Disney Girl’s Trip

Splurge on the Hotel

After a long day in the parks it’s nice to have a swanky hotel room to come back to and unwind.  No roll-aways, kids shows, or gear thrown all over the room.  Since you are most likely splitting the cost of the room with a pal, this is a time you can spend a little bit more and get something that fits your tastes and budgets. Heck, live it up and get your own room! We got a wonderful deal at the luxurious JW Marriott.  It was no more than a 15 minute walk, and was a perfect place to rest and recharge.  The rooms were very spacious, modern and wonderfully comfortable.

Eat at the Fancy Restaurants

This is the time to do it since you won’t have your little picky eaters with you. Gone is having to find restaurants with the “right” kind of mac & cheese or burgers.  We were lucky to get a walk -up reservation at Carthay Circle one evening for dinner.  It’s my favorite restaurant in California adventure.  It’s beautiful, elegant, and the food is to-die-for.   Bonus:  it’s a great spot to sit and chat with your bestie over a few glasses of wine.

Dress Up and Buy the Photo Pass

Living in the era of Instagram, who doesn’t love being a part of a fun photo? We bought a photo pass for the day and had a blast with the photographers all around the park.  Remember to ask them to “add some magic” to the photos — they know what this means.

Shop Until YOU Drop

I never get to shop when my family is with me… unless you define shopping as walking into a store, hearing groans, and rushing to be done.  Someone is usually complaining, whining or throwing a tantrum the whole time… but I love my husband anyway.  I took this kid-free opportunity to shop to my heart’s content.  I seriously don’t think there is a store we didn’t go into or shop we didn’t visit.

Do Everything YOU Want To Do

If I wanted to ride a ride, I rode it.  If i didn’t, I didn’t.  I know that sounds so simple, but with kids it’s never that simple.  Ride those rides and do those activities you normally don’t get to ride or do. There is something special about not having to stand in line for a ride that you just don’t care about. So much less line-fatigue.

Set Your Own Pace

You can go as slow or as fast as you want. Have long legs like me? Use them. No more guilt when you turn to see your little kiddo, with tiny legs, having to move them three times as fast to keep up.  Disney has so much more to offer when you take the time to soak it all in.  I did more sitting and relaxing on this trip than I ever have in the past.  Sometimes it’s just nice to take the time to chat over a  cup of coffee with friends on main street. Ever notice how the scenery slowly changes as you move from one area of the part to another? Now you can… and it is one of the things that makes Disney magical.

Have a Spa Day