How to Make Your Family’s Next Disney Trip Less Stressful
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be super exciting, especially when you have kiddos who are pumped about meeting their favorite characters and doing ALL the Disney things. However, traveling with kids can sometimes be stressful (ok….most of the time it is stressful). Here are some of my favorite tips to make your Disney World vacation as smooth and enjoyable as possible so that you can spend more time enjoying the magic ✨ and less time stressed the F out.
Make Sure You Plan Ahead
Do Your Research
Familiarize yourself with the layout of the parks, attraction heights/requirements and show schedules ahead of time. Knowing which rides your kids are eligible for and where their favorite characters will be can save time, reduce stress and help you create your “park plan of attack” for the day. If you don’t know where to start, working with a Disney Travel Agent (like me!) can be super helpful - bonus - it doesn’t cost you any extra $$ and will likely save you tons of time in the long run! Fill out an inquiry form here for more info!
Book Your LL Multi Pass, LL Single Pass and Dining Reservations right when they become available
You can book your Dining Reservations 60 days before your trip and you can book your Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass reservations 7 days before your trip (if you are staying at a Disney Hotel) and 3 days before your trip (if you are staying at an offsite hotel).
If it is within your budget, I highlight suggest utilizing the Lightning Lane MultiPass system so that you can reserve time slots to ride to popular rides and attractions without waiting in the Stand By line.
Additionally, booking dining reservations in advance ensures that you have a seat at some of the best restaurants and character dining experiences.
Pack Smart
Essentials for the Day
Pack a backpack with essentials such as sunscreen, hats, water bottles, snacks, and lightweight ponchos for unexpected rain showers. Having these items on hand will keep everyone comfortable, hydrated and happy!
I highly recommend scheduling an Instacart order delivery to your hotel on your arrival day (if you are new to Instacart - use code KBECKER5F1118 to save $10 off your first delivery). This way you can order snacks, sunscreen, bottled water or other beverages, etc. and you 1. don’t have to pack them in your suitcase and 2. don’t have to pay theme park prices once you arrive for your fulfilled day at the park!
Entertainment/Activities for Travel & Beyond
Bring along books, coloring materials, or tablets loaded with games and movies for the journey to Disney. This will help keep your kids entertained and minimize restlessness during your flight or road trip. Additionally I would recommend bringing some items with you to the park if you are going to be doing any sit down dining. Having little coloring packs (like these ones) are a lifesaver if the food is taking just a little too long and the kiddos are already restless and hungry.
Think ahead to what Souvenirs they might want!
I know we can never truly escape the souvenir trap, I’m looking at you BUBBLE CART MAN!!! 👀 But we can plan ahead and relieve a little bit of the burden on our wallets! I like to pack glow items like bracelets, necklaces and even light up wands or bubble makers that you can get pretty inexpensively back home, but will rack up a HUGE bill at the park - that way the kids are still getting something special, but you again - aren’t paying theme park prices! Personally, I hit up the Dollar Tree before our trip and grab some glow necklaces and bracelets and my boys always seem happy with that option!
Last time we were at Disney, I did get roped into paying $35 for a Mickey Mouse Glow Wand - Bubble Maker for my younger son, but lucky for you I found you something very similar on Amazon for more than 50% off that cost. So again, how much you purchase ahead of time is totally up to you, but when you plan ahead you can usually get a similar item for much less $ (and then use that savings to do something else you want to do like get a special treat or use toward another experience!)
Autograph books can be a fun way for your kids to collect signatures from their favorite characters during your trip and keep for years to come. This is another great item to buy in advance on Amazon or at another retailer to save a little money. If you forget or don’t want to grab it before your trip, you can always purchase one at any Disney World Gift Shop inside any of the parks or at your resort.
Stay Comfortable
Wear the Right Shoes
Comfortable shoes are a must for both kids and adults. You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure everyone has appropriate footwear to avoid sore feet. I’m a big fan of these Skecher’s pull-on sneakers. They are lightweight and dry quickly when they get wet so they are great for the Florida weather. You might also want to bring bandaids, a small first aid kit and moleskin patches in case of blisters.
Dress in Layers
Florida weather can be unpredictable. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to changes in temperature throughout the day, ensuring everyone stays comfortable. And make sure to check the weather forecast before you leave for your trip and every day before you leave for the park - just to be on the safe side. It was unseasonably cold during our last trip and I was happy to have packed winter hats and gloves for my boys.
Create a Flexible Schedule
Prioritize Must-See Attractions
Make a list of top attractions and experiences your family wants to enjoy, but be open to flexibility. Sometimes the unexpected can be the most memorable part of your trip. Also be OK with the fact that you might not get everything done on your list (and that is OK! there is no need to add extra stress to your plate!) Bonus - that just means you have something to look forward to the next time you visit the Happiest Place on Earth!
Allow for Downtime
Disney World can be overwhelming for little ones, so schedule some downtime into your day. Whether it's a nap back at the hotel or a quiet break in a shaded area, allowing time to rest and recharge can prevent meltdowns.
Utilize Technology
Disney World App
Download the official Disney World app to have park maps, wait times, and show schedules at your fingertips. This app is a great tool to help you navigate the parks efficiently and even allows you to follow walking directions in real time while you are at the park if you get a little turned around. This app is also where you can view park hours and all of your Lightning Lane and Dining reservations!
MagicBands
Consider purchasing MagicBands for your family. These wristbands can store park tickets, Lightning Lane selections, hotel room keys, and adults can even make purchases with them using a 4 digit customized pin (you can set this up inside the Disney app or with a Cast Member at your Disney World Resort Hotel).
Consider purchasing the Memory Maker Package
While smartphones are great (we love a good selfie!), Disney has dedicated photo pass photographers all over all of the parks to capture high-quality photos of your adventure. Normally you have to pay per image, but when you purchase the Memory Maker package you get ALL the photo downloads for one cost. While this is completely optional and might not be in everyone’s budget - I think it is a great way to stay in the magic and get tons of family pictures (with everyone in them!).
By planning ahead, packing smart, and keeping a flexible schedule, you can make your Disney World trip less stressful and more magical for the whole family. Enjoy your adventure, and may it be filled with joy, laughter and memories that last a lifetime!
Bio: Kim is a Travel Planner with Goldgell Getaways. She specializes in helping moms and families book less stressful vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, cruises and other Disney destinations. Kim walks clients through the planning process step by step and takes the guesswork (and stress) out of travel! From research to booking and recommendations to reservations, Kim is your one stop shop for a fabulous family vacation! Kim was previously a health and mindset coach for moms who specialized in stress management. She decided to pivot to travel planning so that she could focus on reducing stress and increasing fun in one specific area for moms - travel and vacation planning!
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