We’re about to embark on a rite of passage for many families, especially in the States. One fraught with emotional baggage, marital pitfalls and tears – hopefully of joy. Yes, friends, we’re going to Disney World.

I am far too emotional about how much it means to me that we can even attempt to make this trip. In the deepest part of my heart I have wanted to give this trip to Miss O and I still can’t believe that day is coming. While I’ve been several times as a kid and as an adult, we’ve faced so many hardships that I figured it was one of those things I’d have to remember for myself and silently…

First of all, being able to afford Disney today is a far cry from what my parents shelled out to go, which may be why they could go back. When they moved outside Orlando during my senior year of college, one of the first things we did was get an annual pass. You learn soon after that Disney and Universal are pretty much the only things to do down there, so it’s a bargain and well worth the cost. I hadn’t made enough friends there to latch on to a cast member walk on yet so tickets were a bit out of reach for me on my own. It was just as much fun for me then and I could drink through EPCOT!

See, MAGIC!

For us, I’m betting this is a one-time deal. I have managed our finances, sacrificed and saved to the point where, not only are we going, we’re paying cash. I know, right. What is this thing called “cash?”

We’re also doing the whole family thing, so it’s not just the three of us. We’ll be going with my Mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and my nephew. No, we will not be wearing matching shirts…maybe one day…maybe just me… Anyway, it’s the first time I’ve taken a trip with a big group and I’m not sure I can handle it. I’m a planner by nature, so this could get rough…for them. I had a nine page itinerary for my wedding and only realized I couldn’t be the actual wedding planner about a week before the wedding. I’m still forever grateful to the most amazing person on the planet, Matthew E. for taking that itinerary and making is happen whilst simultaneously being a guest. I’m so rude. Seriously, he IS magic, and, of course, worked at Disney, but I’m betting that magic was in him first. Any way…

We’re not going until August and I already know what Miss O and I are wearing each day. I assure you, there will be themes.

I’ll share what I’ve learned from my eyeball-crossing internet research and how I’m approaching the planning. If my family doesn’t kill me, I’ll also let you know how it goes. All I know is, I’m taking my baby girl to Disney and I’m gonna ugly cry the second I see that sign.