Over the years that I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World,
people will ask me advice on planning their trips and I am always more than
willing to help! Since I am considered somewhat of a Disney expert, I have discovered tips and tidbits that I truly
think will make for a more magical vacation and I find myself telling these to
guests more and more.
1)
Staying
onsite saves you time and money – Everyone is looking to get the most
of their vacation dollar. A lot of
times, they think staying off Disney property is going to save them money since
the nightly rate is sometimes lower.
Staying in a Disney resort gets you free parking every single day;
allows you to take advantage of the savings of the Dining plans; allows you to
save gas and time going back and forth
by using Disney transportation; allows you more time in the parks with extra
magic hours…just to name a few of the advantages!
2) Take
time to notice the little things – Once you finally arrive at the
parks, everyone has that one or two E-ticket attraction they want to get to
first. Get that fast pass….then go here…then go there. While I DO recommend securing your favorite
fast passes as soon as you can, while waiting for that ride time to arrive,
take some time to check out the little Disney details that only they can
do. Look at the windows on Main Street,
listen for the sounds coming from the windows in the alley on Main Street, take
a walk along the rose garden path to the right of the hub near the castle. One
of my favorite things to do is sit in a rocking chair near Tony’s Town Square
Restaurant and observe the character interaction with the children. This is
where Magic Lives, folks…..take it all in while you can!
3)
Making
dining reservations as soon as you can – This sounds so obvious but you
would be surprised at the number of guests that think you can walk up and get a
table on a whim. Before the dining plan,
yes…that was possible but the popularity of the dining plan requires that 180
day advance planning. That is the only way you will get the desired dining time
which makes it easier to plan out your days which means you will make the most
of your Disney time. No one wants to eat
dinner at 8:30 at night or breakfast at 10 and that is if you’re lucky to get
anything left at all! Once your 180 mark
has hit…have your dining list ready and get those ADRs!
4)
Don’t
try to do it all – Well, you can TRY, but it is nearly impossible to do
it all at Walt Disney World. Everyone
wants to have a great vacation and trying to squeeze too much into one day will
burn everyone out and instead of remembering the time of their life, everyone
will remember how tired they were and wish they’d taken the time to do #2
above. Carefully planning out your days
while at the same time remaining flexible will keep everyone happy and you will
make memories that last a lifetime.
5) Don’t be afraid to be a kid again
– Take a look around you, you’re at Walt Disney World. You are surrounded by fairytales
and whimsical buildings; everyone is happy…even the ducks and squirrels seem
happy! Take advantage of being immersed in the magic! Only at Disney will you
find grown men wearing Mickey Mouse Ears hats and t-shirts and it seems
perfectly normal! Only in Disney can you
get a haircut and have pixie dust and Mickey-shaped sequins sprinkled on you
and smile from ear to ear! Only in Disney can you hug a princess and shake
hands with Buzz. This is where magic comes alive and will always live on in
your heart…. if you let it.
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