7 Tips on Making the Most of Your Trip to the Magic Kingdom
A friend from Southern California once mentioned that visiting relatives would descend upon her during the summer months, wanting to go to Disneyland during the peak tourist season.
“Saturdays in August. I wouldn’t pay for that kind of torture. You’d have to pay me,” she said.
Standing in line under the hot sun for hours, cranky children crying and ending up only catching a few rides. It’s daunting.
With children, it’s hard. You need to go when they’re out of school, right? But maybe--if they’re particularly responsible and do their homework in the car--you can go once during less busy times. Or, at the very least, make sure to avoid the weekends in the summer months.
I once went to Disneyland in the middle of the week towards the end of January. It was sublime.
Besides NOT going during crowded times, what else can you do to make your trip special?
Book Ahead and Bring a Mask, For Now
Disney World is easing up, but at the time of writing this article, Disneyland still requires children 2 and up to wear masks. In California, despite the CDC’s lifting restrictions, the golden state is still keeping theirs in place until June 15th. Which makes sense, since California was hit hard during the height of the pandemic.
At the moment, you still need reservations. For Disney World, click on this link.
For Disneyland, click here. Keep in mind that only CA residents are allowed at this time.
Plan ahead until everything is back to normal. As of now, there are no spur-of-the-moment trips and hotel prices are skyrocketing, so be prepared. You may only make it work by some heavy-duty preplanning.
Bring Your Family Mouse Ears
Pick out your mouse ears ahead of time at Presley Couture. You can go with a family theme or each pick your favorites. They’re comfy for kids and adults.
Also, you’ll save a chunk of change by not purchasing them at the park--which you can then use to eat out somewhere special.
Didn’t you always want to eat at the Blue Bayou at the Pirates of the Caribbean? Everyone should go at least once. Just make sure the kids are old enough to enjoy it.
If your child will want a princess dress for the occasion, you might also want to pick one up before you hit The Magic Kingdom. Ours are comfier and less expensive. Plus, you can save money and invest in a Princess Bundle before you go.
The Great Pin Exchange
If you’re going to participate in swapping Disney pins, go on eBay and buy a pack before you leave. You’ll have a nice variety and you’ll save money.
Schedule in Everyone’s Favorite
Sometimes you just can’t go on every ride. Ask your family members their top picks and make those a priority. You don’t want any devastated faces at the end of the day.
Bring Essentials
Make sure to bring sunscreen, water bottles, portable phone chargers, and easy-to-pack rain slickers for the water rides.
Sit down and make a list of all you need, but work on keeping it light, too. No one wants to be the pack mule at Disney World.
Celebrate Special Occasions
If you’re there for a birthday or other event, wear the badges so you get plenty of congratulations. A little special treatment never hurts!
Order a special Mickey cake to be delivered to you at your hotel or restaurant.
Take Pictures--But Not Too Many
You don’t want to spend the whole day as a photo op, but you do want some pictures to help you remember your special vacation. Take enough that you have plenty of wonderful photos, but not so many it feels like you’re wasting the day.
Ask a cast member to take a few pictures for you so you can all be together.
In fact, just ask a cast member about a lot of things--The best food, what special event you don’t want to miss that day, and anything else they can think of. They’re in the know.
Have a wonderful time!