After years of thinking about a Disneyworld vacation, we are finally in the planning stages for our first family trip to Florida and the Magic Kingdom. I’m learning a few things along the way, from lodging to dining to discount codes.
As a family, we have gone on two Disney cruises – both on the Wonder. We adore the laid back atmosphere of the cruise, with plenty of ports of call, tons of onboard activities for the entire family, ‘adults only’ spaces for when mom and dad want time away, and – the most magical of all, in our opinion – the lazy days on Disney’s own island, Castaway Key. However, our oldest daughter is 11 and the youngest is 3 (our middle daughter is 5) so we decided it was finally time to tackle the Magic Kingdom.
Where to Stay at Disneyworld
With three kids – one of whom still needs a daily nap – we decided that staying on Disney property was the best bet. This will allow us to leave the park during the afternoon, get the youngest down for a rest, and then allow easy access to head back to ‘the World’ when the heat of the day has passed. However, there are also terrific offsite options for families who don’t mind driving.
As a family of five, our options for budget stays were a bit limited. We’ve chosen to stay at the All Star Music resort in a family suite. The ‘suite’ allows us to have two bathrooms (crucial when traveling with three daughters!), as well as a refrigerator and microwave. Many larger families, or those desiring extra room, will book two rooms and request that Disney place them in adjoining or connecting rooms. Families staying at the budget resorts, but not choosing the family suite option at All Star Music, can rent a refrigerator from Disney for the duration of the stay. Microwaves also are available in the food courts.
How to Eat at Disneyworld
Speaking of food, we have added the Quick Service Dining Plan to our vacation package. This will give us ‘pre-paid’ meals and, although there is some question as to whether this will result in an actual cost savings, it does give us peace of mind to know that most of our expenses will be paid for before we set foot on property. Disney has several meal plan options that are discussed in more detail on its website.
Since we are staying in a room with a fridge and microwave, we are bringing along food for breakfast and snacks. These include:
- microwave macaroni and cheese
- breakfast cereal
- poptarts
- english muffins
- peanut butter and jelly
- snack crackers
- popcorn
This will save us time and food credits in the morning, allowing us to eat our main meals for lunch and dinner.
Disneyworld is filled with snack carts, counter service meal options (think fast food), and sit-down dining options. For those wishing to have a more relaxed sit-down meal, Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) are available 180 days prior to your arrival date. Reservations can be made easily on the Disneyworld website or by calling (407) 934-7639. Many restaurants do fill up – especially those offering breakfast/lunch/dinner with Disney characters.
Disney Parks with Kids
This is the part I’m most worried about. Three kids, three different ages, three different sets of interests. We’ve chosen to approach it this way – one park per day and each person (including mom and dad!) gets to choose one thing they don’t want to miss at that park. Whether Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios, each person on our vacation will have a little control over their day while still ensuring that everyone enjoys themselves.
Disney’s FastPass system should simplify things. With FastPass, a Disney park ticket can be used to obtain a ‘reservation’ for a ride that is very popular. So, while others may wait in line for an hour (or more!) for a popular ride, you will have a reservation to return at a certain time and go to the head of the line. Also available for parents with small children is something called ‘rider switch’, where Dad can take the older kids on a ride while Mom hangs back with the little one… and then when they return, Mom takes the older kids while Dad stays with the munchkin. This gives both parents the opportunity to ride – and let’s the older kids ride twice!
I’ll be back with more tips and tricks and information on our plans. And if you have tips of your own, please share!
Dianna is the mother of three girls and loves planning vacations in as much detail as possible. Find out more about her family and her life at Mama in Pajamas.
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Dianna
By day, I'm an editor, a writer and the mama of three girls, one of whom was adopted from Vietnam in 2007. By night, I'm a mama in pajamas and can be found lounging on the couch in my bunny slippers with a glass of wine (red, of course!).
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