5 {Disney} Vacation Tips

Our family went to Disney for March break.  We decided to only spend two days at parks -- one day at Magic Kingdom and one day at Hollywood Studios.  I think {given the age of the boys and our budget} two days was enough... but we made the most of our two days.


In case any of you are planning a trip, here are a few helpful hints:

 1)  Be Prepared
A day at a Disney Park is going to be a long day, so make sure you bring everything you are going to need.  I suggest:  a stroller, a backpack, water, sandwiches, snacks, sunglasses, sunhats, sweaters (for when it cools off in the evenings), sneakers, sunscreen, and {of course} a camera.

2)  Set Priorities
If you are only planning to spend one day at a park, it is going to be a long day, and you are not going to see everything.  It is important to do some research and find out the "must dos" for everyone in the family.  Look at the rides, shows, and parades.  I feel like we saw/did everything we wanted to {both days}.  It was exhausting, but it was a whole lot of fun!



3)  Have a Plan
To make the most of a trip to a Disney Park, you need to be efficient and have a plan.  Before we left, we made a list of all the "fast pass rides" and the "non-fast pass rides" that were popular.  These are the ones we did first.  We also made a schedule of the shows and parades we didn't want to miss and worked around them.  *(Click here for some additional details on rides/attractions we really enjoyed.)   

Make sure you arrive at parades and shows early to get a good seat.


4)  Pay Attention to Details
I am a true believer that the small things make a big difference.  I made the boys special t-shirtsMickey Mouse ears, and personalized autograph books.  {Fun, right?  Click the links for full tutorials.

I also highly recommend getting Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream while you are at the parks.  What is more fun than ice cream?  Ice cream shaped like Mickey {of course}!


5)  Have Fun!
This one is kind of obvious, but definitely the most important.  Don't forget that the whole point of the vacation is to have fun.  Take lots of pictures, and make lots of memories.


♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Note: You can find tips for our 2014 trip to Disney here.

15 comments:

  1. These are great tips! I can't wait to take my girls, and have pinned this for future. I am finding you through the Kid Blogger Network, and look forward to connecting! :)

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    1. It is definitely something to look forward to. :-)

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. Love the tips! We are going to be in Disney next week. I am going to make an autograph book for the trip.

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    1. Have a great trip! I hope the autograph books add to the fun! :-)

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  3. Good tips. I'd add a couple. For younger kids (1-3 years old) you may want to buy some "souvenirs" at a store at home and bring them with you. We did that with our 3 year old daughter and let her buy one souvenir in park. Also, for parents that went to Disney as a child, don't try to relive your childhood again by dragging your crying kids to everything that YOU want to do. They WILL have fun and they WILL have great memories. But it'll be their memories, not yours. Lastly, take breaks. One of the best parts of staying in a park hotel is the free shuttles back and forth that allow you to go back for a nap and come back in the evening to finish the day. Especially with kids.

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    1. Great idea! We found a Disney section at Target, and that is where they got their mugs, cups, and t-shirt souvenirs. :-)

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  4. Thinking of taking our 2 yr old in the next couple of months. Thanks for the tips! Good to know about the fast pass rides!

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  5. Can't wait! We are staying 10 nights and have a 7 day park pass... we are going to be pooped! I keep reading to get some souvenirs first, we are going straight to Disney, maybe I'll look online. I wish the Disney Store was still at MicMac Mall

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  6. Great to know! I love the Mickey t-shirts.

    We just got a Disney Rewards Visa since we are hoping to go to Disney in the next year or two. I'm hoping it will help us save a few dollars - we'll see! Regardless, I can't wait until we get to go.

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  7. I like your tips. I found you on Pinterest. I am starting my own Disney blog at happiestvacations.com if you want to check it out. :)

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  8. By Disney World do you mean you spent one day at the Magic Kingdom and one at Hollywood Studios? Just curious, I'm glad you had a good time!

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    1. Yes... that's what we did. You can read about it here.... http://eastcoastmommyblog.blogspot.ca/2012/03/our-disney-trip-highlights.html

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  9. great advice glad to have read this before we visit next month!

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    1. Have a great trip! We are going again in 2014, and I am super-excited. :-)

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  10. Great tips. I'm pretty sue the whole family is going to enjoy the vacation.

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