Whenever we go to Disney it’s with a big group of family members and we are constantly checking things off the list and running from ride to ride.  I will admit, being in the parks are not always the most relaxing, spontaneous excursions that I would like them to be.  We do get a lot accomplished, but at times I feel like “getting stuff done” supersedes enjoying just being in the moment.

Before the last trip I decided that I was going to carve out some “special mommy-time” at the parks with each of my oldest kids.  I not only wanted the vacation as a whole to be a fun time they remembered, but doing something special they got to have a hand in planning and executing.

The highlight for Dylan was that we got the front row on Mine Train and Big Thunder back to back.  I was ready to hurl, but he was in heaven!

Quinn and I took the train from Frontierland over to Fantasyland which we had never done before!  What a fun and easy way to get around the park.  Highly recommend as long as you don’t have a huge stroller to fold up.

We also got our names (just the two of us) on Small World:

In the mornings I like to go running and when I get back I usually find Dylan awake and ready to get the day started.  He and I managed to watch a few sunrises over Magic Kingdom this past trip.

On a different vacation we had wandered around Animal Kingdom Lodge in the early morning hours, playing a game of ping pong and checking out the flamingos before bringing back breakfast for everyone. We maybe spent a half hour together each time, but he asks to do it every trip now.

It’s not about the quantity of time, but the quality.  If you can carve out some special one-on-one with your kids on your next vacation you won’t regret it.  It can be something simple like an ice cream date, walking around and exploring your hotel, or going just the two of you to the souvenir shop.

Little moments can be just as magical as the big moments. 

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner of ET Family Travel