Disney Survival Guide

So, next week I'm heading to Disney World with my sister, to celebrate her 50th birthday. Being veteran Disneyphiles and Disney Vacation Club members, we've got this trip nailed. As I was gathering some things to take on this trip, I thought I'd share a few things you should take on Disney trips that I've found useful over the years.

Noise Canceling Headphones

If you have them, take a pair of noise canceling headphones. The flights to Orlando are notoriously filled with families, which means yelling, crying, screaming children. And some parents. On the way to Orlando they are happy (but still noisy), and on the way home they are cranky. You can thank me later.





Comfy Shoes

Disney World covers approximately 42,000 acres (~70 square miles). You will walk a LOT. On concrete. This is not the place for new shoes, pretty shoes, flimsy shoes, etc. Find the most comfortable shoes you own and take them with you. Period. If you have two pair, take both. Your feet will thank me.




Rain Poncho

Disney World is in Florida. It will rain. Depending on what time of year you go, it will rain a LOT. Every. Single. Afternoon. You can be like the bulk of the tourists and run into the closest store when it pours, and come out with an expensive yellow or clear Mickey poncho, or you can be smart and bring one from home. They are cheap and can be purchased online. Pick a cool color like blue and your family will stand out in the crowd, making it easier to spot all the kids.




Small Backpack

Take a small backpack in your suitcase to use in the parks, especially if you have kids. Put those ponchos in it. Put clean socks in it. Put water bottles in it. Put snacks in it. Put tissues in it. Put a few plastic grocery bags in it. You get the idea.









Snacks

Take control of what you and your family eat and spend. Bring along some snacks. Make sure they won't melt or crush easily. I've found things like Justin's Peanut Butter pouches, and prepackaged single serving bags of fruits & nuts to be a good choice. If you have nut allergies, try some granola or trail mix. It's far easier to grab something out of your bag instead of waiting in a long line to buy some overpriced junk food.



Patience

This is probably one of the most important things to bring along on any Disney trip - patience. Lots of it. There will be lines. Lots of lines. Unless you are a Disney pro and know which rides to hit when, or you have scheduled your FastPass tickets well in advance, you're going to be standing and waiting for rides, food, bathrooms. Just be patient - you'll get there!




If you take these things with you when you visit the Mouse then you should be well on your way to an enjoyable vacation. Remember, Have Fun!!