5 Tips for Grandparents Taking the Grandkids to Disney for the 1st Time

Is there anything better than watching your grandkid’s faces light up the first time they see Cinderella Castle? While a trip to Disney World can truly be a magical experience, it’s also true that there’s a lot to plan. Review these 5 simple tips to make the most of your trip.

1.         Make sure your itinerary is multi-generational

It’s tempting to focus the entire trip on the grandkiddos, but the reality is that if you get bored, overtired, or miss out on the things you want to do, there’s a good chance you won’t have as great of a time as you could – and the grandkids are bound to notice. Plan a few things that you’d love to share with the grandkids, even if you don’t think they’re activities they’d chose on their own.

2.         Plan for emergencies

If your grandkid’s have identification, make sure you bring it. Talk to their parents about the kids’ medical history before you leave. You may think you know this information, but you may be surprised by simple allergies or minor ailments that you simply don’t know, that could be relevant in the event of an emergency.

3.         It may pay to play favorites

Grandparents often make the mistake of trying to do everything at once. They don’t want anyone to feel left out, so they take all their grandchildren at once. This can be overwhelming for everyone and can prevent you from having the best possible time. Consider setting up a few trips over the next 5 years and choosing who gets to go based on age.

4.         Know where to save money and where to spend

Many grandparents try to run to either end of the spectrum: they want to splurge for only the best, or they want to pinch pennies at every turn. The good news is that there is a middle ground. Staying on Disney property may initially seem like a smart move, but you’ll pay considerably more than you’d pay at a nearby hotel resort. You can even rent a vacation home for as little as $99 a night.