Are you planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World and hoping and praying it will be as magical as you imagine it?
We have good news for you! We have tips and tricks to help you have a perfect Disney vacation.
Be Flexible
Let’s start with a dose of reality: no vacation is perfect—not even a Walt Disney World trip. Rides can break down, rain might dampen your day, and kids may have meltdowns. But all of this is part of the Disney experience, and it’s okay.
Flexibility is the key to making your vacation magical. Being open to unexpected changes will create space for the spontaneous magic that makes Disney so special. Whether it’s watching your kids play on a playground instead of swimming or taking yet another ride on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin to hear their giggles, these moments will be the highlights of your trip.
Don’t let rigid plans overshadow the joy of the unexpected.
Have a Plan
While flexibility is crucial, a general plan can help you navigate your Disney days. Know your top five must-do attractions or experiences for each park. This will guide your day and reduce decision fatigue.
We don’t recommend a minute-by-minute itinerary, but having a rough plan for which rides to visit first, where to eat, and when to catch shows or parades will help you manage your time effectively.
Know My Disney Experience
A perfect vacation to Walt Disney World includes being educated on My Disney Experience and its offerings. This is Disney’s official app and how you will stay connected to everything during your Disney vacation.
First, take time at home to mess around with the app. See where essential features such as wait times, mobile ordering, and Disney Genie are located. Knowing these essential features before heading to Walt Disney World can make the app much easier to use throughout your vacation.
We have a variety of articles on My Disney Experience that can help you navigate it more accessible. Take time to look them over to familiarize yourself with the app.
Research Before You Go
A successful Disney vacation starts with thorough research. Learn about essential tools like Lightning Lane, Individual Lightning Lane purchases, park reservations, and dining options. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to handle the parks.
Our comprehensive planning guides cover everything from traveling with toddlers to managing teens. Read these resources to prepare for success.
Have a Food Plan
Nothing can ruin a magical day at Walt Disney World like people getting hungry. Make sure you have plans to keep everyone hydrated and fed throughout the day. Our first recommendation is to bring snacks with you. Although we love Disney snacks, having some fruit snacks or crackers with you while waiting in line is nice.
We also recommend bringing in your water. You can purchase water in the Parks; however, it is extremely expensive. Instead, we suggest bringing your refillable water bottle or even having bottled water delivered to your Disney Resort. These are both easy ways to help keep everyone happy.
When it comes to meal times, make sure you have a plan. Don’t wait until everyone is hungry to figure out where to go. Start planning early on for those quick service meals and place your mobile order beforehand. This is a great way to avoid long lines and prepare your food when your family is used to having meals.
Preparing to get everyone fed is key to having a great day in the Disney Parks.
Take Breaks
Finally, a key to a perfect Walt Disney World vacation is breaks. We know you want to be in the Parks, experiencing all the magic and fun, but breaks are important. Take time each day to step away from the Disney Parks and slow down.
Breaks can be taken at your Disney Resort, where you can nap, swim, watch a movie, or enjoy the activities provided. They can also be taken at nearby Resorts.
If you don’t want to return to your Disney Resort, consider visiting one near the Park you are visiting. Ride the monorail around to see Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Take the Skyliner over Disney’s Riveria to see all the beautiful artwork. These are fun ways to still see the Disney magic without being in the hustle and bustle of Disney Parks.
Breaks are essential as they allow everyone to reset and refresh before enjoying an evening in the magic.
If you are a mom wanting to plan the perfect Disney vacation, make sure you give yourself some grace. No Disney trip is perfect. All you can do is head into the vacation prepared and willing to be flexible. We hope these tips will help you get started as you plan. Next, head to How to Disney for more planning tips and tricks.
