Want to make your next Disney vacation truly memorable? Ask your kids who their favorite characters are!
There’s so much to do and see on a Disney vacation that it can be hard to know where to start. Which rides do you want to hit first? Which characters do you NEED to get autographs from? Where do you even want to stay?
As a vacation planner and concierge specializing in Disney destinations, one of my favorite things to do is plan themed vacations. I’ve designed princess trips, Star Wars trips, Beauty and the Beast trips, and more. Working around favorite characters and films is a great starting point for determining how to make your vacation unique to your family.
Here’s are some of my tips for theming a Disney vacation around your family’s favorite characters.
Disney Resorts
There are 29 Disney Resort options at Walt Disney World alone. They fit a variety of themes, from the Southern mansions of Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts to the wild savannas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. When choosing your accommodations, take some inspiration from your favorite characters. Here are a few examples:
- Lilo & Stitch – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Cinderella – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Mickey Mouse – Disney’s Contemporary Resort
At several resorts you can find Disney Story Rooms. These are highly-themed rooms that immerse you in your favorite Disney films.
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- The Little Mermaid Standard Room
- Finding Nemo Family Suite
- Cars Family Suite
- The Lion King Family Suite
- Pirate Rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Dining
The next step is to figure out where you’d like to eat. Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR’s) are available starting 180 days before you arrive, and for several table-service restaurants you’ll need to plan that far in advance to guarantee the meal you want. Character meals are a great way to meet tons of Disney characters at once without waiting in individual lines throughout the day. Here are a few options:
- Alice – Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare
- Winnie the Pooh – The Crystal Palace
- Disney Princesses – Cinderella’s Royal Table or Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Classic Disney – Chef Mickey’s or Tusker House Restaurant
Even if your favorite character doesn’t have a specific character meal, you can still us them as inspiration. Here are a few ideas:
- Aladdin – Spice Road Table or Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot
- The Lion King – Boma or Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Remy – Monsieur Paul or Chefs de France in the France Pavilion in Epcot
Attractions
While you shouldn’t limit yourself to attractions solely based on your choice of characters, they can help you select your “must do’s”. Are you a Toy Story fan? Don’t miss Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Toy Story Mania. Sail off to Neverland on Peter Pan’s Flight. Visit Arendelle on Frozen Ever After. Read with the beauty herself in Enchanted Tales with Belle. You can even see a “Simba” in real life on Kilimanjaro Safaris!
Browse the list of attractions before your visit and make a list together of all the attractions and shows you really want to see. It’s a great way to give everyone in the family a say!
Characters
Of course, no Disney vacation is complete without meeting your favorite characters in real life. If you won’t meet them during a character meal, plan some time in your days to meet them around the parks. Certain characters have dedicated Meet & Greet attractions with FastPasses, such as Cinderella, Ariel, and Mickey Mouse. Others appear periodically throughout the day. You can check the My Disney Experience app to locate them and learn their schedules. You can also spot them in parades and shows.
Click here for a free guide to meeting Mickey Mouse in Walt Disney World!
Be sure to bring your autograph books and think of some fun questions to ask them. If you want to meet Mickey, the best place is at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom (unlike other locations, he’ll chat with you!).
Don’t forget to take tons of photos!
Souvenirs & Pins
Can’t decide which souvenirs to bring home? Let the characters be your guide. At the Disney Parks and Disney Springs you’ll find nearly every type of themed merchandise available. Here are a few recommendations:
- Themed Hats & Mickey Ears
- Trading Pins
- Costumes
- Collectible Figurines
- Stuffed Animals
When it comes to Disney trading pins, there are hundreds to choose from at any given time. Picking a theme to your collection will help you to avoid overwhelm (and keep to your budget).
Disney Style
Your favorite characters can even influence your park attire. I love when families wear custom, matching shirts in the parks. You can make your own or find creative designs on Etsy. Why not choose your designs based on your characters?
You can also find incredible character-inspired ear hats and headbands. They’re a great way to show off your style while giving a nod to the Mouse himself.
If you want to go all out, find your kids a comfortable costume to wear before you head to the parks (it’s cheaper that way and you’ll have more selection). For adults, check out some Disney Bound inspiration.
Need some inspiration? Check out some of my previous Ultimate Guides!
I hope this has given you some great ideas for your next Disney vacation. Which character will you choose? Share in the comments!
Ready for your next Disney trip? Let me help design your dream Disney vacation! I offer stress-free vacation planning, personalized itineraries, 1-on-1 concierge services, and more at no cost to you. Request a free, no-obligation quote through my web form, email me at jtullino@themouseexperts.com, or call me at (321) 222-DSNY. I’d love to help your plan your most memorable vacation yet!
