>> Buying essentials at the park can cost you. For example, you can spend $9.99 on a pair of sunglasses at Walmart - or $25 on a similar pair at the parks.
To avoid unnecessary spending, make a list of what you need to buy before you go and make sure you check it before leaving.
For example, you'll need comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, maybe a sun hat, several changes of light clothes like t-shirts and shorts, bathing suit, maybe a light sweater if you're going in the cool season, earplugs, backpack, fanny pack etc.
>> Have a Designated Meeting Place - Each of the 4 Disney parks is represented by an iconic structure:
Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's Castle
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Hollywood Studios/MGM - Sorcerer's Hat
Animal Kingdom - Tree of Life
These are usually easy to see from most places on the parks which make them a great 'meeting place' should someone in your group get misplaced.
>> Don't rush - When you add in the heat, the crowds, the lineups and even the less-than-cheerful children all around you, Disney World can get stressful.
To make the most of your vacation, be determined to take your time, don't rush and try to go with the flow. If the kids want to go on the Peter Pan ride 3 times - why not?
If you miss a couple of attractions, who really cares? Take a tip from the stressed out parents we see every time we go to Disney and take your time. Determine to enjoy your vacation to the fullest - and you'll get more out of your trip.
>> Plan ahead. Take some time before you go to look at the maps of the different parks, ask your kids where they really want to go, and do some research about what to expect before you go.
The Internet (and this site) is full of information to help you. Your travel agent will probably be able to give you maps of the various parks before you travel.
This will not only save you time and frustration, it will also get you and your kids excited about your vacation.
>> Take an afternoon siesta - This is especially useful for parents and grandparents. Chances are if you're go-go-going all day, especially in the heat and humidity, you won't be a happy camper at the end of the day.
Make sure you plan some down time, say a nap or a rest break in the afternoon where you can just relax, grab a tea and kick back.
This will help you rev up for the afternoon and evening - and keep you in a great frame of mind, even when the kids seem like energy balls that won't slow down.
>> Eat Against the Crowd. To avoid long restaurant lineups, eat at off hours from most people. For example eat breakfast before you go, a snack at 10:30, lunch at 2:30, another snack at 4:30 and dinner at 8:00
>> Weigh the true costs and benefits of a Disney Resort. While staying at the luxury Disney resort hotels can cost you, consider weighing what you get with a Disney hotel vs staying at another non-resort hotel.
You get free transportation to and from the airport (which may cost you $50 alone one way). Your bags are looked after (saving you the hastle) both arriving and leaving.
You get free transportation between parks and hotels plus Downtown Disney - which again saves you parking costs and more hastle. You get extra magic hours at the parks, which may save you in terms of rushing to get everything in during the hot summer days.
Plus Disney has some value resorts that are pretty affordable - and on par with some of the non-resort hotels. And then there's the look on your kids' faces when you tell them they're staying on the Disney resort - it's priceless.
For more information on planning Disney World vacations check out the following links:
A) Expedia Disney Packages - They make it easy to find resort packages plus there's a lot of variety in your Disney resort options.
B) Travelocity Disney Packages - Again very easy to get resort/air packages - just type in 'Disney world' into the search box. You'll also get non-Disney hotel packages mixed in for comparison.
