The family and I were at Disney World for a week. And if that wasn’t enough, we spent an additional 4 days and 3 nights on a Disney Cruise in the Bahamas. At this moment, I don’t want to see anything that remotely resembles a Mickey silhouette for about 6 years.We traveled with two other families which wasn’t all that bad considering we had three 3-year olds, one 9-year old, and one 1-year. We quickly discovered the key to a successful vacation with kids is to make sure the adults outnumber them, especially in Orlando.
A Disney World vacation is not as relaxing as one might think. We woke up at 7am every morning (daughter woke us up at her regular time) ate a quick breakfast, and headed over to a theme park around 9 or so. Stayed until closing 10-11pm. Crawled into bed. Child wakes at 7am. Repeat for 6 days.
But then something truly amazing came into play. We arrived at the cruise ship and that's when the real vacation kicked in…
"Where dreams really come true..."Whoever invented that Disney Cruise concept geared specifically for families with kid’s ages 3-12 should be promoted, and then named king of the world. That kids program is definitely worth the price alone. The kids did not want to leave. At one point we had to literally drag them out. I’m not sure what they’re giving them (Candy? Unlimited Apple Juice? Crack?) Whatever it was, I don’t want to know because the wife and I got to dress up and have fancy dinners together. Sleep. Go to bars. Sleep. Go dancing. Sleep.
That kids program is open from 7am to 1am. What does that mean? Well, they feed the kids, entertain them, and even put them to sleep. Genius!
"This apple isn't so bad.."
Don’t get me wrong, I love my daughter and treasure the time we have together. But after a week of Disney World, and not a whole lot of time of alone time with the wife for virtually years, a program like that is just what a parent needs.
Even though I’m extremely tired, a bit nervous that Christmas is nearly tomorrow, and wondering where to buy those last remaining Christmas gifts, I’m feeling pretty good. Why? Because my daughter had a great time, and the wife and I spent more time alone together in 3 days than we have the past 3 and ½ years. And that quiet time on an “adults-only” beach on a private island in the Bahamas while my daughter was so entertained by a kids program that she didn’t want to leave was pretty nice too.
Finally - a real vacation.
"This apple isn't so bad.."Don’t get me wrong, I love my daughter and treasure the time we have together. But after a week of Disney World, and not a whole lot of time of alone time with the wife for virtually years, a program like that is just what a parent needs.
Even though I’m extremely tired, a bit nervous that Christmas is nearly tomorrow, and wondering where to buy those last remaining Christmas gifts, I’m feeling pretty good. Why? Because my daughter had a great time, and the wife and I spent more time alone together in 3 days than we have the past 3 and ½ years. And that quiet time on an “adults-only” beach on a private island in the Bahamas while my daughter was so entertained by a kids program that she didn’t want to leave was pretty nice too.
Finally - a real vacation.
That sounds pretty awesome. I think I'd need some "wife time" after six days at Disneyworld too.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, sir.
Welcome back, and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteYou are now the 6th person to tell me that the Disney cruise is the BEST family vacation EVER. It ALMOST makes me want to have kids!
Glad you had fun.
Welcome home and Merry Christmas! Please tell me they have KFC on that ship.
ReplyDeleteBen and Bennie -- Unfortunately no KFC onboard.
ReplyDeleteBut if they did, I wouldn't have left.
You should do commercials for the Disney Cruise Lines. I hate the crowds and annoying people at theme parks, but the cruise sounds like the best of both worlds. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have been on one cruise, before we had children, and we hated it. But after virtually no time together since babies, I will reconsider after your glowing review of the Disney cruise!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an awesome time! Wow, you just cruised back in time for Christmas....hope it was a merry one!
ReplyDeletewow! you just sold me my next vacation. adult time may be worth suffering through horrible seasickness!
ReplyDeletewow! Sounds great! The best is the alone time, I think. I couldn't handle the rest, certainly not Mickey, not even the bar. Well, at least not after an hour.
ReplyDeleteSounds like much fun. Hope to see you guys soon!
ReplyDeleteDamn, that sounds awesome. Tell me again about the kid-free part.
ReplyDeleteI once had a card someone gave me, to use whenever another driver parked too close to my car. I wish to God I still had it--it was one one of the funniest things I've ever seen! The card had Mickey Mouse flipping the bird!
ReplyDeleteAnd Mickey said (as I recall), "Hi! Thanks for parking so close! Next time remind me to bring a fucking can opener, so I can get in my car! Assholes like you should take the bus!
Am interested in the disney cruise for the future! I need adult time and hubby times. WOO HOO FOR MICKEY!
ReplyDeleteMy mother-in-law was just telling me about the wonderfulness of Disney Cruises. If we can ever afford to go on vacation again, one of those may be in my future!
ReplyDelete...Stayed until closing 10-11pm. Crawled into bed. Child wakes at 7am. Repeat for 6 days.
ReplyDeletehahaha, oh that hit my funny bone. I'm glad you had good time with the kids...and your wife! That's a good vacation. :)
Happy New Year!
Zoe -- They actually hand out free motion sickness pills at their guest services. I took it once and was fine the next 3 days.
ReplyDeleteScott -- I remember that way back in H.S. I think there's a new one floating around with Dora.
I know several people who have done this cruise & EVERY SINGLE ONE of them raved about it. I'm trying to rally several families in our neighborhood to do this in like 3 years (so we have the time to save up the money to go).
ReplyDeleteI sooo want to go. Can't wait.
Wow. I'm torn between running away screaming from the concept because of my hatred for Disney and booking a cruise RIGHT NOW because of my enormous envy at the idea of time together and sleep.
ReplyDelete