Diswithkids Disney Blog

A Vacation From A Disney Vacation

[fa icon="calendar"] Fri, Aug 30, 2013 @ 09:06 AM / by Becca Bell

Becca Bell

A vacation from a Disney vacationHow many times have you heard someone say, "I need a vacation from my Disney vacation!" 

 Honestly, I really think people should consider training for a Walt Disney World vacation as if they were training for a marathon.  When you factor in all the walking, getting up early, staying up late, eating more than you normally eat, fighting with your family and friends because you're so hot and tired you just don't know what else to do...A Disney vacation can quickly become a test of endurance and patience.

OR...

Perhaps you need to consider the Disney Parks, Every Other Day Plan.

This consideration is particularly important when visiting the parks with little ones. Think about it...when have you every known a two year old to be patient and relaxed? Add all the stimulation and fantasy of Disney and it's and you've got a recipe for overload in the making.

It's understandable why overload happens for parents too.  You're taking the time and spending the money to visit the parks. You want to get as much bang out of your vacation bucks as possible. That's why you use touring plans in the parks, that's why you get up early and stay up late, but are you really enjoying what you are doing?  Wouldn't you love to go home and honestly say, "That was a great vacation, I'm really relaxed, and I can't wait to do it again!"

I truly believe you could stay at a Walt Disney World resort and have a fantastic time without even stepping foot in the parks. (Case in point, Disney Aulani). While the parks offer rides, shows, characters, and restaurants, Parents should be realistic about the time and energy the parks require.  Perhaps a day of rest in between each park day is just the thing your family needs to truly enjoy a magical vacation.  Everyone will have a chance to recharge their batteries, rest their legs, and hopefully enjoy some quieter moments. This will help everyone feel energized and ready to take on the parks the following morning.

Often families are so busy rushing off for park time they neglect enjoying all the features their Disney resort offers to them....Sleep, rest, relaxation, fantastic pools, Evening Disney moives and family time. Some resorts offer waterslides, fine dining, room service and spas to please every member of the family. Disney resorts offer all sorts of fun activities throughout the day which are posted for all to see and enjoy.

If you need a break from the parks but can't sit still for long, head down to Downtown Disney for a few hours.  Walk at a slower pace, don't rush through your day. Take a hot air balloon ride, marvel at lego art, enjoy themed restaurants, shows, movies and even bowling for a family fun day out. Disney offers Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks to also help you beat the heat in the parks. Once again, these changes of pace will help you make the most of your park visits.

Bottom line is that a Disney vacation is suppose to be a "vacation". Remember to take the time to smell the roses and the millions of other blooms that adorn the Disney parks. Give yourselves time to splurge, sleep, swim and smile at your kids. That's what a family vacation SHOULD be all about.

If an "every other park day" intinerary won't work and you still need a real Vacation AFTER your Disney Vacation just remember this...there's always a Disney Cruise. Doing 3 or 4 days at the parks and then spending 3 or 4 days at sea on a Disney cruise had become incredibly popular for families who want a park vacation and a restful retreat. It strikes a good balance. After a few marathon park days a Disney Cruise will allow everyone to rest, relax and recharge before heading home to face reality. Shouldn't this be what a real family vacation is all about? Tell us what you think....

Topics: Disney Vacation

Becca Bell

Written by Becca Bell

Mother of two, lover of all things Disney and family travel agent at Vacationkids.com. In her free time Becca can be found either running her kids to activities or running a marathon