The Best Disney Planning Advice I Have Ever Gotten

When you first tell people you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World you suddenly unleash this predisposed need for people to tell you exactly how to plan your trip.  They can’t help it. They have been before and clearly have learned all there is to know and whatever your original plan is you are doing it wrong. This is just insane. Disney itself is constantly changing and evolving between the construction of new projects, renovations of classic attractions, new policies, and so much more, it is impossible to have a grasp on everything the mouse offers. All that being said – I’m still going to relay some of the best advice I have ever received when planning a trip (hey it isn’t unsolicited advice, you can stop reading).

You can’t do everything

Walt Disney World is huge and the amount of things to see and do is constantly changing. You have rides, parades, shows, character meet and greets, backstage tours, and don’t get me started on how much food there is. Unless you are planning on permanently relocating to Orlando, you won’t get to everything in while you are there. The sooner you accept this when planning your trip the less stressed you will be. The last time I went to Disney I knew we wouldn’t be able to do everything, but I still underestimated the size of the park and how the long days can take a toll on you. Talk to everyone in your party about rides, restaurants, or any other activity that is a must do for them, and plan for those. Consider everything else you can fit in as a bonus. Try your best to focus on all of the things you can see while you are there and don’t worry about what you missed. You will enjoy your vacation much more.

You can’t control anything

Are you going with kids? At some point they will have a tantrum and breakdown, they are kids. It is hot, the days are long, you are walking miles at a time, so inevitable they are going to get cranky. Are you traveling as a group of adults? Guess what – there are kids at Disney (shock). You need to be aware you will here crying throughout the day. Do your best to not blame the parents or kids – like I said, the days are long, it happens. Inevitably at the worst time on your trip it will rain. You can’t control the weather. Disney World is actually better than Disneyland for this simply because of the amount of queues and attractions that are inside. If you want to wait out the storm, try and grab a show or a quick bite inside. Did you have a fast pass for your favorite ride? It could breakdown. Disney does it’s best to make sure if you have to miss a fast pass because of a temporary closure, you can ride it later in the day or it will be replaced with a fast pass of your choosing.

Disney is a very magical place, but as much as it is a dream vacation it is still in the real world. If a minor inconvenience happens, just remember you can laugh about it later. If something more major happens, try and speak to a cast member. Part of the Disney magic is cast members doing their best to make sure every family leaves happy. If something is within their control to help, they typically will do it.

Know your family

Every group going to Disney is different and unique. Some are traveling with a large group with multiple generations, others are a couple enjoying a trip without children. Other people are traveling for their first time, while others come once a year like clockwork. Some would rather spend all of their time on the rides. While others might enjoy everything there is to do outside of the parks. Whatever your family’s Disney vacation style, focus on that more than the recommendations from friends who tell you if you don’t eat at Be Our Guest your trip is ruined. The thing to focus on when planning your trip is to remember that it is your trip. You know your family best. If you think they would prefer an entire day at a water park over a day in Epcot, do that. The perfect Disney vacation is the one where your family leaves happy.

The other time knowing your family is super important is deciding what you need to bring to the parks. Every family has different needs based on the people in your group and how you plan on spending your day. If you have a group of kids, be sure to pack some activities and small snacks for waiting in line. Some people forget about what they would like to bring into the park when they are packing. They solely focus on what they will need at their hotel.

Your budget doesn’t matter as much as you think it does

Some people might disagree with this, but it is 100% possible to do Disney on a budget. Clearly if you are trying to save money the best advice is to not go on a Disney vacation. However, if you must see the mouse you can absolutely do it without spending thousands of dollars. Besides doing things on the side for extra money there are ways to save at Disney. You can bring in your own food and drinks. Skip the park hopper option. Enjoy a day outside the parks instead of using a park ticket. You don’t need to stay at a Deluxe resort to enjoy your Disney vacation. The magic comes right from your own family.

You can cancel things

If you already rode something you had a fastpass for and decide you don’t need to ride it again, it is okay to get rid of it. If you don’t want to go to a restaurant you originally had a reservation at, modify it for another day or cancel. Keep in mind if it is the day of the reservation you will need to modify it for a few days later then cancel it or you will be charged. If you were supposed to go to the Magic Kingdom for the day but realized there is still a lot you would like to see at the Animal Kingdom, switch up your plans. And most importantly with any changes make sure everyone in the group is okay adjusting. It is 100% okay to change your mind. Just be sure others are on board with the change of plans as well.

Ask others

Yes, I am fully aware I started this by slightly mocking other people from giving out advice, but hear me out. As long as you take this advice as opinion and not fact (unless they say you will be walking a lot or the bus system takes longer than you think, those are facts), you can learn a lot from other people. Don’t limit yourself to just your friends and family. Look online at reviews of hotels and restaurants to see what best fits your families needs. The most important part is you remember that your family is going to enjoy different things than others. Focus on what you think will make them happy.