As I sit down to write this I wondered if I really am an “expert” in this subject and after much thought I realized I may not have all the answers, but I have a lot.  I am a mom with two boys 8 & 15 and have traveled from Seattle to Disneyland (DLR) more than 50 times in the last 10 years, not to mention my one trip to Walt Disney World (WDW) last January.  I also deal with Lupus and Fibromyalgia on a daily basis.  I have learned to go through the parks with children and without children in ways that make the trip successful on my pocket book & on my body.

Listed below is a list of key things I do and suggest to others in order to make their trip a huge success.  I have purposely left out nap time or rest time.  Mainly because when I am in the “Happiest place on Earth” I want to utilize every waking moment.  Yes that means sometimes I over-do-it, but it also means I have come up with simple ways to give my body rest and not miss out on a single thing.  So if you need nap time, feel free to add it in anywhere it’s needed.  So if you like to take naps or you are like me and enjoy being on the go these tips will help you survive your trip to the parks.

• Get a Schedule in advance: When you are planning your trip go online and get the schedule for all the shows and parades.  You need to arrive early to get seating to most of these items, which is a great excuse to sit down and let your family wander off while you hold their place.  Plus you can plan each day out so you know when and where you need to be.

• Avoid Park Hopping:  This is key at WDW.  One day per park is plenty.  It allows you plenty of time to see everything and if you must return to your hotel mid day for a nap you can and still not miss a ride.  This also allows you to take your time and not rush from one place to another. 

• FastPass and Rider Swap:  A FastPass allows you to return to a specific attraction at another time and wait in a shorter line.  I don’t usually use the FastPass unless I know I am going to be back in that area, and if I am then it’s a great tool to use.  A Rider Swap allows parents to take turns waiting with small children to swap with another adult from their party so both adults can experience the attraction without having to stand in line twice.

• Shopping: A great benefit to staying on property at the park is that you can send your items back to your hotel for no additional charge.  Another note is to plan your shopping trips first thing or mid day.  Everyone shops at the end of the evening when the park closes.  So if you shop early you won’t have to wait in line nearly as long.

• Take Breaks: this is a hard one for those with small children who want to see it all.  My suggestion, go on the rides that allow you to sit for long periods of time.  My number 1 recommendation is Pirates of the Caribbean.  This ride is about 24 minutes long and keeps your family entertained while you rest.  I have even been known to doze off while on this ride.  It’s a Small World, the Jungle Cruise, Rivers of America, Train and almost any ride in Fantasy land is a great option for this.  Also if your child is old enough pull up a bench and let them stand in line on their own.  Rides like Dumbo, the Tea Cups & Rocket Ships all have the option of you sitting down and monitoring your child while they wait in line & ride the ride.  This is also a good option for visiting characters.  A cast member is usually right there to take their picture with the character.

• Wheelchair/Scooter Rentals: All parks rent these on a “First Come/First Serve” basis and they cannot be used to hop from one park to another.  It is sometimes best to rent from an outside vendor and have it delivered to your hotel room. 

• Plan a day (at least) of rest after the trip. I always take a day after I return home to just let my body rest. This makes a big difference on whether or not I go into a flare when I return.

Article written by guest blogger Cori Lewis for ButYouDontLookSick.com