- Rent a Stroller. There are services that will deliver directly to Disney resorts. This will be one less thing for you to worry about packing and there are ones more comfortable for your kiddos than what Disney offers for rent. This is a service I help my clients coordinate.
- Pack Ponchos. That Florida rain is unpredictable, and you can never be too prepared for a midday rain shower.
You can find them relatively cheap on Amazon and you will be extremely thankful you bought them before your trip as you watch the rest of the crowds desperately scatter into gift shops to buy $25 Disney ponchos. - Buy a gift card with a set limit for your kids to spend on souvenirs. There are shops and stands EVERYWHERE in Disney and your kids will want EVERYTHING! Set a limit before the trip and explain to them that once the money is gone from the gift card they cannot get any more souvenirs. This one will depend on your child’s age but can be very effective in making them consider whether or not they reaaallllyyyy neeeeeedddd that bubble wand.
I joke about the bubble wands, but my older son picks that as his souvenir almost every trip and absolutely loves them! P.S. You can find many of those bubble wands on Amazon cheaper and can stash away until your trip, so it is new to them there. - Eat breakfast in your room before heading to the parks. If you are a get up and go family, you will want to eat quick in your room and get to the parks as early as possible to get your day started.
- Get to the parks EARLY. You can sometimes get in a little bit before the posted opening time, take full advantage of this! Crowds tend to be lower right when the parks open so you can sometimes hit a ride or two before crowds really pick up.
- Bring refillable water bottle and snacks into parks. Disney food is delicious, but expensive. Pack some snacks to hold you over between meals and fill your water bottle at the fountains throughout the parks. You can also ask for a complimentary ice water at quick service locations.
- Plan one sit down meal a day.
Disney days are exhausting for adults. While you want to squeeze in every ounce of excitement for your kids, remember that they are just that… kids. They will need a break to rest their feet and recharge. - Plan a rest day. Disney resorts are filled with fun activities that you should absolutely take advantage of during your trip. Enjoy a day at the pool or visit Disney Springs for brunch, lunch or dinner. Your body will thank you for giving it some rest between those long park days. Keep an eye out for a more detailed post on this topic later!
- Coordinate family shirts/outfits. Whatever your feelings are on this particular topic, you will be surprised at how much easier it makes it to spot your group (especially your little ones) when you are at the crowded parks. Husbands, trust me, you will not be the only ones in matching attire.
- MOST important tip! Soak in the moment!! There is nothing more magical than watching your kids experience the all-encompassing magic of Disney! Make sure to enjoy that! Do not be so worried about getting to your next experience that you rush or miss out on the little moments. I cannot emphasize this enough, do not become so obsessed with perfecting every detail that you stress yourself out and miss out on the magic.
For more tips and help planning your next Disney vacation, please reach out! bre@platinummouse.com or fill out my vacation information form. https://forms.gle/6s5tX7gSUqrMos6H6
What A Whimsical World 