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Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

20 Insanely Useful Tips For Your First Time At Disney World

March 3, 2021 //  by  Kimberly Jones //   Leave a Comment

If it’s your first time traveling to Disney World, it might feel a little overwhelming! There seems to be so much that you have to do, pack, plan, reserve….the list goes on and on. However, your first time at Disney doesn’t have to be stressful! We have 20 Insanely Useful Tips For Your First Time At Disney World.

This is a list of tips that we think first time Disney goers should know! It goes over what you should bring, how you could be making money by declining housekeeping, freebies, magic bands, and much, much more! Read on to learn all the tips every Disney vacationer should be aware of!

Get Familiar with My Disney Experience

The My Disney Experience app is the best free tool Disney has to offer! You will definitely want to download and take a look at this app before your first time at Disney. It’s helpful to get familiar with it before you even leave for vacation.

This app allows you to hold your Disney vacation plans at your fingertips. You are able to do so many things on this app such as make park and dining reservations, check wait times , look up park hours, see digital maps, look at PhotoPass photos, and so much more! 

The first thing you will want to do when you download the My Disney Experience app is to link your tickets, your resort room, and all of the friends and family you will be traveling with. Linking up with the people you are traveling with will make it easier to book dining reservations. You will also need to be linked if you want to all ride Rise of the Resistance together! 

This app is a MUST for your first time at Disney. Check out our 16 Best Disney Apps to Download Before Your Vacation for even more helpful apps!

Consider Renting DVC Points

Disney resorts can get expensive, so we want to help you find the best ways to stay at Disney for cheap! DVC is the acronym for the Disney Vacation Club . This is Disney’s timeshare system that operates by using points to stay at Deluxe resorts. People pay a premium to be a part of the Disney Vacation Club, and they are able to buy points to use.

Sometimes Disney Vacation Club members aren’t able to use up all of their points, so they rent them out to others. That’s where you come in! Renting DVC points is a great option if you were planning on staying at a Deluxe Resort. These resorts can get very pricey, but renting points can make staying at a Deluxe Resort more cost effective!

Our favorite place to rent DVC points is David’s DVC Rental ! You’ll be able to see how much you’d be paying by renting out points. Compare these prices to Disney’s Deluxe Resort prices, and you will realize what a steal this is! 

Staying at a Deluxe Resort is super special because these are the best resorts Disney has to offer. Make your first Disney vacation extra special by staying at one of these resorts!

Don’t Forget to Make Park and Dining Reservations in Advance

Some people don’t realize that a Disney vacation involves lots and lots of planning beforehand! You have to buy your tickets and book a room, but you can’t forget to make advance park and dining reservations! 

Disney now operates on a park pass reservation system . This means you have to book a park pass for the park you want to visit on a specific day. For example, if you are vacationing at Disney for 4 days, but you are only going to the parks for 3 of those days, you will need to choose what dates you want to go to the parks and which park for that certain date. 

I know it may seem confusing, but it is super simple to do! Just go on My Disney Experience and go to the “Make Theme Park Reservations” section. From here you can select your dates and parks, and then you’re done! 

After you have your park days booked, now it’s time to think about where you want to eat! There are lots of Quick Service locations to choose from, but if you want to eat at a Table Service restaurant, you will need to book those reservations in advance. Sometimes you are able to walk up to a restaurant and get a table, but it’s safer to book a reservation, especially for those more popular restaurants.

You can also book your dining reservations in the My Disney Experience app. Click the “+” button at the bottom of the screen and then click “Check Dining Availability”. Make sure that you are booking restaurants for the dates and locations of the park you are visiting that day!

There Are Fun Things to do on Arrival Day

Some people choose to hit the parks as soon as they check into their resort, but there are also other fun things to do on your arrival day! Even if your room isn’t ready when you get there, you can still explore the resort! You can leave your bags with bell services, and they will hold onto your bags until your room is ready. This way you can go do fun things without worrying about lugging your bags around! 

Arrival day is a great day for swimming! Change into those swimsuits and hit the resort pool while you wait for your room to be ready. If you don’t feel like swimming, you can also travel to other neighboring resorts and explore them as well. 

One of my favorite things to do on arrival day is visit Disney Springs ! It’s super relaxing and fun to walk around and shop without worrying about which ride to run to next. There are so many tasty restaurants and fun shops to explore. It’s a great way to start off the trip, and you can find some great souvenirs to use throughout your vacation! 

It can also be fun to book a dining reservation the night of your arrival. Disney resorts and Disney Springs have lots of great restaurants, you can’t go wrong with whichever you choose!

Check out our 12 Things To Do On Your Disney Arrival Day for even more fun ideas!

Make Money by Declining Housekeeping

Did you know you can make money by saying “no” to housekeeping ? Crazy, right?! This is a great perk some people don’t know about, but we definitely want you to know before your first time at Disney! 

Service Your Way is part of Disney’s green initiative to cut back on electricity, laundry, and waste. They reward guests who opt out of housekeeping with a gift card! The gift card amount varies depending on how many nights you are staying. You get $10 per night minus one night. So if you are staying 5 nights, you will get a $40 gift card.

Now you can use this extra money for souvenirs and snacks! If you don’t plan on being in your room a lot and don’t make much of a mess, opting out of housekeeping is a great idea. You can feel good about helping Disney with their green initiative and you get money at the same time! It’s a win-win!

Resorts Charge for Parking But Theme Park Parking is Free for Resort Guests

There are pros and cons to staying at a Disney resort. One of the cons is that Disney resorts charge for parking per night. The cost varies depending on which category of resort you stay at. Value resort parking costs $15 per night. Moderate resort parking costs $20 per night. Deluxe resort parking is $25 per night. These nights can add up to a significant amount if you’re planning on staying for a while.

The pro for staying at a Disney resort in regards to parking is that parking at the theme parks is free. Guests staying off property have to pay $25 per day for standard parking and $45-50 per day for preferred parking. 

Overall, if you drive to Disney, you’re going to pay for parking whether or not you are staying at a Disney resort. Do be aware though that Disney offers free transportation from your resort to the parks, Disney Springs, and the water parks, so you don’t need to rely on a car to get around.

Prepare to Walk A LOT and Bring Comfy Shoes

Going to Disney is no joke. You will be walking around A LOT (seriously a lot)! It can get pretty exhausting, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. Know how much walking you can handle before you go to Disney. This way you can plan out your day to minimize the amount of walking you will have to do.

When we go to Magic Kingdom , we like to plan any reservations in the order we’ll be walking through the park. We’ll start in one land and work our way to the opposite side through all the other lands. This way we don’t miss out on anything while decreasing the amount of walking we will have to do. 

Another great way to be prepared for all that walking is to bring comfy shoes! We can’t stress enough how important it is to wear shoes you are comfortable walking around in at the parks. This will save your feet so much unnecessary pain or blisters! Make sure to break in any new shoes before you wear them during your first time at Disney. We have a list of the Best Shoes for Disney to help you find the perfect pair! 

It’s also important to give yourself plenty of time to get from place to place. Disney is huge, so it can take a while to get from your resort to a park or to another resort. If you have a reservation planned, make sure to schedule extra time for any mishaps. Sometimes a bus can be running late or there will be crowds. Don’t stress yourself out by waiting until the last minute to get somewhere!

Check the Weather Before Your Trip and Be Prepared for it to Change

Florida is super unpredictable when it comes to weather. It could be raining at one moment and then the sun could be shining in the next. It can be helpful to check the weather all the way up until you leave for your trip, but you should still be prepared for it to change. 

The summer months are the worst when it comes to rain in Florida . Even though Florida is in the south, it can still get a little chilly at night during the winter months. Depending on when you are vacationing to Disney, it’s important to have a few essentials for any unpredictable weather.

The most important item you will need in the summer months is a poncho or rain jacket! Always be carrying one in your bag for any unexpected rain. It literally comes out of nowhere in some instances. No one wants to walk around in the parks soaking wet! But we also know you don’t want to spend lots of money on Disney brand ponchos.

Prepare before your trip by purchasing cheap ponchos. These can easily be reused during your whole vacation and discarded at the end. They are definitely a life saver! 

During the winter months, it’s a great idea to bring a jacket. The day time outside will feel nice, but those nights can get cold. Having a light jacket on hand will ensure you’re never uncomfortable!

Don’t Miss Out On Freebies!

Before your first trip to Disney World, you’ll want to know about all of the freebies you can score! One of the best freebies, especially for your first Disney vacation, is a “First Visit” button. Ask any retail or resort cast member for a free button. They have different buttons for different occasions! You’re going to want that “First Visit” button for sure. When cast members see you wearing this button, they make sure to make your first Disney visit extra special! 

Another freebie most people don’t know about is that you can get free ice water. At any quick service location with a soda fountain, you can ask the cast members for a cup of water. No one at Disney wants you getting dehydrated! 

The Play Dinsey app is a free app that makes your Disney vacation even more immersive. The app tracks your location and gives you access to fun games themed to the ride or area you are located in. There is also trivia and you can earn achievements. The app turns into a data pad as soon as you enter Galaxy’s Edge ! Once here, you can complete missions, translate languages, hack into droids, and more! 

If apps aren’t your thing, trying going on a Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt! There are tons of hidden Mickeys all around the parks and resorts. You could spend a whole day just looking for them! 

Another fun free thing to do at Disney is to watch free movies ! Most Disney resorts have “Movie Under the Stars”, where you are able to watch a Disney movie outside on a big screen at night. Check with your resort to find out when and what movie will be playing while you are there! 

There are so many other awesome free things to do at Disney World, we made our own article for them! Check out our 17 Totally Free Things To Do At Disney World ! (Some things might be temporarily unavailable due to the current pandemic.)

Magic Bands Aren’t Required, But They Are Helpful

Back in 2020, Disney used to provide Magic Bands to every resort guest for free. Starting at the beginning of January 2021, Disney now charges $5 for the basic magic bands when you order them before your trip. If you wait to buy them in the parks, it costs $15 for the basic bands. They also have a lot of specialty designed bands for a higher price.

Magic Bands are insanely useful ! They are your park tickets , your room key, and your credit card (if you choose to link it)! These can make traveling around super convenient because everything is right on your wrist. 

Disney started charging for Magic Bands because they are planning on enabling a digital version of the bands on My Disney Experience. This would allow you to do everything from your phone instead. Fun fact: You can actually unlock your resort room with your My Disney Experience app! 

If the Magic Bands aren’t for you, that’s okay! Disney has other options. They also have the Key to the World card which can do the same things a Magic Band can, but in card form. You can get these for free at your front desk.  You can also just use a standard ticket to get into the parks and use your own credit card to purchase things. 

Deciding on which route you choose depends on what you’re comfortable with! Magic Bands are super useful because you don’t have to worry about carrying anything around. You can also reuse your Magic Bands for future vacations!

Make Sure to Have a Break and Don’t Worry About Doing Everything!

Contrary to what you might believe, Disney vacations can be exhausting! You’re getting up early every day to run around the parks from morning to night and trying to fit everything in! But please don’t push yourself too hard, especially during your first time at Disney! That’s the worst way to turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.

Make sure to schedule breaks either during the middle of the day or have a full break day in between your park days. This will ensure you and your family don’t get burnt out during your trip. Use these breaks to take a nap or relax at the pool. It will feel good to get off your feet for a little bit and not be constantly moving. You’ll thank us later! 

Also, don’t worry about doing absolutely everything at Disney World. Disney really has so much to offer, it would be impossible to fit it all into one trip. Instead, plan your must-do attractions and food ahead of time. Figure out what rides you have to do and the ones you could live with missing. This way you get to do everything you want to do, and then you might have some extra time for the other things! 

I have been going to Disney for years, and I still haven’t even done everything! Don’t sweat it and just enjoy your time at the most magical place on earth!

You Don’t Need to Go to the Parks to Have Fun

Some people think that Disney is only about the parks, but this is not true! There are so many wonderful things to experience away from Disney’s theme parks. 

Disney has water parks , resorts, mini golf, excursions, dining, shopping, and more! You could spend a whole day (or multiple) doing things outside of the parks.

There are lots of different resorts that Disney has to offer, and you can go visit them all! Even if you’re staying at a Value resort doesn’t mean you can’t go explore a Deluxe resort! Each resort has its own unique theming, shopping, and dining. You can even go see live animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! 

A lot of the resorts also have their own excursions or activities you can do! Fort Wilderness has horseback riding, you can rent a boat at the Grand Floridian , you can go fishing at the Yacht and Beach Club , etc. Each resort is unique in the kinds of activities they offer, but you don’t have to be staying at that specific resort to do them! 

Disney Springs is another great place to find fun things to do! You can go bowling at Splitsville, catch a movie at AMC Theaters, build a dinosaur at T-Rex Cafe, and much more. There are also a ton of fun shops, dining, and snacks to try! You don’t want to miss out on Disney Springs during your first time at Disney! 

The list goes on and on for what you can do for fun away from the parks! Use your break day to try some new adventures!

Some Splurges Are Worth It!

We know, we know, Disney is already expensive enough! But we are here to tell you that there are some splurgers at Disney World that are actually worth it! Like we had mentioned earlier, you can rent DVC points to stay at Deluxe Resorts, and this is a splurge that is worth it! 

Deluxe Resorts have nicer and bigger pools, immersive theming, more restaurant and lounge options, better rooms, and are just overall nicer. This isn’t to say that Value or Moderate Resorts aren’t nice! Deluxe Resorts are just a fun splurge that will let you enjoy the full Disney package! 

Another fun splurge is the Memory Maker . Memory Maker gives you access to all of the photos taken of you by the Photopass photographers at the parks. It even gives you access to your ride photos! Memory Maker costs $199 if you buy it at Disney or $169 if you buy it before your vacation. Memory Maker helps you capture all of your memories without you even having to pull out your camera! 

It’s some people’s dream to make their very own lightsaber, and now you can actually do that! At Savi’s Workshop in Galaxy’s Edge, you can build your very own lightsaber! It costs $200 per person, but it is well worth it. This is an experience you and your family won’t forget! 

If you’re looking for a cheaper splurge, buying a popcorn bucket is a great option! A regular popcorn at Disney costs $5 while a Disney popcorn bucket costs $12. Now you might think it’s crazy to spend an extra $7 on a bucket, but we’ll tell you why it’s worth it! Disney’s popcorn buckets are refillable for only $2 per refill! If you plan on eating a lot of popcorn during your vacation, buying a popcorn bucket will actually save you money ! 

Check out our 16 Best Splurges At Disney Worth The Spend for even more ideas! (Some things might be temporarily unavailable due to the current pandemic.)

A Guaranteed Way to See Characters is to Book Character Dining

Currently, the only way to see characters around the parks is during a character cavalcade parade or spotting a character just standing about at a safe distance. The only thing is there is no way to know when these small parades might be happening or when characters might be out. If you want to guarantee a way to see characters, we recommend booking a character dining reservation .

Here is a list of the current character dining locations that are open with modified character experiences and the characters you might see:

Garden Grill :

Toppolino’s Terrace Breakfast:

Hollywood and Vine Breakfast:

• Doc Mcstuffins
• Sofia the First
• Jake from the Neverland Pirates

Hollywood and Vine Lunch/Dinner:

Chef Mickey’s :

You won’t be able to get any autographs or hugs from your favorite characters, but you will be able to take socially distanced photos when they pass by your table!

Disney Offers Lots of Dietary and Vegan Options

You might be surprised to find out that Disney World isn’t all just hamburgers and chicken nuggets. They actually have some really tasty and unique options at both table service and quick service restaurants!

Just because you’re going to Disney doesn’t mean you need to forgo any of your special dietary needs. Disney is very accommodating to any allergies or dietary restrictions guests might have. If you have any dietary restrictions, just let the cast member or server know, and they will be able to help you modify your meal! 

If you have an allergy, ask the cast member for an allergy friendly menu! It will let you know what is and isn’t safe to eat. 

Disney even offers Halal meals at select restaurants. You have to make a request for a Halal meal 24 hours in advance or when you book your dining reservation. 

If you are vegan, you can still find delicious meals at Disney! Most restaurants have some sort of vegan option, but if they don’t for some reason, you can request to make them vegan! Disney wants everyone to be able to enjoy their food! 

Fun fact: Disney’s popcorn is actually vegan! Snack away! 

If you’re vegan or have dietary restrictions, check out our 20+ Best Places to Eat Vegan at Disney World for our favorites!

You Can Have Groceries Delivered to Your Resort

It might surprise you to know that you can actually get groceries delivered right to your resort ! That way you don’t have to try to fit a bunch of snacks and food in your luggage! 

There are lots of different ways you can get groceries delivered to your resort. You can use Instacart, Walmart Grocery Delivery, Garden Grocer, Amazon Prime Now, or whatever you prefer. This makes it super convenient for you to get all of the snacks/food you need without having to leave your resort.

Disney resorts have small convenience sections in the gift shops. Don’t waste all your money on those snacks though! They are overpriced, and you can get your food for much cheaper with a grocery delivery service.

You Are Able to Bring Your Own Food Into the Parks

After ordering all of those groceries, you don’t have to leave them at the resort! You can actually bring your own snacks and meals into the parks ! This is actually a really great way to save money during your first time at Disney. Especially if you have hungry kids that are constantly asking for snacks.

The only restrictions are:

• No glass, except for small baby food jars
• Loose ice must be in a sealed bag

Besides these restrictions, you can bring whatever food you’d like into the parks! I like to bring little ziploc bags full of snacks such as pretzels, goldfish, fruit snacks, and protein bars. This will help you avoid spending lots of money on Disney’s overpriced snacks. However, some are actually worth it! 

Tip: Gum is not sold anywhere on Disney property. Make sure to buy some before your vacation if you need it!

Prepare a Park Bag With All of the Necessities

It can be helpful to prepare what you will be bringing in your park bag before you get to Disney World! There are several things you might not have thought of to bring. It’ll be much cheaper to buy these items at home from places like Amazon or the Dollar Tree rather than when you get to Disney World. 

As mentioned above, you are able to bring snacks into the parks with you! Snacks are a great addition to any park bag to curb hunger while you wait for your next meal. 

An external battery charger and phone charging cord are another must for your bag. You’ll be using My Disney Experience a lot to keep up with your plans, so it’s important to have something to keep that phone charged!

Bringing your own water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated in the Florida heat. Cast Members do not want you passing out during your vacation! 

A poncho or umbrella is another great addition to your park bag. You will definitely need one of these if you are traveling to Disney in the summer! 

It’s also a great idea to bring some form of entertainment for long lines! Either download some fun apps on your phone or bring toys for your children to keep them occupied. 

There are lots of other things that might be necessary for you to bring to the parks. Read our What To Bring In Your Disney Park Bag for a full list of what we think you might need!

Utilize Rider Switch

If for your first time at Disney you are traveling with small children, you should know what rider switch is! If you’re bringing a child that doesn’t meet the height requirement of certain rides, don’t worry! Everyone in your family (minus the child that doesn’t meet the requirement) will still be able to ride.

Rider switch (also known as rider swap or child swap) is Disney’s service for rides with height requirements that will help you ride those rides without having to wait in line twice. You go up to the cast member of the attraction you want to ride and let them know you want to use rider switch. They will scan everyone’s magic bands to get you set up. 

Then, one part of the family can get in the normal line to ride the attraction while an adult stays with the child who can’t ride. After that part of the family is done riding, the adult waiting with the child can use the FastPass line to skip the regular line and bring two others to ride with them. This means that some people could ride the attraction twice! 

Now no one has to miss out on any attractions, and you don’t have to wait in the regular line two times for everyone to ride! Make sure to use rider switch if you have small children with you to save time. 

There are some rides at Disney that have no height requirements. This means anyone, even babies, can ride! It is possible to visit Disney with toddlers and still have fun !

Know Your Stroller Options

Another thing to consider when bringing children to Disney World is what kind of stroller to use. You can bring your own stroller or you can rent one, either from Disney or from a third party service. 

The only rules against strollers are that you can’t bring in wagons and the strollers cannot exceed 31” (79cm) wide x 52” (132cm) long. Keep these restrictions in mind if you are bringing your own stroller or renting any place else that isn’t Disney. 

If you bring your own stroller or rent from around Florida, you will be able to bring that stroller with you to resorts, Disney Springs, the parks, and pretty much anywhere you go. If you rent a stroller from the Disney parks, those strollers are not able to leave the parks! 

All in all, it really depends on what you need for your children. If you just need strollers in the parks, it might be easier to rent from Disney. If you need a stroller all the time, bring your own or rent from around Florida.

For more information on finding the right stroller, read our How To Choose the Best Disney Stroller Option For You !

We hope you have found these tips as useful as we did! Our goal here at Disney Trippers is for you to have the best Disney trip possible! What was your favorite tip? What was something new that you learned? Let us know and have fun at your first time at Disney!

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15 BEST Disney World Tips for First Timers

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Categories Disney World

Planning your first trip to Disney World can leave you overwhelmed and confused.

That’s why I’m sharing the best Disney World tips for first timers from a bunch of Disney World pros in this post!

Read on to get the inside scoop on planning an incredible first visit to the Mouse House…

Disney World Tips For First Timers #1: Don’t Try To Do It All

Disney World is twice the size of Manhattan, contains four huge theme parks, two water parks, 25 resorts, and a gargantuan shopping and dining venue. There is no way humanly possible to see it all in a one or even two-week vacation.

I hope I’m driving the point home that since there is no way to see it all, please don’t try. Trying to do too much is the #1 way people ruin their Disney vacation. 

But rest assured – almost everything is amazing at Disney World. You will have to make choices during your vacation about what is most important for your family, but no matter what you choose, you will be surprised and delighted.

I hope that takes some of the pressure off and helps you to not try to cram too much in on your trip. 

Tip #2: Avoid Disney Sticker Shock

I think the #2 thing that ruins many Disney vacations is when expectations don’t match up with the reality at Disney World. This disconnect happens mainly in regards to prices!

Be prepared for costs comparable to what you will pay at any major sporting event or tourist attraction. Here are some examples: 

• Bottle of water – $4.50
• Fountain soft drink – $4.50
• Mickey ice cream bar – $5.75
• Popcorn – $4.50
• Cheeseburger with fries – $13.50
• Kid’s Macaroni & cheese with side and drink – $7.50
• Typical character buffet dinner – $50 adult, $25 child under 9

You can also plan to avoid some of these expenses by bringing your own drinks and snacks into the parks (which is totally allowed at Disney) and planning your meals carefully.

The portions are quite large at Disney so many people find they are even able to share meals between two people!

Disney World Tips For First Timers #3: Dodge The Crowds

To be ready for the crowds, use a crowd calendar such as this one from Undercover Tourist .

A crowd calendar can help you plan your trip around less-crowded times of year and help you know which theme park will be less crowded than the others on a certain day. 

Click here for my picks for the best time to go to Disney World to avoid the crowds. 

Tip #4: Know How To Get Around Disney World

The fourth of my Disney World tips for first timers is to be prepared for getting around at Disney World. Knowing the realities of transportation at Disney World can help you make a decision about where to stay. 

If you stay at a hotel on Disney World property, you can take the complimentary Disney transportation (in the form of buses, boats, and the monorail) to get to and from the theme parks and Disney Springs. 

If you stay off of Disney property, be prepared for a 10-30 minute drive to the parks each morning. You’ll also have to pay $30 each day to park at the theme parks. At Magic Kingdom, you’ll have to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) lot and either take the ferry or monorail to get to the entrance to the park ( learn all about parking at Disney World in this post ). 

Knowing what to expect in terms of transportation time can help you enjoy your trip and plan accordingly. It can also be the deciding factor related to my next tip, which is about deciding where to stay. 

Tip #5: Know The Difference Between On and Off Property Hotels

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

More people stay at off-property hotels than on-property Disney owned resorts. There are more options off-property and some Disney hotels are VERY expensive. 

That said, it is a misconception that it is always cheaper to stay off-property than at a Disney resort. You need to factor in any additional costs when deciding what’s the best deal. 

Here’s an example:

Off-property hotel near Disney World: $90/night Disney Value Resort : $150/night

At first glance, the off-property hotel appears to be the better deal. But if you are flying into Orlando, you’ll also need to consider these average additional costs:

• Rental car: $25/day
• Parking at theme parks: $30/day
• Hotel parking fee: $15/day
• Resort fee: $15/night

Disney resorts also don’t charge a nightly resort fee. 

So when you add in these additional costs, here is how the two hotels compare:

Off-property hotel near Disney World: $175/night Disney Value Resort : $150/night

That off-property hotel doesn’t seem so cheap anymore, right? So be sure to consider ALL of these costs when you are comparing hotel prices at Disney World area hotels.

Tip #6: Research Your Dining Options

The Polite Pig, Disney Springs

There are literally HUNDREDS of restaurants in Walt Disney. Some are incredible and others are definitely lacking. 

You don’t want to end up eating at the worst restaurant in Disney World when there’s an excellent option right down the path!

Even if you aren’t making any dining reservations, spend a little time learning about the best quick service (i.e. order at a counter and pick up your food/it is brought to you) restaurants. 

You can view the menus for all of the restaurants in Disney World here .

You can also check out my dining reviews of the best Quick Service restaurants in Disney World here!

Disney World Tips For First Timers #7: Know What To Pack

Tammi from My Organized Chaos shared an incredible packing list for Disney World . It includes things you would never think of for your first trip to Disney World, such as:

• Ponchos for the Florida afternoon thundershowers
• Autograph book to have characters sign
• Mouse ears or kids’ costumes for the parks

You can get the full Disney Word packing list as a handy printable here . 

Tip #8: Know Where To Meet The Mouse

Your little ones are likely envisioning a meeting with Mickey Mouse as part of their Disney World vacation. I think meeting Mickey is the highlight of many folks’ first trip to Disney!

Luckily, Janine from Confessions of a Disneyholic Mom shared her picks for the top 10 places to meet Mickey Mouse in Disney World in this post. With a little planning, you’ll be able to meet Mickey without waiting in any long lines.

Tip #9: Print Disney Parks Maps Before You Leave Home

The ninth of my Disney World tips for first timers is to print off maps of the parks before you leave home. The maps will be fun for you and your kiddos to study. Plus it will help you navigate once you arrive!

Here are links to printable maps of each park straight from Disney:

Magic Kingdom Park Epcot Disney’s Hollywood Studios Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

You can also play around with the maps in the My Disney Experience App. Which leads us to the next tip…

Tip #10: Download The My Disney Experience App Before You Go

The tenth of my Disney World tips for first timers is to embrace Disney tech. Technology is going to play a big part in your Disney vacation. The key to using most of the tech at Disney is the My Disney Experience app for your phone or tablet. 

You can make FastPasses on the go, switch up your dining reservations, check for bus times, and even find the closest bathroom using the app! I suggest you get familiar with how it works before you leave for your trip. Then you will be a pro with it once you are there!

Tip #11: Have A Stroller Plan

To stroller or not to stroller? That is the question that MANY people ask before their first Disney trip!

You will easily walk up to 10 miles per day in the Disney World theme parks, which can be a lot for almost anyone. Little ones tire quickly so you may want a stroller for kids who have outgrown one in all other instances. 

Cat from Mary Martha Mama tackles the popular question in this post on how to decide if you need a stroller at Disney World or not .

We opt to bring a light-weight stroller from home for our six-year-old daughter for those long park days. We think it helps everyone have a more magical time. 

#12: Become a Lightning Lane Master

Disney Genie Plus and the Lightning Lanes allow you to skip the wait on attractions during your trip.

It will feel so nice to walk past people waiting 2 hours for a ride and go right to the front of the line, all thanks to some advance planning. 

Check out my ultimate guide to Disney Genie Plus and the Lightning Lanes here!

Tip #13: Bring Home Ways To Remember Your Trip

Before you know it you will be home from your Disney World trip and the magic will begin to fade. But if you plan ahead you can hold on to the wonderful memories from your trip for years to come!

Patty from My No-Guilt Life shares seven unique souvenirs and way to remember your Disney World vacation in this post .

I love her idea to buy items you’ll use often to help you remember your vacation. My favorites are my Disney coffee mugs and umbrellas. 

Tip #14: Decide if a Dining Plan is right for you

Flame Tree Barbecue, Animal Kingdom

Food is a subject unto itself at Disney World. There are hundreds of places to eat, from churro carts to 5-star fine dining. 

If you are staying at a Disney World resort, one option is to get a Disney Dining Plan as part of a package. I get asked about the dining plans almost daily. First, it helps to understand who benefits most from a dining plan and who probably won’t get their money’s worth in this post. 

If you decide that a dining plan is a good fit for your traveling party, then check out my popular post with tips and tricks for maximizing the Disney dining plan.

Disney World Tips For First Timers #15: Don’t Overplan

Ok, so it might seem like I am giving contrary advice (since I just told you about all of the planning you should do), but it is easy to go overboard with planning your Disney vacation. 

Don’t try to plan out every minute of your trip, or you are bound to be disappointed. Rides sometimes close unexpectedly, you might have to wait longer than you want for a bus, or your little princess might have a meltdown right before your character meet and greet. 

The key to having fun at Disney World is to embrace the adventure each day brings and to be ready to go with the flow. I see lots of grumpy (and tired) families at Disney who I expect have overplanned and didn’t leave much unstructured time during their trip. 

I like to have a loose plan and be ready to pivot if needed. Then I can soak up the most Disney magic possible!

I hope these Disney World tips for first timers help you have an incredible vacation experience that you will cherish for years to come. You can get a free quote from my recommended Disney travel agent Siera with Destinations in Florida here. 

If you want to get help planning your trip, please join my free private Facebook group for my Disney site, The Budget Mouse . Or feel free to ask a question in a comment below. Have a magical day!

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Tuesday 18th of January 2022

This is good advice. I am planning a trip to Disney with a mobility issue person. Have any tips?

Also we were going to stay at a Disney hotel. I see discount tickets everywhere. Is it better to get tickets from Disney or buy somewhere else?

I am getting confused with everything.

Saturday 7th of August 2021

Touring plans and undercover tourist crowd calendars differ quite a bit. Which do you think I should use? I keep changing my park reservations and want to make best use of time. Thanks

Friday 14th of January 2022

@Tina, although I use both I would say Touringplans. They are more detailed. I have relied on TouringPlans for all of my trips for more accurate and detailed crowd calendars.

Sunday 8th of August 2021

Oooh that's a tough question! The crowd patterns are pretty unpredictable right now due to changing park hours and what is available. HS and MK are going to be the most crowded parks, followed by Epcot after lots of stuff opens on October 1st. So those should be your priorities. I'd avoid MK and HS on Saturdays and Mondays. Avoid Epcot on Fridays and Saturdays during Food & Wine festival. Hope those general guidelines help a bit.

Sunday 22nd of September 2019

Big tip, I haven’t seen on any site, bring Dishsoap and Sponge. Only way to really clean your reusable mug other than a quick rinse near the soda fountain

Monday 23rd of September 2019

That's great advice - thanks, Marian!

Sunday 11th of August 2019

Thank you for all of your advice! My family of five are heading to Disney next September for the first time ever. I am trying to keep the planning to a minimum knowing tat we are going to go back. My kids are going to be 2,3 and 6 when we go so I know we can't do much. One thing we were not sure about is the stroller situation. We know we need one for our two little ones but our son is 6 and hasn't used a stroller in years. Now I'm considering renting one of the double strollers so that when he gets tired, we can switch it up! My kids know about the trip and have helped make decisions. My son is even putting all of his allowance on a Disney gift card so he can buy his own toys when we are there!! Can't wait, Thanks again!!

Tuesday 13th of August 2019

Sounds like a fantastic trip, Lana! I would definitely get the double stroller for your sanity. Tired kids at Disney World is rough and there is SO much walking involved - easily 6-10 miles per day.

Sunday 4th of August 2019

My grandkids found out they were going to Disney the 2nd time when they were handed “This Kid Is Going To Disney” t-shirts. They thought it was a great idea and actually had said before that they would love that to happen to them. There was nothing they wanted to do that they didn’t get to do. Their 4th trip is planned for November and they still don’t know about it.

Home » Walt Disney World » Planning and Tips

Best Tips for Disney World 2024 | First-Timers & Pros

By Author Ziggy Oskwarek

Posted on Last updated: November 23, 2023

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A trip to Walt Disney World is one of the best vacations you can take, but the time you put into planning it will make all the difference in how well it turns out. That’s why we’ve put together our list of the Best Tips for Walt Disney World which will maximize the magic you have.

In this post, we will cover the Top 150 tips for planning a trip to Walt Disney World and having a blast once you are there. The tips that we give here are not only for first-time visitors but also Disney veterans who have been to the parks dozens of times.

After all, things are constantly changing at Walt Disney World, and the things you had to plan for just a year or two ago have probably changed drastically since. That’s why it’s important to keep updated on all the latest planning strategies for your upcoming trip.

Of course, not all vacations are the same of course, but we guarantee that no matter how many times you have been to Disney World, you will find some tips here that will help you get the most out of your vacation.

We’ve broken down our 150 tips into different categories including tips for beginners, booking, transportation, park touring, rides, dining, hotel tips, and saving money, just to name a few.

Of course, this is just scratching the surface of what you need to know. We’ve tried to make each tip brief, but we’ve included links to articles that cover each topic more in-depth if you want to learn more about it.

I’ll just say, you get out of a Disney World vacation what you put into it. If you fly by the seat of your pants, I can’t guarantee you will get the exact vacation you wanted. Instead, applying these tips to your touring strategy, you will get much more value for the money and time you are spending!

Before we get started, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we bring you the latest Disney vacation planning tips including how to save money, where to stay, and the best things to do. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!

Table of Contents

Tips for Beginners

In this first section, we will touch on some of the important aspects of your Disney World Vacation. These include things that first-time visitors or guests that haven’t visited in years! 

These tips are vital for you to get the most out of your trip. They might sound basic, but they are perfect ways for beginners to start prepping now!

1. Learn the Basics

When it comes to a Disney World vacation, it can be overwhelming! When it comes to things such as park reservations, 60-day dining reservations, park maps, and wait times, you’re probably wondering “Where do I begin?” 

The point is, you need to learn the basics. Our 2024 WDW planning guide is a good place to start. Read it. Learn the basics before branching off in the various planning phases of your trip. 

Even if you think you know everything you need to know, trust me, you probably don’t! It’s always good to do a refresher and touch up on things if you need to. Disney World is an ever-changing place that is in a constant state of flux and even I have a hard time keeping up with all the changes.

2. Learn the Disney Vocab

Something new visitors to Walt Disney World can easily take for granted is the Disney Vocab! You’ll hear popular acronyms such as ADRs ( Advanced Dining Reservations ) or DVC ( Disney Vacation Club ), that many experienced Disney Visitors don’t even think about anymore! 

Learn the most important ones such as:

• Annual Passes – Passes that allow guests to visit the parks all year.
• Cast Members – Disney Employees.
• Genie+ – A ride reservation service to skip the lines.
• Magic Bands – All-in-one devices you wear on your wrist that get you into your hotel room AND the parks.
• Monorail – The popular ‘Highway in the Sky’ that takes guests to three different Disney Resorts and Magic Kingdom.
• My Disney Experience – Disney’s popular app that basically allows you to do and plan everything.
• Park Hopping – The ability to visit multiple parks in one day.
• PhotoPass – A paid photo service that Disney offers in which dedicated Cast Members take pictures of you throughout your days in the parks. This also includes ride photos as well.
• Pin Trading – A popular pastime of Disney Cast Members and visitors is trading Disney Pins.
• Quick Service (or Counter Service) – Disney’s term for quicker dining meals. These can include snack stands or restaurants in which guests walk to a counter and bring their meal to their table. These do NOT include waiter service restaurants.
• Table Service – Disney’s term for sit-down restaurant offerings. These include all restaurants that involve sitting and getting waiter service.
• The Skyliner – The newest mode of transportation that transports guests on an overhead gondola-style system. Guests can visit both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios via The Disney Skyliner.

These just scratch the surface of the many popular terms and lingo used by guests. These are the most important ones but don’t worry you’ll pick up quickly.

3. Disney Requires Research

Whether it comes to dining options that your family finds exciting or maximizing your park days, research is imperative!

The fact that you’re on my website is a great start, and it shows that you know that research for a Disney World Vacation is necessary these days. When you take the time to research you set yourself up for the most success.

The most tedious research involves picking your Disney World Hotel if you’re staying on-site or what nearby hotels are great options if you choose not to stay on-site. Here are our picks for the best on-site resorts and off-site hotels throughout Disney World.

4. Set Up My Disney Experience App Before You Go

One of the key things you do immediately is set up a My Disney Experience account for each family member. While it’s not imperative to do it for small children or babies, it’s definitely essential for all of the older kids and adults in the group. 

It’s a quick process and it allows the entire family to have fun planning and looking ahead to your trip. The My Disney Experience app is the easiest way to do this but you could also do it on the website as well . 

Simply put, the My Disney Experience app allows you to do the following:

• Looking at and connecting your hotel reservations
• Planning out your park days with park maps and park reservations
• Look at wait times each day you are in the parks
• Order mobile food at any of the mobile food quick service locations
• Put your name in for a table-service restaurant without physically go there
• And SO much more!

5. Ask for a Special Occasion Button

If you’re celebrating an important date with someone in the group or family, be sure to tell a Disney Cast Member that you’d like a special occasion button! Whether it’s a 1st visit, an anniversary, or a honeymoon, by getting a special button let everyone else celebrate with you. 

Also, by wearing this special occasion button you might occasionally get a little extra Disney Magic…just wait and see!

6. Bring Comfortable Shoes

For people that aren’t used to walking a lot, a trip to Disney World can bring a lot of wear on your feet! In fact, it’s not uncommon for our family to walk 10 miles on some of our longer days! While you might not walk as much as us, it’s certainly vital that you wear comfortable shoes. 

Wearing flip-flops or sandals with little support will wreak havoc on your feet, and can cause you to lose some enjoyment on those longer days, limiting your ability to enjoy the rest of your trip. So bring the most comfortable walking shoes you can find.

7. Understand Disney World is Huge

There’s a reason that it’s called Disney World, and it’s certainly a world of its own. It’s hard for people to wrap their minds around how sprawling the Disney World campus is. It feels like an entire city, in fact, it’s more than 25,000 acres or 40 square miles.

In case you don’t know how big that is, Walt Disney World is roughly the size of San Francisco, California!

With four theme parks, two water parks, a massive shopping complex (Disney Spring), and over 25 hotels, visiting Disney World can be overwhelming for unsuspecting visitors.

8. Make a Packing List

Making a packing list for essentials on your Disney World Vacation. Needing to buy things in Disney World is never normally a smart idea, due to the fact that everything is marked up 2-3 times what you’d pay at home!

Make sure you bring the Florida essentials such as:

• Sunglasses 
• Ponchos 
• Bathing suits
• Light and airy clothes

All of these things you’ll likely need on your trip especially if you are traveling during the hotter months of the year, which is basically 10 months in Florida! You’ll likely have many more things on your list, but this is a good place to start!

Booking Walt Disney World Vacations

We just considered things prior to booking your Disney World Vacation, now we will consider the actual important things to look at WHEN you book your Disney Vacation. 

When it comes to booking a Disney World Vacation, it’s crucial to look at these things first, otherwise, you could make a massive mistake!

9. Prepare with Our Disney Newsletter

Disney World is in a neverending state of change and improvement as Walt once famously said about Disneyland “It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” And boy is that true about Disney World. 

If you don’t constantly research and look into “what’s new” it can be overwhelming to keep up with all the changes. 

Here’s a tip – For something even easier to give you all the imperative, vital information you need: Sign up for my newsletter here . We share the most important Disney parks news and latest planning tips and that will allow you to be kept up to date without needing to read and research constantly.

10. Go During the Least Busy Times of the Year

While our family has needed to go at both busy times and non-Disney times, I’ll tell you this: if at ALL possible, go during less busy times of the year. You will enjoy it so much more, and it’ll feel more like a vacation. 

So what are the least busy times of the year? 

Avoid popular holidays and school vacations. We understand this isn’t possible for some, and we totally understand that! But if you can, the best months to visit are January , mid to late August , and September . The crowds will be far lesser, and you’ll be able to fully maximize your time.

Consult our Disney World Crowd Calendar before picking any dates to see the least crowded times of the year.

11. Make Park Reservations IF You Need To

After January 9th, 2024, date-based tickets will NOT need to make park reservations anymore when entering the parks. Date-based tickets are the standard tickets for guests purchasing tickets these days.

The only time reservations will still be required after January 9th, 2024 is when guests are booking for student group tickets, convention tickets, or other types of ticket types.

And while we are glad the park reservation is mostly going away in 2024 it served a purpose during the pandemic, even if we felt it stuck around WAAAAAY too long.

But IF you still need to make park reservations based on your ticket type, I’d recommend doing so ASAP!

12. Use an Authorized Disney Travel Planner

One thing we are HUGE fans of for Disney World guests is using an Authorized Disney Travel Planner such as Show You the World Travel . 

With Disney World continually being a place that is changing and evolving practically by the day, it’s important to have someone by your side that knows all the rules. With a travel planner, you not only get help in assisting you in planning your Disney World Vacation you can also save a ton of money! 

They will help you find the very best promotional offers and discounts on your Disney World Vacation, and the best part is they don’t cost even one dollar extra! Plus the personalized service they give will make your trip even more magical.

Ready to Start Planning Your Disney Vacation?

If you feel overwhelmed planning a Disney vacation, use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as Show You the World Travel . They are experts on every Disney location and can tell you where to stay, what to do, how to save money, and give you personalized service for your most magical vacation ever!

13. Don’t Go Over Your Budget

Figuring out your vacation budget is important to maximizing your money. Trips to Walt Disney World can be incredibly pricey and if not budgeting properly, you can be in for a rude awakening when you get home. 

There’s no quicker way to ruin your wonderful vacation memories than to come home and wonder how you spent so much more money than you realized!

Even after paying for your hotel room, your park tickets, and your transportation, there are still additional costs once you get to Walt Disney World and that’s why having a good vacation budget is imperative prior to your trip. 

Our guide to Disney World costs will help plan your trip and understand the potential expenses involved.

14. You Can Book a Trip with Only $200

Many guests are surprised to know that if you book a Disney World Vacation Package you don’t need to have the entire cost upfront, which can be incredibly overwhelming! 

All you need is $200 to put down as a deposit, and then you can pay off the remaining balance incrementally, as long as it’s completely paid off 30 days prior to the start of your trip!

15. Find Out the Latest Attractions & Changes

It’s incredibly important to find out the latest and greatest attractions that have opened up in each of the parks. The wait times for these new attractions can be VERY long, so knowing exactly where they are located in the parks can be essential to planning out your day, assuming you are going to rope drop the parks in the morning. 

A couple of the newer rides (TRON and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout) are operating only with Genie+ Lightning Reservations or by joining a virtual queue. So finding out exactly how to do this prior to your trip will ensure you can get to enjoy both of these attractions. 

Read my Disney World Virtual Queue Guide which is full of tips to show you how to get in the virtual queues. 

In addition to the new rides, Disney regularly closes certain rides due to refurbishments and updates, closing them at certain times of the year. You could be disappointed expecting to ride on certain rides only for them to be closed during your visit for maintenance. 

Read our Disney World refurbishment and closure guide to see what will be open on your next visit.

Traveling & Transportation

The next part of our series on Disney World Tips is going to focus on traveling and transportation. There are many different aspects of transportation when it comes to a Disney World Vacation.

You need to take some of them to arrive in Orlando, and others once you are officially on Disney World property. Let’s touch on our favorite tips here.

16. Fly Into Orlando Airport (MCO)

While certain cities provide discounted flights to Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB), the ideal scenario is flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO).

It’s closer and is far more easily accessible to arrive at Disney World in a reasonable and efficient manner, whereas Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) can take over an hour to arrive at your hotel and be far more costly for transportation options. 

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is only around 30 minutes, depending on the traffic. Upon arrival at Orlando International Airport, you’re main options for getting to your hotel around Disney (whether on-site or off-site) are:

• Pay for a shuttle or bus service
• Pay for a private town car or limo service
• Pay for ride sharing (Uber or Lyft) 
• Pay for a taxi 

Each of these available options has its positives and its negatives and we’ve used each of them from time to time. For a detailed explanation of each of these available choices, check out my guide on getting from Orlando Airport to Disney World to help you find the best pick for your situation.

17. Low-Cost Airlines Are Not Always So Low Cost

With popular low-cost airlines running a number of flight options around the United States to Orlando, it’s important to fully ‘count the count’ when it comes to the total cost of your flight and not just the airfare cost. 

Airlines such as Frontier, Sun Country, Avelo, Spirit, Allegiant, Breeze, etc… regularly run flights to Orlando Airport sometimes under $100 a ticket! These can sound unbeatable and a no-brainer, and in some instances, they are! 

But unfamiliar travelers might not understand that these airlines charge a premium for literally EVERYTHING else. That means your seat assignment, carry-on bags, and checked-in bags, all can cost substantial amounts of money!

And if you don’t plan ahead of time or fully inspect the airlines’ rules, you can be out a LOT of money unexpectedly at the very start of your trip. Unfortunately, most families can’t pack extremely light to visit Walt Disney World, especially if they have small kids. 

These low-cost airlines aren’t always the way to go in these instances. My advice: do the research ahead of time , and check out the airlines’ rules and hidden costs prior to booking your trip. The worst thing would be to book a low-cost airline due to the flight price, and then end up paying more than one of the better and more reliable airlines!

18. Consider Renting a Car

While we normally advise against renting a car for most families staying at a Disney World Resort, for some families it actually makes sense to rent a car. If you’re planning on visiting other Orlando-based attractions, having a car on hand can be incredibly simple and easy to get around. 

It also can save you time as opposed to having to rely on the slow and frustrating Disney World Transportation at times. 

• Ability to leave the ‘Disney Bubble’ and visit other areas and attractions
• Having complete control and not needing to be reliant on anyone else 
• The cost of parking a car at a Disney Resort is once again free
• Can visit other Disney Resorts for meals more easily
• Don’t have to wait for slow Disney Buses

CONS: 

• Takes away the ability to fully be relaxed when having to worry about driving to places
• There are additional costs such as parking at the Disney Parks, gas, tolls
• Long walks from the parking lots to the front gates of Disney Parks

If staying onsite at a Disney World Resort, it makes far more sense NOT to need a rental car with free transportation practically everywhere. But if not staying at a Disney World Resort, we’d normally recommend having one, even if your hotel offers transportation to the parks.

Read our suggestions and tips in detail in our Guide to Renting a Car at Disney World .

Best Rental Car Company in Orlando

When you book a Rental Car in Orlando Florida Online, I personally recommend and use Discover Cars . They search for the best offers so you save the most money!

19. Use Disney’s Free Transportation

Many visitors would be surprised to know that Disney World Resort guests have free transportation to practically everywhere on Disney’s property and taking advantage of Disney’s free transportation is a smart and cost-effective way of maximizing your trip.

It also lets you fully embrace the hands-off mentality of not needing to do anything yourself and being fully immersed in “the world.” 

Yes, it can take a little bit of a learning curve to figure out how to get everywhere, but it’s something you absolutely should spend time doing prior to your trip.

With Disney buses, boats, monorail, and Disney’s Skyliner, you’ll be able to reach any Disney Park or Resort you care to visit. And while it can sometimes be slow and frustrating, it’ll save you money as opposed to needing to call an Uber or a taxi.

20. Don’t Skip a Ride on the Disney Skyliner

The newest in Disney’s Transportation opened in 2019 and is called the Disney Skyliner . This gondola lift system takes guests around several of Disney’s Resorts while also bringing guests to both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. 

If you get a chance to take the Skyliner on your Disney World trip, don’t miss out on it! It’s absolutely worth it and it’s an incredibly fun and enjoyable way to get around while giving you some terrific views from 60 feet above the ground.

21. Check Bus Times on My Disney Experience Before Leaving

Gone are the days of needing to wait 45 minutes to an hour for the bus prior to your visit to the Disney Parks from your Disney Resort. Now you only need to check the My Disney Experience app for the next time the buses will be arriving at your resort. 

By clicking on the My Disney Experience app from your resort room, simply follow these instructions to find out when the next bus is arriving for the park you plan on attending. 

• Click ‘Resort Hotel’ from the home screen
• Then click ‘See Bus Time’

This will allow you to see the next available bus time, allowing you to plan to make it to the bus stop in time! 

Just remember, the bus times listed aren’t always perfect, but they normally are close.

22. If You Are in a Hurry Use Ride-Sharing

When you’re in a rush, waiting for Disney transportation can be more frustrating and seemingly slow than ever! We’ve had far too many occasions when we’ve waited for a Disney Bus only to be late to a dining reservation or a show we didn’t want to miss! 

In these instances, use a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft . We normally use Uber and we’ve never had any issues. It’s incredibly affordable to get anywhere on Disney’s property, normally $10-$20 depending on the size of the Uber and the time of day you call one. 

Even if you aren’t in a hurry, and you need to visit another Disney World Resort, calling an Uber or Lyft can also be an efficient use of your time. With Disney transportation not normally allowing you to easily get from one resort to another, a ridesharing service can save you tons of valuable time for your trip.

23. Save Time in Line at the Airport

Last year, the Orlando International Airport (MCO) introduced a new reservation system called MCO Reserve that operates from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm each day allowing guests to make a dedicated reservation to go through security. 

You simply go here and make your reservation. Flights between the times of 6:30 am and 8:30 pm are eligible for this service and you’ll need to select your reservation slot at least 72 hours prior to your flight. 

This can be an incredibly efficient use of your time, considering the fact that TSA Security lines can be easily 45-60 minutes for guests leaving Orlando International Airport. And if you’re already running late, every minute counts! 

Take advantage of this exclusive line so that you won’t be spending unnecessary time at the airport.

24. Some Days Are Better for Booking Your Flight

While it’s true that deals can happen at any time and any day, according to Skyscanner’s data, historically, Tuesday is the best day to book flights for an upcoming trip. Normally airlines launch their discounts on Monday nights, meaning that on Tuesdays you will likely find the best savings. 

In addition to Tuesdays being the best to find deals, it’s also been said that around 5:00 am is the best time of day to find the very best prices. So if you can book on Tuesday at 5:00 am you’ll likely be in the best shape!

25. Don’t Lose Your Car

Ever lost your car in a parking lot before? When parking at a Disney World theme park , water park, or Disney Springs, there’s a new feature on the My Disney Experience app that allows you to find your car at the end of the day. 

It’s super simple! All you need to do is open the app and tap the car locator card on your home screen. Once you follow the prompts and enter in your parking information, the car locator will help fill in the additional details. 

When you’re ready at the end of a long day to find your vehicle in a massive parking lot, simply go back to the car locator on the app, and it’ll use ‘Location Services’ GPS tracking to help point you in the right direction to get back to your car.

26. Don’t Forget About Walking

While you absolutely should take advantage of free Disney transportation when you need it, another solid option is walking! While you can’t walk everywhere on Disney’s property, there are many places you can walk efficiently, if walking is your thing. 

For instance here are some of our favorite walks:

• EPCOT to Hollywood Studios – With an easy walkway connecting both parks, you can simply get from one park entrance to the other in less than 30 minutes by simply walking. That also means all the EPCOT Boardwalk-area resorts are easily walkable to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios including Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Boardwalk Inn Resort, and Swan and Dolphin Resorts.
• Magic Kingdom to all 3 monorail resorts – With the newly opened walking pathway from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom, you can now easily reach Magic Kingdom from all 3 monorail resorts (the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian, and the Contemporary Resorts). 
• Saratoga Springs Resort to Disney Springs – One of our favorite walks is the easy walking path from Disney’s Saratoga Springs to Disney Springs. It’s an enticing reason to stay at Saratoga Springs, allowing you to easily access Disney Springs without needing to rely on Disney transportation.

Touring the Parks Tips

The next part of our Disney World Tips is when it comes to the many aspects of visiting the Disney Theme Parks. What are our favorite tips when planning your vacation to maximize your park days? Here are our favorites.

27. Book Enough Park Days

While there’s certainly a balance needed when it comes to booking more park days, it doesn’t hurt to book MORE days in the parks than fewer .

Our family gets exhausted generally after 6-7 hours in the parks, especially in the hotter months of the year. So rather than forcing ourselves to stay in the parks, why not go back to your hotel and relax and visit the same park another day? 

Disney World Park tickets get incredibly cheap to purchase after the first 4 days per day, so purchase more park days than you think you’ll need and if you can’t see everything you want the first day you’re there, make a backup plan to visit that same park on another day later on your trip.

28. Skip Park Hopper If Possible

When purchasing the park hopper option on your tickets, it can add hundreds of dollars to your family’s vacation costs, and in most instances, it is completely unnecessary especially if you’re going to stay in Disney World for a week or more! 

