How to Make a Crowded Disney Vacation Better
Fact: for families with a car full of school-aged children, visiting Walt Disney World during the summer is usually the easiest, most seamless solution. Also true thought: because plenty of parents feel the exact same way, you can bet your bottom dollar that crowds will be plenty from Memorial to Labor Day.
Even for the behaved or mild-mannered kiddos, long lines in scorching Florida sunshine can cause tantrums and full-blown meltdowns to erupt. Don’t shy away from this magical time of year in the most magical place of all though, with a bit of strategic planning and a healthy does of flexibility, you can still have an unforgettable vacation—and keep your sanity, too. Here’s a few tips to follow on a crowded Disney vacation:
Upgrade to hopper pass.
When you talk about your travel plans (and wishes, hopes and dreams) with a specialized Disney agent, he or she will run through all of the options available to you. And while you might not think you need to see more than Magic Kingdom, having the option to shift between parks helps to keep your children engaged—and gives you the option to plan around peak park times.
Instead of battling continuous hour-long waits to meet characters, you can head over to Epcot, where you can teach your children about the world they’ve yet to explore. Or make your way to epcot to take a more leisurely stroll through the great safari lands. Need recommendations on the best time of day to visit each landscape? Just ask our experts, they’ll give you the dish.
Have an early, early breakfast.
…and stay later into the night. Especially during the summertime or school breaks, Disney tends to stay open even later, to give families more time to enjoy the wonder. Since the middle of the day is the most congested, our agents recommend having a super-early breakfast at one of the onsite Disney Resorts and being at the gate, right when the park opens.
Since your kiddos will probably be far too excited to sleep much anyway, you’ll save yourself stress by touring through the rides before the late risers arrive. If your family is more of the sleeping-in types, consider the same philosophy for the evening. When the majority of people are retreating for dinner and relaxation, this is your opportunity to swoop in and catch a ride or high-five a princess.
Save time for pool days.
One way to make crowds more bearable is to take a break from them. You only pay admission prices for the days you’re in the park, so during your week-long stay, hang out by the pool at your Disney Resort. This gives everyone in your gaggle the chance to splash, read a book, nap or simply sit back and enjoy the view.
To make it more fun for your kids—who would live at Walt Disney World if they could—pack along some surprise goodies to make a pool day Disney-themed and entertaining for short-lived attention spans.
Opt for table service at lunch.
It isn’t just the excessive amount of people that can make the busy season difficult. It’s the sun! Though vitamin D is good for you, too much of it can wear out your nomadic legs, prompting you to do anything to get out of the heat. Give everyone a much-needed, air conditioned break by sitting down for lunch.
You can make a reservation through our agents, and take your time nibbling through your meal. Since hanger pains will be at bay, you’ll have a renewed energy and spirit to—politely—elbow your way through the crowds.
Splurge a bit on experiences.
While our Disney agents will be mindful of your budget, if you have a bit of wiggle room, sometimes a bit extra dough can make the difference between chaos and calm. From signing up for a dinner or dessert party to spending the day at the princess salon or catching a river boat cruise, these add-ons cost more, but save you hassle and heartache. Chat with one of our guides who will help you determine which route is best for you, your fam—and your wallet.
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