Our Very First Disney Adventure!

The Trip That Stole Our Hearts

A Magical Beginning to 2019 – In January, our family embarked on our very first Disney adventure. It was an unforgettable trip that will always hold a special place in our hearts. It wasn’t just our little crew—my sister, her husband, and my sweet niece joined us. To make it even more memorable, I was pregnant with our son, Lincoln, at the time.

Disney’s Art of Animation

At first, we hadn’t planned to stay on Disney resort property. We thought we might save some money and stay off-site. But, after many discussions, we quickly realized that staying on property was the best way to get the full Disney experience. So, after crafting the perfect case to pitch to our husbands, we took the plunge and booked our very first stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort—and it turned out to be the perfect fit for us.

The theming at Art of Animation was next-level. The larger-than-life icons and colorful details made us feel like we’d stepped straight into a storybook. And the magic was palpable from the very first moment—Mickey Mouse made an appearance, and yes, I teared up. We can totally blame the pregnancy hormones… but honestly, Disney just has a way of tugging at your heartstrings and bringing out your inner child.

One of the biggest perks was the free Disney transportation — back then it was only buses. Now they even offer the Skyliner, making travel around the parks even easier. The resort’s family suites were ideal! The suites offered so much space: a private bedroom, two bathrooms (a total game-changer with kids), and a kitchenette. In addition, there was a dining table that pulled down into a bed, as well as a living room with a pullout sofa bed. Having all that space made a huge difference for comfort and convenience.

A Spark of Magic We’ll Never Forget

That first trip gave us so much more than rides and characters—it filled us with joy, made us laugh, and left us in awe. It laid the foundation for a lifelong love of Disney in our family. Looking back, I’m so grateful we stayed on property and fully immersed ourselves in the magic. It truly made all the difference. Noelle’s face lit up every time she met a character, and those moments will stay with us forever.

the magic continues:

Since that very first trip in 2019, I’ve returned to Disney six more times—and the magic just keeps growing! I’ll share more details about those past trips in another post, but here’s a quick look:

• February 2022 – Family Trip: Our whole family came together for some quality time and fun.
• September 2022 – Girls’ Group Trip: A magical getaway filled with laughter and girl time.
• February 2023 – Disneyland Visit: We took a trip to the west coast to experience the original Disney magic.
• October 2023 – Sister & Cousins Trip with Noelle and Isabella: A special trip full of family bonding and sweet memories. We faced a few challenges along the way—stay tuned for the full story!
• March 2024 – Spring Break: School’s out and the crowds are too—but honestly, I’d rather be at Disney even with the crowds!
• December 2024 – My Sister’s 40th Birthday Celebration: A milestone birthday packed with sparkle, laughter, and oh—did I mention lots and lots of snacks?

And the planning hasn’t stopped there! I love gaining firsthand experience and insider knowledge so I can help others plan unforgettable trips. This October (2025), I’ll be heading back to Art of Animation with Lincoln, where we’ll be experiencing Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party together.

Then, starting in 2026, we’re leveling up the magic in brand new ways!

• January 2026 – Our very first Disney Cruise! We’ll be sailing aboard the Disney Treasure to the Eastern Caribbean, with stops in St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
• April 2026, I’ll be bringing my princess Noelle to the most elegant of all resorts, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. We’ll be celebrating her 10th birthday a little early (we’re just not brave enough to face that Florida heat in July!).
• October 2026– I turn 40, and that milestone deserves a little Disney flair. I plan to celebrate by cruising down Slinky Dog Dash, sharing lots of laughs, and staying forever young at heart.
• November 2026 – Disneyland, here we come (again)! Since it had been a few years, we figured it was time to hop on a plane and let the magic pull us back to California!

By the end of 2026, we’ll have 12 Disney trips under our belt! Too much? Never. Now, Tony might tell you otherwise—but let’s be real, he loves it just as much as the rest of us (even if he’ll never admit it). Because honestly, what’s better than watching your family light up with joy and making magical memories that last a lifetime?

And that’s exactly why I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned—so I can help others create their own unforgettable Disney adventures, filled with magic and memories to cherish forever. If you’d like personalized help planning your next trip, reach out today!