Disney Prep Crash Course

It happens at least once to a parent of toddlers.  There’s really no way around it. They ask and they ask and they ask for it by name.  They sing the songs interminably and you even find yourself humming the tunes.  

If you haven’t guessed, we’re talking about Disney.

Depending on what type of parenting style you’ve developed, you might just try to wing your first trip to Disney with your toddler --  but that, my friends, is a very bad idea.  

Regardless of how many people are in your party or how old your children might be, going to Disney always requires a little bit of pre-planning and a little bit of know-how. 

DINING
Once you’ve determined your date, how many days you’ll spend at the parks and bought your tickets, the first thing you should do next is try to pre-plan as much of your dining experiences as possible. If you’re traveling with young children, waiting 45 minutes to an hour for a table at a restaurant, or having to wait in line at a food stand, will probably cause some tears and potentially some unnecessary yelling. Having your reservations or dining plans ahead of time will help you understand how often throughout the day you’ll have to make sure your little ones have a snack.  Disney also has great food allergy and food sensitivity protocols that can be sussed out ahead of time. 

Dining reservations can be made through Disney’s apps, so while you’re doing this it’s also a good idea to set up any Fast Passes you have purchased.   

SNACKS
Snacks are something you bring into the park with you. I think we’re all into saving money where we can. Granola bars and small packaged snacks are great to keep on hand at theme parks. 

ARRIVE EARLY
For first timers, it’s great to arrive at the parks as early as possible.  If parades are a really big deal for you and your little ones, lining up early for those is encouraged so you can get right up front and see all of the characters.  Make sure to pay attention to parade times which are listed in the app and other areas within the parks. If parades aren’t your thing, this is PRIME TIME to ride those hard-to-get-on rides.  

FUN FOR ADULTS, TOO!
While the trip to Disney may have been instigated by your little one, the parks are fun for adults too.  Take a look at the maps before you step into the park if possible and try to pinpoint the areas where you can get adult beverages. Depending on where you are within Disney, it might be fewer and farther between. Setting this expectation for yourself before getting to the parks could cause a lot less aggravation for you when the time comes.

Your first family trip to Disney is a big deal, it’s a rite of passage and it’s not always easy.  Preparation for a successful family trip to Disney is key to ensuring as much magic happens as possible.  You’ll thank us later. 

Do you have any more suggestions? Let us know in the comment!