Disney World | for kids at heart

This week marks my last week in the Emergency Department and the last week of my summer quarter. In celebration of being halfway through rotations, my mom, sisters and I are taking a trip south to Orlando. We've been dying to go back since we had such a fun time last year, and in 10 days we'll happily be on our way! Yes, I know I'm not a child, but I don't care. Disney World is one of my favorite places and I don't care how silly it sounds. We will also be spending a day at both Harry Potter parks. I can't begin to explain my excitement to explore the new Diagon Alley!

I've put together a some tips we've learned as a "big kid" in the Happiest Place on Earth:

Planning and Park Tips:

1. Undercover Tourist crowd calendar to research the best day to go is a must. I highly recommend checking them out if you're planning your vacation. They also offer great ticket options for all the parks in Orlando. In past years we have purchased them at the gate, but this year we purchased early and are skipping the lines.

{Lucky for us, September happens to be a pretty great time to visit the parks. We've previously been in November which was probably our favorite time as the park was decorated for Christmas, but the Halloween decorations will be out in September and the weather isn't too bad.}

2. Skip the ferry boat and take the monorail for a quicker trip to start the magic! We've made this mistake a few times.

3. You can get early access to the park by making reservations for breakfast at Crystal Palace or Cinderella's Royal Table. Book early. By early, I mean as soon as you have your hotel. I've been looking for 3 months and they're all full.

4. Our usual plan of attack is a beeline for Space Mountain. If you get there early (9-10) you can typically ride once or twice before the crowds get too busy. You can then pop over to the fantasyland attractions and avoid the crowds of little people.

5. When it comes time for nibbles or drinks, Tortuga Tavern and Be Our Guest restaurant have drink refill stations for free refills.

6. If your feet get a little tired from all the walking, the railroad is a great place to see parts of the park and rest for a bit. There's hardly ever a line, and you can sit as long as you want. It will also save your skin from the sunlight for a while.

7. If you're staying at a Disney hotel or resort, anything you purchase in the parks can be sent to your rooms.

8 a. We haven't yet stayed at Disney. Last year we decided at the last minute {Thursday night and left Friday} and booked our rooms with Priceline name your price. We did this again this year as we had a great room and paid very little for it {We stayed 2 miles from Downtown Disney for $40 a night}. If you have children and plan on spending several days in Disney, go ahead and stay at one of their resorts. We have always spent the entire day in the parks, so we prefer to spend our money in the park instead of on the room.

Packing Tips:
1. Snacks and water are allowed in the park, and there are several water fountains throughout the park for refills. Just make sure to tell the folks at the gate that you have them.

2. If you're more comfortable in dresses no worries! All the rides at Magic Kingdom are closed bottom, so worries for a wardrobe malfunction. Plus dresses are nice and breezy in the warm Florida weather.

3. Pack a poncho. It's bound to rain at some point. Pick a few up from the dollar store and save a bundle. While you're at it, pack a few ziploc bags. Put your phone and camera in them when you take a ride on splash mountain. I hear they have free lockers, but we haven't used them.

4. Bring an easy to carry bag. My sister prefers her sling backpack. It's spacious for ample snacks, ponchos, sunscreen, and cameras and is easily thrown over the shoulder. I prefer totes or clutches. Whatever you do, don't plan on bringing a bag that's heavy when it's empty. It will only make your shoulder hurt once it's full of your necessities. Less is more {unless you have a non-rider in your group}!

5. Don't forget your phone charger. You're going to be snapping pics all day, and if you're in the park from rope drop til the firework show, odds are your battery won't make it.