How to Create the Perfect Disney Vacation Schedule for Your Family

Start with a Family Meeting

Planning a Disney vacation is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Begin by gathering your family for a meeting to discuss everyone’s must-see attractions, dining preferences, and any special events they want to attend. Make sure to consider the ages and interests of your children to ensure everyone has a magical experience.

During this meeting, create a list of priorities. This will help you decide which parks to visit and what activities to schedule each day. Remember, Disney is vast, and trying to do everything in one trip is nearly impossible.

Research and Choose Your Parks

Disney World in Florida is home to four main parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Disneyland in California offers Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Research each park to understand the attractions and experiences available, and select the ones that align with your family’s interests.

Consider the length of your stay and plan how many days you’ll spend at each park. A typical recommendation is to allocate at least one full day per park, with extra time for Magic Kingdom due to its size and number of attractions.

Check Park Hours and Events

Before finalizing your schedule, check the park hours and special events during your visit. Disney parks often have extended hours or special events such as parades and nighttime shows. Incorporate these into your schedule to maximize your experience.

Book Dining Reservations in Advance

Dining at Disney is an experience in itself, with options ranging from character dining to themed restaurants. Popular dining spots can fill up quickly, so book your reservations as early as possible. This is especially important if you have specific dining experiences in mind, such as breakfast with Mickey or dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Keep your family’s dining preferences and dietary restrictions in mind while booking. Having a few meal reservations each day can provide a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

Plan for Downtime

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but don’t forget to schedule downtime. Whether it’s a mid-afternoon break at the hotel pool or a leisurely stroll through the park, downtime is essential for resting and recharging. This is especially true if you have young children who may need naps or quiet time.

Utilize Disney’s Tools and Resources

Disney offers a variety of tools to help you plan your visit, such as the My Disney Experience app. Use this app to view wait times, reserve FastPass+ selections, and manage dining reservations. It’s a handy tool for staying organized and ensuring you don’t miss any must-see attractions.

Consider using Disney’s Genie+ service for access to shorter wait times for popular rides. This can save you time and help you fit more attractions into your schedule.

Be Flexible and Have Fun

While having a schedule is important, remember to stay flexible. Unexpected things can happen, like ride closures or weather changes. Be prepared to adjust your plans and go with the flow. The most important thing is to enjoy the time with your family and create magical memories.

By following these tips, you can create a Disney vacation schedule that’s both efficient and enjoyable for the entire family. Happy planning!