- Disney restaurants get very full so be sure to book any character dinners or breakfasts early – Disney World hotel guests can make reservations up to 190 days in advance (and trust me – lots of them do!). Other visitors can book their meals 180 days in advance. Do this online on the Disney site.
- Children get tired walking around the parks – even if they don’t use pushchairs very much at home be prepared to use one – you can buy a cheap one from Walmart or hire one in the theme parks at a cost.
- Keep hydrated – the Florida heat can be intense.
- Get to the parks early, especially in the first few days as you’ll likely be up at the crack of dawn anyway until you and (more importantly) your kids adjust to the right timezone.
- Plan to have the occasional siesta / afternoon rest. We’ve done the walk of shame with a screaming over-tired child… It’s a LONG way back to your car. Tickets allow re-entry so go back fresher in the evening when it is cooler.
- Don’t forget to visit Downtown Disney – the Disney Marketplace is a great place to relax, eat and spend money on merchandise.
- Consider using the FREE Disney World bus (Disney Express) to shuttle you from the airport if you are a resort guest – collect a hire car the next day when you are less tired and got over your holiday flight drinks (vodka).
- Take note of the extra hours at Disney World if you are a guest you can get in to some parks 1 hour early and stay at some parks 3 hours later into the evening – know which parks and when to plan your itinerary.
- Remember where you parked your car. Train the kids to memorise it for you. Nobody wants to be looking for their car in the largest car parks known to man.
- Have a good, big, filling breakfast before hitting the parks – it sets you up for the day and can save money skipping lunch.
