Let me be honest…We were there less than a week ago. And when I came back – I was tired. I mean jet laggy, spacy, I left my card in the ATM machine and drove off tired. It was HOT – 107 degrees hot. My 4 year old didn’t go for more than 20 minutes at a time without throwing a major tantrum because she was so uncomfortable. We have one family picture with Mickey Mouse and I swear she would have smacked him upside the head with her autograph book if we would have let her. She was over it.

And based on the conversations we heard around us. Many of the kids were over it and so were the parents. I don’t think I have experienced a trip to Disney where I personally overheard so many children being yelled at, parents bickering, overall crankiness in the air.

I know as a person who books travel this isn’t the best story to “sell”, but honestly I’m a mom first and foremost and to “sell” the idea that a Disney vacation will be perfect and have a happily ever after ending just isn’t always realistic. But here is the other side of the story….

In the same trip, my 4 year olds star struck glaze as she got Cinderella’s autograph couldn’t help but make me smile, the goose bumps I got watching Tinker Bell fly before the nightly fireworks show was truly a magical experience and the joy my 6 year old exhibited when I was drenched going on Splash Mountain with her for our annual ride gives me something to look back on with fondness. Every trip we take with the kids mark new milestones. Whether its that they grow a couple of inches and they are able to experience some of the new attractions, or they have a new obsession with a Disney character and they get the chance to meet them during the trip, or the fact that as they get older they are able to do more and appreciate all of the little extras Disney has to offer.

The thing about at Walt Disney World vacation is that there is always the good, the bad and the ugly moments (that we forget about when we think back on our vacation memories). But there is something about the Disney magic that leaves you wanting more even during the most tiring of trips.

So as a traveling mom, learning about all of the different options available is very important to me. Food eats up (no pun intended) a large chunk of the vacation budget so finding good, kid friendly locations with food the kids will actually eat is key to a successful vacation experience. As frequent travelers to the Walt Disney World Resort, we have had an opportunity to take our kids to many of the restaurants. Here are our a few of new favorite meal options at the Magic Kingdom Park:

Tony’s Town Square – Located in the front of the Magic Kingdom, Tony’s Town Square somehow has always been overlooked by our family. Perhaps because we have been more quick serve type people in trips past, and always seem to be somewhere in Tomorrowland during lunchtime. However this trip we found with the tremendous heat factor that having a sit down meal is a great way to give everyone a break and have a more relaxed, enjoyable meal than a quick serve location can offer.

Based on the restaurant from the Lady and the Tramp. The decor and surroundings were quite relaxed and comfortable. The kids menu offered some good choices. For a full menu be sure to check out AllEarsNet.com. Our kids chose the Spaghetti and Meatball option with the side of carrots, celery and ranch dressing. What I have to say I really liked about this restaurant is that the potions were big enough that the kids could share one of the meals instead of having to order two. The other finding we had was that the kids meals include dessert in the price. We opted out of dessert, knowing we would most likely get a “sugar” treat later in the day and as a mom I try to limit those treats to one per day. Sorry kids But the fact that it was included in the price made the cost very reasonable.

The Plaza Restaurant – Another great hit with the kiddos! Located at the end of Main Street. The Plaza is themed as a typical ice cream parlor but has some great food choices for meals too for kids and adults alike. This time the kids got their own meals instead of sharing. They each got the kids turkey sandwich which was shaped like Mickey Mouse and the perfect size so that they each actually ate the whole thing! Their meals started out with a cup of Chicken and Rice soup which wasn’t listed on the menu, but seems to be a normal alternative to the Tomato soup that is listed on the menu as the starter for the meal. After their soup they had the turkey sandwich with a side of apples and carrots and celery. Very healthy and they enjoyed it all. At the end they each got a fun dessert which included an ice cream sundae with a cone on top and chocolate ears. A fun way to end dinner and it all was included with the meal!

Those are 2 of our new favorites…stay tuned for more!

And…don’t forget to book your Disney vacation and take advantage of some great deals including free dining for trips to Walt Disney World this fall. Contact me at teri@timeless-tales.com or go to the Main Street Travel Co. web page for more details!!

Some benefits to a grown up vacation at Disney World include:

1. No plan… Really just walk in the gate and meander through the shops, actually observe what is happening and make the choice to go on the attraction depending on the length of the line. However, still make sure to utilize the fast pass system for the really popular rides.
2. Have the freedom of making fewer dining choices ahead of time, but do plan those “special” meals in advance. Not having whining, hungry kids in tow when meal time comes is a huge freedom.
2a. 3 meals a day isn’t mandatory without the kids. Eat breakfast later, enjoy more snacks and have happy hour treats.
3. Go on rides together. Instead of doing the rider switch, enjoy being able to stand in line together.
4. Watch the fireworks.
5. Go to bed whenever you want without the bedtime battles.

