Planning a Disney trip is quite expensive. What starts out as a fun getaway quickly turns into a stressful logistical nightmare full of crowds, long lines, and sky-high ATM fees.
But for all that, it’s totally worth it. Going to Disney is an essential experience for any first-time parent. You’ll just have to trust us on that one.
In order to help keep the stress and make the most of your limited time at Disney world, we’re sharing our top seven tips for how to plan your magical trip.
Let’s get started!
1. Plan Your Trip in Advance
Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the ticket counter. You can also take advantage of discounts and promotions by buying ahead of time.
When you’re planning a trip to Disneyland, it’s important to set a budget for yourself. Planning and saving up some money will help you avoid going into debt or overspending. Decide what your priorities are and how much you’re willing to spend on each item.
It can be tempting to buy everything in sight, but resist the urge and stick to your budget! Remember to look for coupons and discounts to save money. There are often great deals available if you know where to look.
At the end of the day, a Disney trip should be enjoyable. Don’t let your budget ruin your trip. Check the DVC buying process and snap up your ticket now!
2. Get to the Parks Early
If you want to spend a day at one of the Disney parks, get there early! The earlier you get there, the shorter the lines will be for attractions. Try to get to the parks when they open so you can ride as many rides as possible before the lines get too long.
Don’t forget to grab a park map when you enter so you can plan your route and hit all the must-see attractions!
3. Stay at a Disney-Affiliated Hotel
There are lots of benefits to staying at a Disney-affiliated hotel. You can take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express service. This is complimentary airport transportation that is available for guests staying at selected Disney hotels.
Also, they offer a variety of dining options from quick-service to table-service restaurants. Complimentary WiFi service is also provided which lets you stay connected with family and friends back home.
Not only that, guests staying at Disney hotels can enjoy extra time in the parks each day, both before and after regular park hours. It’s worth the extra cost to not have to worry about driving and parking.
4. Take Advantage of the FastPass+ System
One of the most important is to make use of the FastPass+ System. This allows you to skip the lines for some of the most popular rides. You can get up to three fast passes per day, so make sure you use them wisely!
Make sure to also book them in advance for any must-do rides like Space Mountain or Splash Mountain. Also, take all the freebies Disney has to offer, like the free Park Hopper pass for military personnel.
5. Pack Light and Wear Comfortable Shoes
One of the best tips for having a great Disney trip is to make sure you wear comfortable shoes. This is important because you will be doing a lot of walking and standing in line. You want to make sure your shoes are comfortable so you can enjoy your time at the parks.
Another great tip is to bring a backpack or bag with you to carry snacks and drinks. This will help you save money and time by not having to stop and buy food all the time.
Wearing light, comfortable clothes will help you beat the heat and make the most of your days at the parks. In addition to being cooler, lighter clothes will also dry more quickly if you get wet on any of the rides.
6. Go to Disney During Off-Season
The best time to go is during the fall. The weather is cooling down, so you won’t have to deal with the extreme heat and humidity that come along with summertime. The prices for lodging and flights are also typically cheaper during this time.
However, avoid going the week of Thanksgiving, as the parks will be crowded with people taking advantage of the holiday break.
Another pro tip for your Disney trip is to pack sunscreen if you intend to visit during summer. The sun can be intense, especially in this season, and you don’t want to get sunburned on your vacation.
7. Set a Budget for Souvenirs
There are so many things to do and see at Disney, but they all cost money. You don’t want to blow all your money in the first few days and then have to scrimp and save for the rest of your trip.
Shop around before you buy anything. There are tons of souvenir shops in the parks and around Disney Springs, so take your time to find the best deals. Avoid buy-one-get-one deals. These are often a ripoff, and you’ll end up spending more than you need to.
You can also check out the souvenir shops at the resorts, they have unique items that you won’t find elsewhere.
It is also important that you don’t buy everything at once. Souvenirs can be expensive, so spread out your purchases throughout your trip.
You can also get creative with your souvenirs. If you’re on a budget, try to find unique items that can double as gifts for friends and family.
Follow These Tips for a Magical Trip When Going to Disney
If you’re planning in going to Disney, it is important to avoid the crowds by going during the off-season. Get the best deals by booking your trip well in advance. Save money on food by packing your own snacks and meals.
Don’t miss out on the fun by overplanning your days. Remember to relax and have fun! By following these tips, you’ll have the best possible experience on your next Disney trip.
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