We’ve started thinking about our first major family vacation with the boys. In January 2013, Jenny and I plan to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Just like we did for our 5th anniversary, we want to go back to Disney World, only this time with Brenden and Jonathan. Brenden will be 4 1/2, and Jonathan will be a few days short of his 3rd birthday. We figure at that age, Disney World will still be completely magical, but they’ll be big enough to walk around some of the time and enjoy some of the rides, particularly in the Magic Kingdom. Brenden already loves Disney and is currently on a Cars kick. Disney World with two preschoolers will be a MUCH different experience from our last one! If any of you have tried Disney World with preschoolers, I’m all ears (sorry – had to do it).

January 2013 presents a couple of interesting opportunities for us:

• Walt Disney World Marathon – Imagine running a half- or full marathon through the parks of Disney. OK, assuming you could and actually wanted to! The half goes through the Magic Kingdom and finishes at Epcot. Spectators can cheer you on. When you get tired or lose motivation, you can look at the giant golf ball in Epcot for inspiration. The half will probably be on January 12, and the full probably on the 13th. We’ll probably plan on being there during that time so we can either race or cheer.
• Art of Animation Resort – Disney is hard at work on a new value-level resort near Hollywood Studios. Scheduled to open in summer 2012, its theming focuses on four of Disney’s most popular films of the last few decades: The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and Cars. Each movie has its own wing. I don’t know whether we’ll stay there, but I think it’s an awesome hotel idea.

We’re not ready to book yet, but it’s fun to think about where we’ll stay and what we’ll do. I figure we’ll need to take breaks during the afternoon for the boys to nap, although how can we expect them to nap at Disney World?!? The Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will probably interest them most at that age. They might enjoy parts of the other two parks as well. The weather should be pretty good. Nonrevving to Orlando with a family of four could be a challenge, but we’ll figure something out.

I can’t wait to tell them that we’re going to Mickey’s house. =)