Although the weather in Southern California and in Central Florida is stereotypically pleasant, that is not always the case. The weather does change with the seasons, and the clothing packed for a Disney trip should be appropriate for the season you will be visiting. Disney also is open from early morning to late at night with after dark events and rides. Daytime clothing might not suffice on a cooler night, and heavier clothing will make you miserable in heat and crowds. Pack a variety of clothes depending on the season, but be sure to include a bathing suit, a beach towel and a jacket. Bring comfortable walking shoes. The long walks, long days and long lines in any Disney venue are exhausting. Choose functional comfort in clothing when you pack.
Pack a good pair of sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat if you are sensitive to the sun. You are likely to spend more time outdoors than indoors. Bring a fanny pack or small backpack to substitute for a cumbersome purse that will get in the way when trying to enjoy the rides and events. Bring walky-talkies or cellphones if you have a group that will split up to go to different areas of the parks.
Get a map of each theme park in one of their brochures. They will list special events, shows and times. Know the daily routine at any of the Disney theme parks. Plan your day accordingly and prioritize the things you want to see most. The more popular rides and events will have longer waits. The characters appear at certain parts of the park for special scheduled times and events such as the character breakfast. Parades happen during the day and at night. If your trip is spread out over a few days, do not try to cram everything into a one-day visit. With crowds, lines and specific schedules, sometimes it cannot be done.
The Disney parks are large with many different themed events, areas, stores, eating establishments, parades and rides. There is no rushing through it if you want to get the most out of your visit. Plan on taking a break at some point during each day to recuperate so you will be able to catch the evening and night events, too.
It is possible to get deals and discounts by purchasing tickets and reserving lodging well ahead of time. Discounts often are available from places such as car insurance companies, credit unions or work unions and travel clubs or groups. A multiple-day visit often is less expensive when purchased as a package deal than by paying a separate admission fee to each park for each person on every day you visit the parks. There sometimes are group discounts or special vouchers offered in package deals for discounts on car, lodging, meals at particular restaurants or coupons for area discounts if you plan on seeing other things besides the Disney activities. Do your research and look around for bargains before you go.
Although you might be paying for the admission and airline tickets, lodging or plan for gas or rental fees ahead of time, that is only part of the cost of the trip. Food in the parks tends to be a bit pricier than eating outside of the park, and food is usually not included in package deals. It is hard to get out of Disney theme parks without being pulled into many of the available souvenir shops. Plan a budget ahead of time and bring credit cards, cash or traveler's checks that are sufficient to cover the added costs.
Look into the price of lodgings located off the Disney resort grounds. The cost difference might be considerably less even with additional daily parking fees you will have to pay and the commute involved from your hotel, instead of using the included on-site shuttle services offered at hotels located on Disney property.
