Disney Made Easy

For those that know me well, it comes as no surprise that for our recent Disney excursion I came prepared with customized maps, an itinerary organized by average ride wait time, and meal reservations.  Because I believe in the importance of sharing the love, I am going to give you some pointers on making your next trip to Disney as magical as it can be.

How to get there...

If you are in the Birmingham area, Southwest has a direct flight to Orlando.  They are kid-friendly with early boarding for families and very reasonable fares.

Where to stay...

As nice as some of the resorts are in the park, it is definitely not the most economical option.  I highly recommend choosing a resort right outside of the park that offers a free shuttle to Disney.  We stayed at the Caribe Royale, and with great deals on everything from a suite to a two-bedroom/two-bathroom villa (1 king, 2 queens, and a pull-out couch) with rates starting at $127 per night, it can't be beat.  This includes a delicious, hot breakfast buffet each morning, $30 per day meal credit, and free shuttle to the parks.  The villas have a full kitchen, so you can save some money by cooking dinners at the hotel after a long day at the park.  Most cab drivers are willing to make a short stop at a grocery store for a few items on your way to the hotel from the airport.  Frozen pizza, spaghetti, soup and sandwiches are great options.  If you aren't interested in cooking, use that $30 per day meal credit in the market downstairs to get something from the salad bar or hot bar to take back to your room.

Buy tickets...

Go ahead and buy the Magic Your Way tickets online at the Disney Park Tickets website and have them mailed to you in advance.  This will save you the headache of waiting in line with kids that are so giddy with excitement that they can't stand still.

Where to eat...

As soon as you figure out the bigger details, make your reservations for your meals at the parks.  This can be done on the Disney Dining Reservations website months in advance.  For lunch in the Magic Kingdom, make a reservation for Tony's Town Square around 12:30 and ask to sit on the patio outside when you get there.  Your kids will have a bird's eye view of one of the parades as it starts across the street and be there to see it return later as the parade ends, giving them an up close view of both sides of the floats as they pass by your table.  For lunch in the Animal Kingdom, the Rainforest Cafe is a must.  Your kids will be entertained by aquariums, animals, rainforest storms, rainbows, and waterfalls from the minute they walk in the door.  For lunch at Epcot, make your reservation for the Coral Reef restaurant.  Your kids will dine with a panoramic view of the The Seas aquarium from underwater with fish, sharks, sea turtles, and rays swimming right by your table.

Get your maps and itinerary ready...

On the Disney website, you can make customizable park maps and an itinerary based on attractions you plan to see that can be printed at home.  My recommendation is to figure out which rides your kids are big enough for and go from there.

Getting to the park...

Even though it means getting up early, you will be happy that you did.  Take the earliest free shuttle to the park (usually leaves around 8 am), so that you are there when the doors open at 9 am.  The travel time from shuttle to monorail to walking to the gate will put you there at about 15 minutes before the gates open if you leave at 8 am.  This means a lot less time waiting in line...just trust me on this one.

Getting around the park...

I have one word for you...stroller.  Rent one.  A single is $15/day and a double is $31/day.  It is worth every penny.  You can go ahead and pay for several days at once for a discounted rate.  All you do is take your card to each park, and they will give you a stroller with your name on it.  No standing in line for a stroller after day one.

Magic Kingdom plan of attack...

Hit the left side of the park first, and you won't wait in line more than 5 minutes for anything.  Here is my recommended order: Peter Pan's Flight, It's a Small World, The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Magic Carpets of Aladdin.  Then, head across the park to hit Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin and Monster's, Inc. Laugh Floor before you go to lunch.  After lunch, you can see the Dream Along with Mickey show at Cinderella's Castle at 2 pm.  After the show, you can go to The Many Adventure of Winnie the Pooh before the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade starts at 3 pm.  After the parade, head to Tomorrowland Speedway.  Both of mine were too short for Space Mountain, but now would be the time to ride if yours measure up.  On your way out of the park, take a ride with Dumbo and ride Cinderella's Golden Carousel.  Now, go home and soak those aching feet!
*Note: It's a Small World and The Mad Tea Party are closed for renovations until November 2010

Animal Kingdom plan of attack...

Head straight for Kilimanjaro Safaris and grab your FastPass.  Then, take a leisurely stroll through the Pagani Forest Exploration trail.  Return at your FastPass time for your safari and breeze through to the front of the line.  Take the Wildlife Express Train to Conservation Station.  After that, go see It's Tough To Be a Bug!  Enjoy some lunch.  After lunch, grab your FastPass for Dinosaur and Expedition Everest (if your kids are tall enough) before going to see Finding Nemo: The Musical.  Return to ride Dinosaur with your FastPass (Warning: I found this ride to be scary/loud, and so did The Fred.  StickyBun-Scotti loved it and wanted to ride again.  You be the judge.)  Take a ride on Primeval Whirl before returning with your FastPass to ride Expedition Everest.  If you don't mind getting wet, take a ride on the Kali River Rapids.  Now, you can stroll through the Maharajah Jungle Trek before the park closes at 5 pm.  Go home and dry off!
*Note: Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade is at 3:45 if you want to catch another parade.

Epcot plan of attack...

Ride Spaceship Earth with no wait time.  Head straight to Soarin' and grab your FastPass.  While you are there, grab a FastPass for Living with the Land next door.  Walk over to Test Track and go ahead and stand in line for this one since you won't be able to get another FastPass with one for Soarin' during the same time frame.  After Test Track, head back to use your FastPass for Living with the Land followed by Soarin'.  Enjoy some lunch before heading over to The Seas with Nemo & Friends.  Catch a showing of Captain EO before heading over to Ellen's Energy Adventure.  Now, take a deep breath and leisurely stroll around the World Showcase (stopping for a beer in each country of course).  Enjoy that complimentary DD that you get with a free shuttle, head back to the hotel, and pass out for the night.

There it is...sounds easy enough...right?  Just enjoy the wonder and amazement on your child's face.  It truly is a magical place.