We just got back from annnothherrrrr Disney trip, and yup, it’s just as magical as ever. The kids are 8, 5, and Jax is 8 months. We brought my mama with us this time, and we just had the best time. I love it there so much - it truly is the happiest place on earth. Yeah, it’s crowded, but everyone is genuinely happy, and people are also in the zone, and pretty much know where they are going and what they are doing. Disney is so perfectly clean and organized, and the flow of it all is done so well. The cast members (employees) are so helpful, and it’s just easyyyy there.

I wrote a Disney Guide last year, you can read it here - the kids were 7, 4, and I was 30-something weeks pregnant with Jax. I also wrote a blog when we went back when Grey was 4 and Mila was 10 months old - here is that if you wanna check it out! Honestly, I think every age is a great age to go to Disney. I mean, toddlers are rough but ya know…they kind of are rough all the time ;)

MUST HAVES

I have said it every time… a travel agent when booking a trip to Disney is a must have!!! There are so many moving parts, things are changing often, and their knowledge and advice will save you time and money. And it is SO nice to have someone who is an expert help you. Kira Gartner has been our travel agent for years, and she is a DREAM to work with.
FB Page: Blue Sky Destinations

Another planning tool that I find crucial is Somewhere Worthwhile’s LAIDBACK MAGIC GUIDE. She has full park guides, awesome food & drink recs, custom planning sheets, Genie+ tips, and honestly so much more. She has great taste AND little kids, so I knew all her recs would be solid.

Something new I tried this trip that was WORTH EVERY FREAKIN PENNY was an app called Standby Skipper. It basically searches for and books your Genie+ Lightning Lanes FOR YOU!!!!!!!! I used it every day, and evvveryday it booked us Lightning Lanes (I still call them Fast Passes lol) for things I wouldn’t have been able to get unless I was staring at my phone refreshing it a million times. It allowed me to be so much more present and in the moment AND got us on pretty much every ride we wanted to go on.

We usually go for 2.5-3.5 days. We arrive in the morning, head right to Magic Kingdom. This is what our park days looked like this trip - I think the Park Hopper pass is 100000% worth it.

ARRIVE: Head to Magic Kingdom until the room is ready, had lunch at Be Our Guest, went to room to settle in, then Dessert & Fireworks party at Magic Kingdom
Day 1: Animal Kingdom in AM, back to hotel to swim & chill, Magic Kingdom in late afternoon
Day 2: Magic Kingdom in AM, back to hotel to chill, Epcot in afternoon
Day 3: Hollywood Studios in AM, back to hotel to swim, Magic Kingdom in afternoon
Yes, there is a lot of Magic Kingdom because it’s the best lol, but it has the most rides - especially for my kid’s ages. It’s so magical. Really. I love it! And, with the monorail - it’s so easy to just hop on and be there in a few minutes. You have to drive or bus to AK or HS. Epcot you can monorail too but it is a LOT OF WALKING. Tip: If you’re at the Polynesian, it’s quicker to walk right next door to the Transportation Center and grab the monorail to Epcot that way!

STAY | POLYNESIAN

We LOVE the Polynesian resort. SO MUCH. It is so beautiful and has a Hawaii/Moana-ish vibe. Awesome pool, good food and drinks, a dole whip place right there, and the grounds are gorg. PLUS - it has the monorail access! So you can just roll your stroller right on, and right off into Magic Kingdom! My fave. You can see the nightly fireworks from the Polynesian too!

This time we went bougie AF. We stayed in one of the Ambassador suite with the Club Level perks - and I think I am spoiled forever. It was a two bedroom, with a sitting area, kitchenette, dining area, two patios, and 3 bathrooms. YAH. It was a dream. My mom stayed in the bedroom with the 2 Queen beds with the kids, and Chris and I stayed in the King room and put Jax’s pack n play (Disney provides the nicest pack n plays! I just bring my Slumberpod to put over it) in the bathroom. He had his own little room! I ended up in the Queen bed room with my mom and Mila on the 2nd night, and Grey went in with Chris. Mila had a “throwing up all other the place from eating too many snacks and riding too many rollercoasters” phase. That was a memory I’d like to black out, thanks.

But anyways, it was sweet. There were two different Club levels we could go and get snacks and food all day, and it had amazing views of the resort & fireworks!

Tip: Typically, we rent in the DVC villas. FOR THE SAME PRICE IF NOT CHEAPER THAN A REGULAR ROOM!! Basically they are a little bigger, with a kitchenette and two bathrooms. Perfect for using one as a second “bedroom” for a baby with a pack n play! They are currently building another DVC tower where the Luau used to be!

One new thing we did this trip was the Dessert & Fireworks. We did the 6:45 pre-fireworks options (ya know, I have small kids with bedtimes lol) - you have all these yummy desserts and fizzy apple juice in champagne flutes, then go to a special spot to watch the fireworks. It was awesome to not be so crowded together! Then, it’s easy access to leave afterwards and beat the rush to the monorail back!

