Final Countdown to Disney!

I profess I am probably more excited about our trip to Disney World than even my 3 year old daughter. And trust me she is beyond excited. For over a year now, every time she’d find a penny or lose an eyelash, she would make a wish that, “Someday we will visit Disney World.” I just can not wait to experience the Mickey magic of Disney through her childish curiousity and perspective.

Booking this trip was a total whirlwind as it was v. last minute as I know many families plan for Disney months to a year in advance. Honestly, I planned it all 5 weeks ago! If you are considering a trip – now is definitely the time to make it happen. Disney is offering 3 free nights for every 4 night trip you book until August 15th, 2009. We are actually only spending 4 nights as we’ll also be visiting family but we were able to get 40% off our hotel stay with a special coupon code promotion currently going on when I booked.

So what’s our schedule? (People think I’m crazy to go to Disney with a 3 year old and 14 month old but I say it’s all about managing your expectations. We plan on doing 1/2 days, napping and/or relaxing at the hotel in the afternoons, and if the kids can handle it, we’ll hit a park in the evening. )

Hotel: Grand Floridian – so we can be close to the Magic Kingdom & on the Monorail

Breakfast with Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland & Pooh & Friends at the Grand Floridian

Dinner with Cinderella, Prince Charming, and the wicked *Stepmother at the Grand Floridian

(Kenzie is very wary about the Stepmother attending this meal & doesn’t understand why Cindy would include her!)

Lunch with the Princesses at Epcot’s Norway Pavillon – I hear this is fabulous!

Breakfast with Mickey & Friends at the Contemporary Hotel

(I was able to get secure all the reservations we wanted 1 month in advance of our visit with the exception of dining at the Castle’s Royal Table – I hear this books out months in advance.)

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – We’ll be visiting the boutique in the castle for Kenzie to get her hair done, shimmering makeup and her nails painted. Apparently this is a don’t miss thing for the little girls obsessed with princesses. It’s $54.95, but I think it will be worth the experience. Kenzie pretends to Makeovers at her Barbie Plastic Vanity at least 3x daily and she loves wearing my lip gloss so I presume she’ll be all over this.

Thanks to everyone on Twitter for their amazing advice. @CutieBootyCakes shared with me the 40% off coupon code & @mommieswithstyle shared with me an amazing agenda based on what she learned when she used Tour Guide Mike – an expert who helps visitors learn which park to visit on which day to avoid crowds and long lines.

I’ll be sure to fill everyone in on our favorite rides, lessons learned, and any airport drama – as that is often a given when traveling with kiddos!