Quality time is my family’s love language. It goes hand in hand with our lust for travel. Every once in a while, I get to bring along one of my parents. Living seven states away from my extended family, we cherish any time we spend with them, which always involves hopping on a plane to somewhere.
From cross-country junkets to weekend staycations, my husband and our two toddlers have stretched our comfort zones and shared in new experiences—both as a nuclear family, and also with my parents on separate occasions. (And on those occasions, let’s be honest: Having an extra set of eyes and hands on your kids as they run feral around unfamiliar environments is game-changing.)
Recently, however, we spent three nights in Disney World with my mom and stepdad, and it was not at all what I expected. Here are four reasons why I think it makes for one of the best multigenerational travel destinations:
1. Large families can comfortably stay at a Disney resort without breaking the bank.
Multiple adults and kids staying at a Disney resort might sound like a budget blunder—certainly, you’d have to dole out big bucks for a room that comfortably sleeps everybody. Not so much. Disney’s Art of Animation, one of the park’s Value Resorts, packs a punch with affordability, space, and convenience.
Family Suites sleep up to six, and although they have only one bedroom, the layouts are compartmentalized with generous space (the living and dining rooms are open but feel like separate areas, each with their own “hidden” double-sized beds). Since my toddlers can’t share a room, we kept my two-year-old in the bedroom with my husband, while my four-year-old and I stayed in the living room, and my mom and stepdad were in the dining area. My kids each slept in their own SlumberPod toddler bed—arguably my most prized travel possessions.
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The resort is themed around movies like “Cars,” “Finding Nemo,” and “The Lion King, and makes you feel like you’re in them (with the help of a little imagination). It also houses Disney World’s largest pool and the much-loved Righteous Reef playground. Standout amenities include complimentary Disney Skyliner and bus transportation, and quick-service dining.
2. Keeping an open schedule makes way for some of the best (unplanned) moments.
It’s easy to want to fill your daily schedules with rides, character meet-and-greets, parades, and more—after all, you spent a pretty penny on this trip. But flexibility is key to everyone enjoying themselves. I suggest identifying at least one must-see for each person in your group. (Not everyone might have one.) For kids, this could mean getting on at least one ride for which they meet the height requirements, or seeing a specific character.
As a type A traveler, it was hard for me to not have every minute of every day planned. What I found most helpful was scheduling a few can’t-miss experiences, while keeping a list of ‘possible’ activities on hand. This eliminated the pressure of having to do it all, and also made it easier to pivot when the unexpected (boo-boos that required bandages and kisses, poopy diapers and frequent potty breaks, etc.) arose. I also factored in down/nap time every day, which made a world’s difference in my youngsters’ moods for the rest of the afternoon and into dinnertime.
Most importantly, blocks of free time make way for some of the most memorable, unplanned moments—like a poolside picnic with the grandparents and grandkids and a surprise appearance by my youngsters’ favorite princess. A multigenerational vacation to Disney World shouldn’t feel like you’re running a marathon; it should allow everybody to move at a steady pace and savor every moment.
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3. Having an extra set of eyes and hands on your kids allows each person to be more present.
Every parent can relate to the notion that family vacations don’t always feel like vacations. My husband and I have always embraced the fact that our vacations just look different these days, but even with more “realistic” expectations, traveling with our kids is still full of challenges.
While I believe taking trips as family of four helps make us become more adaptable, I do love the respite that traveling with my parents brings. The best part: My parents help out because they want to, not because they feel obligated. Sharing in the responsibilities allows everyone to be more present.
4. Three generations enjoying Disney traditions together is next-level magic.
The Haunted Mansion, breakfast at Chef Mickey’s, the most elaborate fireworks show—reliving these moments from my childhood, with my mom and my kids during this special, multigenerational travel experience, was a level of nostalgia I can’t quite put into words.
My kids might not remember clinging to our arms as ghosts followed us through the Haunted Mansion, dancing with Mickey while chowing down on his namesake waffles, or staring up at the sky with the most awe-struck eyes as fireworks danced around Cinderella Castle. But the quality time they shared with my mom will always leave an imprint on their hearts.
And my mom will remember the looks on my kids’ faces as they witnessed magic for the first time—the same look I had when she brought me to Disney World more than 30 years ago.
