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Are you a veteran Disney traveler? Do you know all the tricks of the trade for having a fantastic, magical, memorable vacation without spending a large fortune?
I am looking for you then!
My family and I are headed to Florida next year, pretty sure it will be early February when we make the journey. We have never been to Disney or Florida for that matter! We will be driving. Yes we are insane. Right now it looks like we will be stopping in Mobile, AL to take a break from the car.
I am looking for your tips and advice on this vacation. We will be in Orlando a week but will NOT be doing Disney every single day so not only do I need tips on saving time, money, and my sanity at Disney but I will need suggestions on what else to do with our time.
What should I pack and bring? Seriously. The furthest we have traveled with the kids is San Antonio…I really have no idea where to even begin!
So help this mama out!! Give me your best tips and advice regarding Disney, packing the car, what to buy when we get there….as well as what else we need to see and do while in Orlando!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m happy to help you plan your whole trip if you want, I’m not a travel planner but I’ve helped dozens of families plan their Magical Mickey Vacations! What are the ages of the 3 kids? What else are you going to be doing if you aren’t doing Disney all 7 days? Do you want to stay on or off Disney property?
Step one in planning is deciding who is going, when to go, how long to stay and how many park days there are going to be. Then we move to finding the best ticket for you and the best accommodations for your family. Let me know what I can do to help.
Cindy Schultz´s last [type] ..Secretariat Movie in Theaters Today-Review
Cindy,
We are staying at a Global Resort Home. I have a house there for 7 nights.
I have no idea what else to do on the off days. I am looking for any and all advice I can get. My kids will be 8 yrs old(girl), 4 yrs old (boy) and 2 yr old(boy) when we go.
How many days do you want to be in the Disney parks? Which parks do you want to go to?
Cindy Schultz´s last [type] ..Secretariat Movie in Theaters Today-Review
That’s the thing I really don’t know! We have never been to Florida/Disney so while I know Disney is awesome and the place to be, apart of me wants to see other things while we are there. I was thinking a max 3 days at Disney.
Keeping your children’s ages in mind you will want to take 2-3 days in the Magic Kingdom alone and 1 day at Animal Kingdom. You could save Epcot and Hollywood Studios for a future visit. The only other park in Orland that has enough age appropriate activities to make the cost worthwhile, outside of Disney is SeaWorld.
Cindy Schultz´s last [type] ..Secretariat Movie in Theaters Today-Review
When we do Disney, we usually go to Disneyland in Cali, but I suppose this would be the same – We plan our big meal for a restaurant – may look like more $$ but in the long run, it comes out cheaper than buying snacks every time someone is hungry – look up the different dining options ahead of time. it’s also good to get a chance to sit down and rest for a while because while exciting, definately a tiring trip for everyone. If you are going to stay at a hotel close enough, plan to go back to the hotel for an early dinner/ rest. (We had “dinner” every day around 3:30-4:00) You’ll want to make sure to get a nap in so that you can see the electric light parade at least once. kids love it!
Plan a good and filling breakfast – my kids were so excited the first day they only picked at their breakfast and with all the excitement and walking, they were … difficult by around 11:00!
I pack water and healthy snacks for when the kids get hungry in a backpack or diaper bag. The last trip (my kids are older) we packed apples, nuts, raisins, etc. Also, bring ponchos with you – When we did DisneyWorld it rained every day for a little while. ponchos are easy to pack and carry if needed.
I know in Califonia, they do “Fast pass” for the most popular rides – definitely check into this because it makes the line times so much shorter. It’s free, you go to specific rides and get your pass – it tells you what time to be back for the ride so you do others while you are waiting.
Spend the money on a good souvenir – I always got jealous that my cousins would get every little trinket or toy when we’d go with family… they don’t have any of it left and I still have my mickey mouse ears and figurines to remember the trips with.
Don’t forget to be a kid yourself!!! You are gonna have a BLAST!
Shelley (@mommz_oz)´s last [type] ..Motto of the day – “Act As If”
OH! for car travel – go to Cracker Barrel and pick up travel games if you don’t have them already – my boys LOVE street sign bingo… Walmart and target have some good deals too, so check after Christmas.
Shelley (@mommz_oz)´s last [type] ..Motto of the day – “Act As If”
G’Day! Mykindarain,
Neat Post, I am browsing at reserving a trip to Disney Globe soon and they are providing complimentary meal options with it while in the time we will be planning. I am wanting to determine out if we want to improve or not. The meal plan will come with 1 rapid service, one sit down, and one snack. I was thinking about if me and my husband are authorized to split meals at sit down restaurants or if Disney does not let you to. Many thanks!
Thanks