the disney dream


The Disney dream is something that just sucks you in. The familiar songs, the well known characters, something about the charm of place where anything is possible with dreams and love and pixie dust... it is pure magic. The kind of magic that I still fully buy into as a fully grown adult.

We have talked about going to Disney for the longest time. Before we had children, and even more so once we had children. I was lucky enough to go to Disney World in Florida a few times as a kid, as well as Disneyland in California and EuroDisney (as it was back in the day), and Rich talks about his trip to EuroDisney as a real highlight of his childhood... so some Disney magic was always something that we wanted to share with our children. It helps that Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is on our television a lot too... those characters are heroes for our children, and we just couldn't wait to see their faces when they got to meet them face to face.

We booked our trip on Boxing Day (after getting an absolute mega deal) and I've been counting down the day ever since. A Sunday night stay in the Premier Inn at Folkestone, an early Euro Tunnel ride on a Monday morning, and by Monday lunch time we would be in the midst of the magic. Five days of wonder, two parks and the Disney Village to explore, staying in the Disney hotel I've always wanted to (Newport Bay Club) it all felt like a little dream come true.

I could talk for hours about how this holiday was everything we had wanted and dreamed... and more! Because it really was. I don't think we have ever all been so happy. The days are long and tiring walking around the theme parks, the children were over excited and completely giddy at times, but you somehow just don't seem to care because it's all worth it for the sheer magic of the place.

I have quite a few posts coming up (I think I've drafted five altogether) for anyone who is considering a trip, planning one, or already has one booked (I'm very jealous if you do) but the main thing I would say is that if you've thought about it, and you think your family might like it, then book it. We thought our beautiful boy would get more out of it at four than his little sister, but at two she was utterly charmed by the entire thing. You can't underestimate the wonder of taking young children; children who are young enough to believe that they are the real princesses from the films, and who don't realise that it's a person in a suit. I have never seen our children so happy, so excited, so totally full of magic, and we said several times while we were there that we don't know why we waited so long. The Disney magic has never lost its sparkle for me anyway, but seeing it in the eyes of my own children was utterly priceless... something which brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion, and something which I will never forget as long as I live.

 ^ he grabbed hold of Mickey like they were old friends
 ^ and Minnie was in love with him a little bit
 ^ she squealed when she saw Minnie across the room, then went a bit shy when she came over
 ^ this was pretty much his face the entire trip... like he couldn't quite believe what was happening

Don't worry. There is lots more Disney to come over the coming days for all you fellow Disney addicts!!!!

47 comments

  1. This post almost made me tear up. There is something so special about Disney Magic. I was lucky enough to make my first Disney trip at age three - and it forms some of my earliest memories - so Disney will always have a special place in my heart. We're in the process of booking and planning our first family Florida trip for next year, and I cannot wait to see those looks of wonder replicated on my own son's face!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh how amazing. I'm so hopeful that Disney will form some of my two's earliest memories. And how exciting to be planning a Florida trip, last week has managed to convince my hubby that we need to start saving for Orlando in a few years time. x

      Delete
  2. Oh Lucy! I want to go. Oh I WANT TO GO. Was it worth every penny? I'd love to take William when he's a little older. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely worth every single penny. I want to go back already!!!! x

      Delete
  3. I went to Disney in Paris for the first time at 23 and even then it was magical for me. I can't wait to bring Luke there at some point too. Looking forward to reading more about your trip there and seeing lots of lovely photos :) xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sparkle is there whatever your age isn't it? My husband is normally a bit serious and even he got totally swept up in the excitement. x

      Delete
  4. Awww I can't wait to take my 2.But Chloe will have to be at least 4 or what age would you recommend? I have been to Disneyland at the age of 8.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd say that four is a really good age. Our little boy is four and he totally adored every second and absolutely "got it". That being said, our little girl is two and she had the best time too and did everything that he did, she just found the waiting and queues for rides a little harder than him. x

      Delete
  5. *stamps feet* more more more ... Oh my goodness quick, type quick Lucy. We are kicking back in the planning this week and with only 92 days left I am OH SO excited. Eek. Your little boys face. So cute. I do hope this is G. It will be Mr H and I that's for sure! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha, we were like a bunch of four excited kids the majority of the time, you guys are going to have such an amazing time! x

      Delete
  6. Oh I'm excited to read your posts. We went almost 2 years ago now and it was the best holiday! We're on the countdown to Florida now at 192 days! It's such a magical place to visit and stay in! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we'll be waiting a while to top this holiday, and it's the kids first proper abroad holiday... we may have set the bar a bit high. It was amazing from start to finish. x

      Delete
  7. Oh Lucy those photos brought tears to my eyes. Their faces. Mickey. Minnie. DISNEY! It really is magical isn't it?! We started saving £50 a month from when LP was born to one day have our Disney Florida dream which is planned for 2021 - at the very latest. But we are planning to go to Disney Paris in October. I can't wait to read your other posts x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What an amazing idea to start saving then.. genius! We are going to be saving our pennies for the same thing from now on. It was just so magical... And I know you guys will have an amazing time in October, and it'll be a nice little icebreaker into the Disney Magic. x

      Delete
  8. I have the Disney dream in my heart!! I can't wait to take the girls to Paris and (fingers crossed) Florida in the next few years. Your pictures really shows the magic for this amazing place. I can't wait to read your next posts xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think a lot of people share that disney dream, don't they? It's just too magical to resist. We are already talking about "next time". x

      Delete
  9. Oh Lucy this has totally brought back the happy memories of taking my about-to-turn-20 year old to Disneyland Paris when he was 6! Lovely x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww that's so cute. My parents took my bro and me again when we were 17 and 20, and I think we loved it just as much as when we went as kids. x

