How do you Disney?

Since I see this question come up so often I thought it was fitting to blog about how I Disney! I LOVE Disney. LOVE. Disney. I’ve traveled as a kid, as a teen, and even before my husband and I were married we went. I’ve stayed on property, off property, rented a car, and used the bus transportation. I am no way an expert, but a simplistic mom who likes to save money! We’re going to Disney, not on a European rendezvous! Here are a few of my traveling Disney tips:

• I book everything through a travel website. Airfare, hotel, car, park tickets all in one shot. If I don’t care about when we leave, I try different dates and see which is the cheapest!
• I like to get a condo and not a “regular” hotel room. My kids wake up early and want to eat something or may demand some milk at 9pm; having a kitchen is very convenient. I make a quick run to the grocery store around the corner to stock up on milk, a couple of yogurts, frozen waffles, eggs, fresh fruit and snacks. Oh and diapers! I only pack enough for the flight and a few extras so they don’t take up space in the suitcase!
• For our flight, it’s early in the morning so I am going to try and hold off breakfast until we are in our seats. I have snacks, coloring items, and a couple new small toys with FEW pieces for the plane.  The kids each have headsets too.
• If you have kids in diapers, use an over night diaper for the flight! It’s more absorbent and why take chances!
• The resort we stay at has a great pool/water park area, several quieter pools, structured kid’s activities, a BAR and restaurant at the pool area, mini golf, bikes, and playground too. This mama can’t wait for a frozen drink or a bucket of beers by the pool (hey, it’s just as much my vacation as it is the kids!). Last time we were in Disney, I was 8 weeks pregnant with my son, so I was sharing a virgin mudslide with my then 14 month old.
• Once we get to Orlando we rent a car. I like control. I like the fact that I can jump in a car when I’m ready and not have to wait in a line for a bus.
• I am bringing 2 umbrella strollers. I also purchased connecting adapters to connect the 2 strollers. Why not a double stroller? 2 strollers are so much smaller than 1 large, I know my 3 year old will want to walk a lot but still loves a ride, especially with all the walking. When we go out for dinner I will only bring 1 single stroller for my little man and my 3 year old can walk. I have two sun shades for each stroller which can completely shade a sleeping baby if needed. I am using the hanging stroller organizer that attaches to the stroller for diapers and wipes and the under storage for snacks and water. No diaper bag while in the parks!
• A small collapsible lunch bag is going to house a couple of light snacks to bring into the parks
• I have a small waist band organizer a.k.a a fanny pack. I only need my phone, license, and lip gloss.
• I am PLANNING on packing clothes for about 4 days plus what we wear down since we have a washer and drier in our room.
• I have one bag that I am carrying on the plane which will have all things kid; NEW little toys, headphones for each kid, activity books, snacks, diapers for the baby, and a sippy cup for each.
• **Optional** I like to save money but I don’t like to skimp; my kids are little and don’t know the difference yet. I bought my oldest two new princess dresses that I will pack in the suitcase so she can wear them to the $8000 breakfast with Cinderella. The Disney store also had 40% off so I grabbed T-shirts for the kids and small plush toys to bust out mid vacation. Yes, I will still let them get stuff there!

What other helpful tips can you share???