We haven’t been to wdw/uor as much as some here. Last year we went for 7 days, but I was still something of a noob, having been a half-dozen times in my life. I’d read a fair bit, but I wasn’t a Liner. Had a great time, but didn’t go on RotR bc of long waits. And we’re from NJ so hence … the Jersey Comeback trip, where we hope to get everything we didn’t get last time, and with Liner wisdom in my corner!
The trip:
Dec 21-27 Miami, hoping for some beach weather!
Dec 27-Jan 5 Orlando, staying at Cabana Bay, 7 days at WDW and ~1 at UOR
This is our 3rd stay at Cabana bay in the last 12 months. We really like the family suites: almost like a 1BR apartment, w/kitchenette and tri-split bath. Plenty of space for 3, and we like the retro theming and outdoor living spaces, so it works for us as a base for WDW.
The New Jerseyans and their Disney connection:
DwJoe, 53
In the 70’s as a kid I always watched Wonderful World of Disney, on Sundays at 6pm, though I never went to the parks. My first time at wdw was with DW (then girlfriend) in ‘93. We went with our 2 daughters in ‘06 when they were in the Disney princess obsession stage. Disney brings out the kid in me. And it also appeals to my intellectual side. So many details to optimize. So much data to crunch. I like to take care of details & data to help people enjoy life more. It’s what i do.
DW, 52
I like to get away from the cold, and being with family at Disney. Miami beaches are nice. It’s fun to see creative rides, at Disney there are at least a few I can enjoy bc I have motion sickness. I like Disney themes, and watching disney movies, at wdw I can experience it live. I enjoy the live shows, fireworks music, and special effects.
DD21
I like princesses and mermaids. I dreamed of being a Disney princess when I was younger. Now I can visit princesses at wdw. Theme parks take me away from feelings of insecurity, make me feel lucky to be alive, and I can only experience them in certain parts of the world, like a once in a lifetime experience, like wow!
Not on this trip: DD23, she’s moved out and has launched! We vacation with her sometimes but she can only take so much time off.
Why we go at this time:
- It’s a slow period at work
- DD21 is off from college
At least Hanukkah falls during our trip this year - it’s usually earlier in the calendar so that’s a nice bonus.
Constraints:
- We generally keep a strictly kosher diet, although we are lenient with drinks and ice cream when out. Looking forward to drinks at Oga’s and Space220 Lounge!
- Jewish Sabbath observance means we don’t go to the parks between Friday sundown and Saturday sundown-ish. But looking forward to a Saturday night in Epcot on NYE!
- Covid - we’re very careful, generally wearing N95’s in crowded indoor settings. I have a CO2 monitor which guides me on when I can take it off. My mother thinks I look better without the mask - do you agree?
Agree! You look safer with it on though.
) and have DD22 and DD20, so can totally relate to the changing dynamics as kids age up and can no longer vacation with you anymore.
