My Top Ten Tips for a Disney Vacation
Are you heading to the Disney Parks? As a Disney mom and Walt Disney World pro, I have rounded up my top ten tips about the Disney Parks. So, before we start diving into Genie+, what character meals to book and where to stay, let me give you some much needed information about what you will need at the Disney Parks.
Disney is Huge.
Disney is the size of San Francisco and twice the size of Manhattan, covering 43 square miles. When we travel to those cities, we go with a game plan of specific things we want to see and do. We must treat Disney the same. In 2022 alone, we would have spent almost 30 days in Disney as out-of-towners and still not even come close to everything we want to do. So, if you are planning a seven-day once in a lifetime or once every few years trip, it is unrealistic to think you can see and do it all.
Bring ALL the Snacks.
Disney has some good theme park food, and we LOVE eating there. But even with all the treats and meals. We bring snacks. It’s essential to keep kids hydrated and fed during the day. This will help keep them happy and fuel their body with energy.
Bring a Stroller.
I know your child may not need one at home and my kids do not either. But at Disney, with anywhere from 10 – 30k steps in a day. Children 8 and under will not make it. Even my ten-year-old is begging to climb into someone’s stroller at the end of the day. Get the stroller even if you only rent it for the park day (Disney does not allow their strollers to leave the parks anymore.)
Splurge on Lightning Lane.
Do you 100% need it no. But does it make your life easier, yes! Does it get you on more rides? Sometimes. But it WILL reduce your stress. The best thing about Genie+ is walking onto rides. Here at Well Hello Disney, we have become Genie+ pros because we use it on every single trip, even on leisure days at the parks. Genie+ allows us to skip the time in lines and do other things in the park. If you have littles, it’s the best way to go. If you have all teens and older and can handle waiting in lines – go for it! You can still have an awesome vacation without it.
Dining Plans.
There are calculators to see if they are worth it for your family financially, for those who need to run numbers. But that is not the reason we get dining plans. For us, it’s about the flexibility and peace of mind. Dining plans, just like the resort room, must be prepaid. Knowing that our meals and snacks at Disney are covered is a relief. No more stress when the Cinderella Royal Table bill comes, and my husband no longer freaks out when our kids only eat two nuggets. Also, it allows you to just get the Mickey ice cream. We love dining plans and utilize them especially while the kids are under 9 years old.
Large Groups.
We travel to Disney with many friends and family, and sometimes you just need a break. Disney can be stressful and if you know your family will need a day to themselves, take it. You do not have to spend every minute with the group. However, make sure plans and intentions are clear during the planning phase of the trip.
Midday Breaks and Rest Days.
If you have been here for a while, you know I am a HUGE supporter of rest days. If you are not an AP holder (AP holders have the flexibility to come and go as they please, so typically they are not trying to maximize their day), you will likely need a rest day. Can you go to the park five days straight with no breaks? Sure, but you will burn out and can expect some tantrums along the way. I always try to have a rest day in the middle of the trip or after the Magic Kingdom Day.
Also, midday breaks are very important to get people off their feet. Sometimes we go back to the resort of this break. However, if we are off property or don’t want to leave the park, we use shows or dining experiences as breaks at the park.
Break your shoes in and bring sandals.
Your feet will be on FIRE. I don’t care if you are an ultra-marathoner. 8+ miles a day on average, back-to-back will have your feet swollen. I will bring sandals or flip-flops to the parks to get out of tennis shoes when I need a break. They are also great for the midday rain during the summer. Now that I am older, I am hunting for arch-support sandals. Hehe!
Expect Tantrums.
Be prepared to handle tantrums in the park. We have a rule we follow when we see our child breaking down. We first assess their possible need, then we ask them, are you tired, hungry, thirty, or do you need a hug. Disney can be very overstimulating for them. Check-in to see if their needs are being met.
Also – expect adult tantrums. Remember you need the same things your children do, so make sure you are staying fed, and hydrated and get as much rest as possible at Disney. There is no tired like Disney tired.
Have Fun!
I grew up Disney, and now my kids are growing up Disney, I will tell you these are memories that last a lifetime. Do not obsess over getting to experience everything possible but narrow your focus to the parts of Disney your family loves, set your top priorities, and everything else is a bonus.
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Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but you don't need to worry because we have got your back! Here are a few blogs to help you get organized!
How to Use My Disney Experience
Disney Infants: Everything You Need to Know!
Tips for Traveling with Family, Friends & Large Groups
What is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass?
Strolling through Disney: Disney Stroller Tips
Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World
The Differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
Who is the Mom behind Well Hello Magic? Click Here!
I am so happy to be on this journey with you.Character Dining Options
