Take Mom’s Advice: Five Decades of Disney Top Tips
Mother really does know best (thanks, Mother Gothel!) when it comes to tips for planning a meltdown-free Walt Disney World vacation.
With 50 years of planning our trips under her belt, my own mother has seen it all. She has a wealth of go-to tips on how to do Disney calmly and rationally, but she swears by these three. They really are life-savers!
Image Credit: Disney
Tip #1: Everybody gets to pick one must-do ride each day.
With over 60 attractions to choose from between the four theme parks, Walt Disney World does not lack in options.
Until FastPass+ returns, the Disney park experience currently requires some old-school tips. And hence, this one is first on the list.
Before traveling, check out the rides that fit your travel party. Let each person choose one attraction that he or she “must do” in each park that you will visit.
With a solidly attainable set of rides selected, check the ride wait times on the MyDisneyExperience app often for the day of the week that you are planning to visit a given park. This allows you to gauge the time commitment that each ride requires.
You can also research which times of day are better for each ride and plot where to grab a snack on the way to those longer queues.
Set a clear expectation that nobody gets to spoil another person’s “must-do ride.” Even the strongest opponent usually finds a happy thought with the right motivation.
In our small world, all souvenir shopping waits until everyone gets their one ride. (It’s mainly mom who needs a reminder of this on Main Street U.S.A.)
Tip #2: Everyone gets to pick one dining must-do per trip.
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Over 200 eateries exist on Walt Disney World property! Sure, many people go straight to the iconic Mickey Waffles, Dole Whip and Mickey Bars. The dining options on property go far beyond those choices though (Check out our list of Top 10 restaurants to try this year!).
Right now, table-service dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance. In following mom’s rule, each member of the party gets to select one dining option during a typical 7-day trip.
Image Credit: Matt Stroshane, photographer
Not only does this set up a budget-conscious trip packed with downright delicious and unique culinary delights, but it also guarantees a pause/meet-up point in the day.
If the person chooses a table-service restaurant, it also guarantees air-conditioning and a restroom break. (As a kid, I did not appreciate the legit pro status of this move.)
Tip #3: Plan for the resort movie night.
A true perk of staying at a Disney resort: Movie Under the Stars. Usually by Night 3 or 4, everyone could use 90+ minutes to recharge.
Image Credit: Disney
These movie nights provide just that with free outdoor screenings of popular Disney films either poolside or in a natural area on the resort grounds.
Feature Image Credit: Disney
