Focus

Each time we head toward Disney World, we remind ourselves continually why we are going. Is it to ride Space Mountain again? Is it to do EVERYTHING? Is it to relax and take it slow? Who is going to have the most fun?

Remarkably, our best trips have been when I was pregnant. That seems to be the stage in life where it's easiest for us (Mom and Dad) to remember that right now, it's not about us doing and seeing everything, but it's about the boys having a good time being together with us as a family. Something about having to take frequent potty breaks (for me), have snacks at least hourly (for me), sit down often (for me)... you get the picture. When we go at a slower pace and enjoy the day at the speed of the smallest/slowest person- we all always have a better time.

As we sit down to plan our trips... and put together our "Touring Plans" for each day, we think about how often we'll need to stop and rest, which attractions the boys will enjoy most, which attractions Charlie Brown will like, but Busy Bee will NOT, which attractions the grown-ups can skip this time, what kind of snacks will help us stay energized... and never ever forget to have a plan for nap (rest) time, even if they don't still nap at home. Ours is usually just slowing down during that middle of the day time, doing things where they can sleep in the stroller a little... in January 2010 we have a great picture in Epcot of Busy Bee passed out cold in the front of our stroller, Dad carrying Boo (who had just woken up, after a nice nap in my front carrier), and me carrying Charlie Brown (all 40 lbs and 41 inches of him) in the front carrier. Yes, that was exhausting, but they needed the break.

Considering the attractions, we like to use the Small Child Fright Potential chart from The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a guide... but nothing is better than knowing your kids, and knowing the ride in advance. Things we've noticed that terrify our boys... fire, darkness, and sudden loud noises- they have all learned to anticipate being startled by all Disney's special effects. Yes, favorites in our household in 2009 were The Country Bear Jamboree, The "Elephants" i.e. Dumbo, and It's a Small World (all in Magic Kingdom.) This year, we expanded our horizons a little bit and added The Gran Fiesta Tour in Epcot's Mexico... apparently the 3 Caballeros are very appealing to the preschool set.