The Trip That Stole Our Hearts
In January 2019, our family set off on our very first Disney adventure, and it is still one of the most special trips we have ever taken. It was not just our little crew, either. My sister, her husband, and my sweet niece joined us too. To make it even more memorable, I was pregnant with Lincoln at the time. Looking back, that adds an extra layer of emotion now.
Why We Chose to Stay on Property
At first, we had not planned to stay on Disney property. We thought we might save money by staying off-site. But after plenty of back-and-forth, my sister and I made our case and pitched it to our husbands. In the end, we decided to go all in on the full Disney experience. That decision led us to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and it truly ended up being the perfect fit for our first trip.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
From the moment we arrived, Art of Animation felt magical. The theming was incredible. Everything was bright, playful, and larger than life. It really did feel like stepping right into a storybook. I still remember seeing Mickey Mouse and instantly tearing up. Yes, pregnancy hormones probably played a role. But Disney also has a way of pulling at your heart and bringing out your inner child.
One of the biggest perks for us was Disney transportation. At the time, Art of Animation only had bus transportation. Even so, it made a huge difference in how easy the trip felt. Now, with the Skyliner, it is even more convenient. Even back then, staying on property made us feel completely wrapped up in the Disney bubble. For our first trip, that made all the difference.
Why the Family Suites Worked So Well
The family suites were another reason this resort worked so well for us. We had a private bedroom, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette, which felt especially helpful with kids. There was also a dining table that pulled down into a bed and a living room with a pullout sofa. Having that much space made the trip feel so much more comfortable, especially at the end of long park days.
One of My Favorite Memories from That First Trip
One of my favorite memories from that very first trip was watching Noelle meet Princess Merida. We had PhotoPass, and the pictures from that interaction are still some of my favorite Disney photos ever. Merida sat right down on the ground with her. She noticed Noelle’s sparkly silver shoes and even showed her her own.
Between the giggling, the hugs, and the way Noelle completely lit up, it was one of those moments that still pulls at my heart every time I think about it. Merida signed her autograph book, but more than that, she made the moment feel so personal and special. Even now, that memory takes me right back to 2019 and reminds me why that first trip meant so much to me.
What That First Trip Taught Me
That first trip also taught me something I still carry with me now. No matter how much you plan, you are never going to do it all in one trip, and that is okay. Disney has so much to see and do. Trying to check every box can take away from the moments that matter most.
Slowing down and being present is what makes a trip feel special. Letting yourself fully enjoy the magic in front of you matters too. And honestly, I think that is part of what makes people fall in love with Disney in the first place. When you stop trying to do everything, you leave room for the moments that stay with you long after the trip is over.
The Magic We Will Never Forget
What I remember most, though, is how Noelle’s face lit up every time she met a character. That kind of joy is impossible to forget. This trip gave us so much more than rides and photos. It gave us laughter, wonder, and the kind of family memories that stay with you forever.
Looking back, I am so grateful we chose to stay on property and fully lean into the magic. It helped make our very first Disney trip feel even more unforgettable.
And the Magic Kept Growing
Since that first trip in 2019, we have gone back many times. Each visit has deepened our love for Disney even more. Some trips have been full family vacations, while others have been special one-on-one getaways with my kids. Along the way, I fell in love not just with the memories we were making, but also with the planning process itself. From the big decisions to the little details, I came to appreciate how much thought goes into creating a truly special Disney vacation.
