Finally--finally! The day I had been dreaming about ever since that first blurry heartbeat on the ultrasound had arrived. After much planning and anticipation, we loaded up the car and headed to Disney World on our first family vacation.
When I was pregnant, Husband and I daydreamed about taking our boy to Disney--showing him where we got married, visiting all of our favorite spots, and watching his face light up as he took in the magic for the first time. We figured he'd be 2, maybe 3, before we made the trip.
We didn't make it that long. Around his first birthday, we started talking about taking our first family vacation. Little Man handled crowds and loud noises like a pro, and bounced back from a change in his schedule like a champ. So at the ripe old age of 14 months, Little Man experienced Disney for the first time. And his parents lived to tell the tale.
"He won't remember it!" People told me. "Why are you spending all the money?"
Why? Because Husband and I will remember it. I'll never forget taking my son on Dumbo the Flying Elephant for the first time and hearing him shout "up up UP!" as we soared through the sky. I'll never forget the way he splashed in the pirate-themed kid-pool at our resort, keeping up with kids twice his age and squealing with delight. I'll remember the look of joy on my husband's face watching Little Man enjoy the Country Bear Jamboree show.
I'll remember how my boy grew in just a week when given the opportunity to try new things and explore new places. Little Man loved having his parent's undivided attention for a whole week, and we loved it too. At this age, Little Man is changing a little every day, and our Disney vacation gave us the chance to slow down and watch him do it.
Okay, so maybe "slow down" isn't the correct term to use. Little Man slept surprising well in his pack n' play in the hotel room, but was wide awake by 6 AM every morning. He'd go right to his stroller and attempt to climb in, giving pointed looks towards the door and saying "go! go!". He loved the resort buses and the monorail, and he charmed other guests wherever we went. He made friends from all over the world when we hit the World Showcase in Epcot, and especially loved the women in the Chinese giftshop.
Did he have a meltdown or two? Sure. But for the most part he was all smiles and grins. Did I learn a lot about traveling with a baby? Sure. Would I do it again? Absolutely. For anyone with a little one considering taking a trip to the happiest place on earth even though they won't remember it--I say go for it. Because for every giggle, every squeal of happiness, every new experience, you'll have a memory that is priceless.
