- The biggest secret to enjoying Disney parks is finding a time to go when the crowds and long lines are diminished. The first few months of the year (January through mid-March) and the period just after school starts (September through Thanksgiving) are usually much more pleasant than the rest of the year. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends as well, though the parks may close earlier and you won't get certain amenities like fireworks displays. If you have to go during the summer months or a similar crowded time, set priorities for what you want to see. Disney's FastPass system lets you get on popular rides without having to wait in line, and the Ridemax software packages helps you plot out your day effectively.
- When visiting a Disney park, have a plan if you become separated. Set an easily recognized landmark as a meeting place and make sure everyone in your party has a cell phone or a walkie talkie. Disney's "lost parents" services are extremely good, but it pays to have a back-up plan. On a less stressful note, know what's involved in walking around the park and pack materials to help minimize the stress. Wear comfortable sneakers or similar shoes, and bring strollers for the kids (Disney rents strollers in case you need them). California and Florida can both get hot and it tends to rain a lot in Florida as well. Carry sunblock with you and wear broad-brimmed hats to keep your face from getting burned. Bring an umbrella or a windbreaker to Florida in case of rain.
- The two Disney resorts actually consist of multiple parks--two in California and four in Florida--which each require a separate admission to attend. Furthermore, while the two California parks are only about a hundred yards apart (letting you walk between them easily), the Florida parks require a 15-minute drive if you want to go from one to the other. Accordingly, you may wish to spend each day at only one park. Look for special offers such as "2fers," which help reduce the price of admission, and if you really want to see more than one park on a given day, be ready to pay extra for a "Park Hopper" pass that lets you do so.
