If you’re looking for a fun and exciting destination for your next vacation, have you considered visiting a theme park? Not just one of those local theme parks that feel like a cheap carnival, but a real theme park like Disneyland where you can’t possibly explore everything in one day.
If you’re planning your first Disney World vacation, or maybe you just want to make this one better than ever, there are plenty of tips you can learn from seasoned visitors. Did you know that Disney run all-inclusive resorts? These are excellent for families as it makes budgeting so much easier and everything is taken care of for you. Stress free vacations – that’s what it’s all about. It doesn’t have to be expensive either – you can find some excellent Disney World deals online.
There are plenty of reasons to visit a theme park on your next vacation, and here are some of the best:
1. You can travel around the world to visit a Disney theme park
When planning your first Disney World vacation, choose the destination wisely. That way, you can prepare your budget, must-have travel items, and itinerary.
Each Disney park offers a variety of attractions, shows, dining options, and entertainment. Research the park’s offerings in advance and prioritize the ones that interest you the most. Create a rough itinerary that includes must-see attractions, character meet-and-greets, dining reservations, and breaks to avoid burnout.
Heading out to a Disney theme park is the perfect way to blend travel with joy of feeling like a kid again. There are now 12 Disney theme parks around the world including:
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Disneyland (California, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai)
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Magic Kingdom (Florida)
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Hollywood Studios (Florida)
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Epcot (Florida)
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Animal Kingdom (Florida)
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California Adventure (California)
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DisneySea (Tokyo)
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Walt Disney Studios Park (Paris)
If you’re curious about these parks, check out Mouse Hacking’s blog and read their review of all twelve Disney parks around the world. Yes, they’ve visited all the Disney theme parks in the world and have compiled a fantastic, detailed post about each park.
2. You don’t have to pay full price for tickets
Disney theme park tickets come with a hefty price tag, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay top dollar. If you’re not usually the frugal type, you can start learning how to be frugal by looking around for deals on tickets.
You may have heard in the past that Costco sells Disneyland tickets, but unfortunately that deal has come to an end. However, you can find equally great deals from Park Savers that include free days and character dining.
There are also special deals available for AAA members.
Group discounts may be available for large groups by contacting Disney’s Group Sales department. Watch for special offers and packages on Disney’s official website, as they occasionally include park tickets, accommodations, and dining plans.
However, exercise caution when considering resale websites, as Disney tickets are non-transferable, and buying from unauthorized sellers can lead to invalid tickets. Lastly, check for resident discounts if you live in Florida or Southern California. Remember that prices and discounts can change, so always verify the latest information on Disney’s official website and buy from reputable sources to ensure valid tickets.
3. Your kids will love a Disney adventure
When you’re taking your kids on vacation, it’s almost an unspoken rule that you need to visit a theme park. If they’re young, they’ll have a blast meeting their favorite Disney characters and getting autographs from Snow White, Aladdin, and Mickey Mouse. If they’re teenagers, they’ll enjoy the rides and the shops more than anything.
The cool part about Disney’s theme parks is the attractions are both timeless and contemporary. Mickey Mouse and the Disney princesses will always be part of the parks, but they also put together new attractions periodically based on movies your kids will be familiar with. For example, Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened an attraction in 2016 called Avatar Flight of Passage based on the movie Avatar.
The coolest part about Avatar Flight of Passage is that while you’re waiting in line, you’re involved in the experience in a way that keeps your mind off the fact that you’re waiting in line. You’re taken through an area that looks like the jungle and further down the line you’re placed in a room with 15 other people where you’re shown a video that explains how the attraction was put together.
Once you make it through the first room, you’re put into a second room where you’ll be shown another video instructing you on what to expect, how to store your items, and how to sit in the chair. From there you’ll be taken into the final room where you’ll sit in your chair, put your 3-D glasses on, and ride a banshee through the jungle.
4. Disney theme parks aren’t just for kids
Did you know that plenty of adults visit Disney’s theme parks for fun without kids? Adults love theme parks just as much as kids, and it’s a great way to get in touch with your inner child.
If you’re looking for a more mature experience at a theme park, that’s not a problem. Disney holds an annual International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot Center and Disney’s parks are constantly working to create an environment that appeals to multi-generational groups of visitors. They’ve even upgraded food options to include more than just hot dogs and churros. You can dine at restaurants that serve healthy food just like you’d expect to find outside of the park.
Additionally, adults can enjoy live shows, musicals, and parades, such as “Fantasmic!” or “The Festival of the Lion King.” These performances are not just for kids; adults can appreciate the artistry and production value. If you love shopping, Disney parks have a wide range of shops selling unique and collectible merchandise. Some Disney resorts offer luxurious spas and wellness centers where adults can indulge in massages, facials, and other relaxation treatments.
What’s your ideal theme park destination?
With so many Disney parks to choose from, which one will be your next vacation destination?
