Walt Disney World/Orlando Trip Tips

I have been asked for Disney tips by many moms lately, so I thought I would add them to my blog. With each Facebook message to these moms I've added more and more. Ladies, believe it or not you'll see even more tips here.

My in-laws have a timeshare in Kissimmee (10 min outside of the parks) which we have visited on many occasions. We are completely spoiled, I know. I am a Disney fanatic and my hubby is a penny pincher so we are a good team! We have kind of mastered the Disney/Orlando area trip. I am here to share a few of the things we've learned.

This last trip was a lot of fun to plan for since our girls are five and three years old. They are the perfect ages for a Disney trip. They were ALMOST as excited as I was to go on this vacation. This was a fun idea I found on Pinterest to build up the excitement and keep track of how many days until vacation.

A Countdown for Our Florida Vacation

Idea Via:  http://www.getawaytoday.com/blogs/2012/08/23/Disneyland-Vacation-Let-the-Countdown-Begin

Some of the "loops" had fun Disney themed activities inside, such as Disney movie nights, Make a Disney themed treat and write a letter to your favorite Disney Character. (pictured below)

1675 North Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

 The coolest part about writing the letter is that they send you an autographed postcard back!! So don't forget to include your name and address in your letter.

They were so excited to get these in the mail

The other thing I made were personalized autograph books. The ones they sell in the parks are extremely overpriced, and my girls just happen to have a crafty mom so homemade is what they got. 

I included a Sharpie with each book

I left every other page in the books blank and a piece of blank card stock under it. As we met each character I pulled out the blank card stock for them to sign, then placed it back in the book. When we got home, I printed out the character pics and placed them above the signature. Such an awesome keepsake from our vacation.

Airplane Travel with little ones:

Flying with babies and toddlers: Take a lot for them to do and eat too. Books and quiet toys. Assuming they will be on your lap. We traveled like this with both girls when they were small enough. It worked out very well. If you are lucky they'll fall asleep for you. Our youngest has always been a plane sleeper. Pack plastic bags in your diaper bag in case they have a stinky poop on the plane. That way you can tie it up and toss it and it wont stink up the small bathroom as bad. If they still drink out of a bottle or sippy try to get them to drink during take off and landing. That helps with their ears if you do not get the Earplane plugs.

You can take your stroller (and car seats if you do not check them) all they way up to the jetway and they will store it under the plane for you. It will be waiting for you when you get off the plane. This makes it so much easier to get through the airport.

I wish I could remember more about traveling with babies/toddlers....
Oh yeah! take antibacterial wipes to wipe down the trays and armrests. They are so gross!!

Flying with big kids:  Take a lot of things to do. Coloring books, crayons, pipe cleaners (sounds silly, but it does keep them occupied) books, small toys. Both girls have cheap MP3 players that they call their Ipods, those kept them quiet on the plane too. I filled them up with a ton of Disney music and some of their favorites. Since they fall asleep to music at night, I also put some nap music on them as well, so when we got there I could hook up the small speakers and they could fall asleep to familiar music.

Every ticketed passenger is allowed a carry on and one personal item. So they can have their very on backpack or bag. Our girls think they are pretty cool with their roller backpacks. They usually take their "lovies" Our oldest has her Mickey Mouse and our youngest has her Bunny. Also, pack their bags with a ton of snacks. Food will make it through security just not liquids. Once you get through security buy something for them to drink that way you do not have to wait for the flight attendants to come around. I did not have any major problems with either of the girls and their ears popping, but it can happen. I have gotten Earpalne Ear Plugs in the past and they seemed to work well.

 http://www.onestepahead.com/product/Kids-Earplane-Ear-Plugs-For-Airplane-Travel/_/R-14762

Dinner at T-Rex Downtown Disney

Dinners/Meals: We usually go grocery shopping at Publix (their version of Pick N Save) a little further from the main strip. The prices are usually a little better, but be warned it's still more expensive than here. A couple of trips ago we used our cell phone to locate the store and it's been "our grocery store" ever since. We usually do this the day we get there. It's tiring, but it saves a ton of money for the week.

We get the basics for easy meals. Especially food for bag lunches and snacks, since you can bring your own into the parks. Also, bottled water is a must!! Their water is disgusting.
When it comes to eating out, believe it or not we usually only go out twice the whole week we are there and it's typically for dinner. Usually it is somewhere Downtown Disney. They have T-Rex restaurant (owned by the same people as Rainforest Cafe. Same concept), Rainforest Cafe and Planet Hollywood. There are other options as well, but they are not as kid friendly. We also eat at the restaurant that is on the timeshare property. This saves on gas and time.

 Tickets for the parks: This last trip Ryan's parents (bless their hearts) listened to the dreaded timeshare "talk" and scored us a deal on a three park pass. Normally we pay full price for tickets, so unfortunately I do not have any tips for saving $$$ there unless you are willing to sit and listen to the timeshare people and kindly say no. Which I have a really hard time doing. Ryan on the other hand...

Parking: Again, we usually pay full price for this as well, but depending on where you are staying, they may have a shuttle that runs from your timeshare to the parks. Just keep in mind this may limit your time in the parks.

Another thing we just figured out this time around is that you can catch a shuttle from Downtown Disney and the parking is free! I am unsure how much it cost to ride the bus, but I'm thinking it's much cheaper than parking in the parks.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/transportation/bus_schedules.htm

 Packing for your trip: So if you have little girls. This is what you are going to need to pack. A princess dress, glitter hairspray, a crown and other accessories for each one of your little princesses. This will save you hundreds of dollars. You will see little girls all done up and it's because they visited the Bippity Boppity Boutique and spent a ton of unnecessary money. It's a cute idea, but come on people!! I had my own "princess boutique" right there in our condo for one of our trips to Downtown Disney and they were happy as clams.

