Whether you're still planning your trip to Walt Disney World, or have the bases filled and are ironing out details, getting ready for a Disney vacation and traveling to Orlando can be just as fun as the destination! Taking time at home to get everyone involved in the planning process before you leave really sets the stage for an extra magical vacation. Here are a couple of fun tips to make getting ready for your WDW vacation even more special: **Create an interactive countdown, no matter how far away your trip may be Counting down to your Disney trip just makes everything more exciting! Whether you decide to keep a countdown on your phone, use refrigerator magnets, or with a customized calendar, there are many ways to keep track of the days leading up to your vacation. Keeping a countdown is a great way to get little ones involved and excited too. Maybe they want to be the one in charge of crossing off another day every morning before school or tearing off a number before bed. Plus, you can also add special activities or crafts to your countdown festivities, like watching your favorite Disney animated classics before you leave or making a special photo frame for a picture from your trip when you return. Be creative! **Keep a "Saving for Disney" jar Another pre-trip activity that's fun for the whole family! Put together a special jar or box to stash some extra cash before your trip in a part of your house that everyone visits on a daily basis (kitchen counter, living room mantle, etc.). This can also be a really special activity for kids that makes them feel like a big part of the trip planning and financing. Whether you want to start a jar before booking a trip or as part of your countdown, it's perfect for saving up a little souvenir or treat money. **Take plenty of time to pack and plan special outfits/moments ahead of time Be sure to pack some extra magic into your trip before you arrive! I like to pick out fun outfits themed for park days, special dinners, etc., especially if we're traveling during the Holidays or around Halloween. Know you're headed to Cinderella's Royal Table for dinner at the Magic Kingdom? Pack your shiniest tiara! Planning on watching Festival of the Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom? Don't forget your favorite Simba t-shirt! I'm a huge fan of Magical Ribbons, where you can find custom, hand-made hair bows and bow ties themed to your favorite Disney characters, films, theme parks, and attractions that add an extra special touch to themed outfits. If you're traveling to WDW with kids and on a budget, it's not a bad idea to buy some souvenirs before you leave home to save a few bucks. Hit up your local Disney Store for stuffed animals, t-shirts, and dolls to surprise your child with when you arrive that they can use during the trip. **Put together your travel party's "must-do" list During your countdown, get the whole gang together to plan out the things you definitely want to do at Walt Disney World. Make a list of attractions, shows, parades, and other experiences that everyone agrees on, make your FastPass+ selections, even add special dining reservations. Getting everyone involved in the planning ahead of time will only help build excitement and anticipation. You could even host a planning night with themed snacks, music, and a movie! **Put together Disney-themed travel activities for your carry-on bag or car trip Remember that it takes time to get to WDW, whether your flying or driving, so be prepared for your travel days with fun activities. For kids, you can't go wrong with Disney coloring books, activity books, or hand-held games. For adults, Disney literature and games are fun too (Check out one of my favorite Disney history books Dream It! Do It! by Marty Sklar on Amazon). Everyone always loves Disney snacks too! Put it all together in a Disney backpack or tote, throw in your favorite stuffed animal, and be sure to wear a Disney-themed outfit so everyone knows where you're headed. Trust me, other travelers will take notice! **Put together a killer playlist for travel days Listening to Disney music on the plane or in the car is definitely a travel day "must-do" for all of my Disney trips. Whether you choose to listen with your phone, iPod, or car CD player, take some time before you leave to put your favorite Disney tunes on one playlist. If you have a Spotify account, check out my Disney Travel Playlist and save it for your next trip! There are some parts of the Walt Disney World vacation planning process that can seem overwhelming, but adding a little bit of extra magic to the days before your trip really gets the whole family excited and makes everything worth it. Do you have any pre-trip or travel day rituals? Be sure to share them with me in the comments below! As always, be sure to check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ before your trip for more information, and keep checking back here for more planning tips, advice, and recommendations. Until the next post, see ya real soon!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
About MeA twenty-something alumni of the Disney College Program looking to help others plan the Disney vacations of their dreams! Living that Disneyland AP dream in SoCal. Archives
February 2018
Categories
All
|