Tiny Travelers, Big Magic: Mastering Disney Travel with Kids

In a recent podcast episode of Mears Moments, we had a delightful chat with Nichol Burton, known online as “Bibbidi Bobbidi Bestie.” Nichol, a prominent figure on Instagram and YouTube, shares her journey and tips on making Disney trips unforgettable, especially for those navigating the parks with little ones.
Her expertise in crafting magical Disney experiences for families, coupled with her personal insights, makes her guidance invaluable for anyone planning a visit to the world where dreams come true. Here, we go deeper into essential tips for planning your Disney adventure, as well as integrating Mears Disney transportation into your travel plans.
Join us in exploring Nichol’s strategies for a stress-free and enchanting visit to Disney World.
Planning Your Disney Adventure
Kicking off a Disney trip requires more than just packing your bags and hoping for the best, especially when you’ve got tiny travelers in tow. Nichol, a seasoned Disney adventurer, swears by the power of early planning. It’s not just about deciding which attractions to hit first; it involves getting the whole family on board with the adventure ahead.
Start by sitting down as a family and diving into the colorful world of Disney. Let each member pick their must-see attractions and characters. This not only makes the trip more exciting for kids but also gives them a sense of ownership over the vacation. Nichol mentions that involving kids in the planning process helps temper their expectations and builds up their excitement.
Next, Nichol suggests immersing your family in the Disney universe before you even pack your suitcases. Watching point-of-view videos of rides and parades on YouTube can be a fun and informative way to get everyone ready for what’s to come. It’s a clever strategy to mitigate any fear of unknown rides and to pump up the excitement for the character meet-and-greets.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of logistics. Nichol highlights that knowing how far you’ll be staying from the park and understanding the transportation options ahead of time can save you a lot of stress. Ensuring you have a reliable way to get to the parks can make or break your trip. So, planning your Disney adventure isn’t just about where you’ll go—it’s about making the journey there just as magical.
Packing Smart: The Essentials
Packing for Disney isn’t just about clothes and shoes. Nichol shares key tips to pack smart and keep everyone happy.
First, travel light. Nichol insists on the importance of not overpacking. “Bring what you need and nothing more,” she says. This approach saves you the hassle of lugging around heavy bags, strollers, car seats, etc., and keeps your focus on the fun.
Essentials include:
- Comfortable footwear. Lots of walking means you’ll need shoes that can keep up.
- Sun protection. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must.
- Light rain gear. A poncho or small umbrella can be a lifesaver.
Nichol emphasizes snacks and entertainment for kids. “Keep their favorite snacks handy,” she advises. It’s a simple trick to avoid meltdowns. A mix of healthy options and treats works best.
Also, pack:
- Small toys or activity books. These are great for queues and waits.
- A refillable water bottle. Stay hydrated without constantly buying drinks.
For the tech-savvy, don’t forget chargers and power banks. Keep those devices running for photos and entertainment.
Lastly, she highlights the value of Mears Connect to Disney as a form of reliable transportation. With them, you can skip the car seat hassle. This mindset keeps your packing list short and your spirits high, ensuring your Disney vacation starts stress-free.
Safe Travel to the Magic Kingdom
When it comes to getting your family safely to the gates of Disney, the journey is just as important as the destination. Nichol highlights, “The vacation starts once you walk up to the Mears Connect kiosk.” It’s not just about transportation; it’s about beginning your vacation with a touch of magic. Nichol feels reassured by the professional service Mears Connect provides, noting, “Mears drivers have always made me feel very safe when traveling with my kids.”
One of Nichol’s favorite memories involves the sheer excitement her kids exhibit as they approach the Mears Connect bus. “My kids don’t just walk to the bus—they run,” she shares, painting a picture of the anticipation and joy that Mears adds to their Disney experience. This isn’t just a ride; it’s the opening chapter of their Disney story.
Mears Connect doesn’t just transport you to your Disney resort; it entertains and informs. Drivers chat about local sights and share trivia, turning the ride into an engaging tour. The excitement peaks as the bus approaches your Disney resort. This moment when drivers announce their arrival at Disney is a shared experience that lifts everyone’s spirits. For Nichol and her family, Mears is a key part of the magic, ensuring their Disney adventure starts and ends on a high note.
Navigating Disney with Mears Connect
Nichol’s Disney trips with her family aren’t complete without a ride on Mears Connect. She considers it a crucial part of their journey, seamlessly bridging the gap between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the world of Disney.
