The Ultimate Disney Survival Guide (From a Real Mom Who’s Done It All—Even Napped in the Car)

Planning a Disney trip? 

Bless your brave soul. Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, the Most Magical Place on Earth can also be the Most Exhausting—especially if you’re juggling strollers, snack needs, sensory overload, and you just want a nap. 

I’m Danielle: travel agent, celiac mom, Girl Scout troop leader, and Disney day realist. I’ve survived the tantrums, the rainstorms, the 90-minute lines, and yes—even an accidental nap in the car mid-park hop. So I made this Disney Survival List to help you do Disney like a pro (even if it’s your first rodeo).

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing what matters—and actually enjoying it.

Grab your ears, lace up those sneakers, and let’s make the magic happen—without losing our minds in the process. 😉

💼 What to Pack (and What to Leave Home)

• Portable phone charger (because Genie+ eats batteries like Mickey eats churros). This one has been my favorite so far for my travels. 

• Refillable water bottle (you’re not paying $6 for Dasani)

• Ponchos or a compact umbrella (Florida: where sunshine turns to storms in 2 minutes)

• Cooling towels & mini fan (unless you like sweating through your soul)

• Ziploc bags (for wet clothes, leftover snacks, or sticky fingers)

• Bandaids/blister patches (you will walk 20,000 steps)

• Dramamine or motion-sickness bands. I personally prefer Dramamine. 

• Snacks—gluten-free if needed (lines are long, prices are rude)

• Mini first aid kit (ibuprofen, allergy meds, etc.) Try this one

• A comfy backpack or crossbody (bonus if it’s cute for photos). We have a loungefly collection so we usually use those. 

👟 What to Wear

• Athletic dress or moisture-wicking outfit (cute and practical) This is my favorite

• Comfy shoes—this is not the time for those new sandals. I swear by Brooks

• Extra socks (trust me on this one)

• Sunscreen & sunglasses (unless you want raccoon tan lines). My favorite body sunscreen  and for my face I use this.

🎟 Survival Tips

• Rope drop = real power. Get there early and knock out the big stuff.

• Mobile order your food like a seasoned pro (don't wait in line for chicken nuggets)

• Don't force yourself to “do it all.” Breaks are magical too.

• Embrace the nap if you need it—yes, even in the car.

• Plan your must-dos, but don’t stress if plans change. It’s Disney, not a military op.

🍦 Must-Have Snacks to Try

• Mickey Bar (gluten-free & iconic)

• Churros (if you’re not GF)

• Jack-Jack Num Num cookie (worth the hype)

• Dole Whip (always Dole Whip)

✨ Mom-to-Mom Real Talk

There’s no “perfect” Disney day. Someone will cry, someone will be hangry, and someone will try to spend $400 on lightsabers (maybe it’s you). But with the right prep, you’ll have memories that actually feel magical.

If you want more of my tips and tricks, feel free to reach out for assistance. If you want help booking your Disney trip, I'm all for it, and I'll make sure you have everything you need to make it memorable and not stressful. 

We Tried to Do a Two-Park Day at Disney… and Ended Up Napping in the Car Instead AKA: A Very Star Wars Birthday Adventure

So here’s the plan we thought we were executing: Wake up early, get to Disney right at rope drop, hit Hollywood Studios and Epcot in one day to celebrate my husband’s birthday like the park-hopping champions we are.

Here’s what actually happened:
We rolled into the parking lot at 11 a.m. 
But listen… it’s his birthday, we weren’t on a mission to impress anyone, and Starbucks wasn’t going to drink itself. So we considered it a win just getting there.

Once inside Hollywood Studios, we made a beeline straight to Galaxy’s Edge because my husband is a full-grown Star Wars superfan and this was his day. And let me just say—we crushed it. Rode all the rides, I took my trusty Dramamine (because I’d like to stay married and not yak on his big day), and I’m proud to report: 0 nausea, 10/10 fun.

Also? Can we talk about my outfit for a sec? I wore a new athletic dress from Amazon that’s a total Halara dupe, and I am obsessed. It was cute, comfy, moisture-wicking, didn’t ride up, and had pockets (which is a mom-level bonus). I’ll drop the link at the end because this dress deserves a fan club.

After getting our fill of stormtroopers and space drama, we wandered over to Woody’s Lunchbox for lunch in Toy Story Land. Now, let me break down our meal because y’all know I’m always scouting the gluten-free vibes:

• Hubby: Brisket sandwich – Gone in 60 seconds, so safe to say it was a hit.

