“Mom, please can we go to Disneyworld this year?” What child can resist the call to celebrate with Mickey, Minnie and the gang at the place where dreams really do come true?
It is still possible to have an enjoyable three day trip to Disneyworld with some planning and strategy.
First realize and accept that no human can see and do everything in seven days, let alone three. So let go of any fantasies you have and prioritize. Second, do some strategic pre-planning with tips from this story.
And thirdly, also consider what type of vacationer you are. For the hard core planners who try to squeeze in every possible activity between open and close, there is no fun with the, “take no prisoners, stop to eat nothing and if you need a nap, catch it while we’re in line” approach to the three days. And for those who lean to the laissez faire style of vacation planning, much will be missed with the “I’ll get there when I get there and do whatever doesn’t have a line” approach.
After multiple trips this mom has found that true happiness lies in between, especially for the shorter trip. Two other discoveries: stay on the property and be strategic about your priorities.
Staying on the Property
Staying at a Disney resort hotel, especially one of the three on the monorail line, is the easiest, least stressful way to spend a short trip. The monorail runs directly to the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, the Polynesian Resort and the Contemporary Resort. The loop also includes Magic Kingdom and the transportation center which links to the Epcot Center. Each hotel also has a bus stop for transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and the water parks.
Other Disney resort hotels offer bus transportation to all parks, adding convenience, but also adding additional time spent waiting for said buses. This more affordable option can be a good one for adults and older children.
Staying at a resort hotel on the monorail line is the best, albeit most expensive option, for families traveling with someone in a wheelchair or stroller or for families wanting the amenities of these luxury hotels. The added convenience and peace of mind is noticeable.
For mixed groups, it makes it very easy to take care of special needs – a midday nap, feedings, medication, change of clothes, or even turning in earlier than the rest of your party. When you stay at a hotel, motel or condo in town and park in the lots, everyone is forced to go in together and leave at the same time. There is no flexibility when it comes to a cranky child or a worn out grandparent.
Also know that a good chunk of any short trip will be wasted waiting in line to enter the parking lot followed by another line to catch the tram to the park. On a busy day, this added venture can easily eat up an hour of valuable park time. And the effort of emptying out the stroller to fold it and load it on the tram with supplies for the entire day and all the kids can be exhausting, especially when it’s hot and crowded.
Instead, visualize hopping out of bed and hopping straight onto the monorail with stroller, supplies and child in tact. “Aaaaah, a much easier way to start the day.” Does mom with baby need to take a two -hour hiatus from the more energetic park goers in her party? Well, just pop back on the monorail to the hotel room and return refreshed for the rest of the celebration.
Yes, the convenience is most notable, but along with that ease, Disney resorts deliver deliciously luxurious hotel rooms, top notch customer service and high quality spa products. The rooms offer respite from the bustle of the crowds and a much needed tranquil shift for the senses that get a bit overloaded at the parks.
The only downside, besides the higher price, is the being held hostage to Disney food. Once you’re settled into the resort hotel of choice, leaving for a restaurant in town doesn’t make sense. The Disney dining plan is a must, just so you don’t waste time wandering around looking for food. Reservations at the best dining spots are required, so plan your dining destinations ahead of time. Do that and avoid being turned away from a hot meal at a real table when one is really needed. There are only so many burgers and turkey legs that can be eaten during a visit. Be aware that dining options with the characters can fill up several months in advance.
Easy Pace and Good Planning
To find the right middle of the road pace, do some research and map out a basic plan to get the most for the three days.
At Disneyworld.com, each park lists its calendar of events and hours for each day. These times change, so knowing this ahead of time is crucial. For those who stay at any Disney resort hotel, the parks offer Extra Magic Hours before or after the regular park hours. These extra hours result in shorter lines, especially at the top attractions and can be an especially valuable perk. Depending on the crowds, two extra magic hours from 9 pm to 11 pm at Epcot Center can make a huge difference, especially for popular rides like Soar that can have two-hour waits during the day or 30-minute waits during Extra Magic Hours.
Decide which park to do on which day and make reservations to eat at least one sit down meal. Make these reservations well before the trip to ensure a spot at the table.
Staying at the Disney hotel also makes the park hopper ticket option more viable. Making the move from park to park can burn up valuable time depending on the lines for the busses, the ferries or the monorail. In this case, the extra magic hours lengthen the day, making park hopping a better deal.
Lines for everything at a Disneyworld park are a fact of life. Even during off peak times, the best attractions have lines. Order a set of park maps ahead of time and decide the top five things that are on your “A” list for each park. If there’s an option to get a Fast Pass, send the fastest scout to make the rounds early in the day to ensure a time slot for return. Fill in time with your “B” list if possible. The attractions however are just part of the magic. The sheer beauty of the parks can be missed when constantly rushing to see a show or get in line. Take a moment to soak in the environment and purposefully create special moments to celebrate life and your time at Disneyworld.
Celebrate at Disney
Life is a collection of memorable moments. Parents wanting to kick start their special vacation can order Disney gift baskets direct from www.DisneyFlorist.com . This wrapped basket of toys and treats will be waiting in the hotel room upon arrival. Imagine the shrieks of joy that will happen at that very moment. (The florist has baskets for grown ups too.)
Add more happy moments by dining with your child’s favorite characters, arranging for a princess makeover and staying out late to watch the fabulous fireworks shows.
Make Your Plans and Celebrate!
The website at www.DisneyWorld.com has just about everything you need to plan your trip. Research specials, make resort reservations, purchase tickets and packages, order maps and guidebooks, view calendars and much more. The Mom’s Panel at www.DisneyWorldMoms.com features real-life mom experts who answer questions about everything related to a Disneyworld visit. Send them a question or review past questions to find more helpful tips.
If you’re flying into Orlando, the resorts offer free transportation to and from the airport with luggage service. If you drive, the parking at the resorts is free. Utilize the concierge services whenever you need help.
Whether three days or ten, a Disneyworld vacation will add magic to your celebration this year. Enjoy!
Go to www.Disneyworld.com for all your information needs.
To contact them by phone:
Vacation Package Booking – (407) 939-7675
Resort Room Booking – (407) 939-7429
Dining Reservations – (407) WDW-DINE