How We’re Redefining Disney Vacations in 2026
As we leave 2025 behind and jump full steam into 2026, there’s something I want to say out loud… especially if you love Disney, theme parks, and travel as much as I do.
There are a lot of things I’m intentionally leaving behind this year.
And at the very top of that list is the idea that there’s only one right way to plan a Disney vacation.
The Internet Has Opinions — And They’re Loud
If you’ve ever searched how to plan a Disney trip, you already know this.
The internet is full of people telling you that you have to:
Get to the parks insanely early
Rope drop every day
Hit as many rides as humanly possible
Spend every penny you’ve saved on the newest snack, upgrade, or convenience
Maximize every second or risk “wasting” your vacation
And here’s the thing, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. (I’m guilty of saying these things too)
If that’s how YOU love to do Disney, that’s valid.
But what I think often gets lost in all of this advice is a much bigger truth:
Getting the most done is not the same thing as having the most meaningful vacation.
Memory - The morning Mark Alan dropped me off at the airport and then rope dropped security because he wanted to catch that beautiful morning golden glow.
I Used to Be That Person
When I first started going to Disney, I was the definition of a “do it all” planner.
We made the hour by hour itinerary spreadsheets. We broke down and budgeted every dollar.
We were first to rope drop.
We stayed until fireworks.
We had no rest days. Hardly any resort time.
Every day was packed from start to finish.
And we loved it.
But by the end of those trips, we were so exhausted that we needed a vacation from our vacation.
And looking back now, I can also see something else. We were so focused on doing everything that we missed a lot of what was happening in between.
Memory - We spent the evening with our friends people watching. No rides (the lines were so long) but LOTS of laughs!
Living Here Changed Everything
Now, as a local, I’ve visited the parks hundreds of times. (And as spoiled as that sounds, believe me! I don’t take that for granted.)
And here’s a little secret most people don’t realize:
Disney changes CONSTANTLY.
Things come and go.
New experiences are added.
Shows rotate.
Menus change.
Truthfully? Even after all this time, I still haven’t come close to seeing or doing everything.
But what I CAN say with complete confidence is this:
Some of my favorite Disney days EVER have been the ones where we had a very basic plan and gave ourselves permission to slow down.
No pressure. No rushing. Just intention.
Memory - Dinoland is my FAVORITE and we took so much time soaking in all the details, lore, and backstory of the land before it closed forever. RIP Chester & Hesters.
The Magic Was Never the Rides
My favorite Disney memories aren’t:
A specific attraction
A viral snack
Or even the outfits I wear (and trust me… I love a cute Disney outfit)
They’re the moments.
The conversations while hanging out in line.
The laughter when something goes wrong like getting stuck at the top of Expedition Everest and not knowing when that backwards launch will happen.
The unexpected mishaps that turn into inside jokes. IYKYK
The unique memories that only happen when you’re not rushing from one thing to the next.
Those are the moments that stay with you long after the trip is over. And those moments rarely happen when you’re racing the clock.
Memories - Said friends that we spent an evening people watching with.
What We’re Doing Differently in 2026
This year, I’m making it my mission to gently deinfluence the “do it all” mindset.
Not to shame it.
Not to say it’s wrong.
But to remind you that Disney was NEVER meant to be a checklist.
At its core, Disney is about connection.
Together time.
Shared experiences.
Memories you’ll talk about for years.
And yes! I STILL believe it’s important to maximize your time and not waste the hard-earned money you spend on a vacation. But maximizing doesn’t mean cramming everything in.
It means being intentional with your time. It means choosing what matters most to you. Not what the internet says should matter.
Memory - We waited 20 minutes for this shot, and while we did a follower came up and said hi! They were there for a RunDisney weekend and they also love doing film photography. This was the moment we made a new friend all because we literally took some time to stop and smell the roses (literally).
There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Disney Trip
One person’s tips. Another person’s hacks. Someone else’s “perfect itinerary.”
None of those automatically mean it’s the best fit for your family.
Because the best Disney vacation is the one built around:
Your priorities
Your energy
Your interests
Your people
Your definition of magic
And that’s where I come in.
I don’t plan trips to be productive. I plan them to be meaningful.
I help people craft vacations that feel aligned, intentional, and worth every penny — not because they did everything, but because they did what mattered most.
Memory - It was gently raining, but the temperature was PERFECT for relaxing outside. This was also the first time we tried the chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop (UK pavilion) and we were very popular with the birds.
This Is the Energy We’re Bringing Into 2026
Less hustle.
Less pressure.
More presence.
More intention.
Because the best vacations aren’t the ones you conquer.
They’re the ones you feel.
And if that’s the kind of Disney experience you want, I’m so glad you’re here!
PS - And because we are talking about slowing down, it only felt appropriate to include some film photos that we took this year. Every one of these holds a memory because it was never about the picture — it’s about the moment behind the lens.
