This was a dream trip I had envisioned would happen maybe in another couple years. I couldn't wait for the day to take my grandkids to the magical place that is Walt Disney World. The trip was most definitely waiting near the top of my bucket list. But I also knew that timing was everything. The kids had to be ready to ride and experience everything the World had to offer. Which means growing to at least 44" in height. Aaron more than fit the bill, especially since he has lost his fears and willing to ride just about anything and everything now.
Terry and I love going to WDW and always have a great time, just the 2 of us. The last time we took 'kids' was back in 1996 when our kids were 15 and 16. An age where they did have fun but also didn't really want to vacation with the parents anymore. We also chose the worst time of the year to go, JULY. Ugh the heat and humidity were unbearable which made the trip miserable. We vowed never again to go to Florida in the summer.
So why the change and take the kids now? Our timeshare exchange company, RCi, recently added the Disney World properties on their list of exchange options. In the past we exchanged for condos in the Orlando area and rented a car. But we always wanted to stay 'on property' making use of the Disney perks, all inclusive immersion and extensive transportation. We have priced independent WDW vacations on property but they were expensive with a capital E. We just could not justify spending that much when we could exchange just outside WDW property for $169 a week exchange fee instead of $300+ per night. Big difference. Our timeshare exchange has given us many happy, fun trips to WDW with very little expense.
In March, when I heard about the exchange, I immediately got on the phone to RCi. An agent explained that yes we could exchange to WDW, but there was such a demand that a wait list formed and it could be 2 years to actually get an exchange. Perfect I thought, the kiddos would be just about the right age, I added us the wait list.
Fast forward to June, I get a call from RCi. They had a 1 bd villa at the Wilderness Lodge available in Nov. WOOOO HOOOO, that was our first choice, how could we turn THAT down?!? We accepted and paid our $169 exchange fee for the week. Beats paying the going rate of $425 a night!! Our trip was officially fast tracked. We used frequent flyer miles for airfare, and bought the WDW tickets through the trusty wholesaler we have always bought from. Audrey was a total freebie this go round, in both airfare, eating in the restaurants and park admission.
We had a blast . . . amazingly fun, non stop smiles, forever memories, over a 1,000 photos and beyond exhausting . . . just what we needed in this very stressful year we all have had.
Bucket list has one less entry scratched off. I would say mission accomplished.
Here are of few photos of the Wilderness Lodge.
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