Disney...Through Her Grandson's Eyes

Denise has been to Walt Disney World hundreds of times over the years. But perhaps her most magical memory yet is from just a few weeks ago when she brought her grandson, Mason, to Disney for the very first time.

"When you're with your grandchildren, it's like having your children all over again," she says. "I get such a big kick when anyone sees Disney for the first time, but it's really special when it's my family and I get to share that moment with them."

Although Mason is only 16 months old, he's already a Disney veteran! He's met Jake from Disney Junior's "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" show. He had breakfast with the Winnie the Pooh characters. And, of course he got to meet the one and only Mickey Mouse!

There were lots of pictures taken with cameras and cell phones in those moments, but Denise took a lot of pictures with her heart.

"I love the emotion that Disney gives me," she shares. "The family bonding and quality time...there's really nothing like it. There's no other experience in the world that I can give to my grandchild and my children and then experience it all together as a family."

TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH LITTLE ONES

Here are Denise's Top 7 Tips for Traveling to Disney With Little Ones

1. S-l-o-w down. The last thing you want at any Disney theme park is an overtired, overheated child. Go at a slower pace, take it all in and do what you can.
2. Choose buffets. Over full-service restaurants. The food is already ready and there's more flexibility for little ones. 
3. Kitchenettes save time and money. If your budget allows, choose a hotel with a kitchenette. This way you can bring food home from the restaurant and heat it up later. You can also visit a local grocery store and stock up on your little ones' favorite must-haves.
4. Local grocery stores will deliver. Many local grocery stores in Orlando will deliver diapers, wipes, formula, snack foods and more right to your hotel room. Check for pricing. 
5. Rent a stroller for the week. Or for however long you're on vacation. Denise used Kingdom Strollers (not affiliated with the Disney parks) and she paid about $50 for a 7-day rental. The stroller was good quality and came with a cooler and plastic cover for when it rains. She says it was a lifesaver. Best part? They delivered and picked up the stroller right from the hotel.
6. Go slow with the Disney characters. Think of how the Disney characters look from your child's viewpoint - then take it slowly when meeting them for the first time. BONUS TIP: The characters who speak - like the princesses - can often reassure fearful small children with a kind words and a hug.
7. Savor every moment!

Looks like Mason had a magical first visit to Walt Disney World!


So tell us? What's your best tip for traveling to Disney with little ones?

Top 7 Ways My Family Stays Cool at Walt Disney World

With the passing of Memorial Day, I guess it's safe to say that summer is officially here! But with the warm temperatures in Orlando nearly year-round, you could say it's summer everyday at Walt Disney World.

This is just my personal list of ways to cool off at Walt Disney World. But I'd love to know what your best tips are...

How do you and your family beat the heat of hot summer days at the Disney theme parks?

Reply in the comments below.

Here are the Top 7 Ways my family stays cool at the Disney theme parks!

1. Splish Splash! Get a FastPass for Splash Mountain early in the morning. Some people like to ride this attraction first. But if you wait until it's really steamy, that last drop will be so refreshing!
2. I Scream, You Scream...Who can resist ice cream at the Plaza Ice Cream Shop on Main Street? Honestly, it doesn't matter what the temperature is outside. I always get an ice cream at the Plaza Ice Cream shop. Chocolate chip. In a dish. With sprinkles. Just in case you were wondering.
3. Play in the fountains! At Epcot, there are fountains just bubbling with refreshing cold water right off the main walkway. They're mostly for the kids, but I say take off your shoes and socks and run through them! Everyone's a kid at Disney World, right?
4. Ride the monorail. Might seem silly, but a gentle, air-conditioned ride around Seven Seas Lagoon or to Epcot and back just might be the trick to staying cool.
5. Learn Your History. The Hall of Presidents is one of my favorite attractions. I enjoy history and I love watching my daughters learn about our country's presidents. Also, air conditioning!
6. 3..2..1..Blast Off! Space Mountain is one of the most popular Disney attractions. My family and I don't mind waiting in line because we know the majority of the line is inside the building...which means there's plenty of air conditioning. (same thing is true for Pirates of the Caribbean, too!)
   
7. Ride the Rapids. The Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom is perhaps the best way to beat the heat. You'll definitely get wet on this ride, but that's the part my daughter loves the best. She stays cool for a few hours walking around the park as her clothes dry.

So there you have it. My family's top 7 ways we stay cool at Walt Disney World.

How do you stay cool? Shout out your best tip!