• Daughter: Grilled cheese – A kid classic. Zero complaints.

• Me: Smoked turkey sandwich on gluten-free bread with potato barrels (they’re tots, but fancy) and an ice cold Angry Orchard cider that absolutely hit the spot.

The sandwich? A solid 9/10—I had to add a little extra mayo to bring it to life, and the bread wasn’t perfect, but the smoked turkey flavor was chef’s kiss.

Post-lunch, we tried to rally for more rides. We almost did Slinky Dog Dash, but my daughter gave it a nervous nope, and I wasn’t about to be the mom who drags her kid onto a coaster and then wonders why she’s giving me side-eye in all the ride photos. (Next time, Slinky. Next time.)

And then… the rain started. And as any Disney veteran knows, that’s your cue to either 1) get drenched or 2) retreat. Since my husband is a smoker, we opted for the car so he could sneak a smoke and we could regroup.

Cut to: Me, fully passed out in the front seat for a solid 30 minutes.
Was it a power nap? Maybe. Was it the beginning of the end? Absolutely.

We rallied again around 4:45 p.m. because he had a reservation to build a droid (grown-up toy for the win). They let him go early—bless the cast members—and we were out of there by 5:20.

Before leaving Hollywood Studios, we had to grab some sweet treats, because duh—it's Disney. My husband and daughter went with the classic churros, and I proudly devoured a Mickey bar, because I’m nothing if not consistent. Cold, creamy, and shaped like a mouse? Yes, please.

And then… we thought about heading to Epcot via the Skyliner.

We really did.

But then the rain started again, we made eye contact, and without saying a word, both of us just turned toward the car like two people who knew their limits. No regrets.

So did we hit both parks?
Nope.

Did we nap in the car, ride Star Wars rides multiple times, eat good food, and laugh a lot?
Absolutely.

Sometimes, the magic isn’t in doing it all—it’s in knowing when you’ve done enough. 💁‍♀️

P.S. Want to check out the dress I wore? Here’s the link to the Amazon athletic dress I’m raving about. (affiliate link, because moms deserve comfy & cute too 💕)

🎢 Universal Studios & CityWalk: The Chaos, The Magic, and Why I Don’t Do Coasters 🍹

Okay. We need to talk about Universal Studios.

It’s wild. It’s loud. It’s full of over-the-top theming and giant rides. And it’s one of my favorite places to visit — even though I do not like roller coasters.

There. I said it.

Listen, I know some people live for that drop feeling. You know, the one that makes your stomach hit your toes? Yeah, that’s my literal nightmare. My anxiety does not appreciate surrendering control to a metal machine flying through loops. I want to cry every single time. So no, you won’t catch me on the Hulk coaster or VelociCoaster. When we lived back in Michigan we had season passes for Cedar Point, and my husbands favorite ride is the Millenium Force (he's insane). No thanks, I'd much rather not pass out. You and the kids go on and I'll stay here holding bags and drinks. Good luck up there, because I'm not built for that kind of trust. 

BUT — and this is a big “but” — you don’t have to love coasters to love Universal.

🎢 What I do ride (and actually love)

Here’s the thing: you can still have an awesome day here without losing your voice (or your dignity) screaming on a coaster. My faves?

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey — it’s immersive, it’s magical, and it somehow doesn’t trigger my anxiety. Total win.

• Water rides like Jurassic Park River Adventure or Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls — I’ll take soaking wet over panic-inducing drops any day.

• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges — Warning: you will get drenched. But it’s hilarious and refreshing.

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man — This one surprised me! It’s thrilling but not terrifying, and super well done.

• E.T. Adventure — It’s nostalgic and weird and I love every second of it.

• The Minions ride — it’s ridiculous in the best way.

• The Simpsons Ride — chaotic, but hilarious.

• Hogwarts Express — because sitting in air-conditioning while moving through wizarding space? Perfection.

So yeah, I might not be your coaster queen, but I am your go-to girl for enjoying Universal without the need for anxiety meds and a paper bag to breathe into. I don't need to ruin everyones day with a panic attack and tears. 

✨ Pro Tips for These Rides:

• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – You will get soaked. Like, “just stepped out of a car wash” soaked. Bring a poncho, wear quick-dry clothes, and store your stuff in a locker or waterproof bag. Or do it at the end of the day and ride home soggy and proud.