With careful planning and maximizing your days out as much as possible, you can easily spend a full day in every Disney Theme Park! With dining options, entertainment choices, nighttime shows, and more, by spending the full day in each park, you’ll have more than enough to do and see! 

Park hopping in Disney World does have its benefits, but worst-case scenario, you can always visit that park you were planning on attending another day instead of paying extra for this feature.

29. Use a Touring Plan

A touring plan is a cheat sheet that enables you to save hours visiting the parks each day. It factors in many different facets of your trip and your family’s interests, to fully maximize your time each day while setting you up for the highest amounts of success without needlessly wasting time in lines. 

We can’t recommend setting up a touring plan highly enough! 

A good place to start is by reading our touring plan for Hollywood Studios . This will help you to factor in the many things you want to consider when planning your day. You can then do the same thing when visiting EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom.

30. Rope Drop is a MUST

If you want to fully maximize minimal wait times and low crowds in the parks, ‘rope dropping’ is your very best bet! In short, rope dropping simply means that you arrive at the theme park PRIOR to the park’s official opening time each day. 

When a park opens in the morning, the first 30-60 minutes always have the shortest wait times and by rope dropping it you can effectively walk on many of the rides since you’re there prior to park opening time. 

Lines for certain attractions can easily reach 2-3 hours during busier times of the year, and by rope dropping you can knock out one or two of these more popular attractions by getting on them with minimal to no waits.

31. Rope Drop is Not Always the Best for the Most Popular Ride

While we normally suggest rope-dropping the most popular rides, in some cases, it actually isn’t the best strategy. 

For instance, two of the most popular rides Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios and Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom have incredibly long queues, preshows, and overall ride experiences. The entire ride experience even if you practically walk into the pre-show videos is still likely over 20 minutes! 

So if you choose to rope drop these two attractions, you’ll lose your advantage of being able to get on multiple rides during your “rope dropping window” of time before the mass crowds of guests arrive.

If you have a long list of “MUST DO” rides, you may be better off taking advantage of getting on 2-3 other rides during the rope-dropping window, and saving the other for later.

And if possible, either pay for an Individual Lightning Lane for these rides OR wait until just prior to park closing time and get in line. A hidden secret is wait times at the end of the day are a fraction of their listed times!

32. Use Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Hours

If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort or another eligible nearby hotel, you’ll want to make sure of Early Theme Park Entry which enables guests to enter the parks 30 minutes prior to the opening times.

This happens every day and at all 4 of the Disney Theme Parks! Meaning that if Magic Kingdom shows the official park opening time of 9:00 am, you’ll be able to enter at 8:30 instead! Those 30 minutes can be vital to getting on a few additional rides with practically zero wait time! 

For instance, if Early Entry is at 8:30 am, plan on arriving at the park between 8:00 and 8:15. If you are NOT staying at a Disney Resort, I’d suggest arriving 15-30 minutes prior to official opening time. If the official opening time is at 9:00 am, I’d suggest getting to the park between 8:30 and 8:45 am. 

If staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort , you’ll be able to enjoy another perk called Extended Evening Hours which runs on select nights each week. This perk allows you to enjoy the park two hours AFTER the official closing time of the park. 

We love Disney nights in the parks, and having two extra hours with minimal wait times on the rides is awesome! Take advantage of both of these perks if at all possible!

33. Do One of the Water Parks if Staying for 7 Days or More

While we don’t recommend the water parks on shorter visits, if you’re visiting for a week or longer, we wholeheartedly recommend visiting one of the Disney water parks . While we enjoy both, we prefer Typhoon Lagoon for the overall theming and family fun!

These parks don’t get the crowds of the theme parks and can be so much fun for families to enjoy a hot Florida day without baking in the sun.

34. Take a Midday Break

One of our families’ favorite tips to enjoy the parks fully is by taking a midday break! The parks in the early afternoon can be brutal in the sun, taking away from your ability to fully enjoy your time without sweating to death. 

Our advice: get to the parks early, leave the park in the early afternoon to go by the pool or take a nap, and go back to the parks later in the afternoon/early evening to enjoy the best possible time: evening time! 

This will keep the kids and the adults happy and refreshed!

35. Do the Most Popular Ride at the End of the Night

A well-known secret amongst hardcore Disney fans is to wait until the end of the night to enjoy the best rides. The wait times at the end of the night are greatly exaggerated to dissuade guests from getting in line prior to park closing and are in fact, MUCH SHORTER. 

So if you can’t get on Flight of Passage, Rise of the Resistance, Space Mountain, etc… first thing in the morning or during the day sometime, get in line 15-20 minutes prior to the park closing time. You’ll be surprised how short the line is!

For instance, if Rise of the Resistance shows a 60-minute wait, it will likely only be 15 to 30 minutes long since Disney wants to discourage guests from getting in line that late.

36. Use Disney’s Photographers for Professional Photos

If choosing to get the PhotoPass package on your Disney Tickets, you can take advantage of the professional Disney photographers that are stationed throughout the Disney Parks. Sometimes there are lines, but these are usually very short. 

These photos come out spectacular and you might as well take advantage of a perk you purchased. 

But even if you DIDN’T purchase the PhotoPass package, you can still use these photographers! Say what?! Yup, if you get in line and hand them your smartphone, they’ll use your phone to grab a great family shot for you! Free professional photos taken for you by a photographer? Yes, please!

37. Bring a Backpack to the Parks

While I never used to bring a backpack to the parks, I actually am glad I do now! Yes, you’ll have to do a 2-minute bag check upon arrival at the parks, but it’s quick! And having a backpack can make your day a lot easier. 

Having a backpack in the theme parks allows you to bring things such as: 

• Ponchos or umbrellas
• Change of clothes for the kids
• Handheld or battery fans
• Spray misters
• Prescription medications
• First-aid kits
• Wireless external chargers for your devices
• Pins or lanyards
• Credit cards
• Autograph Books
• Games for your kids
• Bottled waters
• And so much more! 

But keep in mind, there are some things you can’t put in your bag and bring into the parks. The main ones are alcoholic beverages, glass containers, illegal substances, firearms, or weapons of any kind. There are some more, for a full list of prohibited items, see Disney’s official list here.

38. Park-Hop to EPCOT in the Evening

The absolute best park to get food in at Disney World is EPCOT! So what better way is there than to spend your evenings there walking World Showcase? 

One of our favorite things to do is visit a different park in the morning, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, or Magic Kingdom, and then park hop to EPCOT in the afternoon and evening.  

At EPCOT you can enjoy the nighttime fireworks while also taking a stroll around World Showcase and enjoying one of the 4 yearly festivals enabling you to take part in fun drinks and food tastings. 

We love nights in EPCOT and we highly suggest you take advantage of them.

39. There are Two Entrances to EPCOT

Many visitors are surprised to know that there are actually two entrances to EPCOT. 

First, there’s the front entrance which is where the bulk of guests will come from. All those that park or are coming into EPCOT from a Disney Bus will get dropped off. That entrance is near the giant sphere, known as Spaceship Earth. 

Then there’s the backside entrance which is called the International Gateway and it’s near France in World Showcase. This entrance is where the Disney Skyliner will bring guests as well as the Disney Friendship Boats will drop off. It’s also the entrance that guests coming from the Boardwalk-area resorts will walk into. 

Knowing that there are two entrances and exits allows you to best plan your day, doing the attractions near that entrance first.

40. Don’t Plan Too Much

While some families do better with tedious minute-to-minute planning, many do not. Even though it’s hard to do nowadays, there is something fun and spontaneous about leaving certain days or times of the day open and relaxed. 

By literally running nonstop you’re going to take away some of the enjoyment of your trip and this enables grumpier parents or tired kids to take a needed rest or nap. 

Less is more sometimes, and by giving your family some downtime, everyone will be in a better mood to enjoy the trip and have better memories from their trip.

Attractions

The next part of our favorite Disney World Tips is going to focus on specific attractions and how to get the most out of your days while in the parks. Let’s discuss the DOs and DON’T when it comes to Disney World Park Attractions.

41. Determine Must-Do Attractions Ahead of Time

While I might REALLY look forward to certain attractions on a trip, you might not. The same holds true for every family. That’s why it’s essential to research rides and attractions prior to your trip. 

It’s possible you might be able to cross off certain things from your family’s list prior to your day there. That will allow you to essentially do the things that are most important to YOUR family. Our Best Disney World attractions list will give you a good start on what to choose.

I suggest prioritizing the attractions in each park and perhaps even numbering them in order of preference. This ensures you get to do the very best rides and if you have time, do some of the ones you didn’t have ranked as high. 

Then as you do them, cross them off the list, and continue to do this until you get to do as many as you can in the course of a day.

42. Review Height Requirements

One of the worst ways to ruin the start of your day is by not checking and reviewing height requirements PRIOR to your day. It’s a common occurrence to see parents frustrated that they’ve waited a long time for a certain attraction only for their little one not to measure up to the height requirement. 

Rather than waiting in line and THEN finding out, check to see if your child meets the height requirements before you get in line for a certain attraction. Check our Disney World Heights Guide first . Doing this in the planning stages saves time and unnecessary frustration and tears.

43. Use Genie+ to Get More Done

While FastPass and FastPass Plus are both things of the past, Disney has replaced them with a paid add-on service called Genie+ and Lightning Lanes (Previously Fast Pass Lanes). 

While the idea of paying additional money on top of an already expensive Disney World Vacation and Disney Park tickets, purchasing Genie+ can be a worthwhile pursuit in some instances. The keyword here is “some.”

If you do purchase Genie+ you’ll be able to plan out your days and get a lot more done in less time.

We normally recommend it in Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. EPCOT and Animal Kingdom in our opinion don’t merit the purchase due to the sheer lack of attractions in both of these parks. 

Keep in mind that just because you purchase Genie+ doesn’t mean you’ll have access to reserving EVERY ride. Some rides are so popular that Disney charges additional money and these rides need to be purchased a la carte as Individual Lightning Lane Reservations . 

It’s the age-old adage of time vs money. If you value maximizing your time as much as possible, even at the cost of paying extra money, the purchase of Genie+ can be worth it. 

Read our article on whether it’s worth it to purchase Genie+ where we go more in-depth on the topic.

44. You Can Modify Genie+ Reservations

Disney’s rule for Genie+ Reservations has always been that you can make a new ride reservation either after you use your first one or after a 120-minute cool-down between making reservations.

Unfortunately, for a while, if you attempted to change a Genie+ Reservation the 120-minute rule would be completely reset every time you change your reservation. 

That has now changed! You can now adjust your ride reservations and the 120 minutes will NOT reset! This makes it much simpler and easier to adjust reservations if you need to without worrying about getting on fewer attractions over the course of the day.

45. Use an Alarm for Genie+ Reservations

Seconds and minutes can make or break getting your Genie+ Reservations! That’s why we recommend setting an alarm on your phone at 7:00 am when you can select your first Genie+ Reservation and then each subsequent booking time (normally 120 minutes after each one). 

This will ensure you don’t waste valuable time in getting your next reservation. Stacking reservation after reservation is your best way to line up your day with the highest amount of attractions possible.

46. Become an Expert of the Virtual Queue

There are currently two attractions that utilize virtual queues, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle Run . While you can also purchase Individual Lightning Lanes for these two rides, you don’t need to if you’re able to get in the virtual queue. 

How do these queues work? 

Literally within seconds at 7:00 am and then at 1:00 pm again when the queue reopens all spots are completely filled and there are no spots available left in the queue. Here’s what you need to do:

• Make sure everyone in your party has a park reservation for the park you’re visiting that day
• Get familiar with the virtual queue steps and where it’s found on the My Disney Experience app
• At 6:00 am click ‘Confirm Your Party’ to make sure everyone is found and connected so it’s one less thing you need to do when the queue opens 
• Immediately at 7:00 am continue to click either ‘Refresh’ or drag down at the top to refresh the screen. Once you see “Join Virtual Queue” click on it immediately. 
• If you get in, you’ll see a Boarding Group Number. If you don’t get it, it’ll say all boarding groups are filled. 

That’s really it! If you don’t get in the queue at 7:00 am, try again at 1:00 pm and set an alarm a few minutes before so you don’t forget. Keep in mind, you need to be in the actual Disney Theme Park at 1:00 pm to join the queue. In the 7:00 am queue, you can be anywhere to join the queue. 

Once in the queue, you’ll have an hour AFTER your boarding group is called to enter the attraction queue. You should receive a notification on the app that your boarding group was called, assuming you turn on your app’s notifications. But if not, check the app from time to time and monitor it.

47. Use Single Rider to Save Time

Another way to maximize your time in the parks is to use the Single Rider lines . There are currently four attractions that utilize single-rider lines that allow you to get on attractions incredibly fast, normally a tiny fraction of the projected wait times. The four attractions are:

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios
• Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios
• Test Track at EPCOT
• Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom 

Remember though, that your party will be separated by using the single rider lines. You’ll be sitting with someone else in order to save time. This might only be an option for older kids, teens, and adults that would feel comfortable sitting with a stranger.

48. Find Characters in My Disney Experience App

Meeting the characters in the parks can be a highlight for families with small children, but finding them has always been challenging. However, now with the My Disney Experience app, you can find most of the characters quite easily. 

The app lists ‘who’ and ‘where’ the characters will be meeting in the parks. Simply quick the location services button at the bottom of the app. This will show you a map of the park you’re visiting, then at the top, sort by ‘Characters.’ 

This will show you the map with all the characters on it. You can then click on them and see the schedule with the times they will be in those locations and then plan to meet them at those times and locations.

49. Check Wait Times in MDE App

While you can of course see the wait times on posted boards throughout the parks as well as above the actual attractions, what’s even easier is checking on the My Disney Experience app! 

Simply go to the ride attraction ‘Tip Board’ and you’ll see the current wait times for each attraction in the parks. If you need to change the park simply click on ‘Change Park’ at the top. 

If you click on the individual attractions, you can even see the Forecasted Wait Times for the rest of the day. This can be a great way to plan the rest of your day. These aren’t perfect, but they are normally good indicators based on historical data.

50. You Can Bail at the Last Minute

If something happens and you need to leave the line for whatever reason (Child gets scared, you have an anxiety attack, have to use the bathroom, etc…) you can exit the line up until you actually get on the ride. 

Even if it affects just 1 person in the group, they can stay in line and exit at the very end right before you get on the ride. The rest of the group can still ride if they’d like.

51. Ask For a Front Seat

Some things are just better, and sitting in the front row is one of those things. If you didn’t know, you can ask for a front-row seat on Disney attractions. You might have to wait a few minutes longer, but in our view, it’s totally worth it! 

Simply ask a Disney Cast Member as you’re about to board where you’d like to sit, whether it’s in the front, the back, or anywhere else!

52. How to Ride Rise of the Resistance

One of the crown jewels of the attractions at Disney World is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance . This immersive ride experience is worth a visit even for non-Star Wars fans, but lines can get massively long!

Here are our tips to ensure you can ride it. Each of these ways will work, and here are our preferences in order of what we’d recommend:

• Rope drop Rise of the Resistance as soon as the park opens in the morning. If you have the ability to come for ‘Early Entry’ get there a few minutes before the ‘Early Entry’ time begins. If you don’t have ‘Early Entry’, then get there prior to the official park opening time. 
• Get in line less than 30 minutes before the park’s closing time. This can be risky because there’s always a chance the ride could be down and not reopen, which does happen quite a bit with this attraction. If the ride is open, it’s likely your wait could be less than 20 minutes, even if the ‘Wait Time’ shows a lot longer.
• If you arrive at the park too late in the morning and the line is already LOOOOONG, then check the ‘Estimated Wait Times’ in the My Disney Experience app. There will likely be lulls during the day, and go during one of those times. 
• And lastly to ensure you can get on it, purchase the Individual Lightning Lane for this attraction. The price will range from $20 – $25 per person depending on what day you are visiting Hollywood Studios. 

All of these have their positives and their negatives. The first option will be the safest bet, but it will limit your ability to get on other rides with minimal wait times early in the morning. Our post on using the standby queue with Rise of the Resistance explains the strategies more.

Purchasing the Individual Lightning Lane is incredibly costly for a family, and it normally is the last option for families. But we can understand why some would just want to purchase it and not have to plan it out or worry about not getting on it.

53. Visit the Parks When It’s Raining

For our family, some of our favorite and funniest memories in Disney World have been during a storm, and most simply don’t want to “ride it out” in a Disney World Theme Park. Storms can happen frequently in Florida, especially during the summer months. They come hard and they generally end quickly. 

The best part about storms is people hate them and run for the exits as soon as the rain starts! 

My advice: find a safe place to ‘ride it out’ and wait 20-30 minutes, and there’s a good chance the sun will be back or at the very least the storm will be subsiding. You’ll now have reduced wait times and likely a few degrees cooler weather. 

And if you aren’t currently in a Disney Park, consider going to a Disney Park prior to it raining or after it begins . You might look crazy initially, but you’ll have a great Magical Day in just a little bit, assuming the storm is a shorter one.

54. Get Your Spot for the Fireworks Early

Don’t be surprised on busier days in the parks if you see people camping out and staking their claims for spots for the fireworks hours before they start! While we find this unnecessary, we’d absolutely recommend getting there early to ensure you get a great spot. 

Here is our suggestion for Magic Kingdom: Get there 60 minutes early to make sure you get a great spot at Cinderella’s Castle on slower days. Get there closer to 90 minutes early if you are visiting Magic Kingdom during a particularly busy day or holiday time. 

Try to be in a location where you can easily see the Castle’s projections and the fireworks above. We normally like to be in the area around the Partners statue or Walt and Mickey directly in front of the castle.

If you’re in the center there or around that area, you will have an unbelievable view of Happily Ever After ! 

At EPCOT, you don’t need to be there as early since the areas to watch them are plentiful around World Showcase. We’d suggest looking for a good place around the World Showcase Lagoon normally between 30 and 45 minutes prior to the show. 

At Hollywood Studios , I’d suggest the same for the ‘Wonderful World of Animation’ show as in EPCOT. 

For Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios , we almost always recommend trying to go to the 2nd viewing of the night if at all possible. Lines for the 1st viewing can get long. If you need to see the 1st viewing, get in line for it about an hour in advance of the showtime.

55. Skip the Fireworks to Ride More Attractions

While the fireworks shows can be incredible, it’s possible that some families just have zero desire to see them or be crowded around thousands of people. If that’s the case, skipping the fireworks could ensure you get on even more attractions with minimal wait times. 

And it’s possible you could simply walk on attractions while also getting a backdrop of the fireworks, which could make for incredible views! You’ll likely feel like you have the park to yourself for 30-45 minutes as people watch the nighttime shows.

56. Ride Outdoor Attractions at Night

Some outdoor attractions are just more fun to enjoy at night. They’re a little extra scary or just bring a completely different level of unpredictability to them. 

My favorite attractions at night are Slinky Dog Dash and Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, Big Thunder Mountain, TRON Lightcycle Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the PeopleMover at the Magic Kingdom, Test Track at EPCOT, and Expedition Everest at the Animal Kingdom.

Disney World Resort Hotel Tips

This next section of our Disney World Tips will focus on our favorite tips for staying on-site at a Walt Disney World Resort.

57. Stay On-Site for Best Overall Experience

There are hundreds and hundreds of hotels near the Walt Disney World campus not to mention even more vacation rentals! These could offer spectacular deals at a fraction of the cost of staying at a Disney World Resort. 

But if you truly want the best all-around experience and truly be immersed in the Disney Experience, we always suggest staying inside the ‘Disney Bubble’ and staying at a Disney World Resort . Practically every time we hear a bad Disney experience it involves staying off-site and driving back and forth with screaming kids. 

While it adds expense to an already expensive trip, staying inside the bubble allows you to take advantage of Disney transportation, extended park hours, and so much more! At the very least, we suggest staying on-site at least once for your trip.

Best Way to Save Big $$$ on Disney Resorts

If you want to potentially save thousands of dollars on your next trip to Disney World, I personally recommend David’s DVC Rentals . They consistently have the best prices and biggest selection of Disney Villas that will make you ask yourself: “How do they do it?”

58. Value Resorts for Avid Park-Goers

While the Disney Value Resorts certainly aren’t fancy and don’t exude luxury or sophistication, they can be a nice entry point for families looking to stay on-site. 

While they can be a little gimmicky and feature over-the-top decorations, they are a lot of fun for the whole family, especially families with small kids. They are also incredibly clean in keeping up with the Disney Brand you expect. 

Value Resorts are the cheapest Disney World Hotels , and they tend to be fairly affordable. You’ll often find them at rates in the low $100s nightly.

59. Book a Split Stay

If your family is researching Disney World hotels and you can’t decide between a few hotels, guess what, you don’t need to! By booking a split stay , you can stay at multiple resorts! We’ve done this more times than I can care to count, sometimes staying at 3 different Disney Resorts on one trip. 

This can also make a Disney trip more affordable by perhaps starting at a Value Resort and then splurging with a night or two at a Moderate or Deluxe Resort. Always start with the lesser of the hotels and end with the fancier one. It’ll end your trip on a high note! 

Perhaps even consider spending more time at the hotel as opposed to the parks when you’re staying at the nicer of the resorts as well to fully enjoy your splurge. 

Disney makes this so easy for guests to enjoy a split stay by transporting their luggage from their first hotel to their second one. Just call the bellhop as you finish packing your stuff up, and they’ll come to get your bags and transport them for you automatically! 

Now you can enjoy your day and go check into your second resort later in the day and find your bags there waiting for you.

60. Stay Club Level for More Luxury

Another thing that’s absolutely worth a splurge is to stay at Club Level during your Disney World trip. This could be a perfect idea if you’re planning on spending more time at your resort. Club Level allows you to enjoy a few extra perks and amenities, such as snacks and even alcoholic beverages. But be prepared, it does come at a hefty cost. 

Not all Club Levels are the same quality, and some are better than others. Our favorites are the Kilimanjaro Club at Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Chronos Club at the Gran Destino Tower.

61. Make Time for a Resort Day

Park days are wonderful but a resort day can sometimes be even more wonderful! If you’re going to spend the money to stay at a Disney World Resort, why not make time to actually spend at the resort relaxing? 

What’s surprising to us is that kids often enjoy their days by the resort pool more than they do in the Disney Parks! There are many amazing Disney World pools to choose from after all!

Don’t take these days for granted, they can be a great way to explore and see the many activities and amenities your Disney World Resort has to offer. 

You’ll find yourself feeling refreshed at the end of the day, as opposed to being exhausted. It might give you and your family a much-needed refuel to start another park day the following day.

62. Do the Activities at Your Resort

Every Disney World Resort has an activities schedule for things that are taking place around the resort. These can be things such as pool games, campfire activities, arts and crafts, sports, and movies under the stars. 

Make sure you check the daily schedule and see what things appeal to your family. Try to attend a few of these activities, and it could enhance the trip for the whole family or at least a few members of the family.

63. Explore Other Resorts

One of our favorite things to do is to visit the other Disney World Resorts . Whether it’s to pin-trade, shop, go to other resort restaurants, or just explore the overall theming of the resort! 

This is a great way to see the many different resorts that Disney World has to offer, and perhaps even give you an idea for a place you want to stay on a future Disney World Vacation.

64. Do Laundry and Pack Less

One way to ensure you don’t need to pack MORE is to do a load or two of laundry. You can easily do this at Disney World Resorts as each hotel has a laundry area where you can do your laundry.

We’ve done this on most of our trips, allowing us to pack lighter than we normally would. It can be a lifesaver and allow you to bring a slightly smaller bag! 

65. You Can Go Camping

If you didn’t know, Disney World has a campground on its site and it’s considered the cheapest way to stay on Disney World Property! Yes, this is the Fort Wilderness Campground. 

For less than $80 a night during the slower times of the year, you can have your own campsite that will sleep up to 10 guests! You can bring a pop-up camper or a camper van-type vehicle and up to 2 tents on a site. 

Fort Wilderness is a great place for families that enjoy camping, as there are more entertainment and recreational options than any other Disney World Resort! With loads of things to do for kids and fun theming, guests will love Fort Wilderness.

And the best part of all is you are a simple boat ride away from the magic at Magic Kingdom, great if you will be spending a lot of time there.

Dining Tips

The next part of our Disney World Tips is our dining tips suggestions. These tips will focus on how to fully maximize your vacation by focusing on the most important aspects of Disney Dining by ensuring you save money and get the most out of dining at Disney World.

66. Make Dining Reservations 60+ Days in Advance

For guests that haven’t been to Disney World since before 2020, you might remember a time when you could make advance dining reservations at the 180-day mark, 6 months prior to your Disney World Vacation. That has now changed and it’s been dropped to only 60 days prior. 

But for guests that have never been to Disney World, 60 days might be a shock! Yes, you should make your dining reservations at the 60-day mark if you truly plan on getting the best overall dining experience. This will give you the best chances of visiting the restaurants you truly want to visit. 

Remember to make a note of the 60-day mark prior to the start of your trip so you don’t forget. We also suggest setting an alarm or a calendar reminder to wake you up prior to 6:00 am on that day. 

Go on the My Disney Experience app or the Disney World website to begin booking your restaurants. I’d suggest trying at 5:45 or 5:50 am, sometimes you’ll be able to get in a few minutes early.

67. Keep Checking for ADRs

There’s a good chance that one or a few of the restaurants that you wanted to visit had no dining reservations available when you tried to book them. The good news is you can keep checking and sometimes they’ll pop up. 

Guests often cancel their dining reservations the day of or the day before, opening up reservations for other guests and we’ve often had great results within the 24-hour mark of finding restaurants we didn’t think we’d ever get! 

Keep in mind that Disney charges a per-person fee if guests don’t show up for their dining reservations and don’t cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Read more tips about booking restaurants in our Guide to Advance Dining Reservations at Disney World .

68. Eat Quick Service to Save Time & Money

While we love the table-service restaurants throughout Disney World, don’t discount the quick-service meal options as well. Quick-service restaurants at Disney World are more casual and fast-service meals that don’t require a waiter and are more cafeteria-style in nature. These meals are significantly cheaper and sometimes not necessarily any lesser in quality. 

While some of these meals can be your standard run-of-the-mill chicken tenders and hamburgers, there are truly some great quick service offerings these days at Disney World. For example, Disney Springs is loaded with terrific quick service options such as Pizza Ponte, The Polite Pig, D’Luxe Burger, and Chicken Guy. 

But the Disney Parks have them as well, including two of our favorites: Satu’li Canteen at Animal Kingdom and Docking Bay 7 at Hollywood Studios.

69. Use Mobile Order

Almost all of the quick service options in the parks utilize Disney mobile ordering . What this simply means is that on the My Disney Experience app you can choose your restaurant and the time frame for what you’d like to order.

 This will save you a TON of time as opposed to needing to wait in line (which you still can do if you prefer). 

Once you are ready to order something go on the app and order your food and the time you’d like to eat. Then when your return window arrives make sure you are near the restaurant and inform the app by selecting “I’m Here” to let them know they can begin preparing your food. 

The app will notify you when your food is ready and by telling you where to go to pick up your food. It’s a quick learning curve, but it’ll save you immensely once you get the hang of it.

70. Skip the Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan (DDP) hasn’t returned yet since the reopening of the parks in 2020. But when it does return in 2024, I’d suggest skipping it. From our experience, the majority of guests spend MORE money when purchasing the dining plan than guests that do not. 

There are tips and ways you can make the dining plan work that require careful planning and meticulous calculations, but the vast majority of people purchase the DDP due to the idea of simplicity and not having to think about paying once they arrive at Disney World. 

They like the idea of an “all-inclusive” meal plan with known costs ahead of time as opposed to variables of their expenses. If doing Disney World on a budget is of top priority to you, I’d suggest skipping the dining plan altogether, you’ll almost always save money!

71. Check In Online to Save Time

Guests staying at a Disney World Resort can use the online check-in feature through the My Disney Experience to save more time during the check-in process. This enables you to even skip going to the front desk altogether if you want to, informing you directly through the app when your room is ready. 

The app will even give you your room number and tell you how to get to your room, so there is no need to visit the front desk when you arrive.

72. Try The Resort Restaurants

All of the Deluxe Resorts have restaurants on-site that you can enjoy and most of the Moderate Resorts also have a restaurant as well. Most of them are really good and I’d suggest eating at your resort’s restaurants at least once! 

In fact, some of the resort restaurants are the best restaurants on Disney World Property. Not to mention eating at them will save you considerable time and prevent you from having to leave your resort to grab food. 

Another thing you can try is visiting other nearby resorts and eating at their restaurants. Many of the Disney World Resorts are conveniently located next to each other. Make plans to eat at one of those other restaurants if they look appealing and it will also allow you to explore a different Disney World Resort as well.

We cover our favorites in the post Best Disney World Resort Restaurants .

73. Do a Dessert Party for Premium Fireworks Seat

If you’d like to take the stress out of finding a good location for the fireworks or have to stand in place for an hour plus, then book a Dessert Party ! These paid experiences allow you to enjoy a premium dining opportunity with the best viewing areas for the fireworks show. 

While both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios have dining packages to ensure a seat for their nighttime shows, only Disney’s Magic Kingdom has dessert parties at this time. 

In fact, there are a number of different desert party options at Magic Kingdom, ranging in price from $99 to $129 per adult. Children between the ages of 3-9 are $59 to $75. Check out the Disney World site to see all of the different dessert party options.

74. Drink a Beer at the Magic Kingdom

When Magic Kingdom opened its doors in 1971, it was known as a dry park, not selling alcohol of any kind. This tradition continued for 41 years until 2012 when Disney officially broke the rules and began selling alcoholic beverages at select restaurants. 

Finally, you can now grab a beer or other alcoholic beverages at 7 different restaurants around Magic Kingdom! But keep in mind, you need to consume it inside the restaurant.

Read “ Where to Buy Beer and Alcohol at the Magic Kingdom ” for our top choices and what to drink in each restaurant.

75. Dole Whip and Other Famous Disney Snacks

Disney World is known for its “snack culture” with a number of premium snack offerings that have guests coming back for more and more. While they do sell loads of traditional offerings such as popcorn, pretzels, and funnel cakes, Disney has a number of famous snacks you won’t find anywhere else! 

For example, Disney fans couldn’t imagine their lives without the famous Dole Whip, which is one of our favorite snacks at the Magic Kingdom and is also found at multiple spots throughout Walt Disney World. This famous refreshing pineapple-based treat is incredibly refreshing on a hot Florida Day. 

You’ll also have to try a Disney Turkey Leg! These mouthwatering smoked treats are a tradition at Disney World and just taste better in the parks. 

The most newly popular snack offering found at Disney Springs is a Gideon’s Cookie! These giant half-pound cookies are incredible and every month they offer new flavors. Be prepared though, lines can get very long here! 

To see all the many different snack offerings and our favorites at each of the parks, click here .

76. Some Restaurants Give More Value for Money

It’s absolutely true that some Disney World Restaurants will make you feel as if you overpaid for what you purchased. That’s why we recommend visiting the restaurants that will give you the most value for your money. 

One thing we’d suggest trying is visiting one of the all-you-can-eat meals for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and then filling up as much as possible on that, and then eating lighter the rest of the day. 

A few of our favorites in this category are: Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, and Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

However, there are also some non-buffet meals that offer outstanding table service prices for incredibly good meals. 

Check the menus first to see if they will appeal to you but our favorites in this category are: Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, 50s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Spice Road Table at EPCOT.

77. Always Ask for Secret Menu Items

If you want to get in on a little secret, it’s that many of the lounges and restaurants throughout Disney World offer secret menu items! Ask your waiter or a Disney Cast Member working at the lounge, quick service location, or table-service restaurant if there are any secret menu items. 

The exciting thing about this is that they won’t be posted or talked about anywhere or on another blog! So you can become the first person to discover a secret menu item! Talk about a fun discovery you can make with the whole family.

78. Always Book Reservations Near Your Location

One of the most important aspects of booking your table-service restaurants is the proximity to where you are going to be on that day. Plan your restaurants so that they make the most geographical sense. 

For instance, if you are visiting the Magic Kingdom during the day, it likely doesn’t make sense for you to reserve a restaurant that will be in Animal Kingdom. 

If you want to book one of the EPCOT restaurants, you may want to visit another park during the day, then go to EPCOT that evening for dinner.

The point is to plan out your days so that where you are eating is nearby and not too far in proximity. It’ll save you time and hassle as there won’t be a lot of travel time to get to your location.

79. If You Aren’t Hungry Get the Kids Menu

Most adults think that they can only order from the kid’s menu if they have children or if their kids want a particular item. That’s not the case at all! Anyone can order from the kids menu and it’s a great way to not waste food and save significant amounts of money. 

While you won’t get as much quantity of food if you have a larger appetite, kids’ meals will likely give you just enough of a boost that you don’t feel overstuffed as you continue on with your day.

80. You Can Split Meals

Certain restaurants outside Disney will charge you surcharges or plate fees if you split a meal with someone else, but not Disney! This is invaluable if you either have a smaller appetite or you want to limit the cost of your dinner. 

My wife and I do this frequently to save money if we want to try something that looks amazing but we don’t want to necessarily pay for (2) entrees. One of us will order an appetizer and one of us will order an entree and we can split both. 

It’s one way to be able to enjoy a really fancy dinner at a significantly more affordable price.

81. Eat During Non-peak Hours

Part of enjoying a Disney World Vacation is doing the opposite of what the common consensus is. For instance, if others are eating dinner at 6:00 pm, try eating at 4:00 pm or 8:00 pm. You’ll get to enjoy quiet times in the parks while everyone else is at dinner. 

You’ll have less crowded lines for food and your wait times will be significantly less. You’ll also have a much easier time if you’re looking to visit a table-service restaurant during these non-peak hours.

82. Contact Disney for Allergy Concerns

Disney World is terrific for guests that have a load of different allergy concerns when it comes to food. When you make your dining reservations, you can even note it so that the restaurant knows ahead of time. Also, upon arriving at the restaurant inform your waiter immediately. Oftentimes a chef will come over to your table and explain the different options. 

Every time we’ve brought up dietary concerns, the chefs and waitstaff go above and beyond trying to cater to every guest’s concerns, unlike any other place I’ve ever been. You can always call the restaurant in advance of your trip and inform them as well if you’re worried.

83. Don’t Sleep on the Lounges

One of the most overlooked and underappreciated places to eat in Disney World is the various different lounges scattered all over the parks and the resorts. Often these lounges have terrific food, and the best part of all is there is normally minimal wait time or reservations required! 

You’ll often get similar quality food to the nearby table-service restaurants for a fraction of the cost! For instance, at Space 220 in EPCOT the cost of dinner is a set price of $79 per adult and $29 for children. 

Instead, you can go to the Space 220 Lounge which is the same restaurant and experience, with the same awesome atmosphere and enjoy an appetizer that starts at only $12! 

There are a number of awesome lounges with really quality food including some of our favorites: Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom, Geyser Point Bar & Grill at the Wilderness Lodge Resort, and Three Bridges Bar & Grill at the Coronado Springs Resort.

READ: Best Bars & Lounges at Disney World

84. Go Back in Time at 50’s Prime Time

Practically a yearly tradition for our family is visiting the 50’s Prime Time Cafe ! If you want one of the truly unique experiences in all of Walt Disney World, the 50’s Prime Time is absolutely worth a visit! 

This 1950s-themed cafe will bring you back in time as you travel to Mom’s house as she cooks up some of the classic family traditions. All the servers here are one big happy family, and don’t be surprised if they tell you to eat your veggies and keep your elbows off the table. 

It’s a nostalgic place that will bring you back in time while bringing some family-friendly fun and it’s a great place to bring the whole family from young kids to grandparents.

85. Make Multiple Reservations for Big Parties

Trying to find larger reservations for bigger groups can be incredibly challenging in Disney World, limiting your opportunities to visit the restaurants you really want to go to. We often have this problem in our family as we travel in a pack!

Here’s a piece of advice: make two separate reservations. If you can get both reservations for around the same time when you arrive at the restaurant you can explain the situation, and they will likely try to fit you in so that you can seat close to each other. 

Sometimes they will give you a large table allowing you to all fit together, other times they can’t. But at least with two reservations, you’ll be eating in the same place at the same time.

86. Have Lunch at One of the Monorail Resorts if Magic Kingdom is Packed

A good way to break up a long day in Magic Kingdom while also giving you a new Disney World Resort to explore is by having lunch at one of the nearby Monorail Resorts. There are three Monorail Resorts : Grand Floridian Resort & Spa , the Contemporary Resort , and the Polynesian Village Resort . 

Each of these resorts has great options for food, both quick service and table-service restaurants. Doing this will break up your day, giving your family some R&R while also getting you out of the hot sun for a little while. 

Then, by the time lunch is over and everyone is refreshed, you can take the monorail back into the park and enjoy more rides and attractions.

87. You Can Actually Eat Inside Cinderella Castle

If you didn’t know, you can actually eat inside Cinderella’s Castle at the restaurant called Cinderella’s Royal Table. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The prices here are expensive and it is a fixed pricing menu, but it’s an experience you won’t forget

Young kids will especially enjoy seeing the beautiful interior of the castle. The princesses can vary but you could get to meet several Disney Princesses including Jasmine, Aurora, Snow White, Ariela, and of course your host Cinderella!

88. Make ADRs Right Before Park Close

If your family is OK with going European-style and having a later dinner, making a dining reservation in the parks just before the park closing time is an awesome way to end the night! Not only will you likely get the restaurant to yourself, but you’ll also get to experience the park to yourself as you depart the restaurant. 

There’s something awesome about leaving Magic Kingdom or any of the Disney World Parks with practically zero guests in the park and getting some spectacular photos to end the night. These reservations are a hidden gem and are actually easier to get than the prime-time 5:00 pm -7:00 pm reservations.

Saving Money

In this next section, we will now talk about our absolute favorite ways to save money on your Disney World Vacation.

89. Keep Checking for Discounts

Some guests get worried if they book their vacation too far away they won’t be able to take advantage of future discounts, and this actually isn’t the case! 

If you book a Disney World Vacation either through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , such as Show You the World Travel , or directly through Disney yourself, you’ll be able to take advantage of future discounts if they come out.

The advantage of having a Disney Vacation Planner is they will be proactive in working for you and knowing when all the deals and discounts come out and then apply them retroactively for you, as opposed to you having to continue to monitor it and do it yourself. 

By doing it yourself there’s a good chance you won’t see the newest deal and end up paying more than you need to.

90. Buy Discounted Disney Tickets

Buying Disney Park TIckets can be incredibly costly so if there’s any way to save any money at all when it comes to buying tickets you should look into it! The problem is, there are a lot of scams when it comes to discounted Disney tickets, and unsuspecting first-time Disney guests can sometimes get caught purchasing these tickets. 

There are a few reputable Disney Ticket sites that will allow you to save some money on the purchase of Disney tickets. We invite you to check out our Guide to Discounted Disney World Tickets which will show you what tickets to look for and if they’re worth buying.

Cheapest Discount Disney World Tickets

If you are looking to save money on Disney World theme park tickets, our personal recommendation is Orlando Vacation . They almost always have the best prices on multi-day tickets and can save you $20-$60 per ticket over buying direct from Disney.

91. Use Credit Card Points

There are a number of different ways you can use credit card points to save on a trip to Walt Disney World. You can utilize travel credit cards that will mitigate the cost of your hotel or airfare costs. There are other credit cards that will reimburse you in the form of statement credits for any travel-related expenses. 

There are also several hotel chains around Disney World that will enable you to use hotel rewards points, such as the Swan and Dolphin Hotels, which are owned by Marriott. And if you are a Marriott Bonvoy Member, you can book these hotels for normally 30-40,000 points per night. 

Staying at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels is one of our favorite gems due to the fact that they are actually on Disney’s Property and are within walking distance to both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. 

There are other popular hotel chains near Disney Springs, within walking distance including Holiday Inn (IHG), Hilton, and Wyndham. 

For a full discussion of off-site hotels and the ones we recommend where you can use credit card points, I suggest you read our list of the best hotels near Disney World .

92. Take Advantage of Disney Visa Card Perks

If you’re a frequent Disney World guest, taking advantage of the Disney Visa Card could be a smart decision for you. With Disney Dream Rewards dollars being accrued on purchases and special financing and room discounts exclusive for Disney Visa Card members, it could totally be worth having a Disney Visa Card. 

You’ll also get exclusive access including special meet and greets in the park and complimentary photos from select locations. For a full list of benefits and perks and to see whether it’s worth it to get the Disney Visa, go here .

93. Use Disney Gift Cards

Something we’ve written about a lot if you want to save money is by purchasing Disney Gift Cards in advance of your trip. This is an easy way to save anywhere from 5-10% off your Disney World Vacation. 

While it requires a little bit of effort and planning, it isn’t exactly rocket science. The easiest way to do it is to get them at Target with a Red Card for an easy 5% off discount, but there are more than a dozen places to get them and save money.

94. Check All Options for Lowest Prices on Hotels

While most people looking to visit Disney World look directly on Disney’s Official Site, and while this could be an easy and straightforward option, it isn’t always the best and most affordable option. In fact, we’d encourage you to check several different options for the lowest prices including:

• Disney’s Official Site
• Through a Third-Party Company
• Using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as Show You the World Travel 

Third-party sites such as Orbitz or Expedia can sometimes save you a little bit of money on the nightly rate for a Disney Hotel. Just keep in mind their cancellation policies usually aren’t as loose as Disney’s. 

Always check all your available options first. Make sure when you are checking Disney’s Official Site that you see if there are any special offers. 

Booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner might not save you money over the cost of the price through Disney immediately BUT it could save you money in the long haul because if there’s a new promotion or discount that comes out prior to your trip, a good vacation planner will make sure you get the best possible rate.

95. Use DVC Points for Massive Savings

The 4th option for staying at a Disney World Resort is by using DVC Points to stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort . This has been one of our families’ main ways of being able to afford to stay at nicer Disney World Properties. 

Renting DVC Points from a reputable company or seller could save you substantial amounts of money, sometimes 50-60% off the cost of staying at the same hotel when purchasing directly through Disney. 

It’s a fairly simple process to do this. I’d recommend using a larger and more reputable company such as David’s Vacation Club Rentals. They offer the best prices and have a huge selection of rooms available.

96. The Longer You Stay the Less You Pay

The cost of park tickets is substantially more expensive per day on the first 4 days. Disney has purposely priced tickets to make it more affordable for families staying longer periods of time. 

For instance, 1-day park tickets start at $109 per day whereas 7-day tickets start at only $69 per day. Staying longer might not cost you as much money as you think.

97. Cook in Your Room

Something our family has been doing more and more on recent Disney World stays is ordering groceries and food. There are a number of different ways you can do this, including through apps such as Amazon and Door Dash in which you can order groceries and have them delivered at your resort . It’s much cheaper than you’d think it would be!

You can of course also go out yourself if you have a vehicle and do some grocery shopping and bring food into your hotel room. Cooking in your room can be an incredibly cost-effective way to save significant amounts of money, but you’ll need to book a resort with a kitchen, another reason to consider staying at a DVC Resort .

98. Bring Food to the Parks

The thought of bringing food into the Disney Parks doesn’t even cross the minds of most families. It’s true, Disney has some rules on ‘what’ you can bring to the parks and what you can’t bring (including loose ice or alcohol), as far as food goes, as long as it fits in your bag or a smaller cooler, you’re good to go! 

For example, packing snacks or food for kids or the whole family can be an extremely cost-effective way for budget-conscious families to not be reliant on Disney’s high costs to feed the whole family. You can even bring a sandwich or salad if you don’t want to buy lunch.

99. Stay Off-Site for Max Savings

While most times we are bigger fans of staying on Disney’s property, there are some times when we actually prefer staying off-site. And if you’re looking for the best bang for your dollar, staying at some of the nearby off-site hotels will absolutely provide you with that. 

Even some of the off-site hotels aren’t even truly “off-site” as they are still technically on Disney World’s property, giving you easy and convenient access without having to pay the same prices for similar quality as you would if it were an official Disney Resort. 

There are a number of hotels around Disney that offer more space for larger families, including multiple bedrooms while giving some of the same perks of Disney Resort Guests by having the designation of being ‘Disney’s Good Neighbor Hotels.’ 

For a list of our favorite options to save money and stay off-site, check this post out here . Just keep in mind just because they seem significantly cheaper than Disney, almost all of the off-site hotels have hidden costs including nightly resort fees and additional taxes. Make sure you fully count the cost.

Top 3 Places to Stay in Orlando

Ultimate Luxury : Four Seasons Resort Orlando – Five Star Dining and Best Luxury Hotel in Orlando. On-site with many of the same perks as Disney Resort guests.

My Favorite: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress – Best Pool and Amenities, Close location

Budget Hotel Near Disney : Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Great Value and upscale feel at a low price

100. Get Free Water

One of the most common hacks you’ll find on every Disney Blog is asking for free water. It still irks me when I see people buying $4 bottles of water when you can literally just ask for a cup of free water. 

You can visit practically any quick-service restaurant and many of the smaller snack areas and ask for a free cup of water and they’ll likely give it to you. And if they can’t, they’ll inform you of where you can go and grab a cup of water. 

Not to mention there are also water fountains located nearby almost every bathroom, great for filling up those water bottles.

101. Buy Disney Merch Outside the Parks

Disney merchandise in the theme parks and in Disney Springs can get incredibly costly for families that are looking for the greatest new merch. One thing our family does in preparation for every trip is purchase our merchandise ahead of time on the Internet. 

A few of our favorite places that have great and unique designs, sometimes even better than official Disney Merch are Tee Public , Etsy , and Amazon . Many of the Amazon designs are official Disney Merch, but they’re normally cheaper online than in the parks.

102. Buy Disney Pins on eBay

Pin trading at Walt Disney World is one of our favorite pastimes, and a great way to save money is by purchasing them ahead of time on eBay. 

There are a number of sellers that regularly sell official Disney pins on eBay for a small fraction of the cost of purchasing pins in the parks. You can buy bulk packages and sometimes the seller will even bring them to your Disney Resort at the start of your trip. 

If not, you can have them shipped to your house prior to your trip. This is a great way to have a bunch of trading pins that you can then use to trade for pins that you really want in the parks.

103. Get the Refillable Drink Mug Immediately

As soon as you arrive at your Disney World Resort, get your refillable drink mug ! These fun multi-colored collectibles are a great way for everyone in the family to have their own mug that they bring everywhere with them. 

You’ll be able to use them to fill up on coffee, soda, tea, hot cocoa, and water whenever you want as your resort or other Disney World Resorts. 

They are worth the money and will ensure you don’t need to spend another dollar on non-alcoholic beverages at your resort. Just make sure you get them as soon as you get there to maximize its usage.

104. Don’t Forget Your Annual Passholder Discounts

If you’re a Disney World Annual Passholder , make sure you ask about discounts everywhere you go. There are plenty of discounts at merchandise stores and ordering food at restaurants. 

Nothing would be worse than spending full price on something when you could have gotten 20%-30% off if you realized it! If you happen to make this mistake, you can usually return your item for free, then just re-buy it with the discount.

105. Don’t Wait Too Long to Book Flights

There’s a balance in booking your flights, you don’t want to book too early and you don’t want to book too late. One thing that helps is when you use an airline like Southwest, you can easily change your flights if a better deal comes out closer to your trip. 

If not, it’s better to buy them earlier rather than later, especially if traveling during a busier time of the year. It’s rare that peak travel times get cheaper as the dates get closer, so it’s far better to be locked into flights rather than worrying about the prices getting outrageous or there being limited options of flights available.

106. Take Advantage of the Freebies

With trips to Walt Disney World getting more and more expensive, it’s useful to know of the best freebies in the parks! What are our favorite freebies in the parks? 

• Celebration Buttons – If you’re celebrating an important day or someone in your group is be sure to ask a Cast Member anywhere for a celebration button! They’ll be given to you for free and it’s possible you’ll get some additional Pixie Dust from extra special Disney Cast Members. 
• Kidcot Stations – These fun stations around EPCOT allow kids to engage in some fun activities and take part in a scavenger hunt of sorts. It’s totally free and involves some stickers and activities. The kids LOVE it. 
• Free Parking – Guests staying in a Disney World Resort receive free parking as well as guests with Annual Passes. 
• Coke Samples at Club Cool – Visit Club Cool in Epcot for free samples of Coke products from different countries around the world. Be sure to try the “Beverly” Coke from Italy. Some guests love it and some hate it! 
• Free Concerts – During both the Flower & Garden Festival and the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT , they offer free concerts at EPCOT on the American Adventure Pavilion in World Showcase. They get some fairly popular performers so check the schedule prior to your trip and are worth seeing. 
• Transportation – This might seem like a no-brainer but having the ability to ride the Disney Skyliner , the Disney Monorail , or take a beautiful scenic boat ride around the various different lakes is a worthwhile perk that is certainly worth repeating. All of Disney’s Transportation options are free and that’s worth something. 

There are loads more free things to do in the parks, but these are just some of our favorite freebies.

Traveling with Children

In our next section on our favorite Disney World Tips, we are going to focus on our favorite tips for Traveling with Children.

107. Do at Least One Character Meal

One of the highlights of our yearly Disney trips growing up was the character meals and many families regularly tell us that character meals are a highlight for them too. While they can be expensive and the food isn’t necessarily “fine dining” they are a memorable time, especially for families with small kids. 

We recommend booking at least one of them on your upcoming Disney trip. Ideally, you don’t plan these character meals on the same day as a long park day. Trying to cram everything into an already full schedule, can make for an especially long day.

These character meals can be found both in the Disney Parks and at some of the Disney Resorts but don’t plan too much on the morning or evening of your character meal. That way you can fully enjoy the experience without feeling too rushed. 

Look at all the different menus and decide which one would be most appealing to your family and book it.

108. Get a Stroller Outside the Parks

If you aren’t going to bring your own stroller, the next best alternative is renting one outside of Disney. Disney rentals for strollers are incredibly costly and doing that day after day will rack up a high cost. 

I’d recommend using a company like Kingdom Strollers , which has a great reputation and has been around for 20 years. They will bring your stroller directly to your hotel or they can meet you somewhere.

109. Decorate Your Stroller

There aren’t many stroller companies and chances are many other guests at the Disney Parks have the exact same stroller as you. There’s also the chance that Cast Members will need to move your stroller if it’s parked in the wrong spot. 

Our advice is to decorate your stroller and make it stand out . This will make it easier to find if Cast Members have to move it, and it will prevent someone from accidentally taking it. 

Use brightly colored ribbons or cloth to decorate the handle of the stroller or something shiny or even a sign so it stands out clearly as day.

110. Use Apple AirTags to Not Lose Anything (or Anyone)

One of our favorite tips we’ve recently heard about is using Apple AirTags. These little tags can be attached to a stroller, a backpack, or even your child! 

If you are paranoid about your little toddler running off, by putting an Apple AirTag in a secure pocket of theirs, you’ll be able to quickly and easily find them. 

You can also use these on wheelchairs, strollers, or even your vehicle to help you find your things a lot easier.

111. EPCOT Isn’t Just for Adults Anymore

For many years EPCOT had the designation of being an adult park and quite boring for kids. Now with fun interactive experiences and scavenger hunts such as Kidcot around World Showcase, EPCOT has really upped it anty for families with small kids. 

What are some of our other favorite activities that EPCOT has for kids? 

• Kidcot – This World Showcase scavenger hunts or sorts will have kids exploring and learning about the different 11 countries featured in World Showcase.
• Project Tomorrow – Is at the exit of Spaceship Earth with a number of fun games and activities themed to the future.
• ImageWorks – An entertaining interactive space at the exit of Journey Into Imagination with Figment.
• Playground – There’s a playground area near Test Track to let the little ones blow off steam.

Here are some of our favorite attractions that kids tend to love:

• Frozen Ever After – A Frozen-themed boat ride
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros – A relaxing boat ride in the Mexico Pavilion that follows the Three Caballeros.
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – This 3D ride is an adorable way to track down Remy in Gusteau’s kitchen.
• Turtle Talk With Crush – Here’s a fun way for kids to be able to speak to Crush from Finding Nemo. Families and children of all ages will LOVE this.
• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival – An 18-minute 3D show of Disney and Pixar short films.
• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along – A singalong experience in the France Theater.
• Journey Into Imagination with Figment – Enjoy meeting Figment on this cute dark ride as Figment take you on a journey through the senses and of course imagination.
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends – Look for Nemo in this adorable clam-mobile vehicle that follows the characters of Finding Nemo. Be sure to explore the large aquarium after the ride.
• Journey of Water – This is an interactive walk-through path that teaches about the water cycle using Moana to help. Relaxing and quite fun.

