I need your BEST tips and strategies… if you could give ONE, what would it be?

[Squishie]

Our trip is quickly approaching and I want to know things you have found that work best for you…things you’ve discovered as you have taken trips, things to pack, things to be sure to do, tips in the parks….whatever you best tip is that you are happy you know!
Secret tips are even better! Things the majority won’t know!

For reference ( though I want to hear tips that work for any size group and ages!!), we are a family of 5, 2 parents and 2 older teens with one 10 yr old. Staying onsite, 1st week of September.

Edit to add: we actually have been to Disney several times BUT it’s been about 10 yrs so the youngest was only months old and the others were young. I hear Disney has changed a lot since we went. We used to go around September for the crowds but I guess even that has changed.
Thanks all!

 

[kylenne]

Take frequent breaks for A/C and hydration, especially that time of year. Do not listen to “just one more ride”, “but X is only a 5 minute wait”, etc because that’s the devil talking and he wants you to sweat your electrolytes out and yell at your kids. If you find yourself or anyone else getting cranky? That’s a sign you need a break. A snack, something.

Edit: And don’t be afraid to cut and run back to the resort if people just aren’t feeling it. Don’t pressure yourselves into pushing through exhaustion and overstimulation just because you paid a lot of money to be there. Biggest mistake I see.

 

[Skywalker3]

Splitting up is ok. On our March trip, just me and the 2 teens: then 16 and 19, we sometimes were just off each doing our own thing for a little bit. Space can be a good thing. One wanted this snack, one wanted to eat elsewhere, ok, fine, see you later, and plan a meeting time.
Also, they needed some down time back in the room every day. (and extra prodding sometimes to get up and ready, and back at it, but needed that break.)
Brought the roku or similar type of streaming stick, for those rests.
Cheap ponchos, like $1 cheap/thin ones for when it rains...because it will rain, even when it's not forecast to rain.
Extra/alternate shoes...for when it rains.
Plastic ziploc bags of various sizes. for leftovers, phones in the rain, etc. Often, I'd buy snacks, and immediately just shove in a baggie for later.
It's HOT, all day, all the time. Either make sure to rope drop (rope drop for us means be at the tapstiles about 1 hour before opening,) or plan to close out the parks, get rides in late night. Summer heat is a little more bearable then.
Have FUN!!! Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Counting Stars]

Do not listen to “just one more ride”, “but X is only a 5 minute wait”, etc because that’s the devil talking and he wants you to sweat your electrolytes out and yell at your kids.

OMG- that is so true and so funny, ask me how I know . But to Squishie's question- Unfortunately, there are so many tips, details and considerations that the trip planner is at risk for total meltdown at least once every trip trying to make it magical for everyone else. Instead of that, you can get tons of info ahead of time just by reading the Dis. Decide a few rides, restaurants, and experiences are your must do's and be flexible about the rest. Use this first trip to see how your family likes to "do Disney". There is a learning curve to these expensive and detailed WDW trips, and some of that learning comes when seeing how everyone does when they are too warm, or too tired, or too hungry, or too crowded etc.

 

[ComeToSocialize]

It's expensive, but with kids your age, I'd really consider getting multipass. Let them sleep in, book rides for mid day, and you've set a good "floor" for the day.

The disaster day, particularly with kids, is when you plan to get there early, realize there's no way you're getting your kids up at 630am and out the door by 745 or whatever, you end up getting there a bit after rope drop, you go on one ride which takes a bit longer than expected and get off and realize it's already 1130 and everything is already an hour+... with kids that age who aren't Disney vets, I'd say get multi pass, plan on getting to parks at 10 or so, head back for a refresh around 3 after 5 rides and lunch, relax, get dinner as a family, then head back into parks in evening.

Another way to think about it: these rides are going to be there for decades. You can always come back. Don't think of what you're missing. Just enjoy it and don't overdo it.

(That being said, look into how to play the refresh game to snag surprise LLs)

 

[Hubalorian]

My personal strategy is to rope drop, but I may go alittle too far with it. This past trip, I had my 4 year old and we rope dropped Epcot, Hollywood studios and MK. We were the first set of people on Remys at Epcot then did frozen within 45 min of the park opening.

At HS, we rode Slinky Dog twice and TS mania in the first 30 min the park was open. His favorite ride is Slinkey Dog and most people rope drop Rise of the Resistance in Galaxy edge. So that definitely played a factor.

In MK, we waited 10 min to get on Mine Train.

My main point is, yes it was an early morning and we waited for the park to open. However, my personal preference I would much rather do this in the morning when it’s not quite as hot and feel good about going back to the hotel mid day for a nap and relaxation.

 

[Eastern]

For September: wear quick-dry athletic type clothing. It will rain. Sometimes you will walk through several inches of water that you can't just hop over. Bring extra shoes and socks.

I always bring ziplocks, too. Don't overdo it, drink water.

 

[_19disnA]

Disney parks are HUGE, involve a LOT of walking and no amount of advance planning will make any park less crowded. Be realistic about how much you will be able to do and there is nothing wrong with taking a mid-day break to relax at the hotel. Plan some days where you won't do any parks so everyone isn't exhausted after several consecutive park days. Ride lines tend to be shorter early or later in the day.

