Ok, I know what you're thinking, and its probably something along the lines of, "I've been to Disney before," and/or "why did I even open this list."
If I'm right about your thoughts/concerns, my answer to you is YOU'RE GOING TO THE BEST PLACE EVER, and it's OKAY to look for and/or open, like, every article that pertains to your impending trip to awesomeville, USA.
First of all, if you're a younger kid (or, let's face it, anyone else in any other age group) reading this, CONGRATULATIONS YOU'RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD! Whether you're 3 or 93, the happiest place on earth couldn't be more excited to receive you!
The movies, stories and characters you grew up with have all been meticulously and expertly materialized for your enjoyment! You will be able to walk through the whole world in less than a day at Epcot, escape from a Yeti in Animal Kingdom, get a first hand experience with some iconic movies in Hollywood Studios and do a whole ton of other stuff that ain't nobody got time to put into words.
Second of all, if this is your first time or your 17th time, no matter what, you're going to have a blast! However, before you even begin to plan a vacation to see the world's most famous mouse, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to have the best trip you can have!
1. Bring a poncho.
I do not care if you've checked your weather app multiple times and it has consistently shown you the little Suns on the days you plan to go, IT WILL RAIN at least a little bit at one point when you're there.
2. Oh yeah, also make sure you pack your PATIENCE!
As you know, with any theme park there will be lines on lines that you'll have to wait in and if you're the type of person that gets antsy in waiting rooms WHERE THERE ARE CHAIRS FOR YOU TO SIT ON, then you probably should save more money for a fast pass, or rethink your whole trip because I guarantee you'll be STANDING in line for a pretty long time.
3. Get the Disney world app on your phone.
If you take the time for a quick pre-trip download, you'll get some much-needed info plus benefits for your trip. (Specifically, you can use it to reserve a time to wait for 5 rides of your choice per day and skip the lines for those for FREE.)
4. Don't underestimate the power of peanut butter!
If you're in this trip for the long haul, you're going to get hungry throughout the day. If you're a broke college student like me, you just can't go buy expensive theme park food willy nilly, so BRING PROTEIN! Peanut butter is my first choice, it's sweet, salty and portable.
5. The rules of fashion do not apply in Disney World.
You will be trekking through some (very likely) hot and humid terrain throughout your journey through Disney's multiple parks and you should dress for COMFORT of your trip will be MISERABLE! I don't care how many cute Disney inspired outfits you've seen on Pinterest, YOU ARE NOT WEARING A DRESS AND WEDGES IN 80 degree weather!! And, it doesn't matter how dorky they look, fanny packs will always be practical!
6. Stand in line to meet at least one Disney princess.
Take it from me, you'll regret shrugging that experience off because of the long line. JUST DO IT!
7. Go see a show!
They're amazing! Hollywood studios has Beauty and the Beast Live and that performance will hit you with all the nostalgic feels! Also, if you have an affinity for what goes on behind the scenes of the movies, in the same park, the Indiana Jones stunt show will knock your socks off and they might even pick you to participate! (Plus you'll get some much needed sitting time between ride lines.)
8. Study up!
And by that, I mean prepare for your trip by watching some Disney flicks in the days leading up to your trip. Nothing pumps you up more than jamming to beloved Disney songs and rooting for your favorite characters again right before you see them IN PERSON!
9. (Most importantly) Embrace regression!
On this trip, you get to be a kid again and you're literally going to see your (and thousands of other people's) dreams come true! So if you hear your favorite Disney song while walking through Adventureland, sing along!! If the Incredibles are having a dance party in the middle of Tomorrowland, leave your adult-ridden inhibitions behind and join in! It's Disney World dammit! If you're going to jam like no one's watching, it might as well be there!
