Whether you are a first time guest, or a seasoned Disney World veteran there are always things we forget to do while on vacation. Here are 5 things we say you should never forget…
5 – Close down a park.
There is a lot to be said about the benefits of arriving at the parks before open each morning. There is no denying that during that time you can bang out a bunch of rides and attractions with some of the best wait times of the day. That said, in my mind, you can’t beat being one of the last guests to walk down Main Street USA at the end of the night. Trust me, spend a lazy day at your resort and head out to the park for Dinner, watch Wishes, then meander around until security politely sweeps you out of the park. If you are into photography, you can get some amazing shots and the “Kiss Goodnight” is one of those magic moments not everyone knows about or gets to experience. Our family typically reserves this experience for the last night of our trip.
4 – Set realistic expectations.
This can mean different things to different people, let me give you some examples.
No matter what, you are just not going to see and do it all, period. My family has been going to Walt Disney World for at least 2 weeks a year for the last 10 years and we still haven’t experienced everything the world has to offer. Set yourself some reasonable goals. Have an idea of rides you need to hit, or food you need to try, but understand that you may not complete that list. The good news is you will always have an excuse to return.
Don’t expect to get out of bed at 8:00 am and then roll into Magic Kingdom for an 8:45 breakfast ADR. One of the biggest and most common mistakes new guests will make is not budgeting enough travel time to get around. Anyone who lives in a major city and takes public transit on a daily basis will tell you how great Disney Transpiration really is; they know what they are doing. That said, you need to be realistic in your expectations of how quickly you are going to get from point A to point B. Remember, you could be waiting 20 min before you even get on a bus. While it’s not as bad, same goes for Driving, especially to the Magic Kingdom.
3 – Eat at a sit down restaurant.
This seems so obvious to me now, but there was a time when it was counter service or nothing for us. Man did we miss out on some great experiences. It’s understandable that first time guests, who may do very little planning, may not realized you need to make reservations in advance, sometimes 6 months, for the better sit down experiences. Do yourself a favour and experience at least one per vacation. It could open up an entire new side of Disney you may not have known existed. Keep an eye out on the site over the next few weeks for some of our recommendations.
2 – Slow down and enjoy the moments.
If you’re not careful a day at the parks could become a race from one attraction to another. Look, I know we live in a digital world. I’m as guilty as they come; iPhone in my hand, Apple Watch on my wrist. I’m always connected and normally, I would say there is nothing wrong with that, but Disney is in the details. There is magic in every corner, at the end of every side street, in the queue lines for every ride, even under your feet as you walk through Storybook Circus. Disney Imagineers tell stories all over, in every park, not just in the attractions, but in every aspect of what you see, hear, and even smell. Take your time, slow down, and experience everything the parks and resorts have to offer. And trust me, without fail, the real world will be waiting for you when you get home.
1 – Above all, don’t forget to have fun!
Look, I know that is the lame, “how could I forget to do that” answer. But hear me out. Anyone who has been to Disney several times will have seen it. Without fail, you will be able to look around and see at least 1 or 2 families that just don’t look like they are having any fun. Maybe Mom is at the end of her rope and loses her cool because her kids are tired and cranky. Or Dad gets his feet run over one to many times by a run away stroller. We have all been there, it happens. But try to catch yourself in that moment and remember where you are. Don’t let yourself get burned out. Take a break, go for a swim, wind down as a family and remember you are in the happiest place on earth.
What are your top 5 things you are sure to never miss? Leave us some comments down below.
As always, Happy Planning!