10 Simple Pleasures At Disney Parks

Disney vacations offer my family some of the best memories we could hope for, but once we get to a park we often burn the candle at both ends in our high pace chase to get everything done in one day. There are the rides we must ride, the race to the higher wait time attractions before the crowds get large and an intense focus on having as much fun as we can. Let’s face it; sometimes a day at Disney is stressful! My husband and I promised each other that we would slow down and smell the roses the last time we went to Epcot. We sat down when we wanted and didn’t race and rush or plan our every minute and we had a lot of fun! Here are some pleasures you can experience when you slow down a bit!

1. Realize you are on vacation!

Sometimes all it takes to really enjoy yourself and calm down is to remind yourself that you are on vacation. Your kids might be fighting, you might be aggravated that your toddler refused to eat and work and other stresses might be on your mind…but, you are on vacation and you’re all together. Let it go and find the pleasure in that!

2. Sit down

A problem we seem to have is that we are always on the go when we at the parks. Give yourself and your family time to rest your feet, reapply sunscreen and simply sit. You don’t have to feel guilty if you just need a little break.

3. Snacks

I am not a big snacker, as I try to keep my weight in check. But, at Disney, I allow myself to enjoy little treats! Whether it’s the Mickey bar that I get every time I go to Magic Kingdom or a delicious new find that I simply must try (like the brioche ice cream sandwich at the French pavilion at Epcot…oh my YUM!) I welcome the simple pleasure of enjoying food on my vacation.

4. Watching the magic

I do not have children of my own, but I can’t describe the pleasure it gives me to watch my nephews discover magic or even when I watch other family’s children experience something that gives them incredible joy. When I see the face of a young child dressed in a princess costume meet her in person, my heart gets a bit overwhelmed.

5. A/C

We have learned to stop running around on days when it is super Florida hot and humid and find places that have great air conditioning. The ride queues are often outside and are still hot and then the ride doesn’t expose us to enough air conditioning to cool down. We try to get a table service meal, watch an indoor show or movie or even wait to meet a character in an indoor area to cool down!

6. Finding the fun!

I excitedly put on my favorite Disney shirt, get some ears and truly enjoy myself. I pose for pictures with characters, Gaston being my favorite. I put my hands in the air on Space Mountain. I try the scavenger hunts and dance during the shows and play as much as I’d like! There is fun to be had everywhere you go!

7. Perfect weather

This may not be possible during every trip, that is for sure! I can’t guarantee you perfect weather in Florida, pretty much ever. But, if you travel between November and February, you are far more likely to have a day in the mid 70’s without rain than over the summer when it feels like it is 95 and raining pretty much guaranteed. Then again, we had a 90 degree Christmas day one year and a hurricane at the end of October, so anything goes!

8. People watching

I like looking at people’s shirts, watching couples interact, checking out people gathering from all over the world! I like seeing new souvenirs or the Disney purse I must have…and often approach that person and asking where they got their awesome item! I like seeing cool sneakers and trying to find them on the internet or looking at the pins people have collected. I love taking it all in!

9. Cast Members

I love that the Cast Members try to go out of their way to make your trip perfect! Whether it is giving you a smile, a “happy birthday” or “happy anniversary” shout when sporting your button, suggesting a ride or restaurant or offering you help, Cast Members definitely make my day at the park more enjoyable.

10. That first sip!

This might be my favorite simple pleasure at Disney parks. To me, nothing provides me as much satisfaction as taking that first sip of water or soft drink after being in the park for some time. The soda and water bottles might be a bit expensive, but I refuse to bring my own drinks into Disney. Why? That first, freezing cold oh so satisfying sip.