112. Prepare the Kids for Long Lines

Whether or not you get Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes, chances are, you’re still going to have to wait in some pretty long lines. And if you’re visiting during a peak travel period, there’s no getting away from them. 

To make the time pass faster for everyone, I recommend downloading some fun games such as Heads Up and the Play Disney app that the whole family can enjoy while waiting in line. It’ll make the line-waiting experience MUCH more enjoyable.

113. Tom Sawyer Island is Great for Kids

An oft-overlooked attraction area for kids is Tom Sawyer Island, and I’m here to tell you, kids LOVE it. They can run around, stretch their legs, and they’ll feel completely removed from Magic Kingdom. 

Kids will get to explore the caves and play in Fort Longhorn. It has hills to climb and a fun rope bridge to explore. They’ll even get to play with noisy air rifles and cannons, what’s not to love?!

114. Take Advantage of Rider Switch

If you’re not aware, Disney has a way so that everyone that wants to get on a particular attraction can do so without having to get in line multiple times and that’s through a program called ‘ Rider Switch .’ 

Sometimes your young ones are too afraid to ride a particular ride or they don’t measure up, and instead of one of the parents missing out on the attraction, by using Rider Switch you don’t have to worry about anyone missing out on a ride. 

Simply ask a Cast Member prior to getting in line to see if the ride offers Rider Switch. Once you’re at the attraction, inform the greeting Cast Member with your entire group that you’d like to use Rider Switch. 

The one adult and others who will not be riding initially will be issued a Ride Switch entitlement by the Cast Member and asked to wait in a designated area. 

Once the first group rides the attraction they come back and the second group can then get on the attraction. The adult in the first group can then take over and watch the small child or children that couldn’t ride so the 2nd adult and/or any kids can ride.

115. Get an Ice Cream Sundae at Beaches & Cream

A tradition for our family each year is getting an Ice Cream Sundae at Beaches & Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort! If you’re not familiar, these tasty sundaes are unforgettable and to get the true experience order the Kitchen Sink Sundae ! 

It’s an 8-scoop ice cream sundae that is literally topped with every single topping that they have. It’s massive and can surely feed the entire family! It’s worth doing and it’s an unforgettable experience.

If you don’t want something so big, go for one of the other sundaes. Our favorite is the No Way Jose, which is peanut butter sundae!

The section of our favorite Disney World Tips is the ‘Bonus Tips’ that don’t necessarily fit in one of the other categories but can surely enhance your overall trip.

116. Use MagicBand+ for More Interaction in the Parks

The new generation MagicBand system is called the MagicBand+ and it allows for even more interaction when visiting the parks. 

This new system has many of the old features such as being able to open your Disney hotel room door, enter the Disney parks (with valid admission), pay for purchases around Disney World, check into your Lightning Lanes, and even connect your PhotoPass images to your Disney account. 

You’ll also be able to get some more interaction throughout the parks, including interaction with the 50th golden statues that were placed throughout the 4 theme parks in celebration of the 50th anniversary. You’ll get special interaction during some of the nighttime shows and fireworks at the different parks as well. 

And since this is an ever-evolving technology there will likely be more and more interactive activities throughout the parks with the MagicBand+ Technology.

117. You Can Get Your Starbucks Fix at Disney World

All four of Disney World’s Theme Parks and Disney Springs have at least one Starbucks location in it. So if you aren’t the biggest fan of Joffrey’s Coffee, you can also visit a Starbucks location to get your fix. 

You’ll likely need some caffeine to keep you energized during long park days, and there’s nothing like a morning and afternoon pick-me-up at Starbucks.

118. Play a Round of Golf

If you are looking for something relaxing to do, Disney has (4) golf courses on Disney World Property, and they are easy to book. Simply go here , fill out the information, and find the available tee times for the course you want to play at. 

There are also discounts available for Disney Cast Members and Disney Annual Passholders, so make sure to ask.

The Oak Trail Golf Course is a 9-hole course, whereas Magnolia, the Palm, and Lake Buena Vista are all 18 holes. The first three are all found at the same location near Magic Kingdom whereas Lake Buena Vista is located at the Saratoga Springs Resort.

119. Plan at Least One Evening at Disney Springs

Some of our favorite evenings are our nights in Disney Springs. It’s here that you’ll find the very best of Disney Dining and restaurant options. Several of our top Restaurants in Walt Disney World are found in Disney Springs and you truly can’t go wrong. 

It’s a great place for both adults and children with loads of shopping and dining opportunities. If you get there early and go on a weeknight you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some Happy Hour locations and grab a cocktail while you explore.

Read our list of the best Disney Springs restaurants to compare the best ones for your family.

120. Bring a Power Bank

Long days in Disney World call for a lot of cell phone battery usage. With the constant need to use the My Disney Experience app and the likelihood of needing your cell phone throughout the day, I highly suggest bringing a power bank or some kind of portable phone charger. 

If you forget one you can rent them in the parks ( from FuelRod for example ), but you’ll spend a lot more money. 

Our advice: order them ahead of time and charge them each night when you get back to the room. These banks will help get you through long days while keeping your devices charged, which is becoming more and more important with a trip to Disney.

121. Plan for the Weather

Planning for Florida’s weather is MUST-DO for all times of the year. It will be either hot or EXTREMELY hot. 

For families not used to the extreme sun or humidity, packing the proper essentials is vital to fully enjoy the trip for everyone in your group. This can include sunscreen, sun protection for small children, and perhaps portable fans. 

If traveling during the busy periods, especially the hot summer months of June – September, you’ll likely endure many sun showers during the middle of the day. These storms can be incredibly heavy and even lead to flooding at times. 

That’s why we recommend bringing ponchos and umbrellas from home. You can likely find them at your nearest dollar store and pay ⅓ the price as you would in Walt Disney World.

Hurricane season in Disney World is from July – October as well, which can affect or disrupt your trip. Make sure you plan accordingly and perhaps consider purchasing trip insurance if you’re traveling during these times. 

Then, from December to February, you actually could get some really chilly nights and early mornings while walking in the parks. The weather fluctuates more during these months and the lows of the day can be quite chilly. I’d suggest packing a few sweaters or hoodies if you are coming then.

122. Get Free Medical Care at a First Aid Station

All of the Disney Parks and water parks have First Aid Stations that can help you or your child in the event of an accident. A couple of years ago, I ripped up my foot pretty good at Blizzard Beach and the nurse seamlessly bandaged me up and I was good to go within 5-minutes. 

Use these stations if you need to, you can stock up on medication samples, allergy medicine, cough drops, tissues, Band-Aids, pain relievers, or antacids. Even if you are just feeling dehydrated and run down, these stations will provide you with a free Powerade to build back up your electrolytes.

123. Use DAS If You Have a Disability

If you have any kind of disability, look into Disability Access Service or (DAS). This service is a wonderful service that will allow disabled guests to take their families on rides or attractions without needing to wait in line. 

It is specifically designed to assist guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a convention queue environment due to a disability. All qualifying guests along with up to 5 additional members of their party can schedule return times for expedited line access. 

Simply visit any Guest Relations tent in the parks to add DAS if you have a disability to see if you qualify.

124. Look Out for Hidden Mickeys

There are thousands of hidden Mickey heads throughout the Walt Disney World campus. There are even books showing you how to find all of the Hidden Mickeys.

 A fun thing to do with kids is to attempt to find and spot all the secret and not-so-secret locations of the Hidden Mickeys throughout the Disney World property.

125. Free Wi-Fi in Parks and Resorts

For guests needing Wi-Fi, you’ll be happy to know you can find a connection almost anywhere on the Disney World property. This is a wonderful perk, allowing International Guests to be connected immediately to their devices and contact their families back home via FaceTime or WhatsApp. 

Many hotels offer Wi-Fi at an expensive nightly charge but Disney offers this for free both at the theme parks and at all of the resorts. The Wi-Fi has gotten better as they’ve recently increased the bandwidth and the quality of the speed.

126. Bring Your Own Chewing Gum

Many guests are surprised to find that Disney World does NOT sell chewing gum anywhere on the property. 

So if you are accustomed to chewing gum during the day or would like it for any aspect of your trip, purchase it in advance and bring it with you. You can also order it on DoorDash and have it delivered to your room if you need gum during your vacation.

127. Use the Genie+ Extras

Starting back in March of 2023, guests who purchase Genie+ for the day will also be able to receive free digital PhotoPass downloads for attraction photos that are taken on the day they purchase Genie+. 

This is a nice new perk that allows you to get some fun attraction photos that you can save to your phone and post on social media. There are also other extras like audio tours of the theme parks and AR filters for creating some pretty fun photos in famous spots like in front of Cinderella Castle.

128. Use the Exclusive Late Virtual Queue Distribution Time Slot

A quiet hidden gem for guests that want to get a third opportunity to join a virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Tron Lightcycle Run can now join a queue at 6:00 pm IF you qualify for Extended Evening Hours access at EPCOT or Magic Kingdom.

This third opportunity will not run EVERY night but only on the select nights that EPCOT or Magic Kingdom have Extended Evening Hours nights.

Keep in mind this perk is only for guests staying at Deluxe Disney Resorts or Villas. For a full list of qualifying hotels, our Extended Evening Hours Guide .

129. Use MDE App to Find the Nearest Restroom

One thing Disney World does NOT have a shortage of and that is restrooms, and thank goodness for that! 

To find the nearest restrooms from where you are currently standing, simply sort on the park map on the My Disney Experience by ‘Restrooms.’ The map will then show you all the restrooms near you. Simply walk to the nearest one.

130. Rent an ECV Outside the Parks

Just like strollers, ECVs or electronic conveyance vehicles can be VERY costly to rent at the parks. Not to mention they also can sell out very quickly in the morning if you don’t get one first thing. 

We recommend using a reputable outside company allowing you to save significant amounts of money while also being assured you will have an ECV for your entire trip. We like Buena Vista Rentals for ECV rentals as they are always reliable and at a good price. We cover all your options in our Guide to Renting a Scooter at Disney World .

131. Store Your Luggage with Bell Services for More Time in the Parks

A popular thing our family enjoys doing is parking our luggage with bell services. This can be done either when arriving at your resort and your room isn’t quite ready OR if you’re leaving later in the day and you need to check out of your room. 

This allows you to simply drop your stuff off without needlessly carrying it around or worrying about it. Spend your time enjoying every last minute as opposed to waiting around unnecessarily.

132. Book Extra Experiences

If you want to save time and plan the right way, booking your additional experiences prior to your trip is the smart way to go. Things such as building your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop and the Droid Depot in Galaxy’s Edge and Fireworks Desserts party can sell out quickly! 

This also includes all of the VIP tours and Behind the Scenes tours . These additional experiences are very popular and you’ll be ensured you get to do the things you want to do the most if you book them weeks or months prior to the start of your vacation.

133. Don’t Miss Beacons of Magic

One of the greatest and most popular additions during the 50th Anniversary Celebration was the recently added Beacons of Magic on Spaceship Earth at night. 

This nighttime illumination show features beautiful projections along the symbol of EPCOT and it runs from dusk until after the EPCOT Fireworks each night. It happens every 15 minutes or so and is absolutely worth watching!

134. Don’t Forget The Electrical Water Pageant

An underrated gem that runs nightly on Bay Lake outside of Magic Kingdom is called the Electrical Water Pageant. 

This nighttime light parade was originally created for the dedication of the Polynesian Resort in 1971, but due to its popularity, it still runs regularly. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.

135. Be Flexible

While a trip to Disney World these days requires careful planning and attention to detail, don’t lose track of the fact that it’s supposed to be a fun trip! If you’re too inflexible things are going to come up that will completely derail your trip. 

Rather than letting it ruin your day or your trip, try to remain flexible and spontaneous. Sometimes things happen and these things can be completely out of your control. Kids don’t feel good, attractions break down, wait times end up longer than expected, the weather affects your day, etc…

Just remain flexible and go with the flow, and you’ll have a great trip despite unexpected hurdles.

Tips for the Disney Pros

These last set of tips are focused on Disney Vacationers that aren’t on their first rodeo. No, these are for seasoned Disney World travelers that know most of the ins and outs but are just looking for a little bit of that secret sauce.

136. Don’t Carry Your Merchandise All Day

Rather than having to carry your recently purchased merchandise around with you all day, send it to your Disney World Resort ! They’ll do this for free for you if you’re staying on-site, it’ll likely get sent to your hotel gift shop. 

If you’re not staying at a Disney World Resort, you can still have your merchandise sent to the front of the park so you can simply pick it up at the end of the night.

137. Do Shopping at End of the Day

Rather than waste valuable time in the middle of the day to do your shopping in crowded stores, wait until the end of the night. Most Disney shops stay open at least an hour after the park closes. This is a great way to shop with far fewer people in the stores as well.

138. Learn Something New with a Tour

Our entire family has been to Disney World dozens if not 100+ times over the years and one of the ways we’ve recently been adding something new to our trips is with a tour! These backstage and VIP tours can be an incredible way to pick up on a little bit of extra Disney Magic. 

While they do include an extra cost, in our view, it is well worth it! We absolutely loved the Wild Africa Trek in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

139. Skip EPCOT on Weekends

EPCOT is a favorite park on the weekends of Florida locals looking to hang out and enjoy the many yearly festivals. We’ve learned time after time from years of experience to avoid EPCOT on the weekends since it gets packed and lines are incredibly long for EVERYTHING. 

Instead, if you go during the week and spend your time enjoying the festivals in the early hours from 11:00 am until the early afternoon you’ll likely find yourself being the only one in line for the different themed kiosks. Trust me, it’s the way to go!

140. Snack and Drink Around the World

To fully embrace EPCOT I think two days are required. One day to enjoy all of the experiences and rides in the Future World Pavilions and another day to take your time in World Showcase to do shopping and snacking around the World Showcase . 

While we understand not everyone has two days to dedicate to EPCOT, if it is all possible, it will absolutely be worth your while if you are a foodie! Drinking Around the World Showcase is also super fun, always done in moderation of course.

EPCOT has the best and most varied food and drink options out of all the Disney World Parks, and there’s no way you’ll be able to try everything you want.

141. Use a Notification Service for Hard Dining Reservations

There are a number of notification services available now to allow guests to snag those hard-to-get dining reservations . We’ve used several of them to varying degrees of success. They can be vital in the days before your trip to get some of the reservations you never thought you’d get. 

Our favorite one that we’ve had the most success with is Mouse Watcher. It is a paid service but we’ve used it many times to score hard-to-get reservations, and in our view, it is worth it! They’ll inform you immediately when a reservation pops up, allowing you to get it quickly, before anyone else.

142. Stay Late at the Magic Kingdom

While all the parks are magical after dark, the one that shines the most is Disney’s Magic Kingdom . There’s something special about being in the parks with Main Street U.S.A. completely lit up while being engrossed in the Happily Ever After fireworks and projection show. 

The ambiance of Magic Kingdom is like nowhere else, and enjoying late nights in Magic Kingdom is unparalleled if at all possible. We’d suggest taking advantage of the later night hours at Magic Kingdom by using Extended Evening Hours if at all possible.

143. Watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from Outside the Park

If you aren’t in Magic Kingdom when the Happily Ever After Fireworks show is running, there are a number of other places you can watch it. A few of our favorites are:

• The beach from the nearby Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• The Top of the World Lounge in the Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary (Only for DVC Members)
• The 4th-floor observation deck at the Contemporary Resort 
• Nearby signature restaurants California Grill and Narcosees, which can be found at the Contemporary Resort and the Grand Floridian Resort respectively 
• Fireworks dessert boat cruises

144. Best Location for Magic Kingdom Parades

If you want the absolute best spot to be for Magic Kingdom Parades then go to the flagpole on Main Street U.S.A. and find a spot near the curb that is facing the castle.

From this location, you will be able to see the parades coming directly to you while having a beautiful backdrop of the castle behind the parade. You can’t beat it!

145. Attraction Wait Times are Not Always What They Seem

One of our favorite little-known facts is that wait times are deceiving. You can’t always trust them and often times they are a fraction of the posted times.

This is especially true at the end of the night when wait times can sometimes show an hour plus but are in actuality less than 10 minutes! We’ve found this out time after time in the parks at night.

146. Let Disney Know If You Are Celebrating Something

By wearing those Celebration Pins you can let Disney Cast Members show you a little extra Disney Magic by informing them that you are celebrating something. Don’t expect too much, but we’ve often found ourselves to be recipients of free desserts and other freebies while wearing our celebration pins. It’s worth it!

147. Eat an Early Breakfast Inside the Parks

One of our favorite things to do is to snag early morning breakfast reservations in the parks. This will allow you to enjoy the parks completely to yourself while you walk to your breakfast location. 

You can also use this window to allow yourself to get in line before other guests can even enter the park. Talk about a great way to be the first in line!

148. Always See the Second Showing of Fantasmic!

Lines for the first showing of Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios can be incredibly long! If your family can stand staying up later on your Hollywood Studios night, I wholeheartedly recommend you wait until the second showing of Fantasmic. 

Yes, it will require you to stay up late, but it’s MUCH more enjoyable with minimal waits. It will also be a lot easier to exit the park at the end of the night, with far fewer people in the park.

149. Have Dinner with a Disney Imagineer

Prior to the pandemic, guests visiting the Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios could have dinner with an Imagineer. This was a wonderful way for guests to ask the questions they’ve always wanted to ask in regard to the attractions, shows, or anything about Walt Disney World.

While this hasn’t come back yet, we hope it does soon!

150. You Don’t Always Need a Dining Reservation

Disney recently added a Walk-Up Waitlist feature to the My Disney Experience app allowing you to get into restaurants that you didn’t previously have a reservation for. This is a great way for you to sneak in and snag a table-service dining opportunity at a place you weren’t able to get an advance dining reservation for. 

Simply check the app and check the restaurants in the park. If they have Walk-Up availability, it’ll show how long it’ll be until you can get in, and it’ll allow you to join the list if you so choose. 

Another thing you can attempt to do is simply walk up to the restaurant if you are nearby and talk to the hostess. If you are with a smaller group, I think you’d be surprised how often they’ll be able to accommodate you. 

I’ve always been a reservation fan, but practically every time I attempt a walk-in when it’s just the 2 of us, they’re able to get us into the restaurant. 

That wraps up our look at the best Walt Disney World tips. We hope that we shared some suggestions that will take your trip to the next level and save you some time and money along the way!

If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, here are some other popular articles where you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.

• Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• Disney World Crowd Calendar
• When are the Best Times to Visit Disney World?

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about our best Disney World vacation tips…

• Which is your favorite tip?
• What tips you have learned over the years that can help others have a better vacation?

Let us know in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this article, as always I appreciate it if you’d share it with others via social media.  I work hard at making this website into a useful resource for you and your family to plan your visit to the Disney Parks and I hope it can help you! Thanks 🙂

My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.

Monday 7th of August 2023

Wow!! Excellent Guide and suggestions. Helps so we won't miss out. Thanks Ziggy.

Monday 12th of June 2023

Wow, so much useful information. Thankyou for taking the time to put it together.

Ziggy Oskwarek

Saturday 17th of June 2023

Hi Pamela, thanks for your comment. Glad it was helpful! :)

Disney World Tips for First Timers in 2024 (10 things you need to know!)

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First time going to Disney World? How Exciting! You are in for the trip of a lifetime. 

Disney is such a magic place and it is a top destination for so many people. Disney sees close to 50 million people a year! That is a wild number of people going to see Mickey Mouse+Rides+Fun Foods.

The other crazy thing is most of those people are first time visitors or people that haven’t been in many years. Things at Disney do change – they are always looking to improve on the guest experience and the magic of Walt Disney World.

But if you haven’t been in a while or its your first time, it can be overwhelming! 

Because the people giving you trip advice are so biased because they’ve been doing it for so long. They have signs, and the Disney app, and they have maps and dedicated TV channels filled with information. But it can be seriously overloading to go on a trip when you haven’t been in a long time!

Recently I took my aunt to Disney World for the first time in 25 years… and I totally flopped it ! There was so much I didn’t prepare her for because I assumed she knew things, would research things, and only needed things repeated once. Thankfully she’s a forgiving person (And we have a new trip planned!) but I learned SO MUCH from her experience (and my mistakes!)

✨ Say goodbye to cookie-cutter vacations and hello to worry free travel! See why I ✨ recommend this travel team whose dedicated to bringing your dream vacation to life!

Here are the top ten things you’ve got to know about Disney World as a first timer, Especially because it can be fun and magical (if your prepared!)

This post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you, and I may earn commission on qualified sales, check out my affiliate disclosure for more information and all the legal mumbo jumbo.

There’s a new Disney FastPass, called Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane

Disney used to have a system called FastPass, that was a free skip the line system.

Now they have Genie, which is a free recommendation tool.

Genie+ which is a paid skip the line tool for some options.

And Lightning Lane (the third option), which is also a paid skip the line tool , but only for a handful of rides at each park. These rides are purchased separately, not included in Genie+ and can be purchased without purchasing Genie+.

So for example, you could purchase Genie+ for around 15-30 dollars per person per day.

Or you could purchase Genie+ for 15-30 and also purchase one of the lightning lane options for around 10 dollars for one specific ride.

Or you could just purchase a lightning lane options for around 10 dollars for that one specific ride for that day.

There’s also several rules, like not being able to book another option till you have used up your first option, or 120 minutes have passed (Whichever comes first!).

The most important thing to know about Genie+ is that if you can’t get it to work, or it doesn’t give any options till late evening, to visit Guest Services to see if they can get you an earlier return time or your money back.

You need to know how to use the Virtual Queue for some rides

There are some rides that require a Virtual Queue… which means you can’t do a walk on or wait in line.

These lines also typically offer a paid lightning lane option, so if you miss the Virtual Queue you can purchase a line pass.

Currently the two Virtual Queues are for:

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT

Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom

To Access the Virtual Queue:

• Download the MyDisney App or make sure your App is updated.
• Sign into the App
• Double Check that all of your party are listed under your ‘Friends and Family’ Section
• At 7 am and 1 pm you can hit the ‘join Virtual Queue’ button. It helps to have the app open a few minutes before 7 and 1 to make sure it loaded properly.
• Request a Spot for you and your party members
• Return at the Virtual Queue Time

You will be walking 8000-25,000 steps a day

Oh yes. I’m going to write a post one day about all my shoe mishaps- but lets just say that the right shoe makes a huge difference on your day (and for your kids!)

You can easily walk, just on a half day at the parks getting content I walked 13k steps (my phone was on the shelf at home and I don’t have an apple watch, so this is accurate of my time inside Disney World)

Getting sore feet and blisters is NO FUN.  and for all the people in the back DO NOT WEAR NEW SHOES. Not shouting- just want you to remember to break those shoes in!

I recommend packing several pairs of shoes. I’m a huge fun of crocs for kids, since they air out nicely and dry quickly. WIth crocs, pack bandaids. You can buy them at the resort, and the First Aid Center at the Parks have bandaids available.

Packing at least two pairs of shoes allows you to swap them out each day to prevent blisters (and not taking care of your feet is a top ‘money mistakes’ people make when planning a vacation!)

I also recommend bringing some moleskin for hot spots and some chub rub to prevent blisters on feet and anywhere else that rubs (yes TMI, sorry, but once you’ve walked 10 miles and have a chaffed inner thigh, you will do anything to prevent it for the future!)

Don’t forget about the kids either! Make sure they have several pairs of socks and shoes. They really can’t walk that many miles day after day when they are younger. Consider renting a stroller!

We prefer Kingdom Strollers as it’s often times cheaper, and way more comfortable (did I mention it saves you time in the parks as you aren’t standing in line with all the other parents to buy a stroller for the day? those 20 minute lines each day add up quickly!)

Please please bring a stroller, or rent one for your vacation, especially if you have kids under 9 years old. It will save you time, sanity and be one of the best things for your kiddo!

Pro Tip: Disney sells shoes too, so if you get in a hard spot you can always go grab a new pair of kicks!

You should plan for unexpected Weather Issues

This is not an exaggeration. Florida weather is super crazy! During the summer we have these gigantic rain storms that come out of nowhere!

Literally. You go into a line and by the time you come out, there are huge black clouds overhead and you see everyone running to grab ponchos and their strollers.

And in the winter, your news source will say its going to be 70 degrees all week and then BAM! It’s 35 outside and windy. (and still kinda humid, yuck!)

So all those cute outfits you packed won’t keep you warm.

Florida is super strange with the weather, so you need to pack accordingly. Bring Ponchos no matter when you come to visit, and make sure you bring both hot and cold clothes (Even just one outfit) when you come. 

If your anything like me, you’ll want to be prepared for the rain! Check out the 9 things to do at Disney World when it rains!

You can also learn about Disney’s refund policy and what to expect in a hurricane.

Besides the rain, you can also get SUPER hot at Disney World.

In the summer the paramedics from Reddy Creek run on a lot of heat exhaustion, and dehydration. Don’t let the sun ruin your vacation!

Make sure you stay hydrated.

And take breaks when you need to (you can always call the Disney Line if you think you might be late. They do try to work with you!)

If you are going int the summer, learn how to survive the summer at Disney World. Which is super important, because summer lasts like 6 months out of the year.

You can have Amazon (or other Grocery Delivery) delivered to your resort 

Isn’t this the coolest thing ever! We have Amazon delivered almost every time we visit because we are an allergy family. We order what we need and have it shipped to the resort. 

Some other cool ways you can use amazon:

– ordering baby supplies like diapers and wipes so you dont have to bring them while traveling 

– ordering souvenirs for the park . That way you dont spend extra and your kids dont find them by accident. 

– suprising one of your family member with whatever you are celebrating. Doing a Birthday at Disney? Get them lots of stuff to celebrate at the resort or bring it into the parks! 

– forgot something important? Order it and you could have it within 24 hours . The Magic of Orlando! 

You can also order grocery delivery from somewhere local like target or Publix. Several places deliver, like garden grocer and Instacart.

This is a great way to save money at the parks too! Just water and snacks alone could cost you over 50 dollars a day for a family of four.

Knowing what to Pack will make your trip that much better!

I know for a fact that most people forget the important stuff when they come to Disney. Wanna know how I know? 

The resort gift store, and the main stores in Disney are PACKED full of items that you wouldn’t find in a regular gift shop.

They know people are going to forget everything from toothbrushes to underwear to phone chargers. (PSST- you can still order them from Amazon and have it same day delivery if Disney doesn’t have your favorite brand!)

Insulated Water Bottle – It’s hot and you cant have straws at Animal Kingdom, and paper straws throughout the parks. Make sure you grab plastic or stainless steel because you can’t have glass.

Portable Phone Charger – The My Disney App drains your battery. And if your phone dies by lunch you are stuck going to guest services to ask about your fast passes and food reservations. You can also do FuelRods , which is my preferred portable charger because they are so easy to swap out.

Body Glide – this stuff is a life saver. It’s my ultimate defense against chafing. Forget the souvenirs, if you are in pain, you wont enjoy your trip! This stuff is like Disney Magic, it’s not greasy but it keeps your skin from chaffing due to friction.

Extra shoes, extra clothes- Disney does have clothing and shoes for purchase, and you can always do laundry on vacation if you need clothes. It’s probably better to just bring them though!

We’ve got the full guide to Packing Hacks if you need some more ideas on where to start!

Bucket lists are ideal, as You literally *can’t* do it all

Everyone I speak with is pretty overwhelmed about what fastness and what character meal.

Or they avoid stuff because it gives them anxiety.

But let me tell you, you can’t do it all . Even after going for years and years. Disney does this so you can’t get bored (and so that people keep coming back!)

If you’d like to book with a Travel Team who can give you realistic recommendations (while making those vacation dreams come true!) I highly recommend this Travel Team.

At all of the Parks there are random bits of entertainment, fun hidden things to do, and parades that will literally block you in. 

Plus, Disney Transportation isn’t exactly award winning at their speed. 🙃

My recommendation is to pick your top 3 things and to plan them no matter what. That way you go home satisfied at all you did do (and all that you didn’t do!). 

You can also check out this list of items you don’t want to miss on your next vacation so that you can prioritize them!

Disney is (even more) expensive 

Inflation am I right?

What I mean is- the stuff in the resorts and inside the parks is often double what you could buy it for at Target or Amazon.  

Which is fine and all if you have one souvenir you really want, but it does tend to add up quickly, especially with food! I have a great guide here about saving on food at Disney. 

Basically, I want you to not get sticker shock. Be prepared for high prices, like 40 dollars for mouse ears and 50 dollars for a jacket.  Be prepared for really good marketing that encourages you to spend money!

Disney also changes their prices based on the season. Nothing crazy drastic, but enough that it does add up.

If you need more information on budget Disney World, there’s other posts I’d recommend. Like this list of money mistakes that you should avoid on your trip , and this break down of how much Disney World really costs.

Cast Members do their best to give you pixie dust but it’s not guaranteed

Cast Members have been through a lot in the last few years, just like we all have! There’s many new faces, lot of members who have retired, and so much change it’s hard to keep up with everything. Forgive my HR speak, but the attrition at Disney World is not a good thing… too many new folks and too many folks who would rather be doing something else!

But when a Cast Member does do something magical (and many still do) it’s called Pixie Dust!

Offering you helpful suggestions, catering to your children, making you feel extra special. These are the things that make a Disney Vacation so special… but they also aren’t guranteed.

Yes, you are paying top dollar, but please do not go in demanding pixie dust. That takes away the fun of giving and makes it hard for you, your family, and the Disney employees you are working with.

I love when we get pixie dust! We tend to give a shout out on Twitter with their name (or their location if we can’t remember) so that Disney can thank them.

As a new addition, you can do it in the app! Head to the My Disney Experience App, click the three lines on the bottom right. Scroll to the bottom and tap, ‘Cast Compliment’. You’ll see the following screen with a drop down area to fill in what they did, and their location. Plus you can add their name, cast member hometown and date of interaction!

The cast members truly are part of the magic of Disney World, so if you come across someone amazing, please give them a shoutout!

Pro Tip: you can get literal pixie dust in Magic Kingdom! Head to Sir Mickey’s in Fantasy Land and ask to get Pixie Dusted. It is SO CUTE! The wand has been outfitted with a 50 for this years celebration!

You can bring food into the park 

You CAN but you don’t have to. We normally bring in snacks every time we go. I get hungry on the way there ok?

We also have food allergies, so I talk a ton about managing food allergies on a disney world vacation.

But this also works if you want to bring in your lunch and have a picnic at Disney. We’ve done this many times and it’s always a fun a peaceful experience.

Sometimes I just don’t want to deal with characters or lines- I just want to eat!

This is also a great way to optimize your time. If you are trying to get a lot done during the day, I definitely recommend bringing lots of snacks or a lunch into the parks to help with your time management.

It can easily shave off 20-45 mins (actually a character buffet could be close to 2 hours!) so you can get back to the rides and attractions! 

We normally order all our snacks from Amazon because PRO TIP the Walmart and Target by Disney are ranked as some of the busiest stores in the US. Another thing to consider is bulking up if you have a Costco Membership. There’s one about 20 minutes from Disney World.

I do like to go to Publix if we need cold goods, and I normally grab my kids some balloons there for 4-8 dollars.  Which is great because it beats the 15-20 you spend on balloons in the parks!

Don’t worry about Disney World overwhelm- the cast members are helpful, there are plenty of resources online, and Disney has lots of maps and info shows and signs to point you in the right direction. If you go knowing that you will be overwhelmed by the whole thing, and that you can’t control every time and meet up, you will have a magical time!

These top 10 tips are items that I tell everyone I know when they are planning their first Disney Vacation- mostly because I want them to have a magical trip!

Disney World is just so much fun- especially when you are prepared. 

Do you need some more information for your trip? I have a Beginners Guide to Disney World!

This Mini Series Breaks down all the essential information into easy to understand, bite-sized pieces for busy people on the go. Check it out! 

Money saving tips for Disney World

Have a fun, stress free vacation at Disney

35 Most Underrated Disney World Tips and Tricks for First Timers (2023)

Are you feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Don’t worry! Today I will give you the BEST Walt Disney World tips and tricks for having a spectacular vacation!

When compiling this list, I thought…

How can I narrow down my own hacks I use personally for Disney into 35 digestible actions just for you? After much thought, I came up with the top travel hacks!

So here we go.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

1. Pick up a Special Gift

S top at Guest Services to let them know if you have a special occasion. You may receive a little surprise.

Disney Cast Members are always to trying to give you the most magical experience, so it doesn’t hurt to try to let them know of your special day.

What is the Best Disney World Park for Adults? Here’s the Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Grown-Up Experience!

2. Free Transportation

Take advantage of free transportation around the Walt Disney World Resort.

You can enjoy free transportation options such as the monorail, the boats, the buses and the Disney Skyliner that all get you to various locations at Walt Disney World Resort.

Basically, once you reach the Disney bubble, you won’t have to worry about transportation as it will be handled for you.

I would recommend that you get familiar with ways to use the free options at Disney and the routes to take that are the easiest for your stay.

ORDER NOW to secure your Orlando theme park ticket reservation in the parks! GET MY TICKETS.

3. See Animals for Free

Visit Animal Kingdom Lodge where you can view animals for free without being a resort guest. Making it one of my favorite Disney World tips and tricks!

This is a fun Disney freebie that you can do on a non-park day. Just know that after the pandemic, Disney has become a bit stricter on people parking at the resorts who are not Guests.

You can make your Disney animal viewing a reality by booking a reservation to one of the restaurants at the Animal Kingdom Lodge or by letting the gate attendant know that you’d like to visit one of the lounges at the resort (which doesn’t require a reservation).

69 Amazing Free Things to Do at Disney for 2024 (even if you’re not a Guest)

4. Do a FREE Resort Tour at Walt Disney World

Resorts such as, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney Wilderness Lodge, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Yacht Club offer tours for any Disney resort guest .

You can do some of the tours for free regardless of if you’re staying at that particular hotel. Just double check with concierge before you get there.

These tours give historical notes on how the resort was created in addition to some really cool facts secrets along the way.

Please note: Some tours require a reservation.

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

5. Hop on the Disney Resort Monorail

Use the resort monorail instead of the Magic Kingdom one in the Transportation Ticket Center. The line is usually shorter and it will also take you to the Magic Kingdom.

In the peak of the morning rush, you may not have this option. However, if you see it available, then use it.

The only downside to this is that you will have a few resort stops on the way to the Magic Kingdom instead of a straight shot.

Magic Kingdom Roller Coasters: ALL RANKED for 2023!

6. Book Your Disney Dining Reservations ASAP!

Remember that the window for Disney reservations open 60 days (previously 180 days) in advance if you plan on staying on Disney property.

This is one of my MOST important Disney World tips and tricks as the restaurants do book up quickly! So, if there’s somewhere you want to eat at in Walt Disney World, then get that dining reservation TODAY!

Get up to 76% off of the Orlando attractions with Groupon TODAY!

7. DVC Equals V.I.P.

Disney Vacation Club Members have privileges to a secret lounge in the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot.

DVC members also have many other perks such as:

• Annual Pass Discounts
• Free Laundry
• Resort Pool Hopping
• Restaurant and Shopping Discounts
• Resort Room Discounts
• Special Afterhours Events for DVC Members only
• Ticket Discounts
• Tours and Special Event Discounts

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket!  GET MY TICKETS.

8. Download the My Disney Experience App

Here you can make Genie+ and Lightning Lane reservations to attractions on this app . You can also check out wait times, show times, use mobile ordering, view park maps, make dining and park reservations.

You MUST get familiar with this app BEFORE you get to Walt Disney World. It will make you trip go a lot smoother as you’re not trying to figure out how to work the app in the middle of a stressful moment on your Disney vacation.

Just go ahead and download the app TODAY! It’s one of my top Disney World tips an tricks.

My Disney Experience App (Everything You Wanted to Know about it…and THEN some!)

9. Don’t Give Up on Booking Your Reservation

If you can’t book that Disney Genie+ or RSVP to a special event , then check the my Disney experience app on the site around 7 a.m. the day of and see if you have any luck.

The Disney World Genie+   (also sometimes referred to as simply “Disney Genie”) is a travel must have if you’re looking to enjoy the most of Disney by spending less time waiting in line. 

I can attest to this because I’ve done it before during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival .

For example, I wanted to go to a beverage seminar that was booked up the whole month, then I tried the day of and I was able to get in. I was sooooooo happy! So, don’t give up on getting your top ride or dining reservation.

Disney World Dining: Don’t Go Unless You Know These 3 Tips

10. Use the Single Rider Line if Your Family is Okay with Splitting Up

Single Rider lines give you an opportunity to reduce the amount of time waiting in line for an attraction in exchange for not necessarily being able to experience the ride with your own party.

What is a Single Rider Line at Disney World?

A Single Rider Line is used to fill in empty seats on ride vehicles in order to maximize all occupancy if possible. It’s a great way to get on the Disney attractions faster, just keep in mind that you will most likely be split from your party.

Mostly likely you will be enjoying a solo Disney World trip , so this little issue won’t matter to you.

5 BEST Animal Kingdom Rides for Solo Travelers (2024)

11. Dine on a Budget at Disney World

If you have a small appetite and you’re on a small budget , then order from the kid’s menu. It’s usually significantly cheaper and it fills you up.

You will also want to plan out your meals ahead of time to help you make a good food budget.

Walt Disney World has a full list of dining locations on their website that’s well organized with prices listed. This will help with your planning tremendously.

15 Tips for Planning a Trip to Disney World on a Budget (A Guide for Solo Travelers)

12. Take Advantage of the Free Photo Opportunities

Chase Cardmembers who have a Disney logo or Disney inspired debit or credit card can have special free photo opportunities with our favorite characters throughout parks like Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

5 BEST Hollywood Studios Shows YOU Have To See in 2023

13. Take Advantage of Free Package Delivery

Stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel and receive free package delivery of your park purchases to your room.

This is one of my favorite Walt Disney World tips and tricks for your vacation.

Hipster Power Tip: Book an Orlando vacation home near Walt Disney World with an experienced company to save money on lodging.

14. Treat Yourself to a Dole Whip at Disney

Walt Disney World magic can be found all over the resort, but one must have treat that encompasses all that enchantment is the pineapple Dole Whip.

There was a time when obtaining this legendary snack was hard to come by, but since the demand has skyrocketed over the past few years.

You can now find it in multiple locations if you know where to look.

Read: Where to Find Dole Whip at Walt Disney World?

15. Use an Official Disney Travel Agent

Book your vacation through an authorized Disney vacation planner to make sure you’re saving the most on your Disney trip.

Disney vacation planners usually have the latest and newest deals that Disney offers.

Ready to make your trip out to Walt Disney World Resort, then get your no obligation, FREE Quote by filling out the form with The Park Prodigy by Clicking HERE!

16. Book an Early Character Breakfast at Magic Kingdom.

This will allow you to enter the park before everyone else and give you quite the head start into conquering each ride and attraction. You can do this at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

What’s the Best Buffet in Disney World (These 16 Will Help You Decide)

17. Experience Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a wonderful shopping and dining attraction that you must experience for yourself. 

I looooove hanging out in the evening at Disney Springs. It houses some of the best dining, shopping and entertainment in all of Walt Disney World!

Not to mention that the entry to Disney Springs is absolutely FREE !

7 BEST Things To Do At Disney Springs For Solo Travelers (Disney Solo Trip)

18. Take Advantage of the Genie+ (Lightning Lane) Grace Period

It’s my favorite secret regarding Genie+. You can arrive 5 minutes early or 15 minutes late to your fast pass.

19. Grabbed the Perfect Fireworks Spot

When watching Epcot Harmonious fireworks show, pick a spot where the wind will not blow smoke directly on you. This may vary based on the wind direction of the evening.

In the Magic Kingdom, I like to sit at the top of the train station. It has a great view and it’s easy to get out of the park quickly because you’re already near the gate.

The only problem is that everyone wants this spot, so get there early!

If you can’t make it into the Magic Kingdom park , you can watch the fireworks show from the lagoon area of the resorts like Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

31 Amazing Hidden Magic Kingdom Secrets YOU MUST KNOW

20. Arrive at the Parks Early for Rope Drop

At Disney World, the rope is slowly pulled aside a few minutes before people are allowed to pass. You can get many of the popular rides done before 11 a.m.

This leaves you time to watch some shows or circle back around to your favorite attractions.

This tip is especially important on the hot summer days in Florida. You can ride all the best attractions, have lunch and watch a show all by 12 p.m.

Once the sun gets crazy, you can go back to your hotel room to relax and then come back in the evening times.

6 BEST Magic Kingdom Rides You MUST Experience At The Park

21. Listen to Underwater Sounds

Go underwater at the pool in the Art of Animation to hear a special sound. Disney is so good at adding fun hidden gems to the simplest aspects of your vacation.

7 BEST Pools at Disney World Resorts You Have to Visit in 2024!

22. Ride Kilimanjaro Safari at Sunset

This is when the animals are the most active. This is something that you don’t see during the daytime experience.

23. Don’t Forget to Take Breaks

Take breaks from the heat and do more indoor attractions. Not only will you need to beat the Florida theme park heat, you’ll want to rest your feet from all the walking you will be doing.

This is one of the top Disney World tips and tricks for your trip that will keep you safe from the Florida sun.

2024 Epcot for Adults Complete Guide: Tickets, Rides, Tips and More!

24. Stay Cool at Disney World

Buy frosty towels , pack lots of water, buy a portable fan to stay cool in the parks.

25. Stay Hydrated

Remember that a cup of water is free at most quick service locations.

26. See a FREE Disney Parade

Watch the Electric Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon at night. AND it’s free!

Read over 51+ things you can do at Walt Disney World for FREE here!

Recommended Electric Water Pageant Viewing Locations:

• Polynesian Village Resort – Beginning at 9:00 P.M.
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa(including Narcoossee’s) – Beginning at 9:15 PM
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Beginning at 9:30 P.M.
• Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground– Beginning at 9:45 P.M.
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Beginning at 10:10 P.M.; in instances when the Happily Ever After fireworks show takes place at 10:00 P.M., the Electrical Water Pageant will begin shortly following its conclusion
• Right outside the entrance of Magic Kingdom park – Beginning at 10:35 P.M., during  Extended Theme Park Hours   only

Hipster Power Tip: The times for the Magic Kingdom show do vary based on the season. Always check the official Walt Disney World website for up-to-date times.

27. Search for Hidden Mickey’s

Hidden Mickey’s can be found all over the Walt Disney World Resort area. Even in the most uncommon places, so keep your eyes open.

28. Chat with an Imagineer (Currently Unavailable)

Have lunch with an Imagineer and ask all the questions you’ve been wanting to know about your favorite attraction.

This is an absolute Disney bucket list item.

What’s the BEST Rain Poncho for Disney? These 7 Will Help You Decide for Your Trip!

29. Explore the World of Avatar

Pandora – The World of Avatar will engulf you in magic and wonder as soon as you walk through the entryway.

The majesty, the beauty, and the harmonious sounds of nature will transport you into another place.

You’ll want to visit Pandora in the early morning or late in the evening to take advantage of the lower crowd level.

Is 3 Days Enough: How Many Days Do I Need for Disney World in 2023?

30. Get Your Tickets Online

Don’t forget to purchase cheap theme park tickets online from authorize discount ticket providers such as The Park Prodigy.

You will definitely save money if you buy tickets in advance instead of at the gates. This is one of the top Disney World tips and tricks for your trip.

Listen to podcast episode 14 on how to find the best theme park deals.

31. Spend a Day at a Disney Water Park.

It’s the perfect way for you to cool off from the unforgiving sun and enjoy the Sunshine State.

If you’re familiar with the Disney water parks, then you know they’re open for most of the year. However, the party kicks into high gear during the summer months.

13 Spectacular Water Theme Park Tips to Make Your Trip Amazing in 2024!

32. Experience an Epcot Festival

Go to an Epcot Festival such as the Food and Wine Festival, Flower and Garden Festival, Festival of the Holidays, or the new Festival of the Arts!

The Disney festivals are some of the best foodie events in the country, so don’t miss out on it when you visit Walt Disney World!

I Went to Epcot Flower & Garden Festival ALONE and You Should Too (18 Disney Solo Trip Travel Tips)

33. Have a World Drinking Tour at Epcot

Drink your way around the world at Epcot …but remember the Do’s and Don’ts of Drinking at Epcot .

34. Visit Walt Disney World on the Perfect Days

Remember that the best time to visit Disney is early November or mid to late January.

While you’re planning that perfect day to go, don’t forget to download the Disney Crowd Calendar to view the crowd level of each day!

When is the Slowest Time at Disney World in 2024?

35. Experience Disney’s Kiss Goodnight

Disney’s Kiss Goodnight is where you stay at the Magic Kingdom 30-minutes after closing to see some very special things.

The Kiss Goodnight is a little over 2-minutes long, and it is the Magic Kingdom’s way of saying “goodbye” to guests at the end of a long day…

After the park closes, Cinderella Castle starts “twinkling” as the music from When You Wish Upon a Star slowly builds.

2023 Guide to Christmas at Disney World (37 Things to Do at Disney for the Holidays)

Final Thoughts On Your Disney World Tips and Tricks

These are just a few Walt Disney World tips you should know when planning your vacation to the parks.

The little hacks are also things I love to remember when it comes to doing Disney the right way.

Please let me know what Walt Disney World tips and tricks you think are the best in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:.

• What is the Disney Dining Plan and is it worth it?
• How to Do Walt Disney World on a Budget?
• 5 Things You Should Know Before Going to Walt Disney World this Year (NO MASKS!)
• Magic Kingdom for Adults the Complete Guide
• How to Pack for Walt Disney World

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Planning a trip soon? If so, read the  Disney Vacation Planning Guide  for your next dream trip!

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Ultimate 3-day disneyland itinerary (2024 travel guide), 2 thoughts on “35 most underrated disney world tips and tricks for first timers (2023)”.

Hello my friend. We will be staying on Disney property this Sunday and we have a reservation for Epcot on Monday morning. Our plan is to ride Ratatouille and would like your advice to go directly to that ride and have a short wait. What should our strategy be? Thank you for your help. Dan and Lora ps we also just purchased an annual pass holder ticket that is only valid on weekdays – I am not sure if that helps.

Right now the best plan of attack is to arrive to Epcot at rope drop and head back to Ratatouille first. You can also consider participating in the Genie+ program where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a Lightning Lane pass for the ride and skip everyone. Overall, arrive to the park before it opens and check out this guide on Genie+ here: https://www.themeparkhipster.com/disney-genie-plus-lighting-lane/

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The Ultimate Disney World Guide for First Timers (2024)

Disney World for first timers can be…well…overwhelming! And there’s no way I want you to feel that way. So, I created the ultimate Disney World guide for first timers (and I’m so excited to share it with you!). 

I’ve been lucky enough to go to Disney World anywhere from 1-3 times per year my whole life. I’ve done Disney as a kid, teenager, adult…and now as a mom myself (which has been awesome, by the way! So if you’re going to Disney with kids, no need to stress…I got you!). 

No, I’m not a local, so I can’t just pop in and see the latest and greatest thing going on there any time I want. I have to plan for each Disney trip we take to make sure we make the most out of it, while still making it feel like a vacation. 

Believe it or not, planning a first Disney trip can be almost as fun as actually going on the trip. In this Disney World guide, I’ll cover it all thoroughly enough to give a great head start on this planning extravaganza, but also concise enough so that you’re not sitting here for hours reading it. 

Now, let’s get planning for your first time at Disney World!

Disclosure: You may see affiliate links throughout this post, which means these are the things I handpicked! If you purchase something through these links, I will get a small commission at absolutely no extra charge to you. And that sure means a lot to me, so thank you in advance! See the privacy policy for more information.

Walt Disney World is the size of the city San Francisco. And that’s probably one of the reasons it feels like such a big task to plan your first Disney vacation. 

So, needless to say, there’s zero chance you’ll do it all on your first trip to Disney (heck, I haven’t even done it all, and I’ve been more times than I can count!). And that’s okay . Please remember that as you’re planning!

But just to get started, let’s review some of what makes up Walt Disney World:

Four Theme Parks 

Magic kingdom.

Think quintessential Disney. A mix of classic attractions and new favorites, TONS of rides that everyone can enjoy, and a pretty epic fireworks show. Magic Kingdom is a must-do during a first-time visit to Walt Disney World in my opinion! 

At Epcot, you’ll find some amazing food and drink options. And this is absolutely the best park if meeting princesses is a priority. But my favorite part about it as a mom? There are a bunch of fun play areas around the park that my kids LOVE. 

Hollywood Studios

This park is the place to be if you’re a Stars Wars, Toy Story, or Disney Junior lover. While there are only a couple rides with no height restrictions, there are lots of shows and character meet and greets to keep even the littlest ones in your party entertained. 

Animal Kingdom

An animal lover’s dream, but so much more than a zoo.  In fact, I wouldn’t even put Animal Kingdom in the category of a zoo at all. You can learn so much about animal conservation here, enjoy unique attractions, and see my personal favorite show on property – Festival of the Lion King. 

Can’t decide which park(s) might be best for your family? Here’s a good review of what each park offers .

Two Water Parks

Typhoon lagoon.

Disney legend has it that this tropical paradise was hit by a huge typhoon, and now you get to enjoy all the fun that came from the aftermath. 

Blizzard Beach

This water park doesn’t have a tropical feel at all. In fact, you’re transported to a winter wonderland in the middle of Florida. 

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a massive shopping and dining area. So, if you’re really into those things, this area might end up being on your must-do list for your first trip to Disney.

There’s also plenty of entertainment options and fun experiences there, as well, such as Cirque du Soleil, bowling, a movie theater, driving a car (that turns into a boat) right into the water, and taking a “hot air balloon” ride.  

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex 

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a large sports facility that hosts thousands of athletes in over 60 sports throughout the year. (Fun fact: I actually competed in dance team nationals there in high school!). 

Over 30 Resort Hotels

The resorts can honestly be attractions of their own.  Whether you’re staying on property or not, you can still enjoy all that the resorts have to offer including dining and resort activities. 

Now that you have a general idea of what Disney offers, let’s jump into the details of the planning stage. 

Setting Up a My Disney Experience Account

The very first thing you should do when planning a trip to Disney World for the first time is set up your My Disney Experience account. Head over to Disney’s website or download the My Disney Experience app on your phone to get started.

My Disney Experience will be your hub for basically EVERYTHING while planning your trip and enjoying your time at Disney. Your travel party and all of your plans, tickets, dining reservations, and resort information will be linked to this account as you plan everything.

This is also where you will access Disney Genie (as well as Genie+ if you decide to purchase this), virtual queues, mobile food ordering, and photos that are taken throughout your vacation. 

You’ll be able to find the park hours, park maps, ride wait times, character meet and greet locations, and SO much more.

If you’re staying on Walt Disney World property, you will even be able to check into your resort and open the door to your room through the app. 

So, the moral of the story? Go get this set up ASAP. And once you do, click around just for fun to get yourself familiar with it all. 

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Once you have your dates on the calendar, it’s time to choose where you’ll stay. There are two general options–staying on Disney World property and off Disney World property. 

Both have their pros and cons (the main con of staying on property being the price), but there really is something extra special about staying on property and being in the “Disney bubble.” Not only that, but there are also perks that come along with staying on property. 

On-property perks include:

• Extra park hours. All Disney Resort Hotel guests get to enter the parks 30 minutes early each day. And those staying at deluxe resorts get extended evening hours on select nights (I promise I’ll get into the different levels of resorts in a second).
• The ability to book your dining reservations for your entire trip 60 days prior to your check-in date (yep, I’ll get to this soon, too!). 
• Free transportation around property.
• Getting first dibs on Individual Lightning Lane selections (again, I’ll get to this later). 
• Free parking at the resorts and theme parks. 
• The ability to purchase the Disney Dining Plan (if you book a vacation package).
• Discounts on MagicBand or MagicBand+. And if you do decide to purchase those, you can set up the ability to charge your room for purchases made during your vacation.  

Ok, now let’s get into the deets about your on-property vs off-property accommodation options. 

On-Property Resort Hotel Options

Disney World has Resort Hotel options at various price points, with the value resorts being the cheapest option and the deluxe resorts being the most expensive option. Obviously, as the price goes up, the more amenities or better location you get. But here’s a quick overview of it all:

Value Resort Hotels

In general, you can expect the Value Resort Hotels to have motel-like outdoor entrances to your room, a food court, fun theming, and large pools with no water slides. 

Value Resort Hotels have the smallest rooms overall and usually sleep 4. But All-Star Music and Art of Animation offer family suites that sleep 6 for a higher price. 

List of Value Resort Hotels at Disney World + Transportation Options Around Property

• Art of Animation : Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks. 
• All-Star Movies : Bus transportation only.
• All-Star Music : Bus transportation only.
• All-Star Sports : Bus transportation only.
• Pop Century : Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks.