Ainsley Toonsley and Melodie had been wanting a pet for quite some time. Melodie, Ainsley’s older and wiser sister was pretty sure that a bunny rabbit would be perfect. She had asked and wished many times for a bunny. Mommy was pretty sure that a bunny was a bit more than the 2 girls could handle…but they persisted. “We really want a pet mommy.” Mmm…well mommy was allergic to dogs and daddy was allergic to cats so the most obvious pet options were out of the question. “How about fish?” said mommy, but the girls unanimously agreed that fish were way too boring. Mommy sort of liked the idea of a turtle…but then again turtles could live a looong time so that probably wasn’t a really good option.

“What about a hamster or a gerbil?” said mommy “or a guineau pig” said Ainsley Toonsley? Ainsley had a guineau pig in her classroom at school. So the girls looked up hamsters, gerbils and guineau pigs on the computer and thought they were very cute. “We’ll go to the pet store and take a look this weekend” said mommy. And so the wait began…5 long days until the weekend. Melodie asked mommy every morning “how many more days?” and every day was one day less, but still such a very long time. Down to one day. Melodie went to school all dressed up and fancy for her special lunch with the principal. And Ainsley, who was staying home with mommy that day, also got all dressed up too – just because.

That afternoon, mommy surprised them both when she said that they could go look at the pet store that night instead of waiting one more day! “Yippee! It is my very lucky day” said Melodie and Ainsley had to agree. The stopped at the store closest to their house where they came across some hamsters called Teddy Bear hamsters. Super cute and cuddly both Ainsley and Melodie thought they would be fun…but mommy an daddy weren’t as sure. “Let’s check another pet store” they both said. So after a long and boring dinner of cheeseburgers the girls finally got to go to another pet store. This store was bigger, but didn’t have the same cute and cuddly hamsters. The girls were a little sad until mommy said “why don’t we go back to the other store.” “What?” said Ainsley. “Are we getting a pet?” said Melodie. “Well only if they are still there” said daddy.

The girls shouted out in glee and began to sing. “We’re getting a pet! We’re getting a pet!” They could not have been more excited. Hoping that they were still there, Melodie and Ainsley raced into the store to take a peek. They were.

“Perfecto!” said Ainsley peering into their little glass case watching them peacefully sleep. “We’ll take those” said daddy. And so began the adventure. They picked out a nice home for them, a blue spinning wheel, and some food and treats. Once in the car on the way home they talked about names. “How about Chester and Hester?” said Ainsley. And this begins the tale of Chester and Hester and their adventures with Ainsley Toonsley and Melodie.

“Let’s see your happy face!” said mommy. Ainsley and Melodie both smiled as they dreamed of all of the fun adventures they would have with their new little friends.

To top it off both of the girls weren’t feeling well. Running noses and hair that was full of static flying all about because of the cold, neither girl was feeling very happy. But alas, Melodie was never short of ideas and so the two decided to create the Ainsley Toonsley and Melodie Cafe.

First they must create menues thought Melodie and so she set to work with Mommy. The featured items included: Pancakes with fruit topping and whip cream (of course), sausage and juice to drink. Ainsley focused on the entertainment making sure that everyone had ample paper for the characters to sign. The featured guest of course was Ainsley Toonsley herself.

Checklist for an At Home Character Meal:

1. Menu – prepared with mom and dad’s help.
2. Kids Set the Table – get fancy with folded napkins and placemats
3. Dress Up Supplies – kids dress up as characters of their choice
4. Camera – for cute pictures and character greetings
5. Autograph Books – Kids can make up books and work on writing skills

After the meal was prepared and places were set, the characters visited the table and signed autograph books. Of course the characters had to enjoy some food too, but after that brief intermission everyone ended the meal with a small dance party to give the characters one last opportunity to showcase their talents.

Ainsley Toonsley said the meal was “very cool” and is currently planning her next adventure!

“Why? Do your teeth hurt?” Her mommy wanted to know.

“Oh no mommy I just want my teeth to be sparkly clean.”

And so mommy made an appointment for Ainsley Toonsley to go to the dentist.

And when the day came, Ainsley decided that perhaps she didn’t want to go to the dentist. “I don’t think I will like it so much.” she said.

But mommy made the appointment and it was decided that she would go. She would have to be very brave, but if she was then she would get many treats. Melody, her big sister told her that is what happened when she went to the dentist.

Mommy checked in and they waited in the waiting room. Ainsley was getting a bit nervous. Mommy asked her if her tummy hurt and for some reason asked if she had butterflies in her stomach. Ainsley said she was a little nervous…”why?” asked mommy. And she said it was because she was worried about butterflies in her stomach. “I see” said mommy with a smile.

