Spring Break is fast approaching, and many families plan to head to Disney. Listen to Nikki Hendrix and her father, Manny Oliverez (Episode 52), talk about everything Disney. Their tips will help your family make the most of your Disney vacation. Let the Magic Begin!
Be sure to stay to the end to learn who will win a copy of his new book, 100 Things I Love about Grandpa.
NikkiHendricks@FavoriteGrampyTravels
https://facebook.com/group/disneyfriendsandfamily
Tell her Adventures with Grammy sent you!
Concierge Travel Advisors
#snacklist
Manny Oliverez, also known as Favorite Grampy, is the author of A Love Journal: 100 Things I Love about Grandpa You can contact Favorite Grampy at
https://favoritegrampy.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/favoritegrampy
Buy his book at Amazon.com: A Love Journal: 100 Things I Love about Grandpa (100 Things I Love About You Journal): 9781638073444: Oliverez, Manny: Books
Visit his author page at Amazon.com: Manny Oliverez: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle
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My first trip to Walt Disney World was January 1996. I took two of my three children. I honestly don’t remember the details of the trip. I know the price of a one-day ticket, which I considered expensive and difficult for me financially, was about one-third of today’s cost, but we had a great time exploring Epcot Center and Magic Kingdom, so the cost was worth it. Isn’t that the goal of family vacations … creating wonderful memories that last?
My sister knew I would be taking the children, so for Christmas she gave me a week of her timeshare. I was grateful I didn’t have to pay for lodging. We ate breakfast at the condo and carried snacks and water with us to Disney. We bought some food at the park and ate dinner out. The kids’ favorite restaurant was Planet Hollywood; we still have the souvenirs we bought.
We showed up at the park without a plan, but it was the middle of January. The park was empty; we didn’t wait long, if at all, in lines. For some rides we didn’t get off at the end and rolled onto the next round. That delighted the kids.
I distinctly remember three things about that trip. The first was a visit to a souvenir shop not too far from the front gate. We had coupons for free sand dollars. Each child got a sand dollar. When we got to the car, my son saw that his was broken. I sent him in to exchange it. He was 14 with a cherub face, rather shy, and reluctant to go in, but he did anyway.
I could see him from my car. He held his hand out to show the clerk the broken shell. Todd said he kept saying, “My shell is broken.” He was a boy of few words. Eventually, and just as I was ready to go into the store myself, the clerk gave him another one. My son was happy, and I was proud of him for being brave.
Although visiting Walt Disney World was a big deal, the main event was to travel to Tallahassee to tour the Florida State University campus. My daughter had applied to the college sight unseen. It was the only college she had wanted to attend since she was in middle school. She had applied for early decision and was accepted.
We left Orlando and headed north along Interstate 75. Unless it’s changed, you must pay tolls every few miles. A quarter, a dollar … until you come to one booth where the toll is $15. I told the lady I-75 was committing highway robbery. She chuckled and said she heard that a lot.
The third memory is seeing the joy on my daughter’s face as we toured FSU’s campus. She was so excited … her dream school. She would be a full-time student beginning August 1996. My daughter and I have had some stormy times, but she knows what she wants and works hard to get it. I am proud of her determination.
I have been to Walt Disney World twice since that first trip and to Disneyland once. The second visit was for a New Year’s Eve celebration. The park was lovely … and the climate temperate.
The next visit was in 2019 … with my son who had become a father to three children. The weather was stifling hot, and I had a broken foot, so my son pushed me in a wheelchair. My daughter-in-law seemed to have reservations for lodging, food, and rides under control, but I am sure using a concierge service such as Favorite Grampy Travels would have been a great plus.
Disney did not disappoint; my grandsons had a fabulous time and still talk about seeing the Lion King and the animal safari. My older granddaughter wasn’t even two then, so I don’t know if she remembers the trip. We have lots of pictures that document her smiles, and that’s what is important.
To contact me, send an e-mail to carolyn@adventureswithgrammy.com
https://favoritegrampytravels.com/
#favoritegrampytravels
@favoritegrampytravels
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