Vacations, especially Walt Disney World vacations, are supposed to be fun. However, if you spend any time reading WDW message boards, Facebook groups, blogs comments, etc, you would think that planning a Walt Disney World vacation is anything but. I frequently see posts where people are frazzled about doing the wrong thing. Somehow, they have convinced themselves that just one misstep is going to absolutely RUIN their vacation.
I get it.
For most people a Walt Disney World is not cheap. That puts a lot of pressure on oneself to make sure that you are absolutely getting the most for their money.
On top of that, people have this idealized view of what a Disney vacation should be like. People see these commercials with children running toward Mickey Mouse, ready to give him a huge embrace. They see families smiling and laughing as they ride Dumbo. They see kids jumping into the pool, having the best time. Because of Disney’s marketing, families want to replicate the shear perfection that these commercials portray. Anything short of that perfect view means that the vacation was a failure.
That means having spreadsheets full of checklists of things to do. Every minute of every day planned out. People start treating what is supposed to be a vacation like a chore… check this box, check that box.
But those people forget that this isn’t what a vacation is about.
As I mentioned at the top, a vacation is supposed to be fun. Beyond that, it is supposed to be about making memories with the people you love that will last a lifetime. I can’t imagine what memories children will have if they are being shuttled from ride to ride like clockwork without any time for fun. That seems like a recipe for disaster (and lots of therapy!)
Anyway, enough of the long winded introduction. This article is about setting your expectations properly. It is about getting yourself in the correct mindset so that you can have the best vacation possible!
Tip #1: Do Your Research
You might feel like I am contradicting myself, but you really need to do some level of research about Walt Disney World. Now, you don’t have to write your PhD thesis about optimal ride strategies, but you should at least familiarize yourself with some basics. Otherwise, you are going to be completely lost when you show up.
Honestly, it is no different than when you visit any new city. One doesn’t just show up at the airport without a clue about what to do. Normally, you have some idea of the basics. How to get around the city. What tourist attractions you want to visit. What are their hours? Do you need advanced tickets? What places are there to eat? And so forth.
Walt Disney World, being a large city unto itself, is no different.
You should familiarize yourself with the different parks: what attractions are in each one, what are their hours, how do I get there.
You should familiarize yourself with things like Genie+, Lightning Lanes, Virtual Queues. I also recommend downloading and becoming familiar with the “My Disney Experience” app on your phone.
Learn more about some of the different restaurants and foods that are available.
Are there any special events going on when you are going to be there?
By doing this, you will get some idea of how you might want to spend your days.
Tip #2: Have a Basic Plan
Now that you have done your research, you should formulate a basic plan for each day, based upon what interests you.
Obviously, your first decision is which of the four parks you are going to visit on a given day. Once you do this, decide how you want to spend each of those days.
In a previous article, I suggested coming up with a few “must-do” items and building your day around them. This doesn’t require you to plan out every second, but it gives you an idea of what your day might be like. You want to balance some structure with having some freedom and flexibility to be spontaneous.
Tip #3: Don’t Be Afraid to Deviate From Your Plan
Especially if you haven’t been to Walt Disney World, what might sound good on paper might not be as appealing when you are there in person. Conversely, you might come across something in person that you didn’t consider doing. Don’t be afraid to change it up if you want to. It’s your vacation. You should do what you want to. You shouldn’t feel obligated to do something because it is on your plan, or some blogger said you should do it.
I can’t tell you how many times we planned to do X, but ended up doing Y and loved it!
Along those lines, you need to “read the room” so to speak. Children (and many adults) are unpredictable. They get tired. They get hungry. Something catches their attention that you didn’t expect. Don’t be a slave to your plan. If you need a break in the air conditioning, take a break! If you are suddenly in the mood for ice cream, stop and get that Mickey Bar. Even if it means missing out on something you had planned, you’ll be much happier because your family will be happier!
Tip #4: Accept That Things Are Not Going to Go According to Plan
The great philosopher Mike Tyson once said “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth!” That couldn’t be more true for a Walt Disney World vacation. Of course, you hopefully won’t get punched in the mouth literally. However, things are going to go wrong.
A bus breaks down
Lightning in the area closes a ride
A restaurant runs out of Micky Waffles
You can’t get a Virtual Queue reservation
I can tell you from first hand experience that something is bound to go wrong on each and every Walt Disney World trip. 100% chance! Nothing is going to be perfect.
Therefore, if your standard for a successful Walt Disney World vacation is perfection, then you will never feel like your vacation was a success. And that’s a shame.
When life gives you lemons, turn it into lemonade (preferably a frozen one if you are going to WDW in the summer!)
If a ride breaks down, try a different ride. Or maybe explore a shop or a walk-through attraction.
If you can’t get a reservation for a restaurant that you had your heart set on, try a different one. Or maybe check out some quick service options or snack carts. There is no shortage of good food at Walt Disney World!
If you get stuck in a rainstorm, put on some ponchos and carry on. Some of our best, most memorable Disney experiences have involved sloshing through the rain. Banshee can tell you that there is nothing like riding Expedition Everest in a downpour. And during a storm, Kilimanjaro Safaris are a completely different (if wet) experience!
You’re on vacation. You are with your family. Don’t let a small setback ruin it for everyone. Embrace the imperfection!
Tip #5: You WILL Make Magical Memories
Regardless of what happens, I guarantee that you will make memories that will last a lifetime. I also guarantee that these magical moments will happen when you least expect them.
It could be the look on your child’s face when they see Cinderella’s Castle for the first time. Or maybe when the whole family sings “A Pirate’s Life For Me” after riding Pirates of the Caribbean. Perhaps you will fondly remember sitting in the shade chowing down on Mickey Pretzel together.
It could even be something simple like sitting at the pool at night after a long day at the parks, chatting about everything and nothing.
Yes, maybe things won’t go according to all of your spreadsheets. Maybe you won’t get to ride every last ride in the parks. But I absolutely guarantee that you’ll make some magical memories with your family.
With the right attitude and outlook, I have no doubt that you will have the best vacation ever!
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