10 Things I Would do Different for the Next Disney Vacation

We went to Disney World for the first time in December 2019 and I did lots of research. As a result, I gained a lot of knowledge about Disney World before even stepping foot in the place. But even after learning the best tips and tricks, I still have things I would do different to make our next Disney trip even better. Here are the 10 things I would change for our next trip.

1.) Book a Family Suite

Disney World has a plethora of resorts to choose from. As a result, it can be hard to choose where to stay. I narrowed my choices down to the Caribbean Beach Resort and the Art of Animation. I picked the Caribbean Beach Resort because it was cheaper than the family suites. The room slept five. Also, a pack and play was set up in the room. Alexandra, my 18 month old is a light sleeper. Therefore, it would have been better if she had her own room. Plus, almost everyone had a cold. The kids were coughing all night long and I was worried Alexandra or Ezra would wake up.

For my family situation it would have been better if we had stayed in a family suite at the Art of Animation. When planning a trip you have to consider what works best for your family.

2.) Don’t do Service Your Way Program

Guests that are staying at Disney World Resorts have the option to participate in the Service Your Way program. If you stay at a resort for more than 2 days you can request not to have housekeeping services. In return you get a gift card for $10 per night of your stay, excluding the first night. To request this, just ask the front desk and they will email you an electronic gift card.

I requested the Service Your Way and received a $50 egift card. Now, don’t get me wrong, it was nice to receive the extra $50. But, because I had children in diapers, our trash filled up quick. Thus, at the end of a tiring day I didn’t have the energy to empty my own trash. In addition, Alexandra got into a pop-tart, and there were crumbs everywhere. I won’t use this program again until my kids are older. That way, there will be less of a mess, I hope.

Service Your Way is a great program but you have to decide if its the right fit for your family. Do you want to worry about emptying your own trash or calling the front desk when you need clean towels? I personally don’t mind doing those things, but we got in late every night. I had to focus on getting kids ready for bed and didn’t want to take care of the trash each night.

3.) Have a Resort Day

I should have taken the advice to have a resort day. But I wanted to get as much done as possible on our trip, and I thought a resort day wasn’t necessary. I realize now that it would have been an excellent way to relax, wake up later and just take time to explore the resort. The resorts have fun themed pools and plenty of activities to enjoy. Having a resort day in the middle of the vacation would have really made our stay even more enjoyable.

4.) Bring a stroller to the airport

This probably seems like a, why wouldn’t you type of situation, but we rented a stroller from a third party company in Orlando. Furthermore, we had to decide if it was better to bring our own stroller or rent one. Now, I’m glad we rented a stroller, it was a much higher quality than what we own and has better shade. At the same time, carrying a small child across 2 different airports is really hard on the arms.

Another thing is, you can board the plan early when you have a stroller. I don’t know if all airlines do this, but Delta will. Delta also offers complimentary checked strollers. Strollers can be checked at curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate.

5.) Use Mobile Order

The My Disney Experience app has a great feature called mobile order. You can order meals and snacks while you are walking around the park. This way, you avoid the long lines.

I only used it once, at Aloha Isle. That line was crazy long. It took way less time than standing in that line. I should have used it more. Getting our food would have taken a lot less time. I plan on using it consistently on our next trip.

6.) Use Package Pickup

Disney World has a complimentary service called package pickup or souvenir pickup. This means that when you make a purchase they will ship it to the front of the park or to your resort (only for Disney World Resorts). This way you won’t have to carry around your purchases all day while in the park. All you have to do is tell the clerk you want to use this service and then you can pick it up at the end of the day.

I knew about this service but I thought I didn’t need it. There were a few days that I ended up with quite a few bags. As a result, it was challenging to get on the bus and the skyliner. Not only did I have 2 little ones to help get on the bus and skyliner, but I also had a big stroller that had to be folded up and carried on. Next time I’m at Disney World I will use this complimentary service.

7.) Don’t eat Breakfast at Trolley Car Cafe

We got to Hollywood Studios around 9 am. The line was long but that was not the worst part. After we ordered our food it took at least 15 minutes before our order was ready. Then, we realized that they forgot one of the breakfast sandwiches we ordered. I think it took half an hour before everyone had their food.

Ultimately, I decided never to eat breakfast at Trolley Car Cafe. I’m guessing that Main Street Bakery has long lines in the morning too, so I will avoid that place for breakfast as well. However, I did have a good experience with Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. There was no line when we ate breakfast at Sleepy Hollow. So, I will eat breakfast there again. In addition, I have a list of where you can eat breakfast in the parks.

8.) Take Time to Watch a Parade

I love going on rides therefore, my plan was to go on as many rides as possible. I’ve never been one for parades, so I didn’t plan on watching any at Disney World.

A parade went by As I was shopping in the Emporium in the Magic Kingdom. I could hear the music from the street and it looked like a lot of fun to watch. I realized I had missed out by not watching the parade. Next time I will make sure to watch a parade.

9.) Check Fastpass Throughout the Day

Disney World gives you 3 fastpasses for each day your in the parks. Fastpasses can be scheduled up to 60 days before your vacation.

After your 3 fastpasses are used you can get more. All you have to do is go on the My Disney Experience app to see what is available. I never took the time to check what was available after I had used my initial 3 fastpasses. I just avoiding rides that had long waits. With all the craziness that is a family vacation I forgot this tip. I will definitely use it on my next trip.

10.) Take Time to Eat More Snacks

Disney World has many iconic snacks. I made a plan before the vacation to try many of those snacks. However, once we were in the parks I forgot to make sure to slow down and stop to eat snacks.

We did make sure to have a dole whip, but there were many snacks I missed out on. Next time, I will make sure the kids get to try things like mickey bars, churros or carmel apples.

Have you been to Disney World? Is there anything you would do different? Leave a comment with your thoughts or ideas.