Preparing for a Trip to Disney World
You’re going to Disney World! The most magical place on earth; the home of Mickey, Minnie, Tinker Bell, and every Princess and character your child has grown to love. Rides, animals, games, fireworks! Disney is a dream come true for most children…but that dream can be more of a headache for mom and dad.
Do you need park hopping passes? How long are you staying? Are you staying in the resort? Are you staying outside? How will you get to the parks? Where do you park your vehicle? How do you get a shuttle? Do they have strollers or will you have to carry your exhausted five-year-old all over the park? Don’t worry; Disney World can be magical for you, too. All it takes is a bit of preparation!
Disney Parks Has Help for Planning
The first thing that you need to know is that Disney is more than just an amusement park. It is an exceptionally well-organized business. They want you to visit, and they want to make it easier for you. On the Disney World website, you can find a free vacation planning DVD and free maps, as well as a tool to help you choose the right package for your family. There is a “Mom Panel,” where you can ask questions as well. You certainly do not have to use Disney to plan your trip, but it can save time and hassle and help you make sure you have all the proper tickets.
Finding a Home Away From Home
Think about whether you want to stay at Disney; the resorts are more expensive than surrounding hotels (though not terribly more so), but in return, you have passes to all the parks and free shuttling to and from. This convenience – and not having to park your car each day – may be worth it for your family, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Plan Your Stay Duration
Another consideration is when you want to go and for how long. The “how long” depends on your preferences and your budget. The “when” probably depends on your vacation schedule. Disney is a year-round attraction, but some months are much busier than others. These peak times include mid-February, spring break time, the last week of May, mid-June through Mid-August, and Thanksgiving and Christmas. While the crowds will be denser, the parks are typically open longer. Less crowded times, including January and February, offer cooler weather but some attractions (such as water rides) may be closed.
Packing Your Bags
There are a thousand details to remember, like packing your sunscreen! Make a list of what you will need. You can consult with the Disney website for recommendations or find any number of forums online with helpful suggestions. Strollers are not necessary as Disney provides them with your park pass, but it is a good idea to bring a bag with bottled water, snacks, Band-Aids, sunscreen, and other essentials.
Research is important. Here are some sites that can help:
- TouringPlans
- AllEars.net
- GoFlorida
- TripAdvisor (for visitor ratings and reviews)
Setting a Budget
Budgeting is very important; before you go, plan how much you want to spend in total, and set aside a certain amount for each child to spend on souvenirs. You could spend thousands, but if you give your child $30 - $50, they can choose one or two items like a hat, shirt or Disney gift basket to bring home. That is more than enough for each child to spend, especially if you are flying home or driving in a full car!
The most fun part of preparing is telling your children that you are going to Disney World. To prevent them from becoming overwhelmed, it may be best if you plan the vacation first, and tell them only when it draws closer. To help them prepare, you can help them mark off the days on the calendar and decide what they need to bring.
Once You’re Prepared, Just Have Fun!
Bringing your family to Disney World will create magical memories that will last a lifetime. It is a big commitment in terms of time and money, so make sure you are prepared to enjoy yourself! Taking the time to research, make decisions, and plan ahead will help take stress away and help you feel like a kid yourself.
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Pinkchic18 is an author who enjoys writing about family, food and events. She regularly contributes to the Parenting & New Baby Advice Blog, where you can find more great articles on parenting and family life.
