Disney World—two words that have an instant appeal to anyone with children as well as the child within us. Many families make it a goal to try and see this theme park at least once (maybe even several times). But, many would-be park goers aren’t getting the most out of their stay. Here’s some valuable tips and knowledge that you can put into practice when putting together your next Disney trip.
What’s New At Disney?
If you’re planning a trip to Disney in 2017, you’re likely going to want to plan your trip around one date: May 27th. This is when one of the most anticipated attractions in the park’s recent history opens its doors, Pandora: World of Avatar. The largest expansion in the history of Animal Kingdom, this new area promises to bring to life the floating mountains and glowing rainforests of James Cameron’s sci-fi hit. Naturally, this will be bringing some huge lines for the next year or so. Don’t be afraid to visit, just plan wisely (more on that later)
One thing that may not be on your radar but is worth looking into is Disney Springs. Formerly known as Downtown Disney, this dining and entertainment area officially finishes construction this year. Get ready for some great new restaurants like The Edison, The Boathouse, Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar, Morimoto Asia, and more.
Planning Wisely
Rather than suggesting the best time to visit Disney, we should lay out times where you generally want to avoid booking your trip. While it’s tempting to take advantage of those week-long breaks, especially if you have children, you’re generally asking for trouble. Naturally, it’s because anyone else with kids has the same idea! By the same token, summer has the same big crowds along with hot and humid weather.
In general, fall and Christmas make for a great combination of lower crowds, more agreeable weather, as well as some great events. These include the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot in September. Another top event is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in early December. If you don’t have many opportunities to go to Disney, the holiday season is a great choice.
While it may not sound very fun, if you’re a first-time visitor, it pays to do your homework. If you have a family, take the time and sit down with your kids to try and see what type of rides they want to see the most. Don’t feel that you need to plan everything down, but a basic set of priorities will make things much easier for you later.
When you’re in the park proper, many use Fastpass to try and save time on the rides, but using this resource properly will help you in the long run. Take the time to look at the tip board in each park to see what the current waits are for each ride. Some of your Fastpass options generally have little wait, so try to avoid blowing your uses of this system when you don’t need it. Cueing up as single riders, even if you are a group, can cut down on your wait time as well.
Disney Fun Without A Massive Bill
One of the biggest things you need to figure out is where you are going to stay. Racing to the bottom when it comes to prices may seem like a viable strategy, but there are a few things to consider. First, there is the convenience factor (how close you are to the park). Keep in mind what food options you have available nearby. Where you stay is much more than where you lay your head after a long night out.
While you may be skeptical of using a resort package, these provide comfort and convenience without breaking the bank. This is especially the case at Disney, which is well known for its resorts. Learn more about the different vacation packages from Westgate Reservations at https://www.westgatereservations.com/orlando/vacation-packages/disney/. Here are some benefits that you can get by using one of these packages.
- The spacious accommodations mean that you can get a suite or villa with enough room for large groups.
- Avoid parking fees with complimentary shuttle service.
- There is just as much entertainment at the resorts as at the parks themselves. This makes for a good fallback if the weather is rough.
- Pet-friendly rooms for those who want to bring their furry friends.
- Plenty of dining options on the premises. This means that you don’t have to worry about working dinner or any other meal into your plans.
From what you do to where you stay to how you save, a Disney vacation is prime for lifelong memories. Note that you can start it off on the right foot before you leave home. Use some of the insight from this article to help you guide on those essential planning moments—just don’t forget to enjoy yourself.