Here are 7 Mistakes Michele Made On Her Walt Disney World Vacation:
1. The Deluxe Dining Plan was WAY too much food for our family. At the time of our 2013 trip, the kids were 12, 9 & 9. After the 2nd day, we felt like we were squeezing in rides and attractions in between dining reservations. It IS possible for a 9 year old boy to consume too much bacon! We went without a dining plan for our 2016 trip. I wanted to compare actual cost versus the dining plan. We saved about $100…but my kids said I was constantly calling for the balance on the Disney gift cards I was using to pay for our meals. I think that our next trip I will get the Dining Plan – 1 table service and 1 quick service meal per day is what works best for us.
2. Don’t freak out if someone in your party has an allergy. We found out my youngest has a gluten intolerance about 6 months or so before our December 2016 trip. The chefs at our resort and every single restaurant we ate at (table service AND quick service) were absolutely amazing. She hadn’t had fried chicken since finding out about her intolerance to gluten. Apparently the gluten free fried chicken from 50’s Prime Time Cafe is the best fried chicken the girl has ever had…and she loves fried chicken!
3. Going to a party at Magic Kingdom can actually a good idea for your arrival day. We had tickets for MNSSHP the day we arrived for our 2013 trip. This was actually a great idea (I have those from time to time)! For our 2016 trip, we attended the MVMCP and had a great time as well.
4. The two things I learned NOT to do at Magic Kingdom when you attend a party. Don’t plan a full service meal during a party. In my opinion, it wasted time that would’ve been better spent in the park. Also, don’t make reservations at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique during a party at Magic Kingdom. Pack your costumes if you’re going to MNSSHP!
5. Doing no planning or preparation can be a bad thing. I felt totally lost the whole time we were in Magic Kingdom on our 2013 trip. It was not the same as it was (my 1st trip was back in ’92). I kept looking for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea…I was slightly disappointed to find The Little Mermaid instead.
6. Over planning can be a bad thing. I over planned on our 2016. We arrived on a Thursday, and by Monday my kids decided that we were going to “wing it” outside of dining reservations. My kids were right! We had TONS of fun and got to do just about everything we wanted to do.
7. Kids need a break. On our 2013 trip, all of the walking and sun was a little much for my video game playing (slightly lazy) nephew…I think the overdose on bacon played a role in him needing a break too. He was “sick” and missed out on our Hollywood Studios day. Grandma stayed at the resort with him. After 2 hours of “rest” in front of the television lounging in his bed, my nephew had made a miraculous recovery and was ready for lunch & a dip in the pool. Lesson learned…make time for a break! On our 2016 trip, My kids were 15 & almost 13…they didn’t necessarily need breaks as teenagers, however, they did like to sleep in on a few days. They also need downtime to work on homework. My 15 year old is taking college courses and it was imperative for her to have time for downtime and homework.
Learn more about planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Plus overwhelmed with all the planning? Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect trip.