Traveling with children can sometimes be a challenge, but with the right planning and a little organization, it can be a very pleasant experience!
8 Disney Tips You Need to Know
- Book your trip far in advance for the best availability. Disney World resorts book up fast for holiday weeks and so do dining reservations. We can start booking vacation packages in June for the following year. Dining reservations can be booked 180 days prior to check in.
- If you’re traveling to Disney World from buffalo during the winter or hurricane season, consider purchasing travel insurance. You never know when a storm will hit. Snow storms have been known to ground planes in Buffalo. Insurance will cover you in the event of a storm and you will be reimbursed for any missed days. It also covers you in the event of an emergency while you’re on vacation.
- Whether flying or driving, be sure to have tons of snacks and lots of activities. Crayola Color Wonder sets are great- no mess. A new book, a new (quiet) toy, or download a new game or app for your phone or other mobile device. Be sure to have headphones or earbuds for the child, especially if you are flying. And don’t forget the snacks!! Food can be brought on planes, but most liquids and beverages greater than 3 oz. are not allowed. They must be purchased past the security check point. Formula, breast milk, juice, and baby food, are allowed in quantities greater than 3 oz, but must be separated from your other liquids when you go through the security check point and may be subjected to additional screening.
- When traveling to Disney World from Buffalo to Florida, keep in mind the drastic difference in weather. March/April and September/October here are relatively mild, but it can be very hot in Florida. Also, Florida does have cold seasons, so don’t assume it will always be sunny and warm. January and February can be downright cold with temps often dropping into the 30’s and 40’s in the evening. So make sure you plan accordingly.
- Be prepared for LOTS of walking! I recommend bringing at least 2 or 3 pairs of shoes and never wear the same pair two days in a row. Bring a stroller for kids, even if you feel they are far past the age to use one. The average person walks 20,000 steps a day in Disney World, which is equivalent to 8-10 miles. That’s tough for adults, let alone kids, especially when you do it day after day. There are great companies near Disney that rent strollers. The prices are great and they deliver and pick up for free.
- Take breaks inside the parks. There are TONS of quiet places to sit and relax as well as great shows where you can sit for at least 30-45 minutes, often in a nice air-conditioned theater.
- Take advantage of the Baby Care Centers. There is one in every Disney park. They provide a quite—and cool—place to nurse, feed little ones, change a diaper, or just rest for a bit. And if you need to purchase diapers, baby food, or basic medications, they have them.
- Book your trip with a travel planner! A travel agent who specializes in Disney Destinations can help you plan everything and make it a stress-free experience! Here are just a few of the things a travel planner can do for you: help you choose when to go, where to stay, and which park ticket is right for you, book dining reservations for you, book Fastpass reservations for you, and create a personalized itinerary. They also watch for promotions and apply them to your reservation if it qualifies, saving you money on your vacation. A travel planner is there to answer any questions you have along the way, even while you are traveling! And best of all- there are no extra fees for booking with a Disney-certified planner!
For more information or a no-obligation quote, contact Fairytale Journeys by Stephanie at FTJbyStephanieHaefner@yahoo.com or call 716-359-1724. You can also check out her Facebook page! https://business.facebook.com/ftjbystephaniehaefner/
Do you have other Disney tips you’d like to share? Contact us and let us know!
