It all started when we decided we wanted to take Jaxon on vacation with us this year. There aren't many places a toddler can go where he isn't required to walk A LOT. So we had to choose something that would be fun for him, didn't require a ton of walking on his part, and we would enjoy. So while looking online I ran across Disney World. I wasn't sure how much a toddler could do but I figured it was worth a look.
Don't be fooled. There are tons of things for toddlers to do. They need to be about 33 inches and they can do most everything age appropriate. There are bigger roller coasters and rides they can't get on but at their age they wouldn't want to anyway.
So my next big task was to sell Jason on the plan. He was a little hesitant because he was thinking Worlds of Fun type park. It is nothing, I repeat nothing like Worlds of Fun. I went online and showed him all the parks and everything Jaxon could do. He was also worried Jaxon wouldn't remember the experience. The only thing I could think was how much fun he was gonna have. Who cares if he remembers it. Do you skip going to the park or the swimming pool in the summer just because your kid might not remember it. After I explained Jaxon is almost 4 and he remembers more than you think he was sold. I also believe the magic wears off as they get older. Sure they remember it but the Wow factor just isn't there. Next it was planning the entire trip. Since I didn't know what I was getting myself into I hired a travel agent. There are several resorts to choose from on Disney property, meal plans, all the different options for park tickets example park hopper option. Then you need to know the ins and outs of the parks to truly enjoy your time. If you don't have an itenary you will end up waiting in long lines and not getting to spend as much time doing what you want. We also wanted the travel agency to help us sort through all the options for taking a disabled child. The agent we chose specializes in Disney world and the owner is a retired special education teacher. What a fit.
Disney World is amazing at helping with disabilities. We got a room on first floor, so we didn't have to worry about using stairs or the elevator every day. When we arrived at the park, we were given a wheel chair pass for Jaxon's stroller. This allows you to drive the stroller right up to most rides and then load him onto the ride instead of checking the stroller and carrying him through lines. Talk about back saver. We tried about 2 rides without the pass and we walked all the way back to the front of the park to get a pass. Lesson learned. We were also given a pass for Jaxon's poor vision. This way he was able to sit up close in shows as long as it permitted. The only bad thing I can say about their services is we had to pay for buffet meals for him a couple times and he doesn't eat a single thing. One of them we didn't mind because the characters come around and visit, so I understand but the other one was just a plain buffet. I guess it's something they could work on.
Each night we looked through our itenary and decided exactly what we wanted to do. The first thing we decided was we can't do everything and Jaxon needs a nap everyday. So sticking by those rules. We got to the parks as soon as they opened. Rode all the rides we had time for or until things got really busy. Then we went back to the hotel for a nap and swimming. Then we returned in the evening for a 2nd round. Usually in the evening it included a show or parade with fire works.
Day 1 - We arrived about 11:30. We checked into our room and explored around the resort so we knew where everything was. Picked up the package I had mailed to myself. Taking formula on a plane is a mess so I mailed most of it. We had a reservation for a dinner show. This was our first experience figuring out the transportation system. We took a boat to the show.
Day 2 - Magic Kingdom
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| Classic Dumbo ride. We rode this at least 5 times. He loved it. |
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| This is a roller coaster. And I'll tell you I even lost my stomach. Jaxon loved it and rode it 5 times also. He just couldn't get enough. |
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| Of course we had to take a ride on the train. |
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| This was our favorite parade. They take everyone out into the street to dance with characters. Jaxon saw this twice and had so much fun both times. |
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| Getting ready to dance with Donald. |
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| These awesome bushes are everywhere with all the different characters. |
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| Of course meeting Mickey Mouse for the first time was a huge highlight. |
Day 2 - Epcot
This is more of a older kids and adult park. Jaxon had fun meeting several more characters and rode 1 ride finding nemo several times. All around the park there are areas set up like different countries including their music and food. This was a favorite. We also found a little playground and stopped to let Jax stretch his legs.
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| Epcot Ball |
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| The flowers were amazing. |
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| To bad parks at home weren't turf grass. |
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| I think his smile says it all. |
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Come on Daddy Again
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Day 3 - Animal Kingdom
We went on a safari and got to see some really cool animals. Jaxon's vision didn't allow him to see some of the smaller animals but he was able to see the giraffe's and elephants. He loved all the music in this park also. A lot of drums.
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| This is the Tree of Life. On the trunk is carved out all kinds of animals from around the world. |
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| Waiting for a seat at our character lunch. It was a lot of fun. All the characters come by your table and spend a little time with you. |
Day 4 - Hollywood Studios. This was another favorite park for Jaxon. He got to see a live show with Mickey Mouse and friends, play in a Honey I Shrunk the kids play ground, he rode with Jason and I on the Toy Story ride. We had more fun on the Toy story ride than he did hehe. We left and went back for a nap and swim. In the evening we returned for the Fantasia show. It was amazing.
Last Day - We went back to Magic Kingdom for half the day before leaving. We rode all Jaxon's favorite rides one last time and saw his favorite parade. We also shopped for souvenirs.
It truly was a magical trip. Watching Jaxon respond to all the sights and sounds was a great gift. Being able to spend a care free week with my family makes working all year long worth it. It honestly couldn't have been a better week. Disney is always busy but we were able to do almost everything we wanted without fighting crowds and long lines. In the afternoons the lines tended to be really long but we were napping and swimming.
Until next time, Jason says maybe a Disney cruise. Who knows!!
