By: Preston Young
For the past six years, kicking off the new year at Disney World has become a tradition—sometimes with Rachel’s family, sometimes just the two of us, and even once with my family. But this year, we wanted to shake things up and experience Disney differently than we had in the past. From staying at a higher-tier hotel to trying out all-new restaurants, this trip gave us a fresh perspective on a place we know so well.
Instead of returning to our usual hotel spots, we stayed at a moderate resort this year. The atmosphere, service, room size, and proximity to the parks elevated the trip right from the start. For the first time, we even made use of a Disney pool! Yes, it was January, and yes, it was colder than usual—even for Florida—but the pool was heated, and it’s something we just had to do.
The weather this year was brisk, hovering around the mid-50s most days and dipping lower at night. While it might not scream “Florida vacation,” it actually made walking around the parks more comfortable, especially considering the 25,000 steps we rack up daily.
Dining was another highlight of the trip (as it always is). We intentionally avoided all the spots we’d dined at before (except one), instead venturing to new restaurants we’d been eyeing. Each meal felt like an exploration, from classics at the resort to higher-end steakhouses. Disney’s food game never disappoints.
We also spent more time at Disney Springs than ever before, exploring its many shops and enjoying the things we never really spent time enjoying before. Strolling through the area gave us a chance to slow down and appreciate parts of Disney that are often overshadowed by the parks.
Even with our new approach, some traditions remained intact. Nighttime at the parks is always magical, and this year we spent an evening at the after-hours event. With shorter lines, smaller crowds, and unlimited ice cream and popcorn, it’s an experience we never pass up. There’s something about seeing the parks lit up at night that makes you feel like a kid again.
Every Disney trip brings new memories, but this one stood out because of the effort we made to step outside of our usual habits. Even after six consecutive years, there’s still so much to discover. And while it was a different kind of Disney trip for us, the magic remains the same and the fun that keeps us coming back.
Tracking: 685979-1