We know planning a trip can be overwhelming. There are so many factors to consider. But worry a little less with our Disney Commandments (a list of tips and tricks to help you plan). Now, these can change for you and your needs, of course but you might find these tips super helpful. We hope these will help kickstart your planning process! Now let’s dive in!

OUR 10 COMMANDMENT

Check Weather Often

Before you open that suitcase, be sure to check the weather, the day you start packing check the weather and then check it again the next day. The weather in Florida is known for being wishy-washy, so checking multiple times ensures you stay up to date with the ever-changing weather. Always plan for rain, even if the app says otherwise.

Pro Tip:

Search weather for Lake Buena Vista instead of Orlando. It gives you a more accurate forecast.

Be sure to pack multiple shoes for when those thunderstorms pop up! Walking miles in wet shoes is no fun!

Save as much as you can

I cannot tell you how much pressure lifts from my chest knowing I have the money to spend. Whether it’s for food, merchandise or whatever your heart desires, save money so you don’t worry later. It makes a difference.

Pro Tip:

Buy Disney gift cards in bulk at places like Sam’s Club, or at Target with a Red Card discount to save a little bit of money. Bonus, having gift cards can help you stay in budget too! You can use Disney gift cards to buy anything on property!

Use a Travel Agent

Plain and simple! Use one. They make it 100% easier. You will enjoy your trip 1000x more. Additionally, their help is free! Contact our travel agent Erica Kocher and tell her Midwest Disney Life sent you for all your travel needs! She is the best!

Pro Tip:

Using a Travel Agent helps keep you sane, and they can even help you once you’re on your trip!

Do your research

Disney offers so much; it can be overwhelming. I find it’s helpful to look up different restaurant menus, activities and different resorts. Make sure to check out the Disney website, watch different vloggers, and spend some time reading blogs. Then, when you’re ready to book with your travel agent, hopefully you will have a list of places you want to reserve and activities to try!

Pro Tip:

Check out our blog on My Disney Experience, it has TONS of information on how to use this resource to your advantage!

Subscribe to blogs like ours

We love Disney and want to give you the best advice and help where we can. Our blogs are the perfect place to find all kinds of important information!

Pro Tip:

We are always putting out new information, and updating the content we share online. We stay up to date so you can breathe easier knowing your vacation will be magical. Bonus, you can use the magnifying glass to search for specific topics of interest. Don’t see an answer to your question? Just comment on our social media platforms- we’re happy to help you!

Make and use a packing list

If you don’t want to forget anything, make a master list. This will give you great peace of mind. We have made a list of everything we usually pack, and we want to share it with you! You can find our packing list by visiting here.

Pro Tip:

You can save a little bit of money by packing your own ponchos. If you forget your ponchos and need to buy some on Disney property, they will be a pretty penny! Bonus: don’t forget your hats and sunglasses!

Try something new

Every time we go to Disney, we try to stay at a new place, eat at a new restaurant, or ride an attraction we’ve never experienced before. We highly recommend trying something you wouldn’t normally. It makes for the BEST memories!

Pro Tip:

Disney World offers lots of different tours, backstage excursions, as well as extra ticketed events like after hours parties. These offerings are an additional cost, but so much fun! They can take your trip to the next level and create magical memories.

Pack a park bag

Having a bag dedicated to park gear is extremely helpful. We pack our Disney gift cards, magic bands, a small first aid kit, ponchos, sunscreen etc. It’s nice to have all your essentials in one place-readily available.

Pro Tip:

Pack lightly for your park bag. It is hot, and you’ll likely have long days in the parks. Be sure to pack just the essentials in your bag. Usually, I empty out my bag as soon as I get back to the resort each night to ensure I’m not carrying around things I don’t need.

Don’t wait to buy souvenirs

Oftentimes you forget exactly where something was or run out of energy to double back just to get that one item. If you know you want something just buy it! Disney may not always have it available at another location, or may sell out, so do yourself a favor and buy it right away!

Pro Tip:

Have a dedicated gift card for each family member specifically for souvenirs. This helps everyone stay on a budget, as well as with kids constantly asking for something in the gift shops. Once your gift card is all gone, you’re all done shopping. Bonus, you can load all your gift cards into your “wallet” online at Disneygiftcard.com

Create a countdown

We always have some type of countdown. Sometimes it’s an app on my phone, sometimes I create a paper chain, sometimes just dates on a block calendar! Any form of countdown adds a fun new level of excitement! Almost there!

Pro Tip:

If you’re driving, you can also create a countdown for the car. We’ve done a small gift as we enter each new state to help with things to do in the car. You could also use things like shirts you want to wear in the parks, or small trinkets to play with.

Reading this small list of items, we hope will prepare you for a smoother more enjoyable prep time and trip. Leave us a comment below and let us know what would be included in your Disney commandments!

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