In my opinion, Disney World really is a magical place. I like to let myself just become totally engrossed in all of its pixie-dust glory. You know, just pretend, for a short while, that the rest of the world does not exist! After vacationing at Disney World many times, staying at a variety of Disney Resorts, and park-hopping like a boss, here are my top 5 tips for doing Disney World Stress Free with kids that I’ve learned.
1) Stay ON Disney Property
The free transportation via bus, monorail, and boat all over Disney World is the best perk of staying at a Disney Resort. The transportation runs regularly from resort to park, and park to park. It makes getting around super easy!
If you fly in and stay at a Disney Resort you take advantage of their free bus service to and from the Orlando Airport called the Magical Express. It truly is magical! The Magical Express allows you to check your luggage when you board your plane for Disney World. When you get to Orlando, just head straight to the Magical Express (coach bus) where you are whisked off to your resort, and your checked luggage magically appears in your hotel room! (Just be sure NOT to pack your Magic Bands in your luggage!)
When you stay at a Disney Resort you also get extra access to the parks. These Extra Magic Hours are only for guests of Disney Resort hotels. It changes day to day, but parks will open early, or stay open later with access only for guests who stay on property.
2) Do the Dining Plan!
It’s nice to know that your meals and snacks are paid for in advance so it helps with budgeting. I prefer to get the dining plan that includes 1 quick service and 1 table service meal plus 2 snacks per person per day. The meal plan also includes a refillable souvenir resort mug that can be used the entire length of your stay. Then, book your dining reservations as soon as you can. Any table-service restaurants will let you make reservations 90 days in advance (as of right now!) It’s not worth the stress to try to find a place with an open table or not a 2 hour wait when your little one is hungry right now! Book your dining in advance!
I can write a whole blog post on the snacks alone, but we will save that for another time! The Dining plan is well worth the money in my opinion. You can literally make meals out of the food they consider snacks. Yes, a bag of chips or a bottle of water can be paid for by snack credit, but so can a Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle from Liberty Square or the most amazing Sriracha Tzatziki Fries in Animal Kingdom. Somehow we always have lots of snack credits left on the last day and have to use them all before we head home! But it’s a good excuse to eat lots of Dole Whips before heading home!
3) Book Your FAST PASS+
Book your FAST PASS+ (as soon as you can). I always book my Fast Passes on the earliest day allowed (as I write this it is 60 days before your visit if you are staying at a Disney Resort). Book your Fast Pass rides early in the day, because once you use them you can book more Fast Passes that day while you’re in the park. I feel like we get to do so many rides this way, with no wait (which is a bonus for doing Disney with my little man).
4) Bring a Stroller
Bring a Stroller – even if your kid doesn’t use one any more – hear me out on this! My son is 5 1/2 years old, and in Kindergarten. Before this trip I honestly can’t remember the last time he was in a stroller. But THIS STROLLER is everything!!!! It folds up so small if fits in a tote bag or backpack. It holds up to 55 pounds. And it fits into the lockers at Disney. Trust me, a cranky child who is too tired to walk is not very magical. I let him walk in the morning while he was still full of energy. Then around dinner time we’d grab it from the locker and push him around for the evening. Lots and lots of walking at Disney World, so getting from point a to point b without having to carry him, walk in slow motion, or listen to him complain made bringing this stroller was 100% worth it! For real – this gb Pockit+ stroller is magical, you have to see for yourself!
*Disney has recently updated their stroller policy so be sure to check that your stroller is compatible*
5) Bring a Portable Phone Charger!
You’re going to be taking tons of pics and video of your magical vacation, posting to social media, using the Disney app to check which rides have the shortest wait time, and let’s be real – letting your little one have some screen time when the line is just a bit too long, or your waiting for your food! I brought a small lipstick sized charger which was the perfect size to carry around and enough charge to get me through the very long days. Just remember to plug it in to recharge each night!
Then there are the obvious tips like wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and don’t forget your Mickey Ears. I hope my top 5 tips for doing Disney World Stress Free with kids was helpful to you. Do you have any tips or tricks for making your Disney Vacation Stress Free and more magical? Email me at LindasCoffeeFueledClassroom@gmail.com.
Is your little one obsessed with dinosaurs like mine is? Click here to see rawr-some activities to keep them busy!
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