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I’ve got Disney on my mind — again. Even though it’s been just a few short months since our last trip, my kids have been asking when we’ll go again. There are so many things I love about Disney World. It’s one of the easiest vacation spots I’ve been, especially when it comes to finding things to do. We stay on property so that we can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. My kids are up at the crack of dawn anyway; might as well ride some attractions! The downside is that Disney isn’t really the place for a spontaneous vacation. For the first couple of trips we took, we spent months of planning, reserving, and researching to get to do everything we wanted to do. It was totally worth every moment though!
If you’re a first timer, here are a few things to consider.
1. Label everything. Everything! Disney has a very smooth system for returning lost items to their owners. The thing is, it’s very helpful to have items labeled so that you can quickly identify it as yours. You can get some inexpensive personalized princess labels from Mabel’s Labels (there’s a sale running for 50% off today only) then carry a sheet with you to slap on anything you might possibly lose. We’ve lost two cameras, a bag of trading cards, and a few other items at Disney. Every single time, we got the item back with no problem.
2. Plan your schedule in advance. It might seem counterproductive to have a planned vacation; my husband was very irritated with me on our first trip because I had no idea how to efficiently do this. Disney World was MUCH bigger than I had ever imagined, and I had us running all over the parks trying to get to rides and eateries. Lesson learned, the second time I planned our park schedule first, then figured out the rest from there. We always get the meal plan because otherwise I’d be stressing out over the prices. Keep your family’s schedule in mind. If your kiddo needs a nap at noon, you want to plan for that. No one has fun when a baby is crying or worse, when mom or dad is crying. Believe me, it can happen.
3. Prepare your kids. Some people like to surprise their kids with the trip on the way to the airport and that’s fine. But if your kids aren’t used to eating out for every meal, sleeping somewhere else, or walking for hours on end, you’re in for a bigger surprise than they are! My kids are normally well-behaved but when we go into a restaurant they launch into WWF fighting mode. If your kids need distraction when eating out, consider playing a game like Table Manners.
This game makes it fun to behave appropriately at meals by offering some friendly competition. You’ll want to start the game as the Card Keeper (meaning that you “award” the participants for good behavior) but then let your kids take turns having control. This role play is extremely effective because it makes the most of peer pressure. Your kids will be so busy playing that the wait time for the food will pass unnoticed. When you’re at The World, you can keep the game going without having to tote around the cards. We called our table behavior “Princess Manners” to remind our kids to sit quietly, use a napkin, etc. Believe me, the other patrons at the restaurant will appreciate your extra efforts! While we all expect to see some meltdowns or loud children at Disney World, your tolerance might be significantly impaired after a full day at the parks.
Stay tuned for more Disney tips in future posts. I have a feeling I’ll have Disney on my mind again!
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Disney is fun for many ages. There is so much to see, do, and experience. I understand why you want to go back, and it’s definitely a place that helps to have a decent plan set beforehand. I didn’t realize that they were so good about returning items as long as you label well…good to know.
I love Disney. Haven’t been back to WDW since 2006, but I went to Disneyland this past February – very fun time.
I love Disney! Great tips. It’s a totally different experience AFTER you have kids!
I’m growing to Florida in a few weeks to visit my parents and hopefully make a trip to Disney. These are pretty good tips to make the trip a lot more enjoyable.. Thanks!
I have never been to disney world and unless I strike it rich I probably won’t but I am glad for you and your family and others , I am happy also that you share your joy with me , thanks
I have never been but I would love to be able to take my daughter.
I would love to take my grandchildren to Disneyland. I’d love them to see such a happy place.
These are very good tips. We’ve been only once and can’t wait to go back.
I’ve heard so many things about the Fast Passes and making sure to have a timeline for different rides. It really is important to have a good solid plan before every leaving. Know what rides are the biggest attractions to get there first.
Thank you for your excellent tips! I am passing them along to my sister, who is planning a trip to Disney World this spring, with her three kids.
It’s on my mind, too. Several friends just recently went and have posted pictures of the beautiful weather and fun. They planned a lot for their trips, and that really helps lead to less stress.
I like to plan trips in advance. I read guides, web pages and learn all I can. Then we can be spontaneous while we’re there.
I love to go to Disney. I cannot wait to go back to Orlando again. It is such a fun time.
To piggyback on your tip about planning in advance, now that you can make your Fast Pass reservations 30 days in advance (90 days if you are staying on property) there is no reason not to take advantage of it. That way you know for a fact that you will get to the ride or character visit that you want, when you want. I am an annual passholder and I use the system every time I go to make it easier and less stressful to plan my day in the park.
Great tips! With the kiddos, I’m crazy about making sure I have a solid plan and schedule with backups!
I love planning! Thanks for sharing these tips.
I have been to Disney World several times and each time I enjoyed myself, even going as an adult. There is so much to see and do. I have yet to got to Disneyland.
Great tips! I’ve never been to Disney, but we want to go soon!