We sat down with our Travel Agents who are hardcore Disney fans to learn some of their best tips for those headed to the Parks for vacation.
AAA Every Day: How many times have you been to the Disney Parks?
Lynne Schmidt: I have been to Walt Disney World more than 40 times and Disneyland nine times.
Judi Franken: 100+ and each time I find something new, even though it may have been there all along.
AAA: What are some of the benefits of staying on property at a Disney Resort?
Lynne: The most important benefits are the proximity to the parks, the included resort transportation and early/late park admission.
Judi: The free transportation provided lends the ability to go back to the resort often to nap, swim in the pool or just explore your resort. You can later return to a park for dinner or even go somewhere else on the property.
AAA: For those traveling with families to Walt Disney World Resort, especially with young kids, can you give any advice to make the trip a bit easier?
Judi: Plan, there is a lot to see and do. Make time to take breaks and don’t try to see everything. If your children are older ask them what they would like to see. If you have little ones, bring a stroller or rent one while at the park. It’s a lot of walking for those little legs.
Lynne: If it’s in your budget, I recommend staying at one of the hotels in the Magic Kingdom area. They are the closest to the park and offer other ways to get there, like boats, walkways and, of course, the Monorail.
AAA: What about for those traveling without kids?
Lynne: I would recommend not packing your schedule solely with park days. Leave at least one day open to enjoy the resort or visit a non-park attraction, like the shopping and dining district, Disney Springs. That way you don’t get so burned out and you’ll probably discover other noteworthy experiences.
Judi: Disney isn’t just rides for kiddos. On both coasts there are shows, nighttime spectaculars, fantastic restaurants … the list goes on. At EPCOT in Florida, each season has a different Festival to enjoy. Winter has the International Festival of the Arts. With spring comes International Flower & Garden through mid-summer. The International Festival of the Holidays starts after Thanksgiving and finishes out the year.
AAA: What are some of your Disney property must-dos and why?
Lynne: Going back to the topic of seasonal celebrations, a must-do for me at Walt Disney World is attending the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. There are so many delicious menu items from different countries, both represented throughout the year inside the World Showcase pavilions and limited-time booths around the Global Marketplace. Plus, there is great entertainment, character meet-and-greets and exclusive event souvenirs.
Judi: I usually get Park Hopper passes and check out each park to see what is new or changed since my last visit. I also like to stop over at the different resort hotels; each is unique and you don’t have to have a park ticket to walk around. You may decide you’d like to dine or stay at one of them on your next trip.
AAA: Any items they should bring along that might not be on a standard packing list?
Judi: Always check the weather forecast because what you bring really depends on the time of year. In the warmer months, cooling towels are a good idea. When it gets colder, make sure you’re prepared with clothes like a jacket and long pants. Other things to consider are comfy shoes, back or waist packs and rain ponchos.
Lynne: Don’t forget to bring your own refillable water bottle. Throughout your vacation, it will save you a lot of money.
AAA: What are the benefits of booking your trip with a AAA Travel Agent?
Judi: We can help you plan your trip from soup to nuts and enhance the overall experience. From things like dining plans to figuring out the mobile app and Disney Genie Plus reservation system, we’re the experts. You have our support and we can help you plan some extra magic while we’re at it.
AAA: Do you have any other tips you’d like our readers to know?
Lynne: Do your own research way before your trip to narrow down your own “must-do” attractions, shows, etc.
Judi: There is so much to explore at both Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida. Take your time, unless you are there to literally run a marathon.
To book your next Disney Parks vacation with one of our AAA Authorized Disney Travel Planners, call 518-426-1000 or email booktravel@aaahv.com.
This blog was originally published as an article in the January/February 2024 issue of AAA Every Day Magazine.
