From the day I turned 49, Honey was asking what I wanted to do for my 50th birthday. And the answer was always the same. I wanted to spend it at Walt Disney World with my family. All of us together.
I planned the kind of trip for myself that I typically plan for my clients… the kind of once-in-a-lifetime, everything-thought-through, soak-it-all-in kind of trip. It was absolutely incredible and I would not change a single thing.
While John could not join us this time (try as I might to make it all work), having my parents, my sister and brother-in-law, Jay, CeeCee, Whit and Honey there made it the most special trip I have ever taken to Disney. I truly could not have asked for anything more.
A Little Head Start
Before the main event began, I made a somewhat spur-of-the-moment decision, at least by Disney planning standards. I decided to go down a day early! Honey and Whit were driving over late Thursday night, arriving around midnight, but I just wanted to be there. So I booked myself a room at French Quarter and the earliest flight I could find. Honey dropped me off at the airport in the dark hours of the morning, and before I knew it, I was wheels up and on my way.
I checked in at Port Orleans French Quarter, left my suitcase with bell services, and found myself walking into EPCOT before 11:00 AM.
And I had a plan.
Read Around the World
I tucked my book club book into my backpack and set out to spend the day doing one of my very favorite things… wandering. No schedule. No strategy. No one to keep up with or coordinate. Instead, just me, a book, EPCOT and the Flower & Garden Festival. It was every bit as lovely as it sounds.
I started in World Nature with a poke bowl and a quiet bench, reading and easing into the day. From there, I made my way around the World Showcase, stopping wherever something looked good or a spot felt just right.
A margarita from Mexico on a shady patio in Norway.
Dumplings in China at a tucked-away table.
A stroll through Germany followed by an elderflower cocktail on a shady bench in Italy.
Walk through America then ramen in Japan, followed by a quiet corner in Morocco.
A gorgeous walk through France before a stop on the water in England just to read. Caught a show in Canada.
I ended in World Celebration with a honeycomb bowl, honey mascarpone cheesecake and a lemon elderflower float, all enjoyed from a shaded Adirondack chair. Along the way I read about a third of my book!
It was slow and intentional and exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
A Quiet Evening at French Quarter
I headed back to French Quarter around 4:00 PM and took a long, much-needed nap.
Around sunset, I went for a walk around the resort, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and, of course, taking mental notes for clients along the way. Dinner was the ultimate girl dinner… a Coke, simple salad and french fries enjoyed outside on the patio.
I ended the night back in my room, finishing the second half of this season of Bridgerton. It was a truly perfect start… and my very first solo day at Disney. I loved every minute of it!
Let’s Travel & My Services
As a Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, I am recognized for providing the highest level of customer service, experience, and knowledge in the industry. I use my personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke vacations for the most discerning clients. On top of that, travel is expensive and I know how to get the best value for your time and money. Most aspects of planning a family vacation look different and now, more than ever, it is crucial to have the most current, up to date information based on personal experience to plan your vacation!
I offer concierge travel planning for Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland® Resort, Disneyland Paris, Adventures by Disney®, Aulani, National Geographic Expeditions, Universal Orlando, Royal Caribbean and other delightful destinations around the globe! Let’s go there!
