traveling with my bwuhs

reposting from mommamommybwug.blog

I’m a member of several Disney groups on Facebook, and while they can be fantastic resources for planning an upcoming trip, they can also be a bit of a minefield. If you ask a question that’s considered common knowledge or share an unpopular opinion, it can sometimes feel like you’re stepping into a scene from “Mob Song” in Beauty and the Beast.

One recurring type of post that always gets to me is when people talk about their trips and say they didn’t experience any magic. Phrases like “Where was the magic?” or “My kids didn’t feel the magic” pop up frequently, and they hit me hard. I’m never sure what exactly they were expecting, but it makes me think about what magic really is.

Here’s the truth: the magic of a trip is often what you make of it. Whether you’re at Disney World, the mountains, the beach, or even just running errands, your experience is shaped by your attitude. External factors will always play a role, but your reaction to them is what ultimately defines your experience.

For instance, when we visited Animal Kingdom last October, it poured rain. Was it ideal? Absolutely not. But we ran through the rain, laughed, and got soaked together. If we had let it ruin our mood, our kids would have felt it too. Instead, they had a blast, and that rain-soaked adventure turned into one of our favorite memories. *~magical moment~*

Similarly, during a trip to the Outer Banks in July, we faced a line so long at the local ice cream shop that we couldn’t even park. Instead of letting it dampen our spirits, we headed to Walgreens, bought ice cream from their freezer, and enjoyed it in the hot parking lot. Was it the same as getting ice cream from the shop? No, but it was a fun and spontaneous moment that our kids loved. *~magical moment~*

As parents, we have the power to create magical moments for our kids. And as individuals, we control how we react to the curveballs life throws at us. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.

Of course, I understand that some situations can genuinely derail a trip—sickness, natural disasters, car trouble, or other serious issues. But often, the magic comes from how we handle the less-than-perfect moments. A positive attitude can turn even a challenging situation into something memorable, and it teaches our kids so much.

Don’t give up on creating magic. It’s an adventure, and one of the best parts of being a parent is crafting those special moments. Seeing the joy and excitement on my kids’ faces is what makes every effort worth it. So embrace the unpredictability and make your own magic along the way.

What’s one small thing your family has done on a trip that made it feel extra special or magical?

❤ Jen