What stands out for Nichol is the reliability and family-friendly nature of Mears Connect. Mears services cater to the Disney area resorts, including Walt Disney World Resorts and Disney Springs Resorts. This is something that Nichol appreciates because it makes it accessible for families staying in various locations. The flexibility and convenience of Mears, with its round-the-clock service, mean her family can rely on a safe, comfortable ride regardless of their flight times.
Nichol particularly values the peace of mind that comes with using Mears Connect. The thoughtfulness of allowing kids under three to ride free shows Mears’ commitment to family travel. Moreover, the choice between standard and express services lets her family decide how quickly they want to dive into the Disney experience. The added bonus? No concerns about luggage space or navigating through the airport with car seats—Mears Connect has it all covered.
For Nichol, from the moment they board, excitement fills the air. The moments of peace that Mears Connect brings enhance the joy and wonder of visiting Disney, making each trip unforgettable for her and her family.
Keeping Kids Happy on the Go
A happy child on the way to Disney is as crucial as catching the fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle. Nichol swears by a duo of essentials: snacks and entertainment. She’s a pro at mixing healthy nibbles with a sprinkle of treats to keep energy levels up and meltdowns at bay. “A snack in hand is a tantrum avoided,” she jokes. Her snack bag is a treasure trove of goodies that keeps her kids smiling from the airport to the final fireworks show.
But it’s not just about filling bellies. Keeping little minds engaged is key. Nichol packs a magical bag of tricks: coloring books that tell tales of princesses and pirates and small toys that spark imagination during those inevitable waits. Her digital lifeline? Tablets loaded with their favorite Disney classics, ensuring a piece of the magic is always at their fingertips.
Comfort items are the secret sauce to a smooth trip. A beloved stuffed Mickey or a cozy blanket brings a slice of home to the adventure, offering reassurance amidst the excitement. Nichol’s approach is simple yet effective: mix practical planning with a dash of creativity, and you’ve got the recipe for endless smiles and enchanted memories on the go.
Maximizing Fun with Less Wait
In the world of Disney, time is precious. Nichol knows this all too well and has mastered the art of maximizing fun while minimizing wait times. Her secret? A mix of strategic planning that ensures her family spends more time enjoying the parks and less time standing in line.
Nichol’s tips for beating the queues and soaking up every moment of magic include:
- FastPass+ Reservations: Secure your spot on must-ride attractions ahead of time. This is your golden ticket to skipping long lines.
- Early Park Entry: Staying at a Disney Resort or using Mears transportation to Disney? Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours for resort guests to enter the parks early or stay late.
- Off-Peak Visits: Plan your trip during less busy times. Nichol finds weekdays during the school year offer shorter lines and cooler weather.
- Dine During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid mealtime rushes by eating early or late. This not only saves time but also makes for a more relaxed dining experience.
Her strategy extends beyond ride planning. With Mears Connect as her go-to, Nichol ensures her family’s travels between the airport, hotel, and parks are smooth and swift. This efficient transit solution is a key player in her strategy to maximize fun and minimize waits, making every Disney trip a breeze.
Creating Lasting Disney World Memories
The fun of a Disney World vacation doesn’t just lie in the thrilling rides or the enchanting character meet-and-greets; it’s also in the precious memories you create with your family. Nichol believes that every moment weaves into unforgettable family memories.
To capture these moments, Nichol always keeps her camera ready. She suggests snapping photos not just of the big highlights but also of the in-between moments—giggles on the bus, ice cream-covered smiles, and wide-eyed wonder during parades. These candid shots often tell the richest stories of your trip.
Nichol also recommends setting aside time for unique experiences that your family hasn’t tried before. Whether it’s a new ride, a different park, or even a special Disney dining experience. Having these firsts has a way of embedding themselves in your memory, making each trip distinct and special.
Another tip from Nichol for creating lasting memories is to simply slow down. It’s easy to rush from one attraction to the next, but sometimes, the magic happens when you take a beat to soak it all in. Let the kids lead the way occasionally; their choices might surprise you and lead to the most memorable parts of your vacation.
And finally, Nichol reminds families to cherish the journey as much as the destination. The rides with Mears Connect, the walks through each park, and the waits in line are all part of the adventure, each moment a thread in the fabric of your Disney World story.
Prebook with Mears Connect for Your Next Disney Trip
Planning your Disney vacation with early involvement, packing smart, ensuring safe travel, and choosing Mears Connect transportation are key steps to a magical vacation.
Nichol’s insights remind us that a memorable Disney trip hinges not just on reaching the destination but on enjoying the journey there and back. It’s clear that a little planning and the right travel partner can elevate your Disney experience.
Ready for your magical journey? Book with Mears Connect for a seamless, family-friendly ride to the heart of the magic. Let the adventure begin!