My first trip to Walt Disney World was in 2017. I was absolutely mesmerized and fell in love with all things Disney. As a person who loves organized chaos, the entire Disney operation pulled me in. It is a well executed show.

Due to work, we moved to Hawaii for three years. We visited Disney at Aulani, but it was not the same. Of course when we came back the mainland, we were in COVID. But we waited, and in 2022 we were able to go back.

Now let me tell you, in 2017 I realized I am going to take a trip to Disney as often as I can. So here we are, in July 2022 we made our way back to Orlando, FL.

We stayed in the same hotel we stayed at before, the Holiday Inn Vacation Club at Orange Lake. This time we spent more time at the hotel than the park though. We just wanted to enjoy vacation and not get caught in the business of the park, especially with a two year old. I must mention though, he did great!

Details:

• Hotel: Holiday Inn Vacation Club at Orange Lake
  • Pros: Water Activities, arcade, restaurants on site
  • Cons: Limited activities for toddlers
• Meals: Hotel had a kitchen, Disney Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Boston Lobster Feast
• Tickets:
  • Military MWR for Disney and Universal Tickets

Planning

Going to Disney post COVID is a little different than before. You have to make sure you have reservations and tickets well in advance. We purchased tickets and made reservations in April.

I failed to mention we were traveling with family, so we were also coordinating with them.

Fortunately, everyone planned on staying at the same hotel, but we would’ve stayed at the location of the majority anyway. Unless, I found a really great deal.

Meals were a no brainer since our hotel came with a kitchen. We had a few meals at the park, but mainly ate in our hotel. Trust me, it’s easier with a 2yo.

Check out our itinerary below:

Let’s Go

The day came and it was time for us to road trip down to Orange Lake, FL. The trip was eventful, we stopped for boiled peanuts, and enjoyed the time down.

My nine year old decided to make lunch, but only for her. Like seriously, what about the rest of us?

The first day there, I thought I was living my best life. We got a cabana, were hanging out by the pool, then the sirens wen off! It was a thunder storm y’all, a whole storm! We thought it would past, but nope.

You can watch it here.

Happy Moments

Probably my happiest times were seeing my two broke friends happy and enjoying the time with family and at the park. Their innocence and fascination made my day.

Check out our adventures below.

Does your family have that one trip you have to take?