Then the lady in the white coat called Ainsley’s name and she even said that mommy could come back too.

When they got back Ainsley saw funny looking chairs that looked more like beds. She was told to lay down so the doctor could look at her teeth, but Ainsley didn’t think that was a good idea.

So the lady in the white coat told her all about the instruments instead. One was a poky stick that would just tickle her teeth a bit, another was a squirt gun to put water in her mouth and then Mr. Thirsty the vacuum cleaner to take the water out. She got to pick out her favorite flavor of toothpaste – bubble gum and if she was really good she would get 2 treats from the treasure box!

Ainsley still didn’t know about laying down on the bed chair. She was still a little nervous…not about butterflies, but about what the dentist wanted to do to her teeth.

Finally the dentist came and she was very nice. She told her she could lean back on mommy while she counted her teeth if she’d like…and so she did.

20 teeth the dentist counted. 20 perfect teeth with no cavities. And then it was time for the cleaning. The cleaning would make her teeth nice and clean. She would have sparkly princess teeth if she let them do the cleaning and that sounded pretty fun so Ainsley decided that would be ok.

And after her teeth were sparkly clean she got to pick, not 2 but 3 treats from the treasure box.! She must have been very good because she got star glasses, a notebook and stickers from the treasure box and a pink balloon and t-shirt too! Even better, Ainsley got a certificate and ribbon that said she had NO CAVITIES. It was wayyyy cool!

Ainsley showed off her prizes to Melody when she came home and showed her daddy her sparkly princess teeth. She even told grandma all about her dentist visit when she talked to her on the phone.

Ainsley Toonsley loved her trip to the dentist and thinks that maybe she should go again tomorrow.

Preparations include making sure you have a food supply that could be eaten if you don’t have electricity, having batteries in the flashlights, a battery powered radio, cell phones charged, outdoor furniture secured etc etc. And then you wait.

Now living in the mid western part of the country we get tornadoes. Difference between the two is that tornadoes come quick and without warning. If you get hit, you get hit and you probably won’t know its coming at all.

My daughters have both been sick the last couple of days. And I know its only a matter of time before my husband and I get hit. I feel like I’m waiting for the hurricane. We don’t know how big it will be, but I sense it is coming. So the last couple of days I have been assessing the food supply. “Do we have enough soup, crackers, bread if we can’t make it to the store?” How about medicine? When you have a stomach bug or migraine headache, something small, but yet disabling and dependent children suddenly you realize preparation is key to making it through.

As we all get ready for cold and flu season. Here’s to wishing you the best in making it through with as little damage as possible!

So…on to the Halloween adventure.

It began a couple of months ago when I was tapped to be a room mom. Thrown into the world of Oriental Trading Co, goodie bags and healthy snacks I quickly learned that a “party” for kindergarten kids involves more than a few cupcakes. One of the biggest lessons involved learning that the menu must be balanced. This is not about candy and sugar. It is about limiting the sugary snack with a good dose of healthy snacks. So our party involved a cheese tray, fruit tray and, oh ya, a cookie. Poor kids… But they did get to dress up, do the monster mash, and do a fun and easy craft.

The day before the party we went on an adventure to the Pumpkin Patch. There were possibly 4 kids in the class who did not have parents there. The poor teacher trying to keep track of the kids when basically everyones parent was there taking them one direction or the other. Very difficult to keep kids all together anyway let alone with these renegade parents

But all in all it was a great Halloween! We opted out of the traditional trick or treating for the new “safer” go to the mall style of trick or treating. It was actually great fun and much easier than worrying about traffic but I suppose a bit sad to get away from how trick or treating used to be…when we were kids.

Hope everyone had a safe and “healthy” Halloween!

However if you are going to Disney every 3 months taking advantage of the different resort options is key. This time we stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort is an adventure in itself. Being able to look out the window first thing in the morning and see the animals roaming the savanna is just an amazing experience for kids and adults alike. And the resort also has great opportunities for the kids to earn beads by participating in various activities including playing authentic African instruments and doing different crafts. Of course these are the activities we never had enough time to participate in but always wish we had more time to do.

One surprising aspect of the trip was the level of crowds. Columbus Day weekend seems to be a new busy time as many schools have fall breaks or long weekends and the crowd level definitely showed it. Still an enjoyable trip, but something to be considered when making next years fall plans.

Want to share your favorite Disney adventures! Send me a message to post it here.

Decorations: Visit any party store and you are guaranteed tons of choices including banners, wall decorations, party invites, napkins, table clothes, goody bags, pinata and more.

Supplemental Ideas: Create a stage for your Hannah Montana wannabees. Using a plastic or fabric purple gold and black create a backdrop. Party stores also have available play microphones or make your own using styrophoam and glitter.

Also need: Hannah Montana music. Dress up necklaces, bracelets and rings. Anything fun for girls to dress up in.