Hit up the dollar store for glow in the dark necklaces, rings, wands... Whatever you can find. This will save you $$$ you are staying at the parks when it gets dark out. Your kiddos will be less likely to ask you for the overpriced light up toys they sell all over the parks. Also, while you are there pick up some pool toys and floaties. We always leave ours there at the end of the week. If they have them pick up some cheap personal fans and spray bottles. It gets hot and miserable in the sun all day. They do sell fan/spray bottles in the parks but the price is astronomical. Like I said, my hubby is a penny pincher. I have to save where I can.

Pack a already purchased Disney stuffed toy. This way when the kids ask you for one you can say, but you already have a Mickey waiting for you at "home" (at the timeshare) Shop Walmart and Target for cheaper Disney apparel before you go. This again will hopefully save you from wanting to get the super cute ones they have a the parks and Downtown Disney. Even I was tempted. There was a coffee mug that I reeeealy wanted.

Here is where my "ocd" kicks in. Packing the suitcase... I picked out outfits for every day according to the the weather channel, all the way down to undies and hair ties. I also had a spare outfit, sweater and light coat for each of them. When we got to Florida, I kept the outfits in the bags. This made picking out an outfit so much easier. I also packed them back in the bags for the trip home. This way I was sure I did not forget anything.

 My Top Ten Parks, Attractions and Insiders: 

1. Fast Pass- Every Disney park has Fast Passes for the most popular rides and attractions. All you need is your admission ticket and a Fast Pass kiosk. Use these as much as you can. It will save you a lot of time. Ask the cast members were the are located and how to use them. The are very friendly and helpful. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/fast-pass/

 2. Photo Pass- Every Disney park also has Photo Pass. This is such a nice feature. The parks professional photographers are throughout the park taking pictures of you and your family. The first cast member will give you a Photo Pass card. Keep this with you as you travel through the parks. They will scan your card after they take the pictures and they will be waiting for you on the website when you get home. They will also take pictures with your camera! All you have to do is ask. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/photo-pass-service/

This photo was taken with our camera by a cast member

3. Kid Swap- If your kiddos are not tall enough to ride or do not want to go, simply tell the cast member when it’s your turn to ride. As soon as the other adult is done riding, you take your turn on the ride while the other parent stays with the kids. Soooo nice!

4. Downtown Disney- This is a great place to take the family. Lot’s to do and look at. There is a movie theater and bowling alley if the weather is not so great. Lot’s of places to eat and shop. We ate at the T-Rex restaurant which is owned by the same people as Rainforest Café (which they also have Downtown Disney) I called for 6pm reservations at 3pm and they were not taking any more reservations. I suggest calling in the morning/early afternoon for reservations. The kids enjoyed eating Planet Hollywood on other trips. If you go in the evening, keep in mind that the middle of Downtown Disney (Pleasure Island) is closed off for adults only. Beware of the “I want’s” and “Can I have’s” in the stores. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/

5. Legoland Florida- This park was so awesome! Lily could do everything in the park and Lexi could do almost everything. Very kid oriented. There is also a waterpark inside the park for an additional cost, but VERY worth it. It’s only a 45 min drive from Disney. http://florida.legoland.com/

6. Sea World- We did not go to Sea World this trip, but we’ve been a few times and it’s amazing. There is a lot to do. As a matter of fact, getting the second day pass is worth it. If you do this park pet the stingrays, eat with sharks, watch all the shows because they are amazing!

7. Blizzard Beach- The girls LOVED this water park. There were quite a few rides that they could not go on due to height requirements, but they still had a blast.

8. Magic Kingdom must do’s- My suggestion is to heat straight back to Fantasyland and grab a Fast Pass for Under The Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid. Then stand in line for Enchated Tales with Belle. If you have "littles" they are just the right age for Fantasyland in general. This is where they will be able to do the most things.

The Monsters Inc. Laugh Factory is a must. Take advantage of all of the other indoor activities too. It's nice way to cool off and take a rest. If your kids are into meeting the characters, a lot of them are indoors too. When we were there Mickey was in the building to the right as soon as you enter the park. So were the princesses. Some of the other ones were in Fantasy Land across from Dumbo. Do not hesitate to ask the cast members. They know it all.

If you can, stay until the end of the night. The park dies down quite a bit and you will be able to get on everything you want. If you can find a spot in front of the castle for the fireworks, do that but we found another amazing spot to stand is near the carousel. You are smack dab in the middle of it all. Sooooo cool!! If you ask me you NEED to see the light show that is projected on the castle. Find a spot on the ground facing the castle and watch in amazement. Then hang out right there because most nights they will have two light parades, the second one is less crouded. This is amazing too!! This is by far my favorite park so obviously I love it all!!

We found the Disney World Wait Times app by Undercover Tourist to be very helpful while in the parks. The best part... It's FREE!! 

9. Animal Kingdom- We have not been to this park since my first trip with my husband (back then, boyfriend) back in 1999. The safari was very neat and well worth the wait. Other than that, we are so spoiled here in the Milwaukee area with our zoo that this park was not worth returning to. If you've never been there, you should go. There are some neat shows and attractions to see.

10. Universal Studios- I have personally only been on the Islands of Adventure side of this park. We did not visit this park during our last visit, but have been there twice. There are a lot of thrill rides, but also a lot of things to do with little ones. Our girls really enjoyed Suess Landing and we loved Incredible Hulk Coaster. This is also the place to visit if you love Harry Potter.

I hope these tips help you in your journey to "The Happiest Place On Earth"  -Jessica