Here are my top tips to creating a great Disney experience. I'm taking my two sons, aged 6 and 11, to Disney this week by myself. This year I'm splitting the four kids according to interest and age. This makes sure each one gets the most out of their vacations and some solid one on one time. (Stay tuned for my trip planned with the girls in August!) I'm super excited, but doing Disney on your own is definitely a challenge. How do I plan for a great Disney experience instead of an exhausting and stressful one?
I have one word for you: PREPARATION.
This isn’t my first rodeo, and I know that if we want to do the things on everybody’s wish-list, being prepared is the only way it is going to happen. Here are some little tricks I have learned that will (hopefully) give us a smooth trip.
In two weeks I'll let you know how it all went and exactly how useful I found everything. You can follow me on Instagram for daily updates.
#1) Research.
I am doing my research and my boys are doing theirs. I found this really great YouTube channel, DFB Guide, that gives you SO much information, and it has been my bread and butter for the last couple months. My boys aren't as familiar with Disney as my girls are, so I have them watching the classics. When we get there, I want them to be familiar with the iconic characters and movies.
#2) My Disney Experience App is King.
When you book your vacation you get access to this planning tool that you can open on your computer in a browser AND have on your phone while you are at Disney. It’s called My Disney Experience, and it is the greatest thing ever. It helps you plan out the trip down to the minute, if that's your kind of thing. It gives you options for booking fast-passes (not only in advance, but also once you are at the park) AND it gives you real-time knowledge of how long the wait times are for rides and what their height and age restrictions are. It will even let you know how long it will take you to walk over to that particular ride. If you like doing things on the fly OR if you like having everything planned, this tool is CRUCIAL.
#3) Mobile Order Your Food.
At Disney, you can book reservations at different restaurants, or get food in a fast way. Let me tell you, if you have ever done the mobile order with Starbucks, it's exactly like that. Another reason why My Disney Experience App is so important. If you want to sit while you eat, you can make reservations 180 days in advance through the app.
#4) How Will You Carry the Essentials?
You know with kids there's going to be stuff to carry. I'm having my oldest boy carry just the essentials, like water bottles and sunscreen, in a small backpack. I like to travel light but I need to also have a large number of “just in case” items, so I'll be renting a locker at the park entrance. I would love to just use a stroller to tote everything around, but my guys are past that stage. If you don’t like the idea of a locker, make sure you check out the new restrictions on what strollers can be brought in and what you aren’t allowed at all (like wagons).
#5) Hydration
You'll need to stay hydrated. Instead of buying drinks, I bring water bottles and use the free ice water coolers to keep them filled. Most food locations will have one easily accessible, and if not, you can ask. They always offer free ice water.Tip: Glass water bottles are not allowed in Disney.
#6) Transportation
When it comes to getting to and from the parks there are lots of choices: mono-rails, busses, and boats. But now, there is a new option that I have as a back-up plan in case we don't want to wait. You can book a Minnie-Van. No I didn't miss-spell that, it is actually dressed up as Minnie Mouse and it can be booked through the Lyft App. If the kids are too tired and I want to get to the hotel fast, I suspect the Minnie-Van is worth the fee instead of waiting.
#7) Stay Loose.
Be prepared that things may not go as planned. Whether it's too much sugar, not enough sleep, or tantrums, these are things we don't plan for but happen to us all. If at some time you need to drop the plan and just sit or sight see... do it! Your kids will remember you being happy there, and them being happy there. Remember, (I'm talking to myself now), the point is to have fun and make memories.