Part of our free Disney World information we wanted to share some suggestions for your next family Disney World vacation. Avoid crowded times of year (during school holidays, for example) and plan your itinerary around the days of the week and times of day when the theme parks are the least busy.
Bring a stroller, or rent one at the Disney World theme parks. Your child may have plenty of energy and be a great walker on a normal day, but something about pounding the pavement under the hot sun for six to nine hours can really take its toll. Also, realize you will not be able to see and do everything in one trip. So, relax, stroll the amazing Disney resorts and get out of the heat in the afternoon.
Get everybody in your family, including your children, to agree to certain basic touring plans, such as getting up early and taking afternoon naps. At the same time, leave room in your schedule to take a detour and be flexible. I truly believe with a family staying at a Walt Disney World resort can enhance your overall experience. In the afternoon go and swim, relax, and be ready for the amazing Disney night-time entertainment.
Eat at off times to avoid crowds. Walt Disney World has many dining options. Today, with so many guests using the Disney Dining Plan the restaurants and food locations become very busy. Honestly, when I am at the Disney theme parks, when I see a food location with no wait, that's when I decide it's a good time to eat. Also, for special Disney World character dining meals, make a reservation.
Give yourself more time than you think you need, and buy Disney park-hopper tickets so that you can always go back and see what you've missed another day.
Even with Walt Disney World's Fastpass, you may end up in a line or two. Pack snacks and handheld games to keep boredom at bay. Remember you're on vacation so always just relax and enjoy the scenery and your family.
Save Disney character meals for the end of your trip, when your youngsters will have become accustomed to these large, sometimes startling figures. Yes, they're cute and small on TV, but when they come bouncing up larger than life, it can cause a different emotion.
Plan for family time away from the Walt Disney World theme parks. Spend a day at the pool or get away to the Historic Bok Sanctuary or Wekiva Springs State park. Yes, there is amazing beauty and history in Florida outside of the Disney World Resort.
Familiarize yourself with all Walt Disney World attraction age and height restrictions. Ideally, you should measure young children ahead of time so they won't get excited about Disney attraction rides they're too short to experience. However, most Disney attraction rides have pre-measuring signs at the entrance to the queuing area, so even if you don't know how tall your child is, you won't have to wait in line before finding out.
Finally, be prepared for family disagreements and even tantrums. Chances are, they'll happen. Possible solutions include splitting up or leaving the Disney theme parks. Missing out on a few rides while allowing everyone to cool down is better than forcing the tour to continue and testing frayed nerves.
