Sheila Gallant-Halloran

Heading down to Walt Disney World in Orlando for my family's 17th visit was an exciting adventure.

We've been fortunate enough to return again and again - it's our vacation spot of choice. One might think the Disney experience would get old, and we'd become pretty jaded; but nothing could be further from the truth. We had as much fun this time as we did on our first visit - actually, probably a ton more, because we didn't have that newbie, overwhelmed look on our faces, our youngest was now old enough to run and hug the characters, and our eldest was now old enough for all the big kid scary rides that mom would rather sit out.

As old hands at the Disney experience, we have more than a few tricks up our sleeves on how to make the most of our experience. Here's are best tips from our most recent stay:

1.) Stay in the heart of the magic.
In 17 visits, we've stayed off site, and we've stayed onsite. It's a decision every family makes based on size, space and kitchen requirements, budget, etc; and I help clients walk thru that maze and find what best suits their family. But, for us, the value you get and the extra benefits that come with onsite make it our preferred choice. The "extra magic hours" alone for onsite guests is a huge benefit - Disney accords onsite guests this perk of getting into one park an hour early, or staying at another park up to three hours later than regular park guests. Plus you get free shuttles from the airport, and free transportation around the parks, you can purchase the meal plan, shop at the parks and have your purchases delivered back to your hotel, and be surrounded by the magic for 24 hours.

2.) If you can, stay at a monorail hotel.
This visit, we stayed at the Grand Floridian. Not only is it one beautiful hotel, with a canyon-themed pool and waterslide that everyone loves, but it is a short monorail ride from Magic Kingdom. We zipped back and forth from the park with ease. Heading out early in the morning let us hit the parks before they were crowded, then we could zip back to our hotel for a swim and lunch, and head out again after we were feeling refreshed.

3.) Go during a special event.
This year was our 3rd time to take in the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. We had a blast. Adults and kids alike are encouraged to dress up - even the characters dress up. Magic Kingdom has a special parade and fireworks, and the kids go trick-or-treating through the park. We also attended the Wishes Dessert Party that night - death by chocolate!

4.) Buy the meal plan.
My family always gets the regular meal plan. It provides ample food for us (in fact, we have a hard time using up all the counter service meals) and good value when it comes to taking in the various restaurants and character meals.

5.) Plan your itinerary.
No one wants their vacation planned down to the last minute. I always build my clients an excel spreadsheet that is customized for their vacation. I note what park is open when, with extra magic hours outlined for each day, times of parades and fireworks, and then I plug in their advance dining reservations. With reservations being accepted 180 days in advance, you really need to plan to have breakfast with Cinderella at the castle, or supper with Chef Mickey. I help my clients get that all sorted.

6.) Park hop, and get the max days on your park tickets.
Disney charges the most for one-day tickets, and then every day you add, the price per day goes down. It costs only a few dollars more to go from a five-day ticket to a ten-day ticket, and a park hopper add on gives you ability to come and go between the parks. You're investing valuable vacation time and dollars to get to Disney - why not maximize your family's vacation time and give you maximum flexibility to come and go as you choose.

7.) Take time to veg each day.
Sure, Disney is a busy holiday. We've gone "commando" -get up early and go until late at night, collapsing in bed. That's fun. But it wears you down for the next day. Rest, swim, take a break so you can do more tomorrow.