Hakuna Matata

Hakuna Matata means no worries! It's my motto...what's a motto? Nothing, what's a motto with you?

I've been thinking a lot lately about how Disney vacation planning has changed in the last 10-15 years.  Things used to be easy. Walt Disney World was an amazing place, but the level of planning wasn't near what it is today. If you head to the various blogs, podcasts or Facebook pages you might assume you need a degree in Disney Vacation planning to have a good time.

Not only that but I think there is a lot of pressure. Everyone knows someone who has been and they've suggested you HAVE to try their favorite restaurant, or you're trip will be ruined if your child doesn't meet their favorite character. If you show up at the parks without your top 5 guidebooks color coded and tabbed, your trip will be ruined!

While I understand the sentiment and know where people are coming from, I think the bar is set too high for people who visit the world occasionally or are first time visitors. I get emails all the time from people saying, I read online I have to do xyz or do you know about this rumor or have you got me this amazing-can't-be-beat-experience?  Sometimes I think that there is just too much information for the average visitor.

I've been thinking about writing this post for a while but lately with the rolling out of FastPass+, My Disney Experience and more, I wonder if it's all just too much.  I thought I would share my philosophy on trip planning and how I approach my clients vacations.

The number one rule for first time visitors to Disney is this.

You can't do it all.

That's it! Simple and easy! Think about this, when it comes to Disney it would take WEEKS to see and do everything. Most of my clients are only there for 5-7 days....sometimes less!  Let's talk facts for a second!

Walt Disney World is 47 square miles...the size of a small city!

Walt Disney World consists of 4 main theme parks, 2 water parks, 2 mini golf courses, 5 golf courses, a shopping district, 25 resorts hotels, campgrounds, a residential community,a sports complex, a wedding pavilion, a race track, gas stations,a car rental agency and so much more!!

Walt Disney World operates 365 days per year. They run daily Broadway style shows, parades, character greetings, fireworks and more.  They employ more than 60,000 people!

There are almost 150 different rides and attractions!

There are almost 300 places to eat including quick service restaurants, table service restaurants, food courts, kiosks, carts....you name it!

Walt Disney World is such an amazing place...unlike anything you've ever experienced. I think first time guests can run into two problems.

1) You've built the trip up so much that if something goes wrong or you have to adjust your plans, it can be upsetting

2) You spend the entire trip with your nose in a book, wrapped up in the plans and minute-by-minute details you have put together, that you miss the little moments..

Here is one of my favorite examples. One early morning at the Magic Kingdom we didn't have a specific plan. We were headed to Dumbo when these two passed us, skipping. Here is what we overheard:

Alice: What is a Pirate's favorite Letter?
Mad Hatter: ARRRGHHHHH!
Alice: No silly....C! (haha get it...sea??)

If we hadn't been taking our time and enjoying what the park has to offer, we would have missed this! My long winded point is this, Disney is a place that is meant to be enjoyed. Take your time exploring the parks, stop and smell the roses, see the shows, enjoy time with your family.  There is a time and place for commando style touring, but I think overall so many things get too hyped up. Relax and enjoy your Disney vacation!