Girlfriends' Guide to Park-Intensive Trips

Girlfriends' Guide to a Park-Intensive Itinerary

Many of my Walt Disney World trips are park-intensive. In other words, I pack a copious amount hours of touring time into a very small window of days. 

In order to avoid overstimulation and exhaustion, I follow these 5 simple rules:

👟5: Change your shoes at least as often as you change your underwear. 

As a general rule of thumb, I try to bring at least as many pairs of shoes as I have for my trip, but if suitcase space is limited, I’ll have no fewer than three pairs of my most comfortable kicks. Here’s the key: rotate them by half days: one pair for the morning, one pair for the evening, and a fresh pair for the next morning, and so on… This way, you avoid hotspots and blisters, give your feet room to breathe  especially after a marathon morning- and avoid injury from repetitive movement within the same shoe structure.

😴🛏4. Take a mid-day break. 

After a fun-filled morning of intense attraction-hopping, give your brain - and body - a break. I suggest a minimum of two hours of non-park time, with at least 45 minutes back at your resort, napping with shades drawn and electronics off. You’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to conquer “the world”.

👚👙3. Wear comfy clothes! 

There’s nothing as frustrating as leaving the resort in your cutest ‘fit, only to find yourself fussing with chafing waistbands, sweaty in all the wrong places, or worse, waddling your way down Main Street USA to avoid “chub rub”. Yep I said it - and it effects even the most svelte of us. Undergarments should be supportive, but forgiving. Try not wear anything that needs to be constantly re-adjusted. It’s annoying, exhausting, and can cause painful irritation.

😫🍦2. Take breaks in the park. 

You may need to criss-cross between attractions to make your lightning lanes or beat the crowds. But don’t forget to stop and smell the roses - literally! There are so many picturesque corners and restful retreats all just a few steps off the beaten path. One of my favorites just off the side of the Liberty Square bridge at Magic Kingdom - close enough to share a strawberry-topped waffle from Sleepy Hollow or sip a Dole-Whip from the nearby Sunshine Tree Terrace. Sometimes a stage show or seated attraction, such as the Frozen Sing-Along at Studios gives you just the right balance of respite and recreation needed recharge.

🎒1. Carry only the essentials. 

My number one survival tip is to bring only what is necessary for an adventure-filled park day. Many years ago, I believed it was necessary for me to bring anything and everything that I could possibly conceive of someone in my family needing at any given time. And, while I may make some suggestions for younger families, these days, I carry little more than my phone on most visits. Here’s what’s in my park bag. (I carry a Loungefly, mini backpack.)

💧Bottled Water: 

Ideally, I have a bottle of water that’s been frozen in my resort room fridge overnight. As the day progresses, the ice melts and provides just the right amount of hydration needed. Depending on the season, I may have a frozen bottle plus an ice cold bottle in my bag or just a cold bottle from the fridge. It's still important to remain hydrated on super active park days during cooler months.

 

🧺 Wrap your frozen bottle of water in a washcloth from the resort room. 

This serves two purposes. One: it absorbs the condensation from the cold water bottle. And two: it’s useful for quickly wiping any water from the seat of an attraction that involves a river of any kind. 

 

🔋Portable charger with phone cord.  

Between MyDisney Experience, taking photos, and posting on social media, phone batteries drain FAST at Disney. Be sure to charge both your phone and battery pack each night and also during your rest breaks.

 

🌧️ A poncho.  

The ones that can be found at the Dollar Tree, Walmart, or at stores that sell camping gear are ideal for your park bag. They are lightweight, fold flat and take up minimal space, and are disposable. It doesn’t often rain at Walt Disney World, but when it does, you’ll be glad you have this! 

 

🍎A snack.  

Whether it’s a pack of mixed nuts, a breakfast bar, or a banana, always have something to nibble on. Whether you’re on the monorail or on line for an attraction, a small snack can provide just the pick-me-up to help you power through until the next meal time (or churro cart).

 

☀️ Sunblock.  

A small travel-sized container of sunblock is perfect for reapplying during the peak of the day. I often just carry a sunblock stick for quick touch-ups without worrying about compromised cap disasters.

 

📝A pen and post-it pad.  

Yes, you may need to write something down. People still do that.  

 

 Quart-sized Ziploc Bag.  

These resealable bags are super handy for a variety of needs. Whether it's to seal up a half eaten snack, contain a dampened washcloth, or to pack up a used poncho for later, my park bag always has 1-2 of these handy helpers. 

 

🕶️🧢Sunglasses and/or hat.  

The day may start out foggy or gray, but the sun will often make a surprise appearance. Just don’t bring sunglasses that need to be in a case, or you’ll spend extra time at the security checkpoint while they search your bag. (The metal clasps set the scanners off.) 

 

💳 A small wallet or card holder.  

While ApplePay, room charges, and electronic payments are the norm throughout Walt Disney World, you may still want to have a few dollars cash, an extra credit or debit card, as well as your ID on you. I have a Pop-socket wallet that attaches to the back of my phone, so even when I don’t have my park bag, I have everything I need.

Have a Magical time! 

If you have questions or need help with booking or planning, I’d be happy to assist. Feel free to contact me to help you plan your next FamilyTale.

Mickey Chick is a passionate traveler who has explored various corners of the globe. As a travel advisor for FamilyTale Vacations with years of travel experience, she enjoys sharing her tips and insights to help fellow explorers make the most out of their journeys. She believes that travel is not just about sightseeing but also a transformative experience that opens doors to new perspectives and enriches our lives. You can follow her adventures on her blog and social media channels.