We Split into Smaller Groups at Disney World and You Should Too

If you are traveling to Walt Disney World with anyone other than yourself, take note of this tip....split up!  While you planned a lovely group vacation, you'll enjoy it more if you don't try to keep up with your whole gang all of the time, unless you enjoy walking backward with a small flag.  Consider breaking into smaller groups and then meeting up later for a meal to discuss the fun you all had.

On a past Disney vacation, our travel party was myself, my two girls and my parents.  I asked Mom and DisneyDad in advance to take Minnie for a morning so Tink and I could visit Magic Kingdom alone.  She was four at the time, really loved Fantasyland and, of course, loved having mama all to herself.  It was nice to spend time with just one child and focus just on her.  And speaking of focusing, I left my "big" camera in the bag for the majority of the day.  On this day, I wasn't a blogger, just a mom, but I still made her humor me with iPhone selfies.

With no stroller and a smaller bag than normal, Tink and I boarded a bus to Magic Kingdom, arriving early but after rope drop.  Since our whole goal was Fantasyland, we headed straight for the train.  I asked Tink to stand by the railing for a quick picture and this is how she posed. This is now a traditional shot for us.

Tink enjoyed the old games in the waiting area of the train station and loved the ride around the park to New Fantasyland.

Our first stop was The Barnstormer.  I am a roller coaster fanatic and couldn't wait to share this ride with Tink.  I did try taking photos of the queue and attraction however Tink was impatient so that was the end of the nice camera for the day.  The image below was before the coaster left the station.  I videoed the actual ride but Tink was scared so I won't be sharing it.  I don't think I'll be getting her back on The Barnstormer any time soon.  Admittedly, it is a little zippy for a kiddie coaster.

Next up was some playtime before riding Dumbo.  There wasn't a wait for the flying elephants so Tink was able to play as long as she liked and then we jumped into the line for the ride.

Ready to fly!

After Dumbo, it was snack time.  This was one of the best simple pleasures I've enjoyed at Walt Disney World since I became a mom.  Tink and I shared a box of the world's best popcorn while sitting on a wall in the Magic Kingdom on a truly lovely day, just watching the World go by.

Batteries recharged, we headed out to explore more of Fantasyland.  We spied Alice with a short wait.  This quick detour was part of the beauty of a smaller group.  If she and I wanted to change directions or plans, we could do so without coordinating with anyone else.  I thank the two college-aged girls who were in line in front of us for helping entertain Tink through the line.  Being a few feet from Alice but still having to wait your turn is awfully hard when you are little.  

Alice taught Tink how to drink her tea.  A skill she said she learned from the Mad Hatter.

"it's a small world after all.  it's a small world after all."

Time to meet our favorite mermaid.

Hooray for Fastpass.  We could never wait through the long lines for Peter Pan.  On this particular day, my oldest baby and I got to fly over London.

A couple of silly shots in Philharmagic.  It turns out that Tink HATED this show.  Poor thing tried to hide behind the seats as soon as it started and before long, we had to leave.

Tink really enjoyed riding in the giant honeypots...and being cool in her shades.

Once we made it to the bus back to Old Key West, it wasn't long before my girl was OUT.  I rather enjoyed holding her while she slept on the way back to Old Key West.  However, I didn't know if I could carry her from the bus stop to the villa without waking her.  I texted my dad for backup and he met us at the bus and carried Tink back to the room.

Even with a long day, a nap means we need to burn off some energy before bed.  Thank goodness for the pool/playground/sand at Old Key West's feature pool.  After some playtime, both Tink and Minnie were ready for a good night's sleep.

I had a wonderful day touring the Magic Kingdom with just one child.  And don't worry, Minnie wasn't mistreated.  She had her own adventure with Granny and Granddaddy.  We are planning a big family trip for this fall and I'll be including some time in the schedule for each girl to get her own time with Mom and Dad and also with Granny and Granddaddy.

We typically travel as a multi-generational group and it's really nice when we can split up into smaller subgroups.  It's easier to get around and to make decisions but mostly it's nice to be able to enjoy the company of the people you are vacationing with and focus on one or two of them at a time.