Moderate Resort Hotels

You can expect a little bump up in the quality and amenities at Moderate Resort Hotels compared to Value Resort Hotels.  The rooms will be a bit bigger, some of the studios have 5th sleeper options, pools will have water slides, and you’ll have table service restaurant options in addition to a food court.

List of Moderate Resort Hotels at Disney World + Transportation Options Around Property

• Caribbean Beach : Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks.
• Coronado Springs :  Bus transportation only. 
• Fort Wilderness Cabins : Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Port Orleans French Quarter : Bus transportation to all theme parks and water parks. Boat transportation to Disney Springs. 
• Port Orleans Riverside : Bus transportation to all theme parks and water parks. Boat transportation to Disney Springs. 

Deluxe Resort Hotels

The Deluxe Resort Hotels are the cream of the crop when it comes to Disney resorts (and the prices reflect that).  These resorts will have the most square footage in the rooms with a balcony/patio, more elaborate pools and waterslides, and table service and quick service dining options (no food court style dining). 

These resorts *usually* have interior entry to your room, multiple transportation options to get you around property, and a location close to the theme parks or Disney Springs (sometimes within walking distance!). 

List of Deluxe Resort Hotels at Disney World + Transportation Options Around Property

• Animal Kingdom Lodge : Bus transportation only. 
• Beach Club : Boat transportation and walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Walking distance to Skyliner transportation (which connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Boardwalk : Boat transportation and walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Walking distance to Skyliner transportation (which connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Contemporary : Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Walking path to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Grand Floridian : Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Walking path and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Old Key West : Bus transportation to all theme parks and water parks. Boat transportation to Disney Springs. 
• Polynesian : Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Riviera : Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks.
• Saratoga Springs : Bus transportation to all theme parks and water parks. Walking path and boat transportation to Disney Springs. 
• Wilderness Lodge : Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Yacht Club : Boat transportation and walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Walking distance to Skyliner transportation (which connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 

Fort Wilderness Campground

Yep, there’s even a campground at Disney World! The campground is located at Fort Wilderness, and guests can enjoy the same perks and resort amenities as those staying in the cabins (except for the fact that you have to have a camper or tent with you!). 

Guests have access to boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. And bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks. 

Disney Vacation Club Villas

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is basically Disney’s version of a timeshare and has villas at all the deluxe resorts. One major thing that sets the villas apart from the regular resort rooms is that the villas have a bit more of a home away from home feel. In the studios, there are kitchenettes and in 1-bedroom villas or bigger, there are full kitchens and laundry facilities in the room. 

Now, this may sound like something that doesn’t pertain to you since it’s your first time at Disney World, BUT you can actually rent DVC points to enjoy the perks of staying in a DVC villa (and staying in a deluxe resort in general). This usually ends up being cheaper than booking a regular room at the same deluxe resort. In fact, at times, you may even find prices that are similar to stays at moderate resorts!

In order to rent DVC points, there are quite a few companies you could use. DVC Rental Store and David’s Vacation Club Rentals are a couple of options, but if you google “renting DVC points,” you’ll be able to see various options. 

It’s good to note that you’re not able to book a Disney vacation package when renting DVC points, so you’ll have to purchase your tickets separately. 

List of Resorts with Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney World + Transportation Options Around Property

• Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary : Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Walking path to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge : Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Copper Creek at Wilderness Lodge : Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 

Off-Property Accommodations 

There are plenty of off-property accommodations nearby, including vacation rentals (like on VRBO ) and nearby hotels. 

These are great if you’re looking for more budget-friendly or pet-friendly options, you need accommodations with lots of extra space, you want to use hotel points that you’ve been saving up, or you just don’t want to be *totally* immersed in Disney. 

It’s good to note that there are “good neighbor hotels” at Disney World, in which you can book a Disney vacation package (resort + tickets) at a non-Disney resort and get some perks as if you were staying on property. Check out a full list of good neighbor hotels here . 

Theme Park Ticket Options and Park Reservations

Next up on this Disney World beginners guide? Purchasing your park tickets. You can do so on Disney’s website , as part of a Disney vacation package, or on a discount ticket site (like Undercover Tourist ). My workplace even offers discounted tickets, so it’s something to look into!

IMPORTANT: Kids under 3 are FREE and will *not* need a park ticket. Kids ages 3-9 will have slightly discounted ticket prices. 

Check out this post if you’re trying to figure out which park(s) to visit , especially if you’re going with young kids.

Disney World Ticket Options

Standard theme park ticket.

The Standard Theme Park Ticket is also known as the 1 Park Per Day ticket. This is the least expensive option.

With this ticket type, you will receive admission to ONE of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks each day. You may leave the park and re-enter the same park later that day. But you will not be able to enter a different theme park that day.

My Disney World advice for first timers who are overwhelmed with all the options Disney offers? Get the 1 Park Per Day ticket to help streamline your decision-making. 

1 Park Per Day with Water and Sports Option

With this ticket type, you will receive admission to one theme park per day as described above.  Plus, you will be able to enjoy a certain number of visits to some fun extras. 

The number of visits you receive will depend on the number of days worth of theme park tickets purchased. For example, a 1-day theme park ticket allows one visit to one of the extras listed below, a 3-day ticket allows 3 visits, etc. These visits will be in addition to your theme park tickets, so you can choose to use them on the same day you go to a theme park or a different day. 

For each visit, you can choose one of the following:

• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course – FootGolf
• Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (before 4 PM)
• Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (before 4 PM)

Park Hopper Option

Adding on the Park Hopper Option to your Standard Theme Park Ticket will allow you to visit more than one park on the same day. This is my favorite ticket type because it allows for SO much flexibility. 

Park Hopper Plus Option

The Park Hopper Plus Option is almost identical to the 1 Park Per Day with Water and Sports Option described above, so check out that section for more details. 

The only difference is that instead of only being able to visit one theme park per day, you will be able to visit more than one park on the same day, as described in the Park Hopper Option section. 

Annual Passes

Annual passes are most useful when you live close by or when you will be taking at least 2-3 separate trips to Walt Disney World throughout the year.

There are different types of Disney annual passes that consist of different benefits. Make sure to read through all the benefits of each pass on Disney’s website before purchasing, so you know exactly what it entails. 

Park Reservations

As of January 9, 2024, park reservations are a thing of the past IF you have a date-based park ticket! (Can I get a whoop whoop?!)

There’s a bit of a caveat, though. If you have a different ticket type (like an annual pass, military ticket, conference ticket, etc.), you will still need to make a park reservation. Don’t forget that important step if you don’t have a date-based ticket!

Special Ticketed Events

Throughout the year, Disney World offers special ticketed events, including After Hours Parties, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party , and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 

If an event is offered during your Disney trip and you’d like to go, you will need to purchase a separate ticket for that event specifically. 

Disney World Transportation 

Airport transportation.

If you’re flying into Orlando International Airport (the easiest and most common airport to fly into when visiting Disney World), you’ll have several options for how you’ll get from the airport to your resort. 

Here’s a quick overview:

• Shuttle bus (such as Mears Connect ) : these shuttle buses tend to be one of the most affordable options and you don’t need to have a car seat. But with a decrease in price comes some things to consider. You’ll have to wait in a (potentially long) line to get onto the bus. Then you’ll have to wait for the bus to fill up. Then you’ll likely have multiple stops along the bus route (I’m not sure why, but we’re somehow always one of the last dang stops!). For your return trip at the end of your vacation, you’ll be given a pickup time that’s usually about 3 hours prior to your departure time. 
• Private transportation (my favorite is Away We Go ) : the great thing about this option is that they’re ready right when you get off the plane to take your family directly to your resort. A lot of them even provide car seats. With any sort of private transportation, the cost goes up though.
• Car rental : if you want more flexibility during your trip or if you’ll be traveling to the surrounding areas off Disney property, this will be the way to go. I highly recommend reserving your car in advance . 
• Uber/Lyft : a rideshare service might be the cheapest option of all (although you will see price surges during busy times). But of course, there are certain things to consider, such as the car seat situation if you’re traveling with your kiddos. We have personally never done this option with our kids.

On-Property Transportation

There are SO many fun Disney World transportation options (honestly, we take rides on the Monorail or Skyliner just for the fun of it sometimes!). Almost all transportation options on property are FREE for anyone. 

So, let’s say you’re staying off property, but you’re at the Magic Kingdom and want to take a ride on the Monorail to go grab lunch at the Polynesian resort. You can do that!

Here are the on-property transportation options you might come by during your trip:

• Monorail : the Monorail travels to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and select resorts. It also makes a stop at the Transportation and Ticket Center, which is important to know if you’ll be driving, taking an Uber, or using the shuttle from an off-property resort to get to the Magic Kingdom. *You do not need to collapse your strollers on the Monorail.  
• Skyliner : the Skyliner travels to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and select resorts. *You do not need to collapse your strollers on the Skyliner IF it’s a single stroller or tandem double stroller (you will need to collapse it if it’s a side-by-side stroller).
• Bus : if you’re staying on Disney property, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll take a bus to get somewhere on property. *You will need to collapse your strollers on bus transportation.
• Boat/Ferry : you’ll find boats or a ferry in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot resort areas. *You do not need to collapse your strollers on the boats or ferry.
• Minnie Van : this is a paid service offered through Lyft, picking you up when you’d like and taking you directly to your destination (often making it the quickest option to get anywhere on property). You can book a Minnie Van in your My Disney Experience app. Up to two car seats will be provided if needed.  
• Driving : if you have a car, you can drive anywhere on property. If you’re staying at a Disney World resort, parking at your resort and at the theme parks will be free (although you can pay a fee for premium parking if you’d like). It’s good to note that when driving to Magic Kingdom, you will not park at Magic Kingdom. Instead, you will park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and take the Monorail or a Ferry to the park. 

Dining at Disney World

Dining options at Disney World seem endless. So, let’s just stick with the basics in this guide.

Quick Service Restaurants at Disney World

Quick service restaurants are spread out all over the theme parks and resorts. You do not need reservations for these restaurants.

These restaurants will have large seating areas, you will get your food on trays, and you’ll be responsible for throwing your trash away at the end of your meal. 

As the name implies, this will be your quickest dining option. 

Table Service Restaurants at Disney World

These are sit-down meals, whether that’s family-style, table service, or buffets. All character dining is included in this category. 

It’s highly recommended that you make advanced reservations for table service restaurants at Disney World. However, at times, there is a walk-up list you can join at the last minute.

Some reservations are harder to get than others (there are some SUPER popular themed restaurants or character dining spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table, for example). 

I always try to make my reservations 60 days in advance. But if I don’t get the reservation I want, I check back every now and then leading up to our trip. I’ve even had luck getting popular dining reservations on the day of!

Advanced Dining Reservations

What’s this you say about making reservations 60 days in advance? Well, let’s talk about it. Because this is a very important part of the planning timeline for Disney World.

If you’re staying at a Disney World resort , your advanced dining reservation booking window will open at 6:00 AM Eastern 60 days prior to your check-in date for your entire trip. 

If you’re staying off property , your advanced dining reservation booking window will open at 6:00 AM Eastern 60 days prior to the day you want to make each specific reservation.

You can make dining reservations on your My Disney Experience account online or on the My Disney Experience app. (I personally like to have both options open in case one glitches!)

If you decide you no longer want or need the reservation, you can cancel it up to two hours prior to the reservation without penalty (you’ll have to put a credit card down when booking the reservation that can be charged if you no show your reservation).

Mobile Ordering 

There are lots of restaurants that offer mobile ordering using the My Disney Experience app. Most of the restaurants that offer mobile ordering are quick service restaurants, but there are some table service restaurants that offer it for to-go orders. 

To mobile order food, open up your My Disney Experience app, click the “+” button on the bottom, then click “Order Food.” Once you’re ready for them to start putting your meal together, click the button stating that you’ve arrived. 

This is a great way to save time waiting in lines at restaurants! 

Food Allergies at Disney World

Disney World is amazing at accommodating food allergies. All quick service and table service restaurants at Disney have allergy-friendly menus. And you are encouraged to ask to speak to the chef to discuss all allergies before ordering. 

Disney recommends contacting them in advance if you have 4 or more food allergies. Their website states they would like you to contact them by emailing [email protected] after making your dining reservations AND no more than 14 days before your trip.

Bringing Your Own Food into the Parks

You’re more than welcome to bring your own food into the parks (I always have snacks with me for the boys!). However, Cast Members will not be able to store, cook, or reheat any food you bring in.

Coolers are allowed as long as they’re smaller than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high. Loose and dry ice are not allowed, so bring along ice packs. 

Here’s a full list of what you can bring into the Disney World theme parks . 

Moving right along, now we get into the stuff that you don’t necessarily need, buuut may just make your trip a little more magical.  

First up, Genie+.  This is a paid service that allows you to skip the standby line at an attraction by booking a Lightning Lane reservation on the My Disney Experience app.

If you’re not quite sure what Genie+ is or if you’d need it, check out my full Genie+ review here . 

Long story, short…this can come in VERY handy if waiting in long lines doesn’t seem like something you’d like to do. But it’s super important to know how to use the service to get your money’s worth. 

I promise it’s not hard, but it can seem a little overwhelming initially. To learn all about it and prepare yourself in the best possible way, take a look at my full Genie+ guide . 

Memory Maker

Memory Maker is a photo service offered at Disney World. 

Around the parks, you’ll see PhotoPass photographers just about everywhere. If you purchase Memory Maker you’ll have access to download all the photos taken on your trip. And if you purchase it in advance, you’ll snag it at a discounted rate.

If you’re the picture taker in the family like me, this is a great way to ensure you get all the group photos you want during your first Disney trip (that aren’t selfies, of course). 

But my favorite reason to have it? Capturing my kids’ reactions during character meet and greets .  That way I just get to enjoy the moment instead of worrying about getting my phone out. 

Enchanting Extras

Finally, let’s talk about Enchanting Extras.  These are things like a fireworks dessert party, a cabana by the pool, getting a princess or knight makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, getting a haircut at Harmony Barber Shop, or building a lightsaber. There are a crazy amount of options!

To book an enchanting extra, you can do so online or by calling Disney World. The booking window is the same as the advanced dining reservations, BUT instead of opening at 6:00 AM Eastern, they often open at 12:00 AM Eastern (if you weren’t already tired enough thinking about booking advanced reservations…ha!). 

Disney World Tips for First Timers

Woohoo! You’ve made it through all the big decisions. But it’s one thing to just check boxes and another thing to make the most out of your time in the parks.  Here are some of my best tips for Disney World first timers. 

Get to know the My Disney Experience app ahead of time.

You’ll use the My Disney Experience every. single. day. of your trip. So click through it ahead of time to get an idea of where to find everything. 

Get to know how to use Genie+ ahead of time if you plan to purchase it.

This is a big one. To be blunt, if you don’t know how to use Genie+ before purchasing it, you’ll likely feel like you completely wasted your money on it. So do yourself the favor of getting to know how to use Genie+ before you even step foot in the parks. 

Looking for allll of my Disney tips? (Because there’s plenty more where this came from.)

Instagram is where it’s at! Check out @ThoseMagicalDays — an extension of Those Johnson Boys, where I let loose on everything Disney to help make your trip stress-free.

Check in at the front desk to get the lay of the land.

If you’re staying at a Disney World resort, you’ll be able to check into your resort in advance on your My Disney Experience app.  And you should definitely do that! (I usually do it anywhere from a month to a few days before our stay.)

BUT once you get to the resort, I still recommend heading to the lobby to check in there, too.

Why? They can go over all the resort details and give you a map. You can ask any questions you have. And SOMETIMES they can pull some strings to get your room ready a little earlier (this is not always the case, but it’s always worth a shot!). 

Prioritize your park days. 

Now, I’m not saying to plan your day down to the minute.  That’s the perfect recipe for a stressful day at Disney World. 

What I AM saying is to prioritize your day. Pick about 5 must-do attractions and experiences based on your family’s interests. Then get a nice-to-see list together to start knocking out once you’ve covered your priorities. 

This can include anything from rides, shows, playgrounds , character meet and greets, a special dining reservation or snack you want try, etc.

Planning a day at the Disney World parks can be overwhelming! But it doesn’t need to be.

Check out my FREE daily Disney World park planner to help prioritize and organize your day, so you can have the vacation you’re dreaming of.

Consider taking a day or two away from the parks. 

There is SO much more to Disney than just the parks. In fact, some of our favorite days (that actually feel like a vacation!) during our Disney World vacations are the days we don’t go to the parks. 

If the length of your first Disney trip allows, I’d highly recommend planning at least one non-park day.  On those days you can relax, enjoy the pool, check out Disney Springs or a water park, go to a character meal without feeling rushed, explore the other resorts, participate in resort activities, go golfing or mini golfing…the list goes on!

Don’t over-plan…but also don’t wing it.

Like I stated earlier, there’s no way to see and do everything at Disney World.  So, don’t try to! Focus on what’s most important to your family, then let the little moments of magic in between fall into place. 

With that being said…please, please, PLEASE don’t wing it. I cringe a little whenever I hear someone say that’s what they’re going to do at Disney World. The parks will get overwhelming QUICKLY if you go in without a plan at all, and you’ll waste too much time wandering around trying to figure out where to go and what to do. 

I like to have a basic plan each day. And I especially like to have a plan for what we’ll do at the start of our park days. That way we can start having fun right off the bat. 

Know that there are options for everyone to ride what they want.

If you’re going to Disney World with little ones, but you’re really looking forward to riding something your kiddo is scared of or way too small for, you can use Rider Switch. I explain it all in this Instagram post .

Review the Disney lingo.

Are terms like Rider Switch, Lightning Lane, and rope drop making you feel like you’re trying to learn a foreign language? Check out this quick vocab lesson to help things make a little more sense.

Know what to pack. 

Finally, what should you bring and what should you leave back at home? I cover it all in this article about what to pack for your entire family (complete with a printable checklist!). 

If you’re looking to learn what you need to bring just for your time at the parks, find out how I pack our stroller for Disney here .

If you want to just jump straight to the packing list, though…here you go.

Want to know EXACTLY what to pack for your upcoming Disney World trip?

Snag a free printable Disney World packing checklist by clicking the button below. (And how do I know it’s EXACTLY what you need? Well, it’s the list I personally use, so it’s been through plenty of trial and error.)

FAQ for Disney World First Timers

What do i need to know about disney world for the first time.

The most important thing to know about going to Disney World for the first time is that there’s something for everyone, which means there are a LOT of options to choose from. You won’t regret putting in some time before your trip to prioritize what you want to see and do to make your vacation individualized to your family’s interests. 

Which Disney park is best for first timers?

If I had to choose the best Disney park for first timers, it would have to be Magic Kingdom because of the nostalgia and quintessential Disney feel. But all four theme parks are so unique and fun in their own ways, so I would base which parks you’ll visit off of your family’s interests. 

How many days should I go to Disney World for the first time?

For a first time visit to Walt Disney World, I would recommend a 5-7 day vacation. 

Where should I stay in Disney World for the first time?

I highly recommend staying on Disney World property for your first Disney trip. The convenience of being close to the parks, the extra park hours, and having access to free transportation anywhere on property are huge perks. Plus being immersed in that Disney magic (and getting to experience the amazing customer service from the Cast Members) makes things extra special.  

Do I need a MagicBand at Disney World?

While having a MagicBand or MagicBand+ at Disney World makes things a bit easier, you don’t need to have one to enjoy your vacation. You’ll also have the option of using the MagicMobile service on your My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card (a physical card that you can get from Guest Services at the parks or the front desk of your resort) to perform similar tasks to the MagicBand. 

Does Disney World do anything special for first time visitors?

You can ask for a “first visit” button at the front desk of your resort or at any Guest Services location. Wear that button around the parks and the Cast Members just might take notice and sprinkle a little extra magic into your day! 

Wrap-Up: Disney World Guide for First Timers

I’m BEYOND excited for you that you’re going to Disney World for the first time… let the countdown begin ! While it can seem like a lot when you first start diving into planning a Disney vacation, I hope this guide gave you some good direction. 

Check out the Disney section of my blog for all sorts of Disney World tips and tricks. And if you want weekly tips and exclusive content sent straight to your email, subscribe to my newsletter here .

Counting down the days until Disney?

Well, let’s build that excitement even more.

Click the button to download a free Disney countdown printable. It’s FULL of fun Disney countdown ideas to choose from.

Wondering how I give my photos a bit of an oomph?

Well, let’s just say I’m a little obsessed with the Light & Airy Photographer photo editing presets.

In just one click, your photo goes from, “Aw, that’s cute,” to, “WOW!”

Jenn is the founder of Those Johnson Boys, a family travel blog on a mission to give parents the confidence to travel with their kids. As a mom to 3 young boys, she's learned all the tricks over the years to make family travel less stressful. Whether you're traveling to Disney World, the USA, or international destinations, Jenn loves sharing tips, itineraries, and travel inspiration to help you have the family vacation you've been dreaming of.

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Ultimate Walt Disney World Planning Guide (2024)

Planning a Disney World vacation can feel like a daunting task, especially for first-time guests. The entire Walt Disney World resort area covers around 43 square miles, which is almost twice the size of Manhattan!  Learning how to plan a Disney Vacation can help ensure you have a great time on your trip.

There are so many engaging activities, exciting attractions, magical details, and wonderful restaurants and resorts.  It’s nearly impossible to experience everything at Disney World over the course of several trips, let alone in a single visit to the park. That’s why it’s important to start your planning early and decide what you should prioritize on your trip.

This guide will take you through how to plan a Disney World vacation step-by-step. Disney vacations have become harder to plan each and every year, with Disney Genie+,  Advanced Dining Reservations, My Disney Experience, transportation, etc.  There’s so much to know, and this Disney vacation planning guide will be your go-to resource.

Do You Need To Plan a Disney World Vacation in Advance?

It’s no longer feasible to go to Disney World without doing at least some planning ahead of time.  Even entering a theme park requires an advance reservation in many cases.

In our view, these are the four bare-minimum planning actions needed to have even a functioning  Disney vacation.

• Decide when you will visit.   Crowd levels can impact your experience and time of year will affect your overall cost.
• Decide which park you will attend on each day.   Theme park reservations are mandatory for some ticket types — no reservation, no entry.
• Decide which hotel you’ll stay in.   While you can technically find a room without a reservation during some parts of the year, it’s not worth the risk.
• Decide if you want to dine at any table-service restaurants.   Dining reservations are strongly suggested; during the busiest days, many restaurants may completely refuse walk-ups.

These are the minimum plans needed to have a tolerable Disney World vacation.  To make your vacation good — or, dare we say, magical — you’ll probably want to do a good bit more Disney planning.  Below, we walk you through the eleven things you need to do to plan the best possible Disney World vacation .

Our planning guide is a great way to get started with researching your upcoming Disney World vacation.  As you’ll see, planning a Disney trip is no small task.  Imagine if you could have someone else do most of the work for you, for free!

That’s why we strongly recommend you contact the Disney travel agents at The Vacationeer .  There are plenty of good reasons why you should use a Disney travel agent , including taking advantage of their years of Disney experience and letting them handle making all of your reservations.

But one of the best reasons is that their planning services don’t cost you anything!

The Eleven Steps to Disney World Planning

There are plenty of ways to plan your Disney vacation, and everybody has their own way of doing it.  Below we’ve outlined what we believe to be eleven critical steps, in roughly the order that you should do them.  We’ve tried not to overwhelm you with too much information at once, but there’s no doubt that planning a Disney trip can be very complicated.  Take your time, read through it all, and follow the links throughout to find out more about some of the items we discuss here.

1. Learn the basics by doing some research

As you start to plan for a Disney World vacation, you should begin researching well in advance of booking the trip.  The information you gather during this important first step will help you through the rest of the process; starting early gives you plenty of time to learn before key dates in the trip planning process.  It will also be key to creating a detailed itinerary for each day so that your vacation will include every event, attraction, and restaurant you wish to experience.

Without a daily itinerary and at least some knowledge of the parks, Disney World can be a confusing and overwhelming place. Informed and organized vacationers are less stressed, save more money, and have more fun!

Being in-the-know will also help you secure your spot at popular resorts, attractions, and dining establishments.

Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to research travel destinations online , and Disney World is no exception. There are lots of Disney World resources online these days (such as our entire website!), so getting up to speed with the ins and outs of the parks is well within your reach.  To get you started, we’ll go over some basic information about Disney World.

Disney World at a Glance

Walt Disney World has four major theme parks:

Magic Kingdom

It’s the flagship theme park of Disney World and a rite of passage for kids of all ages.  Leave the real world at the gate — age melts away as you walk down Main Street, USA to reach Cinderella Castle.  Then, head in any direction to experience Liberty Square, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland.  Your kingdom awaits with adventures on flying elephants, doombuggies, space rockets, and steam trains.

Rides   |   Dining   |   Secrets

Originally envisioned as a functioning city of the future, EPCOT offers four neighborhoods: World Showcase , a tribute to the global diversity that enriches us as a species; World Nature , showcasing our interaction with the planetary forces that drive us; World Discovery , celebrating humankind’s ingenuity and innovation; and World Celebration , dedicated to the joy and camaraderie that are essential parts of the human experience.

Rides   |   Dining   |  Secrets

Hollywood Studios

Hooray for “the Hollywood that never was and always will be!”  Here, the golden age of motion pictures gets equal billing with modern blockbusters in a park dedicated to an entire universe of entertainment.  Drop into the Hollywood Tower Hotel, find yourself off-world on Batuu, or slink your way into a Pixar adventure.  You’re the star of this silver screen epic — are you ready for your closeup?

Animal Kingdom

Experience the glory and wonder of nature as you immerse yourself into a world that more than 1,000 animals call home.  Set off on safari, where giraffes are free to walk right alongside your open-air vehicle (from which you can also glimpse elephants, lions, and hippopotami).  Then, escape reality by staging a daring mountaintop run from the mythical Yeti, or traveling back in time to rescue a doomed dinosaur.

Other Resort Complex Amenities

In addition to four theme parks, you’ll find a full resort complex covering upwards of 27,000 acres:

• More than 20 large resort hotels are owned and operated by Walt Disney World, with additional third-party hotels nearby
• There are nearly 400 places to eat and drink at Disney World, from ice cream carts to high-end luxury dining, and everything in between
• Disney Springs is the largest shopping, dining, and entertainment district at Disney World ( no tickets required ); Disney’s BoardWalk offers an additional entertainment and dining district
• Disney World has 2 water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
• WDW has 5 golf courses and 2 mini-golf courses , an entire sports complex , and several lakes (offering boating, kayaking, parasailing, fishing, and other water sports)

There’s much, much more to learn about Disney World, but the above information should give you the basics that you’ll need to know as you start to plan.  At the end of each of our 11 steps in this guide, you’ll find links to special planning tools and additional articles/websites that further discuss items mentioned in each section of our planning guide.  The tools and links for this step are immediately below:

Planning Tools for This Step:

✔️  Use our  Disney World Map to get the lay of the land

✔️  Use our Disney World Transportation Map to chart your route

✔️  Subscribe to Disney-focused  YouTube channels

✔️  Review some fascinating Disney World Statistics

✔️  Learn the History of Disney World

✔️  Enjoy some interesting WDW Trivia

2. Download the My Disney Experience App

My Disney Experience is Disney’s mobile app & website that serves as a centralized hub for everything related to your Disney vacation.  In the app, you can:

• Create a profile
• Add friends and family members so you can plan together
• View your tickets and reservations
• Access the Disney Genie itinerary planning service
• Purchase priority access to certain attractions through the Genie+ and Lightning Lane service
• Enter a virtual queue for highly-demanded attractions, when available
• Access entitlements under the Disability Access Service, if applicable
• Place mobile orders for some meals, helping you avoid lines at some quick-service restaurants
• Use the MagicMobile service, which lets you use your mobile device as a contactless payment/entry device around Disney World.

Note:  If you’d rather not use the MagicMobile service to access your tickets and services, you can either purchase a MagicBand (a colorful RFID-enabled wristband), or request a plastic RFID card at no charge. 

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices — you might see it listed in the app store as “My Disney Experience” or even just as “Disney World.”  There’s no charge to download and use the app; you might see a notice about in-app purchases, but that refers to the ability to do things such as buying park tickets or placing mobile dining orders.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll want to sign in — you can use an existing Disney account or create a new one.  You’ll also need to grant it permission to use location services because some features such as virtual queuing are geofenced (only available when you are in a certain location based on your phone’s GPS).

Downloading the app early in the planning process is important for a few reasons.  First, it’s a great research tool.  Second, getting to know it now will make it all the easier to use during your trip.  And most importantly, as you begin to purchase tickets or make reservations you’ll want to link them to your Disney account.  For example, linking your hotel reservation in the app allows you to access an extended restaurant reservation booking window — as well as to access early booking for Lightning Lane attraction entrances.

Many (but not all) of the same services are also available through a dedicated section of the Disney World website.

Ready to talk to someone about planning next steps?

✔️  Download the My Disney Experience app

✔️  Access My Disney Experience via the Disney World website

✔️  Learn more about My Disney Experience

✔️  Learn more about using the MagicMobile service

3. Start Considering How Much to Budget for Your Disney World Trip

On average, a typical Walt Disney World vacation for a family of 4 in 2024 will cost about $6,559. This includes a 7-night hotel stay at a Disney Value Resort, 6 days of standard theme park tickets, Genie+ or Lightning Lane service, and quick-service meals for 4 people over the course of the trip.

Just like any vacation, you might want to plan for additional expenses such as transportation costs, upgrades, a longer stay, and souvenirs; or you might opt to save some money by staying off-site, shortening your trip, spending a day or two away from the parks, or visiting during the off-season.

Not surprisingly, some families end up putting themselves into debt to make a Disney World trip happen.

Of course, you won’t know exactly how much to budget until you make some choices about hotels, dining, tickets, etc. — but now’s a good time to at least begin thinking about how much you’re comfortable spending on your trip so you’re not left with sky-high credit card bills long after.

The resources below are a great way to start that process.  If you don’t want to devote a ton of time to it at this point, we suggest you start with just the first two resources… our How Much Does it Cost to Go to Disney World article and our Disney World Cost Calculator .

✔️  Explore how much it costs to go to Disney World

✔️  Estimate prices with our Disney World Cost Calculator

✔️  Learn about Disney Payment Plan options

✔️  Find the Cheapest Time to go to Disney

✔️  Check out Disney World discounts & deals

✔️  Save on your trip by buying discounted Disney gift cards

✔️  Learn how to do Disney on a Dime

✔️  Explore some free things to do at Disney World

✔️  Read Is Disney World Worth It?

✔️  Leverage your credit card points on your Disney vacation

Consider Working with a Disney World Trip Planner (For Free!)

This is a great time in your Disney vacation planning timeline to connect with a Disney Travel Agent if you’re planning on using one.  Your agent can provide a more accurate estimate of what you can expect to spend by walking you through all of the big choices you’ll be making in the remaining steps of the process.

Not sure which Disney World Travel Agency to use?  We strongly recommend The Vacationeer .  It’s not hard to see why we’ve ranked them as the best Disney travel agency .  First and foremost, they don’t charge anything to use their planning services and there’s never any obligation to book.  And, as an EarMarked Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , they’ve arranged Disney trips for thousands of families.  They boast a team of 90+ travel agents, but you’ll have one dedicated agent to serve as your personal Disney trip planner from start to finish.

Contact them to see which money-saving promotions might be available for your trip.  They can book your reservations, set up a payment plan for your trip, and even automatically apply newly-announced discounts to your trip after you book!

4. Decide When to Go to Disney World

Holidays at Disney can be crowded but festive

Deciding which time of year to go to Disney World is a very important part of the planning process, and not just for the obvious reasons of school/work schedules.  Crowd sizes, special promotions, festivals, and weather should also factor in your decision; these can not only affect your overall experience at Disney, but also your overall cost as well.

Crowd sizes are a major consideration when planning a trip to Walt Disney World.  Because park attendance fluctuates throughout the year, there are certainly better (less crowded) times of the year go.

For those of you who are not as tied down with schedule obligations (such as parents who homeschool or people who can work from anywhere), you are in a much better position to be flexible with your travel dates. For the rest of us, work schedules, school schedules, and other factors often influence the timing of our vacations, so we just have to plan a trip around a timeframe that works.

With millions of annual visitors, each Walt Disney World theme park can become crowded. The week you choose to visit the park can have a major impact on wait times for attractions and crowd density on the sidewalks and in the restaurants. Each park also has day-to-day crowd dynamics to consider.

The best way to gauge crowd sizes any particular day – at any one of Walt Disney World’s 4 theme parks – is to consult our  Disney World Crowd Calendar .  By using data compiled from recent years, our crowd calendar determines which theme parks will have the shortest lines and which parks will have the longest lines.

While not everyone has the flexibility to plan their trip around the least-crowded dates, crowd calendars can still be a valuable tool to help you to maximize your Disney experience during your visit.

It’s also worth noting that crowd levels tend to be a good indicator of how expensive your hotel and tickets will be.  Hotels and tickets are both subject to seasonal prices; the less popular times of year are the least expensive, while high-demand times like holidays and summer vacation cost more.

When is Walt Disney World Least Crowded?

Walt Disney World parks are typically less crowded from January 2nd until just prior to Presidents’ Day week (third Monday in February ), the week after Labor Day until just prior to Thanksgiving week, and the week after Thanksgiving weekend until the week prior to Christmas. As a general guide, when schools are in session, WDW is usually less crowded.

When is Walt Disney World Most Crowded?

Walt Disney World parks generally experience their highest attendance around school breaks. These include around Presidents’ Day week (third week in February), the Spring Break timeframe from mid- March through late April , Memorial Day weekend , Summer (mid- June through Labor Day), Thanksgiving week, and Christmas week through January 1st.

Special Promotions

During their slower seasons, Disney World will sometimes offer special promotions to lure guests to the park.

Some previous examples have included a Free Dining promotion which offered meals as part of a package that included non-discounted resort hotels and park tickets.  Other promotions have also been offered from time to time, allowing for discounted hotel rates, special ticket packages, or other benefits.

While promotions have been a bit scarce lately, things do tend to change quickly.  It’s a safe bet, though, that any promotions that come along will be limited to specific hotels or specific travel dates, and will likely be in the off-season.  If your plans are flexible, you’re more likely to be able to take advantage of these.

Walt Disney World is a great destination any day of the year. However, there is something about the seasonal festivals which make the park extra magical.

Besides the spectacular Festival of the Arts (typically in January) and the Flower & Garden Festival during the spring and early summer, most of our favorite seasonal events take place during the Fall and Winter months.

Epcot hosts The  Food & Wine Festival in the fall, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a real treat for Magic Kingdom guests around – you guessed it – Halloween.

During November and December , the wildly popular Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place at Magic Kingdom, as do a host of other holiday events, such as A Frozen Holiday Wish Show (Magic Kingdom), Christmas Day Parade on ABC (Magic Kingdom), Joyful! (Epcot), Holidays Around the World (Epcot), and much more .

If we had an absolute favorite week to be at Walt Disney World, we may have to choose some time in early December. The park is festive, the weather is comfortable, and the crowds are lighter than normal.

Any How to Plan a Disney Vacation guide must discuss the nuances of Disney’s weather.

First of all, Orlando, Florida is known for its warm and sunny weather. Ice and snow are virtually non-existent here and the temperatures rarely dip below the freezing level.

That said, there are some seasonal differences that you may want to take into consideration when booking your Disney World vacation. January is typically the coolest month, July is the warmest and wettest (though August is a close second for heat), and June has the most sunshine hours.

Daytime thunderstorms are a given during the summer; they often pop up with little warning and disappear just as quickly, usually leaving a rather unpleasant sauna effect in their aftermath.  On the bright side, a storm lasting 30-45 minutes is usually enough to send people scurrying for the exits, leading to lighter crowds afterwards.

Hurricane season technically lasts from June-November, though September has historically been the most active.  Even then, it’s rare for the Orlando area to take a direct hit from a hurricane.  That said, the parks have had to close a few times for hurricanes, though typically only for a day or so at a time.  Thanks to Disney’s generous hurricane cancellation policies , it’s still generally safe plan a trip to Disney World during hurricane season (though travel insurance is still also a good idea).

Our favorite seasons at Walt Disney World are probably the pleasant spring and fall seasons, with October being particularly nice. Our least favorite season is during the summer months — not only are the crowds heavy, but the weather can be quite hot and humid. If you do plan a summer vacation at Disney World, remember to come prepared with the proper amenities to keep you cool and hydrated.

Overwhelmed and ready for some expert help?

✔️  Use our Disney Crowd Calendar to pick the best time to visit

✔️  Research typical Disney World Weather

✔️  Learn about the best time to go to Disney World

✔️  Review our tips to avoid lines at Disney World

✔️  Beat the rain with the best attractions for rainy days

✔️  Learn about Hurricane Season at Disney World

5. Decide on Your Length of Stay (How Many Days)

Because there is just so much to see and do at  Walt Disney World , there is really no right answer for how long your Walt Disney World vacation should last. However, there are several wrong answers. One wrong answer would be staying for only 1 or 2 days!

We recommend that any trip should last at least four days, with an ideal range of a full week or so. Some people buy an Annual Pass and spend 30+ days at the park, so the sky is the limit! It just depends on your budget, time limitations, who you are traveling with, and what the goals of your trip are. But with so much to see and experience, a day or two won’t even scratch the surface of what Walt Disney World has to offer.

How Long Do Most People Stay at Disney World?

Most Disney World vacations last 3 – 7 days. Many guests devote one full day to each of the four Disney World theme parks. Given their size and number of attractions, it’s certainly possible to spend two days each at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Additional days can be spent re-visiting one of the parks, going to a Disney water park, or doing other various activities, inside or outside of the park.

If your objective is to experience most attractions, shows, parades, etc., you really need to provide yourself with adequate time/days to explore all facets of each park.  If saving money is an important consideration, a shorter trip can help accomplish that.

Many guests like to spend a day or two at other (non-Disney) Orlando-area attractions – such as  Universal Studios , SeaWorld, Legoland Florida, or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Other guests set aside a day or two for golfing, boating, or just to simply relax at the pool.

If your trip to Disney World is a “rite of passage” event for the kids – and your goal is to just experience the popular rides and get a feel for the park – 3-4 days is doable. However, just be aware that you may feel as though you are rushing to get as much in with your time constraints.  You probably won’t be able to experience everything that you set out to achieve.

Besides simply having enough time at Disney World, another reason for booking a longer WDW vacation is the financial incentive. The more days you spend at the park, the less the cost of your daily ticket. That’s not to say you will spend less money on an 8-day pass vs a 3-day pass — you certainly won’t. But, the cost per day  goes down substantially the more days you spend at Disney World.

Thoroughly review all current promotions and ticket pricing scenarios before deciding on the duration of your Disney World vacation.

✔️  Compare prices for different trip lengths with our Cost Calculator

✔️  We explore how long to stay at Disney

✔️  See how many days you need for each park

✔️  See our favorite day trips from Disney World

✔️  Extend your trip by visiting one of the beaches near Disney World

6. Decide How to Travel to Disney World

Planning a Disney World trip must, of course, include consideration of how you will actually get there.

The two most common modes of transportation to Walt Disney World are by car and by air.

Buses and trains also come in and out of Orlando, but these options tend to be more problematic with luggage considerations. Consult your bus service or Amtrak for their guidelines on luggage if you decide to go this route.

Driving to Disney World

For guests within a reasonable driving distance (or those who just love a good road trip), there’s some convenience in having your own car at Disney.  Of course, you’ll need to consider all of the costs associated with driving to Disney… fuel prices, auto maintenance / wear & tear, tolls, and parking fees.

An oft-forgotten expense is that those staying in an off-site hotel must pay a daily parking fee at the theme parks (Disney hotel guests don’t pay this fee).

Those who live far away will likely find the cost of driving to Disney World to be prohibitively expensive.  But for those who live in the southeastern US — or who are faced with the prospect of buying airline tickets for a large family — driving might be the right choice.

Flying to Disney World

Since most people fly to Disney World, let’s review some of your best options for booking a flight.

Most people use airline travel search engines – such as Priceline, Kayak, Expedia, or Travelocity – to book their air travel. We also recommend checking Google Flights or ITA Matrix  — both are robust search engines for finding airline deals. If you have flexibility with your booking dates, sign up for Airfarewatchdog alerts. You can get real-time or daily alerts for special offers and flight deals between your departure city and Orlando.

Which airports are closest to Disney World?

Orlando is served by three major airports, all of which have confusingly similar names.

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the airport of choice for trips to Disney World.  It’s the nearest airport (about 20 miles away)  and offers by far the most ground transportation options to Disney World.
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is located about 45 miles away from Disney World.  Though it’s further away and offers fewer ground transit services, it may be your only choice for a nonstop flight if you’re flying with a smaller/discount carrier or if your home airport is a smaller regional facility.
• Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is located about 65 miles away from Disney World.  It’s the farthest “Orlando” airport from Orlando (they actually got sued for using the word Orlando” in their name) , and is likely better suited for a Disney Cruise from Port Canaveral than it is for a stay at Walt Disney World.

If you’ll have a rental car and don’t mind a bit of a drive, you can also investigate flights into Tampa International (TPA, about 75 miles away) or Daytona Beach International (DAB, about 70 miles away)… but the flight discounts would have to be amazing to make up for the difference in time and cost.

Tips To Save on Flights to Disney World

Here are a few more cost-savings tips for booking your flight to Walt Disney World:

• For the best deals, book six weeks in advance.
• Scan for deals in the morning, as most airlines offer their best deals at this time. Act fast because good deals get scooped up quickly.
• The most inexpensive flights are often the earliest departures in the morning.
• Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly.
• Credit cards with frequent flyer mile points can save you money on future flights.
• Not all airlines offer their cheapest flights through travel search engines. Check low-cost airlines individually to see if booking directly through their website is less expensive.

Traveling Within Disney World

Regardless of how you get there, once you’ve made it to Disney World, transportation is a breeze.  Disney offers a completely free network of monorails, boats, buses, Skyliners (suspended aerial gondolas), trams, and walking paths to move people from place to place.  You’ll really only need a rental car if your plans take you off-site to a non-Disney destination (and even then, an Uber might be better).

Check out our Disney transportation map in the planning tools below to map out your journey through Disney World.

✔️  Search for airfare on Google Flights

✔️  For advanced flight search options, try ITA Matrix

✔️  Explore our Transportation Map to find out how to get around Disney World

✔️  Review options to get from the Orlando Airport to Disney

✔️  Estimate the cost of taking an Uber

✔️  Learn about parking at Disney World

✔️  Explore the Disney Monorail

7. Choose Your Disney World Resort Hotel

Disney owns and operates more than 20 on-site hotels, which it calls “Resorts.”  This name can be a bit confusing, because you’ll also hear the entire Walt Disney World area referred to as a “resort.”  As an alternative to the on-site hotels, you can choose to stay at a hotel not owned by Disney; that could save you some money, but you’ll miss out on a number of perks offered exclusively to on-site Guests.

Official Disney On-Site Resorts

There is something special about staying at an official Disney World resort.

For one, each resort has its own distinctive character, charm, and identity. You can leave the real world behind and surround yourself with Disney magic, 24/7.

Since all of these resorts are on Disney World property, you will be in close proximity to all the parks and have direct access to monorails, boats, skykliners, and buses.  A few resorts are close enough that you can easily walk to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.

On-site guests also receive special perks that off-site guests do not. These include Early Theme Park Entry and the ability to book Dining Reservations and Lightning Lane entries ahead of non-Disney resort guests. For 2025, Resort Guests also receive free water park admission on their check-in day.  Make sure you link your Disney World hotel reservation to your My Disney Experience account to take advantage of these perks!

Disney’s on-site Resorts are categorized within the following tiers:

Disney Value Resorts

The rooms at  Disney Value Resorts are smaller and are situated among larger campuses, so you might find there’s a bit of a walk between your room and the bus stops, dining, and front desk.  Transportation to the Disney World theme parks is mostly via bus or Skyliner.  Dining is typically quick-service that’s more akin to a food court, but still usually features a surprising variety that goes well beyond burgers and pizza.  Value resorts are a fantastic option for families who want to keep an eye on their budget but still have all the benefits of staying on Disney World property.

Disney Moderate Resorts

The  Disney Moderate Resorts offer a nice middle ground between the Value and Deluxe resorts.  You’ll have a somewhat upgraded room, good transportation, and usually a few different dining options that may offer a broader menu.  A Moderate Resort is a great way to upgrade your stay at a Disney World resort hotel without a major impact on your budget.

Disney Deluxe Resorts

Deluxe Resorts tend to be closest hotels to the Disney World theme parks, usually just a monorail, boat ride, or short walk away.  Not only is it easier to get to the parks in the morning and back from the parks at night; it’s also easy to avoid the hottest and most crowded parts of the day by returning to your hotel and letting the kids cool down in the pool or take a midday nap.  Then, while everyone else who stayed in the park all day is hot, tired, and cranky, you’ll be refreshed and ready for the nighttime fireworks.  Disney World’s Deluxe resorts also often feature larger rooms, the best pools and restaurants, and a generally upgraded experience.

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Deluxe Villa Resorts offer vacation home style amenities such as kitchens and separate bedrooms, which can be a great option for larger groups.  These range from studios (basically a hotel room that also includes a kitchenette and pull-down bed) to 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units featuring full kitchens and living rooms.  There are even some unique offerings, such as treehouse villas and over-the-water bungalows.  Even beyond these deluxe villa resorts, many other Disney World hotels offer family suites .

The only major disadvantage of staying at an on-site Disney resort is the cost. With the extra perks and close proximity to the park, these resorts are more expensive than off-site resorts, so your decision will really just depend on your budget and the priorities of your vacation.

Traveling with a fuzzy friend?  You might be surprised to learn that pets are welcome at a select few resorts, and there’s even a facility made exclusively for them.  Check out Pets at Disney World for more information.

Our favorite Disney World YouTube Channel has a great overview of Disney’s official on-site Resorts.

Off-Site Hotels (non-Disney)

Most off-site properties are further away from the park and do not have direct access to the monorail (though some might offer a limited shuttle service). Despite this, many off-site resorts are still quite close to the parks – some, in fact, are situated directly on Disney-owned land.  For example, you’ll find third-party hotels not far from EPCOT, as well as an extensive “Hotel Boulevard” just an intersection or so away from Disney Springs.

While you won’t enjoy the same perks as on-site guests, these off-site properties are generally very nice.  And some  non-Disney hotels do have agreements with Disney to allow their Guests to experience some special perks.

Many have all the amenities of the more expensive Disney Resorts (some even have more), and the rooms are often larger. If your party has 5 or more guests, off-site resorts offer more value, as most of the on-site 5-person+ options are quite pricey.

The bottom line is, if you are sticking to a tight budget and don’t mind being a little further away from the action, a non-Disney resort may be your best bet. You can have a fantastic vacation staying at either on- or off-property resorts.

We recommended that you explore both options and weigh the pros and cons as they apply to your situation. You can certainly split your nights between on-property and off-property. But if you are only at Disney World for a few nights, we recommend just paying a little more to be on the property.

Find the perfect hotel for your budget

✔️  Explore our Disney Resort Comparison page

✔️  See the best Disney Value Resorts

✔️  View the best Disney Moderate Resorts

✔️  Review the best Disney Deluxe Resorts

✔️  Find the best Family Suites at Disney

✔️  See the best Disney Resorts for kids

✔️  Explore the best Disney Resorts for adults

✔️  Learn where to book Disney World hotels

✔️  Find off-site hotels with shuttle service

✔️  Find our picks for the best on-site hotels overall

✔️  See which resorts have the best hotel pools

✔️  Splurge on Club Level at Disney World or a Five-Star Hotel at Disney

✔️  What’s the cheapest on-site hotel?

8. Buy Theme Park Tickets and Make Park Reservations (if needed)

Image © Disney

While it’s certainly possible to go to Disney World without ever setting foot inside a theme park, very few people actually do that.

And given that it’s possible that you may end up spending more on park tickets than on your hotel room, the decision about which tickets to buy is an important one.

We recommend you review all your options well in advance so you have time to think about which package makes sense for your budget and duration of stay.

And remember, you might need to make a theme park reservation (Disney Park Pass), depending on your ticket type.

Disney Theme Park Tickets

Let’s first look at the theme park tickets.

When and Where to Buy your Disney World Theme Park Tickets

As a general rule, you should always purchase tickets either directly from Disney, your travel agent, or an through an authorized seller/reseller — and you should do so well in advance of your departure. This will shield you from any price hikes that might occur and gives you the best chance of securing a reservation to your desired park on your desired day  (if your ticket type requires reservations).

Given that tickets can sell out and that some even require a theme park reservation, it’s not wise to just wait to buy your tickets when you get to the front of the park .

Most importantly, NEVER buy your tickets via eBay, Craigslist, or another unauthorized reseller.   There’s a very good chance that those tickets will be expired, completely used (no days left), or simply counterfeit.  Don’t risk it!

Ticket Pricing

Disney World theme park ticket pricing varies throughout the year.  They’re generally the most expensive during popular times (such school breaks, holidays, and weekends) and the least expensive during slower times. Prices also vary by park; Animal Kingdom is usually the least expensive and Magic Kingdom is usually the most expensive, with Hollywood Studios and EPCOT falling somewhere in between.

You can purchase single-day tickets or multi-day tickets (up to 10 days).  Ticket prices are structured in a unique way that rewards Guests for committing more time to the parks; the per-day price of a multi-day ticket gets cheaper the more days you add.

We have a full rundown of the ticket pricing structure in our How Much Does it Cost to Go to Disney World article.

2024 One-Day One-Park Ticket Starting Price (actual price varies by park)

Types of Theme Park Tickets

The basic Disney World theme park ticket allows entry to only one theme park per day.  But there are optional upgrades which allow you to visit multiple parks on the same day or add other special experiences.

Park Hopper option

The Park Hopper ticket option allows Guests to visit multiple Disney World theme parks on the same day.  After starting the day at one park, Guests may then go to a different theme park later in the day.

We especially love the Park Hopper for spending the first part of the day at one theme park, then spending the evenings at Epcot to take advantage of the wonderful dining options at World Showcase.  It’s an especially great option for those who have a limited amount of time at Disney World, and for those who have short attention spans!

Water Park and Sports option

The Water Park and Sports option allows Guests to visit one theme park per day, while also providing visits to other Disney properties.  Guests who purchase this upgrade will be able to visit water parks, mini golf and nine-hole golf courses, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, when available.

The number of these visits provided is equal to the number of days of theme park admission purchased.  As an example, a 4-day park ticket allows four visits to these facilities.

Park Hopper Plus option

The Park Hopper Plus option combines the Park Hopper option and the Water Park and Sports option into a single upgrade.  Guests who purchase this upgrade will be able to visit multiple theme parks in the same day, and also enjoy a number of visits to water parks, select mini golf and nine-hole golf courses, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, when available.

Disney Park Pass (Theme Park Reservations)

A theme park ticket isn’t necessarily the only thing you need to get into a Disney theme park.  Guests who buy theme park tickets may also need a theme park reservation through a system called Disney Park Pass .

Because of this, planning ahead can be crucial to ensuring you can get into your desired theme park on the day you want to visit.  If you’re traveling during a more popular time of year such as spring break, summer, or Christmas, it is quite possible that tickets or reservations may not be available if you wait until the last minute.

Example of a theme park reservation availability calendar

Park Pass theme park reservations can be made as soon as you’ve purchased your theme park admission tickets.  We recommend you buy your tickets as far in advance as possible to have the best chance of getting the theme park reservations you want.

Park reservations may be needed for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — but it depends on the type of ticket you purchased.   They’re not needed for Disney Springs or the water parks.

As of December 2022, all One-Day One-Park tickets automatically include a park reservation — no need to make one separately. And as of January 9, 2024, all date-based tickets will be reservation-free. Other ticket types may still require one, so be sure to check out all the details when you purchase.

If your park hopper ticket requires reservations, you’ll only need a reservation for the park you’ll be  starting  your day at.  You do  not  need a reservation for the  second  park you’re visiting (“park hopping” to) on the same day, but the park still needs to have capacity to admit new Guests.

✔️  View Disney’s official theme park ticket price calendar

✔️  Check Disney’s theme park reservation availability calendar

✔️  Explore ticket prices in our How Much Does it Cost to Go to Disney World article

✔️  Read our complete guide to  Disney Park Pass theme park reservations

Need help navigating all of the ticket options?  Contact the Disney Experts at The Vacationeer .  They can help you decide which tickets are right for you and give you tips on snagging theme park reservations.  And best of all, their planning services are completely free!