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – Can trigger motion sickness for some. If you're sensitive, take Dramamine ahead of time or ride it before eating a huge meal (trust me on this).

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – It’s a mix of screens and movement, so if 3D motion messes with you, close your eyes during big spins and again, take Dramamine. Still super fun, and worth doing at least once.

• E.T. Adventure – A great low-key ride when you need a break from the heat or chaos. Plus, it’s inside, air-conditioned, and honestly kind of adorable.

• Hogwarts Express – Do this midday when the parks are busiest and the sun is out to get you like you're in Super Mario Bros 3. It’s a chill way to hop between parks while sitting in AC like the royalty you are.

🧠 Tips for neurospicy, sensory-sensitive humans

I’m an ADHD mom with family members on the autism spectrum, and I get the need for downtime and predictability (in a very unpredictable place). Universal is exciting, but also a lot — loud, hot, overstimulating.

A few things that help:

• Bring noise-canceling headphones or loops for loud shows and queues

• Take breaks in shady spots like Jurassic Park or Seuss Landing

• Escape to CityWalk midday for food and AC

• Use the Attraction Assistance Pass if you qualify — it can make your day way more manageable

• LOTS of breaks. And snacks. 

Planning ahead = less overwhelm, more fun. Promise.

🍔 The Gluten-Free Good Stuff

As someone with celiac disease, I approach eating out like it’s an Olympic sport. But Universal has seriously stepped up their game. And yes — I have eaten well here and enjoyed it (without getting glutened, hallelujah).

Some must-know gluten-free wins:

• Leaky Cauldron (Diagon Alley) – Try the grilled chicken sandwich on a GF bun. I was surprised by how solid it was. Plus, you’re eating in a wizard tavern. Vibes = ✨

• Comic Strip Café – This place gets overlooked, but they’ve got GF buns and I loved the maple bourbon pork sandwich. It was messy in the best way.

• NBC Sports Grill & Brew (CityWalk) – Bless them. They offer GF beer, GF pasta, and GF buns. Grab a burger or chicken sandwich and actually enjoy your meal with a drink.

• Green Eggs & Ham Café (Seuss Landing) – The GF tater tots are crispy and safe, and you can get them with buffalo chicken or green eggs and ham. I seriously loved it — quirky, cute, and surprisingly satisfying.

• Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (CityWalk) – The vibe is steampunk-chic, and they have an allergy menu. Speak to a chef and they’ll take good care of you.

And of course… the one thing I will never skip:

• BUTTERBEER.
  Frozen, hot, cold — I don’t care. It’s my treat. Technically, it’s gluten-free, but always confirm based on how it’s prepared when you go. I personally LOVE the frozen one on a hot day. It's pure magic in a cup.

🎉 CityWalk = Your Theme Park Breakroom

CityWalk is right there between the two parks, and honestly, it’s where I go when I need a break from the chaos. It’s full of food, drinks, and people-watching gold.

A few of my go-to stops:

• Margaritaville (You already knew this. Pineapple margarita? Yes please. Make it 2, actually.)

• Bigfire – Chill atmosphere and great for food sensitivities

• Voodoo Doughnut – Cute for pics. They have gluten-free, but beware of cross-contamination if you're celiac like me

• Live music – Sit, sip, breathe. You earned it.

🎒 Stuff You’ll Be Glad You Brought (Trust Me)

Let’s be real. A theme park day can either go surprisingly smooth or spiral into “I just paid $12 for socks because I got soaked and now I hate everything.” So here’s your bring-this-so-you-don’t-regret-it list from someone who’s been through it more than once.

• Sunscreen — Apply it before you leave the hotel and bring it with you. Florida sun does not play around. I didn't the first time I went to Universal. Huge mistake. Huge. 

• Poncho or rain jacket — Because this is Florida, and the afternoon sky will absolutely betray you. Pop-up rainstorms are a daily ritual.

• GOOD shoes — Not new shoes. Not cute-but-blistery sandals. Wear your tried-and-true, broken-in, I’ve-walked-Disney-in-these shoes. Your feet will thank you.

• Fanny pack or backpack — I live for a solid fanny pack (lululemon, anyone?) It holds the essentials (phone, snacks, chapstick, travel-size sunscreen) and doesn’t kill your back like a tote bag will. If you need more space, a lightweight backpack is perfect. Just make sure it’s comfy, and remember some rides require lockers for bags.

