We answer to many names at times, nicknames, last names, pet names, names we love, and names we hate. I answer to names like Amanda, Sue, Mom, and Panda, but my favorite thing to answer to, besides “mom” of course, is Aunt ‘Manda. I love being an auntie. I think my favorite times lately have been to make memories with the little ones in our families. To take my nephews to an indoor water park in the dead of winter, felt epic at the time, all for the memories. Wave pools, arcade games, water slides and french fries, oh my. The laughter was worth it. 

Now they say that Disney is the most magical place on earth. I’ve been a few times; Disney does not disappoint, but is it magical when you walk in alone? Is it a magical Main Street while solo? Is it still fun when watching out for numero uno? The answer surprised me. My sister had been planning a trip to Disney for over a year and I always told her, if I was able to tag on to her trip, somehow, I would. The memories of her kids’ faces brings me so much joy, it’s unexpectedly wonderful. 

So I started poking around the internet. Started texting and inquiring about all pieces of this travel puzzle. I started investigating scenarios. Hotels. Flights. With Enzo and Tony. Without Tony. Without Enzo. What were the options? Airport parking. Do I have a suitcase after the great basement sewage flood of ‘24. What would be my food options per day? Which days were possible. And then, would this even work with Courtney’s schedule with her family. 

The stars began to align.