Do you have clients headed out on a theme park vacation? You’ve probably spent hours piecing together the perfect itinerary, with flights, accommodations, transfers, dining … the works. They are all set to go, but you want to provide one last touch point to send them on their way.
One idea is sending them off with a few handy tips to take with them. You could provide these tips with their final travel documents or send them out in an email a few days before they leave. You’ve probably already answered most of their questions leading up to this point, but there may be things they haven’t thought of yet, especially if they are first-time theme park goers.
The Compass reached out to three family travel experts to find out the go-to tips they share with clients planning to spend the day at a theme park. Here’s what Kathy Barkauskas, concierge vacation planner at Teddy Bear Travel, Dana Zificsak, CTIE, travel agent educator at Guts Grit Goals LLC, and Cailyn Kison, travel advisor at Elm Grove Travel, had to share.
Don’t Do It All
“My #1 tip is do not try to do it all,” Barkauskas said. “I realize this sounds counterintuitive, but theme park vacations are jam-packed enough as it is, without the pressure of trying to do everything. I review a couple of ‘must-do/see’ attractions or activities for everyone in the family and ensure those are built into their vacation plan. Then I make sure that the primary planner knows that it's ok to skip a ride at Magic Kingdom if everyone is melting down and needs a break! Spending a few hours back at the pool in the afternoon can be just as memorable as riding Space Mountain, so be sure clients know that flexibility is key to having a great theme park vacation.”
Choose the Top 3 Things
Zificsak seconds this advice. “They are not going to do everything that is there,” she said. “Theme parks are a buffet; you do not have to do it all. I tell families to let each person have their top 3 things and then make their list from there. Anything else they do is gravy. Also, don't be afraid to sit down and enjoy a meal or watch a show. Down time, especially when it is really warm out, helps you enjoy the time more.”
Have These Items Along
Kison mentioned the importance of booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for any Disney Destination or a U-Preferred Specialist for any Universal Destination, since these certifications mean that the advisor has had in-depth training on the destination. Her additional tips for clients are all about having some go-to items along to make the trip more convenient.
“Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. A great day can quickly turn miserable with the wrong footwear.
For kids seven and under, I almost always suggest bringing or renting a stroller. Even children who do not typically use one at home will appreciate it after several miles of walking.
Ponchos are a must. Florida weather changes quickly, and a quick afternoon rain shower should not derail the day.
I also tell every family to bring a portable phone charger. The park apps are essential for checking wait times, mobile ordering meals and booking ride return times. Dead phone batteries create unnecessary stress. Plus, you always want a charged phone to capture your vacation memories with lots of photos!
I encourage families to build in flexibility. The best days usually happen when there’s a plan, but not a rigid schedule. That balance makes all the difference,” she said.
Events and Accessibility
For clients looking to travel for a special occasion, we’ve compiled The Travel Advisor’s Complete List of Annual Events and Festivals at Popular US Theme Parks so you can conveniently have this at your fingertips to reference.
Also, for any clients with accessibility needs, advisors can reference this guide for Accessible Hotels and Resorts Near Popular US Theme Parks.
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