Planning a vacation to Walt Disney World is an exciting experience for the whole family, but it can also be stressful if you have family members who are not as enthusiastic about the trip as you are. Here are some tips on how to get everyone excited about your upcoming Walt Disney World adventure and make it a truly magical experience for everyone.
Include everyone in the Planning Process
Research Together
Download the My Disney Experience app and view park maps, attractions, dining menus, and character meet and greets.
Talk About Favorite Disney / Pixar / Star Wars characters and films!
Is there a favorite character someone would LOVE to meet or see in a parade?
If you have Star Wars fans, you’ll want to be sure to take a closer look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and plan for extra activities.
Wish Lists!
Allow everyone in your family to create their own little wish list of what they would love to see and do.
Have everyone create a Top 3 list and try to incorporate as much as possible (and as much that makes sense, depending on location and cost).
Include a top attraction/activity (this might be a ride, a show, a parade, a dining opportunity, a character meet and greet, pool time…).
Add top dining experience to the list (which could be as simple as “try a Dole Whip”).
Also, have your family include top characters they want to see or meet.
Prepare everyone for the fun!
Lots of walking, crowds, lines and long days are typical of visiting the parks, especially if you arrive and try to wing it instead of doing some basic planning.
Discuss if a stroller for the littlest visitors will help with their energy level.
If anyone has a mobility concern, consider renting an ECV to help get them around the parks and keep them comfortable.
Do you want to build in down time in the park or back at the resort?
How about swim time at the pool or at one of the water parks?
Count Down the Days!
Do a quick Google search for a Disney countdown calendar.
Check out the Me and The Mouse Pinterest board for more options!
Not feeling crafty? Etsy is a fantastic place to purchase fun countdown ideas.
If you are surprising someone with a visit and cannot include them in the planning without giving it away, find sneaky ways to know what kinds of attractions (rides or shows, thrill rides or tamer/”family-friendly” attractions) and activities they most likely would enjoy.
There is so much to do at the Walt Disney World Resort. It is impossible to see and do it all, but the more involved everyone can be, and the more you are able to tailor your plans to hit the mark with exciting and fun things for each member of your family, the less stressful the planning will be, the more fun you will have, and the more memories you will return home with!
Your Me and The Mouse travel specialist will get to know your family so we can help make suggestions and provide additional information to make very member of your family happy!