Disney: Day One {Details}

I just have to capture and share every detail of our very first Disney trip! This will be a lengthy series, but so worth it for my family to remember such a special time. I planned this trip for about a year (mainly because I was a total rookie and wanted to learn every aspect) and our magical trip could not have been more amazing!

No road trip is complete without Cracker Barrel in your pj's

Surprise!
We managed to keep it a TOTAL secret from the girls (using the code word "Orlando trip" during the planning phase). It was tricky but oh so worth it- just watch this precious video when Peyton realized where we were. It makes me cry every time.

Hotel: We decided to stay on-site at the advice of many Disney veterans. I am SO glad we did! Especially due to the age of our kiddos, there are many pros to staying on site: Access to dining plan, free and convenient transportation to parks, and access to early fast pass reservations.
We chose to stay at Port Orleans Riverside Royal room- a place that will always hold a special place in my heart! The accommodations were great, and the Royal Room just added that extra special touch. The grounds were beautiful and lush, and I felt like we were visiting an old southern mansion. It was a short walk to the dining hall from our room. The walk to the bus stop was a little longer, but we fell into a routine pretty quickly and it wasn't too bad.

Stroller: We chose to rent from Orlando Stroller Rentals and we both agreed it was one of the best purchases of the trip. It saved us a lot of headache! For a City Mini GT Double, it was $85.60 for the entire week! They had it waiting for us when we arrived at our hotel, and we dropped it with the concierge before we left...easy peasy. Both girls fit very well into it, plus a basket for goodies.
(Pro Tip: Bring a laminated stroller sign with bright ribbons so you can easily spot yours!)

Dining: We decided to go with a meal plan- another fantastic purchase for our trip. The Disney Dining Plan included (1) Table Service Meal, (1) Quick Service Meal, and (2) Snacks per person (except Eliza, due to age) and per day. We also each received a rapid refill drink mug. We took full advantage of the table service credits and booked a character meal almost every day. We later agreed it might have been overkill, but what other time in life can you dine with your favorite Disney characters every single day?! The cost for the plan was very reasonable, and it was so convenient that meals were taken care of.

On night one, we really started off with a bang, dining at 1900 Park Fare with CINDERELLA, Prince Charming, The Wicked Stepsisters, and The Wicked Stepmother. The food was delicious, and the experience was the perfect way to start our vacation. Our incredibly sleep-deprived children were troopers...and in total awe!