Resort only Disney World trip with Alice G. - PREP 362

Alice and her family traveled from Maryland to Orlando for a quick Walt Disney World trip to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. They filled their days with fun and adventure – and no Disney World theme parks! Alice shares with Shannon their experience with Storybook Nannies and date night, Typhoon Lagoon, Port Orleans French Quarter, and why she called this “one of the best Disney trips we’ve ever had”.

In this article

The Basics

Alice and her husband took their two sons, ages 7 and 5, on a resort-only trip to Disney World for their anniversary. They flew down on an early flight on June 7 and flew home later in the afternoon of June 10.

They packed in a lot of pool time, a fishing excursion, and even a date night for their anniversary. They chose to stay at Port Orleans French Quarter because they wanted a smaller more romantic resort.

Arrival Day (June 7)

They had a smooth flight and arrived to MCO around 8:15 a.m. They waited about 10 minutes for an Uber before it arrived to take them to their resort.

They arrived at French Quarter around 9:20 a.m. Their first stop was to get their Amazon Fresh delivery before going to get beignets.

They had a bag packed for Typhoon Lagoon but it was starting to rain so they opted to stay at the resort instead. Their room wasn’t ready so they went to the jacuzzi at the pool. It was empty and they had a great time!

After that they went to the pool because it had stopped raining. They got a text around 10 a.m. that their room was ready. Their room was a great location right by the lobby.

Alice got them unpacked and they took naps. There was a thunderstorm that afternoon so they just hung around their room until their dinner reservation.

They waited for the rain to stop and they walked over to dinner. They had reservations at Boatwright’s at Riverside. They have a horse drawn carriage reservation at 7 p.m. The rain had stopped and they had a wonderful ride.

They found out at this point that the boats to Disney Springs were not running due to the water levels.

Anniversary and Fishing Excursion (June 8)

Alice and her family have a 2 hour fishing excursion at 7 a.m. They will be picked up at Riverside and go to a lagoon.

They left their room at 6:45 a.m. to get to their excursion. Their captain was Bill and they really loved him. He was very engaging and knowledgeable.

They had a great time fishing and the boys had the best time. They went back to the resort for breakfast at Riverside. They went to the pool at Riverside after breakfast.

After their pool time they went back to their room for naps.

Jadie, their nanny from Storybook Nannies arrived at 4 p.m. to take care of the boys. Alice left a Disney giftcard and arcade card for them to use while they were gone. The boys had a blast.

Alice and her husband took an Uber to Polynesian. It was 4:45 p.m. and there was a 2 hour wait for Trader Sam’s. They ended up getting drinks outside on the patio instead.

Their next stop was to get the Pride Float at Pineapple Lanai. After that, they hopped on the monorail to the Grand Floridian.

They went to the Enchanted Rose and grabbed a drink there. It was a very different vibe than the patio at Trader Sam’s. It was a much more sophisticated vibe.

They stopped at the Basin store to make their own candle. This was a unique way to commemorate their 10th wedding anniversary.

They took the monorail to their dinner reservations at 7 p.m. at California Grill. Alice didn’t really like all of the food she had. She wasn’t able to pick a dessert from the menu and their server brought her funfetti cake.

After dinner, they went to the terrace. It was open at 8:45 p.m. for the 9:20 p.m. fireworks. People were lining up at 8:45 p.m.

Alice was worried about the fireworks crowds but they went downstairs, got an Uber with about a 5 minute wait, and were back at the resort.

Typhoon Lagoon (June 9)

After waking up, they ate breakfast in the room. Alice had ordered breakfast foods for the kids so they would have them right when they woke up.

When the boys were ready they took an Uber to Typhoon Lagoon and arrived at 9:10 a.m. Typhoon Lagoon didn’t open until 10 a.m. so they had a wait.

While they waited, one of Alice’s boys were getting frustrated. Her husband put her son on his shoulders and a cast member came over to talk with them. Then her son became the Big Kahuna for the day!

Around 9:30 a.m. they went in together and were given a tour to check out the whole park. They were given a special Big Kahuna cabana. It was amazing and very special treatment.

Because of this, they got to be the first ones on the family ride. Alice really enjoyed the cabana – it was a great location and really nice.

Alice and her family had a blast. They really love Typhoon Lagoon. They enjoy the food and the wave pool.

Alice and her family stayed all day. They were the first ones in and one of the last ones to leave around 5:45 p.m.

They took a bus to Disney Springs and wanted to get dinner. They got to Rainforest Cafe and were able to eat outside.

They went to the Lego store and then the Ganachery. Alice loves the Ganachery and they had a great time. After that, they hopped on a bus back to their resort.

Departure (June 10)

After beignets for breakfast they spent some time at the arcade and the pool. While everyone else slept, Alice packed up the room. They got checked out of their room and cleaned up in the restroom at the pool.

Alice really loved this hotel. This was their first time staying at anything but a Value resort and they don’t think they will be able to go back to values!

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