Disneyworld Vacations

DisneyWorld Vacations

Priority one of the staff at Disney World is to make sure that every guest is cared for and has an amazing time. The memories that you make while on a DisneyWorld vacation are sure to last a lifetime. Below are some tips to keep in mind when planning DisneyWorld vacations.

Tip #1: Consider Going during a Value Season

There is not really a “bad” time to visit DisneyWorld. There are, however, certain times during the year when the park sees fewer visitors than other times of the year. These slower times are called the value season, and if you plan your DisneyWorld vacation during the value season, you can save money on your lodging, and also on vacation packages.

If you have kids in school it may be more difficult to visit during value season, but if your kids are still small – or maybe are home schooled or have flexible educational arrangements, this is a great way to save money on your DisneyWorld vacation.

A world of vacation fun awaits at Disneyworld.
A world of vacation fun awaits at Disneyworld.

Instead of planning and purchasing each detail of your trip separately, just buy a vacation package. This not only cuts down on the amount of work that you will have do to plan your trip, but it will also save you money. Some DisneyWorld vacation packages even come with fun extras such as behind the scenes tours, welcome gifts, or early entrance to the parks.

Tip #3: Get a Room with a Kitchen

Families that are trying to save money while on a DisneyWorld vacation should definitely opt for a room with a kitchen or kitchenette. Even if you eat just one meal a day in your room, that can save a family of four hundreds of dollars during their stay.   It is very easy to plan breakfasts – just purchase some cereal, pastries, or other easy-to-prepare items, and watch your savings add up.

Even if you money is not an issue, it is still a good idea to have a kitchen in your room. You will be able to make a light breakfast before heading out for the day and preparing a late night snack will be simple as well. You’ll have the ability to keep cold drinks in your room, and the convenience of having a small kitchen will prove valuable.

Tip #4: Talk to a Travel Agent

It is not difficult to plan a DisneyWorld vacation on your own, but consider talking to a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations. They may have access to special discounts, upgraded packages, or they might be able to give you some good advice concerning lodging and dining options.

Tip #5: Check for Current Closings and Special Events

Attractions at DisneyWorld sometimes close for repairs or upgrades. Special events are often held at the resort that may be fun to observe. The only way to know about such closings and special events is to check the online Disney event calendar or talk to someone at the hotel where you booked your room (or, if you used one, your travel agent).

If a certain attraction will be closed, you can be careful not to talk it up to your kids. If there is a special event that requires advance registration, you will have time to sign up.

Tip #6: Make a “Must See” List

Doing a little bit of research about the Disney parks and attractions will help you learn which of the many, many available attractions that you want to see the most. This is especially important for shorter trips, but even if you plan to stay for a week or so it is still not possible to see everything.

If you have kids of different ages, allow each to have a day or a portion of a day where they are allowed to choose the activities. Go over the options in the weeks leading up to your vacation, so that the must-see lists will be complete before your vacation so that you don’t have to spend time while at DisneyWorld trying to decide what to do.

Tip #7: Wear Sunscreen

This might sound obvious, but the Florida sun burns a lot hotter than what many folks from other parts of the country are used to. In Florida sunburns can happen even when it is cloudy or cool.  Nothing will ruin a vacation faster than one or more members of your family getting a painful sunburn. Also, don’t forget to protect the top of your head by using either a spray or wearing a hat.

Tip #8: Use the Babysitting Service

Some parents feel guilty about utilizing the babysitting service that is available at most Disney hotels. While the point of a DisneyWorld vacation is to spend time together as a family, there is nothing wrong with also setting aside some adults-only time. Rest assured that the babysitting staff and kid’s programs at Disney are of the highest quality, so your kids are going to have a great time while you enjoy a little time for yourself.

Tip #9: Sleep In – Or Take A Nap

Yes, it’s DisneyWorld. Yes, there is a lot to do and see. Still, this is your vacation. Don’t run it like a boot camp! Instead, sleep in at least once. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Sit on your balcony and enjoy the view. In other words, just relax! Some people return from their Disney vacation exhausted because they tried to cram as much in as possible. As mentioned above, it is just not possible to see everything. Work on your must-see list, and just slow down and relax.

Another tip is to plan an early start, arriving exactly when the park opens (call the “rope drop”).  In the first hour or so you can often visit as many attractions as will take you hours to do later in the day – when crowds are bigger and lines are longer.  Then, plan time to go back to your hotel in the heat of the afternoon to take a nap or enjoy the pool.

Tip #10:Take LOTS of Pictures!

The memories that you will make during your DisneyWorld vacation are priceless. Be sure to capture as many of those memories as possible on film. For a fun perspective of your trip consider giving each child a digital camera or disposable cameras. Tell them to take pictures of whatever they want. It will be fun to view the vacation through their eyes and see which parts of DisneyWorld were most important to them.