2017 Resolutions To Be A Better Disney Traveler

Happy New Year! Have you started planning for your next Walt Disney World vacation yet? Let's face it, we all need a little extra magic now and again, so in 2017 I'm resolving to be a better traveler. It can be the little things that make all the difference between a great vacation and a stressful one, here are a few tips to alleviate stress a become a better traveler.


Resolve To Be A Better Traveler


Plan Ahead & Know What You're Doing Each Day

Disney's Vacation Kingdom is a vast expanse of different lands of fantasy and adventure. Because of this it can be easy to get lost and spend a day covering a lot of ground, yet still missing out on experiences. With a little planning ahead you can figure out what your priorities are. Route out a touring strategy through the Park of the day that will make sure you don't miss out on what's important to you. I tend to pick 5 things each day that are a priority for me to see, after that everything else is bonus fun!


Disney's Hollywood Studios Crossroads of the World



Use Your Resources

Both at home and on the road there are a plethora of resources to help keep your Disney vacation running smoothly. But " they don't work if you don't use them! Read those guide books ahead of time to help you plan your vacation. Don't forget to download the MyDisneyExperience App to your mobile device before you arrive. This app will keep your plans in the palm of your hand, it will also provide vital daily information, and make changes on the fly.


A new 'get directions' function is available on the My Disney Experience app


Be On Time

While Walt Disney World has a stellar complimentary transportation system, there are going to be things that happen that are beyond your control. To help cut down on your travel stress, be sure to leave plenty of time to get from point A to point B. Depending on where in the world you're going, and the time of year, you may need to leave 1 - 1.5 hours to get across the vacation kingdom property using Disney's transportation.

Try and arrive at the podium for your advance dining reservations 10 minutes prior to your seating time to check in, and have your entire party ready to be seated. If you have a special seating request (such as being near a window, or on the terrace) be aware that it may take longer for you to be seated if those tables are already holding guests. Be patient, and maybe grab a cocktail to enjoy while you wait.


Taking The Ferry Is Relaxing and Fun


Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

It is very easy to get overwhelmed by fantasy while touring Disney Parks. For your safety, and the safety of others around you, be aware of your surroundings. If you need to check a map or your guidebook, step off to the sides of the walkway. Know that there will be quite a few guests who are shorter than you (both children walking and in strollers, and disabled guests in mobility scooters) - you don't want to trip over them. It can be easy to become over absorbed with what's going on in your group and stumble over other guests, causing injury to one or both parties. Try and be extra aware of where others are around you while you're touring.

Being aware of where you are and what you're doing will also help to keep your party together. However in case you do get separated, be sure that you've established an emergency meet-up point ahead of time.


The Tree of Life


Respect the Queue

You will be spending lots of time waiting in queue at Walt Disney World, be sure to respect that and use your manners while having to wait for your turn to ride. Make sure your entire party enters the queue together, no line jumping. Maintain a respectable distance from the people in front of you, crowding in on others will not get you to the front of the line any faster. No pushing, and be aware of the small children that may be standing near you, they need space too. In general try and be friendly, offer a smile to your neighbors, everyone has to wait in line it might as well be a nice experience.

Cast members are always posted at points to keep things moving properly, be nice to them. They may look like they're in charge of the line, but there is only so much that they can do during busy times, or technical difficulties.


View From Sprinkles Deck


Make Some Magic Yourself

Walt Disney World is a magical place, and some of the most magical moments for my family have actually been because of other people. If every guest takes responsibility for their experience truly magical things can happen. Be sure to take time to say thank you to those cast members and other guests who make your day bright.

Need an idea for making magic? My kids love starting other younger children in on the pin trading fun. They always have one or two pins on their lanyard that they don't mind giving away.

I love creating some magic for cast members who give us a little extra time. Be sure to jot down the name of the cast member you want to thank, and when or where you spoke with them. At the end of the day stop by Guest Services and fill out "Great Service Fanatic" card.


Spaceship Earth



Overall being a better traveler is about being respectful to the space that you're in, and those other people who are there with you. We all put a lot of time, effort, and money into planning our Disney trips, and it's important that we things go awry we stay calm, and remember we're there to have fun.


Resolve To Be A Better Traveler


What would you add to this resolution list? Are there ways that you think you could be a better traveler? Leave a comment below and let us know!