Disney Do's and Don'ts: Mastering the Magic with Your Family

The Ultimate Guide to a Magical Disney Adventure

Welcome to the ultimate guide for dads planning the perfect Disney trip!

Thinking of making a trip to the happiest place on earth? Whether it's your first rodeo at Disneyland or Disney World or you're a seasoned pro, here's a few dad approved tips to making it a truly magical experience for the whole family. Let's dive into the do's and don'ts, tips, tricks, and hacks for an unforgettable adventure!

1. Do: Plan Ahead

• Book Early: Secure accommodations and park tickets well in advance. Popular times like summer and holidays book up fast! If you can look for downtimes to visit, like mid January, or durnig back to school season (If you’re kids aren’t in school of course).

• Genie+: If you’re looking to get the most out of your days on park, and have the budget, the Genie+ pass will allow you to utilize lightning lanes and also get professional photos throughout the park! They're game-changers for popular rides.

• Download the Disney App: It's your digital compass for everything from park maps to wait times and dining reservations. It will help ensure that when you’re on park you can plan your next move with ease.

2. Don't: Overlook the Details

• Don’t Skip the Research: Each park has unique attractions. Know what each family member wants to see and make a plan for your visit so that everyone in the family can go home happy!

• Don’t Forget to Check Park Hours and Event Schedules: Parades, fireworks, and special events can affect crowd levels and your itinerary. Don’t forget to find out if there are any conferences, or special events going on during your time your planning your visit.

3. Do: Be Prepared

• Pack Smart: Bring essentials like sunscreen, hats, comfortable shoes, snacks and reusable water bottles.

• Prepare for Weather: Florida's afternoon rain showers and California's sunny days call for ponchos and cooling towels.

• Bring Snacks: Keep those hunger pangs at bay without constantly queuing for food. Don’t forget to eat! No one likes a hangry dad, mom, or kids! So don’t forget to find time to eat. Waiting in line for rise of the resistance is a great time to nock back some goldfish, or an apple.

4. Don't: Miss Out on Hidden Gems

• Don’t Rush Through the Parks: Discover hidden details and attractions often overlooked in the hustle. Ensure that you take time to appreciate the details in each land/park. Watching the Disney+ documentary The Imagineering Story is something we recommend as they uncover many stories behind some of your favourite attractions, including the basketball hoop at the top of the Matterhorn.

• Don’t Ignore Smaller Attractions: They often have shorter lines and can be surprisingly delightful. Not to mention, they can be a great opportunity to slow down and rest your feet for a few minutes!

5. Do: Create a Flexible Itinerary

• Set Priorities: Identify must-do rides and attractions but stay flexible. Getting to the park for “Rope Drop” is a good plan. this can give you the best opportunities to ride the “Must” attractions. Another Pro Tip: is if an attraction has a “Single Rider” lane, and you’re not concerned about riding with your party, use it! It is always significantly faster!

• Break Times: Schedule downtime to prevent burnout, especially for little the ones.

• Explore Beyond the Parks: Disney Springs and resort activities offer great entertainment without a park ticket. Downtown Disney can also have some nice spots to eat.

6. Don't: Underestimate Expenses

• Budget Wisely: Disney trips can be pricey. Account for meals, souvenirs, and unexpected costs.

• Don’t Ignore Dining Plans or Deals: Research dining options. Sometimes meal plans or reservations can save money and time. Don’t be afraid to stop at a grocery store for your own snacks! (There is a Target right near Disneyland, about a 30 minute walk from the park)

7. Do: Capture the Moments

• The Genie+ App: Consider investing in this for professional photos throughout the park. Not only do you get free downloads and access to all the professional photos of your and your family, but also stock photos of the park that you can use!

• Cherish Small Moments: Sometimes, the best memories are the unplanned ones - a giggle during a show, or a spontaneous character meeting.

8. Don't: Forget to Enjoy Yourself

• Don’t Stress Over Perfection: Things might not go as planned, and that's okay. Embrace the experience.

• Don’t Miss the Magic: Disney is about making memories. Join in the fun, laugh, and enjoy the wonder through your family's eyes. Embrace your inner kid, and enjoy the time with your family.

To Wrap Up

Disney trips are like the Incredicoaster - thrilling, fun, and sometimes make you feel like you’re upside down. But with these tips, we hope you’re better equipped to make the most of your family adventure.

Remember, it's not just about the rides and attractions, but the joy, magic, and memories that you make and share as a family.