Mastering the Magic: Top 3 Essential Tips for First-Timers Planning a Disney Adventure!
I have brushed over this before, but with so many first timers planning trips to Disney, I think it’s time we revisit my top 3 things to keep in mind when planning that very first Disney experience! Everyone that has been to Disney whether it be once or a million times has opinions about how to do things. And I’ll chat about that later. But my list are deal breakers! So let’s run through these together and remember, keep your sense of humor as we go along! I know Disney is stressful, for goodness sake, it’s why I have my job!
I know the minute that you mention in a public forum that you are planning a first Disney trip, every Jack, Jane, and Susie that has ever stepped a toe into the parks bombard you with opinions and things you just “have to do or it will ruin your trip”. Now, I know that sounds snarky, on one hand yes, but on the other hand I know they mean well. However, this is what to be aware of when the Disney opinions of others are coming at you like Pooh Bear for a jar of honey. Just because Jack, Jane, and Susie say it’s the way it is, does not mean it is something that is right for you or your travel party during your particular trip! And I know there are folks out there that go to Disney a lot, I see you, I know you know your stuff, and you have a ton of Disney fun to share. But, Disney is a different experience for everyone at every age, in every stage and so on. Tailoring the trip to the traveler is an art. And painting a trip with a broad brush can sometimes spell disaster.
Next up, temper your expectations. I’m guilty of this on the daily when I’m finally seeing clients on trips so I’m coming at myself here too. So keep smiling as you read and don’t hate on me! While we have all conjured visions of magical Disney moments in our heads, sometimes those just don’t happen every time. If it’s a napless toddler, a torrential downpour, a lost wallet, Disney rash, whatever it is, things happen! Sometimes your littles totally diss on the characters, sometimes you pay $40 for a breakfast that your kiddo ate one slice of bacon off the floor, and sometimes it’s hotter than Hades and you have to shorten your day. And while I too love to believe that once you drive under the sign, that magic starts swirling around your every step, sometimes life happens inside those gates. So having realistic expectations of your visit is key, especially during a first trip!
And my third, yet most important thing to remember is one statement I make to literally every person I have ever helped plan for…..You cannot do everything! And trust me, I know it’s expensive AND I know you want to get the most for the money you have spent. But, trying to do it all is a recipe for “snake and spider stew”! This has to be one of the biggest sources of stress that I see people go through with Disney. You just have to reside yourself to the fact that unless you have endless time and an endless budget, this is simply not possible. This also goes back to what I said earlier, that everything is not for everyone! Really looking at your options with parks, food, activities is crucial to see exactly what the priorities are for your travel party and the type of trip you are going for. I always recommend we prioritize each park day’s activities without overloading everyone and while still allowing for some flexibility for those “life happens” moments. But please, don’t feel like you will be able to conquer everything in that 47 square miles of Walt Disney World Resort in just one visit. And, more importantly, do not feel like you’ve failed if you don’t!
I know this is a bit direct and down the line. But as I always say, going to Disney for a special trip is a huge investment. Tons of saving, planning, wishing, and hoping go into it. And in order for it to be as magical as possible, just keep these things in the back of your mind! It’s as amazing as you and my wand make it!
