Destination: Disney World, USA
Mode of Transport: Laughter
Chris Farley was a comedic genius. In my view, he singlehandedly got Saturday Night Live through some dismal years. There were times he’d save an otherwise mundane skit with his physical prowess. He’d throw his large frame around the set, gesticulating like a madman or a drunk with sweat pouring down his red, bloated face. All this just to bring laughter. To make us happy. He always succeeded in this and for my money the best in his era.
We stayed at the Contemporary Hotel in Disney World.
Disney World as our Vacation Destination
Bailey, 9 years of age, asked us to consider Disney World as our vacation destination that year. We have skirted the issue for years and never considered it as an option. On that year, we would acquiesce. We were off to the “happiest place on earth”.
A kid from Illinois’ version of the Versailles.
Disney (land) World is an abundant landscape that could have only been dreamt up by either an American or Louis the XIV, XV, XVI (pick one). It was everything we expected it to be. Hot, overcrowded, expensive. We loved it. We loved it for the obvious reason, it made our daughter happy. Moreover, we loved it because, in some way, it is simply a kid from Illinois’ version of The Versailles. It is a manifestation of the American Dream.
It’s Only A Paper Moon
A small flat bottom boat pulled up on the artificial dock, on the artificial waterway. Once the three of us were seated, the vehicle pulled out and immediately brought us into a glitter-filled, papier mache, world. I am automatically reminded of my father, singing along with Nat King Cole’s “It’s Only A Paper Moon”
”It is only a paper moon, sailing over a cardboard sea, but it wouldn’t be made believe if you believe in me”.
Dreaming about destinations we have been, and yet to go
The cruise took us through, what was once thought to be, far-off locations: The British Isles, Scandinavia, Eastern and Western Europe, Africa, The Middle East, Asia, South America, etc., etc. Lots of been there, done that moments. Even more “haven’t been there yet” moments. Lots of smiles and laughter from tourists, in spite of themselves, brought out by the hundreds of dimple-faced puppets reenacting moments that stereotype presupposes. As childish as the ride was, all three of us were brought to dream about destinations we have been, and yet to go.
It’s a Small World After All
I can’t help but think that this amusement park ride, on a fake cruise boat, on a fake ocean, was actually the impetus that led us to our upcoming trip around the real world. Why not make the dream a reality? It’s a Small World After All.
During the ride, I heard lots of laughter from the boat ahead. I couldn’t wait to see what it was about. The boat took a left into the British Isles, and there he was, the English Beefeater, with a drunken, dreamy look on his red, somewhat bloated face. Looking at him made me laugh. He made me happy. Just like Chris Farley.
It would be great if you shared this happy story with your friends. Have you been to Disney? Let us know in the comments your experiences and tips.
Short Guide to Disney World
We used our Delta miles for round trip multi-destination tickets from LaGuardia to Orlando and then Tampa to LaGuardia (we went to Clearwater Florida for 11 days after our Disney World trip) so it was “free” but if you were to book it today, it would be anywhere between $300 – $500.
Where to Stay and eat at Disney:
We decided to book our whole trip via disneyvacations.com because Andrew and I were both working full time and had no time to figure out the best way to visit Disney. I recommend you to sign up to receive the free DVD and in it, you’ll be prompted to visit their vacation site to book your travel.
All in all, we spent $2710 for 3 nights, 4 days for the 3 of us. Which includes our hotel stay at the Contemporary Hotel, our Magic Bus from Orlando Airport, all meals and our special dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Here is a thorough list from the DisneyTrippers.com, of the best and worst restaurants in Disney World Restaurants!
Our Magic Bands at Disney World | Dish Our Town
For busy people, this package was so well worth the money. First thing is we were given 3 Magic Bands for each of us delivered to our home address. Once we received them, we were given instructions to load our information and credit card details so we can connect it to our stay.
Let me just tell you how fantastic these bands were. When we landed in Orlando, we didn’t have to pick up our bags, we went straight to the Magic Bus and showed them our bands. They welcomed us to our magic chariot and the bags were magically transported to our room without us having to do anything, just show them the Magic Band. The Band was also our keys to our room at the Contemporary Hotel.
Then our FastPass was attached to the band so we never had to stay on long lines. They were also attached to our credit cards so we don’t have to bring bags or wallets anywhere. We just kept them all in our hotel safe. I know, it’s a ploy to spend more money but hey, we’ve never felt more free to roam without any worries. If you want a magical time, GET the MagicBand.
I have to be honest, the food was NOT good and is why Andrew never talked about any dishes. However, it was very convenient. We really wanted to maximize our time in the parks so we just dealt with the food issues. I had salads the whole time, which were awful but it was better than an awful burger. At least I didn’t have to feel heavy in the heat. We did have to pay for our alcohol because the package only includes soft drinks and water.
We also loved staying at the Contemporary Hotel because it was walking distance to the Magic Kingdom, which is where Bailey wanted to spend most of her time. The pool there was fantastic.
If it’s your first time going, I highly recommend staying at the Contemporary Hotel or anywhere in the Park because it just make your life easier for you and your whole family will truly have a magical time. You won’t have to deal with real life for 4 days, like parking and driving. Can you imagine at midnight leaving the park and getting into your car and having to drive to another hotel? OR having to deal with your luggage?
Hope you make it to Disney one day and when you do, let us know your experience. IF you’ve already been there, let us know some of your tips, we’d love to know them. I wish you a Magical Life!
