Blog Posts Tagged Planner

Why We CHOOSE to Visit Walt Disney World with a Special Needs Child

10/12/2015 • Walt Disney World • I am a parent of a child born with Fragile X Syndrome.  My son has challenges in all aspects of his life, and easily becomes overwhelmed by his environment.  That can lead to difficulty with communication and the dreaded behavioral meltdown.   He was born with Disney loving parents who are determined to make our Disney trips a consistent part of our lives.  Are we nuts?  Perhaps.   I tend to think of my family as goal oriented, determined, hopeful, persistent and perhaps, at times, incredibly brave.   We were blessed with 2 additional  “typically developing” children.   We CHOOSE to live as “typical” of a family life as we possibly can.  Why would we knowingly bring a child who has such strong sensory (especially auditory) processing challenges to an environment with an overwhelming amount of input?  As I mentioned above, when we became engaged at Walt Disney World, and my fiance’ (husband now) […]

Driving to Disney with Small Children

6/15/2015 • Walt Disney World • Every year my husband decides we should live the American dream and drive to Walt Disney World. Even though my opinion differs, this is the choice I usually get talked into. Here are a few of my tipsand tricks that keeps the family happy [most of the time].   1. On-The-Road Activities: Get them pumped up about the drive, just as much as the destination.  To help accomplish this, I bought my children each a plastic tote, to fill with car activities such as stickers, toys and art projects. Then, we let the kids decorate their box to their liking. One of my daughters chose classic Disney characters and the other was creative with Star Wars theming.  We went to their room and choose some of their favorite toys that would entertain them for 10 minutes or more: books, magnetic boards, Potato Heads, etc. I then placed each activity into it’s separate […]

Chip and Dale’s Harvest Feast at the Garden Grill is a “MUST” for Dining at Epcot!

4/24/2023 • Walt Disney World • When my family started planning our recent August vacation to Walt Disney World, there was one place that I knew we would need to book. While everyone has a favorite restaurant and character meal, The Garden Grill in Epcot’s Land Pavillion is always at the top of their list.  We have enjoyed dinner here on our last three visits to the parks. What makes this restaurant so special?  EVERYTHING!!!  The Garden Grill is located in Future World of Epcot.  The restaurant slowly rotates as you enjoy your meal and interact with Farmer Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale. By the time you have finished your meal, you have made one full revolution within the scenes of the Living with The Land attraction. Note: You will want to make sure that you enjoy this attraction that travels through the greenhouses before dinner.  Your kids will be amazed to see how they are […]

Dining at 50’s Prime Time Cafe

8/16/2014 • Walt Disney World • Looking for a delicious meal and a memorable experience, then book a dining reservation at 50’s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.   Dining reservations can be made 180 days in advance and are highly recommended.   If your “Aunt” is busy in the kitchen getting things ready, you may get to spend time in “Dad’s TV Room”  for a little bit watching classics television shows like Father Knows Best and the original Mickey Mouse Club.  When it’s time for dinner, don’t be surprised if one of your “cousins” yells that it’s time to eat!!! When it’s dinner time, get ready to step back into mom’s kitchen in the 1950’s.  For a special treat, you’re allowed to watch TV at the dinner table today!   While dining around the Formica dinner table, enjoy black-and-white television clips from popular prime-time shows circa 1955.   Dad’s Grilled Pork Chops, Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken, Mom's […]

The Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside

8/12/2014 • Walt Disney World • Would you like to treat your little prince or princess to a stay in a truly royal location?  The Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside Resort is your answer!   With hidden treasures from several of the Disney princesses you’ll be in awe at the details included here.  The story goes that when Tiana became a Disney princess she was greeted with open arms by the other princesses.  They each brought her gifts to help welcome her own guests to her “home resort”. For example, you’ll want to take a close look at the shower curtain to see some reminders of Ariel from the Little Mermaid.  Your little ones will love finding the secrets that are all over these rooms. Another fun surprise for visitors is revealed each night as you get ready for a comfortable night’s sleep.  The idea of going to sleep isn’t usually at the top […]