With the rush to get everything in and do every attraction, down time is often overlooked or just not given much thought. Everyone feels the pressure of “Doing It All“. I really don’t know what “Doing It All” means. All What? What do you win if you do? What do you lose if you don’t? Is your life going to be better or worse for it? “Doing It All” is at best an anxiety producing unobtainable goal. It and its’ cousin FOMO can produce feelings of failure and ruin what should be a relaxing great experience.

Every park trip I see some family with a parent glued to their phone, checking on Lightning Lane passes and yelling at the family to hurry up we need to be there so I can make the next reservation. The family looks beleaguered, the parent looks frantic, no one is smiling. I would also hazard to guess that this is not the best day ever. Worse you see kids crying and everyone is totally frustrated. I’m sure everyone has seen or been these families.

Slow Down

A big part of Crushing It strategy is to slow down and enjoy the day. You Cann’t Do It All, so why set yourself up for failure, when the alternative is much more fulfilling and fun? You will not miss out so put aside those FOMO feelings and take charge of having fun. Remember this is vacation and not a competition.

Remember a big part of Crushing It is to slow down. Do what comes with the day. Grandma and I really enjoy taking a nice little break around lunch and decompress at the resort. This does not mean leaving the magic that is parks behind. We stay on property so we are always in the Disney bubble. Midday breaks are great and in my mind a must do, but there is an obvious activity that will much enhance your Disney stay.

Resort Days

That’s right. The secret is planning a resort day! That’s it. Just a day not going to the parks. Grandma and I almost never have more than 2 straight park days. It is just too much. Too much hustle and bustle. Too much crowds. Too much heat or cold. Just too much.

When staying on property, there is a metric crap ton of stuff to do at the resort. Many resorts such as Yacht and Beach Club have fantastic pools. Every pool has a pool bar that serves food and snacks. The boardwalk has, well the boardwalk. We love to sit, have an ice cream and watch the crowds and the Friendships sail by. The Deluxe resorts have fantastic lobbies and shops. Explore your resort. A lot of what you are paying for is the theming and amenities. Take advantage.

What To Do?

Resort Hopping

Resort Hopping. A favorite pass time of ours. Take the time to explore. Each resort has unique souvenirs at the gift shop as well as quick serve menus. Resort Hopping is especially fun during the Christmas season where every lobby is decorated. Many of the resorts have fantastic Gingerbread House displays. We took the grandkids around to all the deluxe resorts and took their picture in front of the lobby Christmas Tree. This will be our tradition for the foreseeable future.

Shop

Shop. Take a jaunt over to Disney Springs or Downtown Disney. Be forewarned that these places can be every bit as crowded as the parks, so be prepared. We do a lot of window shopping and not much buying. One thing ol grandpa has learned, however, is that if you see something you want, buy it then and there. There is a pretty good chance that it won’t be available the next time you come back, if you come back.

Go Somewhere Else

Go somewhere else. In Orlando there are tons of things to do and see. Our family tradition that started in the late 90’s was going to Gatorland. Now I know you are probably saying, “But Grandpa, isn’t that just swapping one crowded park for another?” Ok fair statement, but Gatorland is much more laid back. And who does not love Gators? We have also gone to Busch Gardens, Universal, and Sea World. But these are just swapping crowds and parks. It was great fun, but something we probably won’t repeat anytime soon.

So Slow down, relax, rejuvenate, refresh. This will make your pack days much more enjoyable. Don’t become the families that are totally frustrated and frazzled. Be the families that are happy and joyful. Just Crush It!

What is your favorite non-park activity? Let me know in the comments. Grandma and I are always looking for new adventures.

Until Next time