Last summer we had literally the best vacation we've ever had as a family! We went to disneyworld, but I think a few factors made it the perfect trip that it was!
1- We prioritized. With 4 parks, 2 water parks, and many other Orlando attractions, it is easy to get overwhelmed. We did not try to do it all, or even spend all day at a park. We got a 3 day park hopper pass including water parks and decided to work within those days everything on our wish list.
2- time of year. Our family chose to plan this trip around the mickeys not so scary Halloween party, so first we got tickets to that on the day it was available during our trip. The next time we do Disney I'd like to go during the Christmas season. I love the fall because it is right after school starts, so it isn't so busy!!
3- reservations! After getting our tickets to the party, the other thing we wanted to plan around was special meals, specifically Be Our Guest. This one is hard to get into and the only day we got a Rez was the same day as our Halloween party. So that means magic is only open until 7 pm. In all honesty this was awesome because park attendance was super light that day. Like 10 minute lines!!
Other reservations were Supercalifragilistic brunch at Grand Floridian, where we met Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Alice, and Winnie & Tigger. Then after lunch we got a lovely family pic just next to the restaurant. Don't leave without taking advantage of this great photo op! We planned this brunch on a non park day, as well as appointments at Bibbiti Bobbiti Boutique. I would never waste our time at Magic Kingdom doing this, so we always do it on a non park day at Disney Springs. It's kind of pricy but the girls love it!
Third reservation was at the princess lunch in Epcot next to Frozen ride. Speaking of which- we could not get fast passes to the frozen ride, so we went at park open and hurried straight to the line. Only 45 minutes instead of three hours! Yes please!
4- afternoon rest. Honestly, aside from all the above plans, everything else was gravy. So we scheduled fast passes, did some rides, and came to our room to rest around 3:00 each day. Then in the evenings we went to a different park and enjoyed evening shows!
5- the app. My disney experience. This app is the bomb! I added parades, shows, reservations, fast passes, and even other calendar activities like our Bibbiti Bobbiti and grand Floridian brunch. That way we never missed a show or parade we wanted to see.
6- Halloween party. We loved the Halloween party! You can dress up as a family, but no masks or long capes. Check Disney website to confirm exact rules. We had decided to be Dalmatians and were clued in on Cruella deville being at the party, so that was an awesome bonus! We got great pics! The villain show was great, and the fireworks were awesome. I esp loved the castle being lit up in spooky colors. Many characters you can never meet are at the party, like Cruella, the evil step sisters, among others.
7. Water park. We loved blizzard beach. Would like to go back.
8. Pins. I bought a pack of 30 on eBay for like $5. The girls really enjoyed trading pins in our down time. The Disney cast and crew members were very hospitable.
On or off Disney, with a car or without, food plan or no, just figure out a handful of things that are most important, and don't try to do everything! That's my advice for a perfect family holiday. 💗
