Moms, it's time for a little talk. We deserve a break. A break from cooking, from cleaning, from car line, from grocery shopping, from after-school sports, from the gym, from work, from kids... a break from your every day. We've earned it and we deserve it! At least this is what you need to tell yourself as you explain away why Disney without kids sounds like a good idea. My friends and I broke free for a quick weekend trip to visit The Mouse and there are plenty of reasons why Walt Disney World might just be the perfect destination for your next girls' weekend!
Dining without kids at Disney is next level
Forget nuggets or lunch with Belle... we were more interested in exploring exotic tastes! For most meals we shared a few starters and split entrees for a taste of everything. Our favorite meals were at Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village (African with Indian flair), Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom (Asian, South American and African flavors), Rose & Crown Dining Room at Epcot (British pub), Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs (Mex Mex) and Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom (global small plates and cocktails). And #nomnomnom, just check out that pic of Sanaa's amazing bread service!
I also enjoyed eating early and eating late - not tied to anyone's schedule. No kids constantly nagging for a snack or having to share a bite. We enjoyed all the pretzels, all the churros, all of the sweets, all to ourselves! For breakfast, snacks and drinks, my friend also pre-ordered our groceries from a local Publix via Instacart. No PB&J on this trip - we were packin' caprese salad like true mom bosses should.
Big kid rides and flexibilityI've visited Walt Disney World annually for the last three years and love that each time the parks reveal different and unique things. I had a chance to try out the bigger thrill rides that I've missed on previous trips, like Expedition Everest and Primeval Whirl at Animal Kingdom, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith and the all-new Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios (featuring new rides Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers), Pandora - The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom (featuring new rides Avatar Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey) and even Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom. On previous trips my husband and I made great use of Rider Switch when riding with our tallest son, but never attempted any of the bigger rides solo. What a blast!
These rides also had fewer kids which made for a much more enjoyable queue experience. Not having our own kids in line was also a treat - no nagging, no dragging anyone along, no losing your cool over poor line behavior, no complaining! We also didn't have to deal with heartbreak; when our second go at Alien Swirling Saucers was taking too long, we easily aborted the mission. FastPasses were also easy to book and add with no emotions tied to rides. Let's also dish about those single rider lines! Who cares if our party gets split up as long as we get through the line faster?!
These rides also had fewer kids which made for a much more enjoyable queue experience. Not having our own kids in line was also a treat - no nagging, no dragging anyone along, no losing your cool over poor line behavior, no complaining! We also didn't have to deal with heartbreak; when our second go at Alien Swirling Saucers was taking too long, we easily aborted the mission. FastPasses were also easy to book and add with no emotions tied to rides. Let's also dish about those single rider lines! Who cares if our party gets split up as long as we get through the line faster?!
Make it easy and give it to me cheap My friends wanted the ease of convenient access to the parks, so staying on-property was a no-brainer. I enlisted the free help of an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, Melissa with Magically Ever After Travel. She gave us a few options to choose from (we went with Coronado Springs) and Melissa was even able to apply a discount from my Chase Disney Visa. Transit to and from the airport on the Disney Magical Express was included with our on-property reservation and we had easy bus rides to and from the resort to the parks.
Speaking of that Chase Disney Visa, as a cardholder I have great perks like access to unique character experiences at Hollywood Studios and Epcot (with no wait!), 10% off select dining, 15% off at select spa and salons and 10% off select merchandise purchases over $50 - PLUS 1% back earned in Disney Rewards with no annual fee! I'm happy to refer you to the card - click here and get a $200 statement credit when you spend $500 within 3 months.
Taking care of #1
Often when planning a vacation I find a way to ensure that everyone is having a great time, but as the orchestrator I don't always take care of myself. A girls' trip is unique in that regard - you can eat, drink, sleep and pee when you want, all on your own time. There was no one to pack for or get ready daily except for myself. No drama at the airport (except for when Qdoba's credit card machine went down!). When my friends wanted time to shop, I could only think of how much easier it was without dragging a family along. You also experience fun differently - I spent a full day park hopping across three parks from rope drop to lights out (a whopping 14 hours). I could not imagine dragging kids along for that. Another perk of traveling sans kids? I didn't feel the need to drag my phone out to snap a pic of every single moment.
I think all three of us enjoyed a momentary break from reality, sprinkled with a little pixie dust. Staying on-property for a quick weekender makes travel to Walt Disney World super convenient. Having a small, flexible group also helped us "go with the flow" and hit our top picks and then some. We were never tied to a rigid schedule and could roll through ride after ride but also take time to relax at our meals. Every mom deserves a break. Where will you plan yours?
Planning to visit Walt Disney World with kids? View my tips here! My family also enjoyed LEGOLAND Florida, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Crayola Experience Orlando and Orlando Science Center and I've shared my tips for a magical vacation at a fraction of the cost here.
