Rather than give a day-by-day narrative of our recent trip, I'll be posting summaries and thoughts by planning category. Our trip consisted of 5 days with me, my wife, our two daughters (6 & 5), my wife's parents.
Some overall thoughts:
1. It was a fantastic trip. Each time I come back from WDW, I feel a greater since of how precious time is with my wife and kids; how they are growing up fast on me; and how each day is a moment in time that we can never have back again. I come back from these trips resolved not to live my life frustrated with the little things of day-to-day living, but to make everyday count for something and to be intentional about making good memories for and with my family. Thanks Disney for that.
2. There is a place of balance in planning for these trips. I planned a lot, and especially with the logistical things (driving directions, etc.), it paid off. It also helps to have a good itinerary planned out. However, the place of balance comes in being willing to deviate from that plan when necessary or desired. There is no sense in running everyone until they collapse just so all the details of a plan can be carried out.
3. A lot of you advised not to be in the get-everything-done mode. Although I listened to that and wanted to follow your advice, I couldn't seem to get myself out of the commando mode until the last day. And you know what? That's the day I enjoyed the most. So NEXT time, I WILL leave my commando mode at home.
4. Having said that, all the little tips that save time, and cut down on standing in line are worth following. I'll post my favorite tips later, but there is a direct inverse relationship between the amount of time spent standing in line and everyone's patience level.
Coming Up - Part Two: Eating Around the World
Some overall thoughts:
1. It was a fantastic trip. Each time I come back from WDW, I feel a greater since of how precious time is with my wife and kids; how they are growing up fast on me; and how each day is a moment in time that we can never have back again. I come back from these trips resolved not to live my life frustrated with the little things of day-to-day living, but to make everyday count for something and to be intentional about making good memories for and with my family. Thanks Disney for that.
2. There is a place of balance in planning for these trips. I planned a lot, and especially with the logistical things (driving directions, etc.), it paid off. It also helps to have a good itinerary planned out. However, the place of balance comes in being willing to deviate from that plan when necessary or desired. There is no sense in running everyone until they collapse just so all the details of a plan can be carried out.
3. A lot of you advised not to be in the get-everything-done mode. Although I listened to that and wanted to follow your advice, I couldn't seem to get myself out of the commando mode until the last day. And you know what? That's the day I enjoyed the most. So NEXT time, I WILL leave my commando mode at home.
4. Having said that, all the little tips that save time, and cut down on standing in line are worth following. I'll post my favorite tips later, but there is a direct inverse relationship between the amount of time spent standing in line and everyone's patience level.
Coming Up - Part Two: Eating Around the World
