Disney World is the dream vacation of many families and with good reason. Not only are there lots of things to do, but it can be an affordable vacation if you plan it right. If you’re planning your first vacation, here are some great tips you can use.
1. Stay On-Site
People think that staying off-site will save them money. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true. Not only can you end up spending more on hotels in Orlando than in the park, but you’ll also have to spend money on getting back and forth. There are other benefits to staying on-site. You can enjoy the park for longer hours, allow the kids to take a nap in the hotel room, and not have to deal with traffic coming to and leaving the park.
2. Shop for Souvenirs Outside the Park
You obviously want to buy souvenirs to remember this great vacation. However, you’ll save a lot of money buying souvenirs at gift shops outside the park. You want to make sure you’re shopping with reputable gift shops or you could end up with knockoffs.
3. Download the App
There’s a great app called My Disney Experience – Walt Disney World. This app has everything you need for getting the most from your Disney vacation. You can check the wait time on rides, make reservations at restaurants, find out where characters are in the park, and so much more. Best of all, it’s free.
4. Make a List of Everything You Want to Do
There is so much to do at Disney that you need a list of things you cannot miss. Make a list for each park and hit a different park each day. Organize the list so that you’re hitting the most important attractions. Also, organize so that you hit the attractions that are close to each other in one go rather than walking back and forth across the park. Using a guidebook might help you plan your list. I recommend using either Birnbaum’s 2020 Walt Disney World: The Official Guide or The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2021.
5. Book a Week Long Vacation
Disney World is a huge amusement park. You can’t expect to see everything you want to see in a weekend. You want to plan on staying an entire week so that you see as much as possible. You can book a 6-night, 7-day trip with tickets and hotel room in one package. You can upgrade that package to include dining as well.
6. Plan for Adult-Time
Believe it or not, Disney is for more than just kids. There are a number of ways for adults to enjoy the parks. Whether it’s enjoying food and drinks from around the world or taking a boat ride under the fireworks, you can enjoy some quality time with your spouse too.
7. Travel with Another Family
Last, but not least, if you can, travel with another family. This allows the parents to get breaks throughout the trip as you take turns taking the kids to different attractions. Each couple can also get time to themselves at night. It works out beautifully.
Disney World can be a wonderful vacation for the entire family. Whether it begins by booking a great room on-site or ends with making time for you and your spouse, you can plan a wonderful Disney vacation for all.
