There’s something magical about a Disney trip… and also something wildly humbling about hauling a stroller, bags, snacks, glow sticks, and the existential weight of missed nap schedules through the airport.
As a Disney travel planner, I spend my days helping families plan dream trips. But I also go, learn, adjust, and come back with fresh “ok let’s talk real life” notes. And this trip? Delivered some solid truths.
Here are my newest spicy-but-useful Disney opinions, straight from the stroller trenches.
Debatable.
I tried to be That Mom™ again. The one who proudly wheels only carry-ons through the airport like she’s in a travel vlog. Reality: juggling a stroller, three bags, a toddler snack explosion, and a rogue sippy cup felt like auditioning for a circus. If your party includes small kids or multiple humans who need things to survive, checked bags can be worth every penny.
Travel tip from someone who’s lived it: Time and sanity are vacation currency too.
People love to hype deluxe resorts. And listen, they’re gorgeous. But after this trip, I remain proudly on Team Value Resort.
Great theming, good vibes, and honestly? Upgrading to preferred room isn’t always a must.
If walking a few extra minutes doesn’t scare you, save the money for Mickey bars and souvenirs instead.
When I help clients plan, I always ask about comfort vs location vs budget priorities. Value absolutely has a place in the magic map.
Could you nickel-and-dime meals and technically spend less?
Yes.
Could you also run spreadsheets on your honeymoon to maximize buffet ROI?
Also yes, if chaos brings you joy.
But for the rest of us? Not budgeting for meals all week = priceless mental peace.
A dining plan lets you enjoy instead of calculate. And your future self will thank you.
As a planner, I’ll always break down the math for you. But I’ll also tell you the truth:
Convenience is part of the magic.
We hopped parks this trip. And by “hopped,” I mostly mean checked the time every 12 minutes and power-walked like it was Black Friday at Target. If you’ve got tiny kids or love a slower pace, one-park-per-day can be pure bliss. (Hoppers shine more on adult trips or thrill-ride marathons.)
As your planner, I’ll help you weigh flexibility vs flow. Sometimes the simplest plan is the smartest one.
Toddlers don’t care about ride lists. They care about hugs, bubbles, parades, and snacks shaped like animals. And following their rhythm opened up so many sweet pockets of magic.
We actually did more than usual because we slowed down and soaked it in.
Planning tip: Disney with littles isn’t about doing everything. It’s about noticing everything.
Mini golf was a surprise MVP this trip. Free. Relaxing. No crowds. Zero overstimulation.
Just vibes, sunshine, and small humans giggling instead of melting.
Disney has so many included perks and add-ons beyond parks. As your planner, I help you unlock them so rest days feel magical too.
There’s no single “right” way to Disney. There’s only the way that fits your family, your energy, and your kids’ nap schedules.
Every trip teaches something new, and this one reminded me that:
Time is precious.
Convenience counts.
Rest is part of the joy.
And mini golf might be a core memory in the making.
And if reading this makes you feel five pounds lighter in planning stress? Good. That’s my job.