Earlier this month we (just us three sisters) were fortunate enough to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at the Walt Disney World Resort. We’re west coast-Disneyland girls so anytime we get an opportunity to head east (only having been a few times), we are pretty ecstatic. Unlike our past trips, this time we made a collective decision to make it a sisters-only trip. Admittedly, it wasn’t the popular decision with our families BUT sometimes it’s a call you have to make. Needless to say, we had the trip of a lifetime. Between all the magic that the #DisneySMMC provides and the fact that we were kid free (no offense to our amazing children) our entire trip was practically perfect in every way.
All of that said, there were a number of things we excitedly experienced and thoroughly enjoyed that would have likely not been the case if we had been traveling with our kids. Looking back now, it almost feels like a dream. It was THAT dreamy. If and when you ever consider taking a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort without your kids, here’s just a few things you might want to consider:
Take Pictures (of things other than your kids)
There are so many amazing things to photograph at any of the Disney Resorts. From larger than life landscapes to the tiniest of Disney details, going on your own personal photo walk, through the parks (without any agenda but to shoot) is one of the most enjoyable of experiences ever.
Play with Creative Apps (because playing is fun)
Our new favorite photo app to use is Boomerang and there is no better place to play with that app than at Disneyland. I mean, how fun! We can't even! When you're on your own (without the kids) you can take the time you need to focus on trying something new which can make your mobile phone photography feel like play.
Pin Trade (for YOU)
Pin trading is fun with the kids, for sure! But when you trade just for YOU, you get to score the pins you really want. It's a fun way to coax out your own inner-kid. Remember her?
Shop (browse in any store you want for as long as you want)
So often the most enjoyable part of shopping, is just the browsing. And when you've got kids in tow, there's not a lot of time (or patience) for browsing. We took advantage of our time on trip and browsed in any and every store that tickled our fancy. We may or may not have bought a few Dooney & Bourke bags.
Tour Hotels (because awesome)
We're pretty sure our kids wouldn't appreciate being dragged from the Parks to spend time strolling around and exploring the Resort Hotels, so doing it on our sisters-only trip was an enjoyable (and relaxing) way to spend some grow-up time.
Drink (cheers)
Enjoy Restaurant Meals (at a leisurely pace)
We had the most enjoyable, leisurely meals ever on our trip. Don't get us wrong, we love a good corn dog from a stand but, having the opportunity to slow down and savor both the atmosphere and the delicious food only made our time together more special and memorable.
Eat Sweet Treats (anytime, day or night)
Sweets on a Disney trip are a given but as with most things with kids, we try to be examples of moderation and timeliness. The best part of traveling with kids to the Disney Parks is that you don't have to curb your cravings. If you want to try every dessert at Epcot, you go! If you want ice cream for breakfast, just do it. Anything goes when it's adults only. No guilt. And there's no sharing required.
Stay Up Late (YOLO)
Without bed times to consider, you've got every freedom imaginable! Watch all the fireworks. Close the park down. Don't sleep! When you're with your grown-up friends or family, you've got lots of chatting and laughing to do. Even if it's until the wee hours of the morning. Who cares! You're not going to wake anyone up. Except maybe your neighbors! Which reminds us, sorry neighbors, we had some serious sister time we were catching up on.
Although we were busy following the schedule and activities of the conference itself (which was awesome!), we still had plenty of time to stroll, savor, get silly and reconnect. It was an amazing trip! If you ever get the chance to do Disney with your sisters, your friends, your partner, without the kids, we highly recommend it. Or maybe you already have traveled as adults to a Disney Resort. If so, we’d love to hear about it! What was your favorite part?
Disclaimer: We were invited to Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort where we paid a conference fee that included accommodations and some meals on the conference dates.