EAT

I touched on this a lot with a full list in my Disney Guide 2022 so check that out! Here are my additions in bold!

Magic Kingdom

Cheeseburger spring rolls at the spring roll cart in front of Adventureland. YAS PLS. Soooo good.
Mainstreet Confectionary - make your own popcorn!
Jungle Navigation Co. for lunch! The food was DELISH and the Golden Haze Margarita and the Skipper Sangria were so yum. A very fun atmosphere. Grey loved it!
Mickey pretzels with cheese - I mean, it’s just so iconic.
LeFou’s Brew at Gaston’s Tavern - this is pretty much my fave drink ever. It’s frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow, topped with passion fruit-mango foam. Get a giant cinnamon roll to go with it!
Churros with chocolate - YUM.
Corn Dog nuggets at Casey’s Corner - I also loved the mint frozen lemonade!
Breakfast or lunch at Be Our Guest - this is the Beast’s castle!! Hard to get a reservation but I LOVE IT. It is so magical. Snow falls outside, the Beast’s tattered lair, the huge ballroom, the rose with dropping petals, and obvi - get the grey stuff - it’s delicious! It’s a very special place! For dessert, the kid’s had a edible “Chip” cups, edible paint, a paintbrush, and macrons to paint on and then eat. It was so cool!

Animal Kingdom

Satu’li Canteen for their Cheeseburger Pods - Bao Buns and the Ilu Splash Margarita
Tusker House is where we usually do a character dining and see Mickey + friends! We skipped it this time, but usually we always try for a breakfast/brunch here!

Polynesian

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto - a little bar (kid’s get the boot at 8pm) where the drinks are THEMMMEEDDDD. Like you order a drink and the whole room transforms with music and wind and a storm… and the cast members spray you like it’s raining. VERYYYY fun.
O’hana - we did their Lilo & Stitch breakfast! Family style, yummy, and fun.
Kona Cafe - potstickers!!!!!!! In the morning, their lattes are delish!
Dole Whip
Capt. Cook’s pulled pork nachos, and Mickey Waffles!
Barefoot Pool Bar - Margarita with Lime Dole Whip and Tajin - get virgin (or not lol)
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace - all their mocktails were soooo good!

RIDES

The best thing about Disney is it is family friendly - most rides are all ages! This time was fun for us, because both kids were tall enough for rollercoasters! Space Mountain (Grey’s fave), Expedition Everest, the new Guardians of the Galaxy, Tower of Terror - allllll ones they could ride. Mila was a brave girl and rode them all. She was a little scared afterwards…and then threw up that evening soooo I think we may have scarred her a bit. :/ I will put my new thoughts in bold again here!

MAGIC KINGDOM - Can easily do two days here!

SPLASH MOUNTAIN - It’s just the best. Period. It is shut down now to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
JUNGLE CRUISE - So fun, def a long wait one - so get a LL or rope drop it.
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN - Iconic. We ride twice.
HAUNTED MANSION - one of my faves. Mila loved it, Grey hid the entire time. Oops.
ALADDIN - right next to Jungle Cruise - Chris and the kids did this twice!
DUMBO - Mila loved this so much, and the best part is the kids play in a playland inside while you wait. So genius.
PETER PAN - I don’t even like Peter Pan stuff that much but this ride is sweet. Super long waits and very popular. I think the long wait is dumb though. Overrated.
WINNIE THE POOH - The line is actually super fun and interactive, and the ride is super cute. Both kids loved this.
SMALL WORLD - I loved this as a kid, but it’s like 10 minutes long, and I knew Grey would be bored so we skipped it this time! But I do love it so much!
SPACE MOUNTAIN - a fave! Grey loved it.
MAD TEA PARTY - it’s cool. kids love it.
TOMORROW LAND SPEEDWAY - fun for the kids to “drive”
BUZZ LIGHTYEAR SPACE RANGER SPIN - sooo fun, you shoot at aliens.
ARIEL’S UNDERSEA ADVENTURE - we all love this one

ANIMAL KINGDOM - We did a half-day here, and I looove it. Again, not as much to do as Magic Kingdom, but MK is the best soooo what are ya gonna do.

KILIMANJARO SAFARIS - it’s a safari. with real animals. it’s so cool. the crocodiles are MASSIVE. Go early and all the animals are super active! We used a Genie+ for this right when it opened!
NA’VI RIVER JOURNEY - they opened Avatar world here and it’s SWEET even if you have never seen the movie. It is pretttty magical.
EXPEDITION EVEREST - My fave rollercoaster. Grey loved it, Mila did not. Too much for her!
GORILLA FALLS EXPLORATION TRAIL - GREAT for when you want your kids to chill or nap. Lots of animals to see and a pretty little walk.
DINOSAUR - a little creepy and rough but the kids loved it and so do I!
The Dinoland area is really fun - some cute rides, a playground, and a “carnival” type vibe

EPCOT

REMY’S - so freaking fun!!! def worth the hype. one of our faves
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - very cool, I haven’t been on anything like it!
FROZEN - obviously it’s cool, it’s Frozen

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS - We did a half day here and that was enough!

