momma mommy bwuh

We had a truly enchanting trip to Disney, and we’re already dreaming of our next magical adventure. We recently enjoyed a long weekend away, sparing no expense, and it was worth every single penny.

To celebrate the finalization of Boy1 and Boy2’s adoption, Hubs and I whisked them away to Walt Disney World for a special getaway. Having visited back in February with the help of a VIP guide, we managed to experience a lot of the parks’ wonders. This time, however, we decided to savor the magic at a more leisurely pace, revisiting our favorite attractions and discovering new ones. From the exhilarating adventures in the parks to the serene beauty of our resort, every moment was a delightful celebration of our family’s journey.

We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) in Jambo House, and it felt like stepping into a Disney dream come true. Our room was nestled on the Zebra Trail, and each day felt like a magical safari adventure. Though we had booked a standard view, we were treated to an incredible parade of wildlife right outside our window. It was nothing short of spectacular. Staying at AKL is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we’ll be thrilled to repeat.

Now, let’s talk about the unforgettable dining experiences at AKL. While we’ll cover other culinary delights later, I have to mention our meals at Boma. We ended up dining there for two dinners and one breakfast—far more than we originally planned, but it was so delicious we simply couldn’t resist. Boma’s buffet-style offerings were a hit with everyone, featuring a delightful array of options, including kid-friendly favorites with a touch of African flair. Despite my intentions to explore other dining options, Boma’s irresistible charm kept drawing us back.

One of our cherished traditions on Disney trips is indulging in the delightful homemade chocolates from A New Hope Confections. Their creations are nothing short of magical, showcasing an array of Disney themes—from Star Wars and Marvel to beloved classics. For this trip, we splurged on a box featuring whimsical designs inspired by spooky favorites like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus. There were also charming Disney Halloween themes, including the Headless Horseman and even a playful nod to The Emperor’s New Groove. As a fan of the film, seeing a little chocolate tribute to it was pure joy. The creativity and craftsmanship of these chocolates are truly exceptional, making them a must-have for your own Disney adventures.

We arrived at Disney in the early afternoon and hopped on a bus to Animal Kingdom. While buses might not sound glamorous, they’re incredibly convenient—offering free and easy access to nearly every corner of the property. Although we’ve occasionally had to stand, we mostly enjoyed a comfortable ride to our destination.

Our first stop was the Rainforest Café, where we had a delightful lunch amidst the lush, jungle-themed décor. The boys were mesmerized by the vibrant atmosphere, and we ended up with a family photo, a Landry’s Select membership, and a few souvenirs before diving into the park.

Following my sister’s recommendation, we headed straight to the “Festival of the Lion King” show. It was absolutely magical—by far my favorite Disney performance. The stunning music and breathtaking performances were so moving that I couldn’t help but shed a tear. I’m already excited for our next chance to see it!

After the show, we indulged in some Dole Whips. I enjoyed a float, Hubs tried an adult beverage, and the boys shared a regular, which unfortunately hit the ground faster than we could say “Hakuna Matata.” Fortunately, my float lost its “float” but was quickly replaced, and the kids were soon happily slurping away.

We then walked right onto the Kilimanjaro Safari, where we spotted a variety of animals, including some new faces we hadn’t seen in February. Next, we ventured into Pandora for the Navi River Journey. The ride, with its enchanting music, lights, and colors, was a serene and captivating experience—even for the thrill-seekers among us.

We wrapped up our Animal Kingdom adventure with Hubs and the boys taking on the Kali River Rapids. They got drenched but had an absolute blast. Here’s a tip: let your kids participate in the Wilderness Explorers activities. They’re educational, fun, and completely free!

We embarked on our magical adventure to the Magic Kingdom, joined by Hub’s family for a day filled with enchantment. Once we secured our double stroller—an absolute must for our escapades—we made our way to Main Street, eager to capture a picture-perfect moment in front of the iconic castle. Photographing my kids is like trying to herd a pair of mischievous pixies. One’s gazing left, the other’s lost in thought, and just when they both focus on the camera, one of them squints or makes a dramatic face. It’s a delightful chaos that I’ve come to embrace, taking bursts of photos in hopes that a gem emerges amidst the mayhem.

With our photo quest complete, we strolled over to the Swiss Family Treehouse. The views from up there were nothing short of breathtaking, offering a glimpse into a whimsical world. Seeing that Pirates of the Caribbean was a walk-on, we eagerly dashed over for one of my all-time favorite rides. To my delight, we emerged just in time for a meet and greet with the dashing Captain Jack Sparrow! The boys and their cousins were spellbound, enchanted by his swashbuckling charm.

We took a well-deserved early lunch break in Liberty Square, having skipped breakfast (oops). We dined on delicious hot dogs, a Mickey pretzel (a shame I didn’t snap a photo of that!), and a hearty turkey leg. Our adventure continued with the charming “It’s a Small World,” where Hub’s name miraculously appeared on the screen at the end, and the magical Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel.

