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Theme Parks and Resorts- Reality Check |
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1. BE REALISTIC-YOU JUST CAN’T DO IT ALL.
No matter how much you would like to see everything there is to see, there is just no way that you will be able to experience everything that Orlando has to offer. With over 95 attractions both big and small, it would literally take upward of 2 to 3 months to see everything, and the last time I checked most families only have only a week, maybe 2, to explore and experience Orlando and central Florida. You also need to be realistic regarding exactly what you can accomplish within each of the theme parks. Allowing sufficient touring time and/or cutting a few of the attractions (generally ones you may not find nearly as interesting or even appropriate) from your “to do” list will exponentially increase your chances of having a far more enjoyable experience and experiencing the parks the way they were meant to be experienced. Otherwise, if you fall victim to all of the excitement or to the feeling that you’re cheating yourselves if you don’t “do it all” reality will soon set in (and believe me it won’t be pleasant). Disappointment, disillusionment, and a feeling of being cheated (in this case of the experience you should have had) will be the end result.
2. NARROW DOWN YOUR WISH LIST TO FIT YOUR SCHEDULE.
If you onlyhave a week, don’t think you will be able to get to all 4 of the major Walt Disney Worldparks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), their 2 water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), Downtown Disney, Universal Orlando (including Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure), as well as SeaWorld, unless you (and your family) plan on having both a mental and physical breakdown somewhere along the way. These parks are huge, overwhelming, and over stimulating. The amount of walking (and at the time spent waiting) required to get through them is at times, often most times, astronomical. Now, don’t get me wrong-I love each and every one of them. But to avoid disappointment and disillusionment, you must truly be realistic in your expectations of what you can do in a week (or even 2), especially with kids in tow. Plan in an extra day or 2 if you can to allow time to experience an attraction you may have missed the first time around, a ride you just didn’t get to, or simply for a day off for rest and relaxation (both physical and mental). Be sure to check out the Touring Times as it lists the approximate amount of time that it will take you tackle each and every one of the various parks and attractions. They’re noted within each of the theme park and attraction reviews or if you prefer just click on Touring Times and a complete list of the theme parks and attractions touring times will pop up. If you calculate out the time required to experience absolutely everything on your “to do” list the results may very well surprise you when actually see just how much time it will truly take to see and do it all. This is why sitting down and deciding just which attractions (within each of the major theme parks) you just can’t miss – and just which ones you can.
3. KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS.
I’m sure some of you are shaking your heads as you read this and saying to yourself, “Yeah, right, we can handle this-no problem.” But you (and your family) will be in for a world of disappointment by the third day (maybe even the second) if you plan on heading to a major theme park every single day. By that point, you won’t even have enough energy to find the clicker to change the TV channel, let alone continue on to the next theme park. Adults would have difficulty keeping up the pace, and kids, especially younger ones, would be absolutely miserable. Now I’m just guessing, but I don’t think that’s what you had in mind when you planned this vacation.
4. FOLLOW YOUR NORMAL ROUTINE AS BEST YOU CAN.
Consider the ages of your kids as well as their normal schedules. If they need naps, by all means plan them into the day. If they usually sleep late, don’t expect that they will suddenly become early birds and be happy about it. A few changes may be in order-like eating an hour or so off of peak mealtimes to avoid the crowds, getting up an hour or so earlier, or staying out an hour or so later to help avoid the crowds and the lines-but don’t get too dramatic with changes in your routine or it will come back to bite you, and sooner rather than later.
5. CHECK THE WEB SITES OF THE PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS JUST BEFORE YOU GO ON YOUR TRIP.
Double-check operating hours, height restrictions, and up to- the-minute ticket prices, as well as whether there are any ride closures due to refurbishments or repair. Don’t allow unfortunate surprises to disappoint you or your children. Many of the bigger parks list their refurbishment schedules well ahead of time, or at least far enough that you will be able to find out prior to leaving for your vacation (though on rare occasions a ride may be closed without prior notice). As for operating hours, just because this week a park stays open until 10:00 p.m, certainly does not mean that it will keep the same hours next week, or even the next day. Hours can change daily, and if you plan to stay late one evening only to find out that the park closes 3 hours earlier than you had anticipated, your entire schedule can go right out the window.
6. BRING ALONG WATER, JUICE DRINKS, AND SNACKS.
Not only are the parks’ offerings fairly expensive, which can add up quickly to a rather mighty sum by the end of the day, but what they offer may not always be appropriate and may not always be available just when you (or your kids) would like it to be. I’m telling you, kids have a most uncanny ability to suddenly be terribly thirsty or incredibly hungry miles from the nearest snack cart. Bring water bottles, frozen the night before to keep them cold throughout the day (or at least for a while longer than if you hadn’t). Pack fruit, crackers, and other snacks for tots since most of the offerings at the parks consist of sweets and ice cream, though sometimes you can find something healthier.
