We recently vacationed to Disney World with my extended family. We’ve traveled with both kids before, but I must have blocked out how difficult it was. This time, I felt like I was running a marathon. Do not get me wrong, it was an absolute JOY to see my kids light up over the billion and one dolls from ‘It’s A Small World’ or nearly hyperventilate over a picture with Goofy. It was so much cuteness in one moment you could die. I had read a few mommy blogs about how to make the most of Disney World with little kids and they were extremely helpful, however here’s what no one told me about Disney World with kids…

• the pleasure of not cleaning the floor after your baby dumps a plate of spaghetti, carrots, and cheerios ALL OVER IT. I’m convinced the custodial staff is the real heroes of Disney World.
• the satisfaction of walking over 20,000 steps every day (thank you trusty pedometer app on my phone).
• needing hip replacements after wearing my butterball baby ALL THE DAYS in a front pack because he’s convinced the stroller is a temple of doom.
• the insistence on countless distractions for your kids as you wait for your food to be served because eating out with kids is totally peaceful and relaxing.
• the toys and treats available at every corner are completely easy to navigate with your 5-year old who wants it ALL
• how difficult it is to convince your 5 year old that the monorail does not take you to Ninevah. Yes, Ninevah. He’s convinced Disney has made a movie about Jonah. Bless him.
• explaining that Yoda is not out to get him. Yoda is supposedly a good guy, despite his weird face and all.
• man handling my baby EVERY FIVE SECONDS to not put trash in his mouth.
• how the lines for a 30 second ride feel like purgatory with previously mentioned baby in front pack.

It really was a treat to be there. Also, super shocked at how many rides the baby could go on. He and big brother were all about that ‘Under the Sea: Ariel’s Story’ ride. We only rode it 7 million times.

While sitting at my favorite restaurant Epcot has to offer, Chefs De France, I was distracting the baby with a song and dance so he wouldn’t scream at the table next to us, and Derek was assisting in a drawing of Mickey and friends on the back of the menu. We looked at each other and agreed it was not the easiest way to enjoy French cuisine, but there will be thousands of meals eaten in peace in the future. In 10 or 20 years while we sit in a beautiful restaurant we’ll long for the days with curious kids. These are precious days we have. They are tiring but sweet, so sweet. We’ll never get these days back. For these I’m thankful.