While I myself wasn’t a Disney kid, a lot of my coworkers were, or have taken loads of trips over the course of their lives.
Even us writers who aren’t in the parks every day are always learning something new from our reporters who ARE in the parks every day — learning the park tricks, how to avoid making mistakes, and everything in between. Some of my coworkers have been taking regular Disney World trips longer than I’ve been alive, and since I have another trip coming up next week, I asked them to tell me what they do EVERY time they visit Disney World, without fail, and trust me when I say you won’t want to miss these tips either!
Always Take A Midday Break
If you’re anything like me, you may think you’re able to make it through the longest park day in the blazing heat and breaking only to eat. Because you’re in Disney World! Disney magic will keep you going, right?
WRONG. SO WRONG. Not one, but TWO of my coworkers shared with me the importance of taking a midday break. For some, this may look like watching a show like Carousel of Progress or Hall of Presidents to get some AC and (maybe) take a snooze.
For others, this may look like heading back to your Disney World hotel and taking a swim or heading to your room for a nap. Whatever it looks like for you, taking some form of midday break, ESPECIALLY during summer, is of utmost importance. The last thing you want to do is overdo it and make yourself sick before the rest of your trip!
These poor souls made some dreadful mistakes during their Disney World trip — don’t do the same!
Always Buy A Little Treat
Another coworker of mine says that on every trip, no matter what, she always buys herself a little treat.
Sometimes this is a souvenir she’s really been wanting, like a pin or a piece of apparel, or sometimes it’s just a special snack she’s been craving. Budgeting can be really hard on Disney trips, especially if you’re someone who goes more often and needs to watch your spending closely. If you limit yourself to one little treat on each trip, you know you’re still indulging a little bit, but know you won’t go overboard.
Now, it’s important on the snack side of things to remember that these are SNACKS, NOT meals! Don’t be skipping meals, those aren’t treats, they’re necessities! Now, a table service meal may be more of a treat since those are more expensive than quick-service meals, but all meals are ALWAYS important to eat, but especially when you’re in Disney World exerting so much energy!
Always Cry When We See Cinderella Castle
This one made me smile — one of my coworkers said no matter what, she always tears up when she sees Cinderella Castle for the first time on her vacation.
Now this comes from a fellow writer who doesn’t live locally, so she’s not in the parks every day. And I definitely relate! While I personally don’t necessarily cry, seeing the castle for the first time that trip reminds me to take a moment and be really thankful for where I am.
Packing Extra Socks, Batteries, and Sunscreen
We talk often about how important it is to make sure you have plenty of sunscreen on vacation, bringing all your chargers, and making sure you have all the clothing you need. However, bringing EXTRA of these is also a must!
One time on vacation I thought I had sunscreen in my trunk. And I did! …except it had broken somehow and wouldn’t spray! So I had to head to a local CVS and pay WAY more than I wanted to for sunscreen, but it was necessary so I didn’t burn! If I had checked at home, I could have gotten sunscreen there and paid a more normal price.
Extra batteries, like portable chargers or batteries for your camera are also incredibly important, because you’ll be using your technology A LOT — the last thing you want is for your phone or camera to die before the end of your day (been there, done that — do not recommend).
And as for extra socks, if you’re planning on getting on ANY water rides, you feet may get soaked, and changing into dry socks may save your feet from blisters! They don’t take up much room in your park bag, and they may be what keeps the rest of your day from being miserable.
Buy Disney Gift Cards Throughout The Year
I personally really love this tip because it helps SO much with budgeting! If you know you’re going on a Disney World trip in a year, you can start buying Disney gift cards and use them for your souvenir and food purchases on the trip!
It’s almost like putting money aside in a different bank account to use for a specific purchase. Maybe one month you can buy a $25 gift card, but two months from then you buy a $50 gift card. That’s already $75 that you’ve allocated to your trip months before it begins! Plus, they can ONLY be used at Disney, so you’re not at risk of spending it on something else before your trip begins.
The whole AllEars team is always here to help you plan for your next Disney World vacation, so stay tuned to our blog and YouTube channel!
Read Emma’s BEST advice for arriving early in Disney World here!
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What else would you add to this list? I want ALLL the tips, tell them to me below!
The only problem with buying Disney gift cards throughout the year is you’re giving The Mouse a free loan. If you’re not getting the cards at a discount, put the same money aside in an interest-bearing savings account, and earn an extra $1 or $2 before the trip.