7. SET THE LIMITS ON SOUVENIR SHOPPING.
When kids are faced with spending their own money, I must say it tends to stretch much further than if your wallet is wide open. They may require a bit of help with their finances, keeping track and so on, as well as a bit of reminding along the way as to just how many more places there are to go, but in the end you will spend far less, and they will make significantly better choices regarding what to bring home. The rides themselves pose their own set of potential problems, the biggest of which is the question of whether your children should or shouldn’t be allowed to ride. A rule of thumb to follow: just because they can, doesn’t mean they should. I have listed the rides in enough detail that you should be able to determine if it is appropriate for your children, though only you can decide based on the information provided if your child will fare well. Your child’s personality and maturity are by far more important in determining whether or not a ride is appropriate than their age. I know younger children who seem almost fearless tackling rides I never thought they could (or even would), while some older children just look at the same rides with panic in their eyes. By all means, don’t head to the most intense thrill ride in the park right off the bat, or your first ride of the day may very well end up being your last. If the kids have not had much experience on rides, or you are at all unsure of how they will react, start them off gradually and build up to the bigger and in some cases more extreme rides throughout the day. Starting off with a bang is almost sure to backfire.
8. HEAD TO THE PARKS EARLY.
I know every travel book, guide, and website offers this same advice, but in fact not many people actually follow it. Believe me, I am in no way a morning person, but when faced with the possibility of having to stand in line for an hour or more (with 5 excitable and impatient children) when earlier in the day I could have jumped on a ride in only a few minutes, getting up an hour (or two) early to do so is by far the better way to go. By 11:00 a.m., the parks start to get crowded, and by 1:00 p.m. they are downright jam-packed, especially during peak seasons and holidays. The crowds pick up at about the same time during slower seasons however they are far more manageable then.
9. DURING PEAK TRAVEL SEASONS, SEND YOUR SPOUSE OR TEENAGER OFF TO GET A FAST PASS (Walt Disney World) OR PURCHASE AN EXPRESS PASS (Universal Orlando) FOR THE RIDE YOU JUST CAN’T MISS REASONABLYY SOON AFTER GETTING THROUGH THE PARK GATES.
Now I wouldn’t suggest huffing it halfway around the park just to pick up a FASTPASS that, but when you are reasonably close to the ride and it looks like the lines are starting to build, that would be the time to strike. Keep in mind that during busy seasons it will take much longer to tackle the parks, especially if you have younger children in tow, so plan your time appropriately. Don’t expect to ride every ride at the Magic Kingdom in a single day when you’re there during spring break-get the idea?
10. PREPARE FOR THE FLORIDA SUN.
Bring along a stroller (if you have kids 4 or under), waterproof sunscreen, and hats, and by all means remember to stay hydrated. The southern sun is strong and often unrelenting. Take breaks throughout the day - rest often, drink often, and protect yourself (and your children) from getting a horrible sunburn – one can easily creep up on you quickly even on a cloudy day (be particularly aware of exposure from the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest).
11. DRESSING PROPERLY IS IMPORTANT.
Sleeves, whether short or long, can help to protect shoulders and arms from sunburn. Lightweight, light-colored, and slightly looser-fitting clothing is best for hotter days as it allows the air to flow and doesn’t retain the heat as darker clothing can. Young babies (especially those too young for sunscreen) should have a lightweight blanket that can be draped across the stroller to shield them from the sun - just remember to allow the air to flow through (a clip-on battery-operated
fan works wonders).
12. UTILIZE THE PARKS’ FAST PASSES AND EXPRESS PASSES TO MAKE
THE LINES MORE BEARABLE.
When you do get stuck in long lines (and you will – it’s inevitable) playing games like I-Spy or playing counting games like who can spot the most people sporting Mickey Ears (and so on), looking around for Hidden Mickey’s, or even planning out the evenings activities can help to pass the time (not to mention make waiting much more fun).
13. USE PARK TRANSPORTATION.
While often times the park transportation system is slower than we would like, it‘s still a great option for getting from place to place without having to huff all the way back to the car only to go to another parking lot to get to yet a different park and so on. Look at the park’s transportation map or park guide to map out how to best get from one place to another. It could be by boat, by monorail, by bus, by tram, maybe or even by walking (and in some cases a combination may be required).
14. KNOW AHEAD OF TIME WHAT SERVICES THE PARKS OFFER AND IF ANY ARE OF INTEREST TO YOU.
For example, find out if they offer stroller rentals, have baby items for sale, film developing, and so on. Then decide which services you intend to use and if necessary (or possible) make reservations or arrangements for them ahead of time.
15. MAKE YOUR PARK DINING ARRANGEMENTS AHEAD OF TIME.
Some restaurants will accept reservations, others offer only priority seating or advanced dining reservations (Disney now calls them Advanced Dining Reservations, Universal remains priority seating). If you are interested in a particularly popular restaurant and want to ensure (as best you can) that you will get the chance to eat there, find out ahead of time how far in advance you can make your arrangements (at Disney it can be up to 180 days out) and then book them as early as possible (keeping in mind that select dining experiences may require full payment at the time you arrange for your reservation). If a restaurant won’t accept seating arrangements prior to the day of arrival (as some park
eateries will not) or if you have simply forgotten to make arrangements ahead of time, then head straight to guest services the minute you enter the park gates and make your arrangements then.
