Tips for Planning Your Disney Vacation

Q & A with Whitney Daniels, Magic of Mickey Travel

• Yes, Disney does offer dining plans that can be added to your package. For example the Quick Service Dining Plan for 2013 would include (each package night, each person) 2 Quick-Service Meals, 1 Snack and a resort refillable drink mug. The Deluxe Dining Plan for 2013 consists of (each package night, each person) 3 Meals ANY combination of quick-service and/or table-service restaurants, 2 snacks and a resort refillable drink mug. These dining plans are very easy to add on to your package and help ease the stress of food options during your stay. 

• There are some fabulous restaurants in the parks. Cinderella’s Royal Table, located in Magic Kingdom Park ®, is a one of a kind option that offers an elaborate meal while getting the royal treatment and visits from Disney’s Royal Family. It is recommended to prebook which can be done through your travel agent which can be booked up to 180 days in advance. 

• Disney will take care of anyone with a special dietary need. All that has to be done is a simple phone call, which can be done by your agent, days before your visit to inform the dining crew of your special needs and they will do their best to accommodate your needs. 

• Do we rent before we go? Disney accommodates those with mobility disabilities. The buses are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs. Guests are allowed to either bring their own or rent one at any of the parks. They are on a first-come, first-serve basis. They also offer a limited amount of Electric Convenience Vehicles on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

• There is always the debate about what is too young to visit Disney. My personal opinion is you are never too young to visit Disney. While the children may not be old enough to remember it, it can still create lasting memories for the family. My parents began taking me when I was just months old, my brother 3 (but he had been before) and they now have the memory of Chip and Dale taking turns feeding me a bottle. As long as parents remember not to over do it, and protect the little ones I believe that you’re never too young to visit Disney. 

• There are many attractions for the young ones. Some rides require a minimum 32 inches or taller to ride but there is Dumbo the Flying Elephant as well as shows that the children would enjoy such as Finding Nemo -The Musical. 

• Strollers are available for rent but are on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

• If you choose to use Disney’s bus transportation they are not equipped with seat belts so a car seat would not be necessary and these buses are not required to permit them. If you wish to still have your child in a car seat it may be wise to  instead rent a car and either bring your own or ask for it to be added to your rental package from the rental company.

• Planning what time of year you decide to go to Disney is important. There is a lot you need to ask yourself first. Are you prepared for heat? If heat doesn’t bother you then you would be okay to visit during the summer season when it is exceptionally hot and humid in Florida. Florida’s winters are usually mild, though I did visit Disney one year that it snowed for the first time in about 10+ years. Springtime you must be prepared for the rain. Disney has ponchos in the parks you can purchase so you can still enjoy the day. You also need to decide if you are looking to go for a special event. For Halloween, they host Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is held in the Spring. There is also Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 

• Overall, yes. Disney is currently having an offer for the Stay, Play and Dine, that for most nights from January 2- March 7, if booked by December 31, can save you up to $600. 

• I can only speak for myself and Magic of Mickey Travel, but we DO NOT charge you fees to book your vacation. Our services are 100% free. 

• Lots! Extended park hours for resort guests with valid admission, complimentary transportation from the airport to your resort, and of course the entertainment, convenience and plentiful resort choices are just a few. 

• It’s all a matter of what you like. If your kids enjoy Disney movies such as The Little Mermaid, The Lion King or Finding Nemo then Disney’s newest resort, Art of Animation ® may be the best choice. There is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa ®, which is just as it says, GRAND. It’s a Victorian style resort with a lobby over 5 stories high which could be a good choice for a couple looking for a romantic getaway. Again, it’s all about what you like, there are a lot of choices so there is something for everyone. 

• One of my favorites is to introduce the young ones to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirate League Makeover which turns young girls into princesses and young boys into pirates. Just a few other tips and tricks would be to take a picture of the back of your photopass, that way if you lose it you can still access  your pictures online when you get home, take a picture on your camera of your children as soon as you get to the parks, if for some reason you become separated from your child you have a recent photo on your camera of what they were wearing to show cast members.Also, many forget that there is more to Disney than just Disney World ®. There is Disneyland ®, Disney Cruise Line ®, Aulani ® in Hawaii and Adventures ® by Disney. Oh! and don’t forget the hidden mickeys!! But, I’ll leave those to explain while I’m planning your next magical vacation!