9. Select Your Disney World Dining Options

There are literally hundreds of places to eat and drink around the Walt Disney World Resort, from the humblest popcorn cart to the fanciest high-end fine dining restaurant.  If this is your first trip, you may be surprised by all the world-class dining experiences the parks and resorts offer.

Gone are the days when Disney was known simply as a “burgers and kid’s meals” type of destination.  Sure, there are plenty of quick-service restaurants and snack stands around the park, but there is also an eclectic mix of fabulous table-service restaurants to satisfy the toughest of culinary critics.

Some restaurants are themed around Disney attractions, while others are geared towards families or offer formal dining experiences.

All-you-can-eat buffets are popular, as are regional cuisine restaurants. Epcot’s World Showcase offers culinary experiences aligning with the specific country represented, while Disney Springs has an abundance of fabulous dining experiences to choose from.

There’s even a popular dinner show called the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue that features two hours of comedy and music (accompanied by endless fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and strawberry shortcake).

There is really something for everyone’s taste buds at Walt Disney World!

Types of Restaurants

There are two primary types of restaurants at Disney World.

Quick-Service Restaurants

A quick-service restaurant, sometimes also called counter-service, is a place to grab a casual, quick bite.  The ordering, payment, and service experience is somewhat similar to what you might expect at either a fast food restaurant or a “fast casual” place such as a Panera Bread or Chipotle.  You’ll stand in line, order, and pay (or use the mobile ordering service described later in this planning step); then, you’ll either receive your food right away on a tray or be given a pager-type device to alert you when it’s time to come and pick up your meal.  You won’t have a server at your table, and when your meal is over you’re expected to bus your own table and discard your trash.  Despite the ordering experience being akin to a fast food place, your food isn’t necessarily just burgers and fries.  Many locations have innovative menus and substantial meal offerings that rival those of a traditional restaurant.

Table-Service Restaurants

A table-service restaurant, sometimes also referred to as a “sit-down” location, is a more refined dining experience.  You’ll check in with a host/hostess, be taken to a table, and be introduced to a server who will take your order and tend to your needs during your meal.  These restaurants vary from relatively casual a la carte locations, to all-you-care-to-eat buffets, to elegant signature dining locations.  Menus vary from homestyle cooking to authentic international cuisine.  Advance reservations (described below) are strongly suggested, as some restaurants may completely refuse walk-ups during busy times.

Advance Dining Reservations

If you plan on dining at table-service restaurants during your vacation (recommended!), reservations are essential.

Disney calls its restaurant reservations “Advance Dining Reservations.”  Sometimes you’ll hear people call these “ADRs.”  An ADR lets you secure your table at some of Disney’s most popular table-service restaurants (restaurants in which you have a server at your table who takes your order and brings your food to you).

Slots during prime hours go quickly, especially at popular dining locations like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Chef Mickey’s.  Booking your reservations as soon as the reservation window opens is key to getting what you want.

Guests staying in a Disney Resort hotel  may make dining reservations for the entire length of their stay (up to 10 days’ worth of reservations) as early as 60 days in advance of their hotel check-in date.

All other Guests can make their advance reservations for dining as early as 60 days in advance of the meal.

Note: you might have previously heard that dining reservations could be made 180 days in advance.  While that was previously true, the booking window changed in 2020.

We recommend that you spend some time reviewing on Tripadvisor  and  Yelp  before making your Advance Dining Reservations (or speak w/ a Disney Travel Agent first).

Mobile Ordering

Reservations are not offered for quick-service dining at Disney World, though some locations do provide a mobile ordering service through the My Disney Experience app.  For these locations, you can view menus in the app, then order and pay ahead of time.  When it’s time to eat, you can bypass the regular ordering/payment line and go straight to the mobile pickup window to get your food.

Skip the Line with Mobile Ordering

Character Dining

One of Disney’s unique dining offerings is its character dining.  If getting some face time with Disney characters is a must-do for your trip, this is a great way to accomplish it without having to wait in line (and you get to enjoy a great meal, too!).

While you enjoy your meal, several Disney characters will come to your table for a brief visit.  It’s a great chance to snap a photo, ask for an autograph, or just enjoy a personal interaction.  Because the characters are coming to you, there’s no need to wait in any long lines.  And there’s just something special about having the main mouse himself pop up over your shoulder while you’re chowing down on a Mickey waffle!

Each character dining experience focuses on a specific set of characters… for example, the “Fab 5,” Disney princesses, Disney Junior Stars, or Winnie the Pooh and friends.

Disney Dining Plans

For some travelers, one of the best options for dining at Disney is to add a Disney Dining Plan to your on-site hotel stay.  These plans offer a set number of meal and snack credits per person at a fixed daily cost.  Historically, during certain low-demand seasons, Disney has even  occasionally offered the dining plan at no additional charge as part of a vacation package including a hotel stay and theme park tickets.

Disney Dining plans were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they’re returning for 2024 Disney World vacations .

Until the dining plan fully returns, you’ll be paying out of pocket for your food on-site, unless you opt to bring your own food into the parks (and yes, you can get groceries delivered to your hotel).

✔️  Calculate the date you can book dining reservations

✔️  Explore menus for every restaurant at Disney World

✔️  Use our Disney Dining Plan Calculator (Note: Dining Plans are currently suspended until January 2024)

✔️  Estimate your food costs by viewing examples in our  How Much Does it Cost article

✔️  See how different meal choices affect your budget in our Disney World Cost Calculator

✔️  See our picks for the best Magic Kingdom restaurants

✔️  Explore our ranked list of the best EPCOT restaurants

✔️  Review our choices for best Hollywood Studios restaurants

✔️  Go wild when dining at the Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants

✔️  Explore the best options for Character Dining

✔️  Experience culinary excellence at one of the Michelin Guide restaurants at Disney

✔️  On a plant-based diet? Check out the best Vegetarian dining

✔️  Just love food? Review our guide to Disney World for Foodies

✔️  Learn more about Disney Dining Plans

✔️  Read about Disney World Free Dining promotions

10. Create a Daily Itinerary for Your Disney World Vacation

Now that we have covered the basic elements of your Walt Disney World vacation, it’s time to start thinking about the nitty-gritty details of your trip. Improvising on-the-go can cost you money and lost time while you are at the park, so creating an itinerary will keep your vacation on track.

If your trip to WDW is 4 days or fewer, you will most likely spend each day exploring at least one of Disney’s 4 theme parks. Consider a Park Hopper pass so that you have the ability to jump between parks during the day.

Time is of the essence, so we recommend that you map your route and create an itinerary of high-priority attractions so nothing is overlooked.

If your Disney World vacation is a week or so, consider spending one day at a Disney water park (Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon), at a non-Disney property (such as SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens), golfing, boating, shopping, or just taking a day off to relax.

Reservations for theme parks and dining should be made well in advance of your trip, so the process of selecting which restaurants and attractions are top priorities should begin as soon as you book your trip (if not before).

As you research your options, make notes to help you formulate your Walt Disney World itinerary.

Here are a few things to consider when making your daily plans:

One of the primary factors for your daily itinerary should be how late the park is open each day you’re there.  Park opening and closing times can vary from day-to-day.  So you might want to base your daily park choices on which park has the longest hours — or at least make sure you don’t shoehorn yourself into only being able to visit a certain park on the one day during your trip that it closes early. Some parks take longer to fully experience than others, and you don’t want to run out of time.

A great perk of staying at an on-site Disney hotel is having extra time in the parks when the general public is not allowed in.  While not all attractions operate during these extended hours, it’s still a great way to get a few extra rides in with typically lower wait times.  The previous Extra Magic Hours  program has now been replaced by two offerings:

Early Theme Park Entry

Disney Resort hotel Guests (and Guests of other select hotels) may  enter the Disney parks 30 minutes earlier  than the general public, every day of the week. Each of the four parks offers this perk every day of the week; which park you choose is solely up to you!

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

Guests at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villa Resorts, and a few other select hotels may also enjoy additional time at specific parks on specific nights.  You’ll want to check the  latest schedule  to verify which dates and parks are available during your trip.

Waiting for Rides/Attractions

It’s an unfortunate fact that a sizable portion of your Disney World trip will be spent waiting in line to get on rides or see shows.  Fortunately, there are ways to minimize this as much as possible.

Standby Lines

When most people think of waiting in line for a ride, they’re thinking of what Disney World calls a Standby queue.  It’s line waiting in its simplest form; you walk up to an attraction entrance, wait in line for as long as it takes, and then get into the ride vehicle.

Standby wait times can fluctuate wildly throughout the day, often peaking in the mid-afternoon.  While you can’t do anything about the length of the line itself, you can game the system a bit by deciding when to enter that line.

For your most important attraction of the day, I suggest doing what frequent visitors call “rope dropping” the park.  This means that you are at the park before it opens for the day, enter the park as soon as Guests are allowed in (as soon as they “drop the rope” that is keeping people out), and go directly to the desired attraction so you can ride it with as little wait as possible.

Other tactics to try to avoid the worst of the standby wait times is to go during the afternoon parade, or to go when most people are having lunch/dinner.  The Disney Genie section of the My Disney Experience app will also show you a forecast of wait times for each hour of the day so you can better plan your arrival time to minimize waits.

One further tip that won’t necessarily help you avoid an extended wait time but will certainly increase your comfort level. As a long-time Floridian, I highly recommend doing all of the rides that have completely-outdoor waiting lines either early or late in the day; when it’s miserably hot/steamy outside during the afternoon hours, I prefer to hide away from the midday sun by experiencing the rides with indoor air-conditioned queues. These rides are also less likely to close during afternoon thunderstorms.

Virtual Queues

If your trip happens to occur in the months immediately following the opening of a highly-anticipated attraction (such as a new roller coaster), you’ll likely find that you can’t simply go stand in line for that ride.  Instead, you might have to use something called a virtual queue .

It’s exactly what it sounds like — rather than physically standing in line, your spot in line is held virtually via the My Disney Experience app.

Virtual Queue

A virtual queue is both good news and bad news for your itinerary planning.

The good news: Historically, people have spent as much as five or six hours (!) waiting in line for a new ride — I did that when Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opened and don’t recommend it.  Those long lines are not the case with virtual queuing.  Your wait might technically still be that long, but you don’t have to spend that time actually waiting in a line.  You’re instead free to go have plenty of other fun elsewhere in the park during that time, and then come back when it’s time to ride.

The bad news: Competition to grab a spot in the virtual queue can be fierce.  Spaces open up daily at 7AM and again at 1PM.  On dates when Extended Evening Theme Park Hours are offered for select Resort Guests, another round of queuing begins at 6PM.  On the busiest days, all available slots can be claimed within seconds of being released. To give yourself the best possible chance of snagging a spot, read Disney’s extensive instructions  ahead of time so you know exactly what to do at 7AM on the day you wish to visit.

Priority Attraction Entrance (Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane)

Many rides and experiences in the parks have a special Lightning Lane entrance which allows you to bypass the regular line and board more quickly.  If you’ve been to Disney World in the past, you might remember these entrances having been previously called FastPass or FastPass+.  The Lightning Lane concept is still mostly the same, but there’s one big difference: you now must pay to enter the Lightning Lane.

Genie+ Service

Most rides which have a Lightning Lane entrance are packaged together into a bundled service called Genie+.  For a combined fee of approximately $15-$30 (varies based on date/demand/park) per person per day, Genie Plus lets guests make reservations to use the Lightning Lane entrance at more than 40 attractions throughout the parks.  Guests make their first Lightning Lane reservation on the morning of their visit and then make additional ride reservations, one at a time, for the remainder of the day (subject to availability).  Disney says this service will usually help you experience a quicker load time on 2-3 attractions on a busy day (maybe more on less-crowded days), which can help save you hours of waiting in line.

Note: The paid Genie+ service should not be confused with the basic Disney Genie service, which is an itinerary suggestion service inside the My Disney Experience app.  Disney Genie provides suggestions of what to do based on wait times and your interests.  Genie+ saves you time waiting in line by letting you instead select a time to return to ride.

Individual Lightning Lane entry

The Lightning Lane entrances at the most popular attractions in each park are not included in Genie+ and are instead sold separately.  You’ll be able to purchase one entrance per day for each ride offering this individual entry service.  The cost usually ranges from $10-$20 per ride and varies based on the attraction, date, and availability.

If a ride’s Lightning Lane is sold under this individual pricing structure, it will not be included in the Genie+ package offering.

You can’t actually book your Lightning Lane entrances in advance — they’re available for purchase only on the day of your visit — but you’ll still want to research them in advance to include in your daily itinerary.

Disability Access Service

A special service is provided to assist Guests who have a condition that interferes with their ability to wait in line.  This offering, called the Disability Access Service (DAS), assigns return times so Guests don’t need to be physically present in the attraction line (but still experience a similar length of wait as those who are waiting in line).

There’s an important distinction when understanding DAS: qualifying is based on a guest’s ability to wait  in line, not their ability to  stand in line. Most attraction lines are wheelchair accessible , so a wheelchair alone is unlikely to qualify someone to use DAS.  There’s no official list of disabilities which automatically qualify, but some which may qualify include ADHD, autism , or anxiety.  Each decision is made on an individual basis, and Disney alone has sole authority to grant or deny DAS to a Guest.

This is a highly-nuanced topic that we can’t completely cover in just a few sentences.  We suggest you read our extensive guide to the Disability Access Service for further details.

Timing Your Meals

Your itinerary should include a solid plan on when you’re going to eat your meals.

Unless you have breakfast reservations for an in-park restaurant, we do NOT recommend that you have breakfast in the park.  You’ll likely be missing out on some of the lowest ride wait times of the day if you’re off getting food right after the park opens.  One option is to have breakfast at your hotel’s restaurant before heading to the park (the restaurants open early enough to allow this without missing park opening). I personally prefer to just have bagels and cream cheese in my room and opt for an early lunch — that lets me sleep in just a bit and still get to the parks early.

Speaking of an early lunch, having your meals during an off-peak time is a great way to avoid wasting time waiting in long lines at counter-service restaurants.  If you have lunch at noon and dinner at 6PM, you’ll quickly notice that pretty much everyone else in the park had the same idea.  Not only will there be longer waits in line (and for your food to be prepared), but you might even have to “hover” a bit to find an empty table.  If you do have to dine during the busiest hours, take full advantage of mobile ordering within the My Disney Experience app whenever you can.

Of course, should you have dining reservations at a table service restaurant for lunch or dinner, your time for that meal is set and you just need to plug it into your daily itinerary.

Planning When to Stop and When to Go, Go, Go

With the prospect of a full vacation in front of you, it’s easy to either over or under do it.

Yes, you’re on vacation, so it’s tempting to sleep in.  But doing so will put you a step behind everyone else in the park, meaning you’re at the mercy of higher crowds and longer lines.  Waking up early and getting to the parks right away goes a long way toward starting the day right.

On the other hand, if you plan to go nonstop from morning to night seven days in a row, you’re going to crash midweek and have a miserable time.  You’ll probably end up losing more time due to the inevitable meltdown than if you had just planned to take some downtime along the way.

Take it from someone who spend more than a decade battling the central Florida heat: the afternoon sun will suck the life right out of you. A midday break is just the thing to rejuvenate your spirits.

If you’re staying on-site, you can easily go back to your hotel for a midday nap or dip in the pool.  I also like to give myself at least one “day off” during my trip. I usually just spend it relaxing at the hotel or maybe checking out the animals on the Savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge — but you might want go play a round of golf, sit on the lakeside “beach” at some resorts, or have a laidback day at Disney Springs (go shopping, have a meal, take a balloon ride , or see a movie ).

Giving some thought  now to periods of activity and periods of rest will help make sure your vacation doesn’t veer off track.

Our Top Tips for Disney World Itinerary Planning

With all of the above in mind, it’s really going to come down to a matter of personal preference.  Once you have a good handle on all of the things to do, see, eat, and experience at Disney World — what do you want to do each day?

Only you can answer that question.  But here are a few of our favorites to consider when planning your daily itinerary:

Some of the most popular rides for Lightning Lane passes and Disney Genie+ are:

• Magic Kingdom – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train; Space Mountain
• Epcot – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind; Frozen Ever After; Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Hollywood Studios – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run; Rise of the Resistance; Slinky Dog Dash; Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Animal Kingdom – Pandora’s Na’vi River Journey; Avatar Flight of Passage; Expedition Everest

Some of the other most popular attractions at each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks include:

• Magic Kingdom – Haunted Mansion; Magic Carpets of Aladdin; Pirates of the Caribbean; Splash Mountain (currently closed)
• Epcot – the pavilions of Epcot World Showcase; Mission: Space; Test Track; Spaceship Earth; Soarin’; Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Animal Kingdom – Expedition Everest; Jungle Cruise; Kali River Rapids; Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Hollywood Studio – Fantasmic; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster; Toy Story Midway Mania; Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Some of our favorite WDW restaurants include:

• Be Our Guest Restaurant , Magic Kingdom – This ornate French eatery with a Beauty & the Beast theme offers fixed-price dining.
• California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Contemporary Resort’s premier restaurant is a great spot to watch the fireworks and offers breathtaking views of the park.
• Chef Mickey’s, Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Popular breakfast & dinner buffet restaurant with special visits from Mickey and friends.
• Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom – This Cinderella-themed eatery is set in a room that resembles a medieval castle’s banquet hall.
• Flame Tree Barbeque, Animal Kingdom – Tasty BBQ featuring a relaxing outdoor pavilion with amazing views of Animal Kingdom. And it’s quick-service, so no need for a reservation!
• Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Retro dining establishment with fantastic caricatures of old-time celebrities on the wall.
• Le Cellier, Canada Pavilion at World Showcase, Epcot – Steaks are a specialty at this top-notch table service dining establishment.
• ‘Ohana, Polynesian Village Resort – All-you-can-eat, American-style (with a Polynesian twist) buffet for breakfast and dinner.
• Teppan Edo, Japan Pavilion at World Showcase, Epcot – Guests are seated around the teppanyaki grills as skilled chefs prepare your meal in front of you.
• The Boathouse Restaurant, The Landing, Disney Springs – Upscale waterfront dining experience featuring steaks and seafood, Amphicar tours, Italian water taxi tours, and live music.
• Via Napoli, Italy Pavilion at World Showcase, Epcot – Amazing pizza! Need we say more?

✔️  Find out which rides and experiences have a Lightning Lane

✔️  See the scheduled Disney Park Hours

✔️  Learn about the Virtual Queue

✔️  Learn a few of our favorite Disney Tips and Tricks

✔️  Find the Best Days To Visit Magic Kingdom

✔️  See  What’s New at Disney World

✔️  Investigate whether Genie+ is worth it

✔️  Learn if we believe Lightning Lane passes are worth the cost

✔️  See our complete guide to the Disability Access Service

✔️  See our list of fun things to do at Disney

✔️  Traveling with little ones? Find the best attractions for kids

✔️  Want some time off your feet? Plan on attending a stage show

✔️  Find the best places to relax at Disney

11. Create Your Disney World Packing List

Depending on the duration of your Walt Disney World vacation, you will most likely pack lots of items to take with you. Let’s look at some of the things you should include in your WDW packing list.

Luggage / Backpacks for Disney World 

First and foremost, make sure your luggage/backpacks are in tip-top shape for the journey, and of adequate size to hold your travel essentials.

Many families prefer to bring a backpack with them into a Disney World park so they have everything with them. It’s handy to have the essentials (or even a snack) — just remember not to overdo it!  Everything you bring in with you has to be hauled around all day, stowed away for rides, or left in a rented locker at the front of the park.

Some people prefer to skip the backpacks all together and use a smaller pack that goes around the waist.  While not necessarily the height of fashion, they certainly do the job and are much easier to work with when it comes to boarding ride vehicles.

Disney Souvenirs

This tip might sound odd, but hear us out.

Consider purchasing some of your Disney World souvenirs before your departure.

Purchasing items beforehand – like t-shirts, trading pins and lanyards, Disney autograph books, games and toys, and Mickey Mouse Ears hats – can save you money and time spent shopping for these items at the park. Plus, you will have these Disney souvenir items ready to use as soon as your flight touches down in Orlando.

Packing List

And finally, it’s time to think about which clothing items, documents, toiletries, medications, electronics, swimwear, baby items, food and snacks, and other accessories you will need to pack.

From our experience, you will arrive at Disney World – thinking you have packed everything you will need for your trip – only to discover that you left an important item or two at home.

For your convenience, we have created a suggested Disney World Packing List  to ensure that nothing is overlooked during the packing process.

Print this list and check items off as you pack. We have also included a few recommended items on our Packing List.

These include links to inexpensive ponchos, comfortable shoes, external batteries, USB wall chargers, and Disney beach towels, as well as water bottles and Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads for those warm days at Disney World.

✔️  Download our suggested Packing List

✔️  See our suggestions for the Best Backpacks for Disney World

✔️  Review the Best Disney World Fanny Packs

✔️  Scope out the Best Souvenirs in advance of your trip

Final Thoughts on How To Plan a Disney World Vacation

We hope our Ultimate Guide to Walt Disney World Vacation Planning will get you on the right path to planning, prioritizing, and booking your magical vacation to Disney World.  It’s a lot of information, but with enough research and planning, you’ll have a magical trip!

We should point out that this guide is mostly geared towards Walt Disney World in Florida, but many of the basic ideas still apply to other Disney vacations .  If you’re headed to Disneyland in California, you’ll also want to check out our Disneyland vs Disney World ,   Disneyland Resort Map , and  Disneyland Crowd Calendar pages.  We also offer extensive resources for those planning trips with Disney Cruise Line (including a complete guide to planning your first Disney Cruise ), as well as resources on Adventures by Disney .

Contact a Disney Travel Planner to Book Your Disney World Trip

As you’ve seen in this article, there is a LOT that goes into planning a Disney vacation.  Why not call in a professional to help?

The Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at The Vacationeer can plan your trip for you and take care of all of your reservations, all at no additional charge.  You won’t pay a penny more than if you’d have booked it yourself — and you might even pay less !

Their team of 90+ Disney fanatics know all the tips and tricks for hotels, dining, park tickets, and more… and can even apply new discounts to your trip as they’re announced, after your trip is booked!

There’s never any obligation to book and their services are free, so there’s nothing to lose by contacting them for a quote.

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Helpful Tips for Planning a First Time at Disney World Trip

Dated: June 25, 2022 Last Modified: February 2, 2023 by Amy

Oh, where can we even begin? Getting ready for a first time Disney World trip is so much work! But it is so worth it! For those who are fortunate to live in proximity to Walt Disney World in the Orlando area, there is probably much less stress involved. But for those of us making a week-long trek across the country or across multiple states, preparations are necessary to ensure a magical first time at Disney World experience! Hopefully, you will find our Disney World tips for first timers helpful for your first Disney World trip. You can also learn from a few of the learn-as-you-go mistakes we made!

Are we Disney gurus? Nooo! In fact, as I write this post on tips for Disney World, we have just finished our first trip to Disney World as a famiy. (I went 20-something years ago right after college, and my husband went as a child 30-something years ago. So much has changed in those 20-30 years so I consider us first time Disney goers in the modern day! We are definitely Disney first-timers when it comes to our family travel. We all know traveling with kids is a whole different animal.)

Our newbie status is exactly why I want to share this post. I am freshly aware of how overwhelming it is to plan the first trip to Disney World. Things are fresh and looming on my mind. Questions that I wasn’t sure about going into the trip have been answered, and now I am ready to share my small wealth of knowledge with other first time Disney World goers.

Rescheduling Our First Time at Disney World

We originally planned to go to Disney World in 2020. We had a local agent helping us plan at that time. Unfortunately, this planning session was happening in March, 2020 just before the whole world shut down with the pandemic. Disney announced it was closing its parks. Luckily, Allegiant Airlines refunded my flight tickets and I was days shy of paying for my Disney trip. (And it’s a good thing because at the time we were told that once the tickets were puchased, Disney would allow you to rechedule your dates later in the year but would not give refunds. On a school teacher schedule, rescheduling later in the year would have been next to impossible. So I guess I should say we were actually fortunate with the timing.

Fast forward two years, and we decided the time for our first timers Disney trip was this summer.

Selecting Travel Dates for Your First Time at Disney World

Because I am a teacher in Arkansas and our daughters are school age, we are limited to June-July travel. School here typically ends the third-fourth week of May and stars back the second week of August for teachers. In our research to plan our first trip to Disney in 2020, we learned late May and early June are some of the best summer weeks for Disney travel because many East Coast schools are still in session; meaning, fewer crowds than you might find mid summer. From what it sounds like, middle August to middle September are some of the cheaper weeks to visit Disney. Since most kids are heading back to school, prices goes down a bit. However, it is also hurricane season and still blistering hot in central Florida at that time.

If you have more flexibility or would simply like to aim for a time of fewer crowds, you might check one of the many crowd calendars for Disney World (based on forecasting).

How Many Days Do You Need at Disney World for a First Time to Disney Experience?

It is subjective to determine how many days you need at Disney World. Some families may plan a 2-3 day trip, hitting only Magic Kingdom and maybe one other park. Many of our friends seem to aim for 5 days. Some teacher friends (who go regularly) sometimes take a weekend Disney trip so they can go at a time other than summer. If you only had one day at Disney World and it was your first time to go, Magic Kingdom would probably be the park to visit.

I decided on a seven day trip for two reasons: the airline we were using only offers departures and return flights on two days of the week – Thursdays and Saturdays. Keeping this in mind, I booked from a Thursday to a Thursday. Also, my daughters tend to get overly stimulated easily and go into meltdown central. I decided we needed two days of chill time during the trip. The way it worked out, we wound up with two busy park days, two down days at the pool, and two more busy park days. Obviously, this meant spending more money for the two extra days at the resort, but I think it was the right decision for us.

Choosing a Disney Travel Agent to Help Plan a First Time Disney Itinerary

When the going got tough with the planning overwhelm, I reached out to a local Disney travel agent located in central Arkansas. She works for Time to Travel , and I felt so much weight lifted once I contacted her. Kristen, our agent, took the dates I wanted for travel and found several Disney resort options, giving me the main details (pros and cons) on each and letting me ultimately decide which one I wanted. She booked the resort (which I have written an entire separate post about and have linked below) and helped me through making the park reservations (which she said she was not allowed to do). She also set us up with the optional Disney Genie + which has replaced of what was formerly known as the fast pass system.

Kristen sent me the cutest mail ahead of our trip. It really added to the excitement of our family’s first time Disney trip!

Our Disney Trip Payment Plan

As for the payment plan arrangement, I paid a $200 deposit at the beginning when our agent first booked our stay. Then, about a month later, the rest of the total was due. I paid her directly, and she handled everything.

Does a Disney Agent Organize Transportation to Disney?

It was up to me to find my flights to work with the dates I had sent my agent. Summer flights to Orlando from Little Rock fill up fast so I just barely found some! I started my planning two months ahead. I would definitely recommend doing your planning as early as possible. This is especially true if you decide not to use an agent and plan everything on your own. I was pushing it with my two month planning window.

Understanding the Disney Resort Levels Before Booking Your First Time at Disney World

I had never realized there were different levels of Disney resorts until planning our family’s first time at Disney World. The more you pay, the nicer the place and possible park perks (like early entry hours and extended after-hours for rides) you will find.

In my opinion, you should evaluate how much time you will actually spend at the resort, consider the transportation options for each, room size, swimming options, resort dining options, etc. How important are each of those things to your family?

As for my family, I knew we could deal with a smaller room as we would likely not spend much time in it. I knew I wanted two schedule two low-key “chill days” in between our park days to help with overwhelm. This meant, good pools and convenient dining were important. Convenient transportation is HUGE for my family – especially at a hectic place like Disney World. Luckily, it seems most Disney resorts are well-equipped with guest transportation options.

Disney Value Resorts

These resorts are at the bottom of the Disney resort tiers. But they each offer something unique that might be worth exploring as your family plans its first Disney trip!

• The Campsites at Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney’s All-Stars Music
• All-Stars Movies
• All-Stars Sports

Disney Value Plus Resorts

These Disney resorts offer a few more amenities and a load of fun! Our friends stayed at Pop Century the same week we were at Disney World. The pop culture by the decades theme at Pop Century is so clever!

• The Art of Animation
• Pop Century

Moderate Level Disney Resorts

The moderate level Disney resorts offer a slightly higher level of dining choices, guest services, etc. We stayed in a pirate room at Caribbean Beach Resort. Click my link below for my full review!

• Caribbean Beach Resort
• Port Orleans
• The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort
• Coronado Springs

Deluxe Disney Resorts

The deluxe Disney resorts are definitely heavier on the wallet. There are perks such as an extra hour of riding rides at the parks after they close.

Story time…we had a bit of an embarrassing experience during our stay. On our last night at Magic Kingdom, we heard the announcement regarding deluxe Disney resort guests being invited to stay after normal closing hours and ride rides for an additional hour. We missed the “deluxe” part of the announcement (and honestly didn’t really even know what that meant at the time). We thought the Caribbean Beach Resort would be included sine it was a Disney resort. So we approached the Dumbo ride at Magic Kingdom at 11:15 p.m. and were turned away. The attendant attempted to scan us in using my park passes and told me we didn’t qualify because Caribbean Beach Resort is not a deluxe Disney resort. In all honestly, that was the ONLY night we were even at the park at closing time so it is not like we missed a whole lot by not being allowed the extended hour.

• Riviera Resort
• Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Wilderness Lodge
• The Contemporary
• The Polynesian (the one I plan to stay at next time! I loooove the boho vibes here! On a previous trip to Orlando, we ate at the ‘Ohana, one of the Polynesian’s on-site restaurants, and it was amazing!)
• The Grand Floridian (all the resorts are beautiful but this one is extra…well…grand!)
• BoardWalk Inn
• Dolphin Hotel

You can find links to all of the resorts listed plus links to several sets of Disney villas on the Disney World website.

Understanding Transportation for Your First Time at Disney World

For me, planning a trip to Disney World on budget ranges that work for your family is more important than proximity of park to resort. Disney has made it so easy to get around no matter what! But you do need to understand what is offered.

With choices of the complementary Disney shuttles, the Monorail, and the new Disney Skyliner gondola system, getting yourself around the resorts and the Disney Parks is easy peasy! That is one gigantic perk for my family to stay at Disney resorts.

Bus Shuttles at Disney World

The bus shuttles are so easy to use. We simply showed up at our shuttle station at Caribbean Beach Resort and awaited the next shuttle. A shuttle arrives every few minutes with a sign on the front designating the destination. We used the shuttle multiple times a day and never had to wait long! Sometimes, the Disney shuttles get rather crowded. However, the rides are somewhat short.

Disney Skyliner at Disney World

The Disney Skyliner is awesome! It is a gondola system that can transport someone from one Disney resort area to another location through cables in the sky. It seems very Jetsons to me! My youngest daughter was scared to ride it at first (even though she was all about the roller coasters at the parks), but she warmed up. The Disney Skyliner route does not cover all Disney properties. We primarily used it to go to Hollywood Studios from our Caribbean Beach Resort. It also transports guests EPCOT. This Disney gondola system services guests at Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Art of Animation.

Monorail at Disney World

The Disney Monorail is a nice quiet ride that transports guests from the deluxe resorts such as the Disney Grand Floridian, Disney Polynesian, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort to Magic Kingdom. We took a ride on it from the Contemporary Resort to the Polynesian to look at some gift shops. We boarded the Monorail inside the Contemporary Resort, and it was a super easy process.

Understanding Which Resorts are Closest to Each Park at Disney World

Aside from budget and amenities, maybe you simply want a resort close to Magic Kingdom or a Disney resort close to Hollywood Studios. However, as I just mentioned, the transportation options are so great at Disney World. I don’t really think proximity is much of an issue unless you will be driving and parking a car or using a ride service. If that is the case, the following information will be helpful to you.

Disney Resorts Closest to Magic Kingdom

• The Polynesian Village Resort
• The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• The Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney Resorts Closest to Hollywood Studios

There is also a non-traditional new Disney hotel right on the edge of Hollywood Studios. It is called Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser . It opened in 2022. It is basically a ship with 100 multi-guest cabins. Guests book a two-night stay for an out-of-this world experience like no other. From what I have seen, the pricing is around $5K-$6k for the multi-faceted 2 night experience for 2-4 guests sharing a cabin. Why does it cost so much? My guess is because it is a first-of-its kind experience, and we know how those types of firsts go.

Disney Resorts Closest to EPCOT

• Beach Club Resort
• Yacht Resort

Disney Resorts Closest to Animal Kingdom

• Coronado Springs Resort
• All Stars Music Resort
• All Stars Sports Resort
• All Stars Movies Resort

What is an Average Disney Trip Cost for a Family of 4?

I would say there are many factors that determine the average Disney trip cost for a family. How many family members, time of year, current fuel costs (which affect flights), inflation (which affects food and such), how many days for the Disney trip, which resort level you choose, how many park days you choose, etc.

I don’t like to talk about how much I spend on travels, but I understand that the cost of a Disney trip is the primary question most people have. The cost of the Disney trip for my family of four in June, 2022 was around $7,000. This included a Disney package under $5,000 (just around $4,800 for a moderate resort with a 7-night stay), flights for four people that totaled around $1,200, and around another $1,000 for food (character meals plus quick dining), and miscellaneous spending.

This Disney trip was one of the most expensive trips we have ever taken. Luckily, we had two extra years to save and prepare because our family’s first time at Disney World trip was originally planned for two years ago. It will not be something we do every year. But I will budget for a Disney trip every three-four years or so, I think. It was one of the best family vacations we have ever taken. So many magical memories were made!

There are ways of planning a trip to Disney World on budget to work for your family’s needs. You can trim off the character meals, use a value resort, catch an off-site condo on a good deal, etc.

Getting Started with the My Disney Experience App BEFORE Your First Visit to Disney World

My agent guided me in downloading the My Disney Experience app on my phone so I could get started with reserving dining and my park days. She suggested the sooner, the better for getting everything reserved. I’m just going to say I found the My Disney Experience app to be extremely overwhelming the first few times I messed around with it. I would open it, scroll around a bit and then close it without accomplishing anything because it just seemed intimidating.

Once we actually arrived at Disney World and began using the app within the parks (like the Genie+ and the interactive map, I realized the true value of the app. Unfortunately, beforehand, I just didn’t get it and found there to be too many things to look at it and select from. My suggestion is you sit down and learn how to use the My Disney Experience app in advance of your trip. Don’t be an idiot like me and fumble around with it as you are entering the wildness of Magic Kingdom on day one.

Out here on the interwebs, there are some very handy guides to the My Disney Experience app . Once you understand how to use the app, it’s a golden tool – you can build your daily itinerary, change reservations, chat with a Disney customer service agent, reserve your Lightning Lanes through Genie+, see recommended activities, etc.

One feature that is extremely helpful is the interactive map for each park. It showed us the current wait times for each ride and how far away (in walking distance) we were from each ride and attraction. It gave us interactive directions on how to get from point A to point B. It was sooo helpful!

Carefully Selecting the Best Order to Visit Disney World Parks for First Time

You will use the My Disney Experience app to select which Disney parks to visit and in which order. The 8-day Disney trip schedule I decided upon included four days at the parks with two chill days in the middle so we could rest up and enjoy the resort on those days. The bookend days were for travel so we basically had a 6-day Disney itinerary.

There seem to be so many schools of thought when it comes to determining the best order to visit Disney World Parks! My agent had one suggestion, my veteran Disney friends had different suggestions, and I had my own ideas. It’s like asking a group of people which park is the best at Disney World. You will get all sorts of answers for all sorts of different reasons!

Variations of Order to Visit Disney World Parks On Your First Time at Disney World

• My Agent’s Suggestion: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT
• My Friend’s Suggestion: EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom (she wanted to build up from from low-key to ending with the magic)
• My Final Park Order: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom again (skipping EPCOT; I remember loving EPCOT from my Disney visit 20 plus years ago, and I felt really sad to skip it. However, I thought my girls, ages 7 and 9, would really enjoy starting with the magic and ending with the magic. My agent had also suggested this order as an alternate to the one mentioned above.)

Reserving Character Meals at Disney and Planning Quick Dining

For me, the most stressful thing about planning my family’s first Disney trip was reserving some great character meals for my girls. I really wanted this to be a special trip for my daughters. They had been begging to go to Disney World for the last four years. (And, to be honest, before planning this trip, I planned for this to be our only trip to Disney World. But since getting there and experiencing the magic, I know we will be back in a few years. Haha! That’s how they get you roped in…all that magic!)

Securing Character Meals at Disney World for First Time

I’m sure had I planned ahead (earlier than two months ahead for summer Disney trip), I wouldn’t have had as much trouble securing character meal reservations. You can get on the My Disney Experience app daily and search for all the meal openings on your selected dates. The things I wanted just rarely popped.

Then, I stumbled across the Mousewatcher website. For $20 a month, you can set up to five Disney restaurants and the Mousewatcher will send you texts and/or emails when a reservation on your selected dates comes open. It was because of this tool that I was finally able to secure breakfast at Chef Mickey’s (at The Contemporary Resort), lunch at Hollywood and Vine (at Hollywood Studios), and dinner in Cinderella’s royal castle (THE grand Disney castle at Magic Kingdom). I left my Mousewatcher account running for about two months and then I unsubscribed. I highly recommend forking out the $20 for a month if you find yourself having trouble securing specific reservations on the Disney app itself.

As a teacher with limited ability to use my phone during the work day, I still had a little trouble catching reservation opportunities when the Mousewatcher popped up with text message alerts. In my job, I can’t just pull out my phone and use it whenever I want. But when I was away from work, I was able to catch all of the reservations I wanted through Mousewatcher.

The character meals at Disney cost a pretty penny. Originally, I had reservations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on three different days. Once we were actually at Disney, I decided to cancel the lunch reservation at Hollywood and Vine because I realized (by day 3 in the parks) we didn’t want to dance around any appointments during the day while we were at the parks. You can easily cancel and modify dinner reservations right on the My Disney app.

Dining at Disney World (These Days)

For most meals at the park, we used the mobile food ordering option on the My Disney apps while we were at the parks. You can order about an hour ahead and then pick up in a scheduled time frame. Easy peasy! For other meals, we ate at our resort after a long day at the parks. For the nicer table-service restaurants, you will find you often need reservations.

Ever since the pandemic, there is no food plan included in your Disney package. You have to pay for all food out of pocket. Budget on the upper end for this because the food costs add up quickly!

Understanding How to Find Your Disney Passes When You Arrive at the Resort or the Disney Parks

My Disney agent linked my Disney package passes to my My Disney Experience app. One we entered the resort and the parks, I simply pulled up my mobile app. The resort had my name in the system anyway so there was no issue. At the parks, I had to pull open my Apple Pay Wallet in my phone and scan in my four Disney park passes from there at a scanning station at the entrance of each park.

A lot of people used their Disney Magic Bands for entering instead of using their phones. I never purchased Disney Magic Bands and panicked a bit on the first morning at Magic Kingdom when I saw so many people with them on their wrists. I thought I had missed something. But, no. If you use the Disney passes linked in your Apple Wallet, you do not need a Magic Band. You just need one or the other. Now, some people swear that the Magic Bands are helpful because you can simply swipe into your resort room and so forth right from your wrist. But given that they cost anywhere from $10-30 each (the average prices I have seen), I think we made it just fine without them. Anything we needed could be done with our phones.

Understanding How to Use the Lightning Lane Passes Before You Arrive for Your First Disney Trip

I’m sure you can understand how upset I was when I got back from Disney World and realized I had not used my Lightning Lanes (which cost around $15 per person per day at each park) to their full ability. When we arrived at Disney, in my mind I was thinking we could only use two Lightning Lanes per day. No! That is not true. True, there are limits – like using one Lightning Lane reservation up before signing up for another or abiding by the 120 minute rule between sign ups.

But you can actually squeeze in more than 2 rides a day if you plan your Lightning Lanes properly. This involves some strategy and understanding of how Lightning Lanes work . Again, don’t be like us. Study up! I could kick myself when I think about how much time we wasted in standby lines when we could have been taking more advantage of a tool we were already paying for!

To use your reserved Lightning Lanes, you simply walk up to the Lightning Lane line for the selected ride (rather than the standby line). You will swipe your Magic Band or your Disney passes in your Apple Wallet to redeem your Lightning Lane passes. You have a one-hour window (listed in your app) to redeem each Lightning Lane. The redeeming process is quite simple!

If You Are Enjoying This First Time Disney Guide for Beginners, Check Out the Other Disney Posts I Put Together!

Explore our other disney world tips and additional travel guides.

I had so many Disney tips and thoughts from our first trip to Disney that I had to split everything up into multiple posts! Hopefully, you find all of our Disney tips for beginners useful! You can check out our other travel posts, too.

Branson Landing with Kids

The Nest in Hot Springs

Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse in Des Arc

Girls Weekend in Savannah

OKC with Kids

5 Fun Things to do in St. Louis

Places to Eat at Branson Landing

Branson Strip with Kids

Kayaking in Arkansas

What to Do in Panama City, Panama

Atlantic and Pacific Restaurant

Panama City Fish Market

Dog Sledding in Montana

Treehouse Cabins in Eureka Springs

A Visit to Dallas Market Hall

O ur Stay in a Caribbean Beach Resort Pirate Room

Tips for a First Time at Disney World

7 Day Disney World Itinerary

Disney Animal Kingdom Outfit Ideas

What to Wear to Disney World

Magic Kingdom Outfit Ideas

Chef Mickey’s Breakfast

Cinderella’s Royal Table Visit

A Weekend in Austin Itinerary

Weekend in Charleston Itinerary

Charleston Outfits Ideas

Big Cedar Lodge Getaway

Gorgeous Luxury Cabins in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Spudnut Shoppe in El Dorado, Arkansas

Staying at Comfort Inn San Juan (Abitta Boutique San Juan)

Best Ideas for Kids at Condado Beach in San Juan

Cruising Ducks for Duck, Duck, Cruise

Quotes About Cruising and Cruising Captions

All About Cruising on Carnival Valor

The Best Quotes About Cruising

As you can see, there is a lot involved in getting ready for Disney World for beginners! I truly hope our first time Disney tips help you with your planning your first time at Disney World! I tried my best to do a brain dump of every question and thought I had myself while planning our trip so it would help you with any questions you had. Please let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!

Amy is a wife, mom, teacher, and content creator/owner of Planted in Arkansas. She loves creating recipes, travel plans, party ideas, and outfits. And she believes in celebrating all things - big and small.

8 Absolutely Essential Disney World Tips for First Timers

Posted on Published: 04/14/2024

A Disney vacation is often a splurge, and if you are planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World, there are some things you need to know. While I have lots of in-depth tips on this site, it can be overwhelming to Disney World first-timers.

To make it easier for first-time visitors to Walt Disney World, I created this post with tips for first-time Disney guests as a starting point – although these Disney tips are great for any guest.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and purchasing and/or clicking on some of the links in this post (including on the map) may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. I am a past member of the planDisney panel and have gone on some complimentary press trips in the past. All opinions are my own.

Save money on your Walt Disney World theme park tickets by booking through  Get Away Today . They offer vacation packages as well as individual ticket sales. A Disney travel agent doesn’t charge guests an extra commission and can help you find deals.

You can’t just wing it when it comes to planning a Walt Disney World vacation

You can try to go with no plans (or last-minute plans), but you’ll probably be disappointed, especially for a first trip. To best enjoy your Walt Disney World vacation, I’d recommend doing some research well in advance (at least 6 months in advance).

Pick up a guidebook, ask some questions of friends, study blogs (like this one), and ask questions on the planDisney Panel (where I was a panelist).

For our very first Walt Disney World vacation as a family, I did a combination of these things. I talked to friends with kids that were the same age as mine, as well as people on message boards.

Guidebooks and blogs were also a huge help. Keep in mind that things change frequently so you’ll want to make sure the information that you have is the most current.

One thing you will find with Disney World is that there is no lack of resources. In addition, most people who frequently visit love talking about the four theme parks, two water parks, restaurants, and resorts, so you’ll get lots of information to help if you want. Remember that everyone’s experience is different, and it’s always nice to get multiple opinions.

In addition, you may be wondering when is the best time to take a Walt Disney World vacation. Undercover Tourist offers a crowd calendar that can help figure out a good time to have your first visit to the Walt Disney World resort if you are hoping to avoid the largest crowds.

Staying on Walt Disney World property is usually the easiest

There are lots of hotels, guest homes, motels, and resorts in the greater Orlando area . But it’s often much easier to stay on Disney property, especially for a first-time visit.

Convenience is one of the big benefits, but there are others. In addition, it’s easy to use Disney transportation to get around (this is free transportation, so you won’t have to rent a car until you want to). The Disney Resorts are heavily themed, so staying there adds to your vacation.

Disney hotel guests also can take advantage of early theme park entry. You’ll be able to enter the parks 30 minutes before outside guests.

It’s a great way to avoid long lines for the most popular attractions. Those traveling with young children may want to take advantage of “rope drop” (when the park opens and things are less crowded).

If you are staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort , there are Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for very limited days. These evening hours can be a great way to experience the attractions with fewer crowds, but young children may find it to be too late. It can be a very full day unless you go back to your hotel room for a break in between.

Make Advance Dining Reservations well in advance

Did you know that you can (and should) make advance dining reservations for Disney table service restaurants in advance? While it can be difficult to think about when and where you want to eat well before your vacation, it’s important if you have specific places you want to go to.

Reservations for the most popular places (especially the princess character meals and Be Our Guest) do book up VERY early. If you are traveling over a busy time, it’s especially important. Make those reservations and then plan around them.

You do not need reservations for quick service locations, so those are a great option when you aren’t exactly sure which park you’ll be in. You can save time by mobile ordering through the app when you are ready to eat.

Make a Plan for Your Days

While there is no longer a need to make FastPass+ reservations in advance, you’ll still want to establish a plan for your days. Genie+ , the replacement for FastPass+, is a paid program that you can purchase on the day of your visit.

Genie+ allows you to go through the lightning lane which is typically a much shorter wait time. Individual Lightning Lane is a separate paid program that is offered for the most popular rides at an additional charge.

Having a basic plan is a good idea to maximize your day, regardless of whether or not you purchase the upgrade. The free Disney Genie program on the app can help you do that. Set your preferences and it will tell you the best time to go to each attraction.

If you don’t use Genie+ or individual lightning lane, some rides offer a single-rider line. This can be a great way to save time but keep in mind that you will be split up and won’t be able to ride with them.

All 4 Walt Disney World theme parks are worth a visit with kids

Often first-timers to Walt Disney World think it’s not worth going to all of the parks. EPCOT, especially, has a reputation as being a more “adult” themed park. But my kids love all four parks and we always try to visit all of them.

The best way to visit all four of the theme parks is to purchase the park hopper option on your Disney park tickets. That way, you’ll be able to visit more than one park per day (currently after 2 pm on the day of your visit).

During our family vacations, we always visit two parks per day. When the kids were younger, we took a break around lunchtime and then went to a second park later in the afternoon.

You will be doing a LOT of walking during your Walt Disney World family vacation

For instance, it’s 1.2 miles from one end of the World Showcase in EPCOT to the other side. Bring comfortable walking shoes  and wear them. Make sure that you’ve already broken into these shoes before your vacation. You won’t want to be breaking them in during your vacation.

If you are visiting with young kids, you may find that you’ll need a stroller, even if your kids don’t usually use one. Luckily, rentals are available at the parks if you don’t bring yours along.

Keep in mind that you won’t be able to bring these back to your hotel room, so if you need a stroller at the hotel, bring your own. Third-party stroller rentals are also available, but you won’t be able to have that at the airport.

There are lots of character experiences at the Disney Parks

You can make advance dining reservations for character meals and get a Genie+ for character meet and greets, but you’ll also find characters throughout the parks. Check the My Disney Experience app each day for specifics. Young kids especially will love getting autographs from the characters.

If there’s a character that you want to meet, it’s a good idea to use Genie+ or make a character dining reservation at a place where you can see the character. Lines can sometimes be long.

You can’t do it all at Walt Disney World

You can try, but it’s nearly impossible to do everything in one five trips, or even ten trips. Do your research, make your reservations, and then have fun!

I always recommend that you save some time to spend at your Disney hotel and at Disney Springs. You don’t always have to be running around the theme parks to have fun.

If you are traveling with kids a bit older, you should include them in any discussions about advance dining reservations and ride plans. It’s a good idea to have buy-in from the whole family when planning a vacation with teens and tweens. That way, no one is disappointed with the plans once you are on property.

Are you looking for more specific tips for planning your vacation? Here’s a collection of all of my Disney tips .

If you are going to Walt Disney World, I recommend the following hotels. Note that I have stayed in some of these resorts as part of press trips, but all opinions are my own. 

• Disney’s Beach Club
• Disney Swan and Dolphin
• Disney’s Art of Animation
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Gaylord Palms
• JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
• World Center Marriott  

You can also find lodging options on this map (affiliate links).

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The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your FIRST Disney World Vacation

By Kelly Oliveros Leave a Comment

Thinking of going to Disney World for the VERY first time?

Welcome to Disney World!

There are SO many things to consider and learn. Where do you stay ? What’s the dining situation like ? What types of tickets are there ? It can all be a bit (OK, a LOT) overwhelming. Don’t worry, you do NOT have to figure this all out on your own. We’re here to help!! Today we’re breaking down everything you need to know about planning your very first trip to Disney World with lots of info, links, and videos that will make the process so much easier for you.

1. The Basics

We’ll start with the basics! Walt Disney World is made up of 4 theme parks. There’s Magic Kingdom …

Cinderella Castle — You’re Going to Want to Get a Photo Here!

… EPCOT …

EPCOT — That Giant Ball is Spaceship Earth and It’s a Ride!

… Disney’s Hollywood Studios …

That’s the Tower of Terror!

…and Disney’s Animal Kingdom .

Tree of Life — Get an Up-Close Look at This! It’s Beautiful!

Disney also has 2 water parks — Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Typhoon Lagoon is currently open and Blizzard Beach is closed.

Blizzard Beach

There is also an entertainment, shopping, and dining area called Disney Springs that is full of stores, restaurants, and more for you to enjoy.

Disney Springs

There are also mini-golf (as well as full-sized golf!) courses and more on Walt Disney World property. There’s a LOT to see and do!

Click here to see your absolute Disney World must-dos!

There are a LOT of different Disney-owned/run hotels to stay at on Walt Disney World property . There are also some hotels that are technically on Walt Disney World property but are not owned/run by Disney, like the Four Seasons Orlando or the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. And, there are hotels that are off of Walt Disney World property but very close by.

Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Want to stay at a Disney World hotel and wondering which Disney-owned hotel would be best? With a LOT of options, it can be overwhelming to figure out what the right move for your family is . There are three classes of hotels owned by Disney ranging from the less expensive Value resorts all the way up to posh Deluxe resorts will all the amenities you could want. With so much to choose from, we recommend you check out our video on the best hotels for visits this year below!

Also, keep in mind that some benefits only apply to guests staying at select Disney World hotels. Check out our section below on Park Hours to learn more about the Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours benefits and how those might impact your decision about where to stay.

Click here to see why people HATE some Disney World hotels!

There are many reasons why you might want to stay at a Disney World-owned hotel — like the free transportation to the Disney parks (a HUGE perk for many guests), the service you get from the Cast Members, and the Disney theming. But, there are also some reasons why you might NOT want to stay in a Disney World hotel — like the cost savings you can find at other places or more space.

Grand Floridian

Should you stay on property or off property? Ultimately, it’ll depend on what’s best for your family.

Are these Disney World hotels underrated or overrated? Click here to see what thousands of our readers said!

Another thing you’ll need to think about is how you’re going to get from Orlando International Airport or any airport nearby (if you’re flying into Orlando) to your hotel.  Disney’s Magical Express was discontinued at the beginning of 2022, so now guests must find their own way to get between the two locations — and, it’s going to cost you some $$$.

Mears, the company that used to operate Disney’s Magical Express, is now offering a paid shuttle service that’s similar , along with a new company called The Sunshine Flyer . You can also choose from a variety of other transportation options that might work better for you and your family .

Mears Connect Bus

Another consideration to make if you plan to drive or rent a car from the airport is parking. Just keep in mind that Disney does charge a parking fee if you bring your car and park it at one of their hotels BUT Disney-owned resort guests get complimentary parking at the theme parks.

Click here to see the BEST ways to get to Disney World now that the Magical Express is gone.

Finally, before you book your trip, you’ll want to check and see if there are any special deals or discounts being offered on Disney World hotel stays.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge — This is a Gorgeous Resort

Sometimes, you may be able to score the hotel of your dreams for less through these deals. You could also look into renting points to stay at a Disney Vacation Club Villa and that could help you save BIG on some great spots . Check out our video below to learn more.

