A Disney vacation is all about spending time with family, but sometimes that can feel tricky when you’re dealing with different ages and interests. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, here are a few tricks to planning a Disney vacation the whole family will love!
1) Get Everyone Involved in the Planning Process
How often do we forget to ask the kids what they want to do on vacation? Or even worse, how often does Mom end up doing all the planning? The best way to plan a family vacation everyone can enjoy is to engage everyone in the planning. Ask for input when making decisions about what to do, where to eat, and where to stay. Not only does it help the family feel like it’s truly “their” vacation too, but it’s a great way to get everyone excited about the trip long before you go.
2) Give Each Family Member a “Must Do”
Along the lines of planning, allow each family member to offer up their top “Must Do”. Whether it’s an attraction, activity, restaurant, or show, plan to include it in your trip at some point. This helps everyone feel like their interests are included, and it also helps to curb expectations about being able to do “everything” in one trip.
3) Play to the Favorites
Does anyone have a favorite Disney character or film? Try to include a themed experience during your vacation. Perhaps your daughter would love to get a princess makeover and meet Cinderella. Or maybe your husband is a huge Star Wars fan and would love time to see the props in the Star Wars Launch Bay. This works when choosing dining too, particularly if everyone shares a favorite cuisine or restaurant.
4) Pay Attention to Individual Needs
Everyone has different energy levels and limitations. While some family members may be game to run through the parks all day, others may need an afternoon break (certainly the case with my own husband). If you’re traveling with young children or older family members, keep them in mind when you’re crafting plans. If you have teenagers who would appreciate some freedom, schedule some time to let them do their own thing. The extra planning will pay off when everyone is in a better mood for their vacation.
5) Keep the Focus on Family Time
At the end of the day, a Disney vacation is a family vacation. Do your best to limit time with electronics so you can focus on time with each other. Use time during travel and in lines to chat or play games together. Preserve favorite memories of the trip with family photos or souvenirs. The more you can stay present in the moment and appreciate the quality time, the happier everyone will feel during the vacation.
Lastly, remember that interests and needs change over time. Even if you take family/Disney vacations often, be sure to keep these tips in mind whenever you start planning a new trip.
Does it feel like it’s a lot of work to juggle everyone’s vacation goals? You don’t have to do it alone. I am a concierge vacation planning specializing in Disney Destinations, and my business is helping busy families design trips for the whole family. When you book your trip with me you get all of my planning services at no additional cost.
Get started today by requesting a free quote and consultation for your next Disney vacation!
What is your family most excited about for their next Disney trip?
