There’s an undeniable magic in the air at Walt Disney World, particularly when witnessed through the eyes of multiple generations. My own experience of this enchanting place transformed from quiet admiration to jubilant engagement when I finally visited with both my children and grandchildren. This thrilling trip included my husband, our daughter Hilary and her son Blake, our son Ari and his wife Margo alongside their boys, Asher and Aaron. A true multi-generational adventure awaited us, and with matching T-shirts donned proudly, we were prepared to embrace every magical moment.
Our family’s home for three nights was two beautiful suites at The Art of Animation Resort. Nestled among the more than 30 on-property resorts, this spot offers an easy transition into the park atmosphere using the Skyliner, Monorail, or Disney buses. The boys squealed with delight as they posed with the colorful cars outside, crafted to honor Disney’s beloved animated films. Inside our suites, accommodating up to six guests, all the essentials were covered with a refrigerator and microwave for our convenience.
The Joy Begins at Magic Kingdom
As soon as we walked down Main Street U.S.A., I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness enveloping us. The nostalgic ambiance, reminiscent of a kinder time, made it feel like a fairy tale come to life. Here we were, three generations in harmony, watching the sheer excitement spark in the children’s eyes. It was a moment to cherish as they experienced the enchantment Disney has offered for decades.
My hands-down favorite ride has always been “It’s a Small World” in Fantasyland, so we made a beeline for this classic. The melody wrapped around us as we boarded the charming little boat, floating past an impressive array of over 300 animatronic dolls dressed in vibrant costumes from across the globe. Watching my grandkids sing along, their smiles glowing with delight, reminded me why this ride holds a dear spot in my heart. “I can’t get that song out of my head now,” my grandson Aaron remarked, and I couldn’t argue—I was humming the tune too!
No visit would be complete without a spin on “Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin®,” a thrilling blend of a ride and an interactive video game. Twirling and whirling, we shot at targets, with Asher racing to the top of the leaderboard, leaving me trailing behind in competitive spirit. Roller coasters became a hot topic—my older kids and two grandchildren relished every thrill, while I and the youngest, Aaron, opted for the soothing treat of ice cream during their high-speed escapades.
As twilight descended, our group gathered at the Crystal Palace Buffet for a feast fit for royalty. With an array of options, the kids happily munched on chicken tenders and Mac & Cheese, while the adults savored succulent country fried chicken and roast beef. As dessert called our names, the soft-serve ice cream was a sweet finish to an exhilarating day.
With anticipation in the air, we settled down for the “Happily Ever After” fireworks show. The dazzling display of lights and sounds brought joy and wonder to all of us as we watched characters from beloved Disney movies dance across the sky while casting glowing reflections on Cinderella’s Castle. The children’s faces were a picture of awe as the magical moment unfolded around us.
Hollywood Studios — Where the Movies Come to Life
For the Star Wars enthusiasts among us, Hollywood Studios was a paradise waiting to be explored. As we approached Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the vibrancy of the themed area transported us to a whole new world. The Millennium Falcon loomed before us, and our excitement surged as we hopped aboard for the Millennium Run: Smugglers Cove. The experience felt electrifying, resembling a front-row seat in a galaxy far, far away, and the pure joy on the kids’ faces was priceless.
The thrill continued with a visit to “Rise of the Resistance,” where we joined the battle alongside the Resistance against the First Order. The immersive storytelling and technology left us all in awe, affirming our connection to the beloved cinematic universe.
Go Wild at Animal Kingdom
My inaugural visit to Animal Kingdom was a revelation—the wildlife and cultural elements were captivating. We hopped aboard the Kilimanjaro Safaris for an open-air journey, bouncing around the savannah as we kept an eye out for elephants, lions, and giraffes. While my adrenaline-seeking crew raced off to Expedition Everest, I spent quality time with Aaron at DINOLAND U.S.A., where we dug for fossils in the Boneyard.
Amidst the thrilling adventures and serene moments with wildlife, our family experience was all-encompassing, showcasing the beauty and diversity of both nature and Disney’s storytelling.
Discovering the World at EPCOT
To me, EPCOT has always felt like an exploration of the world in just one day. Upon seeing the iconic silver sphere, known as Spaceship Earth, the kids erupted with excitement as they realized we had arrived at something extraordinary. The ride through human communication history—from the Stone Age to the age of technology—allowed all of us to reignite our sense of curiosity and marvel.
Next, we hurried over to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, where we found ourselves on a whimsical journey through the kitchen of Gusteau’s. The delightful encounters and clever effects left us giggling, prompting Blake to ask, “Can we go on that one again?” Meanwhile, the thrill-seekers dashed over to “Guardians of the Galaxy” for an exhilarating rollercoaster in the dark.
The exploration of global cultures continued as we strolled through the World Showcase, sampling international cuisine that opened our palates to diverse flavors. Lunch at Via Napoli in Italy treated us to a pizza so grand that the staff wheeled it out on a cart, shocking the kids into delighted fits of giggles.
Dine with the Disney Characters
For some in our party, there can never be enough love from Disney characters! We made our way over to the Contemporary Resort for breakfast with Chef Mickey and his friends. This delightful dining experience filled us with laughter as the beloved characters popped over to our table for hugs and photos, creating memories we would cherish forever.
After four exceptional days filled with laughter, adventures, and irreplaceable expressions of joy, I was left with a heart brimming with gratitude. Watching the magic of Disney unfold through my grandchildren’s eyes reminded me of the essence of this experience—it wasn’t solely about rides, shows, or indulgent treats but rather the precious moments that forged our family bonds. In Asher’s words, “Best vacation ever!” The joy and love shared during our time at Walt Disney World cemented it as a cherished experience in our family’s story.
To plan your own unforgettable multi-generational visit to Walt Disney World, dive into the magic at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/!