Click here to see the latest Disney World hotel deals!

Finally, a lot of people make some rookie mistakes planning their first Disney World trip. Make sure YOU don’t make those same mistakes by reading our post about some of the mistakes people make when booking a Disney World hotel .

Click here to see the rookie mistakes you’re making when booking a Disney World hotel!

3. theme park admission.

Okay, so you’ve decided what hotel you want to stay at, but what about the theme parks? You’ll need to get tickets to enter the theme parks.  But, in Disney World, not all days are created equal when it comes to theme park admission prices. Essentially, Disney uses a calendar system for its prices that is based on demand. So, “peak” days — holidays and days that Disney expects the park to be busier — will be priced at a higher cost.

Mickey Balloons — A Classic Souvenir

If you go during a slower period, when the demand maybe isn’t as high, the tickets will be lower in terms of cost. Prices can jump up or down depending on when you’d like to visit, so scouting out a slower time could mean big savings.

Click here to get a look at what’s going on with Disney World ticket prices in 2022.

Also, you’ll want to keep in mind that park tickets now have an expiration date, but that wasn’t always the case. So, while your parents might have tickets from the ’90s that are still totally good, the tickets you buy tomorrow will have a set expiration date. You’ll want to mark that down in your calendar and make sure you get the full use out of that ticket before it expires.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Okay, so we’ve talked about tickets and the calendar, but what types of tickets are available? You can get tickets that give you access to 1 park per day, or you can opt for a ticket with the Park Hopper option.  With the Park Hopper option, you’ll be able to, well, HOP between all 4 Disney World theme parks once Park Hopper hours begin each day (at 2PM daily). Park Hopper DOES add a not insignificant cost to your tickets, but if you’re looking to jump around to different parks for meals or are trying to do it all in just a few days, it might well be worth the added cost.

Pandora — A GORGEOUS Area in Animal Kingdom You’ll Want to Check Out

One important thing to keep in mind: if you don’t get a ticket with the Park Hopper option at first, and later you decide you want it, that is fine. You can always add it on later, once you’re in Disney World, and you can even add it to your tickets in the middle of your trip. But, Disney will charge you for adding the Park Hopper for the full length of your trip (meaning that even if you add on the Park Hopping on day 3 of 5, you’ll be charged Park Hopping for the full 5 days of your trip, not just your remaining days). So, if you are going to add it on during your trip, you’ll want to add it on early so you can take full advantage of it. If you’re going to pay for it, you might as well get to use it to the fullest!

But, also keep in mind that you typically cannot remove a Park Hopper option from a ticket once you’ve bought it. Our advice? You might want to wait to see if you actually NEED the Park Hopping ability before you decide to pay for it, but don’t wait until you’re too late into your actual trip.

Click here to see what Park Hopping is like in Disney World right now!

Also, if you are interested in the water parks or some other activities, you can also get tickets that have a water park and sports option that will allow you to do more.

Just like the hotels, Disney often runs a variety of discounts and deals on its park tickets that you’ll want to look into. Be sure to check those out!

Click here to see ALL of the Disney discounts and deals!

And once all annual pass sales resume , if you’re really planning to commit, you can look into getting a Disney World Annual Pass. The new Annual Passes have some changes when compared to Disney’s previous offerings.

Annual Pass

There are 4 different passes. If you want access to PhotoPass for the year, or you want admission to some water parks and sports options as part of your Annual Pass, those are an additional cost. But keep in mind that currently, only new sales of the Disney Pixie Dust Pass remain available for Florida Residents. New sales of all other passes are currently paused.

There’s quite a lot to break down when it comes to these Annual Passholder offerings. Check out our articles below to learn more:

• Click here to see the blockout dates for the new Annual Passes
• Can you upgrade your tickets to an Annual Pass? Click here to learn more
• If you don’t live in Florida, you don’t have a lot of options when it comes to Annual Passes — click here to see more
• See what’s MISSING from Disney World’s new Annual Pass program
• These are the pros and cons of Disney World’s new Annual Pass system
• Your guide to using and understanding Disney World’s new Annual Passholder calendar
• Want to add PhotoPass to your Disney World Annual Pass? Click here to see what you need to know

Click here to learn more about the Annual Passholder program!

4. bookings.

Okay, so you’ve picked your hotel and you know what type of tickets you want to buy — so what do you do in terms of booking? Well, you can book the tickets on their own and your hotel room separately. Or, you can book a package that includes both.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Hollywood Studios

You can also book a package that includes hotel, tickets, and the Disney Dining Plan (once it becomes available again) . The Dining Plan allows you to pre-pay for your food. You’re then given a certain number of “credits” that you can use throughout your trip. Right now the Dining Plan is not available, but it is set to return in the future. When the Dining Plan returns, it’s something you might want to consider if you like to feel like your trip expenses are mostly all covered before you even arrive.

Ready to Eat?!

What combination of bookings is best for you? You’ll have to price out the discounts on hotels, tickets, and combined packages to find out. Often many discounts will require you to book a specific package, so check the fine print of any deals you’re eyeing.

Truly, we’ve only just started this guide and maybe you’re already coming to the realization that planning a Disney World vacation can be A LOT.  Our recommendation? You might want to think about reaching out to a travel agent. We specifically recommend the awesome folks over at Small World Vacations!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The people over at Small World Vacations know about ALL of the discounts, and they stay up to date on new discounts that could be applied to your vacation to help you save some serious cash. They can give you personalized advice and really help make your vacation planning stress-free. Oh, and did we mention that their services are TOTALLY FREE?! That’s right. You won’t pay a dime extra than what you normally would pay to book your vacation on your own. In fact, you could SAVE money working with a travel agent. Their job is to look out for you. We’ve scored some great deals this way.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

We’ve got all the contact information for Small World Vacations at the bottom of this post and you can fill out their form to get started right here!

Should you use a travel agent for your Disney World trip? Click here to see more of our thoughts!

5. disney dining plan (currently unavailable).

We touched on it briefly above, but the Disney Dining Plan is a way to pay for your Disney World meals in advance.  Plans are typically pre-purchased and added onto a Disney Vacation Package (i.e. you must be staying through a Vacation Package at a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel, and have purchased at least one ticket per person). With the Dining Plan, all you have to do when you get to Disney World is head to a restaurant on the list, eat, and scan your MagicBand to “pay.”

Doesn’t This Look Yummy??

The credits for the meal for each person will be deducted from your total allotment. Easy peasy. Note that while you don’t pay while you’re at the restaurant (unless you order extras not covered like additional drinks or appetizers), gratuity is not included on table-service meals . There are a variety of different plans that are typically available that give you more or less food. The plans even include alcohol, if you’re able to partake. You’ll likely find a plan that would fit your family’s dining preferences.

Right now, the Dining Plan is not available though and it has not yet become available for future bookings , but it is set to return in the future , so just keep that in mind for the time being.

Click here to see everything you need to know about the Disney Dining Plan!

6. park hours.

One big thing you need to know about before your first Disney World trip is the park hours . Disney World theme parks do not open and close at the same time as one another, and the hours for each theme park can vary by day.  It’s important that you know those hours when you plan your trip so you can try to get the most out of every single day you have there.

Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios

Park hours can also change ahead of your trip or even DURING your trip !  You’ll want to keep an eye on those park hours, ESPECIALLY once you’re there, and watch for updates from us here at DFB.

Also, keep in mind that some guests get to spend a little extra time in the parks, extending those park hours just a bit more with Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours .

Let’s start with Early Theme Park Entry. All guests staying at Disney-owned resorts and select other resorts are allowed 30-minute early entry into any theme park every single day .  Select attractions are open during this early entry time.

Pop Century

Extended Evening Hours is a separate perk only for those staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts or Deluxe Villas . With this perk, those staying at eligible resorts are able to spend more time in select parks on select nights. Again, select attractions are open during this time.

If you’ll be staying at a resort with one or both of these perks, you’ll be able to factor in that extra time in the parks as part of your plans.

Click here to see our page with LOTS of park hours updates.

7. park pass.

When the Disney World theme parks reopened after the pandemic closures, they introduced the Park Pass system. The way that things work now is like this: let’s say you want to go to Magic Kingdom on Friday. First, you need a valid ticket to visit Magic Kingdom on that Friday. But, in addition to that, you also need a Park Pass theme park reservation for Friday for Magic Kingdom. Every person in your party will also need a ticket and Park Pass as well.

Disney Park Pass Screenshot

But, Park Passes can fill up, especially at busier times . You’ll be able to take a look at the Disney World Park Pass calendar to see what days are green (meaning there is full availability at all 4 parks), yellow (meaning 1 or more parks are already full), or gray (meaning there are no Park Passes available at any of the parks). Note that the Park Pass availability calendar looks different for Annual Passholders.

Park Pass availability can vary depending on whether you are an Annual Passholder, Disney World hotel guest, or just a guest with theme park tickets. You can only make 1 Park Pass reservation per day. That is the only park you will be allowed to visit for that day, unless you have added Park Hopper on your tickets  (which, again, you’ll have to wait until after 2PM to do each day!).

Park Pass Reservation availability for guests with Theme Park Tickets for September 12th as of September 8th © Disney

Again, availability for Park Passes can change a LOT. Sometimes days fill up , and then later more passes become available . Our advice? Get your Park Pass reservations EARLY. If you can’t get a reservation for a specific park that you want, book another one for the time being so at least you have something. You can always check later to see if more availability opens up. And if passes for the park you originally wanted become available, then you can cancel your existing Park Pass and make a new one.

Click here to see more about Park Pass.

And click here to see our page with all kinds of park pass availability updates, 8. transportation.

If you’re staying at a Disney World-owned/operated hotel, one of the best perks is FREE transportation from the hotels to the parks and back. Depending on the hotel you’re staying at, different transportation options will be available. Some hotels have buses to the parks…

Disney World Bus

…while others have boats …

Friendship Boats

…or access to the Disney Skyliner …

…or monorails , or a combination.

Some hotels even give you the chance to WALK to the parks.

Grand Floridian Walkway

For example, you can walk from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa , Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and (if you’re willing to trek a little bit) Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to Magic Kingdom.

Click here to see how you can WALK to the parks from some Disney World hotels!

You can also drive to and from the parks. If you’re staying at a Disney Hotel, you get free parking at the parks. Otherwise, just keep in mind that there is a cost per day to park at Disney World’s theme parks. If you hop to the other parks, you won’t need to pay again on the same day though — just keep that receipt! Also, parking is free at Disney Springs!

9. MagicBands and MagicMobile

If you walk around Disney World you’re sure to see people with colorful bands on their wrists that look like this.

OoOoOo MagicBands!

These are called MagicBands !   MagicBands can do a whole bunch of stuff!  If you set it up online, you can link your park tickets to your MagicBand. Then, all you’ll need to do is scan your band (rather than take your ticket out of your wallet or pocket) to get into the parks.

They can also be used to open your Disney World hotel room door, charge purchases to your Disney World hotel room, link PhotoPass photos, and more! It’s a mega-powerful tool right on your wrist.

Zootopia MagicBand

There’s also a new version called the MagicBand+ that gives you the chance to interact with the parks like never before!

MagicBand+ can interact with the Golden 50th Anniversary Statues in the parks

MagicBands are no longer free for Disney World hotel guests or Annual Passholders , but you can still buy them and use them in the parks. Disney World hotel guests and Annual Passholders can also pre-order some MagicBands at a discount ahead of their trip, but you’re gonna have to pay a bit.  If you don’t like the discounted options available, you can also just buy a MagicBand in the parks or online . MagicBands can be extremely convenient. But, they are not required if you choose not to use them.

Click here to see our ULTIMATE GUIDE to MagicBands in Disney World!

Don’t want to use a MagicBand? No worries, you don’t have to! If you still want some of the benefits of a MagicBand without having to use one, you can utilize the MagicMobile service.

MagicMobile essentially transforms your phone into a MagicBand! With MagicMobile, you can link your tickets, create a virtual pass, and scan your ticket at the parks straight from your phone (no MagicBand needed).

Learn to use My Disney Experience to optimize your Disney World vacation ©Disney

You can also now use your phone to automatically link select PhotoPass photos to your My Disney Experience account.

MagicMobile Instructions

MagicMobile is available now for Apple and Android devices and could be a good way for you to get some of the ease of a MagicBand without having to use one.

Click here for your step-by-step guide to setting up your MagicMobile pass.

10. tech stuff.

You may want to spend part of your vacation away from the computer or technology, but in Disney World, there are actually a LOT of apps and tech things you’ll want to know about and use. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need to download and know.

First, we highly recommend that you download the My Disney Experience app. You’ll be able to use this app to check park times, make Disney Genie+ ride selections (more on that in a second), make dining reservations, check the wait times for the rides, look at park maps, and SO MUCH MORE.

Keep your eye on the app! See the Hidden Mickey in Hollywood Studios from Above?! ©Disney

You’ll also be able to create accounts for your family members on there, link your tickets, and link MagicBands too.

Click here to see the steps you should take on My Disney Experience NOW before your upcoming Disney World trip.

Another thing you’ll be able to do on the My Disney Experience app is place a Mobile Order for your food for many Disney World quick-service spots.

Mobile Order Signs

With Mobile Order, you’ll preorder and pay for your food on your phone at many locations. Familiarizing yourself with the app to begin with can save headaches once in the parks and you just want some food!

Click here to learn more about mobile order.

You’ll also be able to use the app to do Mobile Dine Check-in for Disney World restaurants.

Mobile Dine Check In

Essentially, for table service restaurants in Disney World, you’ll generally be able to skip the check-in desk and check-in for your reservation right from your phone! You’ll receive a text when your table is ready.

See more about mobile check-in here!

The My Disney Experience app also now lets you join Virtual Waitlists for many Disney World restaurants . So, let’s say you couldn’t score a reservation at the one spot where you really wanted to eat. Or, maybe you didn’t think you’d have time for a table service meal, but now you do. You could always check to see if there are any regular Advanced Dining Reservations available. But, you also might be able to join a Virtual Waitlist for the restaurant and potentially get a walk-up spot with this feature.

Mobile Dine Walk-up Waitlist screenshot

The app will show you if the walk-up waitlist is at capacity for that restaurant already, or what the estimated walk-up wait would be.

Click here to see more about the walk-up waitlist feature!

If you want to try some of the food from a table service restaurant but don’t have the time for a full sit-down meal or perhaps don’t feel comfortable eating at a location that doesn’t have outdoor seating, consider using the Table Service To-Go feature (also on the My Disney Experience app — see why we say it’s important to have?!).

Bread Service To-Go!

With this feature, you can order from some of your favorite table service spots and take your items to go , to be enjoyed back in your room or elsewhere! This is only available for select restaurants, so just keep that in mind.

Click here to learn more about table service to-go!

A free feature is incorporated into the My Disney Experience app called Disney Genie. Disney Genie is a service that is essentially meant to help you plan your perfect Disney day. You’re able to tell the Disney Genie what types of attractions or things you’re interested in, and Genie will create a customized itinerary for you that is aimed at maximizing your time in the parks.

You’re able to see forecasted wait times for your favorite rides, see personalized recommendations, and more.

Some folks find this feature very useful!

Click here to see the 5 most mind-blowing Disney Genie features!

If you’re looking for a way to keep the little ones entertained as you wait in line or even give the older kids (*raises hand*) something to play, the Play Disney Parks App is something you might want to download (it’s FREE!). The app is full of games and more to keep everyone busy. And it’s got special features you’ll want to use in Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios .

Play Disney Parks App | ©Disney

One ride that will make heavy use of the My Disney Experience app is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT. To even get a chance to board this SUPER popular ride, you need to download the My Disney Experience app to sign up for a Boarding Group for the ride .

Cosmic Rewind

Boarding Groups are distributed at 2 times during the day (currently 7AM and 1PM ) and they can be difficult to get. One big thing to keep in mind is that if you want to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind , EPCOT generally has to be the first park you visit that day . You won’t be able to visit, say, Magic Kingdom first, and then hop to EPCOT s to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind because boarding group distributions happen BEFORE Park Hopping hours begin.

We recommend REALLY brushing up on our how-to tips before attempting this one. You’ve typically got a small window to score these boarding group spots and you don’t want to do it wrong! This attraction will also offer pay-per-ride access via Lightning Lane through Individual Attraction Selection (which we’re about to discuss).

Click Here To See How Boarding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Will Work!

11. disney genie+ and individual attraction selection.

You may have heard of the term “ FastPass+, ” so you might be wondering what is that and is it available? FastPass was a free system available to all Disney World guests that allowed guests to skip the standard queue lines and hop in a separate (typically much shorter) line to get onto their favorite rides quicker.

The FastPass+ system was suspended when Disney World reopened last year . Instead of returning, FastPass+ was replaced by 2 PAID FastPass-like systems called Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selection.

We worked on an article explaining Genie (the free planning service we discussed in a section above), Genie+, and a little bit about Individual Attraction Selection in less than 500 words . Below is a portion of that article to help you understand the basics of these new systems.

Disney Genie  is a FREE planning service  built into the  My Disney Experience  App and  Disneyland App . You will tell Disney Genie what you want to ride, what types of things you like, etc. and  Disney Genie will create a personalized, flexible itinerary for you . With Genie, you’ll be able to see  forecasted wait times, mobile order your food, chat with a virtual assistant, see walk-up waitlist availability, make restaurant reservations, adjust your plans, and more . Plans will continuously update to help you get the most out of your day. Essentially, Genie is designed to help you plan your day and optimize your plans.

Disney Genie+ is a PAID FastPass-like service .  It costs  $15 per day per ticket at Disney World, and $20 per day per ticket at Disneyland . If you pay for this service,  you’ll be able to see when the next available time is to use various rides’ Lightning Lanes (i.e. FastPass+ lanes).  You will  select the next available time to use the Lightning Lane for whatever ride you want, and when your time arrives, you can visit the ride and use the Lightning Lane (skipping the standby line) .

Once you’re done with that ride, you can make another Genie+ Lightning Lane selection —  1 ride at a time, throughout the day. Over 40 attractions are available through Genie+ at Disney World, over 15 attractions are available through Genie+ at Disneyland. NOT all attractions will be available through Genie+.

While most guests can purchase Genie+ in advance ( though the situation seems different for Annual Passholders ),  you cannot make a Genie+ Lightning Lane selection until the DAY OF your trip . At Disney World, guests can make their first Lightning Lane attraction at 7AM on the day of their visit. At Disneyland, the first Genie+ Lightning Lane selection can be made once you’re in the park.

Select, highly popular attractions (like  Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom, Radiator Springs Racers in Disney California Adventure Park,  WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure  at Disney California Adventure Park,  Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance , and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT ) will NOT be listed on Genie+ .

That means that even if you pay for Genie+ you will NOT be able to select a time for/use the Lightning Lane at those attractions. Instead, if you want to use the Lightning Lane for those attractions,  you’ll have to pay for the attractions INDIVIDUALLY .

Guests will only be able to get a maximum of 2 Individual Attraction Selections per day.

Two Options ©Disney

That’s our very, very, VERY basic and succinct breakdown of Genie vs. Genie+ (with a tiny bit of info thrown in about Individual Attraction Selection). Essentially, you’re able to pay $15 per day in Disney World to get access to the Lightning Lanes for over 40 attractions (you’ll be able to make 1 Lightning Lane selection at a time) through Genie+. If you want to skip the standby lines at select super popular attractions though, you’ll have to pay to access their Lightning Lanes individually (maximum of 2 selections per day) through Individual Attraction Selection.

Want to know more about Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selection? Check out some of our other posts, linked below:

• Click here to  learn about Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selection, including what attractions have been listed for each and more details
• Click here to see  what Annual Passholders need to know about Disney Genie
• Click here to see how and  why you’ll pay for individual rides in Disney Genie+ with Individual Attraction Selection
• Click here to see  how Disney Genie+ is different from MaxPass
• Click here to see  how being a hotel guest will benefit you with the Individual Attraction Selection service

Click here to learn more about FastPass+.

There are a LOT of dining options all around Disney World. There are counter service spots — meaning places where you simply order your food, pick it up, and take it to your table (AKA, fast food like chicken nuggets or burgers). There are also table service restaurants — where you will be seated, a Cast Member will take your order, and your food will be brought to you at the table.

Sit down, eat, and watch TV? Don’t mind if we do.

Reservations are NOT required (nor can they be made) for counter service spots. But, reservations can (and should) be made for table service spots. At many popular spots, reservations essentially become required if you want to dine there. You won’t find these spots on the walk-up waitlist!

Right now, you can make dining reservations 60 days ahead of your Disney trip .  Reservations can book up pretty quickly for some spots — particularly those popular locations. When we say “fast” we mean “gone 60 days out” type deal for big spots. So, if you’re looking to eat at Be Our Guest Restaurant , a character meal, or other popular places, you’ll want to book those as quickly as you can!

Beast in Be Our Guest

You can change or cancel your reservations later if you change your mind. But, note that some Disney reservations will charge you a cancellation fee (usually $10 per person) if you don’t cancel within a certain time period — generally 24 hours.

Also, if you’re on a serious budget or you’ve got picky eaters in the group, you can bring food, snacks, water bottles, sodas, and more into Disney World . If you’ve got special dietary concerns or allergies , there are also several things you can do to notify Disney and help them best accommodate you.  Cast Members will be happy to help in any way they can.

Click here to see more about dining with a special diet in Disney World!

Wondering what the TOP Disney snacks are that you should get? Or the best restaurants you should eat at? If you’ve NEVER been, you likely won’t know what or where to find all the best food! We got you.

A Mickey Pretzel with (What We Call) Plastic Cheese!

Be sure to check out our picks for the BEST snacks in Disney World right now in our video below! 

13. Rides, Fireworks, Parades, and a Bit More

There are a lot of rides in Disney World, and it’s important to know what rides are in what park so you can best plan your days. You can find Disney World maps online or in the My Disney Experience app. We think it’s a good idea for you and your family to look at these maps ahead of time and make a note of what rides are must-dos, which ones you’d like to try, and which ones you’d rather skip.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios Goes Upside Down!

Not sure what a specific ride is even like? Is it too scary for your little one or too scary for you?? Watch videos of the rides online! There are tons of videos on YouTube that will give you a much better idea of what the ride is like. You can watch them with your family to get excited for your trip and help you narrow down your must-do list.

Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom

Some Disney World rides do have height requirements , so keep that in mind for little ones and be sure to look in advance so they aren’t disappointed when they get there. We recommend measuring your kiddo with their shoes on so you know before you go what they can and can’t do. If someone is too short, parents can take advantage of Disney World’s Rider Switch program . This allows you to split your party so those tall enough can ride while someone stays with the person too small to ride. Then, they switch and the person who waited can ride without waiting in the full line.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Aside from actual moving or simulation rides, there is some wonderful entertainment all around Disney World.

Also, we wanted to briefly mention how to handle if someone in your party required a bit of extra assistance to ride rides on your trip. Disney does have certain services available for those with disabilities . For example, Assistive technology devices for guests with hearing disabilities are available at Guest Relations.

Guest Relations

Those with disabilities can also get a  Disability Access Service pass that allows them to generally stop by an attraction and receive a return time at which point they’ll be able to come back and be directed to an alternate entrance to get on the ride. Click here to read more about how Disability Access Service works now.

New virtual features have been added to Disney’s Disability Access Service Program — click here to learn more.

Also, we couldn’t get through this post without mentioning two of the things that Disney is so famous for (even though they aren’t rides)  — parades and fireworks!  Considering that this is your first trip to Disney World, these are the quintessential Disney things you’ll likely want to reserve some time to experience.

What a Sight!

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is currently running in Magic Kingdom!

Festival of Fantasy

Check out the return of this parade!

Fireworks have resumed at Disney World in full force! Fireworks are now back at Magic Kingdom , Hollywood Studios , and EPCOT , and new fireworks shows are on the way for Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.

Happily Ever After Fireworks

Most entertainment offerings have returned to Disney World, but be sure to still check the Disney World website to see what’s being offered during your trip!

Click here to check out KiteTails in Animal Kingdom!

14. photopass.

During your trip, you’ll likely see Disney photographers taking other families’ photos. This is called PhotoPass. The photographers are scattered throughout the parks and will take your photos for FREE! So, don’t be afraid to say cheese and take those pictures! You can then link the photos to your account with your MagicBand or admission card (or sometimes your phone ) so you can see them online later. Some photographers can even add in fun magical stuff to your photos, so be sure to ask!

If you want to download those photos you’ll either need an Annual Pass that includes free photo downloads, you’ll need to buy the Memory Maker service, or you can pay for each photo individually. Memory Maker is a service that you pay for that allows you to download all your PhotoPass photos for trips in a certain period of time.

15. Packing List

Maybe you’ve got everything booked and ready…but what do you pack?! Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered there too! Check out our DFB video below with the ULTIMATE Disney World packing list. It’s a few years old, but should still be SUPER helpful.

We’ve also got a list of 12 essentials you NEED in your Disney World bag , and a video of the things even the pros forget to bring to Disney World.  Check out these videos so you know what to pack!

16. Cast Members & ALL the Tips

One thing we really wanted to mention is that if during your Disney World trip you have a question or need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask a Cast Member for help . Cast Members are INCREDIBLE and do a fantastic job helping guests with their needs.

Cast Members at the Boardwalk Bakery

Need more tips and tricks to help plan your first trip? We’ve got ’em right here! In fact, if you’re still on the fence if this is the year or if you should wait, click here to see whether you should go to Disney World for the first time this year .

Roy and Minnie Statue

Click here to see 6 things most first time visitors get WRONG at Disney World , so you can prevent yourself from getting these things wrong during your first trip.

Want a month-by-month planning guide to your Disney World vacation ? We’ve got that here too!

DinoLand USA

Want to make sure you walk away from your first trip with as few regrets as possible? Click here to see some of our readers’ 10 BIGGEST regrets in Disney World so you don’t experience the same things.

18. The DFB Guide

Want a BIG guide to all things Disney food related? Well lucky you — we got you covered there too! (What can we say. We like you and want you to have the BEST time ever!) You might want to check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World dining!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2023

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining  is FULL of details, tools, and features to help your trip go smoothly, including:

• A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning , covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks.
• An updated look at the COVID-19 changes happening at Disney World.
• A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge , including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience.
• Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips!
• Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning.
• A comprehensive index of bars and lounges WITH reviews. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic.

The book is a digital book, so you can easily look at it on your phone or computer before and during your trip.

Click here to see more about the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!

19. don’t forget our dfb videos.

And finally, if you’re a videos type of person, then you’ll want to check out our DFB YouTube channel.  Truly, this is not just a shameless plug. The DFB videos on YouTube are totally FREE to watch and there are LOADS on there with tons of valuable information that could help you plan your trip.

We’ve got an entire playlist dedicated to Disney World tips and guides with videos showing you what things are banned in Disney World, things we wish we’d known before we went to Disney World, the worst Walt Disney World resorts, and more! We’ve even got a video dedicated to the 50 MOST important things to know before you go to Disney World . If you’re planning a trip to Disney World for the first time, some of these videos can really help you get prepared!

Click here to check out our video of the 50 things to know before you go to Disney World!

And that’s our essential guide to planning your very first trip to Disney World! There is SO much more we could say, but then this guide would go on for AGES. We’ll leave it at this — planning a trip to Disney World can be a lot. But, try not to let yourself get overwhelmed. Remember that at the end of the day, it won’t matter if you hit every single ride or eat every snack you have on your list. What will matter is whether you got to spend quality time with your family, soak in the magic, and create memories that will last a lifetime. We hope your first trip to Disney World is absolutely fantastic!

Click here to see 10 ways Disney World tricks you into spending more money!

Are you planning your first trip to Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments!

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17 Tips For Your First Trip to Disney World as an Adult

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

I recently took my first trip to Disney World as an adult — and wow, did I ever enjoy it! I’m not a Disney superfan by any stretch, but an opportunity to visit arose — and I jumped on it right away.

I LOVED Disney when I was a kid. I went once as a baby, once when I was five, and once when I was nine — but I haven’t been back since childhood. They were actually building the Tower of Terror on my last visit!

But long after that trip as a nine-year-old, I would pore over Disney books, dreaming of my next Disney vacation. (I would do the same with books about different countries, dreaming of traveling the world someday.)

This past fall, my mom moved to central Florida, just a short drive from Disney World. The timing was perfect! We would go for a day trip.

Disney has changed a LOT since the 90s. It’s incredibly crowded, painfully expensive, and just planning a trip requires a ton of research, planning, and extra purchases to make sure you won’t be waiting in lines all day. And that’s before you add in the COVID factor.

At my heart, I’m a travel writer. I go to places. I tell people how to do it better. So here is a full report on what I learned on my day at Disney, and what you should know before planning a trip as an adult.

This post was last updated in March 2022.

Table of Contents

You cannot wing a trip to Disney World.

Are you the kind of person who doesn’t like planning much, who likes to show up and take things as they come? Well, if you do that at Disney World, particularly at the Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios, you’re going to be waiting in lines all day.

If this is your first trip to Disney World as an adult, you’ve got a lot of research ahead of you. There is so much to learn. But it’s fun! I spent so many hours engrossed in different Disney blogs and social media channels.

You’ll need to research popular rides, itineraries, and how to book rides strategically using the Genie Plus system. If you have your heart set on any particular character experiences, you should book those, too.

You should also try to get dining reservations as soon as you can (reservations open 60 days before), especially for popular restaurants like Be Our Guest or Space 220.

So how do you research? Start by asking your friends! I knew I had some Disney-loving friends, but when I asked on Facebook, I got so many more responses than I expected! I guarantee you have more Disney friends than you think.

Research-wise, I found Disney Tourist Blog to be my favorite resource — incredibly comprehensive and detailed, and I loved the voice of the writers. I felt like I could trust what they wrote.

My friend Lia used to be a cast member at Disney and she wrote this great guide on how to do Disney .

My friend Victoria has a Disney blog, Disney Trippers , and she got me excited for Disney experiences I had no idea existed, like Disney Villains After Hours and the Disney dessert parties !

Finally, you need to use the app. It’s called the My Disney Experience App and you can do everything with it. You link to your tickets on it, you do all your Genie Plus and Lightning Lane reservations on it, you use it for mobile ordering and dining reservations, it has a map and the wait times, and so much more.

Which park is best for your first trip to Disney World as an adult?

Walt Disney World has four main parks — Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Which one is best? I asked my Disney-loving friends and got a dozen different answers. It depends on what you want to do.

Magic Kingdom is the classic Disney park with the castle and all the nostalgia rides that you may remember from your youth, but it’s very young kid-oriented and extremely crowded.

Some famous rides at Magic Kingdom include Space Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan’s Flight, It’s a Small World, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Under the Sea.

Epcot has lots of science- and education-focused rides, almost all of them low-key, plus the World Showcase with pavilions from different countries. It’s less busy with shorter lines; some people think it’s more boring.

Some famous rides at Epcot include Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, Test Track, Spaceship Earth, Soarin’ Around the World, Living with the Land, and Journey Into Imagination with Figment.

Hollywood Studios has lots of thrill rides, plus all the Star Wars stuff and Toy Story Land. Lines here are very long as well, though it’s more oriented for older kids and adults.

Some famous rides at Hollywood Studios include Slinky Dog Dash, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Star Tours, Toy Story Mania, and the Indiana Jones Stunt Tour Spectacular.

Animal Kingdom is the park I don’t know as much about, but from what I’ve read, its crowds are more on the Epcot level, plus it opens and closes earlier than the other parks.

Some famous rides at Animal Kingdom include Na’vi River Journey, Avatar Flight of Passage, DINOSAUR, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Kali River Rapids.

After much consideration, we decided to do a park hopping day, starting at Magic Kingdom and finishing at Epcot. This gave us a chance to have the nostalgia experience in the morning and spend most of the evening exploring the World Showcase.

Was this a good decision? Overall, I’m happy with how our day went, but we could have done it different ways.

Magic Kingdom really is overwhelming in terms of the crowds, and a lot of the long lines are not worth it for more kid-oriented rides if you’re an adult. But this is home to the iconic Disney experiences, and letting go and enjoying it is the way to go!

One thing that disappointed me is that the House of Magic on Main Street is now a generic Disney merch shop. Sigh.

Epcot seemed a lot more my speed, and it definitely works better on a day where you just want to hang out and explore. And it just felt so airier, in part because it covers more ground. Only one ride was sold out for Lightning Lanes and had super-long lines (Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure).

If you intend to ride as many rides as possible, you should not park hop. Pick a park, stick to it, and rope drop, Genie Plus, and Lightning Lane everything you can, especially if it’s Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios. You’ll need the full day to do all the rides.

If you don’t care about doing everything, feel free to park hop, but you might want to put the less busy park later. It definitely felt nicer getting into a less-crowded Epcot after super-crowded Magic Kingdom. (Note that it takes almost an hour to get from Magic Kingdom to Epcot.)

I also read it’s popular to park hop with Animal Kingdom in the morning and Epcot later, as in usual times Animal Kingdom opens much earlier and Epcot closes much later, and neither park gets severely overcrowded.

Genie Plus is a Pain — But Essential

Disney got rid of the Fast Pass system in 2021 — instead, you now have Genie Plus, which is complicated at best and a clusterfuck at worst. Genie Plus costs $15 per person per day, and starting at 7:00 AM, you can make your first reservation for the Lightning Lane, where you can skip the line.

You can make new reservations every two hours or after you tap into your next ride, and you can’t book any ride more than once. Reservations are an hour-long window, which gives you flexibility.

I did my research on how to maximize Genie Plus, and I chose to book the Jungle Cruise for my first reservation at 7:00 AM. Not because it was my top choice ride, but because it’s one of the most popular rides. I was on the app exactly at 7:00 AM and the first reservation I could get was at 11:40! That shows you how competitive it is.

And many Disney guests have complained about Genie Plus being buggy. I was only able to make reservations every two hours, regardless of when I finished a ride, and at one point I was told I couldn’t make my next reservation until 5:00 PM even though it was already 5:40 PM. Sigh.

To make things more complicated, there are several rides that have Lightning Lanes but are not on Genie Plus; you need to pay extra for them. You can max two non-Genie Plus Lightning Lane bookings per day. I booked Space Mountain this way for $7.

Do you need Genie Plus? It’s essential for the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, but not as essential for Epcot or Animal Kingdom, which tend to have fewer rides with long lines.

If you don’t get it, it’s helpful to “rope drop” one of the most popular rides — to be at the gate when the park opens and power-walk your way to the ride.

Make peace with the fact that not everything will be open.

When I was nine, my favorite ride was Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I adored that roller coaster — it was the perfect level of thrill for me, with a cool southwestern theme.

And entire week I was in Florida in 2022, Thunder Mountain was closed for repairs. Awwwwww.

I was sad, but I made peace and planned to have a fun day anyway.

Space Mountain is showing its age.

I remembered Space Mountain as the wildest ride in Disney World — keep in mind this was back in 1994 — and I was eager for a bit of a thrill after several tame rides. We grabbed a paid Lightning Lane reservation for Space Mountain and strapped in.

CLACKITY CLACKITY CLACKITY CLACKITY CLACKITY CLACK.

Granted, it’s an indoor roller coaster, but it sounded ancient!! And on several of the turns, it snapped my head back, hard — honestly, this is the kind of thing that you don’t see as much these days. I was surprised there wasn’t a headrest.

Space Mountain opened in January 1975, and I think it’s starting to be a bit long in the tooth. I enjoyed the ride, but not the neck-snapping parts. Not quite the highlight of my Disney trip.

Mobile ordering is fantastic.

Need food? The smart way to get it is mobile ordering ahead of time. I absolutely loved mobile ordering — it saved so much time waiting in line.

We wanted to try Dole Whip, Disney’s signature pineapple soft serve, and I know they served it at Aloha Isle in Adventureland. We had a Genie Plus reservation for Jungle Cruise at 11:40. So we ordered two Dole Whips for pickup within 11:10-11:40, paid for them on our phones, and simply went and picked them up.

And those Dole Whips were absolutely delicious — a highlight of the day!

Of course, this is another reminder that YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR DAY at Disney, especially in the busiest parks like Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

People really get into Disney shirts.

I couldn’t believe how many custom Disney shirts I saw! So many with people’s names on them, or “Disney Family Vacation 2022” on them (and one with “Disney Vacation 2021” on them…I guess COVID axed that trip).

Lots of kids were dressed up as Disney characters, including a little boy in a gold Belle dress, which made me smile. But adults at Disney are not allowed to dress up in costume. When you think about it, it’s obvious why.

Even though you can’t wear a full costume, you can still have fun! Put together an outfit based on a character you love (maybe a purple mermaid shirt, teal pants, and fork earrings for Ariel?), or go wild with mouse ears. Etsy is an absolute gold mine for Disney stuff.

You need really, REALLY good footwear.

Staying on the theme of what to wear at Disney — good shoes are essential. Better shoes than usual. You will be walking a ton and standing a ton. I clocked 26,000 steps on my Disney day.

I ended up wearing my white leather Cole Haan sneakers , plus my usual insoles, and these were a great choice. While I often wear my Teva Tirra sports sandals for active outdoor days, like when hiking or climbing temples in Mexico, I’m glad I went with sneakers instead.

Clothing-wise, I went with comfy skinny jeans and a light blouse. Go with something comfortable that you can move in.

Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle that you can fill up. The Florida sun can be brutal.

Visiting during a festival is fun!

We booked this trip on a bit of a whim, but it happened to be during Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts, which runs from mid-January through mid-February. This ended up being a lot of fun!

The International Festival of the Arts celebrates art in many forms — visual arts, performing arts, culinary arts. There were Disney on Broadway performances, artists selling their wares, and interactive artistic activities.

Best of all, there were pop-up food stands serving special menu items all over Epcot, including international items at the World Showcase. And they were all small servings so you could graze all day. They also had a challenge where if you got stamps for five signature items, you could redeem your passport for a cookie shaped like an artist’s palette.

There are so many festivals at Disney! The Disney Food & Wine Festival runs from July through November (wow!) and I’d love to hit that one up in particular.

Disney is surprisingly dark.

When I say dark here, I mean poorly lit. Honestly, I was stunned by how poorly lit the Disney parks are — both indoors and outdoors.

Indoors, while waiting in line for rides, I wondered if my eyes were going. Then I realized that lots of other people were in the same position, using their phone flashlight to illuminate the path on the way to Space Mountain.

Outdoors was terrible, too — at Epcot, at least. Lights were so sparse, I could barely see where I was going. I looked over at the campanile in the Italy pavilion and thought about all the bell towers I’ve seen all over Italy, and how each of them are lit up beautifully, and Disney does such a poor job by comparison.

I am quite puzzled over this, considering that Disney makes big efforts to cater to people with disabilities. Why so dark? Is it a money-saving measure? They blow a ton of money on fireworks every night!

Disney-goers are afraid of “exotic” food.

One common refrain I saw on Disney blogs is that Skipper Canteen in Adventureland is an underrated dining gem. It’s also easy to get into, as the menu features some “exotic” items that people from Middle America are afraid to try.

Those dishes? Thai noodles. Falafel. Char siu pork. Vegetable curry. Plus some spiced up chicken and steak dishes. A surprisingly large percentage of Disney visitors steer clear of the restaurant for this reason.

I’ve also heard that many Disney guests are disappointed by La Hacienda de San Angel in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot. The reason? This is actual Mexican food and they’re expecting Americanized Mexican food. They only taco options for adults are shrimp or lobster tacos.

I didn’t eat at either of those restaurants, but I saw this in practice at Epcot later. At peak dinnertime, there were long lines everywhere around the World Showcase, but I thought to myself, “I bet Morocco is empty.”

We went to Morocco — and it was empty! They served exotic dishes of chicken kabobs and bread with dips like hummus. There was no line.

Does the World Showcase scratch the travel itch?

Many of my friends said to me something along the lines of, “Oh, you’ll love Epcot, they have all the countries and you’re a traveler.” And my response was to smile and say, “Sure!” But I wondered how I would actually feel about it.

I’ve actually been to all of the countries in the World Showcase except Morocco, and have lived in four of them (USA, Italy, UK, Mexico). Would they be good renditions, or Americanized imitations?

Well. They definitely weren’t accurate. But they were fun! It was nice wandering around and exploring the different pavilions, appreciating the Imagineers’ attention to detail. It’s hard not to be delighted by the miniature train in Germany or the Mayan temple in Mexico.

At one point Charlie and I sat outside with glasses of Prosecco at the Italy pavilion and it just felt NICE to be in an idea of Italy, the country that we visit several times a year, even if it was a fake theme park Italy.

I think of it like this: I love high-end Mexican food, and I also love Taco Bell. I love going to live Shakespeare productions, and I also love bad reality TV. The World Showcase is a long leap from actual international travel, but it’s still a lot of fun.

How good was the food, though?

One of the most popular things people were asking me after this trip was, “Didn’t you love the food? What was the best thing you ate?”

Well. I didn’t have the highest expectations; I mainly wanted to eat ice cream. I didn’t expect much from theme park food.

And truthfully, as much as we enjoyed the little plates of food at the International Festival of the Arts at Epcot, it seemed like they had all been pre-prepared and sitting out all day. So our pate de campagne , though well intended, was pretty dry and falling apart. Most of the dishes were cute and fun but fair-to-average in terms of quality.

I think the highlight of Charlie’s day was when he found out he could get an iced latte with Lucky Charms on top.

“Harmonious” is incredible.

I knew the Magic Kingdom was famous for its fireworks show every night, but I didn’t know that each park has its own show! At Epcot, it’s Harmonious, a light, fireworks, and screen show on the lagoon in the middle of the World Showcase.

Enormous, colorful jets of water leap through the air as Disney medleys play. Fireworks explode in the air and screens mounted in the lagoon play scenes from Disney movies.

Was it good? OH, IT WAS GOOD. I could not believe how good it was. It almost made me cry! How do they do that?!

It is absolutely worth staying until closing so you can see Harmonious. The best place to view the show is at the Italy pavilion or Japan pavilion — but keep in mind these are about as far as you can get from the park exit.

Disney during COVID can be challenging.

Disney World has gone through several iterations of masking: masks required everywhere, masks required inside, and no masks required anywhere. I visited on February 16, 2022, which turned out to be the final day that masks were required inside.

In the early days of the pandemic, more than once I said that Disney World was the last place I wanted to be. But by early 2022, I was okay with visiting. I was fully vaccinated and boosted, the Omicron wave was waning, I was not planning on seeing any immunocompromised people anytime soon, and I was committed to masking indoors and whenever in a packed crowd outdoors. I live in the Czech Republic; we’ve never stopped masking indoors. It was no big deal.

Were there people who flagrantly disregarded the mask rule? Absofuckinglutely! People who would go into the bathrooms without mask. People who would stand in line for food with the collar of their shirt pulled up around their nose. People who would smirk and wait until two minutes into the monorail ride to put a mask on.

All of these people couldn’t resist being an asshole for the sake of being an asshole. And honestly, many anti-maskers have been awful to Disney cast members, hurtling verbal abuse when asked to wear a mask. I suspect that this is why Disney dropped the indoor masking rule: CMs are burned out.

Anything else to know about Disney during COVID? There were no close-up character experiences at the time of my visit. If a mascot appeared, Minnie or Goofy would be on the other side of a hedge, 20 feet away or so, posing for selfies from behind. And there are no parades at this time.

Should you visit Disney during COVID? That’s up to you. If you do go, I recommend being fully vaccinated and boosted, and masking indoors, even though it’s no longer required.

Comparisons to Universal Studios are inevitable.

So, what about Universal Studios, the other major theme park in Orlando? I actually went to Universal with my bud Cailin back in 2017, when she was an ambassador for the theme park and brought me as her guest.

We had a great time, and there are some things that Universal does better than Disney.

Fewer crowds. Universal Studios is less crowded than Disney World, and wait times are much shorter. The only rides where there are significant wait times are the big Harry Potter rides — and you can get around that by rope dropping first thing in the morning, especially if you stay at a Universal resort and can enter early.

Lockers everywhere. Universal has lockers throughout the park, and they are free for the first 30 minutes — so we would frequently stash our things, ride a ride (or in the case of The Mummy, ride it three times), then pick our things up and move on to the next ride. Disney only has lockers at the entrances.

Child swap. If you’re two adults with a big kid and a toddler, one adult can ride with the big kid while the other stays with the toddler in a child swap room, then they can switch so the other adult can ride. It’s a great idea and one I’m surprised doesn’t exist at Disney.

That said…Universal is not a place I could see myself returning to repeatedly. I think I could go back to Disney World a LOT.

How would I plan a future trip to Disney as an adult?

I would love to go back to Disney! Now that I’ve done so much research, I can’t wait to do more Disney!! Next time I visit my mom in Florida, I’d love to go to Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios for the day. My sister is a runner and I’d love to cheer her on in a Disney marathon or half marathon.

But say I were planning a full weeklong trip to Disney for adults. For myself, essentially. What would I recommend?

Disney Springs. This area is not part of the parks, but it’s filled with shops and restaurants and bars. If you’re an adult planning a trip to Disney, you should prioritize some time here!

Staying at a Disney resort. The benefits are too good — easy transportation, no parking hassles, and getting to enter the park early. I think I’d choose a Disney hotel close to Disney Springs, like Disney Port Orleans French Quarter. (Their hotel rooms are sized for two adults…and they serve Mickey-shaped beignets!)

Hardcore days at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Trying to pack in as much as humanly possible, trying to see ALL OF THE RIDES. Spending the money for Genie Plus and Lightning Lanes, optimizing every free minute.

On and off scheduling. The first day, going nonstop from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, exhausted me. I couldn’t do that multiple days in a row. So I think I’d alternate busy days in the parks and chill days. What to do on chill days? Sit by the pool, do Disney Springs things, maybe hit up one of the water parks (Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Bay).

Doing a monorail food crawl. I’ve learned that some people like to have one course of a meal at one Disney resort, then hop on the monorail and have the next course at the next resort. Disney actually plans some of these dinners with set courses! Fun.

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. This ice cream shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort serves gargantuan sundaes and I WANT I WANT I WANT. On my next trip, for sure!

More Florida Fun:

Miami is Nice, So I’ll Say It Twice

Solo Female Travel in the Florida Keys

Seaside, Florida, the Town of the Truman Show

The Very Best of Key West

Have you visited Disney as an adult? What would you recommend?

First Time Disney World Visit Tips

First time visitors to Walt Disney World make a lot of mistakes. There are many things that are simply impossible to know until you go, and due to many planning resources being written by seasoned Disney veterans, it can be easy for those sharing tips to completely gloss over something because they are so familiar with the parks and just take certain things for granted.

With that in mind, we’ve written this blog post with some important things that first time visitors ought to know. If you’ve been to Walt Disney World even one time, you will know most or all of this information. In that case, you might ‘pay it forward’ by sharing a basic bit of info about Walt Disney World that you didn’t know before your first trip, but that you consider important.

Okay, let’s dig into our list of some basic things first time Walt Disney World guests should know…

Walt Disney World is Huge

If you’ve done any amount of research, you probably know that Walt Disney World is the “big place” in Florida and Disneyland is the “little place” in California.

It bears reiterating: Walt Disney World is HUGE. It’s located on 25,000 acres, has 24 hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and more “other stuff” beyond the parks than you can shake a stick at. On the one hand, it’s awesome to have so many different great things to do.

You could easily visit for 2 weeks and not run out of things to do–the options beyond theme parks, from fishing to golfing to spas and more are staggering. On the other hand, because there is much, the distance between hotels and parks, parks and other entertainment, etc. can be fairly substantial. Walt Disney World is not a place that you can cover on foot.

The other consequence of this is in terms of time. Whether you rent a car or use Disney’s free transportation, you are going to spend a lot of time during your trip commuting. The best case scenario, if you only visit one park per day and rent a car, puts your total commute time at an hour.

If you park hop and use Disney transportation, you might spend 3 or more hours per day commuting. Yes, all of those options are great, but the time it takes to get from one of them to another is not. We have a post dedicated to Walt Disney World Transportation Tips that can help you take shortcuts (not literally) to save time with Disney’s transportation system.

Make Advance Dining Reservations

You can make Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) to Walt Disney World restaurants 180 days before your trip. Take advantage of this, because popular restaurants like Le Cellier, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest Restaurant, and Chef Mickey’s book up months in advance.

While the importance of ADRs isn’t as significant as it once was thanks to Disney putting in a new deposit system, if you want to dine at the most sought-after restaurants or you travel during busy times (or during the “Free Dining” promotion, the importance of ADRs for popular restaurants cannot be understated.

We’ve heard horror stories from guests who book Free Dining, then just show up, expecting to eat anywhere…and unable to find a table at even the most unpopular restaurants. Make your reservations as early as possible. When we have used the Disney Dining Plan in the past, we’ve made reservations months in advance. Sometimes, even at 170+ days, we still didn’t get what we wanted.

Rental Cars Are Expensive in Orlando (But Don’t Have To Be)

We normally use Disney’s Magical Express, which is a complimentary transportation service from the Orlando International Airport to Disney-owned hotels, and that’s partly because renting a car at the airport can be prohibitively expensive. In fact, when we’ve priced it out in the past, the prices have often been substantially more than we’re used to paying whenever traveling elsewhere.

There are two ways to avoid this. The first is renting a car at an off-airport location, and taking a shuttle to get it. Likewise, you can use Disney’s Magical Express (if you’re staying at a Disney-owned hotel) and then take a bus to the Swan & Dolphin to pick up a car when you need one. An Alamo/National rental desk is located near guest services at the Dolphin. This can be a real money saver if you only need a rental car for a day visit to SeaWorld, Universal, or another theme park.

Another option is using Uber or Lyft. We started using these services instead of rental cars a few years ago (see our Uber v. Rental Cars at Disney World post for more), and we haven’t looked back. Uber and Lyft are inexpensive and drivers are abundant so waits are minimal. In our view, these services mixed with using free Disney transportation is the best of both worlds–and better than having a rental car.

Visiting Walt Disney World is Physically Exhausting

Walking around the parks for a day will tire you out. Walking around for an entire week can leave you downright exhausted. Seriously.

This is not to say that you need to do some sort of marathon training regime prior to visiting Walt Disney World. However, if you plan on lasting the entire day in the parks without fatigue and blisters, you should physically prepare yourself for the trip.

How you prepare is ultimately your call, but you’ve been warned. (This could explain why moleskin is one of the top recommendations from commenters on our Unique Disney Packing List post.)

Everything Takes Longer Than Expected

What’s that saying about the best laid plans of mice and men? That might as well have been written about you and Mickey. Once you’ve developed a daily itinerary for your trip (and you absolutely should make at least a loose one), take a red pen and randomly cross off about half the things on that list. That’s how much you should actually expect to get done–if you end up finishing more, consider it a pleasant surprise.

Everything takes longer than you’ll expect at Walt Disney World. The odd thing here is that this is usually not a result of waiting in lines longer than you expect (in fact, usually posted wait times are higher than actual wait times). Instead, you’ll find that transportation, walking between attractions, dining, and various other things all take longer than you plan.

In some cases, this is a good thing. There will be times in the parks when you’ll stumble upon roaming entertainment or a fun detail that will preoccupy you for a bit, and these diversions are a pleasant surprise. Other times, this is a not so good thing. You plan for 30 minutes to get from your room to a park, but due to bus delays or parking time, it might actually take an hour.

Disney Springs Is Better Than Ever

The heading on this one used to be “Downtown Disney is Not for Everyone.” However, a lot has changed since this post was written a few years ago. At that time, Downtown Disney was basically just a mix of stores selling the same merchandise and a bunch of stores selling virtually identical merchandise to what was sold in the parks, plus a few third party options that were uninspired.

Since then, the area has transformed into Disney Springs, adding a slew of new dining and retail options in the process. Now, Disney Springs features some of the absolute best restaurants at Walt Disney World, and plenty of interesting retailers that are worthwhile. It’s a mix of Disney-owned and third-party options, and a lot of things you can’t find inside the parks or in most cities in the United States.

In addition to a better mix of shopping and dining options, the layout has been improved, transportation and parking are now significantly better, and the ambiance of Disney Springs is significantly better than what you would’ve found only a few years ago at the previous incarnation of this area.

Basically, if you’ve read criticism of Walt Disney World’s shopping and entertainment district (here or elsewhere), that is probably outdated, as Disney Springs is better than ever, and now definitely worthy of your time. We do several meals at Disney Springs each trip, and find visiting this area well worth our time.

Long Wait Times Do Not Equal Popularity or Quality

“If there’s a long line, it must be for something good.” While this sounds a bit silly, this describes Disney guest behavior to a degree.

Just because an attraction has a long line doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy it, and just because it has no line doesn’t mean it’s no good. There are a lot of factors affecting wait times, including an attraction’s hourly guest capacity, its location in the park, the type of attraction it is v. other attractions in the park, etc.

