When wandering the Magic Kingdom, I’m constantly looking for ways to enhance my vacations. Are there things that I can buy that will make the experience more memorable? Is there a strategy that I’m missing which will ultimately take my trip to the next level?
Usually, I just end up thinking about going back to basics due to the overwhelming amount of information out there.
PARK MAPS
Not only are Park Maps great for souvenirs, but they also help when you’re trying to plot out the best way to get from Point A to Point B. The number of times that I’ve needed the assistance of a map for friends or other random guests who asked a question…countless!
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PACKAGE PICKUP
Why on earth would you subject your poor arms to carrying around merchandise ALL DAY LONG when you can just use the Package Pickup program?
DISNEY TRANSPORTATION
This is a hit or miss, but having a Monorail or Bus ride from one park to the other is definitely an enhancement to take advantage of. Depending on your resort (value vs deluxe), the experience that you’ll have with the buses will be drastically different. We like to play it safe and if you have someplace to be…then Uber or Minnie Van!
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CAST MEMBERS
Enhancing your vacation is part of the job description for the cast members! BUT…and this is a big one…they can’t do anything if you don’t make conversation first. There are thousands of guests in a given park at any point. It’s impossible to “make magic” for each and every single guest – unless you let them know what you’re thinking (or how they can help).
Just don’t be “that guest”, k? Asking for something like a stay in Cinderella’s Dream Suite will just get you laughed at;)
NIKON PHOTO SPOTS
Disney has partnered with Nikon to produce a number of signs in the parks which provide the perfect “Photo Spot”. Two things to think about:
- These were set up to show off what a photo would look like when you developed the film.
- Photopass Photographers have kinda taken over this role in the parks.
MYDISNEYEXPERIENCE
Use it! Even if you’re in the parks for one day – download the app and you’ll be thankful. It gives you wait times, reservations for attractions and dining…AND it’s all included with your admission.
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Things We’ve Lost
This list isn’t all happy go-lucky, as the Disney Company has been known to take away previously free add-ons and created “pay to play” enhancements for guests to contemplate purchasing.
- Magical Express —> Mears Connect (Just use UBER)
- FastPass+ —> New Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes
What are some of your tips that you’ve helped enhance your vacation?