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| A FEW OTHER TIDBITS OF ADVICE WORTH CONSIDERING: |
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1. BUY YOUR TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME.
It will save having to stand in line and will likely save you money. Many of the parks, convention & visitors bureaus, and motor clubs such as AAA sell park and attraction tickets that can be purchased by phone, via their websites, or in the case of AAA right at their agency offices. Another option would be to purchase your tickets at the guest services or concierge desk in your hotel or resort lobby. While this method may not save you much money – you will save a great deal of time by avoiding those lengthy theme park lines.
2. EAT AT OFF HOURS.
You and about 50,000 other people will be eating lunch and/or dinner at the parks, and unless you really relish the thought of standing in yet another long line, searching for what seems like forever to find a table (and one that will accommodate your entire family) among the crowds, eating even just half an hour (though a bit more time would be even better – say 45 minutes to an hour) off the normal meal times can make for a much more relaxing (did I really say that?) experience.
3. BE FLEXIBLE.
Inevitably the kids (and you) will get tired, it may rain for an afternoon, the lines may get too long to handle, and so on, and so on, and so on - you get the idea. Taking into account that not everything will go absolutely according to plan is half the battle. The other half is how you decide to cope with the situation. You can rearrange your plans accordingly and make the best of it, or you can call it a day and claim disaster - which do you think would really be best?
4. BE PATIENT.
Crowds are an inevitable part of a theme park-related vacation, but a simple “excuse me” or “I’m sorry” if you step on or run a stroller over someone’s toes with the stroller is warranted and would likely be appreciated. Space is at a premium, so try not to careen through the parks (though be aware that unfortunately some people do). With so many young children, safety should come first.
5. BRING ALONG SOME EXTRA CLOTHING.
Many parks have rides or play areas where there is an abundance of water just waiting to soak anyone whether they are willing to get wet or not. It’s horribly uncomfortable to walk around in sopping wet clothes, and walking around in sloshy wet sneakers is just asking for trouble (and blisters). Bring along a zip plastic bag (maybe even several) to ensure you’ve got a placeto stash all your wet clothes. Just don’t forget about them, especially if the bag is sealed. If they sit all sealed up for too long they will get moldy and quite smelly. Bring along a spare t-shirt and shorts – towels (and often socks, t-shirts, swimwear, and other clothing items) are often readily available right near the rides and play areas where you’ll get the wettest. If, however, you’re prepared, you can save the added expense of having to buy dry gear. The temperature can dip down rather sharply in the evenings to where you or your kids may want (need) a sweater or sweatshirt. Restaurants, too, can be notoriously cold (regardless of the temperature outdoors), and if you are unlucky enough to be seated near the air-conditioning vents, it can make for a downright miserable evening out - unless you’re prepared.
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Traveling with Kids in Tow?
Be sure to work with your family’s usual routine. Don’t expect that if your children are late risers and a bit slow to get going in the morning, that they will suddenly be bright eyed and bushytailed, ready to be on the move by eight o’clock in the morning. On the other hand if your family likes to rise and shine with the sun, or at least rather bright and early, by all means take advantage as you may just be first in line to see all the sights.
On the flip side, don’t then expect them to be full of vim and vigor much after the dinner hour. If you’ve been trekking through the parks since dawn, it’s quite likely that you won’t be closing the parks. Those who are late risers however may find that spending a relaxing morning at their hotel, resting up, having a leisurely breakfast, or playing in the pool, will be able to tackle the parks well into the evening hours (often until closing).
Keep your children’s ages in mind. If you have younger children who still require a nap just to function, know now that quality naptime is at a premium when you’re at the parks and on the go. If they require a quiet place to nap, plan for this well ahead of time so you can actually find a quiet spot (which will be difficult though not impossible) to allow them a likely much needed break from all the action. If you are staying at a hotel that’s located on theme park property or sight seeing somewhere that’s reasonably close to your hotel, I highly recommend taking a break and heading back to your room. A missed nap can make or break your day (and theirs), not to mention your evening.
The larger theme parks are a major undertaking, and are exhausting both physically and mentally. Try your best not to schedule more than two days in a row at places like Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando. Sprinkle in a “down day” (a day where you rest, relax, head to the smaller less intensive attractions, play miniature golf, and rejuvenate for the next big day ahead). Now, I know you’re muttering to yourself right about now that there is simply no way to schedule in a “down day” if you want to see and do it all in the time you have …well, you’re right. This however, is the moment when you must
understand that you can’t do it all, and if you try to, you and your family will likely end up rather miserable attempting to do so. Take a day to slowdown the pace, relax, and rest up - this is especially necessary if you have younger children in tow.
Make sure your expectations are truly realistic. You and your children both have limitations with regard to what you can actually accomplish. Be reasonable and do your best not to go overboard when you’re planning your itinerary -- it can (and will) come back to bite you. Be sure to read through the theme park survival guide (which you’ll find just a few pages further on) for some helpful (and realistic) tips on how to best manage your time, and most importantly how to survive your vacation with your mind and your body remaining in tack. in tact.
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