Some of our favorite attractions at Walt Disney World rarely have waits, and that’s often because they have highly hourly capacity or aren’t thrill rides (as a general rule, thrill rides have the longest waits–even though they’re typically the shortest and least-detailed).

Rider Switch Allows Both Parents To Do Rides Their Kids Can’t

Beyond Disney’s free FastPass+ system, another similar time-saving option is the Rider Switch Pass (more commonly known as a “Child Swap”), which can be obtained from Cast Members outside attractions with height limits. This pass allows one parent to stay with the kids who don’t meet the height requirement for an attraction while the other parent (or group of above-height people) waits with the kids.

When the riding parent/group is done, the waiting parent/group (up to 3 per pass) can use the pass by going to the FastPass+ return line. Since three people can use the pass, your kids or other party members who are tall enough to ride the attraction can conceivably go twice: once in line with the first parent, and the second time by using the pass with the parent who did the watching the first time!

You Can Schedule Attraction Times in Advance

As part of a system called MyMagic+, guests can now schedule time windows for bypassing the lines at attractions via something called FastPass+. FastPass+ can be obtained via the My Disney Experience app or via in-park kiosks and are stored on the MagicBand. Guests then “redeem” their FastPass+ by swiping it against an RFID reader outside applicable attractions. Guests are able to book 3 FastPass+ tickets in advance of their vacation (so, from home) 60 days in advance.

This can be a confusing and convoluted system for the first time guest to understand. For further information about FastPass+, check out our Guide to FastPass+ at Walt Disney World . To figure out where you should use your initial 3 FastPass+ selections per day, check out our Disney Ride Guides .

Suffice to say, you’ll definitely want FastPass+ for Slinky Dog Dash, Frozen Ever After, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and other popular attractions. Having FastPass+ for these attractions can save you hours in line per day and be the difference between experiencing only a handful of attractions per day and well over a dozen.

Lines to Meet Characters Are Often Long

A lot of Disney commercials show kids and Disney characters romping around the parks hand-in-hand, as carefree as can be. While there are some spontaneous character interactions, most of the time you will need to wait in line in order to meet Disney characters. In some cases, these wait times are longer than what you’ll encounter for popular attractions.

While Frozen is a bit of an anomaly due to its incredible popularity right now, it’s not uncommon to wait 30 minutes or more to meet “ordinary” characters. That can be less or considerably more depending on the time of year you visit, and the character’s popularity. To make matters worse, many of these lines are outdoors and do not offer shade.

If you must meet characters, doing a character meal is a good way to save time by having the characters come to you while you eat. Of course, there is an additional charge for these meals, and most of them are not cheap. ( Here are our recommendations if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan .) Still, it can be worth your time, money, and sanity if your kids are really into characters.

Disney Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

In pop culture, Disney trips are portrayed as expensive, highly commercialized affairs. This sentiment has become so commonplace that Jungle Cruise skippers often joke that everything leads to a gift shop. While much of this is deserved, visiting Walt Disney World doesn’t have to be ridiculously expensive .

Guests can stay in cheap, off-site hotels that are in abundance around Orlando. (We far prefer staying on-site; click here to read our article weighing the pros and cons of off-site v. on-site.) Disney allows guests to bring their own food to the park (a rare policy among theme parks), but even if you don’t do this, prices are still significantly lower than what you’ll find at a movie theater or ball park.

You can buy discounted souvenirs at nearby outlets or online, or have freebies offered in-park substitute as souvenirs. About the only thing significant aspect of a Walt Disney World vacation that can be done significantly cheaper with an alternative approach is theme park tickets. Then then, though, you can save money by purchasing them from a third party .

Walt Disney World will never be as cheap as visiting a state or National Park, but compared to a lot of other entertainment and vacation options, it can be a better deal. It’s just a matter of perspective and being willing to do things a certain way to save money.

PhotoPass Photographers Will Take Free Photos

PhotoPass is a free service where Disney photographers around the park will take photos of you in front of park icons and other photogenic scenery. Normally, the catch is that while the taking of the photos is free, downloading and printing them costs money (as does the Memory Maker package).

This would render that “free” tag illusory, but for the fact that PhotoPass photographers (and any Cast Member, for that matter) will also take photos for you with your camera.

Given the fact that PhotoPass will take photos of you with your own camera, I have always had a really hard time recommending guests purchase Memory Maker. Granted, there are benefits if your camera isn’t very nice, and the PhotoPass photographers are more “aggressive” in getting good photos with their own cameras than with yours, but to me, that’s not enough to justify spending a lot of money on Memory Maker.

Most guests would come out ahead buying a camera (or even having PhotoPass photographers use their phones to take photos), having PhotoPass photographers use that to take their photos, and then purchasing photo books through reputable online services.

Advance Planning is Necessary

One theme of this post is that planning is important. This really cannot be understated. While it’s true that every destination you visit is best experienced with advance planning, this seems especially true at Walt Disney World. There is so much to do, and so many of the things that exist at Walt Disney World involve waiting or lines, making it seriously advantageous for anyone who is knowledgeable or has an efficient plan of attack.

Some guests go all out, planning every detail of their trip, making binders full of color-coded stuff, and all sorts of other craziness. This type of thing is best reserved for those who actually enjoy doing those things–more power to you if that fits your personality. That degree of planning is not necessary, and the amount of time you’ll expend on those efforts will be grossly disproportionate to the amount of time you’ll save over someone who is moderately prepared. (Moreover, you’ll put pressure on yourself to have an unattainably ‘perfect’ vacation.)

To avoid first-timer pitfalls, read a variety of blogs and find some planning tips on Pinterest or Facebook . We also recommend reading a comprehensive book, like The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2018 or The Easy Guide to Walt Disney World . You’ll spend anywhere from a few hours to several days doing this, but you will poise yourself to have a great vacation.

Planning, or a lack thereof, is ultimately the key difference between those who visit Walt Disney World for the first time and have a great time, and those who have an awful time. As with all things, you get out of it what you put into it.

That’s it for our list of first timer tips. If you are planning your first trip to Walt Disney World, make sure to check out our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for comprehensive planning ideas, our dining reviews to find the best restaurants, and our 101 Great Walt Disney World Tips posts.

Your Thoughts…

If you are a Walt Disney World veteran, what other ‘overlooked’ things to know would you add to this? Which would you emphasize, and with which do you disagree? If you’re a first-timer, is there anything else you’d like to know? Chances are if you have questions still, so does someone else! We love hearing from readers, so please share your thoughts in the comments.

Written by Tom Bricker

I have terminal cancer and will be visiting DisneyWorld in February as one of my bucket list items. Biggest issue is energy levels, so I need to pick and choose what I will do carefully. Don’t care about thrill rides – just want to experience Disney. Money is an issue, so staying any closer than Value isn’t an option. What do you recommend as a must do? I’m 51, and most looking forward to seeing Cinderella’s Castle!

Hope you were able to really enjoy your trip! I’ve never been to Disney and taking my daughter for the first time in May and I’m feeling overwhelmed lol

Try Beauty and the Beast’s place! definitely recommend ‘It’s a Small World’ and ‘Peter Pan’s Flight.’ I hopr you have a good time!

Try Beauty and the Beast’s place! definitely recommend ‘It’s a Small World’ and ‘Peter Pan’s Flight.’ I hope you have a good time!

I have never planned a trip to Disney ever and I am 56 years old. For one, it seems very complicated to me with all the different parks and passes and pass +. It sounds like it is just to crowded to have any fun. From what I have read, you have to buy tickets to each park which are VERY EXPENSIVE, and it also seems like there are lines everywhere you go, and you can’t just go into a restaurant and expect to sit down and eat unless you have reservations. I read there is a lot of walking and even the free travel buses there are lines to wait in. To me, you spend all your time walking, waiting in the heat for everything. It just does not seem like much fun to me. If that many people go to Disney, it seems to me that Disney would have more than enough money without being so expensive. Seems like you would take some of that money and work on making it easier to get to do things without all the waiting and walking and lower the prices so families that do not make a lot of money could afford to take the little children that would love to go too. Come on Disney, are you that stingy and greedy that you have to KEEP RAISING PRICES and making things at the park so expensive??? What a shame, I think it is pathetic that food, drinks, keepsakes are priced so high as well, when it already cost a family fortune just to get in the place. I wish people would quit saving their money to give it all to you people. So, so sad you have to be that GREEDY!!!!

Everything you said after “I have never planned a trip to Disney ever” is null and void!

Gwen, you’re projecting and guessing a lot here. You’ve never planned a trip to Disney and then you go on to make a lot of assumptions. You mention that you’ve heard how crowded things and lines are everywhere. What do you think would happen if they lowered ticket prices? Do you think they’d have more or fewer people that would make a trip to Disney? So, maybe you think they should charge less and spend more on upgrading the park? I’m guessing, in addition to never planning a trip to Disney, you’ve also never run your own business. I don’t really care for some of the prices at Disney either, but I also realize Disney has a right to charge whatever they want. I’m not entitled to a trip at Disney just because it’s there. If enough consumers decided they can’t afford it, their revenue will slump and Disney will have to make adjustments. Maybe Disney just isn’t for you. And that’s ok. I just don’t understand someone taking the time to bellyache about a business when she’s never been a customer. There is most certainly a ceiling in the price for Disney, but it’s just as obvious they haven’t hit it yet because people keep going and keep paying. Don’t like it? Don’t go. Very simple.

What would be the first park to visit on a 7 day trip to Disney? There’s just so much to do I don’t know where to begin…

This is our first time to Dis we world and we are so excited and a bit overwhelmed with all the things to do. We have 5 one day park passes and will be there for 8 days. Which parks would you recommend we go to first and in which order? Also, are there any must get fast passes and restaurant reservations you recommend? TIA

One of the best tips I ever got was from “The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World” (sorry, Tom). Schedule a mid-day pool/nap break!!! Granted, it is geared towards family with kids (that would be me), but still, getting out of the hot Florida heat and humidity at the middle of the day (say, 1-4 PM) for a pool break, or to just relax in a room with AC, can be so relaxing and refreshing. It also can help prevent little ones (and grown ups) from having a meltdown and becoming miserable.

Interestingly, although this tip is common, I don’t get it. Walking all the way out to the buses or parking lot, wasting time driving back, and then doing it in reverse never made sense to me. We always preger to either start early and leave by 4 or 5 to go to dinner or start late and stay until close to eliminate multiple travel trips.

Tom, you may want to consider updating this First Time Disney World Visit Tips blog. Lots of the nomenclature and information is outdated. Especially the Downtown Disney information. I was going to send it to friends for them to review for their first visit but found that they would be confused by some of the info. Thanks for all the great posts. My family and I find that your thinking is spot on with ours.

Thanks for the heads up on this. I just updated all of that Downtown Disney information…and basically rewrote that section entirely since what was there was no longer good advice!

Hi! So it’s going to be me and my boyfriends first time to Disney world is in a few months! Was wondering which park you recommend when we only have a day or two vacation time? I’m the Disney fanatic end he likes more thrill rides! Thanks!

Hi! I would highly recommend magic kingdom. Magic kingdom is a mixture of all four parks meaning it has tones of rides, shows, stores, characters and so many things to look at. If u wanted to see more shows I would recommend Hollywood studios, Hollywood studios also has a few thrill rides. Epcot has a lot of rides and also has the world showcase where u can experience so many cool new cultures, however Epcot doesn’t have many shows. Animal kingdom has a lot of cool things to look at such as animals or the overall decor, not many rides though. The water parks are really great as well and u can do all of the things in the water parks at least once, maybe even twice. Downtown Disney just has stores but all the stores they have are scattered all around the parks! Hope I helped and have a great Disney trip!

The Dine with an Imagineer option was a fantastic experience! It was a small group (I think its limited to about 15) and he talked with us for about 2 hours, so there was plenty of time for anecdotes and to answer everyone’s questions. I believe it cost about $60 (so, pretty much the same as most character dining options), and was at the Brown Derby.

We just returned from our Disney vacation. One advise for first time visitors is to get to the park early. We took a Uber directly from our hotel to the Disney Ticket and Transportation center which was free. Then hopped on the Ferry to the Magic Kingdom, total travel time less when 20 minutes.

We got to the park right as it opened for public at 9am and went directly to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride. Almost no wait time. Be advised that the fastpass+ for this ride has been booked 60 days in advance so there is no fastpass+ available. The normal wait time for this ride is about 60-90 minutes. So getting to the park early really helped us avoid the long lines. Most of the rides during the morning hours have short wait lines which increase as the day goes on. So plan ahead. I am glad we did and we had a fabulous day at the Park.

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A magical guide for how to plan a trip to Disney World this year

Editor's Note

If you want to know how to plan a trip to Disney World, you've come to the right place. This guide includes tips for choosing the right Disney World hotel for your budget, deciding which ticket type is right for you, determining which extras are worth splurging on and how to plan a trip that's fun and memorable without too much stress along the way.

With four theme parks, two water parks, more than 25 on-site hotels, over 200 dining locations and more attractions, experiences, shows and shops than we can list here, the best way to build a magical Disney World vacation is with planning, preparation and realistic expectations.

Planning a trip to Disney World should be fun and build excitement for your upcoming trip, and this guide can help.

How to start planning your trip to Disney World

There are a few questions you will want to answer early in the process of planning your Disney World vacation.

• What is your budget? Your budget will determine most other factors of your vacation, including where you stay and how many days you visit. How much it will cost you to go to Disney World really can vary widely based on the choices you make.
• When will you go? You may be at the mercy of work or school schedules, but if you have the flexibility, you can plan your trip when crowds are smaller or the weather is better. The summer can be very hot and rainy, the week between Christmas and New Year's is one of the busiest and weekdays when most kids are in school are often the least busy days.
• Where will you stay? You will typically pay more to stay in one of Disney's on-site hotels, especially at the moderate and deluxe tiers, but you'll also get perks like early theme park entry. Before you choose, you'll want to consider your budget, whether you want a themed room like the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and if you want to be located near a certain Disney park. Pro tip: Renting Disney Vacation Club points can help you stay at a deluxe hotel for a moderate price.
• Which parks will you visit on which days? Depending on the length of your vacation, you may need to prioritize which parks you plan to visit. This will also influence whether you purchase one-park-per-day or Park Hopper tickets that allow you to visit multiple parks daily. If you have little kids, be sure your family will have the stamina for multiple parks per day before shelling out the extra cash to hop.
• Where will you dine? Popular Disney dining reservations are snatched up almost as soon as they become available. You'll want to plan ahead for any character dining or other table service restaurants, so you don't miss out.

It is important to book your hotel, dining and theme park tickets as early as possible for the best rates and availability. Disney also periodically releases special offers on hotels and vacation packages that you can often apply even if you have already made your reservations.

Related: Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?

We will dig deeper into each of these topics in this guide. Once you have a rough outline of your vacation based on the questions above, here are important dates to keep in mind so you can make your Disney dream a reality.

How soon can you book a Disney World hotel?

Disney releases hotel availability periodically, so there is no exact date that Disney hotel reservations become available. You can currently book Disney World hotel stays through Dec. 31, 2024.

Disney typically opens reservations for the following year around May or June, so you can expect to see 2025 availability around that time. If your plans change, you can cancel your room-only reservation up to five days in advance of arrival for a full refund. Ticket and hotel vacation packages must be canceled 30 days in advance to receive a full refund.

When can you purchase Disney World tickets?

Disney World tickets follow the same availability calendar as Disney hotel reservations. You can purchase tickets (or vacation packages including a hotel and tickets) through Dec. 31, 2024. Disney typically releases tickets for the following year around May or June, so you can expect to see 2025 availability around that time.

All tickets are date-based, and the price of one-day tickets also varies by park. You can purchase your tickets any time before you visit; the price won't change regardless of how long you wait. Theme park tickets are nonrefundable, but you may be able to change your ticket date if your plans change.

Until Jan. 9, 2024, you must have a Disney ticket and make a theme park reservation to enter a Disney park.

When do Disney World dining reservations become available?

You can begin making dining reservations 60 days prior to your visit. If you are staying in a Disney World hotel, you can make dining reservations 60 days before your check-in day for your entire stay (up to 10 days).

Reservations open on Disney's website or the My Disney Experience app between 5:45 a.m. and 6 a.m. EST or you can call 407-939-DINE beginning at 7 a.m. EST, but coveted reservations may already be snatched up by that time. You can cancel most Disney World dining reservations up to two hours before your reservation. Exceptions will be noted in the confirmation email you receive at the time of booking.

If you're not yet sure where to eat, here are our favorite restaurants at Disney World .

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

What are the 4 parks at Disney World?

Each of Disney World's four theme parks is uniquely themed and packed with fun. You can learn more about each park, including attractions, shows, parade times and interactive maps to help you find your way around in the My Disney Experience app.

Here's a bit more information about each and some tips for choosing the right ticket type to visit them all.

Magic Kingdom

Open since 1971, Magic Kingdom is Disney World's original theme park. This park is a world of fairy tales and fantasy, where you'll find five themed lands — Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland and Liberty Square.

Magic Kingdom is home to some of Disney's most iconic attractions, including Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan's Flight and the Haunted Mansion, but also exciting new rides like Tron: Lightcycle Run and the soon-to-open Tiana's Bayou Adventure .

Epcot opened in 1982 and has changed drastically in the four decades since. Epcot's core message, however, hasn't changed: sparking visitors' imaginations through science, technology, nature and the human experience. The park is sectioned into "neighborhoods" — World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery and World Showcase, where you can visit pavilions that celebrate the arts, culture and customs of 11 countries around the world.

There are a lot of new things to see at Epcot, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind , Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana and the all-new fireworks spectacular Luminous – The Symphony of Us .

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a movie-themed park that has lands and attractions inspired by blockbuster films and beloved Disney characters. In Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge , you can pilot the Millennium Falcon and meet familiar (and furry) faces like Kylo Ren, Chewbacca and Rey.

In Toy Story Land, visitors shrink to the size of Woody, Buzz, Jessie (who you can meet here, by the way) and Andy's other toys. The land's Slinky Dog Dash coaster is a family-friendly ride that's perfect for a kid's first roller coaster.

Outside of the lands themed to specific films, much of the park evokes an old-Hollywood glamour that makes you feel like a bona fide movie star. In these areas, you'll find some of the park's most iconic shows and attractions are also some of its longest-running, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror drop ride, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular .

Disney's Animal Kingdom

More than 2,000 animals — from about 300 species — call Disney's Animal Kingdom "home," but this is not a zoo. However, you can visit many of these animals via walking trails, the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride and even a petting zoo.

In addition to the creatures and landscapes found on Earth, you can visit another planet at Pandora — The World of Avatar or go back in time at DinoLand U.S.A. The animals aren't the only things that are "wild" at Animal Kingdom — Expedition Everest is a thrilling coaster; Avatar Flight of Passage puts you on the back of a banshee as you fly over Pandora; and Dinosaur sends you careening through the Cretaceous Period in an off-road vehicle.

What type of Disney tickets should I buy?

Disney world base tickets.

You can purchase one-day or multi-day Disney World tickets. All tickets are date-based, and the price varies depending on the date of your visit. If you purchase a one-day ticket, the price will also vary based on which park you plan to visit, with Magic Kingdom being the most expensive.

Disney World Park Hopper tickets

A base ticket only gets you into one park per day. If you want to visit multiple parks on the same day, you will need to purchase the Park Hopper option with your ticket (you can also add it on in person after you arrive). You can save money by only visiting one park per day, but it does limit how much you can see and do during your vacation.

A Park Hopper Plus ticket includes two visits to either Disney's golf courses, miniature golf courses or water parks, but this is only worth it if you know you will use it all.

Disney World special event tickets

Some of Disney's after-hours events , like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party , require a separate ticket. The park is only open to guests with special event tickets during these events. If you plan on visiting for one of these parties, you may be able to forgo a general admission ticket that day and utilize your special event ticket, as you can usually get into the park a few hours before the party starts.

Disney World ticket add-ons

There are two major ticket add-ons that you should consider. Both can be worth it but will add to the cost of your vacation.

The first add-on you might want to strongly consider is Disney Genie+ . This skip-the-line service allows you to skip the standby line and enjoy shorter wait times for rides by utilizing Disney's Lightning Lanes.

Currently, you can only purchase it on the day of your visit beginning at 7 a.m. and the price ranges between $15 and $35 per person, per day. A handful of attractions at each park require a separate individual Lightning Lane purchase to skip the line, often for the newest rides, but many rides are available with Genie+. You don't need to purchase Genie+ to buy individual Lightning Lane selections and vice versa. The individual Lightning Lane attraction pricing varies by attraction but typically ranges between $7 and $25 per person per attraction for rides like Tron: Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Another popular add-on is Disney's Memory Maker . Memory Maker gives you unlimited downloads of pictures taken by PhotoPass photographers during your vacation and on-ride photos. You can purchase a one-day Memory Maker for short visits or a multi-day Memory Maker which covers your entire vacation. You can save $25 on a multi-day Memory Maker when you purchase at least three days prior to your visit, so it's best to purchase it when you buy your tickets.

How to get discounted Disney World tickets

Aside from Disney's own discounts, you can sometimes save money on Disney tickets by purchasing them from an authorized third-party reseller. There are a few reputable sources out there for Disney World tickets, but our go-to is Undercover Tourist . Depending on your ticket type, you can usually save between $5 and $100. One of the best ways to save money with Undercover Tourist is when Disney World raises ticket prices , which usually happens at least once per year. Undercover Tourist typically has a limited number of existing ticket stock available at the old prices while supplies last.

Related: We saved every receipt — here's how much it actually costs to go to Disney World

If you are a Florida resident or are an active or retired U.S. military member , there are generous discounted Disney World tickets available directly through Disney's website.

You can also use points to pay for your Disney tickets , and that's a strategy we strongly recommend to keep costs down. For example, with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , you can earn a welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of having the card. You can use those 75k points as the same as $750 towards travel . And while ticket-only packages from Disney World typically don't code as a travel charge, buying them from Undercover Tourist — or as part of a larger hotel and ticket package directly from Disney — typically does code as a travel charge, so you could save $750 just like that.

Is booking a Disney vacation package a good idea?

If you are staying in one of Disney World's on-site hotels or a certified " Disney World Good Neighbor " hotel, you have the option to bundle your hotel stay and theme park tickets into a Disney vacation package. Normally, these packages are not discounted, but they can be a great value if Disney runs any special vacation package promotions .

Aside from discounts (and the fact that it all likely codes as a travel charge for point-redemption purposes), there's one major reason to book a vacation package: When you purchase your tickets and hotel together, you only have to pay a $200 deposit at the time of booking. Payment in full is due 30 days prior to arrival. If you purchase your tickets separately from your hotel stay, you will have to pay the full amount at the time of purchase.

This is another great example of why you should book through an authorized Disney travel planner who can compare prices for you and keep an eye out for discounts.

When is the best time to visit Disney World?

Do you want the lowest crowds or the best weather? Do you want to attend a Halloween party or see Magic Kingdom's 65-foot-tall Christmas tree ?

The best time to visit Disney World depends on your reason for visiting.

If you want moderate temperatures and less chance of rain, you may want to plan your visit between October and December. If you want shorter waits, your best bets are late January, early May or just after Thanksgiving before the crowds descend upon the parks for winter break. Of course, weekdays typically see lower crowds than weekends and school breaks.

Or, if you are planning a Disney World vacation on a budget, opt for midweek dates in August and September 2024, when prices start at $109 for a one-day ticket.

Read our full guide on the best times to visit Walt Disney World .

What's the best way to get to Disney World?

Getting to Orlando and getting to Disney World after arriving are two different topics, so let's look at each.

What is the closest airport?

The closest airport to Walt Disney World is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Most major airlines fly into MCO, and you can reach Disney World in about 25 to 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. If you are flying Allegiant or Sun Country Airlines, you'll fly into Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). SFB is smaller than MCO and farther from Disney World. From SFB, it is about a 45-minute drive to Disney World.

What is the best way to get to Disney World from the airport?

Because of its size and proximity to Disney World, MCO has more and better options to help you get between the airport and Disney World.

From Orlando International Airport or Orlando Sanford International Airport, you can rent a car or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft. If you do rent a car from MCO, you can forgo paying tolls through the car rental company (which often comes with an additional fee) and pick up a Visitor Toll Pass to save on tolls during your trip.

Disney no longer charges a parking fee for overnight hotel guests, so if you rent a car, you can park at your hotel and drive to Disney's theme parks without additional fees. Keep in mind that you may not need a car if you don't plan on leaving Disney property after you arrive. Disney has a robust internal transportation system that operates between its on-site hotels and theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs.

You can also use Disney's official airport shuttle, Mears Connect , from MCO.

Mears Connect is a shuttle service that picks you up from MCO and will drop you off at official Disney World hotels and a handful of nearby hotels. Pricing starts at $16 one-way for adults and $13 one-way for children. Mears Connect offers shared shuttles, where you will stop at multiple Disney hotels on the way to your own. You can pay an additional fee for an "express shuttle" that takes you direct to your resort. The easiest way to reserve your ride is online through the Mears Connect website.

What is the best way to get around Disney World?

If you are staying on Walt Disney World property, you can utilize Disney's complimentary transportation for travel between your resort and Disney's theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs. Disney offers transportation by bus, boat, Monorail and Disney Skyliner gondola system. Which transportation options you have access to will depend on which hotel you are staying in.

All Disney hotels offer regularly scheduled bus transportation around the resort. Transportation begins 45 minutes prior to the theme park opening and up to one hour after the theme park closing.

Guests of Disney's Magic Kingdom area resorts — Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa — can use boat or Monorail transportation to travel to the Magic Kingdom. There is also a monorail line that will take you to the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you can transfer to a separate Monorail line that goes to Epcot. These hotels also offer a walking path to Magic Kingdom.

Guests of Disney's Riviera Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort can use the Disney Skyliner gondolas to travel to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot. All Disney World visitors can also use Disney Skyliner to travel between these two parks, regardless of where you are staying. It's a fun and scenic way to get around the resort.

Many Disney World hotels also offer ferry boat transportation to nearby parks. The BoardWalk area hotels, for example, offer boat transportation to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Fort Wilderness, Disney's Wilderness Lodge and others offer boat service to the Magic Kingdom. You can view a full list on Disney's website . You can also walk to Epcot or Hollywood Studios from any BoardWalk area hotel.

Whichever transportation option you choose, you can view the schedule, routes and stop locations in the My Disney Experience app or on video monitors at each stop location.

You can also utilize Disney's Minnie Van service for door-to-door (or door-to-front gate, as it were) service between your hotel and Disney's theme parks. You can book these private rides in red-and-white polka-dot vans directly through the Lyft app. Accessible rides and child safety seats are available.

Though not "official" Disney World hotels, Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotel guests have access to Disney's complimentary ferry boat service to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. A walking path is also available. These resorts also operate their own shuttles to Disney's theme parks, which pick up approximately every 20 to 25 minutes throughout the day.

Disney Springs hotels operate their own shuttle services, independent of Disney's transportation. If you are staying at one of these hotels, you can inquire about scheduling and pick-up times at the front desk.

What's the best place to stay on a Disney vacation?

There are more than two dozen Disney World hotels to choose from, so your main considerations will be your budget and what type of hotel experience you are after. Whether you want over-the-top Disney theming, an upscale cabin in the woods or a luxury villa with access to a club lounge, you can find it at Disney World.

Disney offers three hotel tiers: Value, Moderate and Deluxe.

Value Disney resorts are the most affordable, with prices ranging between $125 and $300 per night. Value resorts offer quick-service, cafeteria-style dining outlets and large pools but don't have full-service restaurants or pool amenities like waterslides and hot tubs.

On average, Moderate Disney resorts run between $250 and $400 and offer amenities you won't find at Value Disney resorts. Some have full-service restaurants, and the pools are better-themed and equipped with waterslides. Many of them are more centrally located near Disney's theme parks, as well.

Deluxe Disney resorts are the most expensive, ranging between $400 to $700 per night and up for a standard room, but they also have the best locations, amenities and dining. You can expect large, well-furnished guest rooms, pool complexes with hot tubs, waterslides and beach areas, multiple full-service restaurants, spas and more.

Regardless of which hotel you choose, Disney's on-site hotels offer perks to enhance your stay:

• A 30-minute jumpstart on your day with Disney's Early Theme Park Entry benefit
• The ability to purchase individual Lightning Lanes for eligible rides begins at 7 a.m. on the day of your visit (non-resort guests can't do this until the park opens)
• Complimentary hotel and theme park parking
• Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels on select nights (this benefit is also available to guests of Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels, as well as Shades of Green)

Best hotels at Disney World

The best Disney World hotel for you depends on what you are looking for in a hotel stay. If you don't plan on spending much time in your room, you can save a lot of money by staying in a Value resort. If you plan on spending part of your vacation enjoying hotel amenities like the pool and restaurants, you may want to choose a Moderate or Deluxe resort. Or, if you have a large family that won't be comfortable in a standard room, one of Disney's family suites might be your best bet.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Best Disney World resort if you are on a budget: Disney's Pop Century Resort may not be the most glamorous hotel at Disney, but the kitschy 1950s through 1990s theming and the starting price of around $200 per night will surely put a smile on your face. This resort has three pools, a playground and an arcade. Guest rooms are furnished with either one king bed or a queen bed and a space-saving table that folds out into a bed. It is also one of two Value resorts with Skyliner gondola access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Best Disney World resort for large families : Disney's Art of Animation Resort is in Disney's more affordable Value category and has family suites themed to popular Disney films like "Cars," "The Lion King" and "Finding Nemo" that sleep up to six guests. The pool here is the largest at any Disney World resort, and you can take the Disney Skyliner gondolas to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Standard rooms are also available.

Best Disney World resort for swimming : Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are sister properties near Epcot. The two resorts have rooms that average around $600 per night and share access to Stormalong Bay, the best pool at Disney World . Stormalong Bay is really more than a pool, it is a water park with sand-bottomed pools, a lazy river, an activities pool with a volleyball net and daily pool games and a shipwreck-themed waterslide.

Best Disney World resort for a luxury stay : If the sky is the limit for your Walt Disney World vacation budget, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge are some of the finest accommodations you can choose. With two bedrooms, a fireplace, a screened-in porch, a hot tub and lakeside views, these cabins are anything but rustic. The privacy offers you a chance to wind down after a long Disney day, but you are still close enough to take a boat ride to Magic Kingdom and enjoy the amenities and dining in the resort's main lobby.

If you are leaning toward a luxury Disney stay, you may be able to save money by renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points. DVC is Disney's version of a timeshare program. DVC members can rent out their points to non-members through sites like David's Vacation Club Rentals , helping you to save hundreds of dollars versus booking directly through Disney. The trade-off is that availability is limited and that the cancellation policies are much less flexible than if you make the reservation direct through Disney.

Read our full guide on the best hotels at Walt Disney World .

Best hotels near Disney World

Disney World also partners with a handful of off-site hotels where you can still take advantage of certain benefits like Early Theme Park Entry and complimentary transportation while also paying less than you would for an official Disney World hotel. These hotels also participate in major hotel points programs, so you can earn or redeem points for your stay.

The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels all participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program. While not technically Disney hotels, they are located on Disney property between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you are a Marriott Bonvoy elite member , these hotels offer benefits like complimentary upgrades, a welcome amenity and more.

Related: This affordable new Disney Springs hotel includes free hot food and 6 nightly drinks

Disney Springs has seven hotels from brands like Wyndham, Hilton, Holiday Inn and others. All of these are adjacent to the Disney Springs shopping and dining district, and some have room rates that start at close to $100 per night. These can be a great option if you want to save money and don't mind leaving the "Disney bubble" at the end of the day.

Read our full guide to Disney Springs hotels here .

What are the best restaurants at Disney World?

With more than 200 restaurants to choose from, you are going to have to decide which Disney World restaurants you most want to visit. Dining options run the gamut from the predictable burger and fries to an out-of-this-world restaurant in space.

Read our full guide to the best restaurants at Disney World .

Hardest Disney reservations to get (and how to get them)

Many of these restaurants are quick-service or snack stands that don't require advance reservations, but there are a few popular restaurants that book up almost as quickly as reservations become available. If you want to dine with Disney royalty at Cinderella's Royal Table, for example, you'll want to make your reservation as soon as you can. Remember, that is 60 days prior to your visit — if you are staying at a Disney World hotel, you can make reservations for your entire vacation 60 days prior to your check-in day.

Related: 'Be our guest' at these 5 best character dining meals at Walt Disney World

Other reservations that book up quickly include Storybook Dining at Artist Point , Space 220 at Epcot, California Grill, 'Ohana, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Hollywood Studios and Topolino's Terrace, especially for the character breakfast. All of these have great food and atmosphere, making them popular for new and returning guests.

Best quick-service restaurants at Disney that don't require a reservation

Luckily, there are plenty of Disney restaurants with delicious food you can get your hands on without a reservation. Satuli Canteen in Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom is consistently ranked as one of the best quick-service restaurants anywhere at Disney. The food is fresh, flavorful and surprisingly inexpensive. You can get a build-your-own bowl with beef, chicken or fish for less than $20.

Other must-try quick-service restaurants include Ronto Roasters at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (the Ronto Breakfast Wrap is the best handheld meal at Disney!), Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom for New England-inspired fare and Regal Eagle Smokehouse at Epcot for all things barbecue.

Using the Disney app to improve your dining experience

The My Disney Experience app is a must for your Disney World vacation for checking wait times, finding your way around and more. When it comes to dining, you can use it to find walk-up dining availability, score last-minute reservations, see what restaurants are nearby, and place mobile orders at select quick-service restaurants.

When you place a mobile order via the app, you choose what time you would like to pick up your order (with the option to modify if plans change). When you arrive at the restaurant, you can click "I'm here. Prepare my order," and you'll receive a notification on your phone when your food is ready.

Should you buy a Disney Dining Plan?

The cost of dining at Disney can add up quickly, and Disney offers two dining plan options that may help you save money. The Disney Dining Plan lets you prepay for a specified number of meals and snacks for your Disney World vacation. You receive a certain number of meal and snack credits for each night of your stay.

The Disney Dining Plan is both convenient and flexible. By prepaying for your meals and snacks, you won't have to pull out your wallet for every meal and snack, and you aren't required to use a set number of credits each day. You can redeem them anytime during your stay in the way that best works for you.

There are two options — the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan. The first is a bit less expensive and allows for more flexibility. The second is best if you plan on more sit-down dining and character meals during your vacation.

Whether or not you can save money with a Disney Dining Plan depends on how you utilize the credits. It is possible to break even or come out ahead if you maximize the value of your credits and actually eat all of the food available on the plan. If you don't use all of your credits, you are essentially leaving money on the table, but our guide can help you out with the math.

Read our full guide to the Disney Dining Plan .

How to save time in line at Disney World

Most Walt Disney World attractions offer a standby line. The only exceptions are new attractions, which will often offer a virtual queue for a limited time after opening. When Disney World is busy, though, standby lines for popular attractions can climb as high as two hours. Luckily, Disney has a service called Disney Genie+ that helps you skip the standby line and get on more attractions with shorter waits.

With Disney Genie+, you can skip the standby line and utilize a much shorter "Lightning Lane" for most attractions. You can only purchase this add-on service on the day of your visit, beginning at midnight (though you will likely be safe waiting until you wake up in the morning except on Disney's busiest days).

The cost of Disney Genie+ varies per park and per day. The service starts at $15 per person per day and occasionally reaches a per-person price of $35 per day during the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season or in April during spring break. You can purchase Genie+ for one of Disney World's four theme parks or a "multiple park" option valid at all four parks when you purchase through the My Disney Experience app.

Most attractions are included in the Disney Genie+ service, but one or two attractions at each park require a separate Lightning Lane purchase to skip the line. It's not necessary to purchase Genie+ to buy individual Lightning Lane selections and vice versa. The individual Lightning Lane attraction pricing varies by attraction but typically ranges between $7 and $25 per person, per attraction.

Read our full guide to Disney Genie+ .

If you are staying in one of Disney's on-site hotels or in select "Good Neighbor" hotels, as mentioned in the section above, you can also save time in line by utilizing Early Theme Park Entry and/or Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. You can get into the parks 30 minutes early with the Early Entry benefit, but you actually want to arrive at the front gates 30-45 minutes before that time. This will give you time to get through security and to the roped-off area where they hold guests, making you one of the first in line to rush to your favorite ride when early entry starts.

Related: Your guide to visiting Disney World with a child on the autism spectrum

If you or someone in your party has a disability that makes it difficult for you to wait in a traditional standby queue, you can also save time by registering for Disney's Disability Access Service (DAS). You need to start the registration process before your visit, and full instructions are available on Disney's website .

How to plan a Disney World trip on a budget

While sensational stories about $2,500 meals at Disney make for good headlines, it is totally possible to visit Disney World on a budget .

Related: Yes, you can visit Disney World on a budget: Here's how I did it

Here are some of the most important things you can do to make your Disney vacation budget manageable:

• Stay at a Disney Value resort like Disney's All-Star Movies Resort or use Marriott points to stay at the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve. Here are the best cards to get those points.
• Utilize Disney's complimentary parking and transportation for on-site guests instead of renting a car.
• Purchase groceries for some meals and snacks, and only buy one or two meals in the parks each day.
• Don't visit the parks every day you are at Disney and stick to one park per day, avoiding park hopping. You can save on tickets by spending a day swimming or visiting Disney Springs.
• Don't forget to periodically check Disney's website for discounts. Even after you book, you may be able to apply a hotel or vacation package discount that can save you even more money.
• Be on the lookout for discounted Disney gift cards to help cover the cost of your trip and/or use points for the tickets.
• Visit during less busy times of the year. Ticket prices are cheapest in August and September, with one-day tickets starting at $109.

Disney World pretrip checklist

Now that you've determined your budget, purchased your tickets, booked your hotel and made a few dining reservations, your trip is nearly planned. There are some other details you'll need to consider to make your trip as magical as it should be. Here's our ultimate Disney World pre-trip checklist:

• Pack accordingly : Depending on when you visit, you could be dealing with heat, humidity, afternoon showers, chilly temperatures or a mix of all of the above. It's important to pack comfortable shoes and clothing no matter when you visit, but you may also want rain gear, sun protection or a warm jacket, depending on the weather. You can read our full Disney World packing guide here .
• Download the My Disney Experience app : This app is an invaluable tool that you will use daily during your visit. You can use it to check everything from wait times to walk-up dining availability. You can also use it to navigate the parks with turn-by-turn walking directions, purchase Disney Genie+ and individual Lightning Lanes and even open your hotel room door.
• Check the park hours before your visit : You can view the park hours on the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app. Each park has separate opening and closing times, and parks occasionally close early for special events like Halloween and Christmas parties. When you view the park hours, you'll also be able to see times for any parades or fireworks shows happening each day of your visit and plan for early entry or extended theme park hours for eligible on-site hotel guests.
• Check the height requirements for attractions: If you are traveling to Disney World with young children, you can check the height requirements for attractions on Disney World's website or in the My Disney Experience app. There are also measuring stations at all attractions that have a minimum height requirement, but it's better to know ahead of time to avoid tears if your child isn't quite tall enough.
• Know where to find your favorite characters : Most Disney characters have designated meeting times and locations, which you can find in the My Disney Experience app. Booking a character meal can be a great way to meet multiple characters at once, but you can also meet many characters in the parks. Popular meet-and-greets also offer Genie+ Lightning Lane access, which can cut down on the time you spend waiting to meet Mickey, Moana or Cinderella.
• Decide if you want to purchase PhotoPass photos : You can save money on Disney Memory Maker by purchasing in advance before you visit. It's the easiest way to capture your vacation memories and an add-on we highly recommend. You can view and download your photos in the My Disney Experience app.
• Study up on Genie+: As helpful as Genie+ can be, there is a bit of a learning curve. Study up using our Genie+ guide and Disney's own overview before your visit. It's good to know which attractions participate in Genie+, how to reserve Lightning Lane access and how to make the most of the service.
• Plan for downtime: One of the biggest mistakes people make at Disney World is overscheduling their trip and leaving no time for rest and relaxation. If you are visiting for more than a few days, try and schedule a day away from the parks where you swim, explore the other resorts or just lounge around the hotel. It'll help rejuvenate you for the rest of your trip. For shorter trips, you may want to schedule a slow morning or return to your hotel early one day instead of being at the parks from opening to closing every day of your trip.

Read all of our best Disney World tips here .

Bottom line

There you have it — the ultimate guide to visiting Walt Disney World.

In addition to the planning and preparation you've now mastered, there are two very important things you must do during your Disney World vacation — don't overplan and have fun. It's much better to have a short list of "must-do" rides, restaurants and activities than to have a minute-by-minute itinerary that most certainly will not play out exactly how you planned.

Keeping a loose itinerary leaves room for magic moments like stumbling upon a favorite character, noticing a super-short line for a ride or deciding last-minute to watch a parade you happened upon. You can't do everything in one trip anyway, so do the things you can and save the rest for next time when you are a certified Disney pro.

FOR NO-COST-TO-YOU ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Related reading:

• The best Disney World hotels for your stay
• The 21 most underrated things at Disney World: What to see, do and eat that many guests miss
• Forgetting to do this 1 thing could ruin your Disney trip
• Disney's take on timeshares: Guide to Disney Vacation Club
• 8 Walt Disney World experiences that don't require a park ticket

How to Plan Your First Trip to Disney World

Planning your first trip to Disney World can be pretty overwhelming. Encompassing more attractions, rides, dining, and entertainment options than can easily be counted, Walt Disney World (WDW) poses a challenge to the first time visitor seeking to optimize their vacation time and budget.  

With that in mind, I’ve put together some tips and a step-by-step guide to help you plan a successful first Disney World visit.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

Step 1: Decide When to Go

For many travelers, when to take their Disney World vacation will be dictated largely by school and work vacation schedules. Other factors to consider when planning your trip include cost, weather, and crowds.

Popular travel times, such as summer vacation, the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and winter and spring break weeks tend to be see both the largest crowds and the highest resort prices. With Disney’s new ticket pricing, peak season will also mean higher ticket prices.

You can have a great first time at Disney World any time of the year, but knowing what type of weather and crowds to expect in advance can help you be prepared to make the most of your trip.

The summer tends to be very hot, with almost daily rain storms that run through September. Winter weather is more temperate but also more unpredictable. Fall, especially October and November, is a nice time to visit and you can enjoy special events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween .

Likewise, you can enjoy WDW with a trip as short as two days or as long as two weeks. For first-time visitors, I recommend staying for a week if possible. This will allow you to maximize what you see and do while minimizing exhaustion!

You may also want to consult a crowd calendar when picking your days, especially when it comes to deciding which parks to visit on which days.

Step 2:   Plan Ahead

With WDW, more planning time means more options. I recommend planning your trip at least seven months in advance whenever possible.

Dining reservations for all on-site WDW restaurants can be made up to 180 days in advance, and the most popular restaurants are often fully booked within days or even hours of reservations opening.

On-site resorts can also be booked to capacity months in advance, particularly during popular travel times or when Disney is offering special discounts

Can’t plan that far in advance? No worries. I planned my family’s first vacation to WDW within three months of our departure date, and we still had a blast. If you’re planning within a narrower window, just be prepared to be a bit more flexible with regard to resort and dining options.

Step 3: Choose Where to Stay

There are 22 Disney-owned resorts on WDW property, partner resorts like the B Resort , as well as hundreds of non-WDW resorts (we loved the Margaritaville Resort Orlando ) that are within a few minutes’ drive. Your choice of where to stay will be guided by your budget and room/resort priorities.

Onsite resort options range from budget-friendly, basic but well-themed Value properties; to midrange Moderate resorts; to Deluxe Resorts with large rooms, lush amenities, and price tags to match. If you need help deciding, this guide to which Disney World Resort is right for your family will help.

Many of the Deluxe Resorts are also part of the Disney Vacation Club. Disney Vacation Club timeshares are a great option for families, offering full kitchens and multiple bedrooms.

Some even offer perks like private balconies overlooking the wildlife at Animal Kingdom Lodge, or a beach atmosphere in walking distance to Epcot at Disney’s Beach Club.

Offsite resorts’ advantages include lower rates and often significantly more space for the money. For larger families, those looking for more space, and/or those looking to stick to a strict budget, staying offsite can be a great option.

If you do choose an offsite stay, it is advisable to rent a car as offsite resorts generally do not offer continuous shuttle service.

Step 4: Identify Your “Must-Do’s”

At approximately 27 square miles, the Walt Disney World resort is roughly the size of San Francisco. It includes four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), and a dining and shopping complex (Disney Springs).

This is in addition to the dining and recreational activities located at or near the 22 above-mentioned resorts. You will not be able to see and do everything it has to offer in one visit.

Instead, choose certain “high priority” rides (my favorite is Flight of Passage ), characters, attractions, and restaurants that you really want to experience.

To get started, check out what there is to see and do on the WDW website , or any of the many blogs and sites devoted to this topic, such as ours on the best rides for teens .

Let everyone in your group choose a few things that are “must do’s” and plan around those in creating your itinerary. If you get to see or do more, then consider that icing on the cake!

Step 5: Make a Daily Plan

Having a daily plan will help you maximize your vacation time by minimizing crowds, waits, and unnecessary trekking back and forth.

To decide which theme parks to visit when, consult a WDW “Crowd Calendar” (such as those available on touringplans.com and kennythepirate.com ) to identify the best and worst days, crowd-wise, to visit each park.

As a general rule, I recommend that first-time visitors devote two days to Magic Kingdom, one-to-two days to Epcot, and one day each to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.  

However, your priorities may differ. If you have enough time, consider building in a “pool” or “resort” day to break up the park touring and give yourself a chance to relax! (Here is my guide if you have just four days in Orlando and how to make the most of one day at Disney .)

If you are staying off-site and do not have access to the Extra Magic Hours, that allows guests extra time in the parks during set times in the early morning or late night, then you need to plan your days wisely. Consider getting to the park when they open (or earlier) on days when the park does NOT have early Extra Magic Hours.

Otherwise if you get there early you will find the park already crowded with those that have that special access.

Use your daily plan to guide your dining choices. To avoid excessive travel time, pick restaurants for each day that are located in or near the parks you plan on visiting. (See my fine dining recommendation .)

Next, decide which attractions you will prioritize at each park. If your top-choice attractions are popular ones that tend to draw long waits, plan to either book Fastpasses for these (see below) and/or arrive at the park at least 30 minutes before opening and proceed straight to that attraction once you enter. Arriving early is also a great way to enjoy your chosen park for an hour or two with minimal waits.

When making your daily plan, be realistic about your family’s travel style. If you are traveling with children (or adults) who aren’t morning people, who can’t handle staying out late at night, or who will need a nap or rest in the middle of the day, plan accordingly.

Also consider taking an afternoon break from around 1-4 pm to nap/swim at your resort and avoid the hottest and most crowded part of day. Then head back out for dinner and possibly evening entertainment.

Step 6: Buy Tickets and Set up a My Disney Experience Account

You can buy theme park tickets directly through Disney (either alone or as part of a vacation package), or through reputable ticket brokers such as Undercover Tourist or Getaway Today .

Booking directly through Disney has the advantage of simplicity, in that tickets will automatically be linked to your My Disney Experience Account, and to your Magic Bands (if you are staying onsite).

Booking through a dealer, however, may save you money (in some cases as much as a few hundred dollars) over the cost of buying direct. You can then add your tickets to your account manually.

Tickets to the Disney parks can be purchased for any duration from one to ten days, with the per-day expense decreasing dramatically as the overall number of ticket days increases.

“Base” tickets provide entry to one park for each ticket day. For an additional charge, you can add “Park Hoppers” to visit multiple theme parks per day and “Water Park Fun and More” to include water park admissions. S

ince these options can be added to your tickets at any point during your trip, I usually recommend purchasing base tickets in advance and upgrading later if needed.

Once you have your tickets or room package, set up a My Disney Experience Account through the WDW website and download the My Disney Experience app (MDE) on your smartphone.

The site and app will allow you to make dining reservations, book Fastpasses for rides/attractions, and view your reservations and itinerary on the go. If you are staying on-site and receive Magic Bands, or you have bought your Magic Bands separately, you can also link these in the app. (Read everything you need to know about Disney MagicBands !)

Step 7: Book Advanced Dining Reservations and Decide on a Dining Plan

WDW offers hundreds of onsite restaurants that offer the opportunity to dine with characters, sample fine cuisine, enjoy immersive theming, and/or access to special “perks” such as fireworks viewing.

Many of these restaurants are incredibly popular, and will be booked months in advance. If particular dining experiences are on your family’s “must-do” list, plan on making an Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR) as early in your travel planning as is feasible.

ADRs can be made up to 180 days in advance either by using the WDW website or MDE, or by calling WDW dining (407-WDW-DINE).

If you can’t get a high priority reservation, try not to be discouraged.  Cancellations happen frequently and reservations will often open up closer to your date of travel.

Also note that there are plenty of counter-service (fast-food style) restaurants at the theme parks and resorts that don’t require reservations, as well as some less-popular table-service restaurants (usually at resorts) that will generally have walk-up availability. Some restaurants also offer mobile ordering so you can “order ahead” and avoid the long lines.

For families that are staying onsite, Disney offers various Disney dining plans that allow you to pre-pay for your dining expenses in exchange for a set number of meal “credits” that can be used at onsite restaurants.

These can be a good option for families that like the idea of paying most of their vacation expenses in advance, that want/need to eat three full meals a day, and that don’t plan on making their own meals in their hotel room.

Step 8: Book FastPasses

FastPasses provide you with a one-hour window during which you can enter a ride or attraction with little to no wait. These can be booked up to 90 days before your vacation, if you are staying onsite, or 30 days in advance if you are staying offsite.

Note that you need to have valid tickets, and have these linked to your MDE account, to book FastPasses. To use your FastPass, you tap your Magic Band or park ticket at the separate, “FastPass Entrance” to the ride or attraction.

You can book three FastPasses per day in advance, and all three have to be for the same theme park. Once you have used your first three FastPasses, you can book additional, “day of” FastPasses for any park using the MDE app on your smartphone or at kiosks that are located throughout the parks.

I would recommend checking ride wait times as soon as you check in for your third Fast Pass and looking for additional Fast Pass availability via the Mobile Disney Experience app. You can continue to grab more Fast Passes throughout the day to avoid waiting in line — just act fast as soon as you check in for your ride.

Different members of your travel party can also have different FastPasses booked. This means, for instance, that dad can ride Space Mountain with an older child while mom rides Winnie the Pooh with a younger one.

Keep in mind that some parks have tiers for rides and you can’t book all three Fast Passes for the top tier.

Step 9: Stay Flexible and Have Fun!

Having a daily plan allows you to maximize your vacation time with minimal waiting. This doesn’t mean that you will, or should, do everything on your plan. Be prepared to make changes in response to the weather, fatigue, or unanticipated crowds.

Remember that you can cancel Advanced Dining Reservations up to 11:00 pm the night before you are scheduled to dine with no charge, and that FastPasses can be rescheduled or cancelled as needed.

Missed something that you really wanted to see or do? Consider that a great reason to return in the future!

I hope these tips are helpful for visiting Disney World for the first time!

[plan-trip]

• Set up an airfare alert with Airfarewatchdog to look for flight deals
• Think about these tips for flying to Walt Disney World
• Buy discounted Disney World tickets
• Check rates at our favorite value property near Disney Springs
• Check rates at our favorite luxury property near Disney
• Consider purchasing travel insurance in case of illnesses or other uncontrollable events

[/plan-trip]

Today’s guest post is written by Jen Leguizamo. Jen is an amateur writer, travel enthusiast, and Disney fanatic. In addition to her day job as a professional psychotherapist, she spends her time obsessively planning vacations to Disney and other travel destinations. Since I’m not a Disney expert, I asked Jen to offer her best advice for those planning their first time at Disney World. Follow her step-by-step guide for a great first trip to Disney!

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: February 20, 2017

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What to Know: A First-Timers Guide to Hollywood Studios

Preparing for and eventually taking a Walt Disney World vacation can cause anxiety – especially if you’ve never visited before . You’ve got to make the most of your budget, and ensure that everyone has a magical time. Hollywood Studios, with its slate of incredibly popular and high-wait attractions, can be especially difficult. There are the big draws in Galaxy’s Edge for Star Wars fans, Toy Story Land for the young and young-at-heart, and on Sunset Boulevard for thrill-seekers.

So what is important to know when you visit Hollywood Studios for the first time? There are lots of resources to help you with that (The Unofficial Guide  is one of our favorites). But here we’ll share some special tips and tricks that I wish  I knew on my very first trip to Hollywood Studios. You might also give it a skim if you’ve visited before, but haven’t been back in 5 or 10 years.