Although we planned to soar through Peter Pan’s Flight, the line was ridiculous, so we redirected our course. We reunited with the rest of the family for the Haunted Mansion—a bit too dark for Boy2, but he loved snuggling with us for comfort. We also enjoyed Mickey’s PhilharMagic and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, where I gave my best effort to score big.

We were momentarily separated in the queue for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover, but regrouped to tackle the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (while I indulged in a bit of shopping). Hub and the boys then set off for Thunder Mountain, but it closed just as they arrived—what a letdown!

Feeling a bit worn out, we settled in for the whimsical Country Bear Jamboree and then took the Walt Disney World Railway from Frontierland to Main Street U.S.A., marking the end of our day. Despite the heat and our fatigue, the day was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. The boys absolutely adored spending time with their cousins, making this a day of true enchantment.

We began our enchanting day at Hollywood Studios with a little shopping spree, picking up a Mickey Mouse fan for our stroller—a perfect touch of magic to keep cool in the summer sun. Our first adventure led us to Toy Story Land, where we took on the thrilling Toy Story Mania. This lively attraction reminded us of the Buzz Lightyear ride at Magic Kingdom, offering its own brand of playful competition. After snapping a photo in front of the Toy Story Land entrance (with the kids artistically edited out), we set off on a galactic journey through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

The excitement reached new heights as Hub and the boys enjoyed a stellar photo op with the legendary Chewbacca! We then made our way to the Muppet Vision 3D theater, where the show provided a delightful and cooling respite from the afternoon heat.

Next up, the boys had a blast meeting Max, Goofy’s charming son, before we headed to Hollywood and Vine for lunch. The buffet might not have been my top choice, but the character experience was pure magic! Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy greeted us in their adorable Halloween costumes. Although we didn’t have tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, this festive touch was a sweet taste of Halloween fun.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we explored a few more shops before taking the Skyliner on a breezy ride to EPCOT, ready for the next chapter of our magical adventure.

Our first stop at EPCOT was a quick detour to the bathrooms, where we made a wardrobe change from our Hollywood Studios shirts (celebrating Galaxy’s Edge) to our matching EPCOT shirts. Yes, we were those people—though it certainly made spotting each other a breeze!

Our magical day began with a journey through “Journey Into Imagination with Figment,” one of Hub’s favorites. After disembarking, we explored the whimsical ImageWorks Lab, where the kids delighted in interactive exhibits that teased all the senses. From there, we meandered over to the “Living with the Land” ride, which was an eye-opening experience. We marveled at Disney’s innovative farming techniques, many of which contribute to the delicious dishes served at the parks. Spotting hidden Mickeys among the lush greenery was an extra sprinkle of magic.

Next, we dived into the enchanting “The Seas with Nemo & Friends,” a charming, storybook adventure that culminates in a sprawling aquarium. The kids were mesmerized by the vibrant underwater world. Our final stop was an unexpected treasure: “Journey of Water,” inspired by Moana. Though it wasn’t slated to open until after our departure, we were fortunate to catch a sneak peek. The experience was nothing short of breathtaking—truly magical!

As our day drew to a close, I couldn’t resist a bit of Disney shopping. I spotted a stunning pair of Beauty and the Beast ears and made a quick detour to inquire about them. I left EPCOT with my very first set of ears, adding a sprinkle of Disney magic to our unforgettable day.

Here’s a magical tip for budget-friendly souvenirs that kids will absolutely love! Disney World is a treasure trove of enchanting keepsakes, from plush toys to dazzling trinkets. While we did indulge in a few classic stuffed animals for the kids, we discovered an extra sprinkle of Disney magic with pressed penny souvenirs.

We picked up a couple of penny passports and embarked on a quest to find as many penny machines as possible throughout the park. For just $5, you can create a collection of 8 beautifully pressed pennies from most machines. It’s an extraordinary deal, offering a charming array of souvenirs for a fraction of the cost of other park merchandise.

The kids were thrilled with their growing collection of pressed pennies, embracing the fun of quantity over quality. It turned out to be a delightful and affordable way to capture the magic of Disney World, making their souvenir hunt truly memorable!

During our VIP tour back in February, we were each given exclusive VIP tour pins, a cherished memento of our special experience. Before this trip, I added a touch of Disney magic by buying lanyards for everyone and attaching the VIP pins to start our very own pin collections. The boys had a blast selecting new pins at various parks, and while we didn’t dive into pin trading this time around (we’re still newbies, after all), it’s definitely something we’ll explore on our next visit.

And here’s a tip brimming with Disney enchantment: invest in the Memory Maker photo package. Although I took plenty of photos myself, having the Memory Maker allowed us to step into the spotlight for some truly iconic shots throughout the parks, on rides, and with beloved characters. The added magic in those photos was a delightful touch, and the whole experience was completely worry-free.

Looking back, it might seem like our itinerary was relaxed compared to some. But in the world of Disney, it’s not always about how much you do, but how much magic you experience. And let me assure you, we had an absolutely enchanting time!

All photos courtesy of mom mommy bwuh.