Save The Disney Day If Things Go Wrong

Even the most magical place on earth can sometimes feel overwhelming and frustrating when things don't go as smoothly as you had imagined. Everything from ride breakdowns to hangry kids to inclement weather can have a detrimental impact on your fun and excitement. None of these things should get you down, though.

After hundreds of trips to Disney World and Disneyland, I've experienced more downers at these magical places than you would have thought possible. But in every instance my family and I have been able to find creative ways to find the brightside and get our trip back in the magic. Many of these things can be easily turned positive by planning, flexibility, and understanding.

Here are my tips, tricks, and tidbits on how to enjoy the magic when things don't go quite right.

Planning

As with any place you go that can be crowded, planning ahead is a must. Discuss with everyone in your party what their primary choices are before going. Everything from dining to special events are ideal to make reservations for ahead of time to ensure you get in. Otherwise, you'll need to lean heavily on my 2nd point: flexibility.

If you are finding it difficult to get reservations you want, try utilizing 3rd party apps like Mouse Seats to help you find reservations. Other tips include checking closer to dinner time or later at night when people begin dropping reservations they no longer want (or can't go to). I've managed to snag a few reservations around those times, but be quick and don't hesitate if what you want pops up. If you still can't get it, some of the restaurants offer walk-up seating, so give it a try as a last resort.

Be sure to use the My Disney Experience app, both before your trip and during it, to help you manage your day and plan ahead.

For any events or special experiences, such as the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween, I highly suggest you book as far in advance as possible. It's not worth risking a kid who may already be exhausted becoming overwhelmed if you can't get in due to a lack of an advance reservation.

If you are going to the parks on a day where there's a possibility of rain, don't get caught in the downpour. Bring rain ponchos, rain jackets, and/or umbrellas with you so that if it does start to rain you're prepared. You may also want to bring a change of shoes or socks just in case. We've found that if you're prepared for this, you'll be able to navigate the park easily while others are stuck finding cover or ditching into stores to escape it. If you have the right shoes for it, don't be afraid to have a little fun and jump in a puddle (away from other people, of course!).

For anyone attending during the summer months when it can get extraordinarily hot, bring cooling towels, water, and portable fans. Nothing can turn a hot day into a fun day for a kid faster than having a some water and a portable fan that they can hold.

For more details on dining reservations, read my article.

I encourage you to read my article on planning to get even more tips to plan ahead.

Flexibility

Unless you plan to spend weeks on end at Disney World or Disneyland, you probably won't be able to do everything you want to. Make a list of the top things you want to do, hit those first, and then be flexible on the rest.

If you approach a ride and its line is longer than you're willing to wait for it, don't give up. Instead, be flexible. Change your plans and go to a different ride, or go to a show, or modify lunch plans and wait it out. Often lines for popular rides can shift dramatically throughout the day, with some getting shorter common eating times. As a last resort, we've always managed to get on rides at the end of the night when the fireworks show is about to start. Or wait until a parade is in progress and jump in line. People tend to watch the shows and parades, leaving lines a little shorter.

Understanding

Disney parks are popular, and for good reason! That means there's a lot of people. Sometimes you just have to have understanding that lines could be long.

Bring an extra battery pack or two for your phone and let your kids play while in a long line for a ride.

Build in a little rest time between rides. This can include grabbing a Mickey pretzel or a drink and sitting in the shade. Or take time out and watch a show, like Beauty & The Beast at Hollywood Studios. Never underestimate the power of rest & downtime, especially with small kids. I can't begin to tell you how fast my young kids went from angry & upset to happy and laughing just with a little downtime & a snack. Plus, there's so many great snacks to try!

Don't forget the "slower" rides. Especailly with young children, sprinkling in things like the Prince Charming Carousel or dipping into the American Adventure can create opportunities to slow down and let them recharge. There are also a few play area sprinkles around the parks.

Overall

Remember: Sometimes you just have to let the day guide you. Grab a snack, duck into a show, be ready for rain, and plan ahead. Everything will be just fine. :)