This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
Orlando theme parks – Walt Disney World and Universal Studios – have crowds every day of the year. For many families, March Break/Spring Break is prime time for a magical (and sunny) getaway with the kids.
With thousands of families heading to the theme park capital of the world over the next few weeks, good planning and a few insightful tips will help you make the most of your March Break/Spring Break theme park vacation.
If you are heading to Orlando for the very first time, here are 6 tips to ensure you have a relaxing and fun-filled vacation.
1. Learn How to Skip the Line Before You Leave Home
Using Disney’s FastPass+ system and Universal’s Express Passes, families can avoid long wait times for some of the most popular theme park attractions.
Disney’s FastPass+ comes with your park ticket or vacation package. This lets you bypass the line for up to three attractions per day. You can make these reservations online before leave home and head to the parks.
Universal offers two different types of Universal Express Passes (that you purchase on top of your regular admission ticket) which allow you to skip the line in the parks.
Universal Express Pass give one-skip-per-attraction to almost all rides and shows at Universal Studios Florida and the Islands of Adventure theme parks. The Universal Express Unlimited Pass gives you unlimited front-of-the-line access to almost all rides and shows at the two theme parks. You’ll have to decide if the extra cost is worth the convenience for you – especially during peak season like March Break.
2. Get ready to do a lot of walking
Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are not your typical amusement parks. They are huge – Disney World is almost the same size as the city of San Francisco!
Disney World boasts 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, Disney Springs (a Disney-fied shopping, dining and entertainment area), golf courses, campgrounds and a resorts for every type of traveler and family size.
Universal Studios has 2 parks – Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, 5 on-site resorts, CityWalk (a shopping, dining and entertainment district just steps away from their parks) and a brand new water park opening May 2017.
Expect to do a ton of walking during your park days.
I was averaging 26K steps on my family’s most recent trip! Moms, I recommend skipping the sandals and flip flops and adding insoles to your flats or walking/running shoes. Dr. Scholls® For Her has several insole and cushioning options to fit different shoes.
I also recommend renting a stroller (either from the parks or a private rental company) for your little ones.
3. Avoid long wait times and make use of the extra hours
Families staying at any of Universal’s on-site hotels or who have booked a vacation package at a participating off-site hotel, can visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the parks open to the general public in the morning. Avoid the crowds and make use of your extra hour if you can.
Same goes for Disney World resort hotel guests. Make use of your Extra Magic Hours (one hour earlier in the morning and up to 2 hours after regular closing time) if you want to avoid the crowds or experience the rides with lower wait times. You can learn more about Extra Magic Hours here.
4. Pack Your Own Water and Snacks
Both Disney and Universal allows water bottles, baby food (and formula/milk) and fruits and vegetables into the park. You’ll be doing a ton of walking so the water and snacks will come in handy and you’ll keep your food and beverage costs down.
5. Plan Some Non-Park Time
It’s difficult not to want to see and do everything. From theme parks, restaurants, shows and shopping, there’s no shortage of things to keep you busy in Orlando. However, try your best to squeeze in some downtime so the kids aren’t cranky and you’re not exhausted by the end of your vacation.
Enjoy the resort, spend time at the pool or plan half day park visits over several days instead of back-to-back full day park visits.
6. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
For those of us still *enjoying* winter weather at home (sense the sarcasm?), it will be hot and sunny in Orlando. Coppertone’s ClearlySheer SPF 50 and Coppertone’s Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 are great options that provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The Kids Sunscreen is perfect for an Orlando theme park vacation because it retains SPF even after 80 minutes of activity in the water or sweating.
For those of you that have visited Disney World or Universal Studios before, what’s your tip for families visiting for the first time?
This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
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Such a timely post! Our family is headed to Universal later this week for March Break! It’s our first time and the kids are really looking for it. I debated about the Express passes and initially we weren’t going to do it but I think we will have to splurge because of the all the families that will be in Orlando like you said. We already stocked up on sunscreen! Thanks so much for the tips Cheryl! I hope you and your kids have a fun spring break.
Glad I could help, Faith :). Enjoy your trip – it’s been a while since we’ve been to Universal. Good call on the Express Passes – I would probably opt for that as well for a trip during peak season. Enjoy the sunshine!
Great tips! Thank you for sharing. There is definitely A LOT of walking.
We are going to Orlando Theme Park and just search online tips about this theme park. Really benefit a lot from your post. Thank you very much, Cheryl.