This week I’ve been talking to a lot of people about whether it’s better to drive or fly to their Disney vacations. While there are a lot of factors that play into the decision (distance, timing, number of people), one of the biggest concerns people have is how to stay occupied on the long drive. With that in mind, here are 10 ways to keep the whole family happy on a Disney road trip.
*Note: These ideas are unapologetically Disney-themed, but you can always modify if you need a break from Mickey!
1) Disney-Themed Playlists
One of my favorite parts of planning a road trip is putting together creative playlists. I love to make mine highly specific (e.g. “Disney Villains”, “Broadway Showstoppers”, “beach country”). One of the easiest games to play with Disney playlists is “Guess the Movie” – simply play a selection of soundtrack choices and let everyone guess. Or perhaps hold a road trip competition for an hour and let the winner pick the next genre. And remember – there’s nothing wrong with a good, old-fashioned family sing-along!
2) Disney Audiobooks
I’ve been learning to love audiobooks more and more, and this is a great way to kill time during a long roadtrip. Have everyone vote for a book choice and download it before you leave. Just try not to choose one with a calming narrator if you’re driving long hours at night.
3) Disney-Themed Snacks
It’s not a proper road trip without fun snacks, right? Get creative and make some Disney-themed snacks before you leave. Some easy ideas are Mickey trail mix, Mickey cookies/Oreos, fish-shaped crackers (think Finding Nemo), or themed fruit snacks. Check out my Pinterest board and the Disney Family site for more ideas!
4) Countdown Kits
Everyone loves a countdown, but here’s a fun twist perfect for a road trip. Calculate how many hours it will take you to arrive at your destination and put together a surprise bag for each hour. Fill them with trinkets, treats, or activities the kids can enjoy during the ride. The dollar store is a great resource here – they offer plenty of coloring books, puzzles, sticker sets, and more.
5) Activity Kits
Speaking of activities, be sure to pack some to help your kids (or you) stay busy. I love coloring books, logic/word puzzles, crafts, and sketch books. Theme your items around your kids’ favorite characters for added fun.
6) Disney Games
There are an endless number of Disney games you can come up with. WDW Radio has a great list of Disney car games that get the whole family involved. Two of my favorites are 20 Questions and any sort of road trip bingo or checklist.
7) Disney Trivia
This might fall under the game category, but since it doesn’t have to have an ending I’m keeping it separate. Steal some (Disney) trivia cards out of your favorite trivia game and have fun seeing who can answer the most questions. You can also purchase a Disney trivia book in advance and see who’s the real Disney expert in your family.
8) Vacation Planning
As you get closer to your destination, it can be a lot of fun to just get excited all together and talk about what you’re looking forward to. Get a copy of the park maps and take turns circling what you really want to see/do. Look up menus for restaurants you’ll be dining at and talk about all the great foods you want to try. This is a fun way to make sure everyone’s voice is heard when choosing activities. Plus, if you’re an Ears of Experience client you’ll have a whole packet of Disney tips to look through!
9) Vacation Scrapbooks
Designate a family photographer and a family journalist to document your trip from start to finish. Some of my favorite vacation stories came from the road trips themselves. This is especially fun on the way back when you can start recording all of your favorite memories.
10) Disney Movies/Musicals
Finally, an old standby. Set up an iPad/DVD player in the back seat and play a mini-marathon of your family’s favorite Disney films. Another option (that even the driver can enjoy) is to play the full soundtracks from Disney’s musicals. This is a great way to kill a few hours at a time and even the youngest travelers can join in on the fun!
One last tip: You’ve got a captive audience for however long it takes you to drive to/from Disney. Don’t think of this time as wasted – think of it as more quality time you’re spending together. Instead of getting lost in your own devices, try to make it an opportunity for family memories.
I hope you have a great trip!
Ready to plan your next Disney adventure? I’d love to help! I am a concierge vacation planner specializing in Disney Destinations. I help families make their trips stress-free so they can focus on time spent together. My services are completely free when clients book with me! Contact me at jtullino@themouseexperts.com or request a free consultation to learn more!