Our Room at the Contemporary Hotel Disney World | Dish Our Town
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Fun post! I love Disney too, despite the heat and overpriced everything. I live just minutes away but don’t visit often. When I do, I instantly feel like I’m on vacation. I love chatting with others and asking where they’re from. They always laugh when we say “we’re from down the road” It’s a great place to feel like a kid and just laugh and play. My tips for fun at Disney: 1. accept you can’t see all of it in one day so Pick and choose what you really must see. 2. Take a break and have your child take a nap. 3. Everything from the monorail to standing in line is part of the experience, not a means to an end just to get on a two minute ride. Make it fun! 4. roll with whatever comes your way. 5. As you say, Laugh! I see too many parents stressed out and the kids cranky because they are trying to get their money’s worth and rushing to do everything. It is the happiest place on earth but only if you make it. As you said, it’s a great place to dream about what you can do in the real world, like your awesome around the world trip!
Christina:
Great tips (from a local none the less). You should write a little pamphlet to sell on your site, lots of people would love to hear your take on how to do it right. As for me, glad to have done it and ready to see how small this big world truly is. Thanks again.
Best,
Andrew
Love It’s a Small World. As my husband always says, nobody does multi-culti like Disney!
Robin:
Mjlti-culti for sure, and not just the puppets. It’s a treat for all the world to enjoy, if they just let themselves. Glad we did.
Best,
Andrew
There is something magical about Disney – you need to let go of all cynicism as you enter and then it’s fantastic!!
Sarah:
Once you get in, it’s hard to hold on to anything negative at all. I agree, it is magical. Thanks for reading the post.
Best,
Andrew
Love Small World! So cool that it was inspiration for your trip. We love traveling the world, 1000 days now! You know what? It is a small world after all! 🙂
Heidi:
It truly is a small world, and glad that your experience confirms that. 1000 days and counting for you guys, what a great threshold to have reached. Congrats.
All the Best,
Andrew
I loved your comment “Hot, overcrowded, expensive. We loved it.” – this is exactly how I felt when we went with our kids a couple of years ago. Sometimes the greatest enjoyment comes from seeing how happy our kids are!
Katja:
Glad you shared the same experience. An yes, there happiness trumps everything else.
Best,
Andrew
Its a Small World is still my favorite ride of all time. It just makes my heart sing. What a great reminder that as much as far-flung lands are adventurous and exciting, sometimes you just need a trip to Disney.
Elena:
I wasn’t kidding when I said that it may have been the impetus for our upcoming full time travel. Nothing like a kid’s dream to be followed.
Best,
Andrew
Disneyland (and World… I came back for a second dose) made me smile in spite of myself. I’m the ultimate theme-park grinch, and begrudgingly accompany theme-park-loving daughters and husband. And yes, there were moments when Walt’s magic definitely touched me (and moments when I screamed myself stupid). The most magic moment was watching the faces of small kids who were totally awe-struck while they watched the parade go by. Came via #weekendwanderlust
Fairlie:
As know, we tried to avoid it at all costs, but the kid got the better of us. Glad she did.
Best,
Andrew
Glad you enjoyed it! We love Disney–it’s always a good time no matter how old we get 🙂 I’ve been going since I was little and have yet to get sick of it!
Jenna:
Thanks for reading the post, and yes, Disney was a surprise that I am happy to have had.
Best,
Andrew
Definitely is never too late to go to Disneyland, I´m on my 30´s and I still dream of my fairytale holiday there 😀
Natalie:
It’s never too late for Disney as you say and with that said, I hope your dream of a fairytale holiday comes into fruition.
Best,
Andrew
I grew up in Southern California where annual visits to Disney were always a treat. So glad your expectations were exceeded!
Elaine:
It was definitely nice to have been surprised by how much we enjoyed ourselves. Thank you for reading the post.
Best,
Andrew
I live in Orlando and go to Disney all the time. It’s hot and crowded and way way way expensive, but there is no place like it in the whole world. It really is magical.
Mags:
After having been talked into it by my daughter, I found the experience akin to a good party at a club. It’s hot,crowded and expensive, but lots of fun.
Best,
Andrew
Glad you enjoyed your time at Disney – you just can’t go past the happiest place on earth!!
Meg:
I guess I couldn’t get passed it after all and glad I was talked into it by my daughter. Thanks again for reading the post.
Best,
Andrew
Looks like you had a pretty amazing time. There’s nothing like a Disney trip to a kid. It’s one of the best travel memories I have from my childhood.
Laura:
It is a child’s wonderland for sure and an American dream.
Best,
Andrew
We adore Disney. It’s always a fun vacation for kids and adults.
Dana:
Fun for the kids for sure, and being a kid at heart helps. Thanks for reading the post.
Best,
Andrew
LOL, this review of Disney is so like you, and so unlike a stereotypical American family review. 🙂 (That’s a compliment, by the way.) I would agree that Disney is impressive. After being terribly disappointed by another amusement park, I was pleasantly surprised by Disney, but then again, I can’t see going there year after year, every single year. There’s so much more of the world to see!
Jolanta:
I’m glad you’re starting to get to know us through our website. Thanks again and hear from you again soon.
Best,
Andrew
Looks like you guys had a great time!
Amanda:
We did, simply because we didn’t expect to. Like all travel, something always comes out of it, and in this case it’s appreciating something I never did.
Best,
Andrew
Went there in 2011 with all my grandkids. Time to remember. Glad you heeded her request!
Carol:
Wasn’t nearly on the top of my list of “must do”. Now that I did, glad to have done so. Thank you for following and all the best.
– Andrew
I went to Disney as an adult and absolutely loved every minute of it! 🙂 Still kid at heart.
Tanj:
We travel for many reasons. To feel like a kid is one of them. Thanks for reading the post.
All the Best, Andrew
I’ve asked Craig if we can go to Disney for my 31st birthday! I don’t think you ever grow out of that dream.
Keep asking. My daughter did, and we finally caved in. All the best and thanks for giving the post a read.
Best,
Andrew