Let’s Talk about the Basics of Disney Vacations
When was the last time you visited a Disney theme park?
Many people claimed they would stay away until after the pandemic, but they delayed for other reasons.
Some avoided the crowds during Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, which undeniably spiked attendance.
Others skipped 2023 due to concerns about Disney100 crowds, a concern that mostly proved overblown.
Still, for some of you, it’s been a while since your last Disney visit.


Photo: Disney
So, let’s take this opportunity to go over the basics of Disney vacations.
The whole thing is just like riding a bike. Once you’re walking down Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll remember all of it.
Avoid the Holidays If Possible


Crowds
This topic has proven oddly controversial, as everyone does Disney differently.
For some people reading this, spending the holidays at Disney is what your family does.
If so, I respect and admire that. Traditions are important, and they matter to your emotional well-being.
Please do whatever works best for you and yours. And I realize that some of you don’t have a choice.
You visit during the holidays because that’s when it’s easiest to book your trip. I get that.
My advice is more along the lines of, “If you have a choice, pick a different time like, say, January or September.”
I offer this suggestion because Disney all but shouts from the rooftops when it’s less crowded.
During these calendar weeks, you’ll find cheaper tickets and smaller crowds.
Conversely, when you visit on the holidays, park officials will charge more for Disney Genie+, and it’ll sell out anyway.
I always feel like I’m sticking my head in the lion’s mouth by offering this advice, but it’s good and valid if you choose to take it.
Keep Your Phone Charged


My Disney Experience
One of the dirty secrets of Disney involves the app, My Disney Experience.
You WILL need to use this app countless times during your visit.
Unfortunately, My Disney Experience is notoriously hard on your smartphone battery. It’ll drain the charge quickly.


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That’s a problem since you’ll need the app for things like Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, attraction wait times, and Mobile Ordering.
MickeyBlog has posted several tips for keeping your phone charged, which should help.


Photo: wirefly.com
Still, I cannot stress this enough. You should protect the charge in your phone like your life depends on it!
Disney vacations aren’t cheap, and you’re limiting access to a vital app if you don’t keep your phone operational.
Mobile Order Almost Everything
Speaking of which, I’m one of those who prefers Table Service restaurants at Disney.
In a vacuum, I’d rather use a dining experience to sit down and rejuvenate between aggressive park tactics.
When I’m at Disney, I’m trying to do everything I can as quickly as possible.


Photo: Disney
One of the keys to that approach is using sit-down meals, preferably highly immersive ones, as extended breaks.
Even as someone who has taken this approach for many years now, I have adapted my strategy lately.
Simply stated, the efficiency and accuracy of Mobile Dining make it the preferred dining option now.


Photo: Disney
You can order what you want precisely as you want it, and you can signal Disney the instant you’re ready to grab your food.
Theme parks aren’t known for their efficiency as a rule. So, Mobile Ordering is legitimately a game-changer at Disney.


Photo: Disney
We’ve discussed the best Quick Service dining options for many years and continue to do so.
You’ll find countless dining options at each park, and they’ll all fuel your park visit while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Pick (at least) One Character Meal


Disney
But what I just said about Table Service restaurants still applies.
I strongly encourage you to pick one character meal during your vacation.
My philosophy here is simple. Everyone loves character interactions at Disney.



Photo: Disney
Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert doesn’t even matter, and I say that as a weird amalgam of both.
When you meet Disney characters, you automatically revert to childhood and accept that these creatures are real.
You can see them, touch them, and hug them, and it’s magical.



Photo: Disney
Alas, theme parks can be frenetic at times, which can lead to some rushed character encounters.
That’s not the case at character meals. Disney trains its costumed Cast Members to take their time at each table.
So, you’re certain to get plenty of photographs of all your favorites, plus a memorable interaction or two.


Photo: Disney
For this reason, I strongly recommend that you book at least one character meal during your vacation.
This meal may prove to be the most memorable moment during your entire trip. It has been for me on several occasions.
Stay on Site


Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
This one’s a no-brainer.
I’ve written extensively on this topic over the years because I feel so strongly about it.
You should always stay at an official Disney resort rather than somewhere off-site.
When you choose a Disney hotel, you’re ensuring the finest amenities and logistics possible…but it’s more than that.
You’re also extending the Disney Bubble in a way that makes it permanent throughout your stay.
Should you book a non-Disney hotel room or other accommodation, you’ll instinctively know the moment you leave the park.


Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Everything will change as the magic fades and you arrive at your room for the night/week.
You’re not at Disney, which fundamentally changes the vibe. You’ll be more tense and less content at a third-party site.
Even worse, you’ll spend a disproportionate amount of your time worrying about when and how you’ll get back to Disney.
None of that is a consideration when you stay at a Disney hotel.
You get what you pay for at a Disney property, which is to say: sustained excellence.
Wear Comfortable Shoes


Breaking in my shoes
Here’s my final piece of advice based on my stunning track record of theme park stupidity.
Please wear comfortable shoes.
You will have no concept of how much this matters until the one time you forget.


Make sure you get the right walking shoes!
Then, you’ll regret everything the entire day/trip.
I’ve been known to break out a new pair of shoes during a Disney vacation.
Not coincidentally, I have some pictures of my feet that you’d swear were taken straight from a zombie movie.
I’m susceptible to something called golfer’s vasculitis, which is a gross foot thing that happens when you’re walking a lot.
Since golfers lazily ride in golf carts a lot, some people even call this the Disney Rash today.
You’re more likely to suffer from this condition when you wear uncomfortable shoes.
Your feet will itch, and they’ll look so gross that you never want to take your socks off, even in the shower.
The cure to this disease is simple and proactive. Wear comfortable shoes.


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Feature Photo: Disney