Planning for the perfect Disney vacation is half the fun. Even with perfect planning however, things will come up. Learn from past guests mistakes with the 15 things past guests wish they had planned differently. Is the one thing you would have changed from your trip on this list?
1. Have Items Delivered
Save money by having items delivered to your Disney Resort. A bottle of water at the parks cost $3.50 each. Instead of paying these prices, ship a case of water to your resort. Do note, Disney now charges $6 per delivery to resort, however the savings still come out ahead.
2. Memory Maker
Is Memory Maker worth it? Is a question that is asked repeatedly. The answer for past guests, is Yes! Guests typically end up with hundreds of pictures to choose from. Including ride photos, character meet & greets and more.
3. Portable Charger
Phones have replaced cameras for many guests at the Parks. Combining taking pictures with using the My Disney Experience app, these can drain your phones battery. Bring a portable charger to the parks to avoid missing out on pictures and more. The My Disney Experience App is a free and very useful for guests. Disney now has a Portable Charger guests can buy at the parks, with unlimited exchanges.
4. 2 Days at Magic Kingdom
If at all possible, plan for two days just to explore Magic Kingdom. Past guests have concluded that one day at Magic Kingdom was just not enough time. Magic Kingdom is home to many classic rides, shows and more.
5. Avoid The Hottest Times
If someone in your group does not do well in heat then you will want to avoid summer months at Disney. Although Disney offers plenty of opportunities to cool down in air conditioning, walking around the parks can be uncomfortably hot. June through September have typical highs of low 90’s. With July & August being the hottest months. If you do travel these months, go early mornings and evening to the parks. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the resort room or swimming.
6. Check Menu’s
The My Disney Experience App makes it easy to check different dining options and their menus. Checking menus prior to your Disney vacation can save time and money. Save time by already knowing restaurants of interest and save money by selecting restaurants with food everyone in your group will eat.
7. Ultimate Packing List
Packing what you need for a Disney Vacation can save time and money. Not forgetting items means not having to pay park prices or take away from souvenir money while on your vacation. Check the Ultimate Disney Packing List prior to your vacation. It is never to early to start gathering small items either, such as Tinkerbell Gifts.
8. Tinkerbell Gifts
Tinkerbell Gifts are a great way to save on souvenirs with children. Instead of paying park prices, check your local retail stores for Disney items to pack with you. Then, if your child behaves or needs a pick-me-up, pull out a Tinkerbell Gift or leave in resort room for your child to find. Its a win-win, children are happy to get a present and parents are delighted with the savings.
9. World Showcase
Do not count out Epcot or the World Showcase as worthy of park time. Traveling with children? Learn 50 Tips & Activities For Kids At Epcot’s World Showcase. Traveling with adults? Consider splitting drinks and drinking around the World Showcase.
10. Fastpass+ (FP)
A Fastpass+ ensures you will be able to get on a ride with an hour window to get in. Guests staying on property can grab their Fastpass+ 60 days out, non-resort guests can make them 30 days out. Be ready to grab the most important Fastpass+ to you on your respective day at 7am (EST). Popular rides such as Frozen Ever After and Avatar Flight of Passage are used up quickly. If you do not get the ones you want at first, keep checking as cancellations can happen at any time.
11. Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR)
The chance of being able to walk up to Disney’s most popular restaurants and dine same day are minimal. To avoid disappointment, if there is a (sit-down) restaurant you want to try, make an ADR. Guests can make their ADR’s 180 days out. To save time, consider scheduling your Fastpass+ and ADR’s near each other.
12. Time to travel
If you are eating in another park or resort other than where you plan to spend the day, plan adequate time to travel as well. While busses and transportation run on a continuous basis, timing can be tricky.
13. Dessert Cruise
A Dessert Cruise at Disney World is a sweet way to watch fireworks. Disney World offers a variety of Dessert Cruises to choose from. Each have VIP views and unobstructed views of fireworks.
14. Check Park Hours
Prior to your trip, check the park hours for each day of your vacation. If staying on property (Walt Disney World Resort), guests can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. Coordinate your park days with the Extra Magic Hours to get the most value out of your stay (less crowded during magic hours = shorter lines).
15. Relax
If things are not going according to plan, just relax. All this talk about planning can come across as inflexible. However, a plan is needed as an outline since there is so much to see and do. Plan for your must-dos (rides, attractions, food) and then be flexible with the rest. This is where the magic happens.
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.
We were there in July, 2017 and decided to try going to a “park” early in the morning, returning to the Disney Campground in the early afternoon, going swimming, and then going to a park in the evening. Worked pretty well—except for the swimming. Pool water was so warm it was uncomfortable—very disappointing!