My renewed love for Disney over the past decade has really taken my addiction to new heights. My husband, not a fan. Quite the opposite. But in the latest edition of “Christy’s Great Ideas,” we plan for a trip to Disneyland in less than 2 months. Living in California, and being an annual passholder at Disneyland, I figured, I had it in the bag. I can navigate Disney World like a boss. I was so wrong.
This smile is why this trip is worth every. single. penny. <3
On a positive note, there were some things that I planned that nailed it and made the trip awesome. I’ll be sharing that soon. For now, I’ll share my struggles in hopes to save you the time, anxiety and grief. Vacations are supposed to be fun, so the minute it doesn’t become fun, send a S.O.S. to your gal, Christy – me!
#1 Use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner at the beginning of your trip
You may think you’re pretty good at planning your own vacation but a Disney Vacation Planner is what makes your trip truly magical. They know their stuff. They know the work-arounds. They know how the system works and what you can do to tweak your itinerary to make it work for you. The best thing about a Disney Vacation Planner, is a good one will work with you while you are actually on the trip, which is great for last minute changes, asking questions, and navigation. They are like your own personal tour guide but they aren’t on the trip with you. They are simply one text away.
Best part: They are free. YES, FREE. Can you say #momwin? Check out more about my experience with a Disney Vacation Planner here.
#2 Be realistic on the number of days you need for Disney World
Okay seriously, this was the biggest struggle for me. More days equals more money spent but not enough days and you’re left with FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and feeling like you didn’t see “everything” you wanted to.
There’s a few ways to approach this. We spent 3 days at the resort. That was NOT enough in my opinion but that’s the most number of days my non-traveling, non-Disney husband was willing to do. If I would have known better, I would have added an extra day and here’s why. I felt rushed through the parks each day, trying to see as much as I could, trying to get it all in. I am also with a toddler (2 years old at the time) and that makes for a much slower trip all together. There’s no “getting it all in” with a toddler, right? If I had the extra day, I could spend it at a park that I wanted to see more of. For me, this would have been Magic Kingdom for sure. It’s the most magical. I would have taken my time, shopped a little more, seen a few more shows, etc.
Moral of the story, whatever your number is, add one more day and you’ll be fine – of course if budget and time permits.
#3 Plan to see the fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom
I felt like, I’ve seen one show I’ve seen them all. This firework show is WAY different than Disneyland. The animation is projected on the castle and the show is much more grand. I actually cried throughout the performance. I was nostalgic. I was tired and emotional. I was just in the moment and out of all the craziness, to stop and watch a show like this really made me super happy. My son loved it. My husband and mother in law, who are not Disney fans, were truly impressed. It’s more than a show, it’s an experience.
What I would do different: I should have planned to have dinner picked up and then squatted in the most ideal spot a few hours before the show. I would let my husband and kid go wander around while I took a break or vice versa. I would make sure we had the best seats and super comfortable. I would bring my own travel blanket. Instead, we were having character dinner during the fireworks show (#fail) and could only see the show through the pillars and trees. I definitely missed out on the full experience.
Moral of the story, mark your spot EARLY and make that the ONE show you see while you are at the Walt Disney World resorts.
#4 Book your FastPass+ Reservation in Advance
Don’t delay on this one. Timing is everything. Here’s how it works. If you have a park admission and a “My Disney Experience” account (either online or in the mobile app) then you can book certain FastPasses in advance. Here’s the catch. If you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can make a FastPass+ reservation 60 days in advance from Day one of the check-in date. If you are not staying on the property then you have 30 days prior to day-one of your first day at any park. Not to harp on it, but working with a Disney Vacation Planner is your best bet to get the most up-to-date rules on Advance Fastpass+ reservations.
The time of year I went, I wanted to get onto the Avatar ride, Flight of the Passage at Animal Kingdom. It was impossible. Those are booked up right away. Had I timed it properly, I would’ve booked my vacation 60 days or more out. I was less than 60 days from check in and it made things hairy. Nonetheless, never got a chance to ride it. *sad face*
If you try and do a Magic Morning and head to the ride, good luck. So is everyone else. All FastPasses were taken up early. Your best bet, is to make sure you can book your trip right before the window opens up. Check out for my list of the best and hardest rides to get a Fast Pass for.
#5 Forget the Morning Extra Magic Hour – stick it out for the nighttime Evening Extra Magic Hour
Every family is doing the magic morning, so your visions of getting there early to enjoy things can basically only happen if you are there early to get in line for extra magic morning. It’s a mad rush. Cruise into Walt Disney Theme Parks at your own time and without stress. No sense in starting the day all stressed out. I wasted my Day one trying to get there early and “beat the rush” because they (guests) beat me and I was literally there when it opened. I feel like it was a waste of time and I’ll never do that again.
Don’t Make These Your Five Things
It is my hope that this list helps you plan your trip. Just know that YES, it is stressful to plan a Walt Disney World trip. There is no sugar coating it, IMHO. There are so many decisions to make and if you have never been then you have no clue what is what and what are the things worth spending time doing or not. You can get down a rabbit hole really quickly in planning, so my biggest advice is to use a Certified Disney Vacation Planner. Ask them ANYTHING – it’s what they are there for. Of course, if you have any questions, whatsoever, I’m your girl. If I don’t know the answer right away, I can find out. I love doing research. Try me out.
I hope you get to make it out to Walt Disney World someday because when you do, it truly is magical. It just is!
