As a Tulsa photographer, I spend a lot of my time documenting some of life's biggest moments for other families. But every once in a while, I get to put down the business side of photography and simply soak in moments with my own family.
On June 14, 2026, my husband and I took our two boys, ages five and one, to Magic Kingdom for a single day during our family vacation. We knew it would be a long, busy day, but what we didn't expect was just how emotional and memorable it would be.
Everyone talks about the magic of Disney, and after this trip, I can confidently say it's real.
The Moment Mickey Walked Into the Room
Of all the memories we made that day, the one that will stay with me forever was watching both of my boys meet Mickey Mouse.
As parents, we spend so much time creating special experiences for our children, but every now and then you get to witness pure wonder. Watching their faces light up as Mickey greeted them was one of those moments.
I found myself tearing up as I watched them interact with a character they've seen in books, on television, and in toys for years. Suddenly Mickey wasn't just a cartoon character anymore—he was standing right in front of them.
It was one of those parenting moments that makes you realize how quickly childhood goes by and how precious these years really are.
Ollie's Favorite Ride: It's a Small World
One of the biggest surprises of the day was seeing how much our one-year-old, Ollie, loved "It's a Small World."
The entire ride he stood up in the seat dancing, clapping, smiling, and taking everything in. His excitement was contagious.
As adults, it's easy to get caught up in the bigger rides and attractions, but watching him experience something so simple with such joy reminded me that children see the world differently. For him, it wasn't just a ride—it was an adventure.
Honestly, watching his reaction became one of my favorite memories from the entire trip.
Max's Disney Highlights
When I asked myself what Max enjoyed most during our day at Magic Kingdom, a few special moments immediately came to mind.
One of his absolute favorite experiences was meeting Tigger and Pooh. He was so excited to see them in person and completely lit up during the interaction. Watching him hug them, smile from ear to ear, and soak in every moment was incredibly sweet and definitely one of the highlights of his day.
As far as rides go, Tiana's Bayou Adventure was at the top of his list. He loved the adventure, the storytelling, and all the excitement throughout the ride. Seeing him talk about it afterward and relive the experience made it clear that it had earned a spot among his Disney favorites.
Our Favorite Ride
While the boys had their favorites, my husband and I agreed on ours: Pirates of the Caribbean.
There's just something timeless about it. Maybe it's the nostalgia, the atmosphere, or the storytelling, but every time we ride it, we're reminded why it's become such a Disney classic.
Capturing Memories Along the Way
Of course, I couldn't leave my camera behind.
While most of my photography focuses on weddings and family sessions, bringing my camera allowed me to document our own family's story for a change.
Some of my favorite images from the day aren't perfectly posed portraits. They're the candid moments: little smiles, excited reactions, tiny hands reaching for ours, and the expressions that appeared when the boys experienced something magical for the first time.
As a photographer, those are always the moments I treasure most.
Festival of Fantasy Parade
We were also able to watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our day.
The colorful floats, music, costumes, and characters brought so much energy to Main Street. I took plenty of photos during the parade and loved seeing the boys point out their favorite characters as they passed by.
Later in the evening, we watched the new Disney Starlight Parade as well. While I didn't pull out my camera for that one, it was nice to simply be present and enjoy the experience with my family.
A Hidden Gem for Parents: The Baby Care Center
One thing that deserves special recognition is Magic Kingdom's Baby Care Center.
If you're visiting with little ones, this place is a lifesaver.
The Florida heat can be intense, especially during the summer months, and the Baby Care Center gave us a comfortable place to cool down, let Ollie walk around, and take a break from the crowds.
They also offer baby essentials for purchase if you happen to forget something, which can be incredibly helpful when traveling with young children.
For our family, it became the perfect reset point during the day.
Leaving With Full Hearts
We ended our day around 9:30 PM. We decided to leave before the largest crowds started heading for the exits, and while we missed the fireworks, we left with something even better—full hearts and tired feet.
As we walked out of the park, I couldn't help but feel incredibly grateful.
Grateful for the opportunity to take our boys.
Grateful for the memories we made together.
Grateful for the smiles, laughter, and moments that I'll remember long after the trip is over.
Disney is famous for its attractions, characters, and entertainment, but for me, the real magic wasn't found in any ride.
It was found in watching my children experience wonder.
And that's a memory worth holding onto forever.
