The Perfect Disney Vacation

We have returned from another successful Disney adventure. After working for the mouse for 10+ years and having the parks available anytime, going back is a mixture of going home again and being able to actually have a true vacation experience which we couldn't have while working there. When we lived in the area, we could go into a theme park for a couple of hours and then leave if the kids were acting up, it was too crowded, etc. Now we have to be like the masses "We are going to Disney and you will have fun...its now or never!!"This has resulted in some very long, exhausting days as we try to fit in everything, plus our local favorite restaurants and maybe even meet a few old friends along the way.
So we have been trying to find the balance between doing too much and not seeing everything we want...which is a tricky balance. This trip we actually had days while my husband was in a conference that we didn't go into any theme parks, but instead opted to play around the resort instead which was way cool. If you have ever had the opportunity to stay at a Disney resort, you know there are tons of things to do there, and often no time to do it. While at the Disney Yacht Club Resort we walked the loop to Boardwalk, enjoyed the bakery, sat and watched the boats, swam in the very fun sand bottom pool, let the kids build sand castles and played on the beach. I think the kids actually had more fun not going into the theme parks. As much fun as it seems to take the kids to Disney, I have noticed on more than one occasion that they spend the majority of time sitting in a stroller & waiting in line than actually having fun. Then we had 3 full days of the parks, and while we did take a bit more time out during the day to go back and enjoy the pool, we also let our kids stay up a bit later and enjoyed the park at night as well.
As a result I think we almost found the perfect balance...almost because we still missed some of the parts of the parks we would have enjoyed but due to cranky kids and naps, had to miss...but then again I guess that gives us a reason to go back and try again!