We wish we could visit Disney Parks more often, but being a 16 hour drive away, it takes some major planning and budgeting. Even when we cannot enjoy the magic at a park we keep the Disney magic alive closer to home. Disney movies and toys are some of my children’s favorites, but something about “experiencing” Disney helps create lasting memories.
Here are a few ways to create your Disney memories closer to home:
Disney on Broadway:
If you live near a major city, you can catch a Disney production at a theater near you. We had a fabulous girl day recently with some of my dear friends and their daughters when The Little Mermaid visited our city.
We wanted to get into the theme of the day and enjoyed a yummy lunch at an Aquarium Restaurant before showtime, so we could say hello to all of Ariel’s aquatic friends. Then we headed over to the theater and took advantage of some photo opportunities with Ariel herself.
The show was amazing with Ariel often “swimming” with wires, all over and above the stage. Something about seeing the characters come alive on stage and watching our daughters’ faces as they enjoy Broadway theater for the first time is a memory we all will hold dear. I am not sure who enjoyed it more, the girls or the moms. The girls enjoyed dressing up and keep asking when we can have another girl day. There are many options currently touring around the country such as Newsies, The Lion King, and Aladdin.
Disney on Ice:
If you have never been to a Disney on Ice show, I highly recommend it for the whole family! Try to get seats closer for a better view. The skaters are very talented and the music and lighting crews are as well. Souvenirs can be a bit pricey so come prepared.
We try to mix a souvenir purchase with a snack purchase. They often sell cotton candy with a princess tiara attached or a snow cone in a light up Disney cup. That way the kids get a little something to remember the day, a yummy snack, we can avoid long souvenir lines, and it doesn’t break our budget. Little girls and boys often come with their costumes on and you can tell they are having fun playing “their” part in the show.
Disney Junior Live:
We have not attended a Disney Junior Live show but my daughter loves the Disney Junior characters like Sophia the First, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and Doc McStuffins. I have heard from friends that this is an awesome experience, especially for the 5 and under crowd. There is much dancing and singing and audiences are encouraged to get up and wiggle. It is on our to do soon list.
Disney Karaoke:
What would Disney movies be without the songs we love?! We have a very inexpensive karaoke machine and it pretty much plays Disney music any time it is on. It amazes me how even my four year old can memorize all the words. I am sure we all have “Let it Go” memorized, right? Disney sells karaoke CDs very cheaply and we are amassing quite the collection. The kids put on shows for each other, dress up, and really use their imaginations coming up with new stories with their favorite characters. It’s like Broadway at home.
So, even when you can’t visit a park, you can keep the magic going in your hometown…we can’t all live in Orlando, right? What are some of your favorite things you do with your family in your hometown?