MOM Mag designer,
Kassie, offers up some advice based on her recent trip.
We recently took our first family vacation to Disneyland.
Planning the trip was almost like expecting our first
child-the vast amounts of reading, the advice from friends and
strangers, the anticipation (what have we gotten ourselves into?).
In the end, it turned out to be a fabulous vacation. And what kind
of MOM would I be if I didn't pass on some advice of my own?
So here are a few tidbits to consider if you too are planning a
trip to the Happiest Place on Earth.
1) Stay as close to the park as
you can afford. We originally booked a hotel off site, but then
changed to a hotel right next to Downtown Disney. Even though it
cost a bit more, I'm glad we did. We were able to easily go back
and forth-for naps during the day, to grab a sweatshirt, to change
after a splashy ride. It was key to keeping everyone happy, rested
and comfortable.
2) Speaking of splashy rides,
bring a few disposable rain ponchos from home. After you're done
with them, find a family in line and pass them on.
3) Look at Disney vacation
packages offered by Alaska Air, Costco, AAA and others that include
airfare, hotel and park tickets. I found the packages to be cheaper
than going ala carte.
4) Shop for Disney
stuff-especially clothing-ahead of time. This morsel came from MOM
Publisher Raeann. We stocked up on Tinkerbell and Minnie t-shirts
at Wal-Mart beforehand, and passed up their more expensive
counterparts at the gift shops.
5) Bring snacks from home. I put
together small bags of different, non-perishable snacks and packed
them in my suitcase. Each day, I threw a few of the small bags in
my purse and we munched happily while waiting in lines.
6) If you have a smart phone,
download a free Disney wait time app. It was a great way to
see when our favorite rides were the least crowded.
7) Fast Passes are your friends. I
wish every ride had them.
8) For the younger set, character
meals are expensive, but worth it. We did the Princess lunch and it
was the highlight for our girls. You can make reservations ahead of
time to secure your spot.
9) If you're going to buy a
photopass, use it as much as possible. There are
photographers stationed everywhere to take your picture, and you
can purchase all of the photos they take for one price. I was so
excited my daughter got picked for Jedi training that I forgot to
take pictures of her fighting Darth Vader. Fortunately, the
photopass photographer was there. After that, we got our picture
taken as often as possible and now have a cd full of memorable and
professional shots.