I am so excited because we are planning our next trip to Walt Disney World in January!! I love Walt Disney World, but since I have only been there a couple of times I have been compiling a lot of research. There are tons of things to read about fast passes, best treats to eat, and what to bring with you, so I thought I would help you out a little and compile a list of the best tips (IMO). So without further ado, here are my top 10 (or more) tips for your next trip to Walt Disney World!
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1) Do What Makes Your Heart Happy –
There are so many “must do’s” out there, but my first and most important tip is to do what makes your heart happy. Personally I get scared on roller-coasters, but that Winnie the Pooh ride in Magic Kingdom makes me smile like a crazy person. I will happily stand in line with all the little kids to ride it. Walt Disney World is HUGE, and you can’t do it all anyways, so pick your priorities whether that’s snacking around the park, roller coasters, or meeting princesses, and do those first.
If you roll with a big group, let everyone have some say in the plan so that they can do what makes their heart happy too.
2) Plan Ahead
I’m sure by now you probably know that you can book restaurant reservations 180 days in advance and fastpasses for rides either 60 or 30 days in advance. If you haven’t, there are plenty of blogs that explain it like this one. I am simply going to suggest that you plan ahead. Make timelines, book fastpasses, plan out shopping times and park days, because when you get there you, like me, might feel a little overwhelmed.
Make a list of 3-5 priorities for each park (how many you choose will depend on you and your party). Then plan out space for relaxing, shopping, getting out of the heat, or heading back to the hotel. Plans can change, but starting with a plan will help you keep on track and stop you from being disappointed at the end of the day. Also get the My Disney Experience App. Just do it, because it is amazingly helpful.
3) Make a Park Bag Packing List
If you want to wake up early and make it to rope drop, you might be a little out of it in the morning. Don’t be stuck buying over-priced snacks, or ponchos in a shop when you have them sitting useless back at your hotel. Make a quick checklist to bring with you (put it on your phone!) so that you can leave peacefully each morning knowing you have everything you will need. On this note bring a bag with you to use as a park bag, bonus points if it’s Disney themed!
4) Look Your Best
This is a personal tip because I love to take pictures! I am rarely in my photos because I am behind the camera, so at Walt Disney World I get the Photo Pass, and then I get my picture taken as many times as I possibly can in one day (or week)! So that means that I do my hair and make-up and spend a little time (before the trip) picking out outfits that I love. Then I feel great looking at and showing people the pictures!
5) Make the Fun Last Longer
A vacation to Walt Disney World might just be one week, but the fun can last for much longer! Personally I love researching my destinations, but I am running out of things to read about Walt Disney World, so I have had to switch my fun. I am now learning how to make my own Minnie Mouse ears to wear to the parks! If you are crafty there are lots of things you can make for your trip, or around the house like Minnie Mouse ears or Mickey Mouse shirts.
If you aren’t crafty you could plan to watch a Disney movie a week, browse the Shop Disney store for ideas to buy on your trip (shipping to Canada will cost you an arm and a leg, so I suggest window shopping), or planning out your Disney Bounding outfits ( Winnie the Pooh and Minnie Mouse are my preference).
6) Plan your Packing List Early
You might need to buy something to take with you, and you do not want to be running out to get sunscreen the night before your 6:30 AM flight! This is a great time to decide if you want those Disney vacation “extras” like Bitbelts, UV glow body paint (for Pandora), or Disney rain ponchos (or spray fans, or cooling towels, or new shoes etc.).
7) Try Something New
Even if you have been to Walt Disney World before, there is always something new to do! Some new things to check out for this year (2018-2019) are the Be Our Guest restaurant, the Seven Dwarves Mine Train, Toy Story Land, Pandora, and soon the Star Wars themed land, Edge of the Galaxy!
8) Plan to Eat a “Walt Disney World” Snack in the Park
If you plan really well, and are on a tight budget you might think that you can get away with only eating the snacks you bring into the parks (yes, you can bring snacks into Walt Disney World!). While this is a great way to save money, I encourage you to try at least a few of the Disney favourites while on your vacation! If you check out The Disney Food Blog you can find out about all the best Disney snacks, and where to get them!
One great tip that I read is if you have a big group, instead of getting four or five of each snack, get one of each of a few snacks and share. Most are really large, and you can get a taste of all the snacks without blowing your budget!
9) Get Creative With Autographs
Now I am not really an autograph person. I would much prefer to have a photo with a character, but if you, or your child are into autographs, get a little creative with them. Some cool ideas I have seen are a Disney Character Encyclopedia, a T-shirt, or a home-made autograph book. Maybe you just really want one characters autograph on a plush or T-shirt of them, or you want all the autographs on a baseball hat. There are so many ideas! Whatever you choose to bring make sure to bring a Sharpie retractable marker so that the characters with big hands can easily use it.
10) Walt Disney World Essentials
Do not forget to pack some rain gear like a rain coat or poncho, a water bottle to fill up in the parks, comfortable walking shoes, your tickets/magic pass/hotel information, a park bag that will fit your necessities, and your Disney Spirit! Stay tuned for my Walt Disney World Adult Packing Tips.
Got the travel bug? head on over to 10 Tips for Your Trip to Italy!
Let me know in the comments what your favourite tip for Walt Disney World is!
Have a happy Thursday <3
SCMM
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