Planning a Disney vacation can be an incredibly daunting task, even if it isn't your first rodeo. With four theme parks and two water parks to choose from, it's easy to become overwhelmed. Yet, there are ways to simplify your stay and optimize your time within each park. That being said, here are a few things to keep in mind for your next trip to Disney.

1. Crowd Calendars

Avoid crowds by choosing your travel dates wisely. Obviously the time of your you choose to go is significant and can have a major impact on the kind of experience your family has at Disney. 

One of the best ways to skip the line and the business is to use a crowd calendar. Choose the month you would like to go and consult the calendar to find dates with the lightest crowds. Depending on how busy it will be, you might even consider picking a different month altogether. 

2. Festivals and Holidays

If you don't mind the crowds, consider going on a park festival day or holiday. This is a wonderful idea if your family has been to Disney before and is looking for new experiences. For example, to see Epcot in a different light, you might book a visit between early March and mid-May when the park hosts its Internation Flower and Garden Festival. 

You might also consider booking a stay before Thanksgiving or Christmas. Often, the park and its resorts will feature special holiday shows and parades and hang decorations to boot. Plus, there will be fewer people there during the holiday season. 

3. The Baby Care Centers

Are you traveling with a tiny tot? Take advantage of Disney's Baby Care Centers. Each park has its own facility that features helpful staff and a host of free amenities for parents with infants and toddlers.

Make good use of the changing rooms, rocking chairs in private feeding rooms, a feeding area with high chairs, the microwave and skink and the entertainment area. Each site also has an on-site shop that sells formula, sunscreen, diapers, wipes, medications, clothing and baby juice and food. 

4. Advanced Dining Reservations 

Of course, as busy as the park can be, it's best to make all reservations in advance, including dining reservations. Disney even lets you book special meals up to six months in advance so you know you'll have a seat at the table and a chance to meet the kids' favorite princess. 

It may also be wise to book a table at restaurants outside of the park. Obviously, they may not let you book months in advance, but calling a few days beforehand could make all the difference. You might also take advantage of different restaurants' free delivery options. For example, Giordano's offers free pizza delivery in Orlando to all major resorts so you don't have to worry about reservations or transportation. 

5. FastPasses

Optimize your time in the parks with Disney's FastPasses. They're absolutely free but only so many are available, so you must book them quickly. Reduce wait times, line up attraction reservations and enjoy more of the parks with these passes. 

If you don't want to preplan your attraction schedule in advance, you can also purchase a MaxPass. This service allows guests to make FastPass reservations from their smartphones. Currently, Disney has put a pause on these pass programs. However, in the future, they'll likely return and sell out quicker than ever, so keep your eyes and ears open.

6. Extra Magic Hours 

Guests of Disney Resort and other hotels can and should take advantage of extra magic hours. This perk allows guests to enjoy at least one of the four theme parks before or after operating hours.

 Of course, not all rides and attractions will be available, but many popular ones — like Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom — honor both morning and evening magic hours. Remember to check the magic hours schedule before your trip to discover which parks are participating on which days.  

7. Your Interests

One of the biggest mistakes parents make when planning a trip to Disney is making the vacation all about the kids. What would Timmy like to see and do and eat? Would they like this or that resort better? It's Disney World. Odds are they'll be happy anywhere and their only complaint will be tired feet. 

Therefore, it's important to consider your own interests, too. Choose to stay where you want to stay and eat at restaurants that sound delicious to you. Be a little selfish. Carve out some downtime and don't spend every waking hour in the parks unless you want to. Remember, this is your vacation, too. Enjoy it. 

Make It Short and Sweet

The last thing you want to do is plan a Disney vacation that leaves you in need of another vacation. Yet, a fear of missing out and overplanning can turn a great trip into a waking nightmare in no time. Keep your visits short and sweet and relax a little during your stay. Odds are you'll have more fun and the kids will appreciate and look forward to Disney vacations even more than they do now.