Is it any wonder that Disney –World, Land or any other incarnation– is truly the most magical place on earth? After all, they’ve cornered the market on Pixie Dust and all the world’s Imagineers hang out there.
Just when I thought I knew my “Disney Magic” inside and out, they go and hit me with a “Jasmine” and show me a whole new world. A world with no strollers, where nap time is a choice rather than a self-preservation tacit and you can become a kid again with out a kid in tow.
Recently Disney hosted my family and I at the Disney Yacht Club Resort and in the parks at Disney World as part of the annual Traveling Mom retreat. I was there for the learning, networking and wine professional development. The DH and the Little Nuggets tagged along because… well… IT WAS DISNEY!
There was plenty of learning to be sure. For example I learned that when shooting a video with your smartphone, you should always hold the phone horizontally to get the full shot and avoid those weird letterbox black lines on the sides of your video when you upload it. Who knew? Oh, you did? Well, never mind then.
My assignment for the week was to produce a video of what it would be like t do, “Disney Without Kids.” Yeah, I get the tough assignments.
Honestly, I was a little lost. I’ve been to Disney World several times and practically grew up at Disneyland. Yet I’d only ever been sans kiddos once, and that was way back in my Navy days… many… many… okay not that many, moons ago. What would I do without a map and a strategic Fast-Pass plan of attack? Turn out, A LOT!
The park I, and my four other brave moms, were assigned to was Animal Kingdom, a wondrous place transports you to several exotic locations around the globe all without having left Florida.
Here are a few of my favorite KID FREE things to do at Animal Kingdom;
- Shop. Shocking I know, but not having a child begging for their 10th pair of Mikey Ears leaves you the freedom to really explore the shops and in the case of this park, the Bazaar-like kiosks and treasure filled outposts. Stunning holiday ornaments were on clearance! Tip: If you’re staying at a Disney hotel property, you can have your finds sent back to your room and not have to lug them back to your room.
- Ride anything you want to and nothing you don’t. Expedition Everest… did that!
- Slow down and enjoy the scenery
- Eat, drink and be merry. The food choices when you don’t have to make sure there are chicken nuggets (obviously I’m used to this culinary caveat) are amazing. I recommend the sushi and sparkling Sake at Yak & Yeti. Tip: Find out what time the parade hits the streets and make an advanced reservation with a table on the second floor near the windows. Here you can take in all the sites without being stuck in the crowd.
- Let yourself go. Dance with the drummers, ride that ride three times in a row and really enjoy the magic!
Beautiful architectural details on a door in “Asia”
Sushi at Yak & Yeti
Be a kid again and let the wonder take you over!
A great video to embarrass the kids with when you get home is the BEST souvenir EVER!!
Disclosure: My family and I were provided accommodations and park admissions free or at a discounted rate as part of my participation in the Disney and Chevrolet sponsored Traveling Mom retreat . As always are my opinions are authentic and my own , because you deserve nothing less!
 |
{ 0 comments }
