5 things to consider buying for a Walt Disney World holiday
1. Birnbaum’s Guide to Walt Disney World
Each year Disney Editions publishes Birnbaum’s Official Guidebooks relating to the Disney Parks, and these are trusted guides for up to date information on attractions, events and rides. Since dining reservations and FastPass+ selections can be made long before a holiday, many will enjoy reading up on this before visiting to make the most of a Walt Disney World family holiday. I started reading Birnbaum’s 2018 Walt Disney World (Disney Editions, £16.99) in October, and I’ve been going through it with a highlighter pen. We’ve also bought Birnbaum’s 2018 Walt Disney World for Kids (Disney Editions, £10.99), which is brilliant for involving children in the holiday planning. It’s been fun reading the comments about rides from children, and I also like that the guide features a section for autographs–an alternative to an autograph book.
2. The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2018
At first I wasn’t sure I needed an e-book with Walt Disney World restaurant details, but as I love spending time reading about Walt Disney World I realised The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2018 by AJ Wolfe and the Disney Food Blog Team ($19.95) was another must-have for us. I’ve been using the book to look up restaurants, and I particularly like that there’s a list of kids menu options. The overview is great for planning as it gives me an idea of what the children can eat at the various restaurants, including healthy options. I also think the section on ‘Where can I find’ anything from ‘a great cup of coffee’ to ‘a nice outdoor eating area’ is very valuable. There are lots of tips that could come in handy for anyone who enjoy being well-prepared for a family holiday!
3. A subscription to TouringPlans
I signed up for a subscription to TouringPlans earlier this year because I love holiday planning, and TouringPlans offers a tool for optimising and evaluating daily plans in the Disney Parks. With a subscription users can create personalised touring plans by selecting dates, times, rides, attractions, breaks and meals. TouringPlans generates a plan for what to do when, and advises on what rides would be the most beneficial to FastPass. The result is a detailed plan with walk times, expected wait times, ride durations and free time. TouringPlans also has a crowd calendar, an app with posted and expected wait times, and other online resources.
4. Rain ponchos
Although a splash of water probably won’t hurt on a sunny day, I’m planning to take rain ponchos, so we don’t have to worry about children perhaps getting cold if we go into an air-conditioned restaurant soon after rides like Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom and Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom. Rain ponchos should be easy to find (or ask for) in shops in the parks too, and can of course also be useful for unexpected downpours.
5. Autograph books
For families with children in the age group where they enjoy collecting autographs, getting autograph books for a Walt Disney World holiday will be essential. It’s not necessary to buy autograph books before the trip though since they should be easy to find in shops in the Disney Parks, but if you like to be organised and are heading straight to a character meet-and-greet after arrival, it is something to keep in mind. There’s also the option to order a hamper from Disney Floral and Gifts and include an autograph book. You can even organise delivery to some restaurants!
Related Posts
3 tips for inspiring a love of reading →
Review: The Nautical Puzzle Book for exploring the National Maritime Museum’s treasures →
5 Walt Disney World restaurants we book for breakfast →
