A Disney vacation is a wonderful experience for the whole family. However, there are several little ways to make the absolute most of your time there, and I will share them with you here now.

Know the best times to go. Peak times are ridiculously busy and twice as expensive. If you can aim to go during off season or at the very least moderately busy times, not only will you save money, but you will save time and you will get to do more over all.

Know the best places to stay. Research lodgings and book ahead of time. Find something that is within your budget, and preferably close to the parks. If you can stay on Disney property that is even better because then you can utilize Disney’s free public transport system to get back and forth to the parks rather than shelling out money for cabs or rental cars.

Know how you are getting there. If you aren’t going to drive then you will be flying. Decide if you will be flying straight into Orlando, or into Miami and driving up the coast. Plan travel options accordingly.

If you are tight on cash you might consider staying off Disney property simply because it is possible to find rooms as little as 30-40 dollars per night that are only a short distance away from Disney. But you will need to rent transportation, so work out which way is the most cost effective for your family and stick to it.

Pack properly. For the most part, jeans, t-shirts, and maybe a nice shirt here and there would be plenty. No need to go overboard or over dress as Florida is simply not that kind of place. Think laid back and relaxed and you will be fine. Also remember Florida can get hot and muggy in the summer, so pack something cool to wear as well.

Know how to maneuver theme parks. Remember that arriving early or staying late will allow you some time when the crowds aren’t as thick to pack in some rides. Also remember that it’s not a crime to skip the park altogether for a day and explore Orlando’s many dinner theater’s and other attractions.

Learn the Fast Pass. It is great for skipping the super long lines and cutting down on your wait time. So use it!

Shop ahead of time. You can save some major cash by shopping for Disney toys and artifacts online or at one of the many Disney outlet stores outside of the Disney property. Also setting out a daily budget and giving kids their own spending money can help out with the urge to shop and buy a lot of Disney paraphernalia.

Scope out your eating options. It is way too easy to spend a ton of money eating out at Disney. If you don’t have that kind of budget, you need to plan ahead. Take a few non-perishables with you on your trip for snacks, or hit the grocery store while you are in town. Research online the cheapest restaurants inside each park and avoid the character meals and other pricey dining options.

Finally, give yourself permission to have a great time. A good attitude goes a long way in making any vacation or trip enjoyable. Does that mean you won’t have your little aggravations? Not by any means. But don’t let it get under you skin and ruin your trip. Let the little aggravations roll off your back, plan ahead for issues like long car rides or rainy weather, and strive to have the best time you can possibly have.  A Disney vacation is meant to be magical and fun, so go ahead and have some magic and fun!