The Disney Frontier Blog

If you received the May issue of Costco Connections, you will find an article about planning your Disney trip. In it are a few good tips to review before your trip to a Disney park.

1. Plan your trip. Typically planning your trip means how are you going to get there, where are you going to stay and what are you going to eat. However, this article focuses on how to optimize your time in the park. Bob Sehlinger, author of the The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2009 , has mathematically calculated the correct order to do the rides. According to his formula, you will avoid spending too much time in lines and spend the most time on rides. Visit TouringPlans.com for to optimized order.
2. Arrive at the park at least 45 minutes early. When you get in, hit all the most popular rides first. Even if they are in different lands. Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear then head all the way over to Splash Mountain. Even though you are crossing the park, you’ll still net ahead because the lines to these popular rides can get very long.
3. Rent or bring a stroller. If you are moving quickly to get from ride to ride, even moving across the park, you don’t want your kids to get tired before the day has even started.
4. Find a deal. Even if you find just one deal, coupon or promotion, you are ahead of the game. Mary Waring started mousesavers.com to be the most comprehensive list of current deals available.
5. Take a rest. Both Sehlinger and Waring recommend leaving the park at lunchtime for a little siesta. Hang by the pool, relax in the room or have a bite out of the park. If you head back in the afternoon, you will not only skip the hottest and most crowded time of the day, but there will be a mass exodus of families who didn’t take this advice.

Still relevant today after 50 plus years.