This is part sixteen in my blog series: Affordable Disney Vacations Step by Step. You can read the rest of the posts here.
I get many questions from people who are thinking about visiting Walt Disney World and want Disney World vacation tips and suggestions. Disney vacation planning can be very involved and confusing as well, so the goal of this series is to start at the beginning, and look at everything you need to think about, in the general order you need to think about it. Each week’s post will be numbered and link to all the others so that, when complete, you will have a guide with all the steps and information you need to plan your own Disney magic.
Up to this point we have been discussing the steps for planning an affordable Disney vacation that need to be done well in advance. As I have shared frequently on this blog, if you want to save money, you need to plan ahead. 🙂
Now, it’s time to get ready to go! Whether you are leaving in a few days, or in several months, hopefully you will find these next few blog posts to be helpful.
So finally, after months of planning, you’re going to Disney World! Woohoo! 🙂
Before you go though, there are some things you will want to think about.
- Check the weather and pack accordingly. Please don’t assume that Florida is always sunny and hot. The summers frequently have rain showers, and winter can actually get cold! Not packing for the weather will mean that you end up buying ponchos, scarves, hats, gloves, sweatshirts, and possibly even coats at Disney….and I can promise that is NOT affordable at all.
- Go to the Disney World website and check the park hours. Even better, print them out so that you know when you can visit each park. If you will be staying on Disney property and can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, note that as well. No point in being able to get in the parks an hour early if you sleep in those mornings!
- While you’re on the Disney website, make note of which attractions/rides are closed during your visit. Part of planning an affordable Disney vacation is making the most of your time. Don’t waste your time walking to rides that aren’t even open.
- Get some snacks etc. to bring with you. Whether for the trip, in your hotel, or even to bring with you to the parks, bringing snacks from home can definitely save you money…and possibly be healthier as well.
- I’m a list maker and when it comes to a trip like this, I think having a list is one of the best ways to make sure you keep costs under control. Lists mean you are less likely to forget things….and remember, anything you forget, you will have to buy there. Whether it is clothes, or Advil, if you have to buy it at Disney, it’s gonna cost you a lot more.
- Do you have little ones? Consider bringing your own stroller…or rent one from a stroller company in the Disney area. Renting strollers at the Disney parks will definitely cost you more. Just keep that in mind.
OK, there are a few last minute things to keep in mind as you get ready to leave for your Walt Disney vacation! My next two posts will focus on being at the parks…and ways to have “free fun” while there!
