We did it! A FULL day at Disney from the moment the gates opened through the final firework that night, we officially traipsed around a theme park for a full 13 hours. Miraculously there wasn't a single tear or a "will you carry me" (that I can remember). At 9 and 6, I think we found the magic ages where they were old enough (and tall enough) to go on all the rides, their "Disney Legs" were strong enough to carry them without needing strollers and us adults somehow had the stamina to make it through a full day without needing naps. LOL!
On Monday, which also happened to be Valentines Day, the group of 10 had a blast at Disney. It was Joey's family's first time (including Andy) so it was very fun to show them around the park. Having been to Disney 4 years ago, we felt more informed and comfortable getting around and it was fun to see it all through their eyes too. Hazel was only 2 when we last went, so she remembered very little from the last time we were there. Back then her favorite ride was the Winnie the Pooh ride, which, we didn't manage to squeeze in this year.
Honestly - I don't know if we could have asked for a more perfect day. The weather was cool, mid 40's at it's coldest and 60's in the afternoon, but that made standing in line bearable (much better than the high 80's when we went in 2018). The crowds seemed much less too. I'm not sure if that had to do with the time of year (we specifically picked mid Feb to try and avoid the crowds) or because of COVID, but either way, it made our experience more enjoyable for sure.
Disney just released a new line management program called Genie+ less than 6 months ago, so we were some of the first to start using it. Our experience was really quite good - but I will say that to get the most out of it, one person from the group should take point on running the app and whomever takes that job will spend a good part of their day on the phone. My battery was totally dead by 5 pm...so bring a backup charger!
But, honestly, we rode every single ride we wanted to ride (with the exception of Peter Pan) and 90% of those rides were using the Lightening Lanes. We waited less than 20 minutes for any ride we used the LL on...and, for the rides where we did wait in the normal line, I'd say we waited 45 minutes max. It really was a much more enjoyable experience than when we went in 2018.
We rode all the rides, saw some parades and met Mickey. We did some 3D/4D movies, ate unlimited popcorn, we rode the Seven Dwarfs (our last ride of the night), we ate dinner in Tomorrow Land....and we went on the Carousel of Progress - which, as an adult, can I just say, is a lovely ride! In 2018, this was a welcome opportunity to sit down and be in the AC. Us adults loved it just as much in 2022 as we did back then...though, I know the kids had no idea what it was talking about and found it boring. Ryan even snuck in a nap (I'm jealous).
It's too bad that they no longer do the big light-up parade at the end of the night. I remember that being pretty magical from when I was a kid. But, the fireworks did not disappoint...and in a true sign of our age, I do have to say we picked a pretty good viewing location for the fireworks. We stationed ourselves right inside the exit so we were out of the park and on the tram to parking before most people had even packed up their stuff. By that point we were all pooped - the kids included! Hazel feel asleep in the car on the way home (bless her heart).
I'm kicking myself for not actually buying this picture. Dad and I both get sick on the rides but we did this one together and it's a moment I'll remember forever. It was fun to be a kid again right alongside him. A memory I won't soon forget.
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