Research is the Key to a Successful Orlando Trip

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When planning a trip to Orlando, you could just go to the Disney website, book a vacation package and you're done, right?  Have you considered crowds, weather, park hours or dining?  These are elements that can make or break your vacation.  Over the many years of traveling to Walt Disney World in florida, one thing I have witnessed on every trip is seeing a frustrated family at the park, screaming parents, teens and toddlers.  Advance planning a research can make a big difference in your trip.  Here are some factors that can affect your dream vacation:

Season:  Temperature and humidity are your enemy when visiting Orlando in the summer.  Search your kids’ school calendar for a 3 or 4 day weekend in the spring or early fall.  At these times, you can still enjoy water parks and wet rides.  If you must go during the summer, make sure you plan for plenty of time at the hotel pool or visits to water parks to cool off in the hot summer heat.

Weather:  In the summer in Orlando it rains nearly every afternoon.  I’m not talking about a light shower.  I’m talking about sudden torrential downpours and thunderstorms.  You might put up with this, but small children can get quite cranky when they are caught in the rain.  Study Florida’s annual precipitation and temperatures to find a time when you’d be most comfortable visiting. 

Park hours:  During the summer, the parks are open late usually to accommodate the crowds.  However, if traveling during the low season, the parks have been known to close as early as 5 or 6pm.  If you are traveling during the low season, take advantage of the lower rates offered at onsite hotels with early park admission include to maximize your time at the parks.

Crowds:  Here’s one tip to follow when you go to Orlando.  Get up early! Beating the heavy crowds is the only way to enjoy Disney in the summer when the crowds are so dense, that rides frequently have posted wait times longer than 90 minutes.  Small children and teens (and tired Dads) can get quite cranky waiting in a 70 minute line for a 90 second ride.  At some parks, the gates close at maximum capacity.  Check these two sites for Disney and Universal crowd calendars with crowd expectations on each day of each month.  www.undercovertourist.com and www.orlandoinformer.com. 

Dining:  How many times can you eat chicken nuggets and French fries in one week?  Even little kids will get tired of theme park food.  Look for healthier dining choices at least once a day.  Even if you never leave the Disney property, you can find fresh fruit in the parks and restaurants offering healthy options.  Visit this site for a look at WDW restaurants and menus.  https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/.

Touring plans:  You can waste a lot of precious park time by walking in with a large family without a plan.  The teens will want thrill rides while the toddlers want Dumbo.  Create a “plan of attack” with your family on how to tour the parks that will satisfy everyone.  Compromise alleviates frustration.  Visit these two sites for touring plans of WDW and Universal Orlando.  https://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/magic-kingdom/#touring-plans, http://orlandoinformer.com/page/articles.html/_/universal/touring-plans/touring-plans

For more information on Orlando travel, read my books, Universal Orlando Magic Tips 2015, and Escape from the Mouse Trap 2015, both available on Amazon Kindle at this site:  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-deSilva/e/B00QSC5OX2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1425327602&sr=8-1

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