In a previous post (find it here) we looked at if a Walt Disney World vacation is just too hard right now. There is no denying the fact that planning a trip to Walt Disney World takes a lot of time and research (that’s what we are here for at How to Disney), but there are ways to make it less stressful.
We wanted to provide some tips to help you as you plan your Walt Disney World vacation so it can be less stressful and more magical for you. Take a look at our tips and strategies so you too can have a lower stress vacation at Walt Disney World.
Plan Early
There are a lot of decisions that go into a Walt Disney World vacation. From determining where to stay, what Park tickets you want to purchase, and which Disney Park to visit each day, you might feel a little stressed and overwhelmed by all the decisions.
We have two planning 101 guides on How to Disney to help you with these decisions, but our biggest tip is to start your planning early.
Because Walt Disney World is busier than normal, we are seeing last-minute trips harder to book. Resorts are filling up as are Park Passes. By planning early on for your Walt Disney World trip, you will eliminate some of the stress. It will be easier to make decisions and find what you are looking for when it comes to your Disney Resort and Park Reservations.
Know Your Goals
Walt Disney World has so many rides, shows, attractions, and dining options that it can be a lot to figure out. If you show up at Walt Disney World without taking any time to figure out your goals, you are going to become stressed quickly.
To help lessen your stress when you arrive at Walt Disney World, take some time to do some research about the Disney Parks. Get to know what rides, shows, and attractions are available at each of the four Disney Parks.
Once you know this overall information about a Disney Park, then start to make your to-do list. By having a priority list when it comes to rides, snacks, entertainment, and more, you can really help lower the stress when you arrive at Disney Park.
By doing some research and setting goals for your trip, you can really lower your stress level. This will allow you to walk into Disney Park with confidence and a plan.
Practice with My Disney Experience
My Disney Experience is Disney’s official app for Walt Disney World. It is through this app that Guests will navigate their experience while in Walt Disney World.
This app has so much information and key features (see some here) that if you wait to use it until you arrive at Walt Disney World, you will be stressed. Instead, take some time at home to navigate the app and get familiar with the different features.
By taking the time to navigate the app at home, you will be more comfortable with it when you arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort. Check out wait times, practice mobile ordering, look into Disney Genie and even see where the bathrooms are. There is so much information when it comes to My Disney Experience, but make time to check it out first so you aren’t stressed when you arrive.
Have a Strategy
This tip relates somewhat to our have a goal tip but goes a little deeper. When heading to Walt Disney World, you will want to have a strategy of how you are going to tour the different Disney Parks.
This means if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel be aware of early entry and determine where you might take advantage of this chance to be in the Disney Parks early.
If you are staying at a deluxe or deluxe villa Resort, have a plan for the extended evening hours offered at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is a great way to experience the Disney Parks with lower wait times.
Know if your family is a rope drop each morning family or a stay up late and sleep in family. By having an overall strategy for navigating the Parks in the morning, you will be less stressed and more prepared to start your day on a positive note.
Time to Rest
Another tip for making your Walt Disney World trip less stressful is to plan some time to rest. It doesn’t matter if you have little ones or are traveling with all adults, having downtime during a Walt Disney World trip is extremely important.
Even though Walt Disney World is magical, it is also a lot of work both physically and mentally. We highly recommend taking time to slow down and rest throughout the trip. This might mean taking a mid-day break back at the pool or visiting a nearby Resort to have a great meal.
We also have suggestions HERE for places where you can avoid the crowds within the Theme Parks. Taking time to rest is extremely important to help lower stress during a Disney vacation. Make sure you schedule it so you don’t forget about it when you are wrapped up in the Theme Park.
Enjoy the Magic
Finally, our biggest tip for making Disney less stressful is to take time to enjoy the magic. We do highly recommend having a plan, taking breaks, and doing your research for the trip, but we also highly recommend taking time to just throw that all out and enjoy the magic.
What makes a Disney vacation so special is that the magic is all around and you never know when it will pop up for your family. It might be a cavalcade you didn’t plan on watching or a snack in front of the castle. When you come across these moments, enjoy them. Don’t worry about what the plan is supposed to be, but instead take in the magic.
By allowing yourself to do this, you will be less stressed and able to enjoy the magic even more.
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be stressful, but we hope these tips are helpful as a way to plan ahead and know how to avoid some of the stress. As always, head to How to Disney for more tips and tricks for your Walt Disney World vacation.
