Eight Tips to Have a Relaxed Disney Vacation
Every family fights on vacation. It’s one of those weird but ironclad laws in society. Sometimes, stress will get the better of you, even at the Happiest Place on Earth. Fortunately, you’ll have several ways to reduce your frustration level during your trip. Here are eight ways to have a relaxed Disney vacation.
Get Park Hopper Passes
On a recent Disney morning, the scanning system at the entrance to Magic Kingdom stopped working. Cast members resorted to RFID scanners for admission tickets, clogging up the front of the park.
The unfortunate situation trapped guests with single park admission. They could only wait in line for Magic Kingdom employees to work their way through the lines.
This admittedly rare situation reinforces the value of Park Hopper passes. Let’s say that you were stuck waiting at Magic Kingdom that morning. Imagine how frustrated you would have felt.
Now, consider the satisfaction that you would rush over you as you hopped on the monorail and headed to Epcot instead. You’d no longer feel trapped!
I’m a firm believer in Park Hopper passes. Yes, they cost more, but these tickets enhance the value of your park experience.
You have the luxury of going anywhere that you want. Simply pull up My Disney Experience and check the wait-times for each park. Then, pick the place whose crowds are the smallest. You’ll feel so much more relaxed when you possess that level of control over your vacation time.
Visit Disney Resorts
The official Disney hotels combine impeccable theming with world-class amenities. Thankfully, you don’t have to stay at the resort to enjoy many of them.
All you need to do is hop on a bus or monorail or boat or Disney Skyliner. Disney will happily transport you to an official resort, where you can catch your breath while avoiding the crowds.
While you’re at the resort, you can do something as simple as walk the grounds. Some properties like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will dazzle you with their immaculate settings. You’ll wander happily across the campus, almost in a dream-like state as you admire the theming.
All of Disney’s Deluxe Tier properties also operate Quick Service and Table Service restaurants. You can dine at these places, often while avoiding the crowds. Restaurants like Kona Café and The Wave… of American Flavors serve delicious cuisine that will satisfy your hunger. But they rarely have long waits for tables.
Disney rewards guests who are willing to roam. By exploring the resorts, you’ll unearth some spectacular activities that you’d otherwise miss.
Hang out on a Roof
Several of these hotels also operate rooftop restaurants and lounges. You can head to the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort to dine at California Grill. Alternately, you can try one of the two new places built with the same idea.
Toledo — Tapas, Steak, & Seafood at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort resides at the top of Gran Destino Tower. It overlooks several major Disney landmarks that you’ll appreciate even more from the top floor.
Similarly, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort combines a decadent meal with an unforgettable view.
When you eat at any of these places, you’ll gaze across Disney’s Orlando empire. In fact, the Riviera Resort’s rooftop restaurant comes with a bonus. You can watch guests ride the Disney Skyliner, too. It’s a beautiful way to pass the time in a serene environment.
Make Dinner Reservations
I feel strongly about Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs). Guests should make them, or they’ll get shut out of eating at Disney’s most popular establishments. Disney restaurants book early for a reason. Frequent visitors know the best places to go and grab early reservations for these places.
You should do the same. For starters, the food’s excellent. More importantly for this discussion, you’ll also segment your day better when you have dining reservations. You’ll know where you must go and when you must arrive.
Picking the right ADRs will help you plan your day efficiently. Also, you’re guaranteeing your family takes breaks during the visit.
You must sit down to eat at a set time, and most Disney sit-down restaurants take at least 45 minutes to turn over a table. You’ll get off your feet for a while, and you’ll eat well, too. First, you must book your dinner reservations, though!
Shop When You’re Ready to Drop
Retail therapy isn’t merely a hometown thing. You can make yourself feel better by buying stuff anywhere. And you’ll never find better merchandise than at a Disney theme park.
So, one of the quickest ways to calm down in an emergency situation is to go shopping. Disney officials understand this thought process, which explains why stores are always within short walking distance.
At any moment when you need to calm down, head into one of these retailers. The moment that you see a Minnie Mouse plush, you’ll forget all your problems!
Sit by the Pool
Disney pools will put the one at your gym to shame. These facilities can accommodate dozens of guests simultaneously, and the seating areas allow for the fact that just as many people will want to watch.
I always allow at least an hour in my daily vacation itinerary for swimming/sitting by the pool. That’s the time when I unwind in a relaxed environment.
I swim laps, grab a snack from the pool bar, and sunbathe while savoring the ideal California/Florida weather. I love this so much that I even pack my swim trunks when I visit in November through January!
Use FastPasses
Many years ago, clever Imagineers doubled the number of guests that they could satisfy at once. Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, but FastPasses changed the nature of waiting in line.
With FastPass in hand, you’re physically in one place, but an imaginary clone of you stands in line for a ride. When you’re ready, you head to the FastPass line, which is generally a wait of only a few minutes.
Clearly, FastPasses are phenomenal.
Thanks to the My Disney Experience app, you can look for FastPasses throughout the day. The moment that you use one, you should have your phone out, as you search for another.
By utilizing FastPasses, you vastly reduce the amount of time that you spend waiting in line. If that doesn’t lessen your stress, nothing will.
Just Sit Down
I saved the simplest solution for last. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, you already have the answer surrounding you. Disney has placed chairs, tables, and other sitting areas throughout the parks and other places. Take a load off while you get your bearings!
By sitting down, you take away all physical stress on your body. Even better, you may survey the land, so to speak.
All Disney parks feature magnificent sights worthy of your time. Look around and savor the beauty of wherever you are. As long as you’re on the Disney campus, you’ll find several gorgeous sights. Relish them while you catch your breath and reduce your stress!