Hello Michelle,
Your friend sounds like a wise soul because she's 101 Dalmations-spot on!
Just like a family is what truly makes a house a home...it's the experience that makes for a wonderful family vacation.
It all starts with something so simple even before we leave for Florida. We do a countdown chain - complete with Mickey ears - one month prior to our departure. And every day, we remove a link. And as that chain becomes smaller and smaller, our excitement builds and builds! It's a little thing but it's something that we do together...as a family.
When we're at Disney World, there are a few things that we
always do.
Even though all of the Resorts are outfitted with an alarm clock, we ask to have a wake-up call because you never know who might be calling your room in the morning. One morning, Mickey Mouse called, and my daughter couldn't have been happier.
Start a tradition that you'll carry on from vacation to vacation. I personally have started a tradition on Main Street U.S.A. Each year, I seek out the Mayor and must have a photo taken with him. It's a
big deal for me. Doesn't cost a dime, but it makes me smile from ear to ear. My daughter loves getting autographs from all of the characters. Each visit she brings the same autograph book. It's her goal to find every character and not repeat a signing!
When we're back in Ohio, I ask my daughter to lay off the sweets. But when at Disney, I arm her with a small amount of money so she feels like she has "control," and I let her loose at
Goofy's Candy Co in Downtown Disney. Again, it's a little thing, but she feels like it's such a treat. No rules, just sugar!
Disney is about family. And I'm sure when you visit, you and your family will come up with small traditions that you will carry out year after year too!