We're going to Disney World!
Our Daddy-daughter bond continues.
Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a cozy booth at our favorite all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on our long-awaited date night, I surprised Parker with an unexpected game.
“Where to go for spring break?”
Her eyes lit up at the idea, and after ordering her first California Roll, she went first. We alternated picks in a snake draft format, each listing five destinations. Parker chose Florida, excited to finally visit, Virginia to reconnect with her friend Savannah, and Oklahoma to spend time with her Grandma Berta and friend Alexis. We couldn’t quite remember her other two picks. She’s just fascinated with taking a flight with me again. It’s been three years since we’ve flown together. I feigned interest in options like Ohio, New Mexico and St. Louis, stalling until I unveiled my fifth pick.
Next, we moved into the process of elimination, crossing off one destination at a time. The gravity of the moment was palpable. Not even March Madness could compare with the intensity of our final four.
Oklahoma. Virginia. St. Louis — Disney World.
You should have seen the conflict on Parker’s sheepish face when we reached the final round.
“Sorry, Grandma Berta,” she muttered.
After flying 6,700 miles in the last two weeks, I’m happily adding another 1,000 miles this week.
We’re going to Disney World!
Parker and I boarded our flight to Orlando at 5:25 a.m. for a three-night stay at “the most magical place on earth.”
This trip is my way of nurturing our Daddy-daughter bond.
On Monday, we’ll swim at the hotel, hit Magic Kingdom on Tuesday and explore Orlando on Wednesday before flying home Thursday morning.
We anticipate it’ll be the trip of a lifetime. It’s one of those moments where creating memories outweighs financial concerns.
The idea struck me in mid-February after a colleague at The Walt Disney Company offered complimentary one-day passes. It’s good to have friends in high places.
I contemplated for a day before deciding we should go for it; nothing should hold us back.
At the time, I was only a few chapters into the audiobook “Die With Zero” by Bill Perkins. The title is jarring, but the insights were necessary.
The book advocates living rich instead of dying rich, urging us to invest in memorable experiences while we can. One example describes waiting until your 90s to go water skiing, illustrating that life should be enjoyed at every stage.
This message resonates with me at the start of our wealth-building journey, where I’m willing to sacrifice to invest every penny.
But now that Parker is 11, her spring breaks are numbered, and I don’t want her to miss out on cherished memories.
Yet, I struggle with planning vacations. I haven’t taken a proper vacation since November 2022 and rarely treat myself. Without a model for fatherhood, I’m learning as I go.
The best part is that neither of us is a major Disney fan. This allows us to simply enjoy the experience without stressing over minor details, relieving the pressure of making this trip perfect.
It helps that I’m paying for this adventure sensibly. I’m cashing in on long-held rewards: 44,636 Southwest Airlines points for flights and 67,000 Marriott points for lodging. I booked a rental car to save time and money by avoiding rideshare services. At just $105.39 for three days, booking the car was a no-brainer.
Since we’re saving on essentials, I’m considering splurging on a luxury. For the chance to skip long lines, I’m willing to pay for a Lightning Lane Multi Pass at $35 per guest, which is considerably cheaper than the $449 Lightning Lane Premier Pass.
The Multi Pass lets us skip the line at three select attractions with a set arrival time, while the Premier Pass allows one-time entry into all available attractions without scheduled times.
For an $881.82 difference after tax, I’ll gladly let Disney plan our day.
Our admission includes park-hopping privileges, but we don’t want to cram too much in and risk ruining our relaxation. I considered a second Disney day on Wednesday, but one full day should suffice.
What truly matters is that we’re committed to making this trip special.
And we’re not letting anything or anyone stop us.
Daddy-daughter day
Few disappointments cut me deeper as a father than letting down my daughter around Valentine’s Day.
Parker's first shopping spree
Our shopping spree started how you might imagine one led by a 9-year-old would — at a candy store appropriately named “It’s Sugar.”
I’m a very happy Granny!! I made the “Final Four”!!!!! Thank you Parker!
Just got back brother - lightning lane is worth it you won’t miss it. More than one day would be great if you can swing it. Happy for you both! I can’t wait to take him when he’s older! Looking forward to you writing about it and maybe even hearing her reactions.