Tip #1 – Plan but don’t over plan. So, I know this sounds a bit ridiculous and a little vague but hang with me for a minute while I explain. What’s one of the most common things you hear about a Disney vacation? That it is stressful. This truly doesn’t have to be the case. A balance in plans and go with the flow is truly the key to your best Disney trip.

Tip #2 – Do your research. A key piece of a great Disney trip is to have ideas about what your crew will love. Example: Mary Poppins is my favorite character to meet but she is not easy to find. Something that made my trip more memorable was knowing that you can find Mary in the gardens of the UK pavilion in Epcot. Good ways to get your research in are blogs (like this), YouTube, and podcasts. Doing this research can make prepping for your trip so much fun!

Tip #3 – Don’t force it. There will be magical moments in your trip. You don’t have to force these. Rushing or pressuring your little one is more likely to end up in a meltdown than a magical moment.

Tip #4 – Know the app. The My Disney Experience app should be your park day BFF. This app has almost all of the info you need to facilitate a great day in the park. However, that also means that it houses a TON of info and may have helpful features you don’t even notice if you haven’t checked it out ahead of time. Download the app early, do your research specifically on the app and practice. I know that sounds silly but trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

Tip #5 – Think about your crew. What does your family like? Will your kids enjoy the parks? Which parks are the best fit for your crew? Our example of this is that we waited until our oldest was 6 before we went because he had a terrible fear people in costumes. A Disney trip before he outgrew that would have been filled with constant meltdowns and would have been no fun for anyone. Focusing on your family can also mean being in the moment. Take your pics and videos but also put your phone away and soak in those magical moments. Above all else, Disney is a trip that is all about family togetherness and memories. Remember to keep that as your key focus.