Planning Fun Staycations for the Family — Connecticut Wedding Planner

A Fun Family Staycation in Fairfield County, CT

After having a big break from celebrations due to the global pandemic, I was approached by my friend and client to plan a Disney Day for her two daughters ,for whom as a fun alternative to the Disney family vacation they cancelled. Fun fact – I also planned this momma’s “Back to the Future” baby shower 5 years ago. She’s truly the best to work with and always thinks outside the box.

I called this party, “Disney in New Canaan,” because that’s what we did – we brought the Disney magic to this Fairfield County backyard for Adaline (20 months) and Gretchen (4) and their parents. I’m obsessed with intimate gatherings because it’s a true collaboration between the clients and myself. I am there as a sounding board, creative partner, and friend. The planning was a blending approach of part DIY and collaboration between myself and the client. The event day truly defined my company mission of creating a memorable, all-encompassing family experience. There’s no other way to describe the party without giving you the magic-packed schedule:

7:30 am – Adaline & Gretchen woke up to their parents presenting them with Disney bracelets, a Magic Lamp and instructions to rub it and make a wish while the Lion King's opening song (which song? the circle of life? can we name it? would people know it by name?) was playing in the background – EPIC!
7:45 am – Breakfast was served complete with Mickey Waffles, Strawberry Roses, King Louie Bananas and Donald Duck Eggs
8:30 am – Mom gave the little girls Minnie Makeovers. Can you say Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo?
9:00 am – The girls got to work on decorating their own crowns
9:30 am - Snack-time included Snow White’s Apple
10:00 am –KO Parties provided the best Ariel to provide a wonderful virtual storytime and dance party over Zoom
10:45 am – I arrived dressed up as Mary Poppins (I love a good costume!) and conducted a Princess and etiquette training. It was a dream come true for me!
11:15 am – We decorated Mickey Mouse cookies and built marshmallow snowmen. We all ate our Olafs!
11:30 am – If I’m dressed up like Mary Poppins there’s one activity that is a must and it’s flying a kite. Although it wasn’t the windiest day, Gretchen was fast enough to get the kite soaring in the air.
12:00 pm – Gretchen and Adaline had to “finish each other sandwiches” for lunch because what two sisters aren’t Frozen fans?
12:45 pm – Adaline went down for a nap and Gretchen got some free play with Disney Puzzles and video games with Dad
1:30 pm – Gretchen and Mom had a private Alice in Wonderland Tea Party while wearing fancy dresses and listening to songs such as “A Very Happy Unbirthday” and “Tale as Old as Time”
2 pm – Even though Gretchen had pretty makeup from the morning, we thought we would add some tattoos and face paint to go with her look.
2:30 pm – Adaline came back ready to play and joined Mom and Gretchen for waterplay and a Mulan training course set for a warrior
3:30 pm - We had to sneak in more healthy snacks for the day so we stole Olaf’s carrot stick nose
4:30 pm – The girl's playroom was transformed into the Magic Kingdom complete with a cardboard castle for them to decorate
5:00 pm – To get ourselves ready for dinner, we played the Toy Story claw game.
5:15 pm – We pretended we were Andy from Toy Story and enjoyed a delicious pie from Pizza Planet
6:00 pm – We kept in the Pixar world and got our inner Finding Nemo on during a bubble bath
7:15 pm – While Mom was giving a bath to the girls, Dad was setting up an outdoor movie projector. The girls were so excited to watch Moana on the porch complete with popcorn, tiki torches and tropical-print pajamas!
9:00 pm – The girls were fairly sleepy at this point however they perked up for the spectacular digital fireworks display -- the only way to end a day at Disney!

This summer day wrote a new chapter in this family’s storybook. It was designed to celebrate with those who matter the most – FAMILY. All though this was a team effort, this sort of celebration day can be this can be planned as either a full-DIY with us providing itinerary, supplies and instructions or as a full day event with Luna & Charlie staff on site to facilitate everything.

Vendor Team:

Planning + Design: Luna & Charlie Events

Story Time: Ko Parties