Best Tips on Preparing for the Parks at Disney

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If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you know how much time goes into scheduling FastPasses, hotel accommodations, dining plans and more. Planning a trip to Disney is a lot of work and because the cost of Disney is so expensive you want it to be perfect. As a mom that has been to Walt Disney World a handful of times over the years, I have gathered a few best tips on preparing for the parks at Disney.

I have come up with a few random tips that will hopefully be helpful for your next trip to Disney. If you have any to add, please feel free to add them in the Comments section.

1. You can start making reservations for dining, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and certain shows 180 days in advance. Before you reach your 180 days, have a plan to where you want to dine and/or when you want to have your child transformed into a princess. In addition, have a backup plan, just in case the places you want to dine are overbooked. This is very important because when you reach the 180 days, reservations go fast!
2. When you make your dining reservations, if you do not get the times, dates and restaurants you want, check back every day at various times because often times people will cancel their reservation and new ones will open up.
3. Know what to bring to the parks, instead of buying at the parks. Here is a post that will be very helpful with this. It will definitely save you a lot of money.
4. Download the Disney app, My Disney Experience, now and explore it! This is your go-to app for almost everything at Disney.
5. Check the weather during your stay so you know how to dress and always bring rain ponchos. Florida rain can be unpredictable and often times it lasts for minutes and then goes away. Avoid buying them at the parks because they are very pricey. Instead buy them here.
6. Create a plan. We created a spreadsheet that documented each day and which park or parks we were going to be at. This spreadsheet is extremely helpful when making dining reservations and scheduling FastPasses. It makes planning so much easier.
7. If you choose to create a spreadsheet, as mentioned in #6, and you are staying at a Disney resort, make sure to check when the Magic Hours are for each park. This plays a big part in planning.
8. As you are scheduling your FastPasses, have the park map up. You will want to make sure that you are not scheduling FastPasses in all different parts of the park. You want to be smart and schedule them in a pattern that makes sense so you are not running back and forth from one side of the park to the other.
9. Bring a lightweight backpack such as this one. A lightweight backpack is easier and more comfortable to carry than a purse and it’s perfect for storing snacks, water bottle, kid items and more. In addition, it can be passed on to each member of your family to help carry around.
10. Pack thick socks and comfortable shoes. If you are staying for more than one day at the park, make sure to pack a few pairs of different shoes that are comfortable. This is very important because you will be walking a lot!
11. Get the Memory Maker here. This is the perfect addition to your Disney trip, especially if you go with a big group or/and if you have kids. Here are a few more reasons why you should purchase the Memory Maker.
12. Consider making or purchasing your group matching shirts while you are at the parks. This makes it very easy to find one another if crowds start to get in front of you. There are many Etsy shops that sell matching shirts or you can PM me on my Sassy Bratz Facebook page and I can try and help.
13. If your kids have never been to Disney, consider showing them YouTube videos so they have an idea of what to expect. Sometimes kids get anxious if they have not been somewhere before, especially somewhere with so many crowds.
14. If you are staying on Disney property while you are at the parks, choose your Disney resort wisely. Research not only the cost and if you can afford it, what amenities it offers, but also research the transportation options from and to the park. Here is my personal reviews of the Art of Animation, Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resort.
15. Research and decide if the Disney Dining Plan is right for your family.

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A Disney vacation can create many wonderful memories for you and your family so make sure that you are prepared. In addition to the helpful tips that I listed, I recommend that you go the Disney website and read about each park, dining options and more. There is a lot to learn about Disney and you want to make sure that you are ready to make great memories. Do you have any best tips on preparing for the parks at Disney?

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