Hollywood Studios Geography 101

Hollywood Studios is divided into an impressive – and perhaps unnecessary – nine “lands” (themed areas) in three main parts of the park. Like at Magic Kingdom, the big park icon – Grauman’s Chinese Theater – is near the middle of the park. Unlike Magic Kingdom, the other lands aren’t really arranged in spokes around the icon. Instead, the layout is quite a bit more confusing.

As you enter the park, you’ll be on Hollywood Boulevard with its shops and other important guest services. About halfway to Grauman’s Theater (officially the end of Hollywood Boulevard), Sunset Boulevard splits off to your right. This is where you’ll find Tower of Terror, Rock’n’Roller Coaster, the Fantasmic amphitheater, and more. Opposite from Sunset Boulevard across Hollywood Boulevard is Echo Lake , home to several dining locations, shows, character meets, and Star Tours.

If you get all the way to Grauman’s Theater, the rest of the park is roughly a loop. If you proceed clockwise around the loop, you’ll first encounter Commissary Lane , with more characters and restaurants. Keep going and you’ll find Grand Avenue , with its … characters (specifically, Muppets) and restaurants. Pass through the tunnel and you’ll finally find yourself in Galaxy’s Edge , home to all things Star Wars (other than poor Star Tours). Once you make your way through that planet, you’ll pop out in Toy Story Land , home to some more kid-friendly attractions and a few dining options.

Pixar Place  is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it alcove to your right as you exit Toy Story Land on this clockwise tour. You can buy cookies or meet many Pixar characters. And finally, before you get back to Grauman’s Theater, you can find Animation Courtyard . It houses the highest concentration of characters in the park (of Star Wars or Disney Junior fame), and a dance party.

Downtime Awareness

Hollywood Studios typically has the most unplanned attraction downtime of any Walt Disney World park. The rides here use cutting-edge technology, and handle tens of thousands of guests every day. There is rarely a good time for maintenance or refurbishments. And all of that combines to a lot of downtime that can impact your day at the Studios.

How bad is it? On average, there is enough downtime at individual attractions to be the same as the entire park closing half an hour to an hour early … every single day. Rise of the Resistance is typically the worst offender, averaging between one and two hours of downtime a day just by itself. Rock’n’Roller Coaster also averages over an hour of downtime each day, and Runaway Railway and Slinky Dog Dash both average almost an hour of downtime each day.

If that seems like I just listed most of the headliners – I did. It’s important to appropriately set expectations that at some point during a day at Hollywood Studios, something that you want to ride (or something that you’re already in line for) will break down and be unavailable. Have a backup plan to your backup plan and be flexible.

Starting the Day Right

Since so many of the attractions at Hollywood Studios have such high wait times, arriving early and starting your day strategically is more important here than at any other park at Walt Disney World. Early Entry can be your very best friend. And because of those attraction downtime issues, it can also feel like your very worst enemy.

Hollywood Studios regularly opens well before the advertised time for early entry. When this happens, it’s usually because Rise of the Resistance is already up and running and Disney wants to start absorbing the crowds there. It’s the only attraction that reliably opens well before early entry “officially” begins. Even if the gates open significantly early, guests will be held before or in the queues for other attractions, but they’ll actually be allowed to ride Rise – if it’s open. It averages 25% downtime during early entry.

If you can make it to Rise of the Resistance before early entry starts, your day is off to a smashing start. After that, you should head to Slinky Dog Dash before things get unmanageable over there. As long as you make it to the queue before early entry ends, you’ll experience some of the shortest waits of the day for this popular coaster.

Once the park is officially open for the day, make your way to Runaway Railway or the Sunset Boulevard attractions as most people are still stuck at Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash!

Know Your Lightning Lanes

Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane purchases are both incredibly popular at Hollywood Studios since everyone wants to avoid the lengthy standby waits. But that means that reservations for return times book up quickly for the whole day, so if you aren’t prepared, you may be stuck with only one or two worthwhile reservations during your Hollywood Studios day!

Your first decision is whether or not you want to purchase Individual Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance. Thankfully, other than the most crowded days of the year, wait times at Rise are long but manageable. And if you can rope drop Rise during early entry, you can ride with minimal wait. But the problem is unpredictable downtime. In this case, purchasing Individual Lightning Lane is more about safe-guarding your opportunity to ride – and less about skipping a wait. If you want to make sure you can ride, your safest bet is purchasing Individual Lightning Lane.

If you opt for purchasing Genie+, then you have to make reservations for return times at various attractions throughout the day. The number one rule to remember is to not use Genie+ reservations for shows. If you want even more guidance about which attractions are statistically the best use of Genie+, check out our Genie+ Priorities at Hollywood Studios .

To Dine Or Not To Dine

Hollywood Studios is a tale of two types of dining. It has some of the very best-rated counter service options of any park … and a bunch of mediocre table service options too. But if you don’t do your research and plan ahead, you may end up disappointed with your meal choices.

Here are the reliably top-rated dining options:

Table Service

• Hollywood & Vine (90%) – Echo Lake
• Hollywood Brown Derby (89%) – Hollywood Boulevard
• 50s Prime Time Cafe (89%) – Echo Lake

Counter Service

• Ronto Roasters (95%) – Galaxy’s Edge
• Woody’s Lunch Box (90%) – Toy Story Land
• Docking Bay 7 (90%) – Galaxy’s Edge

A Place for Fans

Hollywood Studios as a whole might feel like a mash-up of a bunch of characters and universes, plus some tribute to Hollywood itself. But it’s undeniably a great face for fans, especially two types of fans:

Galaxy’s Edge is a masterpiece in imagineering. It truly does feel like you’ve been transported to another planet. There are customs and greetings that cast members stick to, the attractions are top-notch, and the roaming characters … while they could be kicked up a notch … help the land feel lived-in and real. You can even craft a lightsaber or a droid of your own to take home and remember your time in Batuu.

But even beyond Galaxy’s Edge, there are bits of Star Wars scattered throughout the park. Star Tours is located in Echo Lake, but it just received a major update with new scenes from recent Star Wars projects. And in Tatooine Traders, you can build lightsabers for a fraction of the cost of what you’ll find in Galaxy’s Edge. And if you want some quality time with Darth Vader, Chewbacca, or BB-8, you’ll need to trek all of the way to Star Wars Launch Bay in Animation Courtyard for their meet-and-greets.

Toy Story Land is like heaven for fans of that particular set of movies. You can meet Buzz, Woody, and Jessie. You ride Slinky. You get transformed into the size of a toy and get to see all of the board games and craft materials and game pieces of your childhood making up the land around you. You can eat tots and lunch box tarts and then spin around with a bunch of aliens.

But even beyond the realm of Toy Story, Hollywood Studios is the place to meet other cool Pixar characters like Sulley from Monsters, Inc. and a whole bevy of stars from The Incredibles. You can eat Jack’s Nom-Nom Cookie and chat fashion with Edna Mode. It’s fashion, dahling.

Wrapping Up the Night

Hollywood Studios is home to the long-running and much beloved nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic! This multi-media show is presented in an amphitheater with almost 7,000 seats and room for another 3,000 people standing. And the show is so popular, you better believe those seats all fill up regularly.

Fantasmic came back after the pandemic with new show scenes and refurbished technical details that all add up to an emotional and impressive spectacular. There are songs, water screens, water effects, fireworks, fire blasts, and more characters than you can probably count. It’s a do-not-miss experience at the end of your Hollywood Studios day.

That being said, Fantasmic is fantastic at telling its story and drawing you in. Part of that story is about challenges the heroes face, and the villains that come along with them. Since the show is presented after dark, the villain section can be scary for smaller children.

At the end of the show, you have up to 10,000 people all trying to get out of the amphitheater and then out of the park. There are multiple walkways opened up to try to accommodate this crush of humanity, but it’s still easy to get squished and squashed about, and to get separated from your party. Make sure you have a hand on your kids (or partners who are prone to getting lost), and practice patience as you waddle along to the park exit.

Buses and the Skyliner can get quickly overwhelmed when the show lets out. So if you’re near the top of the amphitheater (and therefore at the front of the pack for exiting), scurry along as quick as you can to stay at the front of the wave of people. But if you’re near the bottom of the amphitheater, or have to make stops to pick up your stroller or use the restroom, plan on lingering to get nighttime views of the emptying park, or shopping along Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards while you wait for the transportation system to clear out a bit.

Having a Plan is Key

Most first-time visitors to Hollywood Studios will head into the park without any plan. They’ll end up spending their entire day in 4 or 5 really long queues, and eating at the first place they come to without a long line to order. Probably a quick service spot on Sunset Boulevard, which have the worst satisfaction in the park.

A little research and a plan can take those 4 or 5 rides and turn them into 12-20 attractions in a day. Plus a good meal or two and some great snacks! If you’re a TouringPlans subscriber, you can check out some of our pre-made Hollywood Studios Touring Plans . Or you can  create a personalized plan  of your own and see what the optimizer recommends. Either method will give you an idea of the best way to approach your day.

If you’re a Hollywood Studios veteran, what tip would you share with a rookie? And if you’re planning your first visit, what questions do you have?

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Becky Gandillon

Becky Gandillon was trained in biomedical engineering, but is now a full-time data and analytics nerd. She loves problem solving and travelling. She and her husband, Jeff, live in St. Louis with their two daughters and they have Disney family movie night every Saturday. You can follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-gandillon/ or instagram @raisingminniemes

One thought on “ What to Know: A First-Timers Guide to Hollywood Studios ”

We sat on the bleachers for about 10-15 minutes after Fantasmic and slowly walked out. The Skyliner line was absolutely manageable, but then the transfer station at CB. They had that line wrapped all over the place, pretty crazy. That was definitely something I wasn’t even thinking about until I got off the first leg.

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We’re planning a 1st trip for our kids (8,4,2) and looking at the first week in November. I see there’s a Wine & Dine half marathon weekend. Is that a good time to visit Magic Kingdom? Where’s the best way to get deals and plan an affordable trip? ”

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Disney World FAQs for First Time Visitors (and Veterans!)

Jill Robbins

I am a Disney Vacation Club member and I visit Walt Disney World with my family about once a year. When someone in my circle is thinking about planning a Disney Vacation, I’m always the go-to person for their questions. 

There’s good reason to that: Walt Disney World vacation planning can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors.

We get A LOT of questions at SheBuysTravel about Disney World, so we created this post as a resource or index for some of the most frequently asked questions about Disney World. Bookmark this page to refer back to as you plan your trip.

Read on for information, insider tips, and all the Disney tricks you could want ahead of your trip. 

How to use these Disney FAQs

This is a ton of information. You should carve out some time to read through this list of Disney World FAQs before you dig into vacation planning. If you don’t see your question, ask in the comments or join our Disney Planning Facebook Group . Now, on to the answers to all your Disney questions!

Disney World Vacation Planning Tips

My best Disney World advice is: Do not attempt to wing it. Disney isn’t a “go with the flow” kind of vacation. Although more free-spirited travelers might resist the idea of planning everything to a tee, you will be glad you took the time to plan. A successful Disney vacation has a lot of moving parts, and it is important to stay on top of them. This guide is a great start.

Even if you use a Disney travel agent, which we recommend, you’ll still have some research to do. I recommend dedicating a specific notebook for jotting down your Disney-related questions and notes as you think of them. You can also go digital and create a dedicated online space, such as a folder, smartphone note, or Pinterest board, to help keep all of your vacation stuff in one place.

What is the Best Time to Go to Disney World?

Topping the list of Disney World FAQs is: “When should I go?”

The answer: It depends. We don’t always have complete flexibility regarding vacation times, so my bottom line is that you should go when you can, and everything else will fall into place. 

Weather and crowds will factor into the equation when determining the best time to go to Disney World. In general, spring break, summer, and holidays are crowded. This makes sense: Families plan vacations around kids’ school breaks. If you go during Spring Break or during summer, expect crowds. If you’re planning your trip based on when your kids are on a school vacation, so is everyone else. 

I suggest looking at a Disney World crowd calendar when making your plans. They are easy to find online, and I find the one at touringplans.com to be pretty accurate. Even if you’ve got zero flexibility on your dates, I recommend checking out a crowd calendar to help manage expectations. Bigger crowds equal more time spent waiting in lines.

Central Florida is hot, or at least warm, most of the year. Based on weather alone, February and November are great times to go. You’ll probably still sweat in the parks but it should be warm enough to swim in the pool at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel .

Join our Private Disney FB Group for more tips! JOIN HERE

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you are planning your visit to Walt Disney World around a special event, such as a runDisney race, long-range planning is extra important, since this brings more people into the parks.

How Far Out Should I Plan My Disney Vacation

Twelve months out is a good place to start planning your first visit. I acknowledge life’s unpredictability, and sometimes, last-minute vacations just make sense, but if you’ve never been to Disney World, 12 months is a sweet spot. 

Seasoned Disney pros who understand how to navigate the many parts of a Disney vacation will probably have an easier time with shorter-notice trips. But if it’s your first visit, more time is ideal. 

Once you have decided on your dates, I recommend booking your hotel and buying your park tickets . After you purchase your park tickets, find out if your ticket category requires a reservation. It probably doesn’t, but check to be sure. Park reservations were a thing from 2021, when the parks re-opened after the pandemic closure, to early 2024, so you might still hear people talk about needing park reservations. 

If you buy a date-based ticket, which is what most vacationers buy, you do not need a reservation, but certain categories, such as group tickets and Disney’s Military Salute tickets do require reservations. See this reference for the most up-to-date detail .

SheBuysTravel Update: If you hear someone talking about needing park reservations, they’re probably working off outdated info since  park reservations were required until recently. Plus, Disney changes their policies without warning, so once you get on board with a Disney vacation, ensure you’re keeping yourself updated.

Help! I’m Already Confused! Get Help Planning Your Disney Vacation

If you’re already starting to go into information overload, consider working with a Disney-authorized travel planner. 

Our SheBuysTravel team recommends Get Away Today for discount Disney tickets and vacation packages. If you ever find park tickets cheaper, Get Away Today won’t just match the price, the company will beat it! Great customer service is another reason why we recommend Get Away Today . From buying your tickets to planning your Disney vacation, the travel agents at Get Away Today help you every step of the way.

Read our full review of Get Away Today here. If you want to know what it would cost to take your family to Disney World, ask for a free quote.

How Long is the Ideal Disney Vacation?

For a first visit, I recommend five to seven days, understanding that not all families have the luxury of taking a trip of that length. If you can’t spend at least four days at Disney World, I recommend postponing your trip until you can stay for at least that long. 

Walt Disney World has four theme parks, two water parks, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, and Disney Springs , a shopping and entertainment district. While you shouldn’t try to see everything in one trip — because that’s impossible — dedicating one full day to each of the four theme parks is ideal. 

I strongly recommend having a non-park day to chill at your resort or explore Disney Springs. Five to seven days gives you time to experience most things, visit all the parks relatively unhurriedly, and not feel exhausted at the end of your trip. 

The water parks are great, but if you’re short on time, especially if it is your first visit, they are skippable, as are the miniature golf courses.

But What if I Only Have One Day?

It happens. Here’s my best advice. 

Suppose you are a first-time Disney visitor with minimal time. In that case, I recommend spending your day at Magic Kingdom, unless you are a Star Wars superfan, in which case you simply must do Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also a great option for younger kids. You’ll see many Disney Junior characters and Pixar friends. Toy Story Land is really, really cool for kids of all ages.

If you are pairing Disney with another Florida city, I recommend you do Disney first, especially if your second destination will move at a slower pace. Ditto for land and sea vacations, combining Disney World with a Disney Cruise leaving from nearby Port Canaveral. 

SheBuysTravel Tip : Try one of these Florida vacation spots for your after-Disney vacation.

Should I Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel?

If you hear folks talking about “on property” versus “off property,” that means staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel rather than a hotel or resort not owned by Disney. This is one of the first Disney World FAQs you need to answer when planning your trip.

My short answer is: There are terrific off property Disney hotels , but staying on property is better. That is not to say you can’t have a great stay at a non-Disney hotel or that I never have. There are usually several things that go into deciding where you will stay, but if it’s a simple choice between on-property and off, I’d choose on-property every time, especially if you are shorter on time. 

Walt Disney World has a resort hotel for everyone and every budget. There are three levels of resort: Value, moderate, and deluxe.  Value is obviously the least expensive option. Moderate and deluxe hotels have larger rooms, are generally closer to the parks, and have more amenities, better pools, and more resort dining options. 

This is not to say the value resorts are not nice, because they are. You’ll spend more and get more at deluxe-level resorts, which is pretty much the way hotel pricing tiers anywhere work.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Deluxe villas aren’t always out of reach. There are ways to book them for less .

How to Choose a Disney Resort

It depends on what kind of vacationer you are and what your budget is. If you plan to be in the parks from rope drop – that’s Disney-speak for park opening – to close and don’t care much about hotel amenities, such as higher thread count linens or a balcony, a value resort might make more sense. Going a bit cheaper on accommodations can also leave room in your budget for a splurge like character dining or more souvenirs. 

If hotel amenities are important and you plan to spend time enjoying the resort as well as time in the parks, a deluxe resort is the ticket, provided you have the extra room in your budget. I enjoy the subtle theming at the deluxe resorts, which is less traditionally Disney than the value resorts, which have colorful larger than life character statues and might appeal more to children.

Whichever you decide, I recommend picking one end of the spectrum or the other and skipping the moderate resorts. The two main differences between value and moderate resorts:

• T he size of a standard room
• The pool areas

Moderate resorts have larger, themed pools with slides whereas value resorts have basic pools. I don’t think this jump in amenities is worth the extra money. First-time visitors should go budget or go big.

Recommendations for First-Time Visitors

We have stayed both on and off property . We’ve stayed at partner/good neighbor hotels (certain resort hotels offering their guests the same perks as Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests, such as early theme park entry) and at Orlando area hotels that have no agreement with Disney. 

I’ve had great stays off-property and at partner hotels. But, if this is your first Disney vacation, stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. There’s something so magical about being on-property. Walt Disney World is about the size of San Francisco so there is definitely a learning curve to navigating your way around. The convenience of being close to the parks while you’re learning the lay of the land is helpful, too.

What’s the Best Way to Get from the Airport to Walt Disney World ?

Uber, Lyft, taxis, and private car services are all solid options to get from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World. There are also private shuttles that must be booked in advance.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Before you book your flights, make sure you know whether you’re flying into MCO or Orl ando Sanford, It’s a smaller airport farther away from Disney World. You might get a cheaper flight to Sanford, but you’ll probably pay more to get from the airport to Disney

D i sney Parking Fees to Consider

If you are renting a car or driving, Disney charges a per-day fee for resort parking. This parking fee covers you for parking in the parks as well, so if you drive to the resorts and drive to the parks, you’ll only pay once for parking. 

Should you have a car at Disney? While not absolutely necessary if you’re staying “in the Disney bubble” – AKA staying at a Disney hotel and not planning to go anywhere besides the parks and Disney Springs – I enjoy having a car at Disney World . While transportation to the parks and Disney Springs is included in the cost of on-property hotel stays, the lines for buses can often be long, especially at the end of the night. I like being able to come and go on my timetable versus waiting for a bus.

What’s the Best Age for Disney?

There is no wrong age for Disney, in my opinion, but I know parents talk a lot about the best age for Disney when planning their special trip.

Disney World has universal appeal. I love it just as much now as I did when I first went as a 9-year-old. Most people have grown up with some sort of Disney presence in their lives, whether it be from trips to the theme parks or movies, so the nostalgia and magic is something I think is timeless. Everyone experiences it in a different way. 

That said, I think the best time for a first visit is between ages 4 and 8. Kids this age will likely have a favorite Disney character and the experience of seeing their favorites is magical for them. My sons were in the first grade the first time we took them to Disney World and they truly believed that the guy dressed up like Peter Pan was the real deal. It was very special. 

Although Disney is very stroller-friendly, I think the experience is better when you’re not encumbered by a stroller or having to carry small children who are too tired to walk on their own. Every family has a different perspective on this.

Ride Height Limits at Disney World

Disney has pretty generous height limits for attractions, meaning there’s quite a bit for smaller kids to ride. Kids who are at least 48 inches tall can ride all the rides in the park. Some of the rides might be scary for younger kids, though. There’s no height requirement for The Haunted Mansion, but younger kids may find it too intense. 

Disney’s more thrilling rides are fairly mild when compared to other theme parks, such as Universal Studios. True adrenaline junkies might perceive these rides as too tame.

  Here’s a look at the Disney roller coasters from the always-entertaining SheBuysTravel contributor Fran Capo:

Is it Worth it to Go to Disney For One Day?

If friends came to me and said “Jill, I want to fly to Orlando and go to Disney World for one day and then fly home,” I would try my best to convince them that this is a bad plan. I would tell them to find a few more days or move their trip to a time when they could stay longer. 

However, if you’re stacking Disney with another trip, such as a convention trip to Orlando, adding one day at Disney World makes a little more sense. 

If you really only have a day, here’s what to do:

• Pick just one park
• Make a list of your “Must Do’s” and “Must Eats
• Plan to be there at park opening and stay until it closes
• Buy Lightning Lane when available- more on that in a minute but it’s a paid “jump the line” pass

Should I Use a Travel Agent?

Yes. It costs you nothing to use an authorized Disney Vacation Planner like Get Away Today . The commission your travel agent earns is paid by Disney, not you.

If you’ve never planned a trip to Walt Disney World, there’s a lot you don’t know. Let someone who does know help you plan your vacation. They may also have access to discounts and experiences not available to the general public.

I’ve never understood anyone’s hesitance to use a travel agent for Disney. If you had a friend who had superhero-level Disney knowledge and would hold your hand throughout the trip-planning process, keep your budget in mind and be on call during your trip to answer questions or smooth out any wrinkles, why wouldn’t you tap into that resource? 

Even if you’ve already started the planning process on your own, it’s probably not too late to turn your booking over to a Disney travel agent .

How Does Disney Transportation Work?

Buckle up (pun intended). W e’ve got a full guide to Disney transportation .

I’ve already mentioned that Disney World is about the size of San Francisco. You probably wouldn’t show up to explore San Fransisco via public transportation and expect all the buses and cable cars to be 100 percent intuitive with zero learning curve. 

The good news is, Disney transportation isn’t too difficult to figure out and there are plenty of Cast Members (Disney workers) who can answer your questions and point you to the right bus. Just be patient and build in about an hour to get from place to place. 

SheBuysTravel Tip: Disney’s transportation is something to be considered when booking an off-property hotel room or resort. Are you going to be driving to the parks every day? If so, have you factored in the cost of parking? Although many off-property hotels offer transportation to Walt Disney World , it is not as robust as Disney transportation Before you book what you think is a great deal, consider how much time and money you’ll spend going back and forth to the parks each day.

Free Disney Transportation

There are four free ways to get around Walt Disney World : buses, the monorail, Disney water transportation, and the Skyliner . Which mode of transportation you take will depend on where you start from and where you are going. The Boats and Skyliner don’t go everywhere. 

Rideshare at Disney World

There are also the Disney Minnie Vans . They’re specialized Lyft vehicles decked out like our favorite polka-dot-loving gal. Minnie Vans have two car seats and are operated by Disney Cast Members who know how to install them properly. Disney Minnie Vans can drop off guests in the same places the Disney buses use. Guests using regular ride shares are dropped off a little further away. 

Minnie Vans are ordered through the Lyft app. If you check your Lyft app while on the Disney property, you should see the option for a Minnie Van. If you don’t see it, ask a Cast Member for assistance. 

A Minnie Van costs between $30 and $70, depending on where you’re going. It is substantially more expensive than regular Lyft or Uber, which is my favorite way to get around Disney. 

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you are short on time, consider using rideshare or driving vs. Disney’s transportation. 

How Does the Disney Dining Plan Work?

The Disney Dining Plan allows you to prepay for your food, which is a great tool for staying on budget and avoiding having to keep track of expenses as you enjoy the parks. Food and snacks will add up fast and can be an unpleasant surprise when you get the bill at the end of your stay if you’re not tracking as you go.  The Disney Dining Plan takes the unknown out of the equation.  

Starting January 9, 2024, guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can add on one of two dining plans: the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan. Both help you have some control over what you spend based on your budget and what kind of traveler you are. You can get the quick service plan if you prefer to be on the go. If you want sit-down dining experiences every day, there is a plan that caters to that, too. 

This link breaks down everything included in both plans to help you decide.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Here’s how to save $50 a day at Disney by packing your own snacks.

Keeping Track of Your Disney Eats

Disney MagicBands are one way to keep track of your dining credits. Since Disney has eliminated the free MagicBands for people who stay in a Disney hotel, more people are using paper tickets and the My Disney Experience app to keep track of things. (More on the app in a minute.)

I still have a good stash of free Disney MagicBands we’ve collected through the years and I purchased the 2.0 version, MagicBand+ which has new and different styles to match your Disney outfits and interacts with your Disney environment. MagicBand+ can also be used as a DisneyBand+ aboard Disney Cruise Line ships.

Is Disney Still Fun Without Kids?

You’re reading an article written by someone who went to Disney on her honeymoon, so you know what my answer is going to be. But seriously, any vacation where I don’t have to keep track of my kids is a great vacation in my book. Disney for adults is pretty awesome.

I’ve been to Disney World with girlfriends and with just my husband and strongly recommend both experiences. Going to Disney World without kids might give you a chance to try some different types of dining that you wouldn’t book with kids in tow, such as The California Grill or one of the chef-curated restaurants in Disney Springs. Disney Springs also has nightlife options that child-free groups can stay up late for.

Should I Visit Disney Springs?

Yes, time permitting. If you have a shorter stay (four days or less), I recommend leaving Disney Springs for a longer visit, unless you snag a dining reservation you really can’t pass up. 

Disney Springs is one of the reasons I recommend a five- to seven-day stay. This will give you plenty of time to explore all the parks and explore Disney Springs . Disney Springs is a fun collection of shops, dining and other experiences. It’s got a great selection of restaurants that are more high-end/gourmet versus Disney-themed. Whatever you like to eat, there’s a ton of choices. Don’t worry, everything is kid-friendly. Your kids might not enjoy Wolfgang Puck’s quite as much as you do, but there’s no place in Disney Springs where kids are not welcome. 

You do not need a park ticket or a reservation to go to Disney Springs. There will be a dedicated bus from your hotel. Saratoga Springs and Old Key West have boat service to Disney Springs. 

I recommend making a dinner reservation here and arriving a couple of hours early so you can shop/walk around. If you need to walk off your dinner or want to grab an ice cream cone or a cupcake for dessert (buy it from the cupcake ATM outside Sprinkles!), you’ll certainly find more to see.

Activities and Rides at Disney Springs

There are also fun activities you can do at Disney Springs. From riding in a floating car to bowling, there are all kinds of activities you can do at Disney Springs without a park ticket, although just about all the activities at Disney Springs cost money and may require advance reservations. 

There are a couple of small rides at Disney Springs that are great for younger kids. The train and the carousel charge a small fee per ride and the wait times are usually minimal.

Disney World FAQs: How Much It Costs

There’s no simple answer to this question, although the short answer is “a lot.” That might not be the answer you were hoping for but this isn’t a cheap vacation. There are things you can do to cut costs when planning any vacation but I think the notion of Disney on a shoestring budget is not realistic. 

We break down all of the costs in this post: How much does it REALLY cost to go to Disney World?

Here are some thought-starters to help you figure out your budget:

Transportation Costs to Get to Disney World

You’ll have to decide iwhether to fly or drive . Driving is almost always the cheaper option, especially for larger families. 

We live about 17 hours from Walt Disney World . Our family just can’t do that kind of a drive and be ready to party in the parks for several days. Disney is an active vacation and being tired from a road trip before we start is just not for me. Plus, that’s at least four days of vacation time my husband is using just to get there. 

If driving, factor in the cost of gas, tolls, food and hotels along the way to Disney. 

Length of Stay at Disney

A seven-day Disney vacation will cost more than a three-day Disney vacation. That’s simple math, right? I recommend you crunch numbers at the beginning of your planning phase and compare different lengths of stay to find what’s comfortable for you. If you can only afford a couple of days, that might be your sign to plan your trip a bit further out or to save more aggressively. 

You can purchase tickets to each park individually or purchase a Park Hopper option. A Park Hopper allows you to visit more than one park per day and offers additional flexibility, although they are more expensive and you should factor in the transportation time between parks when you think about whether a Park Hopper is worth it.

Disney World tickets are priced seasonally, which means tickets may cost more on weekends and higher demand times. Discounted tickets are available for Florida residents and military personnel. You also may find additional discounts and offers directly from Disney or, again, buy discounted tickets from our partners at Get Away Today .

Disney Resort Hotel Choice

Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel will generally be more expensive than staying off property. Staying at a hotel or resort farther from the park usually means you will pay less money per night, but spend more time and money traveling to and from the parks each day. 

I mentioned the three different resort categories above: deluxe, moderate and value. Expect to pay upwards of $500 per night at deluxe resorts, about $175 per night for value resorts, with the cost of moderate resorts landing somewhere in the middle. The time of year will impact the price. 

Disney also has a campground with both tent and RV sites.

Food: Because You Have to Eat

If you are going to eat three meals a day plus snacks in the parks or resorts, that is going to add up. You can get around that by packing your own snacks . But some Disney treats are so cute that you’ll want to budget for them. There is just something super fun about Mickey-shaped food. 

You also can save by having easy grab-and-go breakfast items like Kind Bars handy in your hotel room. There’s also a retail shop in each resort hotel that sells food items, but you pay resort prices. Or you can use a delivery service, such as Garden Grocer, Shipt or Instacart to deliver items to your resort hotel. Disney may charge you a fee to have an outside service deliver to your hotel.  

If you have a car, you can always drive to a local grocery store to stock up or dine in restaurants outside of Walt Disney World Resort. There are a handful of fast food options off the Disney World property that aren’t too far away. I think the savings are minimal when you stack it up against the time you’ll spend getting off property to eat.  

The Disney Dining plan rates – about $57-$95 per day for adults and about $28 for kids 3-9 is a pretty realistic idea of how much food costs at Disney World.

Disney Souvenirs and Merchandise

“Mom, can you buy me…”

Does that sound familiar?

The Disney Parks, resorts and Disney Springs have incredible shopping. From high-end clothes and accessories in Disney Springs to princess dresses to mouse ears to pin trading pins, there’s so much cool stuff to buy.

So. Much. 

In Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, you can build a custom droid (highly recommend) or your own lightsaber. If you’re a real Star Wars fan, there’s an incredible array of art and merchandise. 

I find it helpful to set a limit on souvenir spending. You can set a per-trip or per-day limit or have your child bring his or her own spending money. Talk about (or at least think about) what you really want to come home with and try to plan as best you can.

If you think this first trip to Disney might be the start of MANY trips to Disney, consider purchasing a Disney Annual Pass.

SheBuysTravel Tip: To save a little, do your souvenir shopping at the Disney Outlet in Orlando, although be warned, this is outside the parks and Disney transportation doesn’t stop here.

How Can I Afford a Disney Vacation?

This answer, of course, depends on your family. The following insights are based on my family’s planning style and things we’ve learned along the way. 

Plan in Advance

Disney allows you to book resort hotel rooms up to 500 days in advance with a minimal down payment. The balance is due seven days before your trip. Get Away Today  (which we always recommend) will hold your Disney vacation for just $175 down.  

Once you book your room and have an amount, you know how long you have to pay it. If you’re booking far out, divide the amount monthly or however it makes sense to you to divide it. Think of this as putting your vacation on layaway.

Take Your Kids to Disney Before They Turn 10

Children under 3 do not need a park ticket. This means there is no charge for their hotel, there is no charge for their park tickets, and there is no charge for the Dining Plan, as long as they eat off an adult’s plate.

Kids ages 3 to 9 pay kid prices. Kids 10 and up pay full adult prices. To save the difference between child and adult tickets, consider taking the kids before they turn 10.

Use Disney Gift Cards

We let our families know that a Disney gift card in any amount is what we want most for birthdays and Christmas. You can also buy them yourself throughout the year and save them for your vacation. 

If you have a Target RedCard you can save 5% on your Disney Gift Card purchases. You may see Disney Gift Cards at Sam’s Club or other large retailers at a discounted rate. Snap them up – the savings might not be huge but they can add up if you buy enough gift cards.  

Consider an Annual Pass

An annual pass may sound like a huge splurge, but depending on how long you’ll be at Disney, it might actually make sense. An annual pass will give you access to hotel sale discounts and food discounts.

My Personal Budgeting Tips

We use miles and points for our airfare as much as possible. This requires finding the right card for your needs, being careful with your credit, and paying balances off monthly. We currently use a cobranded Delta American Express card which helps us earn miles. 

We’ve also used Southwest Airlines in the past and qualified for Companion Passes through Southwest Airlines , which enabled our kids to fly free for a year. I currently find Southwest less reliable than it was a few years ago, but I’ll note that they offer all ticketed passengers two free bags, so if you’re not a light packer or plan to shop, this can be quite a savings, with airlines charging $30-$60 per checked bags. A cobranded credit card will usually get you free checked bags, too, so shop around. 

We generally have one big meal and two or three snacks each day at Walt Disney World . Our bigger meal will be breakfast or dinner, and we usually skip lunches at the parks and eat ice cream, pretzels, or popcorn.

Disney Vacation Club Membership

As I said, we are Disney Vacation Club members, which means we typically stay in a deluxe villa, which has cooking facilities. The Disney Vacation Club is essentially a Disney timeshare, and my family and I love it. You can rent DVC villas or rent DVC points (the latter is usually the best deal) even if you’re not a DVC member.

DVC Villas are larger and more homelike than a hotel room, and most offer full kitchens and a washer/dryer. Although I’m not a huge fan of cooking on vacation, buying easy breakfast items, sandwich fixings, and snacks to keep in our kitchen helps drive our overall vacation cost down.

Where Can I Find Disney Discounts?

We recommend you first check with our partner, Get Away Today . The company offers amazing service and great prices on discounted tickets for Walt Disney World , as well as other Orlando area attractions.

Also check directly on the Walt Disney World website for special offers.

Should I Get Genie+?

Disney Genie+ replaced the old FastPass+ system, so if you hear anyone talking about FastPasses, their info might be outdated. Disney Genie is free and is embedded in your My Disney Experience app, which is the mobile version of the Disney account you can set up for free. The app is also free to download.

Disney Genie helps you craft an itinerary based on interest and offers a Tip Board that lets you see wait times, plus a few other features. Genie was rolled out after I was already an experienced park visitor, so I have never found it particularly helpful, but I can see where it could be valuable for a newbie.

Genie+ is the paid version of Genie. The idea behind Genie+ is to allow purchasers to spend less time waiting in line by allowing them to make ride reservations and access to Individual Lightning Lanes. Guests can expect to use Genie+ to reserve ride times for two attractions per day, which is designed to give the purchaser a better experience. Everyone in your party must have Genie+ for this to work. It connects seamlessly to your Disney account, so it’s easy to keep your group together when making reservations. Prices start at $15 per person per day, but like everything else at Disney, it can cost more at peak times. 

Currently, there is not a ticket + Genie+ option. Genie+ must be purchased separately. This has changed since the program was rolled out and is always subject to change again without notice. 

But That’s Not All – Individual Lightning Lane

Genie+ will get you access to Individual Lightning Lanes, which is a pay-per-ride program. This will cost you an additional $10-$25 per person per ride. Yes, on top of Genie+ and your park ticket. You might find the layers of add-on pricing annoying but when you consider it is a nominal amount in the scope of the big picture and that this program is designed to reduce your time spent waiting in line, the upcharges might be more palatable. 

Disney’s website lists what rides and attractions fall under Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane so you can get an idea of what’s included. 

I Don’t Love it

I have used Genie+ twice and the most recent time was about a year ago. Disney sells a seemingly unlimited amount of Genie+ but they limit the reservations included with the purchase and they also limit the add-on Individual Lightning Lanes. It is possible to purchase Genie+ and not be able to purchase an Individual Lighting Lane because they’ve sold out. 

I had difficulty using the service to ride rides my family was interested in and we spent a lot of time refreshing the app trying to buy four Individual Lightning Lanes so we could ride Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance and bypass an almost three-hour wait time. We were not successful, which is why I’m a little salty about it. I’d be more willing to pay for an extra service if there were guarantees but it isn’t set up that way. 

The upside to this is that if you manage to get a Lightning Lane, you will have a truly reduced wait time. But overall, I miss the system they had in place before Genie came to be. 

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re going to buy Genie+/Individual Lightning Lanes, don’t make other firm plans that day. The service will work best if you’re completely unencumbered and free to choose whatever ride reservations the app gives you. One of the reasons we didn’t have great success with Genie+ is that we were working with a firm dining reservation time. 

Do I Need a MagicBand+?

Disney did away with free MagicBands for resort guests and that’s made this one of the top Disney FAQs right now.

The answer is maybe. The Disney MagicBand + is not your ticket; it’s a place to store your ticket. If you’ve ever used Apple Pay for anything or stored a ticket in Apple Wallet, think of it like that.

You can link your park tickets and any other reservations to your Disney account and use your MagicBand+ to gain entry versus pulling out your ticket or wallet. If you are going to use Genie+ to skip lines, I’d recommend MagicBand+. You’ll need to scan in on every Genie+ ride/Lightning Lane and it makes it much easier.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you have a free MagicBand from a previous trip, you can still use it.

BEFORE Your Disney Vacation

Use our disney world packing list.

What you take – and don’t take – are important here.

What you need to pack for Disney World will depend on your length of stay, what you’re going to do during your trip, the season (somewhat – Central Florida is usually warm or hot) and the age of your kids.

For the most part, you’ll want casual clothes, although some restaurants, including California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, have dress codes. But it’s still pretty casual — no tank tops, swimwear or cutoffs allowed.

My best packing advice is to go through your schedule before you leave  – yes, you should know what you’re doing each day – and select clothes for those activities. I even go so far as to pick out what my family will wear each day in the parks and pack it in a gallon-sized plastic bag, labeled with the day and/or park name. You might think this is overkill but it makes getting ready for the day in a hotel room a lot easier.

And, keep in mind, it’s Disney, not the moon. The retail stores on property will probably have what you need if you forget something. You can also order from Amazon Prime and often find same-day or next-day delivery.

SheBuysTravel Tip: We’ve perfected our Disney World packing list based on hundreds of trips to Walt Disney World by our experienced SheBuysTravels writers.

Set Up Your Walt Disney World Account and Download the Disney App

Repeat after me: I will download the My Disney Experience app .

The Disney app is my absolute lifeline when I’m at Walt Disney World and I’m a veteran. Each time I go, I am astounded at the people I encounter who do not have the app and don’t even know about it!

There is an app. Tell the others. The app can do so many things: Open the door to your resort hotel room, tell you how long the waits are for rides and attractions, make dining reservations and more.

Play Disney App

You can also download the Play Disney app. It’s got fun trivia games you can play at home or while waiting in line at the parks. If you turn on the location settings, the app will know where you are and unlock special things you can do in line for certain attractions. It’s a lot of fun and helps pass the time.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Play Disney eats up a lot of battery life on your phone so pack an extra power supply to get you through the day.

How Can I Save Money in the Parks?

Once you are in the parks, all of the attractions and entertainment (shows, character interactions, when available) are included in your park admission. Your biggest expenses inside the parks will be food and merchandise.

The easiest way to save money on food is to bring your own. Here are the rules:

“ Guests are allowed to bring outside food and nonalcoholic beverage items into the park for self-consumption, provided they are not in glass containers and do not require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration or temperature control and do not have pungent odors. Inform a Security Cast Member of any food items when you enter the park .”

While you can’t bring a cooler full of snacks into Walt Disney World , you can pack simple snacks like energy bars, peanut butter sandwiches and trail mix.

Make sure to budget for shopping and souvenirs. Photo credit: Jill Robbins

Disney Souvenirs

In the past, we have bought our kids’ autograph books and Disney t-shirts on Amazon or Etsy and gotten much cheaper prices than we pay in the parks. Disney ears can also be purchased on Etsy for usually less than the going rate in the park retail shops.

If you are on a budget but still want to get into the spirit of things, you absolutely can. It just requires a little more planning ahead of time.

SheBuysTravel Tip: C heck out this list of park/resort freebies .  

What is Park Hopping?

Park hopping is going to more than one park in a day, as in hopping from park to park. This is a category of ticket, so if you want this option, your ticket will cost more. Annual Pass holders can also park hop.

An example of park hopping would be getting up in the morning and going to Magic Kingdom. You spend the morning riding rides and then take Disney transportation to EPCOT after lunch. After, you go back to your resort hotel and enjoy the pool or a nap. Later that evening, you’ll return to Magic Kingdom for the fireworks.

Park Hopping is subject to park capacity limits.

Is Park Hopping Worth the Extra Cost?

I’ve so far preached planning every minute of your Disney day, so this might sound contradictory – I like buying the Park Hopper tickets because it allows flexibility and lets me change my mind. Sometimes, spur-of-the-moment decisions just work and I don’t mind paying a little more to be able to switch parks. 

Having a Park Hopper allows you to adjust your plans for weather and move to a park with more indoor attractions or to potentially move to a park with less crowds, although if one park has long lines, the rest of them might, too. 

If you are down to the wire with budget, skip the Park Hopper. Just make your plans and stick to them. You will save money. Bottom line, it’s flexibility versus money spent and you have to decide which wins.

Should I Buy Memory Maker?

Memory Maker is pre-purchasing all of your Disney PhotoPass photos. Every time a Disney photographer takes your picture and every time your picture is taken on a ride or attraction, those pictures are stored in your Disney account. Make sure you have the photographer scan your MagicBand+ or paper ticket so the image aligns with the account.

You’ll also get fun magic shots. Magic shots are when characters magically appear in your finished photos, like Tinkerbell in your hand or a hitchhiking ghost alongside your family and fun videos. Memory Maker will also capture in-ride photos, although I recommend you tap your MagicBand+ on the screen when you exit the ride. MemoryMaker does a pretty good job at facial recognition if you forget. 

You can purchase Memory Maker One Day or Memory Maker, which includes all photos and videos from your vacation. You will save $25 if you purchase Memory Maker at least three days prior to your visit. 

For me, pictures are the best vacation souvenirs of all. We are big pin trading people (more on that in a minute), but we are not big merchandise people, so I’m absolutely willing to pay for this every time we go. We all know moms are typically the last to get into the picture, and Memory Maker helps us do that.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you buy Memory Maker, make an effort to look for the Disney PhotoPass photographers. They are not difficult to spot but they are also not going to run after you and ask if you want your picture taken. There can be a small line to wait in, but most of the time, it goes pretty quickly.

How Do We Stay Cool at Disney World?

It’s really hard! Orlando is hot and humid nearly all year round and summers can be brutal.

Wear loose, lightweight, breathable clothing, down to your underwear. Make sure you have a hat. If you have long hair, I recommend wearing it up off your neck. Carry a portable fan and a cooling neck towel for those really hot days.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

Keeping up with your water intake might not make you feel cooled down, but it will help keep your body cool. Every Disney restaurant will give you a free cup of ice water — just ask.

We also like to take frequent rest breaks in shady spots or choose an indoor attraction or show where we can enjoy the air conditioning.

What is Pin Trading?

Pin trading is a fun Disney pastime – and kind of expensive hobby, TBH –  that you can do inside the parks, at the resorts and on a Disney cruise.

To start, you need to purchase a pin lanyard or some kind of other wearable pin storage. I have a small pin book with a long strap that I can wear like a crossbody bag. It holds a lot of pins but isn’t too heavy. You buy a couple of pins, and you’re off!

You can trade pins with Disney Cast Members or other guests you see wearing pin lanyards. Most retail shops and resorts have a pin board you can trade with. Sometimes you’ll see it in full view.  Other times, it’s behind the counter, and you’ll have to ask for it.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Here’s our guide for first-time pin trading .

How Pin Trading Works

It’s super simple. You give one and take one. It’s easy to trade with Cast Members. They’ll trade whatever pins you offer. If you want to trade with a regular person, some negotiation may be required. If a trade isn’t acceptable to you, propose an alternative. You can also nicely say no.

I have a few pins that are extra special. They’re either rare or they mean something to me and I wouldn’t trade them for just anything.

We also buy pin packs at the gift shops or kiosks in the park and use these as our “trade pins.” You can also buy “grab bags” or bags of “mystery pins” that can be a little cheaper.

We keep our trade pins separate from ones we don’t want to give away. I guess we are “pin collectors” versus pin traders! In the two years we’ve been avidly doing this, we have acquired way more than we’ve given away.

Beware of Fake Pins!

You can buy pins online, but beware of fakes. Authentic Disney pins often have official markings on the back, including a Disney copyright. A real pin will be of good quality with crisp, clear details, so if the painting looks shoddy or blurred, you might have a fake on your hands. The easiest way to tell if a pin is fake is to compare it to one you know is real and has been purchased from Disney. It is usually easy to tell the difference.

Don’t see the answer to your question in this list of Disney World FAQs? Leave a comment for us and we’ll answer!

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Tips for Choosing a Walt Disney World Resort

I am always asked questions about traveling to Walt Disney World, and I enjoy answering them. However, it’s always difficult when someone asks where they should stay at Walt Disney World. It’s not a simple question, because there are so many different options for Walt Disney World resorts.

There are so many different considerations. Depending on your budget, the type of trip you want to have, the ages of your kids (if you are traveling with children), and the number of people in your party, there’s likely to be several great options to choose from. If you are choosing a Walt Disney World Resort for your vacation, here are some tips to consider.

I am a former member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel and have been on some complimentary press trips at Walt Disney World, but all opinions are my own.

This article is assuming that you have already decided to stay on property at Walt Disney World. There are loads of different hotel options in the Greater Orlando area, so you’ll first need to make sure that you want to stay on property.

Read this article about the benefits of staying on property at Walt Disney World when making your decision. If you decide to stay off Disney property , here’s what you’ll need to know.

Figure Out Your Walt Disney World Resort Budget

Before choosing a Walt Disney World hotel, you’ll want to determine your vacation budget. Walt Disney World offers three different resort categories – deluxe, moderate , and value .

All of them offer great benefits for guests, but the price points and amenities are quite different. I’ve stayed at most resorts at Walt Disney World, and have enjoyed my stay at each and every one of them, despite the category.

Location of Your Resort Choice

Once you’ve figured out your budget and the ideal price category, you’ll need to think about your vacation plans. Walt Disney World is a gigantic property, and it’s impossible to be near all of the parks, even when choosing a deluxe resort.

My family, for instance, likes to have dinner at Epcot . So, we usually choose to stay near Disney’s Beach Club Resort , which is right near the International Gateway entrance of Epcot, so that we can walk back to our room at the end of the evening. Be sure that you have the park hopper option on your ticket so that you can go to a different park during the day.

Other families want to stay on the monorail loop because they want to spend most of their time at the Magic Kingdom. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to take a bus to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

While you will have to take a bus to the parks if you stay at a moderate or value resort, some of the moderate resorts have boat transportation to Disney Springs (and guests at the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness can take a boat to the Magic Kingdom).

In addition, the new Skyliner system goes to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios from the Caribbean Beach Resort, the brand-new Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort , and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort .

For additional convenience to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, look at the Boardwalk Inn, the Beach and Yacht Clubs, and the Swan and Dolphin . You can walk to either park from these resorts, or take a boat.

The monorail resorts are the best option for convenience to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, and guests at Disney’s Contemporary Resort can walk to the Magic Kingdom.

The Food at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

All of the resort hotels at Walt Disney World offer at least one restaurant/food court. If you are planning to eat one or more meals at your resort, it’s definitely worth looking at the different food options at the resort. Of course, you can absolutely go to any resort to eat at their restaurant, but that may not be the most convenient.

For instance, if you don’t like Mexican food, it’s probably not a great idea to stay at Disney’s Coronado Resort , which offers delicious Mexican cuisine (if you are hoping to eat several meals at the resort). But if you love Mexican food, it’s a fabulous, moderately priced option.

The deluxe hotels also offer some premium restaurants that are absolutely delicious, as well as some character dining experiences . Again, you don’t need to be staying at the specific resort to dine there, but it is easier.

Amenities and Themes at Disney Resort Hotels

Every one of the Walt Disney World resort hotels offer fabulous amenities and themes. Depending on the ages of your children and their interests, you’ll want to evaluate the various options.

You should also consider how much time you’ll actually spend in the room and at the resort. If it isn’t going to be much time, the amenities will be less important, and you may prefer to save money.

For the best pools, consider Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts , and Disney’s Art of Animation.

Your Family Size

Like many hotels, the majority of hotel rooms at Walt Disney World will accommodate families of four. If you’ve got a larger family, however, there are still some great options. The DVC (Disney Vacation Club) resorts offer family suites, and you can book them even if you aren’t a vacation club member.

There are also the family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s All Star Music. Some deluxe resorts can also accommodate five people. Just be sure to double-check the resort and room type when booking. Even if some of the rooms accommodate five or more, it’s not a given that all of them will.

What is your process for choosing a Walt Disney World Resort hotel?

The post Tips for Choosing a Walt Disney World Resort appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

Safety Hazard: Disney World Coaster Called To Cease Operations

in Walt Disney World

It has been just two years since Guardians of the Galaxy : Cosmic Rewind opened at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort, but there is a growing guest problem happening inside the popular attraction.

If you visit EPCOT , three relatively new attractions will be on your “must-visit” list. First, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which opened in 2021, is located in France. Second, there’s Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana , a walkthrough adventure that opened last year. And, finally, there’s the crown jewel of the Disney World park: Guardians of the Galaxy : Cosmic Rewind .

While Walt Disney World Resort continues to see massive crowds flood the attraction, a known safety hazard has emerged, and it happens well before you ever board the attraction. Recently, @LeetMor shared a video of Disney World guests prying the door open in the preshow room at Guardians of the Galaxy : Cosmic Rewind as a way to break into the line queue early.

Lmao watch the entire preshow room leave immediately after the walls lifted up pic.twitter.com/aNbj4pyvdY — meet n’ leet (@LeetMor) April 21, 2024

As a result of this bad guest behavior, many fans have called on Disney to cease normal operations of the attraction and, instead, find a new way to ensure that guests aren’t breaking the rules and, in some cases, even trampling other guests in a scurried hope to somehow bypass a portion of the wait. One guest said that the problems start well before you even get to the Transporter Room and that it has “gotten too rowdy.”

“Does anyone know what they call themselves?” There’s always about 5 or 6 people who yell out “Alcoholics!” Finally in the transporter room it’s shoulder to shoulder on the far right side of the room. People aren’t even watching the pre show anymore. When (and if) the lights go out for the transporter effect, if you don’t start moving towards the doors, you’re going to be pushed over in the dark (the room hasn’t gone completely dark the last two times I’ve been on it, ruining the effect. Is this deliberate because people have started moving towards the doors while it’s still dark? Did someone get pushed over and injured?). Lastly, when the doors open, it’s practically a sprint to he loading area. If you’re in a group, you better be holding hands, because it’s gotten too rowdy.”

Another guest said that more effective crowd control has been done at other Disney parks around the world.

“I just had a trip to Tokyo Disney and now I’m going to be annoyed at how the American parks implement crowd control,” they said. “ They had a system of making the ‘automagic’ doors area light up before they opened while also always having a cast member or two making sure every body was lining up WITHOUT smooshing, crushing, etc. Only once the cast members had cleared the area did those doors open.”

Not only is this bad guest behavior potentially dangerous, but it can also cause malfunctions in the attraction itself. This is why so many guests are looking to Walt Disney World Resort to change its normal operations and to find a way to more effectively control some of the issues that are being seen with crowds at this attraction, in particular.

Heard from CMs that the doors malfunction frequently because of guests doing this! — meet n’ leet (@LeetMor) April 21, 2024

Because of its popularity, Cosmic Rewind has quickly become a “hot ticket” item inside the Disney Park. To ride the attraction, you must either snag a boarding group from the Virtual Queue, which drops every morning at 7:00 a.m. and then again at 1:00 p.m., or you must purchase an Individual Lightning Lane pass, which can be found in the same area that you’ll purchase Disney Genie+ through the My Disney Experience app .

Keep in mind, though, that the availability for both the Individual Lightning Lane passes and Virtual Queue boarding groups is limited.

At this time, Cosmic Rewind is still functioning the same as it has been since opening. Though it might not be realistic for Disney World to change the way the attraction operates the preshow currently, it is important to show courtesy to other guests and Disney Cast Members, whether it be waiting in line, watching a preshow, or walking through the streets of Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Has this been an issue for you at Cosmic Rewind? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!

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