School vacation week is coming up and many families are getting ready to head off to Walt Disney World. April school vacation week is always a busy time of year for Disney World and Central Florida in general, and this year flight cancellations, Disney Park Pass reservations, and other planning details can mean some extra time needs to go into preparing for your trip. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you take the kids to Walt Disney World this month.
Disney Park Pass Reservations are going, or already gone
Chances are if you are reading this site, and already have travel plans to visit Walt Disney World this month, then you already have your theme park reservations in order. If you do not, however, you should book them asap! Especially with the Easter holiday following on the weekend of school vacation week, Walt Disney World is going to see some heavy crowds and many days at the parks are already full. If you have not yet purchased tickets for your next Disney trip, be sure to check the availability calendar on Disney’s official site to ensure you will be able to make reservations during your travel dates.
Flying into Orlando? Have a backup plan
One of the major national news headlines lately has been the increases in last-minute flight cancellations, whether due to staffing shortages, strikes, or multiple other reasons. Hopefully, the cancellations are starting to slow down now, but just in case you find yourself without a flight at the last second, it might be helpful to look into some backup plans now.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to fly out of a different airport if you needed to. Or, you could fly to a different airport in Florida and rent a car to get to Walt Disney World. It’s not ideal, and we hope you aren’t caught up in flight cancellations, but it never hurts to be extra prepared just in case.
Pack your masks
Most places across the country have dropped mask requirements, including Walt Disney World- for the most part. The federal government just extended the mask mandate for public transportation, so if you are flying into Orlando you will need to continue to wear a mask while on the plane and in airports. At Walt Disney World, this means masks are still required on transportation, including buses, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner.
Take a break from the theme parks
Walt Disney World always comes with lots of walking, but especially with increased crowds and little ones in tow you can easily find yourself more exhausted than usual. Especially if you are staying at a Disney resort, taking a midday break to nap or relax by the pool can do wonders. And, if your trip is long enough you may want to spend a full day away from the theme parks just to break things up and refresh for the rest of your week.
Pack your patience and your camera!
April school vacation week, despite the crowds, is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World! The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is taking place with character topiaries and delicious outdoor kitchens all around the theme park. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is hosting a series of events for Earth Day, including new cupcakes and specialty cocktails.
Be sure to download the My Disney Experience app ahead of your trip and link everyone in your party so you can stay on top of PhotoPass pictures, Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane selections, and more. And, have a magical trip!