Tips for Your Family Trip to Disney

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I have said it once, and I’ll say it again; Disney is a wonderful place for anyone who visits, but for kids it is magical!

I have been to Disney quite often but I have never been to Disney with my family and my husband and two little ones had never visited before at all. I was hoping to share some cute video footage of the moment when I gave the news to the kids, or any video footage that would show how excited they all were during the trip, however, this never happened because the minute I took out my camera my kids would run out of the room screaming or act the complete opposite of what I was hoping to capture, or would refuse to be video taped (or photographed) all together.

Oh the frustration!

I decided to put together a little guide on the best ways to avoid frustration as much as possible and make your trip to Disney as comfortable, if not more so, as it was for us.

This was huge because even though I have been to Disney quite often, I have never been to Disney with my family, and my husband and two little ones had never visited before at all! I was hoping to share some cute video footage of the moment when I gave the news to the kids, or any video footage that would show how excited they all were during the trip, however, this never happened because the minute I took out my camera my kids would run out of the room screaming or act the complete opposite of what I was hoping to capture, or would refuse to be video taped (or photographed) all together.

Oh the frustration!

I decided to put together a little guide on the best ways to avoid frustration as much as possible and make your trip to Disney as comfortable, if not more so, as it was for us.

Fast Pass and VIP Tour Guides

Oh, how we love thee! These timed entries onto coveted rides help in avoiding the long, long lines that form. Personally, and I am not judging here, I think it is insanity to make a small child wait on line for 40 minutes just so they can experience a 5 minute ride. Insanity, especially, for the parent. I don’t have it in me to do it. I mean, if I really, really must, of course I will, and if my kids were older, sure! But with little ones it just seems so daunting!

It used to be that the Fast Pass was part of your entry ticket, but now it is even more wonderful in that all your information: room key, charge code for food, gifts, etc., park passes, including fast passes, are on your Magic Band. Take note, Fast Passes run out of these very quickly so make sure to reserve them early online and familiarize yourself with the restrictions on times, dates, etc.

Have some extra cash? Then maybe you can spring for the VIP Tour Guides. These wonderful professionals will guide you through the park, past long lines, in great seats to live shows and parades, and offer a lot of convenience to your experience.

Our VIP Guide, Cristina 

We got to enjoy the services from our VIP Tour guide, Cristina. She was friendly, professional, and tons of fun, and it was wonderful to get a couple of days with her getting us through long lines and onto our favorite rides. However, we really enjoyed being able to take an even slower pace on our own, no focus or set goal, other than leisurely walking through the parks and taking in the sights, something not really easy to do when you are racing from ride to ride with a paid guide.

Height Requirements and Restrictions

Want to avoid one of the biggest causes for major meltdowns at the park? Research the height requirement and restrictions for the park rides before you get there (again, all this can be done on the Disney app) and if your kid doesn’t qualify to get on the ride, either avoid the rides altogether or plan a strategy or have a discussion on the issue beforehand.

There is nothing more heart-wrenching for a kid (and parent) when they get to the ride only to find out someone has to stay behind.

The Disney app has all the information concerning rides and more and will help you manage fast passes, etc.

Transportation

There is a lot to see in Orlando, FL that goes beyond the Disney parks. There’s of course Universal Studios, and Winter Park and much, much more. For this, you will need to rent a car. However, if you plan on making your trip an all Disney experience, from resort stay to park visits to Downtown Disney, then renting a car is not necessary.

Disney’s Magical Express Bus is a complimentary service from and to the airport for Disney Resort guests and Disney offers complimentary resort transportation from and to parks as well. Speaking of airports, if you can at all avoid a connecting flight from the East Coast into Miami airport to Orlando, do it!

The arrival terminals are almost always located on the opposite ends, requiring you (and your kids, with any carry-ons) to dash down long walk ways, up and down escalators, on a tram, to another gate, in another terminal with only minutes to spare. This has always been my experience when flying from NYC to Orlando connecting through Miami. Talk about a work out!

Hanes Design-A-Tee Store located in Downtown Disney

It might be worth doing the math on the cost of staying in a Disney resort and not renting a car versus staying at a lower cost, off-site location and renting a car, paying for tolls, gas, and parking. That, and considering the convenience of not worrying about it.

We stayed at the Contemporary Resort with easy access to the monorail and to all the Disney parks. It was quick, easy, and we loved it.

Hotels

Speaking of hotels, I did a little review some time ago on the various price points for Disney Resorts. You can revisit that article here. My favorites tend to be on the higher-end of the price spectrum because I love all the different amenities they offer, from fine dining restaurants to onsite shops to accessible transportation. Thus, the Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and The Contemporary are at the top of my list. However, my husband absolutely loved the rustic feel of The Wilderness Lodge and the look and feel of The P0lynesian.

Dining

Disney offers resort guests the option to customize their stay through various dining, stay, and altogether vacation packages. These packages help you customize your options as well as help save you money. We’ve listed our favorite Orlando dining spots here, some of which are Disney as well.

If you want to dine at any of Disney’s fine dining restaurants, such a Jiko and others, you will need to make a reservation. You can do this through your resorts’ concierge services, the Disney app, or by phone. I had a very difficult time reaching a live person by phone, thus would recommend the first two options. I would also recommend that you reserve early on during your stay if not before your arrival as most restaurants fill up quickly.

Though the fine dining restaurants have strict dress guidelines, they are all family-friendly, and kids are always welcomed.

About that Disney App

Disney has a phone app that provides you information to such things as Fast Pass wait time and availability, a GPS mapping system to help you navigate through the park, as well as character greet and meet times and locations. It’s called My Disney World Vacation and it is awesome.

Oh yes, about those photo opps

Well, let me tell you, it was harder then trying to get a picture with Prince William and Kate on their wedding day…or ever for that matter! My boys ran from me the second a took out a camera. My advice to avoid the headache? Take full advantage of the Disney’s Photo Pass service. The photos taken are connected to your Magic Band and you get a chance, with a code they provide you with, to preview the photos before purchasing them. Take as many as you want, only buy the ones you like the most. Find one of the professional photographers in any one of the four themed parks and water parks.

One thing I don’t have from our fabulous trip to Disney is a really awesome family picture. Well, there’s this one I took with my husband’s iPhone, on our hotel balcony.

It’s a start. Next time, I’m doing Photo Pass for sure. I did manage to get some cute shots though, check them out below from our Flickr page.

In case you lose a kid or two

Oh, one last tip: after having lost my kid the first day at Disney (Mother of the Year over here), I didn’t freak out at all. I have complete faith in the people of Disney. If I had to choose a place to get separated from my crew, it would be at Disney. They know how to deal with it quickly and effectively.

Of course, we did find him, already with a Disney cast member. Total time: 10 minutes.

So, my advice: if traveling with kids, create a little name tag with a contact number on it. Have your child wear it at all times and talk over instructions on what to do should you get separated. Don’t panic, find a cast member, and trust that they will find your child.

Our experience, though scary for a the little one, wasn’t at all traumatic and we all walked away feeling and remembering Disney as the happy, magical place it has always been for so many visiting families.

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