It's worth spending time to get well prepared. Downloading maps from the resorts' websites and familiarizing yourself with the attractions will save time at the park. Making a list of the rides, attractions and shows you intend to see, gives you a plan. Also, download apps with waiting times and maps to your phone for quick access to information. If you have people with disabilities in your group, check in advance about the accessibility and available services.
Visiting theme parks with children always calls for extra planning. Give your children your contact information and directions of what to do if they get lost. Setting up meeting times and places with your teenagers is a good way to check on them during the day. Checking the height requirements and scheduled closures for rides helps avoid disappointment. To help your visit run smoothly, check that everybody is appropriately dressed for the weather conditions and has a change of clothes.
Consider staying at a resort hotel for the convenience and saving time. Resort hotels offer perks such as shuttles and private entrances to the parks as well as the option to visit the park before it opens to the public. You can also have your merchandise purchases sent directly to your hotel room. Staying at a resort hotel also offers you the possibility to take an afternoon break at your hotel as you can conveniently re-enter the theme park.
If you plan to dine at the Disney resorts, book well in advance. Disney offers special dining experiences, such a character dining where you can dine with your favorite Disney character. There are also plenty of fast food options available throughout the parks. To minimize wait times, order fast food during the parades, fireworks and shows. A hassle free option is to bring your own packed lunch with you.
Visiting Disney resorts outside the peak season is an option worth considering. Disney resorts offer services like Fastpass, which minimizes the waiting time or Rider Swap which enables parents or adults with children too young to ride certain rides to wait in line while the other parent goes on the ride, then swap with the other parent so both can experience the rides, without having to go back to the end of the line. All the Disney resorts have several lockers located throughout the parks; use them to store belongings. Checking beforehand where guest services like public bathrooms and baby care centers are, helps you to locate them easily.
