Top 10 Ways To Keep Your Walt Disney World Vacation Magical

Planning a Disney vacation can be very overwhelming. There are a numerous things to take into consideration, and because of that there can also be a great deal of pressure to not mess up your vacation. If you’re new to planning a Disney vacation, here are 10 easy ways to avoid messing up your dream vacation.

10. Be Realistic

Have realistic expectations when at Disney. It will be busy. There are always crowds at Disney, lots of strollers, crying children, and long lines. But it’s okay, because you’re in Disney and these things won’t stop you from having a magical time, especially if you can just accept these things are part of Disney, and they don’t have to ruin your vacation.

9. Check Height Requirements

Before you make your FastPass+ selections, check the height requirements for the attractions you want to ride and then measure the children in your family. It’s very disappointing to book a FastPass+ for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train only to arrive and discover that not everyone in your party meets the 38-inch minimum height requirement. In order to avoid disappointment, check the height requirements online first. This will make you feel prepared, and you can book FastPass+ that will allow everyone to ride the attractions.

8. Make Reservations

Dining at Disney is a big part of a Disney vacation experience, and people plan far in advance. Dining reservations can be made 180 days in advance and it’s worth making reservations this early, especially if you want to visit popular restaurants, such as Be Our Guest, Chef Mickey’s, or Cinderella’s Royal Table. It can be difficult to walk up to a restaurant at Disney and be seated, so make reservations.

7. Use the My Disney Experience App

The My Disney Experience app is crucial both before and during your Disney vacation. It’s very user friendly, and it gives you access to many aspects of your vacation. It’s one spot where you can always see what your plans are at a glance, such as reservations, tickets, Mobile Food and Beverage Ordering, and FastPasses. It will also show you the wait times for attractions, the best route to get from one place in the park to another, and it has show times and a list of the characters you can meet. You can also book dining reservations on the app, or cancel them. It gives guests a lot of flexibility, and it will help you feel knowledgeable and in control of your Disney vacation.

6. Use a Map

Even if you think you know where things are located in the park, pick up a map at the entrance. If you ever doubt where you are, or how to get from point A to point B, a quick glance at the park map will help you out. They’re just another tool that Disney provides guests with that will help them tackle the parks with confidence. They also make great keepsakes!

5. Book Early

We always plan and book our Disney vacations 8 months to a year in advance, for a number of reasons. It allows us time to budget and save for each vacation and it means that we can book the restaurants we want when our 180 days come up, and we know what FastPasses we want to book when we hit the 60 day mark. It’s also easier to book special event parties and events before they sell out.  Booking early gives you plenty of time to weigh your options, change your mind, and get excited about your vacation.

4. Be Prepared

Check the weather forecast before you even leave for vacation. During the winter months, it can be quite cool so you will enjoy your trip more if you are prepared with a jacket or sweater and long pants. Or bring a poncho or an umbrella if rain is in the forecast. Being prepared for the weather can make a world of difference in your day at the park.

3. Budget

Determine early on what your budget is in terms of where you will be staying, what you will spend on food and what you expect to spend in the park each day, and then stick to that budget as much as possible. You can load up Disney gift cards to use towards souvenirs and other expenses to help you keep within your budget. Sticking to your budget will help you avoid being resentful of the money spent on vacation.

2. Use an Authorized Disney Travel Agent

One of the absolute best ways to avoid making mistakes when planning your Disney vacation is to book with an authorized Disney travel agent. They won’t cost you a extra cent, in fact they are more likely to find you deals when they become available and save you money on your vacation. They are also a great source of information, they can answer questions for you about Disney, make suggestions for you and your family and remind you when you can make dining reservations, or book your FastPasses. They are the experts and will definitely help you avoid screwing up your vacation.

1.Relax and Enjoy!

Do your best to relax and enjoy your time at Disney with loved ones! Try not to stress about what you’re not able to do in the limited time you’re in Disney, but instead to be in the moment. Although it’s important to have a plan, try to remain flexible as well. This will all lead to a better Disney vacation experience and leave you wanting to plan another one before you even leave!