MICKEY & MINNIE’S RUNAWAY RAILWAY - also of our faves. SO FUN, same vibe as Remy’s. a MUST DO.
INDIANA JONES STUNT SHOW - i love indy. so yeah.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST LIVE - nice way to chill out!
TOY STORY MANIA! - Was super fun and you shoot these balls at different targets. Mila LOVED IT too.
ALIEN SWIRLING SAUCERS
TOWER OF TERROR - the best ever.
FROZEN SING-A-LONG - I thought this would be characters singing, but it’s more watching songs from the movie and singing along with a little show. The kids seemed to like it, but were a little bored. I sang every word though sooooo whatever.

BIBBITI BOBBITI BOUTIQUE

Oh. My. Gosh. This was the first time Mila did this and it was so special. First, they asked Mila what she wanted to be called, Queen, Princess… she chose Isabella (from Encanto) - then you flip through a book and choose which package you want. You then go back to choose the dress, jewelry, etc. Mila was alllll Isabella. She also wanted Aurora, so I ended up buying her that set as well for at home. They take her to a dressing room with a magic mirror, and the fairy godmother appears! Then, I got her dressed and she goes to the salon. It’s just the sweetest. They full on treat them like they are a Princess or Queen. They get the hair, the makeup, nails done, a sash…and then are presented as their Princess-self. You can get their pictures taken too. Mila was just in awe, she loved it so much. The next day, one of her earrings broke, and I took her back to buy a new set - and they just appeared with a new earring for her “because a Princess must have her earrings!” Disney is so good at going above and beyond!

WEAR

I wore Jax a lot and for Disney - nothing beats the original Tula carrier! It is so comfy and quick to put on with just two buckles. You can wear it front or back carry without adjusting any straps. It is the best!!!!
I went hard on the vintage tees this year. I am not even gonna tell you what I spent on this vintage Splash Mountain shirt lol. It is iconic now so whatever. Worth it. Ebay has good ones!
I LOVED these Disney bags from Freshly Picked - I wore the belt bag every day and it had tons of room. I also got THIS new one and it is AWESOME. So cute and tons of space.

The COOLEST disney tees - Subtle Dust
Zara has a really great disney collection!
For shoes - the kids lovvveeee Native Jefferson’s. They easily slip on, are cool, easy to clean, can get wet, and never give them blisters ever! Perfect for hot days walking around the park.
And of course - ears! Amazon, etsy - they have cute ones! And obvi the parks have a million options.

MUST-HAVES

Oils. Yes. FOR THE LOVE, DO NOT GO TO DISNEY WITHOUT YOUR FREAKINNNN OILS.

I kept a small zipper bag from Modern Makerie in the stroller, and the had a smaller bag with these roll-ons in it:
+ Kidpower - our “happy oil” - calming, soothing, makes for a great day and tames tantrums.
+ Owie - for cuts, scrapes, boo-boos, and blisters and LOTS of bandaids
+ TummyGize - to roll on upset bellies after too many mickey-shaped snacks!
+ SniffleEase - hotels, airplanes, and travel make us sniffle-y. I roll this on their chests and dab on their noses. Mila woke up are screamed “SNIFFLEEASE!!” in my face in the middle of the night sooooo ya know it works.
+ Wellness roller - Daily mustttt have all the time, but even more so when you travel. Normally we roll this on feet and spines daily, but when we travel it’s twice a day.
+ Bandaids! Did I mention bandaids?!
+ Thieves Hand Sanitizer

For myself and Chris - we used the kids roll-ons, but I also keep a Deep Relief roll-on for sore muscles, head tension, or to cool down.

I always had a Thieves Hand Sanitizer with us, plus Seedlings Wipes, YL Insect Repellent Wipes, tand he YL Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50.

Back at the hotel, we diffused lots of sleepy oils at night and Thieves oil!

For the kids, they got Tranquil or SleepyIze roll-on at night, plus an ImmuPro to help them sleep and support those immune systems! We take a travel sound machine with us too!

Daily supplements were Ningxia for us all!
+ For the kids - Kidscents MightyPro (pre/probiotic that tastes like a pixie stick!), MightyZymes (digestive enzyme), MightyVites (multivitamin), and Super C Chewable (vitamin C!)
+ I took Ningxia, Super C, Super B, garlic capsules, Inner Defense.
+ Chris took like nine thousand things, he’s a freakin beast. I know he had AgilEase, Ningxia, Super C, Super B, and Essentialzymes-4 in there somewhere 😂

Grab them here and make sure my referral ID 2217849 is plugged in - I’ll get ya hooked up with our community, tons of resources including classes, protocols, safety info, how-tos, and recipes - plus a super cute welcome gift and both our Modern Handbook and Modern Kids book!