• Water bottle — There are refill stations, and staying hydrated is key to not melting into the pavement. Also, Liquid IV helps me tremendously (but I also have POTS, hello fellow spoonies). 

• Charged phone and/or portable charger — You will drain your phone battery taking photos, checking wait times, or entertaining your kids in line.

• Snacks — Especially if you have dietary needs or just need to avoid full toddler meltdowns (even if your toddler is 36 like me).

Pack smart, walk smarter, and remember that soggy socks and sunburns can ruin even the best-planned day. You deserve better, queen.

💁‍♀️ Real talk: you don’t need to do it all

You don’t have to ride everything, eat every snack, or schedule your day to the second. You can say “no thanks” to the roller coasters, skip the heat meltdown by dipping into CityWalk, and take the time to sit and eat something that won’t wreck your body later. Hell, you can go just for dinner if you want and have annual passes. Make that pass earn it. 

I’ll help you plan a trip that works for YOU — food allergies, sensory needs, non-coaster people and all. Because Universal isn’t just for the thrill junkies. It’s for all kinds of families, and you deserve to enjoy it your way.

See you at the exit with all the bags,

Danielle 

P.S. If you’ve ever faked not feeling well to avoid riding a roller coaster but then sprinted to the butterbeer stand like it was the Olympics… I see you. You’re safe here.

✈️ This Isn’t Just a Vacation, It’s a Reset — My Very First Blog Post 🎉

Hi! I’m Danielle — travel advisor, business owner, celiac, ADHD mom, Disney adult (no shame), Girl Scout troop leader, and the person who somehow always has 17 tabs open in both my brain and my browser. And where is that music coming from, seriously?

I started this blog because, honestly? I have so much to say about travel. The kind of real, unfiltered, “here’s what actually happens when your kid has a meltdown at Magic Kingdom and you're trying to find a gluten-free snack while sweating through your Minnie ears” kind of travel.

And I’m not here to give you cookie-cutter tips from a brochure. I’m here to tell you about the good stuff and the messy stuff. Because travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Who am I?

I'm the founder of Wanderlust Vacation Travel, LLC, a travel agency that helps families, couples, and anyone with a pulse plan amazing, low-stress vacations. I specialize in gluten-free travel (because I have celiac and I get it) and I’m working toward my certification as a Certified Autism Travel Professional because some of the most amazing people in my life are neurodivergent and deserve travel that actually works for them.

So, yes. I plan Disney trips. Cruises. All-inclusives. Bucket list adventures. And I also help with the real-life stuff — like packing lists that actually make sense, sensory-friendly tips, and how to avoid hangry breakdowns (kids or adults… no judgment).

Why blog now?

Because I’m always sending voice memos and texts like, “You should totally pack your own reusable straws for Costa Rica” or “Royal Caribbean actually does gluten-free really well,” and I figured… why not put all that travel brain energy in one place?

Also, I live in a tornado of ADHD energy and sometimes writing is the only way to wrangle my thoughts into something useful for other people. So, hi. Welcome to the chaos. It’s usually fun here. And just as a forewarning, I can be a little sweary, but I promise I'll try to keep it to a minimum. 

What you’ll find here:

Honest travel stories (the “oops I forgot the sunscreen and now we live in the gift shop” kind)

Gluten-free tips that don’t suck

Disney and Universal planning ideas from a mom who’s done them a lot

All-inclusive resort recs that aren’t a gamble

Cruise planning made simple (with real drink package opinions)

Travel planning help for ADHD and neurodivergent families

Packing tips, pre-travel excitement builders, and sometimes memes

One thing I know for sure:

Travel isn’t just about the destination. It’s about feeling like yourself again. Reconnecting with your family. Making memories you’ll still laugh about when you’re 80. It’s about taking a break from the mental load (because OH MY GOD, the mental load) and letting someone else — like me — take care of the details for once.

If you’re into that, stick around.

And if you ever need help planning a trip that fits your unique, wonderful life — gluten-free, sensory-friendly, or just a break-you-actually-look-forward-to — I’m your girl.

Let’s do this. 💜🌍

Talk soon,

Danielle

P.S. If you’ve ever cried on a rollercoaster or packed 13 snacks “just in case,” you are absolutely my kind of people.