A Moms Guide: Preparing For Disney World And A Disney Cruise

Every year since Chance was 3 years old, we have been on a Disney vacation.  We’ve experienced Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, and the Disney Cruise both the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder.  Having been to Disney Parks and Cruise a few times now, I thought I’d pass on a few things that I’ve learned along the way. 

 

Whether you are planning for the Disney Parks, a Disney Cruise or both, remember to enjoy every moment.  These tips will help make your trip much more enjoyable…

First Day Carry-On: Put everything you need in your carry-on bag.  Your luggage may not arrive to your room (at the resort or on the cruise) for a few hours, so make sure you have a swimsuit, light jacket or whatever you may need in your carry-on.

Pack Snacks: Be sure and stock up on snacks and bottled water.  You can bring food and drinks (no glass) in the parks.  Having snacks in your room, especially water will be very beneficial, you can purchase more “ears” instead of food.  LOL!  I’m especially thankful to GoGo SqueeZ for sponsoring Disney Social Media Moms (#DisneySMMC) and providing us with great snacks at the Resort.

 

Medications: Please be sure to pack any daily medications that you may need as well as things like Benadryl, cough syrup, Tylenol, Neosporin, Pepto Bismol, and Dramamine or sea bands.  We’ve had a few incidents with stomach bugs, minor scrapes, motion sickness, and the loss of a tooth.  It’s nice to be prepared.

Backpack or Cross Over Bag: Now my hubby uses a Fannie pack, I understand if that is not your style…. certainly not mine.  But having a backpack or crossover bag for carrying your phone, wallet, sunglasses, or ID is essential.  Crossover bags are easier to stow on the attractions but either works.

Skin Care Essentials: The sun shines extra bright (it seems) when related to anything Disney. LOL!  From Florida to California, or the good ole Bahama Island of Castaway Cay – you will need sunscreen.  I recommend an SPF 30 and reapply it every two-three hours at the park…. more often on the cruise.  I would also encourage you to bring your favorite Mickey hat or cap along as well.

Fast Passes: If you’re like me, waiting in line for more than 30 minutes for a ride is bananas…. well unless it’s during a super busy time.  Otherwise, you want to get fast passes and cut your wait time down to 15 minutes or less. 

The Right Shoes: Now this is critically important…just ask Cinderella!  Please bring comfy shoes that are already broken in before your long walk around the world at Epcot, through the roads of Africa at Animal Kingdom, or down Main Street at Magic Kingdom.  You also want a comfy pair of flip flops for the beach at Castaway Cay.

Door Décor: It’s really fun to decorate your door on the cruise.  If you are like me, you can order your personalized door magnets from Etsy, and if your like Choya Porter of A Splash of Diva, you can make them.  Either way it is super fun and makes it easier for your kiddos to find their room.

 

 

Book Activities in Advance: This is especially true for the Disney Cruise from the cabanas on Castaway Cay, the golf simulator, or dinner at Palo – they book up well before we board the ship.  This holds true for both paid and free events like character meet-and-greets too.  There will be a date tied to your reservation, as soon as you can start booking your activities.

Leave Time to be Spontaneous: With the pressure of trying to do everything, you can quickly put a damper on your enjoyment.  There are so many moments you can potentially miss if you are rushing to the next thing. 

Navigating through Disney World, Disneyland or a Disney Cruise can be intense but remember you are on vacation!  Taking heed to these tips will aid you in having an exceptionally magical experience.  It is my hope that you have an amazing time on your next Disney vacation. 

 

 

To help me give you even more tips are a few of my blogger boo’s,  Choya Porter, Amazon Prime Now for Snacks at Disney; Bernetta Knighten, 9 Must Haves When Packing for a Disney Trip; Ari Adams, Things to do Before You Next Disney Trip; Vashti lll, 5 Tips for the First Timer to Make the Most of Their Disney Trip; and last but certainly not least Christine St. Vil, 5 Tips to Planning the Ultimate Surprise Disney Vacation– visit their sites and follow us using hashtag #WaltDisneyWednesdays or #DisneySMMC.

 

[latoyia]