For many families, visiting Disney World is a dream come true, offering a perfect blend of adventure, entertainment, and cherished memories. Planning a family trip to this magical place is an exciting venture filled with joy and anticipation. At least, it should be—accounting for all the right details can get frustrating. But don’t worry; you can learn to avoid common problems today.
The key to making the most of this experience lies in thorough preparation and smart planning. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney fan or a first-time visitor, these tips aim to help you create an unforgettable Disney World adventure.
Let’s cover all the key family travel tips for this year’s trip to Disney World so you can get ready now.
Untangle Everyone’s Schedule
One of the first steps in planning your Disney World adventure is choosing the right time to visit.
When you’re planning a family trip, you have to think about more than peak season. One week may work for you, but it interferes with the kids’ school. Likewise, maybe you won’t have enough vacation days accumulated to visit Disney during the kids’ spring break.
Not only do you have to settle on the right days to visit, but you also have to establish how long everyone can travel. Disney World can make a wonderful one-day getaway, a weekend adventure, or an even longer vacation for those seeking an extensive trip.
Schedules can be a mess to balance, so how do you settle on the right time and duration? Break out a virtual or physical notepad and jot down the whole family’s schedules. Additionally, work out any math you need to evaluate the vacation days you’ll have available.
Consider factors like school breaks, holidays, weather, and crowd levels to select a period that suits your family’s needs. Typically, visiting during off-peak seasons can mean shorter lines and less crowded parks, making your experience more enjoyable.
Make Your Accommodations
Disney World offers a range of hotels and resorts that cater to different budgets and preferences. Staying at a Disney Resort can provide added benefits like early park access and complimentary transportation. Just make sure to book your accommodations well in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
Know All Your Entertainment Options
While the Disney parks are undoubtedly the main attraction, there’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy outside of the parks as well. Disney Springs, for instance, is a bustling outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that offers a variety of activities for the whole family. From live performances to unique shops, it’s a great place to unwind after a day at the parks.
Resort amenities also help keep everyone entertained. Many Disney resorts offer pools, recreational activities, and even character experiences. Taking advantage of these amenities can provide a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the parks and allow for some relaxation time.
Family activities such as mini-golf, movie nights, and themed events can add an extra layer of fun to your vacation. Be sure to check the resort’s schedule for any special events or activities taking place during your stay.
Know Where You’re Going
This may sound like common sense, but navigating the Disney World parks can get complex if you don’t have an overall plan.
Don’t worry; there’s nothing wrong with breaking away from your schedule if something spontaneous catches your eye, like a new ride or a fun shop. However, having an itinerary will ensure you always have something exciting to do on the horizon.
Creating a detailed itinerary will help you make the most of your visit. First, look at a map and evaluate the different parks and attractions to prioritize the ones that interest your family the most.
When you’re at the parks, whether the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, have a physical map or digital one ready to go on your phone. This ensures you don’t get lost in the plethora of amazing happenings. Using the map, familiarize yourself with the layout of each park and identify the locations of key attractions, restrooms, and dining areas.
Additionally, be sure to check height requirements and ride descriptions to determine which attractions are appropriate for your children. Finally, allocate specific days for each park and plan out the must-see attractions, shows, and parades. This will help you manage your time effectively and ensure you don’t miss out on any highlights.
Preserve Magical Memories
Another key family travel tip for this year’s Disney World trip is to preserve the amazing memories for after the adventure. To do this, take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities available throughout the parks. From iconic landmarks like Cinderella’s Castle to character meet-and-greets, there are plenty of chances to snap memorable pictures.
Consider investing in Disney’s Memory Maker, a photo package that allows you to download all your professional photos taken by Disney photographers. It’s not a necessary purchase, but it’s worth considering if you want to have a gallery of great photos from your visit.
Creating a scrapbook or photo album is another wonderful way to relive the memories of your Disney adventure. Include tickets, maps, and other souvenirs to add a personal touch.
Stay Safe and Healthy
The Florida climate can be quite challenging, with high temperatures and humidity, especially during the summer months. This uncomfortable climate can be dangerous for your family without the right preparation.
Staying hydrated is the most important thing, so make sure to carry water bottles. Additionally, take regular breaks to cool off in shaded areas or air-conditioned buildings.
Navigating the parks with young children requires extra attention to safety. Keep a close eye on your kids and establish a meeting point in case anyone gets separated. Pack family-themed clothes that will help you and your kids stand out from the crowd, making it easier to spot each other. For example, you can find an amazing assortment of Disney family vacation shirts that are vibrant and designed to fit family members of all ages.
Additionally, renting a stroller can make it easier to move around the parks and provide a comfortable resting place for tired little ones.
With these insights and practical advice, you’re well-equipped to make the most of your trip and create lasting memories with your loved ones today.