Disney, on a Budget, with “Grown” Children

Written By Lori Stephens

Written by Guest Author: Allyson Chitwood, Sojourney Travel Advisor

November 2021 Family Trip to Disney Parks and Lake Buena Vista Resort & Spa 

When given the choice for a family vacation destination, our children almost always choose Disney….several times a year, in fact. High school spring break, college spring break, summer, fall break, Thanksgiving break, just because break…. You name it, it’s been given as a reason to need a Disney trip. During our frequent family Disney trips over the past few years, I’ve learned a few things along the way that travel clients may find helpful. 

Staying on property at one of the Disney resorts is absolutely always my first choice. Using Disney transportation is the #1 selling point for staying on property, in my opinion. No question about it, any time my daughter and I take a girls’ trip, this is what we do. We especially love the resorts that are on the Skyliner so that we have multiple transportation options. Being on property makes it SO much easier to rest between park hops or meal reservations. If I could afford to stay on property every single time I take a trip to Disney, I would absolutely do it. 

Sadly, when we take a “family” trip, especially a last minute one, staying on property isn’t usually an option. With “children” who are 16, 21 and 24  rooming together just doesn’t work anymore. Smelly feet, friends, significant others, multiple vehicles and varying sleep schedules don’t blend well when crammed into small hotel-type living quarters.  Everyone (most importantly MOM) is happier when we all have our space. And bathrooms…don’t get me started on sharing bathrooms. Full kitchen and laundry facilities come in very handy in this situation too. We’ve tried several different condo-style Orlando resorts over the years, and we definitely have a favorite.  

Lake Buena Vista Resort & Spa

Lake Buena Vista Resort & Spa was exactly what we expected it to be this trip (November, 2021). Check in was quick and easy, room was exactly what we had requested (3 bedroom, 3 bath suite) and the price was unbeatable. The room came with plenty of towels and linens, the kitchen was fully stocked with basic dishes and cooking utensils and having more than one food option on property was very handy when we didn’t have dinner reservations and didn’t want to go out. Having a spa on premises and an outlet mall in walking distance is always a plus as well.   

NOW

for the actual Disney highlights of this trip…. 

Having a now 21 year old along this trip meant we did a lot more “drinking our way through Disney” than on previous trips. I’ve always loved exploring food and drinks around the world at Epcot and this trip was no different. The margarita flight from La Hacienda de San Angel at Epcot and the Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with Cherry Bourbon from Backlot Express at Hollywood Studios were some of our favorites this trip.  

INSIDER TIP!!! – Always check out the mobile order menu for quick service restaurants. That yummy boozy frozen salted caramel concoction was NOT on the menu board but was on the mobile ordering menu at more than one restaurant in Hollywood Studios. If we’d just walked up and ordered based on what we saw there we wouldn’t have even known it was an option. 

Check out the Disney Food and Drinks album on my Sojourney Travel by Allyson Chitwood Facebook page for more of our favorite foods, drinks and park experiences from our latest family Disney adventure. Next up…spring break (unless we find a reason to go back before then!). 

Lori Stephens - Owner & Travel Advisor

Lori Stephens:

Lori is a lover of all things travel and has been involved in the travel industry since 1998. After helping Sojourners as a travel advisor for years, Lori opened her own agency in 2021 so that she could still create a community of like-minded travel lovers that also helps others find their passion and dream in a new and exciting career.

Yes, she still sells travel! She LOVES helping her clients make memories! But she also loves helping her team learn, grow, and change their lives by serving others through travel.

Lori is a wife to an amazing man (our IT guy) and is the mother to 6 brilliant and beautiful children.