Top Five Tips for Getting Ready for a Disney World Trip with Your Kids

Disney is, perhaps, the most magical place on earth, but it still pays to plan ahead to experience a truly "magical" vacation.

Make a thorough list. As simple as this sounds, or as easy as you may think it will be to pack for your trip, somehow, something gets missed. If you make a list of every possible item and article of clothing you think you will need for the trip, it's much easier to cross things off of the list because you feel you packed too much, than it is to add items later when you forget to bring them.

Forgetting items can be a very costly venture when it comes to a Disney World vacation, especially if you are staying in the park and your only options for purchases are hotel stores and Disney stores. Buying souvenirs is super fun, buying necessities because you didn't bring them, is not so fun.

Test drive your shoes. Miles at Disney World can quickly add up and you may find yourself walking five to seven miles a day on average. If you do not have comfortable shoes or if your shoes give you blisters, your time at Disney World may not be so magical.

Be sure to test drive your shoes by walking at least one mile around the neighborhood or on your treadmill. How do your feet feel after walking a solid mile in your shoes? If they are sore or if the shoe is rubbing (setting you up for blisters,) reconsider your shoe options and test drive another pair.

It is generally not a good idea to run out and buy new shoes either. Often, the shoes are stiff and will cause blisters or sores until fully broken in. There are exceptions to this rule, such as shoes like Crocs which are generally easy on feet from the get-go.

Plan for impromptu pictures and autographs. Teen, toddlers, and children of all ages love to get pictures and autographs from their favorite Disney characters (found in locations throughout the Disney World theme parks.)

Give each child (who is old enough to be responsible for one) a disposable camera or allow them to take their digital cameras with for catching their favorite character shots. Pictures captured by your child's eye can often prove to be keepsakes you'll both treasure forever.

Also, purchase notebooks and markers for capturing autographs. Many of the characters have stamps available for signing autograph books, but some do not, which is where the markers comes in very handy (the characters may have their own markers, but it pays to have one just in case.)

You can purchase autograph books throughout the parks, but when you can pick up a cute notebook for $1 in your local store verses around $6 or at Disney, the savings add up.

If your children would like Disney characters to autograph a t-shirt (this makes for a really neat souvenir!) be sure to carry the t-shirt (in a purse, backpack, etc.) for signatures. Disney characters are not allowed to sign t-shirts that the child is wearing, unless the t-shirt is taken off for the signature. It is much easier just to carry a t-shirt rather than to have the child keep removing their shirt, plus it will stay clean and stain free!

Think small when it comes to hand bags or backpacks. Most of the "bumpy" rides in Disney World have storage spaces, but they do not accommodate over-sized items such as large hiking backpacks stuffed full of gear.

If you have a super-sized bag, you may have to leave it by the door of the ride or with an attendant to make sure it does not fall or bounce off the ride. This can be a hassle and time consuming for you. And you may forget the item more easily if it is not with you at all times.

If you can avoid carrying a large purse or pack, do! In reality, if you don't have to carry a diaper bag or other special items, a small purse or pack will do.

You will basically need cash, your Disney World tickets, a credit card or room key, and maybe a few basic essentials, like sunscreen and lip gloss. Food, snacks, and even things like bandages (at the first aid locations) are available all throughout the parks. Souvenirs purchased from the stores can be sent to the front of the park for pick-up (generally up to three hours prior to your departure from the park,) so there really is no need to carry around bulky bags. Your shoulders will thank you, too, at the end of a long day!

Think layers when you pack. Florida weather is typically warm, but can be unpredictable. It may start out in the high 60's but then drop to 40's at night, depending upon the season. Also, while it's bright and sunny outdoors, it may be chilly inside when the air conditioning is cranked up. It's practical to pack a light jacket, sweater, and slacks or jeans along with your shorts and bathing suits.

Try to pack something that folds up easily so you can transport it around the park with you if you plan to stay from morning until late evening.

Another good item to consider packing is a pocket raincoat. Slim, portable rain coats can be purchased from most dollar stores and take up very little room in purses, some even really fit in pockets. If you are headed for Florida during the rainy season, you'll be very happy you packed them. Purchasing rain coats or umbrellas at the parks can get very pricey, and without proper rain protection, your day at one of the Disney theme parks may be a wash-out.