On
Jan 28, 2008
Chad from IL
Asked
Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.
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I have done the basic planning for a March trip to Disney World -- flight, hotel, which parks on which days, and tough to get dinner reservations. What should I be thinking about over the next few weeks to continue planning?
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Kudos on your planning so far. You didn’t mention park tickets, but I’ll assume you have that covered.
For the last few weeks before going to WDW there are several key things to do:
1) Engage the kids in the planning process. Share your plans so far, and ask about what they want to do. Try to also save a few surprises for them, though.
2) If interested, you may want to plan some other activities (not too many though – don’t overload the vacation!), such as the Pirate Adventure Cruises, “hard-ticket” parties at the Magic Kingdom (e.g., Pirate & Princess parties), Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique, Cirque du Soleil, golfing, boating, horse-back riding, etc. Note: some of these activities may require 180 day advance reservations, especially during peak times.
3) Make some rough attraction order plans for each park day (include your kids “must do” rides). If you need help, touringplans.com, ridemax.com and tourguidemike.com all are great sources that I have used for creating plans that minimize waiting and walking times. Please be sure these aren’t “commando-style” plans; Plan for breaks, character autographs, sitting on a bench, feeding the ducks, etc. as well!
4) Find some last-minute stuff for the kids to enjoy at the parks. Our favorites include glow sticks (you can often find tubes of 12 for $1 at Michael’s), Disney trading pins (try eBay.com, or MousePinsOnline.com – often $2-3 each), easy to carry snacks, and pre-1982 pennies for the pressed penny machines
5) Wear-in your walking shoes, if needed. Also practice long walks in advance. Touring WDW involves a lot of walking, so try to get everyone prepared for it.
6) Consider buying/making matching shirts for the family. This doesn’t appeal to everyone, I know, but it makes it easy to spot your family at the park, and the Cast Members often give you a bit more attention.
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