      Delete
  10. Oh Lucy... what gorgeous photos... you really have captured the wonder on their little faces! I think my girls would adore Disney (they are similar ages to your two)... maybe its something to put on the bucket list for next year! So looking forward to some more photos and posts from you on your lovely trip. Loved seeing the Instagram shots!x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was so magical, yours would definitely love it. It's been on the bucket list for us for ages.. And is still firmly on it! It's definitely something we'll be doing again (and again!) x

      Delete
  11. Thanks for sharing...I was happy to hear what you said about your 2 year old enjoying it. We are taking our little guy, who loves Mickey, to Hong Kong Disney for his birthday. It is a little smaller than some of the other Disney parks and have been told it is perfect for him! Your pictures are beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahh, how exciting. You'll love it. Paris is definitely smaller that the American parks and definitely great for little ones, we felt we could do the parks justice and that the kids weren't too worn out by it. x

      Delete
  12. Gorgeous photos. We've been waiting to do Disney until they're older (5 and 3 now), but after reading this, thinking may be we should just go for it! #ShareWithMe. Over from www.cookwithtoddlers.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judging by how we go on with a 2 and 4 year old, I'd say they are a perfect age. Although I don't think there is ever a bad age really. Hehehe! x

      Delete
  13. We took our 4-year-old last year to Disney Paris and she absolutely loved it too, even though it was pouring! But luckily it was better in the afternoon, but even the rain didn't dampen my daughter's excitement and most of the rides for the little ones were covered anyway. We might just take her to a different Disney this year, fingers-crossed our plans doesn't change ;) #sharewithme.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahhh, how exciting. We were super lucky with the weather which I think really helped... although as you say, I'm pretty sure even rain wouldn't have dampened our spirits. x

      Delete
  14. This is the post I was waiting for!!! I can't wait to see more. We really want to take Paige and Parker but want to wait until Parker is a little bit older so he can properly enjoy it. The look on BB and BG faces makes these pictures come alive xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's definitely worth waiting that little bit longer so that they both get something out of it, I think BG is at about the youngest age really for really enjoying it and getting it and appreciating it. x

      Delete
  15. Lovely post, it looks amazing and I will definitely be taking my daughter to Paris at some point inthe next few years, I can't wait! #sharewithme

    Carolyn

    http://stylishmemories.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, how exciting for you guys. It's just amazing, you'll love it. x

      Delete
  16. Cant wait to read all your posts, we ate off to Orlando this year and so excited about the whole Disney experience, your photos are so beautiful xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness... how exciting for you. I'm so so jealous! You are going to have such an amazing time. x

      Delete
  17. Most magical place in the world, Newport is my fave of the hotels, did you love it ?

    The pics are gorgeous, can't believe you stayed 15 mins away xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We did love the hotel, we loved everything really. Didn't want to come home. x

      Delete
  18. Beautiful photos. I've been desperate to go since I was a kid but finances didnt stretch to that sadly. Desperate to take my tot before he's 6. Might be more for me than him though :-)
    #sharewithme

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is expensive, there is no denying it. We managed to get a good deal or we would have gone for a considerably shorter length of time. And I definitely think that Disney is just as much for the parents as the children... I have never been so happy just from seeing them so happy. x

      Delete
  19. Oh my gosh Lucy this looks just SO amazing!! Look at their faces (and yours :)) - just pure joy and surprise and wonder. Wow, I love your pics and the one with BB hugging Mickey chocked me up a bit. I really want to go now :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think we've ever all been so ecstatically happy so consistently as we were there... thats why our holiday comedown has been so hard I think! I was unashamedly teary when he met Mickey, he was hugging his hero and it was amazing. x

      Delete
  20. What a lovely time you have had, I've only ever been for the day always alot to cram in! Were surprising the kids in may to Disney on our holiday to France they will love it. Love that one you have of the castle at night! Its all so magical! ,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a lot to cram in, but we reckon that you could do most of it in a day if you had a plan and used fast passes... we were happier to go at a slower pace on this occasion and liked having a few days in the park, but your kids will LOVE their Disney day what a fab surprise. x

      Delete
  21. Lucy what a lovely post! Exactly how we felt too…the memories will last a lifetime and we're so glad we didn't wait! Marnie is 2 and was worried she was too going- but she loved it and can't stop talking about it now we're home. We stayed in Sequoia Lodge and cannot believe we were there at the same time! I bet we were on the same Monday morning train too…. was such a great holiday and I'm off to read you other posts now xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We said from the outset that even if the kids didn't remember it in years to come, that we would and that we'd keep reminding them and showing them photos and treasuring those magic moment... but I don't think we need to worry about that. It made such an impression on our two, they keep asking to go back.
      And it's crazy we were there the same time. And in neighbouring hotels. Wish I could have run over and said hi when I spotted you, damned Woody meet and greet!!! x

      Delete
  22. That first photo is adorable! I can't wait to read more of your posts. Looks like you all had an amazing time x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh we did Lauren. It was so magical. And I still have a fair few more posts to share, so keep your eyes peeled. x

      Delete
  23. Gorgeous! I think that's how my two would react to minnie and mickey and they would squeal and want to see them then go shy. So cute. BB's facial expressions say it all they truly were having a magical time. I am loving all your disney posts and photos. So glad you had such a great family trip. Weather looked amazing too. You all deserved it. BB hugging mickey almost makes me tear up! So adorable. Thank you EVER so much for linking up to Share With Me. It was exciting seeing you there this morning. #sharewithme

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was so magical Jenny... it's hard to put it into words. And it all kind of feels like it was a dream now. So glad that we went, memories we'll never forget. x

      Delete
  24. We just took my 'baby' sister for her 21st birthday. Three big adults loving Disney more than the kids! It's a magical place. We absolutely loved it

    ReplyDelete

Back to Top