My Many Mini Walt Disney World Vacations

I began my many mini Walt Disney World Vacations fourteen months ago when my only child graduated from college and headed out to the wonderful world of Disney to begin life on her own! In the beginning the excitement of her going to work at Disney overshadowed the fact that she would be living 8 hours away from home! After settling her in Orlando I returned home and immediately began to realize how much I was going to miss her! She was my movie buddy, my shopping buddy, my tv buddy, my co-chef and mostly my only child! Even though she had been away at school for four years she was home a lot on the weekends and every summer. This was different….she had moved….and 8 hours away! I do understand that this is what kids grow up and do, and she was/is incredibly happy, something I would never want to change or compromise. So I had to come up with a way to be alright with this change in our lives. I purchased an annual pass for Walt Disney World and informed her and my husband that I intended to travel to Orlando once a month to visit her and be part of the magical world she loves so much. At first they thought I was kidding, but after a few months they realized I meant every word!

My first trip was in August 2015. I actually made two trips that month – my parents joined the band wagon and bought annual passes also! It was their first trip to Disney in several years, so we found lots of new experiences together! In September my husband came along and we attended our first Mickey’s Not So Scary Haloween Party. We had never seen so many elaborate costumes or so much candy! October’s trip was shared with my sister and her 12 year old step son. It was his first ever Disney trip! November’s trip was an “original family“ trip – my parents, myself and my sister. Christmas decorations were up and we enjoyed seeing the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights for their last season! December’s trip I was alone and the focus was on moving Disney Daughter into her first real apartment – no more college dorm or Disney Housing! But we did go over to see those dancing lights for my last time and the Candle Light Processional.

I’ve been every month of 2016 with the exception of March, but I did visit late in February and early in April! The amazing thing about a Walt Disney World vacation is that there is always, always something new to see! And there’s no way to see it all in one trip. My trips are usually only 4-5 days including travel time. I’ve renewed my annual pass now and am looking forward to more trips in the future! And while Disney magic is hard to beat, spending time with my daughter, her friends and my family is the most magical experience I have while there.

The Disney College Program brought my daughter to Orlando. She has since joined the ranks as a part time Disney Cast Member and plans to never leave. Check the program out if you have a college student in your family –  www.disneycollegeprogram.com  It’s been a wonderful experience for our entire family!