonder that Brits buy second homes in Florida, really!
Posted by: Carole | 05/07/2009 at 11:45 AM
What a fabulous account....utterly invaluable for anyone planning a trip. I confess I was totally and utterly cynical when I went out but I'd go back like a shot (though you'd probably find me on the beach at Typhoon or having a facial at the spa rather than riding the roller coasters!).
Posted by: Jane Alexander | 05/07/2009 at 12:22 PM
What a great article and so informative! Lx
Posted by: Lulu | 05/07/2009 at 12:25 PM
Amazing post, so much information! I really need to do my sums and see if I can afford to stay inside Disney next time.
When are you planning to go Linda?
Posted by: Littlemummy | 05/07/2009 at 12:32 PM
I'm a Disneyaholic too. Maybe we should start attending some sort of meeting? And you've packed in all the information too. I thought that the themed rooms at the Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort were wonderful - something for the boys amidst all this Tinkerbell stuff!
Posted by: English Mum | 05/07/2009 at 12:37 PM
Ooh hello everyone! Thanks for commenting, am a bit wary of looking like a right sap but there you go! All the tips come courtesy of Disney's PR team, so there's another area they have really done their homework.
Erica, I'm hoping we can go back in October half term, my daughters are up for it, it's just a matter of convincing their dad....give me ooh, about a week.
Posted by: Linda | 05/07/2009 at 12:39 PM
Think I'll need to win the lottery but it's a nice thought to hold onto. I think I'd stay at the Animal KIngdom Lodge (money no object) if I were going with James...or Grand Floridian if on my own or with spa-loving friends.
Posted by: Jane Alexander | 05/07/2009 at 01:50 PM
What a brilliant piece - incredibly informative! I am very impressed. Excellent site too!
Posted by: Alice | 05/07/2009 at 06:29 PM
Alice, thank you. But all the tips came from Sarah yoo know!
And please, never forget, sometimes we mistakenly attribute human characteristics to animals and sometimes this can lead to misunderstandings...
Posted by: Linda | 05/07/2009 at 06:39 PM
Hi I'm Jo from the Disney World Moms Panel, thanks for including some of my tips in your great article.
It sounds as though you all had a fabulous time, I'm totally addicted to the place too (probably why I got chosen as the first Brit on the panel LOL) it's just a great place to escape everything. I hope you get to go back with your family really soon as it will be even more magical with them!
Posted by: Jo Y | 05/07/2009 at 08:07 PM
Hi Jo - thanks and thank you for the tips, as you can see even so far from the comments here, they are really useful. Good luck with everything - and your golf sounds very impressive! x
Posted by: Linda | 05/07/2009 at 09:06 PM
Sounds like a brilliant trip Linda, I'm very jealous.
I think maybe next year is our time to do the Disney thing. The twins will be 4 and the beast, 8 and I of course, will be the perfect age of 38!
Can't wait.
Posted by: Tracey Davies | 05/08/2009 at 08:38 PM
Hi Tracey - thanks for stopping by! You sound far too young to me, just get yourself on that Aerosmith Ride and you will age three years in three minutes! Seriously though, yes do go, it was ace and I do think that would apply without the somewhat skewed/privileged position some people would no doubt argue we were in.
Posted by: Linda | 05/09/2009 at 11:11 AM
I never ever thought you would like Disney, you miserable old...
Posted by: Carol | 05/09/2009 at 05:15 PM
We had the best time ever. My top tip is make use of the water fountains. We saved a fortune filling empty bottles x Great blog x
Posted by: Sparkie | 05/10/2009 at 10:35 AM
I've been three times and my sons are only five and three. We will be back next year with our twins too. It's fantastic and as another sceptic, I know where you are coming from, but as you discovered it's well worth it for the look on the children's faces when they see all their favourites in 'real' life.
Posted by: Mumof4 | 05/11/2009 at 12:08 PM
Hello Mumof4! reading your comment and others perhaps my scepticism was more to do with the fact I couldn't afford it so wouldn't let myself entertain the idea really!
Posted by: Linda | 05/11/2009 at 01:40 PM
The only Disney parks I haven't been to are the new ones at Tokyo and Australia, have been as often as I can, with the family and before that - love it, amazing all round.
Posted by: Anil | 05/13/2009 at 10:16 PM
We've been twice and it's an amazing place - in fact what we've seen of Floria we've fallen in love with. Our boys (12 and 7) loved Epcot the best and we had to do that over 2 days! Other attractions (non-Disney) that are not to be missed are Universal Studios, Busch Gardens (well worth quite a long drive), the NASA Space Center (we spent 2 days there too, the 2nd day was free) and a smaller and surprisingly brilliant Gatorland where we came very close to some fierce looking Alligators (amazing pic of us standing right in front of them though!). We are trying to save to go back next year but will be renting a villa as it's great to get away from the 'magic' for a little while sometimes and far more relaxing than staying in a hotel. You can also daydream that the villa is actually yours (if only for a week!). The only thing that we found disappointing were the evening Dinner Shows that are in and around Orlando - they are entertaining but you feel a bit herded in and herded out and the food is pretty basic and not at all good value. The shopping we did at the outlet malls was amazing especially as the exchange rate last year was so good (nearly $2 to £1) - lets hope it picks up before we go back!
Posted by: Rachael Olley | 05/14/2009 at 10:42 PM
Hi Rachael, thanks for comments - villa sounds like a perfect compromise, the other attractions you have outlined sound pretty good too - though I'd run a mile from the alligators - scary rides I can do, but not scary big fellas with big teeth. x
Universal studios sound well worth it from other people too. NASA must be amazing.
Now I really want to go!
Posted by: Linda | 05/14/2009 at 10:57 PM