 

[bwr827]

Agree on your family touring style in advance. Watch some YouTube videos to help inform.

In other words, don’t try to force rope-dropping on uninformed teens.

Our preferred:
Rope drop. Midday pool break. Freshen up, change socks/shoes and/or sandals and return to the park fresh around 3-4pm.

 

[GoofyDad_4427]

Spend money to save time waiting in what feels like an all day sauna

 

[Justrose]

I know you said one thing, but with the details you gave, I feel compelled to give two.

1) Rest and reset break. Cool off, rest, change clothes.

2) Multi-pass so some rides are pre-booked and don't require RD.

 

[cmbr]

Scrutinize everything you pack in whatever bag you bring to the parks. I think it's easy to read everyone's recommended lists of what to bring and end up overdoing it, finding that half of what's in there were things you were never going to use anyway, and carry something way heavier than is comfortable. Of course this changes person to person, family to family - you might decide that a lot of it is necessary to have on you - but evaluate how worth it each thing going into your park bag is. Similarly, a lot of people bring a backpack to the park (and love them, I'm sure) but the one time I did that I wanted to go back in time and bonk myself on the head. Shoulder pain. Once you decide what you need for the park, choose the smallest bag possible. I always spread the good word of fanny packs, personally.

Also, just generally be ready to be flexible. There's so many things that can happen to throw off a set plan, and I've seen some total meltdowns (and at least one fist fight) in the park over things not lining up as people expected. And like many have said, don't hesitate to take a break at the resort if you need!

 

[DisneyMom93]

My tip. If you’re anything like me… bring a very light hoodie or cardigan. I’m in the minority but even when it’s HOT in DW I freeze indoors.

They pump the a/c which feels great, but halfway through dinner or in a store I get so cold, even on some of the rides. Especially if it’s been raining and I get wet.

I have a very thin one that just keeps the cold air off my arms, and that can be kept in a mini backpack or even tied around my waist or waistpack strap.

 

[hes122]

Manage your expectations. There are some things you likely won't be able to do even with LLMP or LLSP without long waits. If your family members don't have an issue with long waits then you might not have an issue.

 

[Mouse Tracker]

generally be ready to be flexible

Splitting up is ok

It may be too late to consider with this trip, Room/Accommodation size that is adequate to support entire group's needs (sleep, showering, space to move around and not trip over stuff, etc). Helps start and end the day.

 

[Willow Ufgood]

Hydrate. Either carry refillable bottles or expect to spend a lot for bottled water that will warm up quickly in the heat.

Hint: If you're DVC or an AP holder, you can purchase bottled water in the gift shops and your discount will apply.

 

[Anna131517]

Follow a schedule that works for your family. Are you morning people or night people? Don’t try to fight your natural schedule - embrace it and pick a touring strategy that works with it.

Eat breakfast in the room (get grocery delivery) and use mobile ordering for food in the parks. Keep snacks in the room so it’s not a huge pain to eat when you’re just resting.

Watch some YouTubers to get a better idea of how to most efficiently tour the parks - what rides in what order kind of thing. Budget for skip the line services. Try not to criss-cross the parks - do attractions that are next to each other when possible so you don’t wear yourselves out.

Get a photo pass and stop and get some family pictures. It takes the pressure off to remember taking pictures yourself so you can just live in the moment. The pictures are better too!

Remember you can’t do everything and that’s OK.

Because of when you’re going, decide if you want to get tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scarry Halloween Party or if you want to set aside a day for a water park.

Have fun!

 

[erinch]

There are some fun games in the Disney Play parks app, including the Ducktales Mission
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/ducktales-play-app/

That might be a fun way for your teens to engage the 10 year old for something they can all do.
If they like watching videos, allears is doing a fun series on 1000 things to do in Disney. They are about 140 things dones so far. Lots of other vlogs that would be fun for your crew to watch.

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

I second the poster who suggested the mobile ordering for food. To expand - I usually order 30-45min ahead of the time that I want to eat. And I try to eat on the earlier side to avoid the crowds at the counter service restaurants. So, for lunch I would do a 10:15/10:30am order for an 11am lunch time. And then 4:15/4:30pm for a 5pm dinner time.

I have gone in Sept many times and it is very hot. Eating early is key to keeping your energy up. It gives you a time to rest before you might even think that you should and it allows you to rehydrate and get some food for more energy. I also always have some sort of snack/treat at 2pm (or earlier) even if I'm not hungry. It has SAVED me in that afternoon heat. You are more depleted than you think.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Be realistic. Know your audience (your kids and spouse). Don’t overshoot for things you know no one will enjoy because the dis says it’s a great idea.

Take breaks!

Drink lots of water.

Let the teens know the plans even if they ask 100 times “what’s the plan?” My kids knew as teens that I was a rope drop/midday break person since we used to go in the summer which is HOT. (I would also do sleep in/late start days) I explained this to them. I sent out itineraries through text letting them know what time I would be leaving the room. They had the option to meet us later but never did. They weren’t the happiest waking up but were glad to be at the pool at noon instead of in the park baking in the sun.

It’s ok to have a date night with your spouse and let the kids do their own thing or stay in the room. We did this and my kids enjoyed having time to veg out on their iPads/phones for a few hours.