Get the party started! Have the girls dress up and take pictures as they sing on stage to their favorite Hanna Montana tunes. Host a show for the kids to come up with different acts to lip synch different tunes. Other party ideas include pass the microphone game (hot potato), and freeze dance.

Utah Trip: Always fun to visit grandma and grandpa, the kids enjoyed playing all day while we enjoyed a little time off. What I love about visiting UT is not only the grandparents, but also we get to eat at our favorite restaurants. Our favorite pizza place Sweet Home Chicago is a highlight of the trip. We also love Chin Wah, Chinese, but unfortunately we picked the only week of the year that they are closed And of course a Costa Vida Taco Salad ranks high on the list.

Other less fattening activities of the trip included a trip up in the mountains for a picnic and gold mining expedition. Kellie really wants to find gold. I think grandpa found a few “golden” flecks for her. We also visited The Gateway for some shopping fun. (Had to hit the Apple store) and also went to Thanksgiving Point where the kids enjoyed the petting zoo which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Then, on to the mouse 2 days after the first trip ended. Which for you travelers with kids, or even without, 2 days is not enough! While it is possible to get the laundry done and the suitcases repacked, I would recommend at least 4-5 days between vacation if you have to do them that close together. The kids weren’t even back on their normal sleep schedule which made for a difficult 2nd journey….

We stayed at the Boardwalk Resort which is a beautiful resort, but not my first pick for a vacation with kids. While we did enjoy the daybed for another sleeping option for the kids so they didn’t have to sleep together, we found the options at the resort to be more appropriate for an older set. We missed having a food court, although if you have the refillable mugs you can refill them at the Bakery (they actually give you a second disposable cup instead of refilling the mug). There is a pool on the Inn side (the quiet pool), but the kiddie pool is over on the Villa side which was a bit of a walk from our room.

The kids and I were on our own for a couple of days so we hit Epcot and did the Kidcot Fun Stops. The kids, ages 3 & 5 loved stopping and coloring. At each stop around the countries, the kids got a stamp and a new mask. We also started collecting the pressed pennies found in each country. The secret, I’ve decided, to taking the kids to a theme park on my own, is finding the small stuff that the kids will enjoy. This is what is so great about Disney. They have these little extras that you can enjoy without having to go on the rides. Epcot was a great highlight of the trip!

The downside of our trip was definitely the weather! Orlando in July is very, very hot and not the time I would recommend for a family vacation. However if not extremely hot, it was also raining which is very common this time of year as well. We were either soaked with rain or sweat…neither of which leads to very happy campers…

As the grand finale of our adventure, my husband took the kids for a couple of hours so that I could visit the Disney Saratoga Springs Spa. This was awesome! Very relaxed environment, wonderful services. If you are planning a trip and can work it into the plan I would highly recommend it!

So that was our Disney/Utah travel adventure of Summer 2008! Traveling to 2 cities across the country: Exhausting, Getting back home to our own comfy beds: Priceless

We love travel, but love to be home. The fun of coming home after a trip is that everything is new again. Toys that haven’t been played with for weeks are suddenly new again. Its so much fun. Plus, traveling with kids is hard, even if fully prepared so having the freedom to let them run around the house without worry is a great freedom that I always miss when we are staying in a hotel room the size of our living room Note to self…look into renting a condo next time!

Returning from a trip also refreshes me as well. I always have new goals and ambitions that tend to get lost in the normal day to day. Right now my goal is to get my home office set up and focus more on getting my travel business going and writing on a more regular basis. As a mom its hard to focus energy on things other than the kids, but it is so important for your sanity and theirs.

So – we’re back! Check our travel blog for new posts on our recent Disney trip and travel tips in general. With my experience traveling to the mouse myself, my hope is to help others with their planning. WDW vacations can be overwhelming so I look forward to breaking down the pieces and having a little fun

Vacation Countdown – Use paper rings to make a countdown to vacation chain or print off a calendar from your computer. Let the kids decorate it and mark off the days as the vacation draws near.

Do Your Homework – Have the kids help out with the planning of the trip. Give them brochures and websites to visit to see where you are going and let them pick out at least one activity to do during the trip.

Make Some Money – Give kids a few extra chores to do around the house to raise money for their upcoming trip. Make this money special money just for vacation and any treats they want that mom and dad wouldn’t normally be willing to get.

Create a Packing Checklist – And let the kids help gather the gear to make packing easier…but limit the items to only those on the checklist. (My kids get a little creative when packing – I don’t know why we would need 20 of their bedtime books on vacation, but that seemed perfectly reasonable to them the last time they were packing.)

Get them Writing – Give each child a vacation journal to write about their adventures during the trip. Have them decorate it before the trip begins.

If visiting a Disney Destination: