disney world trip planning guide

2024 Disney World Planning Guide

Our Walt Disney World vacation planning guide offers tips & tricks for 2024 on how to avoid crowds, save money & time, with info on Genie+ & Lightning Lanes, best rides, restaurant reviews, and itineraries for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios. (Updated February 1, 2024. )

The latest update comes as Walt Disney World is in the midst of more changes to restore normalcy, making the guest experience closer to what it was like in ~2019. With this, theme park reservations have mostly been eliminated, return of the Disney Dining Plan , and resumption of unlimited all-day Park Hopping . Next up is pre-arrival Lightning Lane ride reservations , a system that should closely resemble FastPass+ (but paid).

Beyond the rolling back of temporary changes implemented during the phased reopening and pent-up demand period, a ton is happening and changing at Walt Disney World. There are new attractions, nighttime spectaculars, and other additions on the horizon. We visit the parks regularly, reporting on everything as it happens–if you want to receive updates when discounts are released, new things are announced, etc., sign up to receive our FREE Walt Disney World Email Newsletter .

There are a few important things you need to know if you’re visiting Walt Disney World soon. First, the big new ride is TRON Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom. This attraction is very popular and can be difficult to experience due to not having a standby line. Improve your chances for success in scoring virtual queue spots by reading our TRON Lightcycle Run Virtual Queue Strategy Guide & FAQ .

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, which was the previous big addition, also does not have a standby line. At least, for now. Walt Disney World has been setting up overflow queue and seems poised to ditch the virtual queue for that once the off-season rolls around.

Second, there’s the paid Genie+ service that offers Lightning Lane line skipping service (free FastPass+ was retired a few years ago). This can be purchased in the My Disney Experience app for variable, date-based prices that now differ for each park (Magic Kingdom and Park Hopping are most expensive, costing up to $39 per person, per day plus tax).

Genie can be confusing, but we’ve used and tested Genie+ and Lightning Lanes a ton . Everything you NEED to know, including ride priorities, where it’s NOT necessary to buy Genie+ or Lightning Lanes, and much more is covered in our Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World .

If you’re looking for ways to avoid waiting in long lines  without spending extra on Lightning Lanes, see our Best Time-Saving Strategies for Walt Disney World , which covers the best & worst ways to do that in each park–and is accurate for the entirety of 2024. That’s the result of extensive testing, and the optimal methods for outsmarting the crowds aren’t always intuitive. For 3 of the 4 parks, you’re better off using a ‘free’ strategy rather than paying extra for Genie+ and Lightning Lanes!

Winter is also typically ‘refurbishment season’ at Walt Disney World. For a look at what’ll be temporarily unavailable during your trip, see the 2024 Walt Disney World Refurbishment & Closure Calendar , which we update regularly with return and downtime dates. There are some big closures right now, including Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

The other big closure is Splash Mountain, which permanently closed about a year ago. The good news is that this is also for 2024’s big new attraction: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure . That’s currently scheduled to open sometime this year–the timeline could move forward to Summer 2024…or be delayed until early 2025!

Then there’s the colossal EPCOT overhaul, which is now mostly finished now that new Luminous: The Symphony of Us nighttime spectacular and World Celebration Gardens have debuted. The only thing left is the CommuniCore Hall event space, which will likely debut before Summer 2024.

There’s a lot more on the horizon than just those things–here’s everything exciting being built: What’s New & Coming to Walt Disney World in 2024 & Beyond .

With those updates out of the way, let’s tell you about ourselves and why this guide is useful to your trip planning. We are obviously big Disney fans, but with this guide, we share our objective and unbiased tips. This covers the good and the bad, and the hard realities of planning Walt Disney World trip. We don’t sugarcoat everything or feel the need to put a positive spin on things. A lot about Disney is great, but that’s plenty that’s overpriced and not-so-great. If blunt, honest advice is not for you, there are many other sites that are all-positive.

With hundreds of trips dating back to the 1980s when we were kids, we’ve learned a lot about all things Disney. That now comes full circle as we start taking our daughter to Walt Disney World! We visit every month to see what has changed, taste-test new menu items, analyze crowds, offer recommendations for things you should do on vacation, share updates on construction, and much more.

This guide distills the key things we know about Walt Disney World into something easy to absorb and less overwhelming. Think of this planning guide as WDW101, with everything organized into the most important aspects of planning. The reality is that Walt Disney World is one of the most complicated vacation destinations on earth, and having a smooth and good trip requires doing your homework. With that said, we promise that taking the time to learn about Walt Disney World will be worth it, so let’s get started…

1A. Best Times to Visit for Avoiding Crowds

“When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?”  This is often the first question readers ask, and it’s not an easy one to answer because it’s subjective. What makes an experience the “best” differs from person to person. With that said, in helping first-timers plan over the course of the last decade-plus, there are usually three distinct components to this:  crowds, cost & fun.

The first two variables are the overriding factors and, thankfully, those are objective. If you’re primarily concerned with avoiding long lines and high wait times, consult our 2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars . That takes into account Orlando area school schedules, conventions, youth sporting events, park hours, special events, and more to provide you with specific dates that are the least and most crowded.

While that’s all about crowds (and can be overwhelming), we also have something more holistic: our list of the  10 Best and 10 Worst Weeks to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024 & 2025 . As the title suggests, that identifies the ‘red flag’ dates to avoid, as well as the ideal times to visit. It’s really more than just 10 weeks, as a number of the good and bad windows are far longer than a single week.

For example, pretty much the entirety of August and September are great from a crowds perspective, but we zero in on a single week that’s the best-balanced (from our perspective) as it combines low crowds, seasonal events, weather, and other factors. Same idea for a number of other dates throughout the year.

Rather than our objective crowd calendars, those are our subjective picks for when to visit. In addition to wait times, those rankings take other things into account: seasonal offerings like Christmas & Halloween, weather, new attractions, and more. If you find the crowd calendars intimidating, go with the Best & Worst Months post instead.

The good news is that, as a general rule, lower prices and crowds coincide with one another. Meaning that if you book your trip around the cheapest dates, you’re more likely to also have lower crowds. Prices are higher and discounts are weaker when crowds are higher, meaning you get hit with a double-whammy if visiting during these times of the year. (Spoiler: the highest prices and crowds both occur when school is out of session.)

1B. Best Times to Visit for Saving Money

The second component is cost. This one is especially significant now, as prices are up across the board. If you’re a first time visitor or it’s been a few years since your last trip, you might be in store for sticker shock. We take a look at this topic in How Much Does a Walt Disney World Vacation Cost? with sample pricing for multiple ‘trip tiers,’ from budget to luxury.

However, it’s not as straightforward as that. Some people don’t realize it, but prices vary significantly based upon when you’re visiting. If you visit for New Year’s Eve, you could end up spending close to double what it costs to visit a few months earlier, in September. Cutting to the chase, here are the Cheapest Times to Go to Walt Disney World .

The good news is that there’s considerable overlap between the cheapest times to visit and the least-crowded times. Visiting during the least-expensive and least-crowded times is entirely possible, and those goals align pretty well. Conversely, the most expensive times are usually also the most expensive.

Intuitively, this should make sense. When demand is highest, prices are highest. Like most other businesses, Walt Disney World charges what the market will bear, raising prices when able and discounting in order to incentivize visits when attendance and hotel occupancy are lower.

To that point, the other good news is that deals are starting to return to Walt Disney World after a couple years of very strong pent-up demand! See All Current Walt Disney World Discounts   for a full rundown of special offers through Spring 2024. There are a TON of discounts available right now, some of which offer up to 40% off hotels!

If you want to save even more money and do WDW as cheaply as possible, we have the 14 Best Tips to Save Money at Walt Disney World in 2024 . Those tips cover a lot of excellent ideas, such as buying discount Disney gift cards or having Groceries Delivered to Your Walt Disney World Hotel Room .

Those are just a handful of ways to save a ton of money on a trip to WDW! It also covers several options for the biggest expense of your trip–lodging. Among other things, you can stay at Walt Disney World’s best resorts for a fraction of full price by renting DVC points .

The idea behind all of these money-saving tips is not cutting corners and compromising on the quality of your vacation. To the contrary, we aim to “cut the fat” from your budget and recommend ways to save while also improving efficiency. Taking grocery delivery as an example–we do not recommend cooking dinner in your room or packing picnic lunches. Instead, we advice ordering nutritious breakfasts (the weakest meal at Walt Disney World restaurants) to have quickly have in your room or on-the-go each morning to save money and time .

1C. Best Times to Visit for Having Fun

Now we’re getting into the much more subjective area of determining when to visit. What makes a time of year more or less fun? Will you enjoy the parks more or less during certain timeframes? That’s really difficult to say. As a general matter, our mantra is this: “A rainy day at Walt Disney World is better than a sunny day at home.”

This is to say that you can have a great Walt Disney World vacation no matter what time of year you visit. The smile and laughter of your child hugging Mickey Mouse for the first time; the delicious taste of a Dole Whip or Citrus Swirl; the sight and sound of fireworks exploding over Cinderella Castle at the end of a long and satisfying day at Magic Kingdom. Absolutely none of that is seasonal. Those joys are possible 365 days of the year at Walt Disney World, and your trip will be made up of moments big and small exactly like those that happen daily.

However, it’s also fair to say that a sunny day is better than a rainy day at Walt Disney World. Most people probably are more comfortable during mild and temperate days than oppressive heat and humidity. Seasonal events can likewise add a lot to the baseline experience, taking a trip from “memorably magical” to “magnificently magical” on our  highly scientific scale of magicalness.

Hopefully you get the point here–that every day at Walt Disney World has the potential to be great, but also, that greatness has its own sliding scale, with weather, seasonal enhancements, and more cranking things up to the next level of magicalness.

The holiday season is our favorite time at Walt Disney World. It’s not even a close call. If we could only visit Walt Disney World one month of the year for the rest of our lives, we’d pick November or December. (Super-specifically, we’d pick the week after Thanksgiving that straddles the two months– that’s our favorite week to go! ) If you’re thinking of a holiday vacation, we’d implore you to start by reading our Ultimate Guide to Christmas at Walt Disney World .

Every park, resort, and Disney Springs gets into the spirit of the season. The last few holiday seasons have been scaled back, first as the parks reopened and then for the 50th Anniversary. With that now over, things are almost 100% normal for Christmas, minus the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights.

Last Christmas, there were two hard ticket events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) at Magic Kingdom and the brand-new Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. MVMCP will definitely be back for Christmas 2024, but it remains to be seen whether Jollywood Nights–which received a mixed reception in its inaugural year–comes back for a second season.

There are other seasonal events throughout the year, starting with the EPCOT Festival of the Arts in January and February. Following that is the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival from March through late May. Notably, Flower & Garden Festival has been shortened by over a month for 2024. Our expectation is that Food & Wine Festival also starts later and EPCOT debuts a new summer festival–but that’s just a guess!

It’s also possible that Magic Kingdom will once again do a special event in Summer 2024. In fact, we’d expect this to occur, with new entertainment debuting and smaller scale additions. Walt Disney World’s big new attraction (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) won’t be ready in time for Memorial Day, so they’ll need something else to market in the first half of 2024.

Even if a summer-time event doesn’t happen, Pride is celebrated in June, and there are other smaller-scale events spread across the calendar. After Hours parties will once again occur in Summer 2024, too.

The special events kick into high gear in August, which will kick off the 5-month long ‘party season’ at Magic Kingdom. That starts with Halloween time in Magic Kingdom, from August through the 1st of November. Our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide offers info & tips for Magic Kingdom’s fan-favorite Halloween-themed event.

While it has nothing to do with Halloween, another staple of fall is EPCOT’s annual culinary event. Read our Guide to the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival to prepare for that park’s colossal culinary celebration. This just scratches the surface. You can see everything that happens throughout the year in our Calendar of Seasonal Events at Walt Disney World .

2. How Long to Visit

How long you should stay at Walt Disney World depends largely upon the type of trip it is. If you’re not much of a Disney fan but are taking your kids on a “once in a lifetime” rite of passage trip, we recommend a Walt Disney World vacation of at least 6 or 7 days. The exact length will still vary a bit depending upon how much vacation time you have and if you plan on visiting non-Disney theme parks or destinations.

In addition to visiting Disney’s theme parks, you’ll also probably want to build a day into your itinerary for relaxation, and this is good to plug into the middle of your trip so you don’t get worn out by the theme parks. The other consideration for planning trips to Walt Disney World might be how much time to spend doing other things.

You might want to do Orlando-area theme parks like Universal, SeaWorld, or Busch Gardens. We recommend at least a couple of days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Use our Universal Orlando Resort Trip Planning Guide for strategy. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is absolutely mind-blowing, even if you’re not a fan of the books. The new Jurassic World VelociCoaster is the best roller coaster in all of Orlando–and that’s just one of several excellent recent additions.

We also have a post titled Walt Disney World vs. Universal Orlando that covers a lot of the pros and cons of visiting Universal. If you want to broaden your horizons and do something beyond Central Florida’s world-class theme parks, check out our 50 Things to Do in Orlando, Florida (Outside Disney’s Parks) . That covers beaches, manatee-watching, outlet malls, and much more.

3. Booking Vacation Packages

Vacations booked via DisneyWorld.com cover some combination of hotel, park tickets, and dining. Sometimes these packages offer excellent savings off rack rates, sometimes they’re merely full price elements of the trip bundled together. If you’re looking further into the future, 2024 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages are now available! (For those already wanting to plan 2025 WDW vacations, you’ll need to wait until late June or early July 2024, unfortunately.)

If you’re already overwhelmed, you might want to consider using a travel agent. If you go this route, look for one who primarily or exclusively does Disney-related bookings. As you can probably gather already, planning a Walt Disney World vacation is incredibly complex. If a travel agent doesn’t specialize in Disney, they probably won’t know the many nuances of Walt Disney World vacations. (For this reason, we don’t recommend AAA or Costco, even though some of their agents have Disney knowledge.)

Most travel agents specializing in Disney are “no fee” agencies, meaning that it costs you no more to book through them than it does to book through Disney (they get commission from Disney). If you are unsure of which package might be best for you–or need personalized help with any aspect of your trip–we recommend contacting a no fee “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” ( here’s why we recommend one ) to get a quote and to help you plan. Request a quote from our recommended Authorized Disney Vacation Planner here .

4. Park Tickets

If you opt to book things yourself and without a vacation package, we recommend buying your tickets from an authorized third party ticket seller to save money. Read our Tips for Buying Discount Walt Disney World Tickets post for everything you need to know about choosing the right tickets and saving money on them.

Normally, prices increase in February and/or October. They increased twice two years ago, with the second occurring later than usual in December. Last year, the only admission costs that increased were on Annual Passes, which raises a question about whether tickets will increase again in December, or if Walt Disney World is waiting until February 2024. Either way, it’s not a bad idea to buy now to lock-in current prices no matter when you’re visiting between now and December 31, 2024.

If all you want to know is where to safely buy the cheapest, legitimate Walt Disney World multi-day tickets from an authorized reseller click here to buy via Get Away Today , our recommended & Disney-authorized ticket seller.

Disney’s mantra is “the longer you play, the less you pay per day.” It’s corny but true. Single-day Walt Disney World tickets are expensive , but multi-day tickets are much cheaper per day. The cost of additional days on a ticket substantially decreases with each day you add after 3 days. In other words, longer trips are not proportionately more expensive than shorter ones.

This is just one of the many tips we cover in our post about saving money on Walt Disney World park tickets . Whatever you do, don’t wait to buy your tickets at the front gates of the parks or on eBay…they won’t work!

5. Where to Stay

One of the very best posts on this blog is our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page . We have stayed at every Disney hotel, plus many off-site ones. That page offers links to each of our hotel reviews, room photos, thoughts on the amenities, pros & cons, and more.

When deciding whether to pay the premium prices that Disney-owned hotels charge, one important consideration for many will be on-site perks. Unfortunately, there aren’t many anymore–basically just some extended hours (see our Guide to Early Entry at Walt Disney World ), location, theme, and more convenient transportation. Since reopening, many benefits have been eliminated–either permanently or temporarily. Read about this in Is Walt Disney World’s On-Site Advantage Disappearing or Reappearing ?

When pricing out Walt Disney World hotels, you’re bound to have some sticker shock. Prices have gone up considerably in the last few years, and discounts are not nearly as abundant as they once were. If your budget is tight but you still want on-site luxury, consider getting a quote from Disney Vacation Club point rental company ( click here to book with the cheapest point DVC rental company ).

For more info about renting points, you might want to read our Guide to Renting Disney Vacation Club Points article. This is a great way to save money on nicer accommodations than you otherwise might be able to afford.

If you’re going to stay on-site at Walt Disney World, the three main tiers are Value, Moderate, and Deluxe, which are exactly what their names sound like they are. There’s also a Deluxe Villa tier, which is basically Disney-speak for “timeshare room.” Looking for the best hotel in each tier? Check out the following posts ranking the various Disney hotels:

• Value Resort Hotel Rankings
• Moderate Resort Hotel Rankings
• Deluxe Resort Hotel Rankings
• Deluxe Villa (Disney Vacation Club) Resort Rankings

Debating whether to stay off-site to save money or on-site at Walt Disney World for convenience and to be immersed in the magic? We have an Off-Site vs. On-Site Walt Disney World Hotels article that goes into great depth about the pros and cons of both options.

If you’re also visiting other theme parks in Central Florida, one alternative is to stay off-site. Our Universal Orlando Hotel Rankings & Reviews covers the pros & cons of those resorts, many of which we love for their locations, theme, on-site perks, and value for money. Additionally, refer to Universal Orlando v. Walt Disney World Resorts for a comparison between Disney’s and Universal’s hotels to see what each does better.

6. What to Pack

It might sound hard to believe, but packing for Walt Disney World offers ways to save money and improve your experience. There are some wrinkles to Walt Disney World that make packing a bit different, and by bringing certain “clever” (we think) items in your luggage, you will improve your experience. We go over the best stuff in our Walt Disney World Unique Packing List .

Two of our favorite examples from that list are Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads and this Compact External Charger . Seriously, you’ll wonder how you ever travelled without these (and many other) items on our list!

One of the most important things to pack for Walt Disney World is comfortable shoes. This can trip people up, as you probably walk  far, far less at home than you will at Walt Disney World. Suffice to say, what’s best for logging tens of thousands of steps could differ from your day-to-day footwear. See our picks for the Best Shoes to Wear at Walt Disney World for guidance–and be sure to plan ahead, breaking in your shoes before your trip!

Comfort is also key when planning your clothes for Walt Disney World–and weather can make that challenging. If you’re going in the colder months, check out our Packing for Disney in Winter post. For summer months, read Tips for Beating the Summer Heat at Disney .

7. Itineraries & Attraction Advice

Having an itinerary is a big deal, even for some frequent Walt Disney World guests. Some visitors create binders, spreadsheets, and schedule every step of their day. People get serious and obsessive about this. We are not those people. Planning is important, but going to those lengths is unnecessarily stressful and creates unrealistic and rigid plans. The best laid plans often go awry, and when that inevitably happens, it can be disappointing if you’ve over-planned.

With that said, we also recommend first-time visitors do not “wing it” for your daily itinerary . You don’t need to plan every movement so that there’s no spontaneity in your trip, just make sure you have at least a loose plan of what you’re going to do. As with most things in life, balance and moderation are key.

We have the following flexible step by step plans for each park that cover our perfect days using standby-only:

• 1-Day Magic Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 2-Day Magic Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Epcot Itinerary Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Animal Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Hollywood Studios Park Itinerary

For step-by-step single day itinerary using Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, see these itineraries:

• 1-Day at Magic Kingdom with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
• 1-Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
• 1-Day at Epcot with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
• 1-Day at Animal Kingdom with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes

Additionally, we have itineraries for Universal Orlando offering the same type of step by step advice:

• 1-Day Universal Studios Florida Itinerary
• 1-Day Islands of Adventure Itinerary
• 1-Day Universal Park Hopping Itinerary ( both Islands of Adventure & Universal Studios Florida )

If you’d prefer to create your own itinerary, we recommend reading our Disney Parks Ride Guides and getting a rough idea of which attractions you want to do:

• Magic Kingdom Park & Attraction Guide
• Epcot Park & Attraction Guide
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park & Attraction Guide
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park & Attraction Guide

We also have guides for the Walt Disney World water parks and Disney Springs:

• Blizzard Beach Water Park Guide
• Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Guide
• Disney Springs Shopping & Entertainment District Guide

With that said, we’d strongly recommend using our pre-made Walt Disney World Park Itineraries . Those step by step guides are maximized for efficiency, and will save far more time than ones you put together yourself, or just winging it. These are good, flexible itineraries that offers attractions, dining, and other things to enjoy without going crazy with mapping out every bathroom stop of your day.

Those with small children should also know that some Walt Disney World rides have height restrictions, requiring kids be a certain number of inches tall (usually 38 to 44″) in order to experience. Measuring sticks are outside attractions with a requirement, and kids who do not meet the minimum height are not allowed to enter the line. There are no age requirements for any attractions. See  Height Requirements at Walt Disney World for a comprehensive list, updated with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Attractions that have height requirements also offer Rider Switch (also known as child swap, baby switch, rider swap, or parent swap). This is Walt Disney World’s system that allows parents with small children to take turns experiencing thrill rides and other attractions with height requirements via Lightning Lanes. See our  Guide to Rider Switch at Walt Disney World   for everything you need to know about this service. If eligible, it can save you a ton of time.

8. Where to Eat

A lot of the posts on this blog detail dining at Walt Disney World, which is a surprisingly complex (and fun!) topic. The most important thing for first-timers to know is that the tired stereotype that Disney dining is all burgers, hot dogs, and other fast food is not even remotely true. Disney has a lot of wonderful dining options that can be an experience in themselves.

To figure out where to eat, consult our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews page. That page has reviews of 75+ restaurants at Walt Disney World, plus other resources like our Magic Kingdom Counter Service Restaurant Rankings , and lots of other specific topics. Another great post with random quick-tips is our 101 Walt Disney World Dining Tips post.

Good dining experiences can make a trip, so if you only read more on one topic in this guide, make it dining. We know a number of people who have had their opinions of Walt Disney World changed for the better simply because they “discovered” the right places to eat.

If you’re starting the planning process far in advance, you might want to subscribe to our free newsletter for updates . We also provide subscribers with news from the parks, and have given a heads up on Free Dining and ticket price increases before they have been officially announced. This makes the newsletter especially handy for scoring discounts and being in the know as to what’s going on before your trip.

It’s also worth noting that if you’re trying to do “Disney on a Dime,” one of the easiest ways to save money is to not eat at Walt Disney World restaurants. Dining at Disney is expensive, and unlike park tickets, it’s not mandatory . You can save a lot of money by eating off-site, or better yet, getting groceries and preparing your own meals. We have a comprehensive Tips for Buying Groceries at Walt Disney World post that covers grocery delivery, local stores, and much more.

Even if you don’t want to make your own meals, grocery delivery is great for getting fruit and other small grab and go snacks, both of which are really over-priced at Walt Disney World. It’s also excellent for beer–for less than the cost of a single beer in the parks, you can have a 6-pack delivered to your hotel room!

9. Transportation

Walt Disney World transportation can be hit or miss, and can take a lot of time. For the most efficient transit options, read our Time-Saving Walt Disney World Transportation Tips post. This covers shortcuts, when to use buses v. monorail v. boats v. your feet, and more!

One of the other big considerations is whether you want to stay at a Walt Disney World hotel that offers a unique form of transportation, such as the monorails to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, or the boats, walking paths, or Skyliner to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. These can be a huge time-saver.

Disney’s Magical Express has now ended, and following a merger of two competitors, it’s indirect replacement is essentially Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. This does cost money, but otherwise it’s roughly analogous to Disney’s Magical Express–it’s even operated by the same vendor that ran Disney’s Magical Express (same buses and everything, just no Disney branding!). For a broad overview of alternatives, see our Airport Transportation Guide to Walt Disney World .

An alternative to a rental car is Lyft (or the Minnie Van service powered by Lyft) or Uber. For the basics on using these ride-sharing services, read our Tips for Using Lyft or Uber at Walt Disney World post. This post also shares the easiest way to get to Universal Orlando Resort (in case you want to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, too)

10. What Else to Do

Your imagination is really the limit here. Most first-time visitors only know about the theme parks, Disney Springs, and the water parks. That’s just the surface of what Walt Disney World has to offer. There are tours, golf, fishing, nightlife, shopping, fireworks cruises, babysitting, spas, and much more. An exhaustive list would ultimately be longer than the rest of this already long blog post!

Most of our favorite things are couples or adult-oriented, which you can read about on our Walt Disney World for Adults page . Honeymooners (aka “Disneymooners”) should read our Walt Disney World Honeymoon Tips article. Here are some other posts that cover “other stuff” at Walt Disney World, and other ways to improve your vacation, that don’t really fit the categories above:

• Free Things to Do at Walt Disney World
• Best Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing Spots
• Best Harmonious at Epcot Fireworks Viewing Spots
• Tips for Celebrating at Walt Disney World
• First-Timer Tips for Walt Disney World

If all of this is really overwhelming, we (again) recommend contacting an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and letting them do the work for you. This is Disney’s term for their affiliated travel agents, and the huge upside to them is that they don’t charge for their services–Disney pays them directly at no cost to you! Click here to get a vacation quote from our recommended no fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner .

Remember, what’s in this post is just a starting point. To recap, you’ll also want to read our When to Visit Walt Disney World post for the best time of year to plan your trip. If saving money is important, read Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post to buy the cheapest tickets from legitimate sources. To figure out where to stay, our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page is a great resource. Want to know where to eat or if the Disney Dining Plan is right for you? Our Walt Disney World Dining Resources will help!

These are just a few of many posts mentioned in this article that will provide the foundation for your planning…but these 4 other posts are probably the most important of the bunch! If you enjoyed this Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide, please help us out by sharing it with your friends via social media. We put a lot of ongoing work into this, and hope it’s as helpful as possible to as many trip planners as possible. Thank you so much for your support–we really appreciate it!

Your Thoughts

Are you visiting Walt Disney World in 2024? If you are a Walt Disney World veteran, what tips would you add to this? If you’re a first-timer, is there anything else you’d like to know? Are you excited to experience the parks for Disney’s 100th Anniversary, or will you wait until Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens or more on-site perks are restored? We love hearing from readers, whether it be questions from newbies or tips from seasoned Disney pros with tips of their own to add!

Written by Tom Bricker

I will l spend my first full day at Disney World on a Sunday should I go to the magic kingdom, Epcot or Hollywood studios first to avoid crowds? Going the first week of March.

Every traveler must read this crucial information before visiting Disney for tourism. I love the way you write for travelers this is easy to understand and the information itself is quality content.

Hey Tom! Will you do an article on how to navigate busy times of year like spring break? We have historically been off season travelers to avoid crowds but older kids in school prevent us from being able to do so and I am a bit anxious about what to expect during spring break and how to best manage the crowds!

Hi Tom, my wife and I are planning a trip to Disney World after Thanksgiving to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. We have never been to Disney World and want to make the most of our time (and money). We are really good at Genie+(Disneyland) and are willing to arrive for rope drop and stay until the parks close.

Which of the following 2 options would you recommend? 1. A 4-Day Park Hopper and do MK on a MVMCP day and park hop to HS. On another day, do a half day at HS and park hop to MK to enjoy the evening with fireworks and the “Frozen” Castle Experience 2. A 3-Day Base Ticket and 1-Party Night Ticket (Jollywood Nights or MVMCP)

Hi Tom. Myself and my family spent 2 weeks in Orlando middle of August, including 5 days at WDW and we would like to thank you very much for all the advice you give. I read all of your blogs and the advice/information was so valuable to help us to get the best out of our holiday (we are from UK so we can’t visit as often as we would like!). Using Early Entry, Extended Evening Hours and very quick fingers on the Virtual Queues, we were able to do everything we wanted to do and much more!! The only thing that went wrong was when after doing Early Entry at MK we took the monorail back to our hotel (Yacht Club) via Epcot forgetting that we would technically be park-hopping so are restricted by the 14:00 rule. We arrived to EPCOT just after 13:00 so had to wait a bit. It was only a minor issue but thought I would mention as reminder to anyone else. We also learnt through this incident that although Park Hopping is officially allowed from 14:00, you can tap through from 13:45. Again, might be useful for others… We are already starting to plan our next trip and I continue to read your blogs every day! Thanks again and hope everything goes well with the baby!

Hi Tom! Do you have any articles or good tips for room requests (timing, method, hotel cast member insight, etc)? I would really appreciate it! I am a bit of a Disney veteran, but the art of the room request has eluded me (for example, old online articles suggest faxing things – that can’t possibly still be applicable, right??) – and if I ever post any questions on Facebook groups, the comment section eventually spirals into negativity and chaos. Thanks!

Hi! Thank you for everything you do, it is such a huge help when planning a Disney world trip when I’m used to just going to Disneyland. Do you have any tips on booking flights? Such as when is the best time to book, how far in advance and recommendations on which website to book through?

This information is crucial for every traveler. It is common to encounter health issues during our journeys, which is why this comprehensive guidance blog is essential for everyone. I greatly appreciate your kind words about the post, and I’m glad that the information shared in the article has proven helpful to you. bali tours

Hi Tom! Any tips for doing the Parks in the rain? We’ve been waiting months and see there maybe showers when we’re there next week. Thanks

Tom, My family and I planned for a 2-day Epcot experience in June. I am using your itineraries for the other parks and I thought I’d ask if you have a 2-day for Epcot?

Just amazing help for us in planning our vacation – thanks, Tom!

This is in dire need of updating. Rock n Roller Coaster is down, Toyland is open and fabulous, we did Lightning Lane at Rise of the Resistance. And more.

Have you heard anything about package service returning? It seems advantageous for Disney. I wouldn’t buy a large collectible if I have to carry it around all day. Having it sent to my hotel would’ve been nice.

I have not heard anything about that specifically, but I have recently been hearing about very big, very comprehensive announcement plans to coincide with 2024 Walt Disney World vacation packages. Normally, that news would be released in June or July, but I suspect it might be coming earlier this year.

Again, no clue if resort package delivery is among the changes (it was not one of the things mentioned to me), but it very well could be given the potential scope and scale of the news.

Hey Tom! What do you know about Typhoon Lagoons re-opening for 2023? I was thinking about adding the water park option to my annual pass renewal but wasn’t sure it would be worth it if both aren’t open. Thanks!

I’m grateful you recommended we consider opting for a week-long Walt Disney World vacation if we want the kids to enjoy the experience and all the attractions available without wearing them out. I’m planning to take my kids to Disneyworld this spring, so I was wondering how I should plan the trip. I’ll keep your suggestion in mind while I look for a Disney VIP tour to book in advance soon.

Hello Tom, I tried to use the code DTB5 at get away today and it says code is invalid?? Do you have another code that can be used? Also I love Sarah’s Mickey Mouse purse, where did she buy it I have to get one!! Thanks Lori

The Get Away Today website tells me that the DTB5 discount code is invalid, so this article may need further updating (that or there is an error on their side – just thought you should know).

This article is awesome. It was wonderful and I really like it. Thanks for sharing this post.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

2024 Disney World Vacation Planner

Our goal is to help you plan your dream Disney World vacation , and that all starts right here.

This page will walk you through planning a trip in 6 easy steps.

After that, we’ll go through some of the other important information you’ll need to know before you go.

Consider this spot a sort of Cliff Notes version for getting started (or even for getting reacquainted) with Disney vacation planning.

Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

In this article

Important updates for 2024

If you are brand-new to planning a Disney World vacation, you may want to skip over this section. But, if you haven’t visited since the parks reopened in 2020, you’ll definitely want to stick around.

The past few years have brought many changes – some of which are fairly significant. Here are the ones that are the most important for you to be aware of:

• FastPass+ service is out and Genie+ is in
• Extra Magic Hours (EMHs) have been replaced with a new program called “ Early Theme Park Entry “
• Extended Evening Theme Park Hours have been added – but only for onsite guests at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts
• Reservations are required to visit the parks (only for trips through January 8, 2024, no reservations required for date-based tickets beginning January 9, 2024)
• Disney’s Magical Express has been discontinued ( no more free rides between the airport and your Disney Resort )
• Park hopping can only be done after 2 p.m. until January 8, 2024. Starting January 9, 2024 park hopping can occur at any time.
• Advanced Dining Reservations are made at 60 days out now (instead of 180 days)
• Disney Dining Plan is not available until January 9, 2024

Our best advice is to make sure you do not assume that everything is the same – because it isn’t .

Take time to explore the links in the box above (and in the sections below!) to get caught up on all that is new.

VIDEO: 9 Ways Disney World Planning Has Changed

Why you should plan

Did you know that lots (and lots) of people visit Walt Disney World every year without doing any planning at all?

And while that may sound like a relaxing way to travel, it doesn’t work for Disney vacations, and here’s why:

Not planning ahead means standing in long lines for rides and struggling to find places to eat.

And that doesn’t sound like much fun at all.

It is important to understand that even with planning, you will not be able to see and do everything at Disney World in 1 trip . You wouldn’t be able to see and do it all in 10 trips.

Instead, the goal should be to have fun and make memories . And it is a lot easier to do that when you’re prepared.

Just like any vacation, how much your trip will cost depends on many different factors, but in general, these are the costs you’ll need to consider:

• Trip length
• Number and ages of people traveling
• How you’ll get there (drive, fly, train, etc.)
• When you’ll be traveling
• Where you’ll be staying
• Where you’ll be dining
• How many extras you plan to spend money on

Despite all of those variables, we can give you some generic onsite prices to help you get a good idea of what to expect.

Want more details on how much to budget? Check out our guide below:

• READ MORE: How much does it cost to go to Walt Disney World?

Important note: Keep in mind that while these prices are full rack rate prices, Disney frequently offers discounts . However, if you are planning for a trip a year or more in advance, we recommend using the rack rate prices as a good starting point.

Budget Trip Example

$4000-$5000 plus the cost of getting to Walt Disney World

• 2 adults, 2 children under 10, traveling during the least expensive time, 1 week onsite, most basic park tickets, staying at a Value Resort, eating at the least expensive places.

Moderate Trip Example

$5500-$7000 plus the cost of getting to Walt Disney World

• 2 adults, 2 children under 10, traveling during a moderately busy time, 1 week, park tickets with Park Hopper option, staying at a Moderate Resort, eating at half Table Service and half Quick Service restaurants , 1 special event planned.

Deluxe Trip Example

$9000 and above, plus the cost of getting to Walt Disney World

• 2 adults, 2 children under 10, traveling during a peak busy time (like the holidays), 1 week, park tickets with Park Hopper Plus, staying at a Deluxe Resort, eating at mostly Table Service Restaurants, 2 special events.

As we said above, those dollar amounts assume full-price resort rates, but there are usually discounts available .

And, the good news is you can always add a discount after you’ve booked your trip.

• READ MORE: Complete Guide to Disney World Discounts

How to plan a Disney World vacation in 6 steps

Disney World vacation planning is kind of like building a house – you start with the foundation and work your way up.

And, just like with building a house, you might end up with something you’re not pleased with if you try to do it out of order.

These 6 steps are the basis of everything you’ll find on this site.

If you’re new to planning, this is where you need to start.

Trip Planning Worksheet

To help you get started, we have a free Trip Planning Worksheet that you can fill out as you work through the steps below.

• Get a copy of the trip planning worksheet

Step 1: Pick a date

When it comes time to decide when to go, you’ll have a couple of different things to consider.

Historically, Disney has gotten excellent at filling what were traditionally less-crowded times of the year with special events, runDisney races, and sport/cheer competitions.

But, despite Disney scheduling things to draw crowds during the slower times of the year, there are still definitely times that are busier than others.

Plus, even though Florida is known for having lots of sun, you’ll likely want to consider the weather , too, especially if you’re trying to avoid the intense heat of the summer or the hurricanes of the fall .

To help you narrow down your options, we have a giant Crowd Calendar post that will show you day-by-day which days we are predicting to be the most (and least!) crowded.

• READ MORE: Disney World Crowd Calendar

Park Pass Reservation System (only required until January 8, 2024)

Guests traveling in 2024 can skip this section, BUT if you are traveling in 2023, you’ll have another critical planning piece to consider: the Disney Park Pass Reservation System .

This system was put into place after the reopening in 2020 and requires guests to make reservations for each day they intend to visit a park .

The good news is the park reservations are free . The bad news is that, at least right now, this is how Disney is controlling each parks’ capacity.

That means there are limited spots available for each day.

Will I be able to get a Park Pass Reservation?

Unless you are traveling during peak times, in most cases, the answer is “yes”.

Disney is continually shifting availability around, and if you plan your vacation in advance, you should be able to get exactly what you want.

But, keep in mind, the busier the time of year, the more in demand the reservations will be. That is why we recommend you make those reservations as soon as you can .

• READ MORE: How to make Park Pass Reservations

How to check for availability

Disney makes it relatively easy to check park reservation availability.

They have a handy calendar that will show you exactly which parks are (or are not) available.

Step 2: Choose where to stay & book it

You have lots of options for where to stay during your trip – including both onsite and offsite resorts and hotels.

Where you decide to stay will have a direct impact on some essential parts of your vacation.

• READ MORE: Ways to Book Your Disney World Vacation

Onsite or off?

Things like Advanced Dining Reservations and Individual Lightning Lane selections are tied to whether you choose to stay on Disney property or venture offsite to where you’ll (typically) find less expensive options.

While the price is understandably often the first factor you’ll need to consider, most guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort may find that weighing the value of the perks associated with the onsite resorts versus the lower costs connected to the offsite options can sometimes be a bit tricky to navigate.

• READ MORE: Disney World Resort Options

Our favorite way to save money when staying onsite

We’ve already discussed discounts up above, but probably our most favorite way to save money when staying onsite is by renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points.

This is especially true right now when you can snag some great last-minute deals.

There are some definite pros and cons to this money saving option, so make sure you check out the link below for everything you need to know.

• READ MORE: How to save big money by renting DVC Points

Consider using a travel agent

Whether you are new to planning or a seasoned Disney World vet, it can be very helpful to have somebody you can turn to for assistance with navigating through it all.

That’s why if planning a trip feels overwhelming, we highly recommend reaching out to a reliable travel agen t .

Not only will they be able to answer all of your questions, but they’ll also keep you in the loop if and when changes happen.

Staying onsite? Consider booking a package.

Booking a vacation package makes it far easier to get all your money back if you need to cancel.

If you purchase tickets separately, you can’t “return” them. That purchase is final, even if you have to cancel your trip.

Don’t packages cost more money?

The argument against packages is that it costs less if you book things separately. And that is partially true.

You can usually save some money if you purchase your tickets separately from an Authorized Reseller. The amount you save typically isn’t a lot , though, at least not when compared to the other components of your trip.

But – the last few years have taught us the importance of being able to easily cancel if needed. And, an easy way to add a layer of financial protection to your trip is to stay onsite and book your trip components as a package so that you have the maximum amount of flexibility if you need to cancel or postpone .

Of course, if Disney cancels a special event or has to close due to something like a hurricane , you’ll likely see that they will work with ticket holders to extend the expiration dates.

But, if you purchased those tickets outside a package or from a third-party seller, you likely won’t get your money back. 

For the maximum amount of security in case things go wrong, if you need tickets, we strongly suggest that you book a package.

Step 3: Make a daily plan and select Disney World tickets

After you’ve decided when to go and where you’ll be staying, the next thing you need to do is determine where you’ll spend each day. Ideally, you’ll have this step figured out no later than 61 days out from when your trip begins because you’ll need to know your daily plan before you can do Step 5.

Disney World is home to 4 incredible theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), 2 world-class water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), and a giant shopping district (Disney Springs).

And, although you’ll want to see and do it all, unless you’ll be moving into Cinderella Castle (which unfortunately you can’t), you are going to have to pick and choose.

The first thing is figuring out exactly how much time you’ll want in each park. To help you get started, here are our thoughts:

Suggested number of days in each park

The chart below is just a suggestion. All families vary.

For instance, families with younger children and only 3 days in the parks might want to do 2 days in the Magic Kingdom.

It’s also a great idea to have 1 day out of the parks for every 3 days in the parks.

Arrange it however it makes sense for your family.

Once you have nailed down how many days you want for each park, you’ll need to decide where you’ll plug that into your vacation.

• READ MORE: How to pick the best park for each day of your trip

Here is some general advice to help you decide which park to visit when:

• Magic Kingdom  is the most popular park overall. It is also the park most first-time visitors think of when they think “Disney World”. Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays are the busiest, with mid-week typically the least busy.
• Hollywood Studios also remains busy most days of the week due to the popular Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land areas. Your best bet here for the shortest lines are Sundays and Wednesdays.
• Epcot  hosts  nearly year-round festivals , and those festivals are popular with both out-of-state visitors and locals. And, since a lot of what the festivals are famous for is the alcohol and food, the areas around the Festival Booths can be a lot busier (and a bit rowdier) than what you’d find during the daytime hours on the weekdays. If that isn’t the vibe you are looking for, you may want to skip Epcot during the nighttime on Friday and Saturdays .
• Even with the new Park Pass system,  Animal Kingdom  remains one of the “easiest” parks to fit into a trip. You should be able to plug it in wherever it makes the most sense for you.

Find your travel month below to see park hours, and any scheduled nighttime entertainment and special events:

Select your tickets

Now that you know how many days you’ll be in each park, you can select your tickets and either purchase a package or, if purchasing tickets separately, you can go ahead and do that now.

When making your ticket selection, keep in mind that you can almost always upgrade a ticket, but you can’t get money back if you don’t use all your days or components of your tickets, such as Park Hoppers.

That’s why we recommend you make that daily plan first, and then use that as a guide for deciding exactly how many days worth of tickets you’ll need.

• READ MORE: Disney World tickets

Secure your Park Pass Reservations (for dates before January 9, 2024; no reservations needed for trips on or after January 9)

As soon as you purchase your tickets, you’ll be able to secure your park dates.

Remember: Park Pass Reservations are no longer required for date-based tickets beginning January 9, 2024. This covers most people traveling to Walt Disney World. Annual Passholders, however, WILL still need to make Park Pass Reservations (even if they have a resort stay booked).

This step is entirely new to Disney World planning. 

Because it is so brand new, we have written a complete guide to help you with the process. 

Step 4: Pick dining options

Disney World is packed with lots and lots of fantastic restaurants.

And with so many fun places to eat, it is common for people to want to decide where they will be dining before they ever pick what park they’ll be at that day.

But please trust us: you do not want to do that.

The reason dining falls at step 5 is that you need to plan your dining after you know where you’ll be each day .

The entire Walt Disney World Resort area is huge (roughly the size of San Francisco), and unless you want to spend hours each day on a bus crisscrossing the property going from meal to meal, you’ll need to be a lot more strategic in how you plan where to eat.

Trust us on this one:

Save yourself a lot of stress by waiting to plan your dining until after you’ve decided where you’ll be each day, and if you do decide to dine somewhere other than where you’ll be, make a plan for how you’ll get there.

Remember: Save yourself a lot of stress by waiting to plan your dining until after you’ve decided where you’ll be each day, and if you do decide to dine somewhere other than where you’ll be, plan for how you’ll get there.

Advanced Dining Reservations

Dining at Disney World is broken up into 2 main categories:

• Less expensive
• Doesn’t require reservations
• Often has the ability to Mobile Order
• More expensive
• Almost always requires an Advanced Dining Reservation (can be made beginning 60 days from check-in)
• Sometimes has “To Go” options (at some resort Table Service restaurants)
• Includes all Character Meals

If your goal is to dine at a Table Service restaurant, you’ll need to make an Advanced Dining Reservation . Make sure you understand how that works, or you may wind up disappointed.

• READ MORE: How Dining at Walt Disney World Works

What about the Disney Dining Plan?

The Disney Dining Plan is a hugely popular component and while sales of it were paused for several years, it is returning as an option for trips beginning on or after January 9, 2024.

The  Disney Dining Plan (DDP)  is an optional add-on that people staying in an on-site Disney World resort can get by booking one of these things:

• A vacation package (that includes a room and tickets) online or by calling Disney
• A room-only reservation by  calling  Disney or having  your agent  add it (this is sometimes called a “ticketless package”)
• A Disney Vacation Club (DVC) reservation

When you buy a DDP you are pre-paying for your food (and snacks!) and then using credits to get meals during your trip.

After a long absence, the Disney Dining Plan returns for packages on or after January 9, 2024!

The Dining Plan can be great if you are looking for that “all-inclusive” feel, but before you purchase it, make sure you understand how it works, or else you may actually wind up spending more on food than what you would have done without it.

• READ MORE: Complete Guide to the Disney Dining Plan (Is it worth it?)

Step 5: Plan park touring

Don’t let the rumors and stories about long lines at Disney World fool you: the people that wait in lines at Disney World are the ones without a touring plan.

Touring plans don’t have to be rigid minute-by-minute lists, but touring plans are something you’ll definitely want to spend some time thinking about.

You can choose to tackle the parks without spending anything extra, but Disney has also introduced an entirely new system called Genie+ which will allow you access to their Lightning Lanes (which means shorter waits).

The Genie+ system can be extremely complicated, but here are a couple of resources we think are good introductions:

• Guide to Genie+ at Disney World
• Touring plan strategies for Disney World (with and without Genie+)
• Best Genie+ Choices (what to book first)

Step 6: Add extra magic

When planning your vacation, the final thing to do is to figure out ways to add some extra magic to your trip .

This step doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spend more money (although that is certainly an option); it just means you are intentional about ways to add a little extra **pixie dust** to your trip.

For lots of people, this is the step that ties their entire vacation together (and gets them hooked on planning lots more Disney World trips!).

If you want to think of planning a Disney World trip like the steps in the construction process, Steps 1-5 above help you build your house, but Step 6 is where you get to decorate it.

Here are some of our favorite resources to help you add some extra magic to your vacation:

• Create a countdown
• Watch Disney movies and shows that are connected to what you’ll see in the parks
• Plan a surprise
• Listen to some podcasts and trip reports
• Put together some Tinker Bell gifts
• Book a dessert party

VIDEO: 7-Step Planning Process for Walt Disney World Vacations

What to Pack

You’d be surprised just how many questions we get about this topic.

But it makes sense; when you’re far away from home, things will go a lot more smoothly if you have everything you need with you.

In fact, we feel so strongly about packing lists that we have a H-U-G-E post with everything you’ll need to know about what to pack for a Disney World vacation.

And the best part? You’ll find links to free packing list downloads you can use.

• READ MORE: The Ultimate Disney World Packing List

And, while you’re busy working on a packing list for your trip, don’t forget to think about what you’ll want to take into the parks with you.

• READ MORE: What to pack in Your Disney World Park Bag

Preparing for your trip

Your trip is booked, but now what?

We recommend you spend the months, weeks, and days leading up to your trip learning some of those Disney World basics that will help your trip go smoothly.

We’ve listed just a few topics below, but we also invite you to scroll through the hundreds of other posts on the site to find topics that might interest you.

Disney World planning basics

• Navigating Disney World transportation
• 101 of the best Disney World tips
• Ultimate Guide for Visiting Disney World with Toddlers
• Disney World news & updates

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

Home » Walt Disney World » Planning and Tips

2024 Disney World Planning Guide | How to Plan a Disney Vacation

By Author Ziggy Oskwarek

Posted on Last updated: May 20, 2024

• Facebook 14
• Pinterest 370

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2024 or 2025? We know it’s stressful, but don’t worry, our Disney World Vacation Guide will give you everything you need to know to get ready for your upcoming trip!

Whether you are looking for information about the Disney World Parks, hotels, dining, transportation, the best rides, how to save money, or how to avoid the crowds, we have you covered in this guide. Think of it as Disney World Vacation Planning 101.

This guide is especially great for beginners who have never been to Disney World or go rarely, but we also pack in a lot of good tips for regular guests too.

While we do have some of the most important tips & info on this page, we don’t have ALL the answers directly written out here. This guide organizes some of the best Disney planning content into categories giving you an overview of what you are looking for and then links to more in-depth guides on each subject.

In this post we will specifically cover:

• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation
• What You Need to Know BEFORE Going
• When to Visit Disney World in 2024
• Important Disney Vocab
• Where to Stay
• Buying Tickets
• Rides & Attractions
• Dining & Restaurants
• Disney Planning Timeline, & more…

Since this guide covers a lot of the planning steps of your whole trip in general, if you are looking for specific info on the Disney World Parks , then check out the following links:

• Magic Kingdom
• Hollywood Studios
• Animal Kingdom

Unfortunately, Disney World is one of the most complicated vacation destinations in the world. We know planning a Disney World vacation has become one of the most frustrating exercises and you’d just like to be there already having fun. Hopefully, we can help you do that as painlessly as possible.

We’ve been going to Walt Disney World multiple times per year since the early 1980s when we were babies, and we continue to spend way too much time there today trying all the new food, rides, events, and hotels. To say we are huge Disney fans would be an understatement.

The byproduct of countless hours spent visiting Disney World means that we have some valuable tips that we are eager to share with you. We aren’t going to lie, it will take some work on your end. But in the long run, it will be invaluable for your trip. Let’s get right into it…

Table of Contents

Changes in 2024 and 2025

Going to Walt Disney World in 2024 or 2025 is a MUCH different experience than it was just a couple years ago, and different again from even last year.

Unless you’ve been hiding in a cave for the last few years, you know that the parks closed down in 2020, and when they reopened Disney installed many new procedures to let guests back to the parks.

Thankfully, for the most part, the Disney theme parks have gotten back to normal again, and the restrictions Disney put in have gone away one by one. The Walt Disney World vacation experience should be “close to normal” once again.

For example, Fireworks are back with nighttime spectaculars happening in the parks nightly.

Many stage shows like Festival of the Lion King, Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage, and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular are back. There are still some missing, but the lineup of entertainment is heads and shoulders above where it was not too long ago. Not to mention, the overwhelming majority of attractions and restaurants have also returned.

If it’s been a few years, there are a ton of new attractions you have to experience, EPCOT in particular has gone through a pretty big transformation and the construction walls are almost all down now. There are still a lot of additions Disney would like to finish at some point during 2024, including what’s left of the massive EPCOT overhaul project .

There are also new hotel projects on the way including the new DVC tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort .

This should be a great time to visit, but if you are worried about the changes, you may want to wait until the end of the year.

That’s what to expect this year, now let’s get into some of the Disney vacation planning basics.

How to Plan a Disney Vacation

Believe it or not, some of the most important planning steps of your Disney World trip happen as much as one year BEFORE your vacation starts, or even more.

Some things you are going to have to think about are:

• What dates do I want to go? Are those dates flexible?
• What is my budget?
• What type of hotel do I want to stay in?
• How many days do I want to go to the theme parks?

The most important suggestion we can give you is to get organized. The more work you do before your trip to plan everything out, the easier things will be for you and your family once you get there.

Can You Go to Disney World Without Planning?

As always in life, what you CAN do and what you SHOULD do are two entirely different things, and that is also true in this case.

Yes, it is physically possible to go to Disney World without planning your trip, but I would highly recommend against such an action. Organizing everything months ahead of time is a lot of work and a big pain, but it is vital if you want to have a successful trip.

Your choice of hotel will be severely limited if you don’t book it well in advance. You won’t be able to get dining reservations at the best restaurants in Disney World. You won’t know which attractions to reserve with Genie+. Right now, you can’t even get into the parks without a prior reservation.

If you are looking to go to a destination where you can just “wing it” and not have to make any plans ahead of time, we recommend choosing another destination besides Disney World.

How Do I Start Planning a Trip to Disney World?

STEP 1: Write down notes. There are going to be a lot of details, prices, and dates to remember so get a dedicated notebook for your upcoming trip. If you prefer, you can take notes on your phone or computer, but make sure you have a way of jotting down notes in a convenient place where you will be able to find them.

STEP 2: Set a Budget. Make no mistake about it, a trip to Walt Disney World is expensive and costs can add up very quickly. So before you start choosing how many days you want to stay, your hotel, and ticket types, make a budget. It will be much easier to organize your vacation if you already have an idea of how much you are willing to spend.

STEP 3: Get familiar with Disney World. Even if you are not ready to book your vacation yet, start reading up on Disney World and familiarize yourself with all the locations, attractions, restaurants, and special events. A website like this is one way to do that, but also look through the official Walt Disney World website and download the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device.

STEP 4: Choose your Dates. These don’t have to be written in stone, but we recommend at least having some idea of when you would like to plan your trip for. Later in this guide, we will show you how to decide on those dates.

Once you get these four things done, you are ready to start planning the details.

When Should I Start Planning My Disney Trip?

When is the best time to start planning a Disney World vacation? We recommend to start planning as soon as possible , but at least one year before you plan to go.

The sooner you start planning your Disney vacation, the better. In fact, once you finish reading this guide, you should start writing ideas down for your trip.

As you will see in our vacation planning timeline, some of the first steps can be completed as many as 499 days before your vacation starts.

We believe the sooner you start the process of organizing your trip, the better. Starting now will give you a leg up on other guests when it comes to getting reservations for dining, hotel rooms, the parks, and any special events you want to attend+. I will also make you aware of discounts to save money on your trip.

What Do I Need to Know Before Going to Disney World?

Here are 9 main things to know about Disney World before going:

• There are 4 Theme Parks in Disney World: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom
• There are 2 Water Parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
• 31 Resort Hotels to stay in.
• There are countless Outdoor Activities to do such as swimming, fishing, golf, boating, and more.
• WDW has 5 golf courses and 2 mini-golf courses .
• Disney Springs is the nighttime entertainment hub with dozens of first-class restaurants and shops
• You can catch a Dinner Show at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue or dine at one of the many character meals .
• It is a self-contained city with its own fire department, water treatment, waste disposal, and power generation.
• Disney World is HUGE at 25,000 acres. That means travel time can be long between two places.

How Many Days do you Need for Disney World?

There is really no wrong answer to how many days you need for a trip to Walt Disney World, and it depends on many factors, including if this is your first trip or not.

• The ideal Disney World vacation is 7 days long . That allows for 2 travel days (arrival and departure), and 5 open days to visit the parks and have fun.
• The bare minimum we recommend for first-timers is 5 days , ideally with an early arrival and late departure.

In fact, most Disney World vacations are between 4 to 7 days long. That gives you enough time to visit all the theme parks at least once, and have extra time for staying at the resort and swimming or shopping.

If you want to visit any other Orlando-based attractions like Universal Studios, for example, you can still do that in 6-7 days total.

It’s possible to visit Walt Disney World in only 3 or 4 days, but you will feel very rushed. You can make the highlights of each park, but you won’t really have time to do all the rides, see all the shows and take in the details.

One thing to keep in mind is the longer your trip, the less you pay per day for your park tickets. So in a way, it’s advantageous to stay longer than only 5 days.

If you have the time and money , we recommend doing a 9 or 10-night stay and really taking the time to soak it all in. That gives you enough time to visit all 4 parks multiple times, and have days off to relax.

How Much Does a Trip to Disney World Cost?

Let’s get to the bottom line…how much does a Disney World vacation really cost?

Everyone has different budgets, so the cost is going to depend on how many days you go, how many people are in your group, and how you like to vacation. Our Guide to Doing Disney World on a Budget will help you with more of the details.

The major costs to consider for a Disney World vacation are:

• Park Tickets
• Souvenirs/Shopping

We’ve made our estimated costs based on a family of 4 on a 5-Night vacation to Walt Disney World in the Summer, with 4 days of theme park passes.

For a family of 4, a Walt Disney World vacation in 2024 costs: $5,895.26 , $7,378.61 , or $10,757.96 . These prices include the above expenses and are broken down our price estimates into 3 categories: Budget , Moderate , and Expensive .

• For a family of 2 adults , the prices change to: $3,667.10, $4,684.80, and $7,323.00 .
• For a family of 3, the prices change to: $4,689.19, $5,861.19, and $8,768.94 .
• For a family of 5, the prices change to: $8,862.35, $10,005.00, and $12,203.90 .

Of course, there are many more factors to take into consideration, especially the time of year you visit. We calculated these prices based on a Summer vacation, but they can change by hundreds of dollars in either direction, so keep that in mind.

Read our post on the Average Cost to go to Disney World for more details and how to save money on your trip.

Should I Use a Disney Travel Agent?

One option you might want to consider is using an authorized Disney Vacation Planner when planning your trip. Even though there is a ton of great information on the internet to read, sometimes it’s just too much and you prefer having someone take care of the work for you.

The nice thing is most Disney travel agents don’t cost any extra money to work with. That means you can have someone personalize your trip for you and make the tough reservations, all for free. In fact, most of the time, using an agent will actually SAVE you money since they know when the discounts come out.

Using an authorized Disney vacation planner, your trip will be much better organized, less stressful, and save you money.

If you like the hands-off approach to trip planning, we highly recommend Rene Cittadino and her amazing team from Show You the World Travel. We’ve worked with Rene and her team of experts many times before and she is our Disney Travel Planner of choice.

• Contact René at Show You the World Travel for all your trip planning needs, including a FREE quote.

List Your Priorities

There is way too much to do at Walt Disney World, no matter how long your trip is. That means you need to make a priority list of must-dos.

• Is there a restaurant you absolutely must go to? Write it into the schedule.
• What are the attractions you have to do at each park?
• Which shows do you want to see?
• Which characters?

When we are planning a trip to Disney World, we put all the must-dos in one column and then find a place for them in the program. We also have a secondary list of things we’d like to do if time allows, and we fill in the cracks with those.

When to Visit in 2024 or 2025?

Above all things, deciding when to visit Disney World is the most important decision you have to make when planning your trip.

Factors such as crowds, price, weather, and special events should all be taken into consideration when choosing your dates. Unfortunately for some, it’s not always up to us to decide. If you have children in school, you might be forced to only choose dates during the holidays or summer break, and those can be the worst times to visit.

Let’s look at some of the factors, meanwhile, our post on The Best Times to Visit Disney World goes into more depth.

The crowds are probably our most important factor in deciding when to go to Disney World. Trust us, there is nothing worst than going to Disney World when the parks are their busiest.

Crowds at Disney World tend to follow the school calendar, which means holidays and the Summer are when they are at peak levels. If you can avoid going during those times you will be better off, but sometimes this is not possible, especially if you have to take your kids out of school.

Read our 2024 Disney World Crowd Calendar post to see which months are the busiest and least busy.

Whether in Orlando, Florida can be brutal for a good part of the year with scorching temperatures and unbearable humidity. Even though it’s known for sunshine, Disney World also gets tons of rain during some months.

The best weather for the parks tends to be from November to March when the climate is mild and there are few rainy days. You also need to know when there are Hurricanes at Walt Disney World and how to avoid them.

What is the Cheapest Time to Go to Disney World?

Going to Disney World is expensive, so planning a vacation for cheap can be a huge help to many guests. So what is the cheapest time to go?

Disney World offers the best rates and the biggest discounts during the off-season when kids are at school. Prices are the highest during the summer and during holidays. Things like ticket prices, airfare, and hotel rooms are all more expensive during those times.

If saving money is important to you, try booking your trip in January, February, or September.

Read our post on the Cheapest times to go to Disney World for more info and tips for guests on a budget.

Special Events

Disney can throw quite the party, and many people come to Disney World specifically for the yearly special events put on. Depending on your needs, you might want to come during one of the events or avoid them altogether.

Here are some of the biggest special events to make note of in 2024:

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 3-7, 2024)
• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (January 12- February 19, 2024)
• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (February 28 – Early July, 2024)
• EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival (Mid-July – Mid-November, 2024)
• Walt Disney World 100th Year Celebration (Most of 2024)
• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Select nights from Mid-August – October 31, 2024)
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Select nights November and December 2024)
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (Late November – December 30th, 2024)

Park Pass Reservations

Right now in 2024, Park Pass Reservations are no longer required for most ticket types (there are some exceptions for Annual Passholders and other special tickets) , and for the most part you no longer have to worry about park capacity.

If your ticket type does require Park Pass Reservations, make sure there are open dates for the parks you want before booking your trip, then once you buy your tickets, make your park pass reservations so you are sure to get in.

However, the good news is that park reservations are no longer required for the majority of ticket holders starting January 9, 2024.

We explain it all in our post on how to make Disney Park Pass reservations .

New Attractions

If you love attractions, then you might want to plan your trip around some of the new rides that are opening up. This is especially true if you’ve been to Disney World many times before and want to hold out until something else is new.

Here are the biggest new attractions opening in 2024:

• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
• Test Track 3.0
• New Country Bear Jamboree Show

We have been spoiled with a lot of new attractions over the past few years.

EPCOT has been a big focus of recent additions with our favorite being Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind which opened on May 27, 2022, and it has immediately become the most popular ride in EPCOT and a must-do on your visit.

Other new EPCOT attractions include Moana: Journey of Water , Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure , Space 220 Restaurant , and the new Luminous The Symphony of US Fireworks Show .

The TRON: Lightcycle Run Roller Coaster similarly has been a smashing success at Magic Kingdom when it opened on April 2nd of 2023.

Those are just a taste of what’s coming next. Read our guide on New Rides Coming to Disney World which will help you decide when to plan your trip.

What Month is the Best to Go to Disney World?

In general, we find that January and September are the best months to visit Disney World .

Both are incredibly quiet times of the year. January has nicer park weather for long days in the park. September can be wonderfully quiet if you can endure 90-degree days.

For a variety of reasons, we feel that September and May will also be great months at Disney World in 2024. Read our post on Disney World – Month by Month Rankings for a comparison of each one.

Wait Until 2025?

Unlike in 2020-2022 years, most of the health restrictions have now been removed from the Disney parks, making it much more like a normal visit. In our opinion, most guests don’t have reason to be fearful like at the beginning of the reopening.

If you have been waiting for a couple of years to visit, 2024 and 2025 may be the perfect opportunity for your perfect Disney World vacation with all that is coming down the pipeline.

Our article “Should you visit Disney World in 2024?” can help make the case for each year and includes the positives and negatives for both.

No matter what dates you have in mind, check out our post “How Far in Advance Can You Book a Disney Vacation?” That will give you the full timeline and let you know when to get started.

Limited Experiences & Closures

Some of the normal experiences guests are used to at Disney World are not running right now. Since a Disney World vacation is not cheap, this can be a huge factor in deciding whether it’s worth the cost at this time.

Some of the things missing are:

• Some Stage Shows
• Fewer Street Entertainers
• Fewer Characters in the parks

This is another problem brought on by the fact that Disney is not able to find enough cast members to fill the roles required for all the positions in the parks. That’s why we still have limited entertainment options compared to a few years ago.

Thankfully, we have seen the return of fireworks to the parks on a nightly basis and dessert parties to go along with them. Character meets are open again, and at least you can get hugs and autographs from them too!

We are also excited to know that more special events are running again in 2024 with the Disney After Hours Events in full swing. On top of that, the Disney Dining Plan is made its long-awaited return on January 9th, 2024! Guests can begin booking it for trips on that date and after.

At least park hours are pretty much back to normal once again so you can expect to stay in the parks like before.

Important Disney World Vocab

Genie+, PhotoPass, ADRs, MDE, EMH…anyone else confused yet?? In fact, before you start planning your Disney vacation, there are some basic vocabulary terms you need to learn.

Below we’ve listed the most Disney important terms you will see while planning your trip:

My Disney Experience

Everything starts with My Disney Experience when planning a Disney World vacation. Also known as MDE, this is Disney World’s app that handles dining reservations, Genie+, mobile ordering, park maps, resort stay information, itineraries, PhotosPass pictures, and much, much more.

My Disney Experience is accessible through the website or the mobile app on your phone. Get familiar with it, because it’s a necessary tool to use before and during your vacation.

As you may have heard, FastPass+ has been retired and replaced by the new Disney Genie service . Disney Genie is a day-planning app in My Disney Experience that includes two paid ride reservation systems, Genie+ and Lightning Lane selections.

They allow guests to reserve access to the most popular theme park attractions, essentially skipping the lines and saving you time along the way.

Genie+ is not free like its predecessor was and instead costs between $15 and $39 per day, per guest. With that fee, guests can make reservations for attractions they want to ride throughout the day in a specific time slot like FastPass+. They then come back when that time slot arrives.

Reservations are limited to one at a time, so you can’t have 3 all at once like before. Once a two-hour window passes from making your first reservation, you can then make a reservation for the next attraction.

A few of the most popular attractions instead use Individual Lightning Lane selections. These let you skip the line for a one-time fee between $10-$25 depending on the ride. Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane selections are two different pay-to-ride services and guests can use one without the other if they choose.

If you choose not to use either of these services, you will just wait in a standby queue to ride the attraction like normal.

• READ: We cover everything you need to know about Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes in our guide which is essential reading before deciding how to tour the parks each day. I also recommend reading our post “ Is Genie+ Really Worth the Cost? ” which helps you to know if you should spend the extra money.

Early Theme Park Entry

Early Theme Park Entry allows Disney World Resort hotel guests to have access to the theme parks in the morning before the general public . This is one of the biggest benefits of staying at a Disney World Resort hotel with guests experiencing fewer crowds in the parks.

It works in a similar way as Extra Magic Hours did only that Early Theme Park Entry runs every day of the week and lets guests in 30 minutes before the parks open. It’s unclear if EMH will ever return or if Early Theme Park Entry is here to stay long-term.

One thing is clear, you get a big advantage showing up early and it can really help you get the more popular rides in each park done before the crowds arrive.

MagicBands are an all-in-one mobile connectivity device disguised as colorful bracelets. These devices connect with My Disney Experience and can be used by guests to buy food or merchandise, unlock hotel room doors, redeem Genie+ selections at rides, and use them as theme park tickets.

In 2024, MagicBands are no longer free to guests but can be purchased for a small fee online or in the parks. The future of MagicBands and replacement technology is much more clear now that Disney finally launched MagicBand+ a couple of years ago.

Park Hopping

Park hopping is Disney’s system for allowing guests to visit multiple theme parks on the same day. It is an add-on feature to your Disney World theme park admission and is an extra cost. Whether or not it’s worth it to you depends on if you prefer hopping around to multiple parks per day or doing one park per day more thoroughly.

Park Hopping is alive and well in 2024 after being unavailable for a while after the parks reopened. Read our post on Disney World Park Hopping to see what changes there are to the system now.

ADRs is an abbreviation for Advanced Dining Reservations and it is how you reserve a table at Disney World restaurants. Dining reservations are a MUST to get into the more popular restaurants, especially for character meals, theme park restaurants, and the more elegant dining experiences.

If you are staying at one of the Disney World Resort hotels , ADRs can be made 60 days in advance of your check-in date, and reservations can be made for up to 10 days past the check-in date, for a total of 60+10. If you are staying off-site, you are at a disadvantage because you can only make reservations 60 days in advance of the dining date.

Read our Disney World Dining Reservations Guide for more details and tips on getting into the restaurants you want.

PhotoPass & Memory Maker

PhotoPass is Disney’s photography service offered at the Walt Disney World Resort . Professional photographers (and machines) are stationed throughout the parks and are available to take pictures of you and your family as a memory to take back home with you.

These photographers are set up in the most scenic areas, with many of Disney World’s famous icons in the pictures with you like Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, etc. These photos are connected to your My Disney Experience account and can be downloaded or printed at a later time.

Many of the photographs include MagicShots, which are photos with a little bit of extra Disney magic in them, often including the characters and funny poses. On-ride photos are also available on many of the attractions and also can be downloaded.

In order to get these photos, you will need to purchase the Memory Maker package for your trip. It is an additional cost of $210 + tax (or $185 + tax if you purchase it at least 3 days in advance) but gives you unlimited photo opportunities for your whole travel party during your entire vacation.

You also have the opportunity to purchase Memory Maker for only one day, and that costs $75.

Disney photographers will also take photos of you and your family with your own phones if you ask, so don’t be afraid. This service is free of charge.

Where to Stay?

The next step in booking your Walt Disney World vacation is figuring out where you want to stay.

Some of the factors to consider when deciding where to stay are:

• Staying On-Site or Off-Site
• Accommodation Type
• Location and Convenience
• Hotel Amenities
• Airport Transportation
• Extra Perks

Some of these will be important to you while others not so much. Base your decision on the accommodations that check off the most boxes for you and your family.

The first step in this process is deciding if you want to stay at a Disney World Resort hotel (on-site) or outside of the resort property (off-site).

Disney World Resort Hotels

Staying On-Site Benefits

• Location – Resorts are located near the Disney theme parks which means less travel time each day. You can also go back to your hotel for a nap in the afternoon before heading out once again later.
• Genie+ – Staying at a WDW resort hotel means you can make your Individual Lightning Lane reservations at 7:00 am, before guests who are staying off-site.
• Early Theme Park Entry – You will have extra time in the parks in the morning before the general public arrives.
• Transportation – Disney includes free transportation to and from the theme parks, Disney Springs, and other hotels. Free airport shuttle service is no longer provided through Disney’s Magical Express , and you’ll have to take care of getting from Orlando Airport to Disney World on your own. Options include the Mears Connect Shuttle , taxi, or a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.
• Theming – Most Disney World hotels have unique theming that you and your kids will love.
• The Disney Bubble – There is something magical about stepping into Walt Disney World at the beginning of your vacation and then not stepping out until the end. You feel tucked away inside this magical world that you never want to leave.

Staying Off-Site

Benefits of Staying Off-Site:

• Lower Cost – This is the biggest benefit, one that could make a huge difference in your decision. Compared to each other, non-Disney hotels cost significantly less than Disney hotels of the same hotel class (value vs. value, deluxe vs. deluxe). You could save between 30-50% on hotel costs by staying off-site.
• Transportation – Some of the off-site hotels have a free transportation service between the airport and the hotel so make sure to ask for your options.
• Genie+ – While you don’t have the advantage with the Individual Lightning Lane selections, making Genie+ reservations is the same for guests staying on-site or off-site.
• Better if Visiting Other Orlando Destinations – If going to Orlando, Sea World or other destinations, a more central location outside Disney World is nice.
• More Luxurious – Some of the hotels available in the Orlando area like the Four Seasons Orlando or Ritz-Carlton Orlando, are true luxury hotels, and offer more amenities than the Disney World Resorts.

On-Site vs Off-Site

If you are looking for the easiest, most convenient choice and money is not your number one deciding factor, we recommend staying at a Disney World Resort hotel . The only real negative is the cost, and most of the time the benefits outweigh that, but it will depend on your priorities and budget.

We recommend exploring both options and weighing the cost vs value for you and your family. If you are only going for 4-5 days though, we think staying at a Disney hotel is the smart play since time is of the essence. If you have a longer stay (7 days or more), you might find more value in staying off-site.

Our On-Site vs. Off-Site Disney World Hotels Comparison will help you decide if the benefits are worth the extra cost.

Disney Hotel Types

There are 4 tiers of Walt Disney World Resort hotels and they are organized by cost:

• Value Resorts
• Moderate Resorts
• Deluxe Resorts
• Deluxe Villas

Value Resorts are the cheapest of the hotel types and can be booked anywhere from $130 to $415 per night depending on the season. They have the fewest amenities, the smallest rooms, the cheapest theming, the worst dining options, and the transportation is the slowest.

Moderate Resorts are a step up from value, but not nearly as nice as the Deluxe resorts. The rooms are bigger than value rooms, and the dining is much better at most of them. Prices range from $260 to $505 per night.

Deluxe Resorts are our favorite hotels in Disney World and for good reason. Most of the rooms are large and can fit more than 4 people. The best dining locations are located here with some world-class restaurants. The pools are the best and the locations and transportation options can’t be beaten such as the monorail, Disney Skyliner, and most are within walking distance of the parks.

Of course, expect to pay for this upgrade and prices can vary between $490 to $1350 per night depending on where and when you stay.

Deluxe Villas are Disney Vacation Club properties located at the Deluxe Resorts. Some guests own timeshare points they can spend at these resorts, while other rent points from members. This is the cheapest way to stay at one of the deluxe resorts without breaking the bank and a strategy we highly recommend.

We recommend reading our Guide to the Best Disney World Resorts where we rank them all from best to worst and share the pros and cons of each resort.

Vacation Packages 

Disney World Vacation Packages are your hotel room + theme park tickets in the same bundle. These can be a mixed bag. Sometimes they can be a great value and offer deep discounts on room rates or even include discounts on food like the Disney Free Dining package included.

Most of the time we find you can save more money by getting a hotel room-only discount and buying tickets separately. You should do your due diligence and compare prices between the two options. Disney World Vacation Packages can be booked at www.DisneyWorld.com

Again, we highly recommend you use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner as they will always be able to find the deepest discounts for you and save the most money.

Airbnb and Nearby Hotels

Instead of staying at a hotel, if you are really trying to save money on your trip , then consider staying at one of the many third-party hotels or an Airbnb near Disney World.

If you aren’t familiar with how Airbnb works, it is a service that rents out peoples’ residences to travelers like a hotel room.

The Airbnbs in Orlando include vacation homes, apartments, and condos. Besides the lower cost, guests have more privacy and space in a private residence than at a hotel. There is also usually a full kitchen so you can prepare your meals and save even more money.

Another cheaper alternative is staying at one of the nearby off-site hotels, or a hotel located on Disney property, but not run by the mouse. This can save you a lot of money, just make sure you are aware of the extra costs that could be involved.

The biggest downside for off-site hotels, Airbnb, or vacation homes is the distance from the parks and not being able to use Disney transportation. You will either have to rent a car or use a ride-sharing service like Uber to get around, and that can be inconvenient. If you already will be using a car, then consider this a great alternative.

Read our Complete Disney World Resort Hotels List for a look at all the Disney and Non-Disney hotel options in the area and what to expect.

Park tickets can be the most expensive part of a trip to Walt Disney World, even more than dining and your hotel. That’s why it’s important to do your research beforehand and know how to save money when buying them.

You also need to decide exactly how many days you want to spend in the parks so you don’t end up paying for more days than necessary.

Where to Buy Tickets

Options for buying Disney World Tickets include:

• Directly from Disney
• Authorized Ticket Reseller
• Travel Agent

Getting your tickets from Disney on the official Disney World website is your first option. It’s almost always more expensive, however, and it pays to look elsewhere.

To save money on your park tickets, we recommend using one of the authorized resellers online such as Get Away Today or Undercover Tourist . They are legit resellers so you don’t have to worry about being ripped off like other places online.

If you really want to save money, we highly recommend Orlando Va cation which often has the best prices for any of the Disney World ticket resellers.

Depending on what type of ticket you are buying, these options can save you as much as $50-$70 per ticket! That’s a huge savings, especially if you have a big family. Once you buy your Disney World park tickets, they can be linked to your My Disney Experience with a code.

In our Discount Disney World Tickets Guide , we cover the best places to buy tickets from and how to get the absolute cheapest tickets possible.

Ticket Types

There are three basic types of Disney World theme park tickets: Standard tickets, Park Hopper tickets, or Annual Passes . Both standard and park hopper tickets can be purchased as single-day tickets or multi-day.

Standard Tickets – This is the cheapest ticket type. They allow you admission to one theme park per day for the number of days you purchased. You can visit the same park for multiple days if you choose.

Park Hopper Tickets – This option allows you to visit multiple parks per day for the entire amount of days you purchased. Technically you can visit all 4 parks in one day if you like. There is a Water Park version too. They are more expensive but allow for greater flexibility.

Annual Passes – There are multiple versions with different restrictions but the higher-end options give you unlimited access to the parks letting you visit whenever you want. If you live close to WDW or are planning on visiting multiple times in a one-year period, an annual pass could be a good investment.

Here are some links that explain about all the various ticket types, differences, pros and cons, prices, and their unique features:

• Disney World Tickets Complete Guide
• 1-Day Disney World Tickets
• Disney World Annual Pass Guide
• Florida Resident Disney World Tickets

Disney World park tickets are priced on a date and length-based system. That means the prices will fluctuate greatly depending on when you go.

For example, in 2024, a 1-Day standard park ticket starts at $109 per day and goes all the way up to $189 per day (plus tax) . That’s a huge difference and you can get a lot of savings by going in the off-season.

Another important factor is that tickets cost less per day the more days you have on your ticket. In fact, Disney’s motto is: “the longer you play, the less you pay per day.” Once you get higher than a 3-day ticket, the price per day drops dramatically.

To find out the latest prices and how much they’ve increased this year, read our Disney Tickets Prices Guide .

When to Buy Tickets

There are multiple reasons to buy your Disney World park tickets as soon as possible . One reason is you can’t make Park pass reservations without them. That is important because the longer you wait the less likely you will get into the park of your choice when you want.

Disney tickets never become less expensive, so buying early also locks in your price before the next price increase comes.

Buy your tickets whenever your budget allows, just never wait until you get to the gate or you will pay more.

How to Travel to Walt Disney World

Now that you have your hotel and tickets all set, you need to decide how to get to Walt Disney World. This will depend on how far away you live and what your plans are when you get to Orlando.

Drive or Fly ?

These are the two most popular options for getting to Disney World and depend mostly on where you live.

Drive – If you are within a few hours of Walt Disney World, your best option might be to drive. You also might decide to drive if you are live close enough nearby, or if you are staying off-site and will be visiting other destinations outside of Disney World.

One thing to keep in mind is that many Orlando hotels charge parking fees for each night of your stay, and that will cost you an extra $20-$30 per night. These can be avoided if staying at one of the WDW Resorts.

Fly – For most guests, an airplane is the most convenient way to get to Disney World. The Orlando International Airport is the best choice and is located only 30 minutes from WDW. There are multiple flights per day arriving from most cities in the United States and Internationally.

Airfare is also not expensive and good discount flights can be found online with many between $150-$250.

Booking Airfare

We recommend setting your dates and to start looking for airfare 1 year before your vacation. That will give you the best chance to score a deal.

If you are booking airfare yourself, we usually find the best prices on ITA Software by Google , AirfareWatchdog , or Skyscanner . You can set up price alerts and they give a flexible dates option to find the best price.

Transportation to and from Airport

The Orlando International Airport is located approximately 20 miles from Walt Disney World, which means you will need transportation to get to your hotel.

The popular & free Disney’s Magical Express transportation was discontinued in 2022 so now in 2024, you’ll need another option to get from the airport to your resort hotel, which means you need to pay out of pocket.

One solution when staying at Walt Disney World is the Mears Connect Shuttle , the most similar replacement for the Magical Express.

Other options no matter where you are staying include taxi service or ride-sharing such as Uber or Lyft .

• Taxis are by far the more expensive choice and will cost around $50-$60 each way plus tip depending on where you are going.
• Uber is a much cheaper option and will cost between $30-$40 each way.

Allow sufficient time to get to your hotel from the airport. If you have a 10:00 am arrival you can expect to get to your hotel by around 11:30 am if taking a cab or Uber. It will be longer on one of the bus services and in that case you will probably arrive between 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm.

Read “ How to Get from Orlando Airport to Disney World ” for the full breakdown of all your options and how to save money with transportation.

Attractions and Rides

Most people come to Walt Disney World for the attractions, and you want to plan them out as best as possible in order to do all the ones most important to you.

Pay special attention to this section if this is your first time or you haven’t been to Disney World in a few years as there are many new attractions to experience. Make sure to check the Disney World Ride Closures List to see which rides will be open during your trip.

If you are going to EPCOT, make sure to read our post on How to Get a Boarding Pass for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind , and How to Get a Boarding Pass for TRON: Lightcycle Run over at the Magic Kingdom. These are two of the hardest attractions to ride in Disney World at this time.

You’ll definitely want to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance , and right now you’ll need to use the standby queue to ride. You can also read How to Get a Boarding Group for Rise of the Resistance for the times it uses the virtual queue system.

For a detailed look at all of the attractions, be sure to check out our other Disney World Ride Guides:

• Best Rides in Disney World Ranked
• Magic Kingdom Rides and Attractions Guide
• EPCOT Rides and Attractions Guide
• Hollywood Studios Rides and Attractions Guide
• Animal Kingdom Rides and Attractions Guide
• Best Rides for Toddlers at Disney World

Pick Your Park Days

First, you need to pick how many days you need for each park and how many park days total. Depending on your interests, some parks you can get done in half a day, and some will take you multiple days.

If it’s your first time we recommend 1 full day for each park, and an extra half-day or more for the Magic Kingdom since it has the most attractions.

• Magic Kingdom – The best park for small kids and has the most rides.
• EPCOT – Best park for foodies, festivals, and culture.
• Hollywood Studios – Best park for teens and thrill-seekers.
• Animal Kingdom – Best park for animal and nature lovers and a good selection of rides and food.

The highlights of EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom can all be done in 3 half-days, but we recommend spending at least a day in each to soak up the atmosphere and not feel rushed.

Must-Do Rides

There are some truly special ride experiences at Disney World and each park has a number of Must-Do attractions you won’t want to miss. Here are some of the best ones:

Magic Kingdom – TRON: Lightcycle Run , Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, The Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, Jungle Cruise

EPCOT – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind , Soarin’ Around the World, Test Track, Frozen Ever After, Spaceship Earth, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Hollywood Studios – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance , Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway , Toy Story Mania!, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

Animal Kingdom – Avatar: Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Na’vi River Journey

Those are by far the most popular attractions in each park and the ones that should be at the top of your list. That is a great starting point for any park itinerary.

Make sure to leave enough time to fully explore all the details in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora: The World of Avatar , two of the most immersive lands we’ve ever seen!

Characters are a huge draw for guests when visiting the parks, especially kids. Character meets can be found in all 4 theme parks and include favorites such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Princesses, and characters from the Pixar films.

Character meets were suspended temporarily for two years, but they returned in 2022, and you can hug the characters and get their autographs now just like normal! You can also see them in the new Character Cavalcades that go through the parks at various times of the day.

Entertainment

Besides rides, Disney World also offers first-class entertainment with amazing stage shows and nighttime spectaculars. Here is a list of the ones you shouldn’t miss and where to find them:

Fireworks/Nighttime Spectaculars – Happily Ever After (MK), Luminous the Symphony of US (EPCOT), Fantasmic! (HS), Tree of Life Awakenings (AK).

Stage Shows/Street Shows – Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire (MK), Dapper Dans (MK), Jeweled Dragon Acrobats (EPCOT), Voices of Liberty (EPCOT), Serveur Amusant (EPCOT), A Frozen Sing-Along (HS), Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage (HS), Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (HS), Festival of the Lion King (AK), Finding Nemo – The Musical (AK)

Parades – Character Cavalcades (All Parks), Festival of Fantasy Parade (MK)

Most of these entertainment options are now back in 2024, and we are hopeful more will come back later this year.

High Priority Genie+ and Lightning Selections

FastPass+ has been retired and Disney has shifted to its paid replacement Genie+. However, not all Genie+ or Lightning Lane reservations are equal, and there are some attractions where it’s much more advantageous to use them.

After all, you are limited to one Genie+ reservation at a time for the most part, so you need to choose wisely.

You should use Genie+ selections on higher-profile attractions that always draw long wait times like Peter Pan’s Flight or Test Track. Using a Genie+ on Alien Swirling Saucers at Hollywood Studios for example would be a waste.

Here is our list of High-Priority Genie+ attractions:

• Peter Pan’s Flight (Magic Kingdom)
• Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)
• Test Track (EPCOT)
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (EPCOT)
• Frozen Ever After (EPCOT)
• Na’vi River Journey (Animal Kingdom)
• Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios)
• Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Hollywood Studios)
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Hollywood Studios)
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios)
• Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios)

Not all the Individual Lightning Lane selections are worth the money either as some don’t usually have long enough wait times.

Here is our list of rides we would spend an Individual Lightning Lane selection on if the circumstances were right:

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios)
• TRON: Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom)
• Avatar: Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom)
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT)

Here are some other posts about Genie+ and Lightning Lanes that you should read before planning your trip:

• Ultimate Genie+ & Lightning Lane Guide
• Is Genie+ Worth It?
• How to Purchase Genie+ at Disney World
• How to Purchase Individual Lightning Lanes

For some, dining is their favorite experience when visiting Walt Disney World, and there is an unlimited number of choices available for every palate. In fact, there are over 400 restaurants at Walt Disney World, with varying menus and themes to choose from.

Some restaurants are table service where you sit down and a waiter serves you and some are quick service/counter service which is more like fast food.

Among the decisions you have to make are where to eat, when to book reservations, and whether or not to use the Disney Dining Plan or not.

Choosing Restaurants

The first decision to make about dining in Disney World is which restaurants you want to go to.

It can be hard to make a decision, especially if you haven’t been to any of them before. We suggest reading through the menus on the Disney World website to see what stands out to you and reading some of our Disney Restaurant Reviews for more info.

Character dining and buffets are options to consider, and some restaurants are more kid-friendly than others.

Here are some of our rankings of the top places to eat at Walt Disney World:

• Best Walt Disney World Restaurants
• Best Restaurants at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
• Best Restaurants at EPCOT
• Best Restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Best Restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Best Restaurants at Disney Springs
• Best Disney World Resort Hotel Restaurants

Making Reservations

Once you’ve picked out your restaurants, it’s time to make reservations. They can be made using the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device or on your computer on the Disn e y World website.

Advance Dining Reservations can be made 60 days before your check-in date for the length of your vacation (Previously 180 days) . We highly recommend making them as soon as possible as the most popular restaurants fill up months ahead of time.

Read our Disney Advance Dining Reservations guide for more tips on how to book the restaurants you want and the highest priority restaurants.

High Priority Restaurants

Here is a list of the hardest-to-book restaurants in Disney World and ones that should be booked right at the 60-day deadline:

• Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom)
• Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
• Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort)
• Le Cellier (EPCOT)
• Oga’s Cantina (Hollywood Studios)
• ‘Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Resort)
• Space 220 (EPCOT)
• Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge)
• Victoria & Albert’s (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort)

There are other hard-to-get ones like Via Napoli and California Grill, but the above ones are by far the hardest.

Our Favorite WDW Restaurants

Our favorite WDW Restaurants for First-Timers are:

• 50’s Prime Time Cafe (Hollywood Studios)
• California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
• Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios)
• Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom)
• Morimoto Asia (Disney Springs)
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Cafe and Inn (Magic Kingdom)
• Satu’li Canteen (Animal Kingdom)
• The Boathouse (Disney Springs)
• Tusker House (Animal Kingdom)

That list has something for everyone no matter your budget or tastes.

Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan returned to Walt Disney World on January 9th, 2024 ! For all the news on the new dining plan, check out my post here .

Even though we aren’t fans of the Disney Dining Plan, many guests love to use it and it’s something you need to understand to make an educated decision on how you want to pay for your meals.

The Dining Plan lets guests pay for their meals before their vacation starts giving each person in the group a number of credits they can spend on meals each day. This makes it very convenient since you don’t have to pay for food “out-of-pocket” during your trip, and your budget is already set.

There are 4 levels of the Disney Dining Plan, (Quick Service, Standard, Plus, and Deluxe) each with different prices and tailored to how much you plan on eating during your trip.

In general, we don’t recommend the Disney Dining Plan because it is a bit too expensive. In order to make it worth it, you need to do a lot of research ahead of time, and pick the “right” restaurants and the most expensive items on the menu. Most people don’t end up using all their credits, essentially paying for food they never eat.

Disney World Transportation

Next, it’s important to know how to get around Walt Disney World once you arrive. With almost 500 buses, dozens of watercraft, a monorail, and a gondola system, Disney World has a larger public transportation system than many American cities.

Should You Rent a Car?

Renting a car at Disney World has its positives and negatives and is a big decision you need to make. It comes down to if you are going to visit other places outside of Walt Disney World or stay on property the entire time.

If you are going to spend the entire vacation at Walt Disney World, there is absolutely no need to rent a car. Disney’s public transportation is more than sufficient for your needs.

If you are just going to spend one day in another Orlando destination like Universal Studios, you don’t need a car and you will save money by catching an Uber or a taxi to your destination.

The best reason for renting a car is if you plan on spending multiple days outside Disney World. Just know that parking fees at the theme parks can add up if you aren’t staying at a Disney World Resort, so expect to spend an additional$25 per day on top of rental car fees.

Just remember, if you have a car, in some cases, you will need to pay parking fees either at the hotels or theme parks which is an extra expense on top of the cost of the car itself. Sometimes both. We explain it all in our Guide to Parking at Disney World .

The most common form of transportation at Walt Disney World, and also the worst. No matter where you are staying, you will eventually have to use a Disney bus at some point in your trip to get to at least one of the theme parks.

They can each hold 100+ guests so they can get very packed and uncomfortable. Buses also tend to be the slowest way of getting around at Disney World, so if there is an alternative to where you are going, take it.

If you do end up taking the bus, make sure to show up 20-30 minutes before the time you want to leave as they are notoriously late.

When Disney World’s monorail system debuted back in 1971 it was an instant hit with guests and become the most popular mode of transportation.

The monorail has 3 lines loops. 2 of them (Resort and Express) go around the Seven Seas Lagoon and connect the Magic Kingdom with the nearby hotels at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and the Ticket and Transportation Center.

The third line connects EPCOT to Magic Kingdom lines allowing access to the surrounding resorts.

We love the Monorail and it’s still a great time riding from resort to resort, but they are outdated and in great need of refurbishment. The trains haven’t been replaced since 1989 so it’s beyond time for a new system.

This is the newest transportation mode at Disney World and our current favorite. Reminiscent of the old Skyway buckets from the Magic Kingdom, this gondola system brings guests between Disney parks and resorts with a wonderful bird’s-eye view.

Disney Skyliner Stops – EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

Read our Full Guide to the Disney Skyliner for more tips, maps, and everything else you need to know.

Disney World has a fleet of watercraft that 3 of the theme parks with various surrounding resort hotels. It’s a fantastic way to get to the parks, and to relax with great views on the way.

• Parks with Watercraft Service – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios.
• Resorts with Watercraft Service – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort (and Bay Lake), Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts, Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort (Treehouse Villas).

Expect to wait 20-30 minutes between boat arrivals.

Ride Sharing (Uber/Lyft)

Sometimes you just don’t have time to wait for Disney transportation and you need to get to your destination fast. A ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft is perfect at Disney World in that situation.

Ride-sharing such as Uber will bring you anywhere you want in Walt Disney World. The only place they can’t go is to the front entrance at the Magic Kingdom. Instead, they drop guests off at the Ticket and Transportation Center.

Disney doesn’t offer hotel to hotel bus service, so we often use Uber to get from our hotel to another one where we have a dinner reservation. This is a big-time saver instead of taking a bus to Disney Springs or a Park and then over to the second hotel.

Minnie Vans

Minnie Vans are Disney’s attempt to counter the popularity of ride-sharing services over the last few years. They are now back at Walt Disney World after being discontinued for 2 years.

They were run through the Lyft app and would bring you anywhere on property for a fee. Cars were painted red and black with white polka dots to resemble Minnie Mouse’s patented dress. They were much faster than Disney buses, but in the end, 2-3x more expensive than an Uber and not worth the high cost.

Getting from Park to Park

If you are park hopping you will want to go from one park to the other in the same day. Thankfully, Disney offers park-to-park transportation for resort hotel guests.

You can take the monorail between the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. If you want to go between the Magic Kingdom and any other park, you will need to take the bus. Right now they run from 2:00 pm daily between parks.

Hollywood Studios and EPCOT have multiple transportation methods between them with boats, walking, and the Disney Skyliner all options.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the most difficult park to get to from another park and can only be reached by bus.

Other Stuff to Do

Most guests only come to Walt Disney World in mind, not realizing there is a whole world of other activities and entertainment to enjoy. There are water parks, boating, fishing golf, spa treatments, shopping to enjoy. You can even take a private tour or get a ticket to a special event.

You can celebrate a special moment in your life like an engagement or anniversary. Believe it or not, there are even a bunch of free things to do on your trip! There is something for the whole family.

Let’s take a look at some of the other things to do at Disney World.

Water Parks

Disney World has 2 water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. To go, you need to purchase the water parks add-on to your regular theme park admission or buy a single-day ticket.

• Typhoon Lagoon has 7 water slide rides, one kiddie slide, one kiddie play area, one lazy river, one wave pool, and one small exploration trail. More family-friendly.
• Blizzard Beach has seven water slide rides, one kiddie play area, one lazy river, one wave pool, and a chairlift. More thrilling water slides.

Both water parks are fun, but if we are going to spend one day at a water park, we choose Typhoon Lagoon every time. The overall theming of the park is amazing, and the lazy river and wave pool are much better than at Blizzard Beach.

Disney Springs

This is Disney World’s main shopping and dining district and where you go if you are looking for nightlife at Disney World. Disney Springs underwent a major refurbishment and expansion a few years ago and now has countless must-try dining options as well as a Cirque du Soleil show, a movie theater, a fun bowling alley, and more.

Most of the restaurants at Disney Springs are much easier to get a reservation for than the restaurants at the parks and resort hotels, so keep that in mind if you have difficulty.

Read our rankings of the best Disney Springs restaurants for suggestions of where and what to eat.

Resort Days

Disney World can be exhausting running from one park to the next. We recommend spending at least one day doing absolutely nothing at your resort hotel. When I say nothing I mean lounging by the pool with a drink.

A good strategy is to have one resort day in the middle of your trip so you can recharge your batteries before doing the rest of the parks.

What is there to do at the resort hotels you ask? Tons! Here are some of our favorite recreation activities at Disney World:

• Boating/Jet Skis
• Horseback Riding
• Organized Resort Activities & Games
• Painting, Pottery & Crafts
• Sports – Tennis, Basketball, Golf, Archery
• Jogging/Trails
• Movies Under the Stars

Those should keep you busy for a while!

Visiting Other Resorts

Another option is to visit other Walt Disney World Resort hotels during your stay. The theming on some of them is really incredible (Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian, Animal Kingdom Lodge), it’s free to do, and it’s fun to just walk around and check out the grounds.

No, you can’t swim in the pools at a resort you aren’t staying at, but you can scout out the hotels to find the resort you will stay at on your next trip to Disney World. Many enjoy doing this during the holidays to see the various decorations at each resort.

If you don’t want to take a whole day visiting other resorts, we suggest booking a lunch or dinner reservation at one of the restaurants in the resorts and then going early to check things out.

Sure you can go to the parks and ride the attractions, but did you know there are dozens of tours (paid and free) that you and your family can take? Planning a tour can be a great addition to your vacation and there is one for the whole family.

Best Tours at Disney World

• Keys to the Kingdom (Magic Kingdom)
• Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour (Magic Kingdom)
• Behind the Seeds (EPCOT)
• English Tea Garden Tour (EPCOT)
• Star Wars Guided Tour (Hollywood Studios)
• Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience (Animal Kingdom)
• Wild Africa Trek (Animal Kingdom)
• Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour (All Parks)

(Some tours are back right now at Disney World and others are still suspended.)

Extra Magic

There are also other special experiences at Disney World we like to call “Extra Magic” as they add just that extra touch you or your family member is looking for on your vacation. Be sure to look into these, especially for a special occasion.

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – This is a special salon that transforms your little princess or prince with a complete makeover. There are multiple packages that include costumes, make-up, manicures, and hair styling. Packages range from $75-$450.
• Dessert/Fireworks Parties – Each of the theme parks holds Dessert Parties on almost a nightly basis. These parties include all-you-can-eat desserts and a reserved view of the fireworks shows. Prices range from $40-$70 per person.
• Hard-ticketed Parties – Periodically there are events at the parks that require an extra ticket to and private from the general public and are some of the most popular events in Disney World each year. These include Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party , Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party , and various Disney After Hours events . Expect to pay between $109-$200 for these events.

Have a Daily Itinerary

No one likes being tied to a schedule on vacation, unfortunately at Walt Disney World that is not an option if you want to have the best experience possible during your visit.

We’re not saying you have to walk around with a clipboard and spreadsheet, but you need to create a general itinerary for the parks you are going to, which restaurants, etc.

The hard truth is, Disney World is too big and you can’t do it all even if you are there for 2 weeks. That’s why you need to make a plan and prioritize the most important things to you each day.

Some of the general questions about your Disney World trip that you need to think about are:

• How many days are you going to spend in the parks?
• How long will you go to the parks each day? Full days? Half days? Leave and come back in the evening?
• What order will you visit the parks in? Do you need to visit some parks more than once?
• How many sit-down meals per day? Where will you have those meals, at the parks or resort hotels?
• Which extra experiences are important to me? Special events?

The clearer your answers are to those questions, the easier it’s going to be to plan your days, and ultimately the more fun you will have.

When You’re In the Parks

Assuming you know how many days you want to spend in each park, the next thing you need to do is choose the attractions that are most important to you. Make a list of the ones you absolutely NEED to go on and prioritize those first.

Once you have your list, you will know which ones to prioritize when making your Genie+ reservations . When you have those it will be easier to map out the park and decide what order to do the attractions in.

We recommend looking at the park maps and doing the rides systematically. If you are in Adventureland for Jungle Cruise, then do the other rides on that side of the park while you are there. It will save you valuable time instead of walking back and forth multiple times.

What to Pack & Bring

We are almost there, the only thing left to do is pack your bags. Walt Disney World is a unique place and there are many things you might not think about packing that will be very helpful on your trip. We usually think we packed everything, but inevitably leave something at home, that’s why it’s best to have a list.

Here are the most important things to pack:

Luggage/Bags – Make sure your suitcases are in good condition before packing and are big enough to hold all your essential items. Decide how many bags each person is bringing. This will also depend on how many bags your flight permits.

We always pack too much on our trips to Disney World and we find ourselves swimming in bags. If you have a room with a washing machine, take advantage of that and do a load of laundry to save space in your bags.

If you have colorful, character-themed bags, this is the time to use them, your kids will love them. Also, make sure to bring a small backpack. We like to carry one during the day so hold our camera, a bottle of water, sunscreen, medicines, and other necessities.

Shoes – This might be the MOST important item on the list. If you don’t have comfortable shoes in Disney World, you are going to have a miserable time. On average, we walk between 8-10 miles PER DAY on our trips. You may not walk as much as us, but it will be at least 2-3 times more than what you are used to back home.

Here are some other important things you need to bring with you to Disney World:

• Medications
• Phone Chargers
• Travel Documents
• Water Bottles
• Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads (when it gets too hot)

Disney Vacation Planning Timeline

Now that you understand the basics of planning a Disney World vacation, it’s time to put it all together. When are you supposed to do all these planning tasks?

Most planning items need to be completed a certain number of days before your trip. We’ve created a planning timeline for you to make it easier to know when you need to get all these things done by.

One rule you should live by with Disney vacations is “it’s never too early.” Start planning as soon as possible and things will go much smoother.

499 Days Before Your Trip

You have to be kidding right? I need to start planning my trip 499 days before I go? While it’s not absolutely necessary to start this early, it will give you an advantage.

Start Thinking about Travel Dates – Get at least an idea of the dates you want to go to Disney World. Consult our Best Times to Visit Disney World guide to see which months are the best and worst.

Research/Book Hotel Reservations – Disney makes resort hotel reservations available for booking as many as 19 months in advance. If you know where you want to stay already, you may as well book your hotel now because you’ll have a better chance of getting a room.

This is especially helpful if you plan on going during the holiday season or other very busy times of the year. Read our article on How to Book a Disney World Vacation for all the details and booking tips.

Download My Disney Experience – Even if you don’t have dates in mind, travelers should download the MDE app and open an account right away to start getting familiar with the layout. It’s also time to go on the Disney World website to start doing research on the hotels and parks.

1 Year Before Your Trip

Decide Travel Dates – By this time you should have picked out when you want to take your vacation. If you need help deciding, it’s wise to look at a Disney World Crowd Calendar to find out when the busiest and least busy times of the year are.

How Many Days at the Parks – You also need to think about how many days you are going to spend in each park and how many days total of your trip. Think about which parks you want to go to and if you want to visit one of the water parks.

Research Attractions – Familiarize yourself with all the top attractions at each park and think about which ones you really want to do.

Price Airfare – It’s never too early to start looking up prices for airfare if you are flying. You should aim to get your tickets no more than 6 months before your trip.

9 Months Before You Go

Make Hotel Reservations – By this time you should know when you are going and which hotel to stay at. If you wait any longer you really run the risk of not getting the hotel you want. Lock in your room and then wait and see if a better offer opens up.

Get Everyone on My Disney Experience – You should already have an account, but you also need to make sure your family and all members of your travel party also are signed up. You will need them to be in the system for your dining reservations and FastPass+ reservations down the line, so take care of it early.

Buy Tickets – It’s always good to buy your Disney World park tickets as early as possible. First, the price never goes down and you will not find a lower price than what you see today so lock it in. Secondly, you need to have your tickets before making park reservations which tend to sell out early, especially if going at a busy time.

Make Park Pass Reservations – Once you buy your tickets, you can now make your park pass reservations. Don’t waste time, they sell out quickly.

180+ Days Before You Go

Park Hours – A few days before the 180-day mark arrives, look at the park hours for each day. This will let you plan out your day and will play a park in where you plan your meals and which Genie+ reservations you plan on booking.

Write Itinerary Rough Draft – Start writing out your ideal vacation itinerary day by day. Go through which parks you will be at on which days and which restaurants you would like to dine at. You now have a good idea of how your days are going to play out. Do this a few days before the 180-day mark as you need to have all the restaurants decided by then.

Book Special Events/Experiences – Decide which special experiences you and your family want to do. After Hours events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party should be booked once they are available. Experiences like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique take reservations 180 days before and they sell out quickly.

Decide to Rent a Car or Not – If you are renting a car, start looking a prices and book one when possible.

Disney Dining Plan – You need to decide if the Dining Plan is worth it to you or not. If so, you can add it to your package.

Book Airfare – This is a good time to buy airfare and if you’ve been monitoring it for a few months, you have an idea of what a good deal is.

75 Days Before Your Trip

New Hotel Deals – Throughout the year, Disney introduces new discounts on hotel rooms. Periodically during the planning stage, check if any new deals have come out for your hotel. If a better room opens up at another hotel, so still have time to switch resorts.

Last Call on Tickets – If for some reason you haven’t got your park tickets by now, this is almost the final opportunity with park reservations sometimes filling up a couple of months before your trip. Make sure you have your tickets before then.

30-60 Days Before Your Trip

Book Your Restaurants (60 Days before your arrival date) – Wake up early and be on your computer by 6:00 am sharp to make dining reservations. This is the most stressful part of planning as it can be hard to get the most difficult restaurants. Write backups for the most popular restaurants in case you can’t book your favorites.

Write Final Itinerary – Now that you have your parks and dining reservations locked in, you can write a final copy of your itinerary. You can always make adjustments later but you now know how most of your vacation will go.

45 Days Before Your Trip

Order MagicBands – Even though MagicBands are no longer free to guests, we still recommend ordering them for a small fee. They are $5-$20 per guest depending on what type you order. These must be ordered no more than 11 days before your trip to arrive at your house in time, but we recommend doing it earlier.

10 Days Before Your Trip

Shuttle Service – You can make a Mears Connect Shuttle reservation or other shuttles sometimes even 24 hours before departure, but there is no reason to wait. Get it done early.

Online Check-In – To skip going to the lobby upon arrival we suggest using Disney’s Online Check-In through My Disney Experience. You can set your credit card for room charges and set a pin for your MagicBand.

3 Days Before Your Trip

Memory Maker – This is the photo package with unlimited photos and downloads during your trip for you and your whole family. This must be ordered 3 days before arrival to get the lower price.

Pack Bags – We sometimes start earlier if we have time, but you should start getting out everything on your packing list and seeing how it fits in your luggage.

Keep Looking for Dining Reservations – If you weren’t able to get any high-priority dining reservations, keep looking periodically from the 60-day point to now. Reservations are more likely to open up the closer you get to your dining date as other guests cancel and change plans. Keep trying up until the morning of the date you are looking for.

Double Check – Run through the list one more time to make sure you have everything covered.

Get Excited – You are going to Disney World, the most magical place on Earth, so get happy!!

Right now. Do it as early as you can and start making plans even up to a year or more before your trip.

The average guest vacation to Walt Disney World is 4-7 days. We recommend 5 to 7 days for first-timers depending on your budget.

You can, but it is a bad idea. Walt Disney World is one of the most complicated vacations you can take and it needs the proper planning to make the most out of your trip.

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about our Disney Planning Guide…

• What are your best suggestions when planning a trip to Walt Disney World?
• What are your biggest questions about planning a Disney 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.

Sunday 14th of January 2024

My special needs son and I are going on the Disney Wish in early March. Have you ever tried a Disney cruise?

Thursday 22nd of June 2023

Can dining reservations be made 6 mo in advance or 2 mo in advance please?

Monday 19th of June 2023

I just love your site. All the information provided is extremely helpful and useful. Thanks so much for everything!!!

Yvette Parent

Tuesday 6th of September 2022

Hi Ziggy I would like to get a PDF copy of your guide. Would this be possible? Thank you

Thursday 3rd of February 2022

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.

Ziggy Oskwarek

Hi Dan. That's a good question you have. If you aren't planning on using Genie+ or Lightning Lanes, then going to Remy's Ratatouille Adventure right at rope drop is a good strategy. The day doesn't make a huge difference as it will be morning and festival crowds tend to come more in the afternoon. Have an awesome time and let us know how it goes!

At MagicGuides we’ve dedicated ourselves to bringing you the most comprehensive Disney World and Disneyland Travel Planning Information.  Check out our  Crowd Calendars , Packing Lists , Tips & Tricks , Park Secrets, and much more. 

As featured on.

Start Your Disney World Planning Here!

Trip planning essentials.

TRANSPORTATION MAP

Our Disney World Transportation map shows all the transportation options throughout Disney World.  Click on your Resort and see the travel times to each Disney Park.

DISNEY AGENTS

Looking for a little advice and assistance with planning your next Disney World vacation? Talking to a reputable Disney Travel Agent is your best bet.  Take a look at our list of top Disney Travel Planners!

CROWD CALENDAR

Our Disney World Crowd Calendar will help you know which is the best time of year to visit Disney World to maximize your time on the rides and minimize your time in line.

Free Disney World Stock Photos!

STROLLERS at DISNEY

Wondering what to do about Strollers at Disney World? Should you bring your own?  Rent a stroller? How much does it cost?   Look no further.  Here’s our complete guide to Strollers at Disney.

PACKING LIST

A great Disney Packing List will help you make sure you don’t forget to pack anything important.  Our packing list includes all the items you’ll need for a great trip!

CRUISING with DISNEY

Love the theme parks and considering a cruise? Whether it will be your first time ever on a ship, or just your first Disney Cruise, we have everything you need to know about cruising with Disney.

BEST DISNEY RESORTS

BEST VALUE RESORTS

Disney’s Value Resorts are the entry level price point into a magical Disney themed vacation.  Stay on Disney’s property and experience all that Disney has to offer, all the time.  Here are our top Disney Value Resorts ranked.

BEST MODERATE RESORTS

Disney’s Moderate Resorts are the next step up in luxury and amenities in your magical Disney vacation.  Stay on Disney’s property with improved transportation and resort amenity options.  Here are our top Disney Moderate Resorts ranked.

BEST DELUXE RESORTS

Disney’s Deluxe Resorts are the pinnacle in Luxury on offer at Walt Disney World.  Stay on Disney’s property and experience only the best and most luxurious amenities & transportation options.  Here are our top Disney Resorts Resorts ranked.

Our Complete Disney World Resort Comparison Guide

Theme park data center.

Have you ever wondered how many people actually visit Disney World and other Theme Parks?  Well, here’s the Total Annual Park Attendance data from the major U.S. Theme parks for 2018.  It’s pretty enlightening information and can help you understand where the majority of vacationers are choosing to spend their vacations. ( source )

THE LATEST AND GREATEST DISNEY KNOW-HOW

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO TO DISNEY WORLD

Planning a Disney World vacation but not sure when to go? Between seasonal events, weather, school and work schedules, it can be a tough decision.  Here’s our guide to help you choose the best time of year to go to Walt Disney World.

DISNEY ATTRACTION TO ESCAPE THE RAIN

Florida is nicknamed “The Sunshine State,” but the weather at Disney World isn’t always predictably sunny. But don’t fret – In the event of bad weather, there are still plenty of Disney attractions to escape the rain until the sun returns. We’ll help you plan ahead so you won’t get drenched.

HOW TO BECOME A DISNEY TRAVEL AGENT

Are you interested in becoming a Disney travel agent? It seems like the ultimate job for a Disney fanatic because you get paid to talk about Disney all day long. But is it really as fun and rewarding as it seems? We’ll give you all the information you’ll need to decide if this career is right for you.

DISNEY WORLD TRIVIA

Throwing a Party with Disney Friends? Running a Trivia Night? Just love Disney? Well, we have some great Disney Trivia that we think you’ll find amazing!

FREE THINGS TO DO AT DISNEY WORLD

A Disney Vacation can be very expensive. Here are some things at Disney World that you may not have known are absolutely FREE!

LOTS MORE DISNEY INFO COMING SOON!!!

You’ve loved our many Disney related articles. Well, we have many more coming soon!

When to Visit Disney World

The Best Age for Your Child's First Trip

Your Complete Disney World Glossary

How to Get Around at Disney

How to Choose & Buy Disney World Tickets

How to Use FastPass+ & MagicBands

Disney's Single Rider Progam

Disney's Rider Switch Program

The Top 10 Things to Do at Disney World

The 10 Best Rides at Disney World

The Best Rides for Kids Under 10

Disney World's Best Roller Coasters

Character Experiences at Disney World

How to Choose a Dining Plan

Disney World Character Dining

How to Make Dinner Reservations at Disney

Disney's Top Table Service Restaurants

Disney's Best Quick Service Restaurants

The Best Snacks & Sweets at Disney World

How to Choose a Disney World Hotel

The Cheapest Places to Stay at Disney

The Best Disney Resorts for Toddlers

The Best Disney Hotels for Large Families

Planning Your Trip to Disney World: A Guide

Walt Disney World Guide: Planning Your Trip

 Walt Disney World

Florida’s Walt Disney World is one of the planet’s most popular vacation destinations. Its four theme parks–Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom–generate upwards of 60 million visitors each year.   For a good reason. They boast classic, timeless attractions that feature universally adored characters and properties, along with some of the most cutting-edge, immersive storytelling technology ever developed. But with two world-class water parks, a couple of dozen hotels, myriad shopping, dining, and entertainment options at two large complexes, championship golf courses, and other diversions, there’s much more to the massive, 47-square-mile resort than blasting off on Space Mountain and meeting Mickey Mouse. There are many things to consider when planning a journey to the theme park mecca, including when to visit, must-see attractions, how to make ride reservations in advance, where to dine, and where to stay. Let’s dive in.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit : With the introduction of annual special events such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (held in the fall) and Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (held in January) that span the calendar, there is no longer a “slow season” at the resort. But some times are busier than others, including peak visitation periods in June, July, the first half of August, Easter week, Thanksgiving week, and, especially, the week between Christmas and New Year’s (when the parks often reach capacity). In addition to larger crowds, it costs more to visit Disney World during these higher-attendance periods. On-property hotels charge higher rates, and, using a surge pricing model, the parks charge more for tickets.

Florida’s heat and humidity can be overbearing from late spring through early fall. The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30  , with the highest storm probability from August through October. If you are concerned about your trip being interrupted by a hurricane, consider buying travel insurance. Or avoid the issue completely by not going to Orlando at that time of year.

Getting Around : You wouldn’t necessarily need a car to navigate around the resort, although it could offer you more freedom and help you avoid the hassle of the resort’s often crowded and sometimes balky transportation systems. To travel between the hotels, parks, and Disney Springs, options include buses, water taxis, ferries, the snazzy Disney Skyliner aerial gondolas, and the world-famous monorail included in ticket prices and hotel rates. You could request a cab or use a ride-hailing company, including the resort’s official Minnie Van Service , which is offered in partnership with Lyft.

Travel Tip : Familiarize yourself with Disney Genie , the new digital service that Disney World introduced in fall 2021. The complimentary, interactive program helps visitors plan their days at the parks by suggesting itineraries and steering them to attractions they want to experience at times when the lines are likely to be the lowest. The service also includes Disney Genie+ , an optional, paid line skipping program that replaces Fastpass+, as well as Lightning Lane Select, which gives visitors the option to purchase access to two high-demand attractions per day. With the elimination of Fastpass+ and the loss of the ability to make advance ride reservations, the calculus of planning and experiencing the parks at Disney World has changed considerably.

Things to Do

Of course, the theme parks will be the focus of any visit to Disney World. Whether you have a limited amount of time and want to make sure you get the most out of it, or you just want to make sure you target the top things to do at the resort regardless of your length of stay, it’s a good idea to scope out the best rides and shows . Maybe you and your park posse want to make sure you scream to your hearts’ content. In that case, you’ll want to identify the parks’ best thrill rides . Or maybe you’ll have young ones in tow and want to find out where to experience the best rides for kids . One of the great things about Disney World is that there are some truly wonderful things for just about everybody to enjoy, no matter your age, interests, or thrill tolerance.

There are many, many highlights throughout the parks, but you’ll want to check out three of the newer lands, all of which are self-contained odes to a movie (or movie series) with multiple attractions, characters, food, merchandise, and more to discover:

• Get the lowdown on the (mind-boggling) rides, visiting tips, and more for the wildly popular and impeccably themed Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge .
• There are some amazing things to do and see in Pandora the World of Avatar , including taking a flight of passage aboard a banshee and encountering a full-sized Pandoran shaman as you float down the Na’vi River.
• Over at Toy Story Land , you’ll be able to ride the whimsical, launched coaster, Slinky Dog Dash, and rack up points playing virtual carnival games in Toy Story Mania.

We have plenty more articles for you to check out, including how to experience Walt Disney World if you are a ride wimp , everything you’ll want to know to plan a visit to Blizzard Beach water park , and more of the best things to do at Disney World . 

Harrison Cooney, Disney

What's New at Disney World?

• In October 2021, Disney World officially  did away with FastPass+ and introduced new digital services to help guests plan and enjoy their days at the parks including Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lane .
• In October 2021, Disney World launched its 18-month 50th anniversary celebration. Highlights include “Harmonious,” a new nighttime spectacular at Epcot that features choreographed, moving fountains, large LED panels, pyrotechnics, and other effects all set to Disney music as interpreted by artists from around the world. The Magic Kingdom also offers a new nighttime show, “Disney Enchantment.” it includes fireworks and projections of scenes from Disney films that light up Cinderella Castle and extend down the buildings along Main Street, U.S.A. Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers "Disney KiteTails," a new daytime show that features themed kites and windcatchers. All of the parks are featuring Beacons of Magic that are illuminating their signature structures–Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Spaceship Earth at Epcot–with fanciful lighting and effects.
• The France Pavilion at Epcot welcomed Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a new dark ride themed to the popular Pixar movie, as well as La Crêperie de Paris, a new restaurant, in October, 2021.
• Space 220, a new restaurant that virtually takes guests 220 miles above the Earth’s surface to dine on a space station, opened in September 2021.

What to Eat and Drink

How vast is Walt Disney World? It’s so big that between the theme parks, water parks, many hotels, Disney Springs, and the Boardwalk area, there are more than 400 places to dine  . You can grab a quick bite, plan a memorable, special occasion meal at a posh restaurant, or find a spot that caters to every dining whim in between. Like the lands and attractions in the parks, many of the restaurants feature special themes and offer unique, only-at-Disney experiences. One of the more intriguing ways to meet Goofy, Donald, or one of the many princesses at the resort is by booking a character meal . And speaking of booking a meal, you’ll want to learn how to nab a reservation at the resort’s more high-demand restaurants as far in advance as possible.

When Walt Disney first opened Disneyland in California, he imposed a strict no-alcohol policy. Today, there are loads of places, both within and outside the parks, to belly up to the bar. You might want to consider trying out the libations offered at Epcot’s World Showcase pavilions, which is popularly known as “drinking around the world.” Some other intriguing watering holes include Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, a hideaway spot in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the magic-themed AbracadaBar at Disney’s Boardwalk, and the hugely popular Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Explore our articles on Disney World’s best table-service restaurants (including Sanaa and Jiko - The Cooking Place, both at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge–yum!), our rundown of the resort’s best quick-service eateries , and, because it is so huge and a culinary haven in its own right, our picks for the ten best restaurants in Disney Springs .

Where to Stay

Disney operates 31 resort hotels on the property at the resort. They come in five flavors. Deluxe Resort Hotels include the most exclusive places to stay, such as Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the highly unique Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Moving down the amenities scale, Moderate Resort Hotels include Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Among the more barebones Value Resort Hotels are Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort. If you are into roughing it, consider affordable campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort.

Disney World’s fifth category of hotels are its Deluxe Villas. These “home away from home” accommodations include studios and one, two, and three-bedroom villas that are part of the Disney Vacation Club , Disney’s timeshare program. They can be especially suitable for large families or groups that want to stay together.

You could also consider staying off-property at one of the gazillion hotels located near Disney World. While it’s certainly possible to find lower-priced accommodations, you should consider the time that you’d save and the value that you’d get (including benefits such as early admission to the parks and complimentary transportation to and from the airport) by staying at a Disney hotel–not to mention the round-the-clock “magic” that Disney offers to its hotel guests.

There are many compelling reasons why you should stay at Disney World hotels . Check out our picks for Disney’s best hotels .

Getting There

The primary airport serving Disney World is Orlando International Airport. If you are staying on property at one of Disney World’s hotels, the resort offers complimentary motorcoach transportation to Orlando International Airport.

Money Saving Tips

• Disney World’s Ticket Program  Get the info you'll need to navigate through different ticket options, learn how to save some of your vacation dollars, and score the best deals for your getaway.
• Disney World on a Dime We run down strategies, such as how to get discounted Disney gift cards, to help make your next trip to the Mouse House more affordable.
• The Complete Guide to Military Discounts at Disney World If you or your spouse are members of the military, you are eligible for some significant discounts on park tickets and stays at Shades of Green, the Disney World hotel owned and operated by the military.

AECOM and TEA. “Theme Index.” 2019

National Weather Service. "Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources."

Disney. “ Walt Disney World Restaurants and Reservations .”

Best Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Orlando

Your Guide to Visiting Walt Disney World During the Pandemic

Maps of Walt Disney World

How to Get Around Walt Disney World: The Complete Guide

Disneyland vs. Disney World: Which Is Better?

Best Budget Disney World Hotels

How to Decide Where to Stay at Walt Disney World

Disney World Vs. Universal Orlando

Disney World on a Dime

Tips for a Perfect Day at Disney World's Epcot

How Do I Make Disney World Dining Reservations?

Getting There: Disney World's Magic Kingdom Transportation Tips

Disney Travel Planning: Disney World vs. Disney Cruise

Disney California Adventure: The Complete Guide

The Complete Guide to Disney World for Adults

The Best Time to Visit Disney World

2024 Disney World Vacation Planning Guide

So you’re thinking about a trip to Disney World … ouch, that intro is kind of a cliche, huh? But, it’s what we’re here to talk about today. When should you go? Where should you stay? How much will it cost? How do you even get started?!?!

The vacation planning timeline below should help guide you through the choices you’ll make and when you need to make them. And it has lots of links in case you want to take a deeper dive into individual questions. Keep in mind that you can do almost everything below on a shorter timeline than we’ve shown here. You just might find that some of your options are a bit more limited.

First Things First: Know Thyself

How much planning do you need to do? Some people can go to any destination and never be disappointed by their experience. Everything is an adventure. Missed out on seeing the Vatican because you didn’t buy tickets in advance? Oh well, you’ll be back (maybe), and you still had a great time in the trattorias eating delicious Italian food.

Is that you? More importantly, is it everyone you’ll be traveling with? If so, I have great news. You can have a terrific vacation at Disney World without a plan. Read this article: How to Have a Great Vacation at Disney World Without a Plan . Then come back here and skim for topics where you’d like a little more detail.

If that’s not you, then I’ll leave it to you to work out who in your group is going to do the planning and how questions about what to do are going to get answered. In my family, we try to find a balance between “too many cooks spoil the broth” and “how come you never asked me”? If you’re going with a large group, here are some things to consider:  Traveling to Disney World with Friends or Extended Family: Good Idea or Bad Idea?

7+ Months Before Your Disney World Trip

You can start on most of these activities anytime – as soon as you begin thinking that you might want to visit Disney World.

Is Disney World Right for Us?

As much as I love Disney World, some people just aren’t into it. (Some of those people are my friends and family. It’s OK, I love them anyway.) If you’ve only ever been to your local amusement park, you’ll find that Disney World is pretty different. The rides and entertainment are different and there’s a lot you can do outside of the parks. If our Disney World Attractions by Type and Technology rundown leaves you cold, you may want to plan to mix in some of the activities from  101 Things to Do Near Disney World Without Going into a Park . Or you may (gasp!) decide that a Disney World vacation isn’t for you after all.

If you’re far enough out from your trip, a great way to learn about Disney World is to take a few minutes each day to read the blog. We have lots of useful articles for those who’ve never been. On Mondays, you can read Erin’s Disney in a Minute series that covers all sorts of Disney lingo and basics. On Thursdays, you can see new articles from Bob’s Attractions in Five series that give an overview of individual rides. And you may want to consider whether you should get a TouringPlans subscription:  Five Reasons You Need a TouringPlans Subscription .

Establish a Budget & Trip Length

Start by taking a look at The Cost of a Disney World Vacation in 2024 . That article gives base estimates for your stay including hotel, tickets, and dining. If you’re planning to stay in a Disney World hotel, it’s a good way to make a first cut at which hotel tier you’ll be shooting for. ( Value, Moderate, Deluxe, Villa: What’s the Difference Between Disney World Resort Categories? ).

If those numbers feel like you can just barely manage them, or they feel totally out of range, your vacation might not need to cost that much. You can save quite a bit of money by staying off-site; it’s worth looking into . Even if you need to soak up the cost of a rental car and theme park parking fees, you can realize considerable savings by

• Paying less for your room – it won’t have that Disney theming, but hotel rooms offsite can cost quite a bit less for the same amenities
• Using that car to eat at non-Disney restaurants in the surrounding area, which are often cheaper
• Getting lodging with a kitchen and cutting food costs by preparing your own

Which Disney World Hotel Should You Stay At?

If you’ve decided to stay on-site, you’ll want to give a quick skim at Four Ways to Book a Disney World Vacation . The biggest question you need to answer is whether or not you want to book a Disney World Vacation package . The package is a bundle that comes with room, tickets, and optionally a Disney Dining Plan. ( Should You Buy the Disney Dining Plan? )

One of the biggest benefits is that Vacation Packages are easy to cancel. But you can often save money by assembling it yourself. For instance, our Least Expensive Ticket Calculator can help you save hundreds on tickets by getting them from authorized resellers, no matter how you book your hotel. Don’t forget to check for current discounts . Also helpful:

• Which Skyliner Resort Should You Stay At?
• Which Crescent Lake Resort Should You Pick?
• Which Monorail Resort is Right for You?

Want to be daring and stay at more than one resort?  Disney World Split Stay: Add More Magic to Your Vacation can help you decide whether that’s a winning move or more hassle than it’s worth.

When Should You Go?

How you’ve decided to book might impact your decision; some choices like renting Disney Vacation Club points require a little more lead time. If you’re just looking to avoid the crowds, the TouringPlans crowd calendar can help you find the quietest times. You may also need to consider school schedules and personal events on your own calendar.

Should You Book Your Disney World Vacation Right Now?

If you’ve addressed the questions above then you might be wondering what are the advantages or disadvantages to booking right now. Here’s what to know:

What’s the risk?

There are two possible downsides to booking now. One is the risk if you need to cancel.  FAQ: Canceling a Walt Disney World Vacation . The other is that you’ll need to make a deposit, and you might still need time to save.

If you’re booking at a Disney World hotel, both the risk and the deposit will be minimized. Vacation Packages are fully refundable up to 30 days in advance, and only require a $200 deposit. Room-only reservations are fully refundable up to 5 days in advance, and only require the cost of a single night’s stay as the deposit. (For trips beginning in 2025, the window to cancel a room-only reservation without penalty will be 8 days instead of 5.)

If you can book now, you should think about doing it right away, because it will lock in your rate. You may be able to rebook at a lower rate later on. But if the price of anything goes up, you’ll be protected from the increase. One thing to know: Disney releases room rates and Vacation Packages in June (or sometimes earlier) for the following calendar year. So you will not be able to book for 2025 until sometime in 2024.

If you’re booking a Disney World Vacation Package the cancellation risk will be minimized as they are fully refundable up to 30 days in advance. You should think about booking right away to lock in your rate. Disney World Vacation Packages are released in June for the next year. Depending on when your trip is, you might not even be able to book it yet! But, if you can, you should.

If you’re not staying at a Disney World hotel, or you’re booking one through a third party such as Orbitz or Expedia, deposits and refund policies may be different. You’ll need to evaluate based on your specific circumstances.

Ticket prices

Ticket prices usually go up sometime in February. Aim to buy before any increases. Again, understand what’s refundable and what isn’t, and balance that against locking in your price.

Disney Vacation Club Rentals

If you’ve decided to rent Disney Vacation Club points, you may need a longer lead time to get a bespoke reservation in place or find the perfect confirmed deal for you. ( Don’t Be Intimidated! How to Rent DVC Points )

Other Things to Consider

This is the time to think about whether you’ll want to buy travel insurance . And if you’re traveling from outside the United States, you should make sure to check your passports and apply for any visas you might need. Last but not least, you’ll want to set up your My Disney Experience account. ( Disney in a Minute: What is My Disney Experience? ) If you’re traveling with older kids — your partner does not count, I mean kids in the 13-18 age range — you’ll want to consider Should Your Kids Have Their Own My Disney Experience Accounts?

4 to 6 Months Before Your Trip

If you didn’t already, it’s time to book. Make your hotel reservations. Buy your tickets. Set up your rental car if you’re using one. And make plans for how you’re getting to Disney World too. If you’re traveling within the US, the best time to book a flight is often from 1-3 months in advance (internationally it’s 2-8 months). But a number of factors can affect whether or not that “average” recommendation applies to you. Even if you want to wait on booking, now is the time to start tracking fares.

If you’re going with a large group, or staying for long enough that you’ll have time for some extras, now could be the time to begin discussing what you want to do while you’re there. If you aren’t already, it’s a good time to start checking on the blog weekly or so. The Travel Beat Series on Saturdays covers minor news and all the week’s major headlines and will keep you up to date on points of interest for your upcoming visit.

2 to 3 Months Before Your Trip

Yes, get it booked..

If you still don’t have a hotel reservation or tickets, now is probably the time to get that locked in. Also rental car arrangements, flights, etc. Other things to reserve by the 2-month mark: strollers , as well as wheelchairs or ECVs . Not sure if you want to rent a car?  Renting a Car for Your Walt Disney World Vacation: How Do I Decide?

Beginning 60 days before arrival, you’ll be able to check in online if you’re staying at a Disney World resort.

Get familiar with the tech

You could wait, but from this point on you’ll be using the My Disney Experience app more and more frequently. It’s not a bad time to get familiar with it.  How To Use the My Disney Experience App Like a Pro (Even if You’re a Beginner) . If you’re a TouringPlans subscriber, you’ll also want to download and browse around the Lines app so you know what’s there.  Five Things You Can Do in LINES But Not The Disney World App .

Prepare to make dining and other reservations

If you’re planning to do any Table Service Dining or Extras such as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, tours, and the like, you’ll want to finalize your plans for that before your booking window opens. If you’re staying onsite you can begin booking dining and extras at 70 days from your arrival date. ( Disney in a Minute: What is the 60+10 Rule? ) If you’re staying offsite, you can begin booking 60 days out.

You can book dining online ( Step by Step: How to Make a Walt Disney World Dining Reservation Online ) or in the app ( Step-by-Step: How to Make a Disney World Dining Reservation On Your Phone ). Dining reservations typically open online between 5:45 and 6:00 am on the morning that you’re eligible, and at 7 am if you’re calling at (407) 939-3463. Unless you’re looking for a hard-to-get reservation, any time that morning will usually net you everything you’re looking for.

Learn about Disney World queues

You might be thinking: “What’s to learn about standing in line?” Well, you’ll want to know about Disney World’s upcharge options for skipping the lines. Step-By-Step Guide: How to Use Genie+ and Lightning Lane at Disney World . Some newer attractions use a Virtual Queue:  Answering All Your Questions About Virtual Queues . If you have kids, you’ll want to know about Rider Switch, which lets parents trade off efficiently when their kids aren’t old enough for a particular ride.  Rider Switch at Disney World: Guide and FAQ . And if anybody in your party has issues waiting in a traditional line, you’ll want to learn about whether Disney’s Disability Access System is an answer for you.  What You Need to Know about Disability Access Service (DAS) at Disney World .

Begin planning your park time

Now is a good time to make preliminary Touring Plans for attractions you’d like to see. If you’re planning to buy Genie+, review the Genie+ priorities for each park. You might also want to know about  Making the Most of Disney World Rope Drop ; arriving early to the parks is a great way to beat the lines.

If you’re a subscriber, you can start with one of our Premium plans. Follow it as written, or customize it to suit you.  Step-By-Step Guide: Make and Use a Touring Plan in the Lines App (Including Lightning Lane) . Thinking about splitting up from your kids for a bit?  Walt Disney World Alone: Is Your Child Ready? .

If your admission media requires it, you’ll want to make Park Pass reservations now. Step-by-Step: How to Make a Disney World Park Reservation .

Start a walking regimen

Most guests to Disney World clock in upwards of 5 miles a day, and as high as 12. Since you’ll be getting your 10,000 steps and then some, get in shape for it in advance.

45 Days Before Your Trip

It’s transportation time! If you’re driving to Orlando, have your car inspected and tuned up. If you’re flying, make sure you know how you’re getting from the airport to Disney World, and make any necessary arrangements.  How to Get from the Airport to Walt Disney World .

If you’re a TouringPlans subscriber, get your automatic room request ready. We’ll send it at the 30-day mark.  How to Send A Hotel Room Request to Disney – Automatically!

Now is also the time to order your pre-arrival MagicBands if you choose. They’re no longer free with your stay, you can get a preorder discount with your Disney World hotel stay. You can order them up to 11 days in advance for shipping to your home, but do you really want to be biting your nails and wondering if they’ll arrive on time? If you’re not using MagicBands (or even if you are), get MagicMobile set up on your phone. Everything You Need to Know About Disney’s MagicMobile .

30 Days Before Your Trip

It’s almost here! But if something has gone awry, and you need to cancel a Disney World Vacation Package, make sure you do it now. You can only get a full refund if you cancel more than 30 days in advance.

If you’ll be using DAS, set up your DAS Advance reservations.  What You Need to Know about DAS Advance .

14 Days Before Your Trip

If you’re planning to do grocery delivery, place your order now. Many services accept orders up to 2-3 days in advance. But you may have a wider choice of delivery windows if you do it now, and it will be one less thing to do later. Not sure about how this works or what the options are?  Grocery Delivery to Your Walt Disney World Resort .

Finalize any plans for hotel, travel, admission, reservations, etc. that you haven’t already locked in place.

Order Memory Maker if you’re planning on it for your trip. Again, you can do this up to 3 days in advance and still get the discount price, but why make yourself crazy in the last few days?  FAQ Walt Disney World PhotoPass and Memory Maker .

Review recommendations for what to pack. We have articles on packing no matter what your travel style, and there’s still plenty of time to pick up anything you need to buy.

7 Days Before Your Trip

Your Disney World vacation is only a week away!

• Check the weather forecast and finalize your packing list.
• Review your Touring Plans and make sure they still match what you want to do. Reoptimize to account for any changes in park hours etc. since you made them.
• Fill in any last-minute dining reservations you were on the fence about. You can always cancel later (up to 2 hours in advance).
• Make sure travel arrangements to the airport are in place, if you’re flying to Orlando.

24-48 Hours Before Your Trip

The homestretch! You’re almost there!

• Check into your flights online and confirm your departure time and gate.
• Consider printing travel or reservation info that you’ll need in transit. At the very least, take a screenshot – there’s no guarantee you’ll have WiFi or cell service if you’re trying to retrieve details from your email to clear up a problem.
• Finish packing.

Take a deep breath. You’re ready. Have a great vacation!

What are your favorite planning tips? Did we leave anything out? Let us know in the comments!

You May Also Like...

We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you…

The Disney World site lets you pop in your dates, and presto-chango it will show you prices for hotels and tickets…

Have you picked up your copy of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2023? TouringPlans provides much of the data…

The Disney World Military Salute will be returning for 2024! This popular promotion includes special hotel rates and tickets for members…

• Around the Universe December 2023 – Universal Orlando News & Discounts
• SATURDAY SIX Presents: The 2023 SonderQuest Addendum – Details, Hidden References and MORE!

Jennifer Heymont

Jennifer has a background in math and biology, so she ended up in Data Science where she gets to do both. She lives just north of Boston with her husband, kids, and assorted animal members of the family. Although it took three visits for the Disney bug to "take", she now really wishes she lived a lot closer to the Parks.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

Please review our Terms of Use , which changed on May 24, 2024.

Stay in the Magic… and Play!

Customize a walt disney world resort vacation package to suit your style and budget., start planning your disney vacation, what’s exciting and new, finding nemo: the big blue… and beyond.

Witness a stirring spectacle of puppetry, music and more during this reimagined stage show set in Nemo’s vibrant underwater world.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Bring the whole family to zip, dash and scurry through Gusteau’s kitchen as you take in the sights, sounds and even smells from Remy’s world.

TRON Lightcycle / Run

Leave the real world behind in this high-stakes race across the Grid—the dark, computerized world from TRON .

Watch in awe as Mickey Mouse’s dreams come alive in a nighttime musical with stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and more.

4 Enchanting Theme Parks

Magic kingdom park.

During your visit, you can:

• Be dazzled by music, dancing and vivid pageantry during the Festival of Fantasy Parade —a grand tribute to the tales and inhabitants of Fantasyland.
• Enjoy iconic attractions and experiences across incredible lands—including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train , a swaying family coaster ride that will have you racing through a diamond mine.
• Rediscover beloved classic Disney attractions such as Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world.”
• Delight in family-friendly thrills on ever-popular coasters like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad .
• Leave the real world behind for a high-stakes race across the Grid—the dark, computerized world from TRON —on TRON Lightcycle / Run .

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Celebrate the magic of nature at Pandora – The World of Avatar . Here, you can fly on the back of a banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage, hike amid floating mountains in the Valley of Mo’Ara and take a mystical boat ride into a bioluminescent rainforest on the Na’vi River Journey.
• Set off in an open-air vehicle across a lush African savanna teeming with exotic animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris .
• Speed through the Himalayas on a runaway train while avoiding the Yeti as you conquer Expedition Everest .
• Wave to beloved Disney Characters as they sail along the Discovery River on fabulous flotillas.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Pack your imagination, switch tracks and take a ride on the cartoon side like never before when you hop aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway .
• Live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge ! Experience 2 thrilling attractions, build your own droid or lightsaber, savor Batuu’s tasty food and beverages, shop for Star Wars -themed merchandise and more!
• Discover big fun for kids and grown-ups alike at Toy Story Land . Take a wild ride on Slinky Dog Dash and go for a whirl on Alien Swirling Saucers.
• Watch in wonder as Mickey Mouse’s dreams come alive in Fantasmic! —an extravagant nighttime musical with stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and more.
• Celebrate every season at themed festivals featuring fantastic food, live entertainment and more—select dates throughout the year.
• Blast off on an intergalactic chase with Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Star-Lord on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind —a coaster inspired by the rockin’ movies.
• Board an ancient Norwegian vessel and be whisked away to the kingdom of Arendelle during a Frozen Ever After adventure.
• Journey around World Showcase , where you can explore the culture, arts, food and beverages of 11 different countries.

Save Up to 30% When You Stay 5 Nights or Longer

Stay in the magic with disney resorts collection, enjoy more time in the parks.

Early Theme Park Entry Guests of Disney Resort hotels can get a 30-minute jump on their Disney day with early theme park entry —available at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks. This popular benefit will continue through 2025!

Early theme park entry gives you a head start in the parks, so you’ll have access to select attractions, shops and dining before regular hours. And you can enjoy this benefit on each day of your stay—in any park, subject to capacity.

For early theme park entry, you'll need valid admission and a MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World Card. Theme park reservations may be required based on admission type.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels or Disney Deluxe Villas can enjoy extended evening hours —experiencing select attractions, shops and dining after regular park hours—in select theme parks on select nights. This popular benefit will continue through 2025!

Together with early theme park entry—available to all Disney Resort hotel Guests—you’ll get to arrive earlier and stay later so you can maximize your time in the parks!

Review our calendar for extended evening hours and dates .

If using a ticket with the Park Hopper option that requires a theme park reservation, please remember that you must enter the park where you made your reservation before you can visit other theme parks.

Start Your Stay with a Water Park Day in 2025

With this water park benefit, it’s easy to unwind on the day you arrive. Get ready to zip down thrilling water slides, relax on sandy beaches, float along a lazy river... and let your cares drift away. Learn more about the Walt Disney World water parks .

More details about this benefit will be available in late 2024, and will be shared with you before your stay.

Important Information About This Benefit

• This benefit is exclusive to registered Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel with a check-in date from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. All Guests must be on the Resort reservation. View eligible Disney Resort hotels .
• This benefit is only on the day of check-in, and is valid for admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. Check the park calendar and operating hours closer to your 2025 arrival to plan your check-in day.
• Usage of this benefit is subject to availability.
• At this time, a park reservation is not required to visit a water park; however, reservation requirements are subject to change.
• Water parks are subject to extended rehabilitation, seasonal, capacity and weather closures, or may close for other reasons.
• Each of our water parks is refurbished annually. These routine maintenance periods are staggered, so our Guests should be able to enjoy at least one water park experience year-round.
• Water park admission is nontransferable, nonrefundable and has no cash value, and excludes activities/events separately priced or not open to the general public.
• Parks, attractions and other offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice or liability. No refund or credit given for any such changes or cancellation. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.

Savor a World of Flavor

With tasty meals and snacks moments away, it’s easy to make the most of the magic during your stay.

Explore dining experiences available for booking during your vacation.

View a full list of the dining options at Walt Disney World Resort.

Add a Dining Plan

Now you can add a dining plan to Disney Resort Hotel Packages.

Dining plans can add the convenience and flexibility of prepaid meals and snacks to your vacation—and give you peace of mind.

Highlights include:

• Savings: Save up to 20% on dining for kids ages 3 to 9 when you purchase a dining plan for your family as part of a Disney Resort Hotel Package! Savings compared to the nondiscounted price of menu items available to kids ages 3 to 9 at participating locations when purchased without a dining plan. Actual savings vary based on menu items ordered.
• Convenience & Peace of Mind: With 2 dining plans to choose from, you can spend more time with your family enjoying the Disney magic (and less time on meal budgeting). And this gives you the opportunity to say that magic word to your kids... "Yes."
• Flexibility: There are more than 200 locations to dine at throughout our Disney Resort hotels, theme parks and select locations at Disney Springs. So there’s something to delight nearly every taste!

Learn more about dining plans .

Immerse Yourself in the Magic

From unique accommodations to distinctive dining options, themed rooms and more, the Disney Resorts Collection offers Guests a variety of options that exemplify the Disney difference.

Proximity Staying at a Disney Resort hotel keeps you in the magic—close to the theme parks, water parks and shopping at the Disney Springs area.

Activities and Amenities Disney Resort hotels feature amenities that immerse Guests in the worlds of classic Disney tales—including themed pools with slides, poolside activities, Character Dining experiences, unique recreation, delightful surprises and so much more.

Endless Possibilities With all of the great options in the Disney Resorts Collection, you’re sure to find one—or more than one—that fits you. From theme to budget, you have a world of amazing options to consider. You’re not just choosing a place to sleep at night—you’re choosing your home for the duration of your Walt Disney World vacation.

Want to wake up, look out your window, and say good morning to a giraffe? You can when you stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge . Ever stayed on the shores of the South Pacific? Drift away to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort . Or come home to larger-than-life recreations of scenes from favorite Disney and Pixar classics at Disney's Art of Animation Resort !

These are just a few of the Disney Resort hotels that await you at Walt Disney World Resort !

Make the Most of Your Visit

Get around with ease.

Resort Transportation

Our complimentary bus , boat and monorail services are available to take you to popular destinations throughout Walt Disney World Resort—some Disney Resort hotels even offer convenient walking paths to nearby parks.

Plus, the most recent addition to our fantastic world on the go, Disney Skyliner lets Guests glide across the sky while traveling between:

• EPCOT (International Gateway)
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels enjoy complimentary standard parking at Disney theme parks, Disney water parks and the Disney Springs area.

Add More Magic

As a Disney Resort hotel Guest, you can purchase a MagicBand+ at a special pre-arrival price.

MagicBand+ includes all of the features you’ve come to love with MagicBand—and more! Your MagicBand+ can be used to:

• Unlock your Disney Resort hotel room
• Enter theme parks and water parks (with valid admission)
• Check in at Lightning Lane entrances and virtual queues
• Charge food and merchandise purchases**
• Discover enchanting surprises and interactions across Walt Disney World Resort
• Connect Disney PhotoPass images to your Disney account

Learn more about MagicBand+ .

Early Access to Purchase Individual Lightning Lane Entry

Get quicker entry to a couple of our most popular attractions! If you’re a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you’re eligible to make your first individual Lightning Lane purchase starting at 7:00 AM each day of your visit. You can select a one-hour arrival window, one at a time, for up to 2 different attractions per day. Guests of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green may also enjoy this early-access benefit. All other Guests are eligible to make their first purchase when the park opens.

Learn more about our Lightning Lane entrances .

Note: Attractions with Lightning Lane entrances are limited in availability, subject to change or closure, may vary by date, and are not guaranteed. To enter a theme park, valid admission is required. A theme park reservation may also be required. Price, terms and entitlements are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice.

Make Reservations for Dining and More Get ready to dine or unwind! Here’s when you can make reservations for dining and Enchanting Extras Collection experiences :

• Guests with a Valid Disney Resort Hotel Reservation: Make reservations for your entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay) up to 60 days in advance of your arrival! This can help you enjoy streamlined vacation planning , since you can make all your reservations on the same day—rather than checking availability day after day.
• All Other Guests: Make reservations up to 60 days in advance.

To dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant, a confirmed dining reservation for the total number of Guests—regardless of age—is highly recommended. You will also need valid admission for the same park on that same date for each Guest ages 3 and up. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type. Learn more.

Dining reservations do not guarantee access to a park, and Park Hopper availability may change daily.

** Credit card must be presented at Disney Resort hotel check-in for purchases with MagicBand. Purchases are charged to your Disney Resort hotel account.

Enjoy Magical Extras with Your Package

More fun for everyone, disney water parks.

Zip down some of the world's tallest and fastest waterslides, plunge into fun on a family raft ride, feel your cares drift away on a lazy river or unwind on a sandy beach. Plus, your little ones can splash around in kid-sized areas!

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – Closed for Refurbishment Chill out in a winter wonderland at a one-time ski resort that melted into warm water.

Here, you can:

• Conquer the slopes of Mount Gushmore on Summit Plummet —one of the world’s tallest and fastest free-fall waterslides.
• Zoom down other thrilling waterslides, like the Downhill Double Dipper and Slush Gusher .
• Float along Cross Country Creek , a 3,000-foot-long lazy river.
• Let your little ones explore Tike’s Peak , a water play area with a snow castle fountain and kid-sized waterslides.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Now Open! Delight in this tropical paradise that’s been transformed by a legendary storm into an oasis of pure excitement.

• Ride a wave at Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool —North America’s largest wave pool.
• Grab a friend and take the plunge down Crush ‘n’ Gusher , featuring thrilling dips and turns.
• Watch your little ones enjoy a whimsical water playground with pint-sized slides, water cannons and other fun features at Ketchakiddee Creek .
• Relax as you float along Castaway Creek and take in lush, tropical surroundings.

Important Information Valid water park admission required. Water parks subject to seasonal and weather closures. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for refurbishment.

Disney Springs

Find happily whatever you’re after at Disney Springs:

• Delectable dining options to please almost every palate
• Shopping galore , from unique boutiques to whimsical Disney-themed stores
• Fun for all ages , with bowling, a movie theater, a carousel and more
• Live entertainment , including Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil® and Disney—a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration between 2 iconic memory-makers

Delectable Dining

• Character dining (with modifications) at Garden Grill Restaurant, Hollywood & Vine, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Chef Mickey’s and more
• Signature dining where you can celebrate a special occasion in style
• Counter-service restaurants —ideal for grabbing a quick bite on-the-go
• Mobile Order at select quick-service restaurants, which enables you to save time by ordering ahead via the My Disney Experience app
• Spectacular rooftop dining at California Grill, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera and Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

When to Make Dining Reservations Get ready to dine! Make advance reservations at select Walt Disney World restaurants.

Enchanting Extras Collection

• Hands-on Star Wars experiences at Droid Depot and Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (with valid park admission)
• In-Room Floral & Gifts , featuring beautiful gift and snack baskets, themed balloon bouquets and enchanting floral arrangements—all designed to celebrate your special moments
• Capture Your Moment , a personalized photo session with Disney PhotoPass photographers in a Walt Disney World theme park
• Fascinating tours that take you to special locations at Walt Disney World Resort—including Savor the Savanna and Behind the Seeds

Explore the Enchanting Extras Collection .

Design Your Disney Vacation

Explore places to stay.

Choose from uniquely themed Disney Resort hotels—with options to suit your style and budget.

4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket

Enjoy 4 days of theme park fun from $99 per day, plus tax (total price from $396, plus tax). One admission per theme park. One theme park per day.

Planning A Disney World Vacation (Complete Guide)

So, you have been thinking about planning a Walt Disney World vacation , have you? Well, you’ve found the ultimate guide to planning the trip of your dreams! Read on for all the best tips that I have learned over the years about how to plan the best Disney World trip possible for your family.

From paying for your  trip to Walt Disney World , to what time of year you should go, dining and resorts . I’ve got everything covered here.

What Theme Parks Can I Visit At Disney World?

There are four theme parks at Walt Disney World: the Magic Kingdom , Epcot , Hollywood Studios , and Animal Kingdom. Depending on the time of year you go and how long you plan to stay, you may want to visit all four parks or just focus on one or two.

If you only have a day or two, I would recommend just visiting the Magic Kingdom. This is the most classic Disney experience and has the most iconic attractions, like Cinderella’s Castle, It’s a Small World , and Space Mountain.

If you have more time, I would recommend adding Epcot to your itinerary. This park is great for older kids and adults with its unique rides and attractions, like Soarin’ Around the World and Test Track and of course the new additions of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind.

Hollywood Studios is a must-visit for any movie or TV lovers in your family. This park has some of the most popular rides at Walt Disney World, like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. This park is also the home to Star Wars Galaxy Edge and Toy Story Land ! Both of these themed lands have great attractions that super fans and part time fans will love!

And finally, Animal Kingdom is perfect for any animal lovers in your family. This park has classic rides like the Kilimanjaro Safaris and Kali River Rapids, as well as unique experiences like the Festival of the Lion King show. And if you are an Avatar fan, this park has Pandora: The World of Avatar with incredible views of the floating mountains and rides like Flight of Passage that everyone will love.

Water Parks

After a hot morning of many, many miles in one of the four main Walt Disney World theme parks on your…, what’s that word?  Oh, feet!! There are two parks for your mermaids and guppies to cool off and still have a fun-filled adventure.  Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon are the fifth and sixth parks in Walt Disney World.  You will need to have a separate ticket to enter these, specifically themed to their name, water parks.  

The story goes, there was a huge snowstorm one year in Florida.  Yes, Florida.  And what else was there to do but build a ski resort, of course.  Quickly after the ski resort was built, the snow began to melt and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park was formed as an attraction for everyone.

Typhoon Lagoon sets the stage for a typhoon that hit a tropical island and all around the area is the wreckage.  You will see fishing gear and tackle, boats washed up, cargo, and a mountain that erupts into the air about every half hour.

Both water parks have very similar types of water adventures.  They each have attractions unique to their park. Like Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach which almost vertically drops riders down 12 stories at 65 mph. The Crush n’ Gusher at Typhoon Lagoon is the only water roller coaster in Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World keeps the water heated so it can be enjoyed all year round.  On occasion, Disney will close the water parks due to inclement weather but don’t worry it will only be closed until the storm passes.  

You will need to purchase a water park ticket to access the attractions.  Not sure if you want to go, you can wait until you arrive at your resort.  If you are certain you are going to experience the water parks, you can add them to your pre-purchased park tickets before you leave for your vacation.

Each park brings a different experience to the mermaid and guppy in your group.  Whichever water park you choose to cool yourself off at, you’ll have more memories to make.  

How Many Days Should I Stay At Disney World?

When planning your trip to Walt Disney World , the first thing you need to decide is how long you are going to be staying. Many people go for just a few days, while others plan to spend a week or more at the parks. Depending on your travel budget and the amount of time that you have off work or school, you can choose how long you stay.

For me, I think that the best options are to spend four or five days at Walt Disney World, although some people do much better with six days at the parks. If you have been having trouble deciding, talk it over with your family and choose a length of time that will suit everyone’s needs and budget.

If you are traveling with small children, you may want to consider a shorter trip. This is because young kids have shorter attention spans and can get overwhelmed by long days at the parks. If you have older kids or teens, they can probably handle more days and will want to experience as much of Walt Disney World as possible.

No matter how long you choose to stay at Walt Disney World, be sure to book your reservations well in advance if you can. This will ensure that you get the best hotel or resort and also lock in discounted rates and other perks.

How To Plan A Disney World Vacation On A Budget

One of the most common questions I am asked is how to  plan a Walt Disney World  trip on a budget (We have an entire blog post dedicated to this  over here ). And, while there are no magic bullets when it comes to saving money on your trip, there are definitely some ways that you can save. Here are my top tips for planning a Walt Disney World trip on a budget:

1. Pay for your trip with cash

If you have the cash to pay for your trip upfront, do it! You will save a ton of money by not paying interest on a credit card. And, if you are using a travel agent, they may even give you a discount for paying in cash.

2. Travel during the off-season

The prices for hotels and airfare are significantly cheaper during the off-season. And, while the parks may be more crowded, you can still save money by avoiding peak travel times. Also checking discount airlines like Frontier or Allegiant can save you a bunch!

3. Stay in a Walt Disney World resort hotel

Walt Disney World resort hotels are not only convenient, but they also offer some great discounts . Be sure to check out offers from Walt Disney World and other travel websites like Expedia or Groupon for deals on discounted hotel rooms.

4. Use discounts and coupons

There are many different kinds of discounts and coupons that you can take advantage of when planning a trip to Walt Disney World. These include things like AAA discounts, military discounts, special vacation packages offered by Walt Disney World, and more.

5. Bring your own snacks and meals

If you are on a tight budget, consider bringing your own food to eat in the parks instead of paying for expensive meals or snacks there. You can either pack food ahead of time or pick up groceries once you arrive at Walt Disney World. This will help save money while still allowing you to enjoy the magic of Disney! You can even get groceries delivered to your Disney Resort through Amazon and Instacart!

Also remember that the portions in Disney can be quite large and splitting meals is a great way to save money on food as well!

How do I plan a Disney vacation by myself?

If you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation by yourself, the best place to start is by considering your budget. Once you have a budget in mind, you can start to look at resorts and hotels that fit into that budget. From there, you can start to look at airfare and other travel expenses. It is also important to consider what time of year you want to travel and plan accordingly.

To further save money on your Walt Disney World vacation, consider using discounts and coupons when booking flights or hotels. You can also look for deals and promotions from Walt Disney World or other travel websites, such as Groupon or Expedia.

Additionally, consider bringing snacks and meals with you to the parks instead of paying for expensive food there, which can help you save money while still enjoying the magic of Disney!

Overall, there are many different ways to plan a Walt Disney World vacation by yourself, but with some research and planning ahead, you can create an amazing trip that fits your budget.

How Do I Pay For A Walt Disney World Vacation?

There are several ways to pay for a Walt Disney World vacation. You could save money from your paychecks each week until you have enough as many do, or you could use credit cards.

If you are going the credit card route I would suggest getting a Disney Visa. You get 0% APR for 6 months on all Disney Vacations, every time you book one, not just your first time. That helped us book ours further in advance knowing we were not going to pay interest.

You also earn Disney Reward Dollars on all purchases. They get added to a redemption card and you can use it anywhere in the parks like a gift card.

Also remember that you can pay for your Disney Vacation over time by making payments online monthly or weekly. You will need to pay a deposit of $250 to reserve and then the trip has to be paid in full 30 days prior to check in. This is a great way to split up the cost of your trip over time.

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To Disney World?

Before moving down to the Orlando area we had gone to Walt Disney World in the Winter, Spring, and Fall. We had friends that visited in the summer and they all said it was too hot and humid for them.

After living here for almost 3 years we have found that late Fall and early Spring are the best times to visit. The weather is perfect, not too hot and not too cold, and the crowds are lower than during peak times like Christmas and summer vacation.

If you are building out a Disney World vacation, the best time to go is during the fall or spring when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, ultimately, the best time to visit Disney World depends on your personal preferences and priorities.

These days there really isn’t a “low crowd” time at the parks. It seems to stay pretty crowded regardless of the time of year but obviously the major holidays are super busy!

They all have their pros and cons. Here’s how I break it down

When we went in late January into February the lines are short, the prices are cheap and the weather is cooler. We were from New England so January temperatures were still really warm for us. It averages in the 70’s during the day and 60’s at night.

We have also gone in Mid February and the lines were the exact same as January. The weather was a bit warmer and the prices were not much higher. We also enjoyed the  Festival of the Arts  this time of the year, we hadn’t been there in time for it the trip before so it was great to see all of the beautiful Art !

We have gone to Walt Disney World the first week in May and the prices were moderate, not super expensive but not nearly as cheap as in the winter.

The weather was much hotter. Temps were in the 80’s with a couple of days reaching 90*. The Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot is always beautiful as well. That’s something you don’t want to miss!

Before we lived here we didn’t care to go to Walt Disney World in the Summer. We felt that between the higher prices, higher crowd, and higher temps it just doesn’t seem like a lot of fun. There are also no festivals going on for 90% of the summer.

In 2021 and 2022 however the Flower and Garden ran a bit later and Food and Wine started just 10 days later. This made Epcot a whole lot more fun this summer! Summer is also our “rainy season” so expect rain just about every afternoon/evening in the theme parks at some point.

These are all things that while we didn’t plan a trip to come from far away, now living here there are a few ways to get around the heat, rain and crowds.

Fall is a beautiful time of year to go. It may be my favorite. Between the  Mickey’s not so scary Halloween at the Magic Kingdom  and the  Food and Wine Festival at Epcot  there is so much fun stuff going on. The weather can still be hot, but we feel it is similar to Spring weather. Also, the lines are not as bad as all the kids have gone back to school.

When Is It Cheapest To Go To Walt Disney World?

The “value” season for all of the resorts is January through February. These are the absolute lowest of the entire year. That matched with low crowds makes for a fantastic time of year to go.

Also, you can stay at value resorts, during the value season I have seen room rates as low as $118 a night! Another tip I have is if you have a target near you get a target red card (either credit or debit) and you can buy Disney Gift Cards with the red card and save 5% on everyone! You can also save money on Disney Gift Cards at Sam’s Club and Costco.

I’ve used these to pay for all of our meals and souvenirs . I have also found that by going in the value season, plane tickets from New England were very cheap as well.

As I mentioned above about the Disney Visa, I was making regular purchases for our groceries each week and then paying it off to get the reward dollars so that by the time we went I had about $200 on that redemption card to use. You could do the same thing with an airline card to save on plane tickets as well.

Should I Stay At A Walt Disney World Resort?

This one is something that people are divided on. I have stayed both on and off property and for me and my family, we feel that staying on property is definitely the way to go! Here’s why…

We stayed off property the first time my husband and I went together way back for our 1st wedding anniversary. We didn’t really think about it much and just found a cheap hotel. Then we had to rent a car, pay for gas, pay for parking and wait in traffic… it was o.k…

Then we had our daughter and once she was old enough we knew we wanted to take her to Disney. I had heard some friends say they had stayed on property and loved it. I honestly thought it was out of our price range but wanted to check it out for fun.

What I found was that after figuring in all of the expenses we paid for by staying off-site we didn’t really save any money! The room we chose was at Art of Animation , one of the  best value resorts for kids , and we had so many perks by staying onsite I knew we would never stay off-site again!

By staying on property here are just a few great perks that you CAN’T get by staying off property…

• Getting to book your Advanced Dining Reservations 60 days in advance for your whole trip, vs 60 days, one day at a time off-site.
• Custom color magic bands – you choose the color and name, as well as being able to link a credit or debit card for purchases! Unfortunately these are not free anymore but you do get a small discount on the regular price when your staying in a Disney Resort.
• Never pay for parking at the parks
• Never waiting in traffic – resort buses have their own lanes to get you into the park faster.
• Other forms of transportation to the parks- some resorts have boat, monorail and Skyliner service to the parks.
• Extra Magic Hours- extra time at either the beginning or end of the day at select parks!

The benefits are overwhelming!

How To Pick The Right Walt Disney World Resort For You

Finding the right resort for your family can be a daunting task if you don’t know much about the resorts. Let’s start with the basics.

There are 4 main types of resorts at Walt Disney World- Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Villas.

Value Resorts

These resorts are often the most affordable and have the most “cartoony” theming. They often only have quick service eating areas and their pools do not have waterslides. They are great for little kids and anyone who wants to be surrounded by larger than life characters!

The Value Resorts are:

• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Moderate Resorts

These resorts are a happy medium of still great prices yet added amenities that Value resorts do not have, like waterslides and table service restaurants. These are the resorts that we stay at most often because we want a little more grown-up feel for a resort.

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Deluxe Resorts

The Deluxe resorts also include the villas. All of the resorts at the Deluxe level are the higher-priced and have some of the best amenities, like  spas and fitness centers . The convenience of having added transportation to the parks via Monorail or boat is also an added feature to staying at a Deluxe Resort.

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

You have to think about your family when choosing the right resort for you. Questions you may need to think about are what age are the kids? How many people are going to be sleeping in the room? How long are we staying?

Younger kids will love the Value resorts, older kids may not. If you are traveling with a larger family the Deluxe or Villas may be right for you because of the more spacious rooms.

If you are going only for a couple of days, then room size and resort amenities may not matter if you are not going to be there much. We like to go for 5-8 days so that we have an “off day” so resort amenities matter to us because we use them a lot.

Should I Plan An “Off Day”?

We have learned something new each time we go on a trip to Walt Disney World. The absolute #1 thing I have learned is it is an absolute MUST to have an off day. You are going to Disney to have a good time right?

Well for everyone’s sanity you need at least 1 off day, depending on the length of your trip. Our first 2 trips we didn’t take an off day because we were trying to squeeze every last second in the theme parks. After those two trips, we came home feeling like we needed a vacation from our vacation!

Our most recent trip we didn’t plan a park day on the day we arrived and we also took an “off day” in the middle of our trip. That was the best trip we have ever taken to Walt Disney World!

We slept in, did breakfast at  Chef Mickey’s , swam in the hotel pool, and finished our day at  Disney Springs . It was so nice to relax and slow down for a day and it helped us all feel recharged to finish the trip.

How To Get Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR’s)

People can get stressed about Advanced Dining Reservations. I don’t because I found a super-easy way to get these done.

You could wait on the website and flip thru day by day of your trip trying to find the restaurant you want, like I have done many times, mostly getting what I want OR you could do what I did on our last trip. I started on the website but I quickly found that I was losing my place and having to scroll through too many restaurants looking for the name I was looking for. So I decided to call Disney and see if they could help.

Well, let me tell you, that was so seamless. I got a fantastic woman on the phone who was super helpful, she went day by day of our trip with me and found each and every reservation that we wanted. They can also make requests for dietary needs when you are on the phone with them as well.

I don’t think that I would ever try to make an entire trip’s worth of reservations on the website again. The customer service really is top-notch at Disney!

Taking Home Memories With Souvenirs

One of the highlights for anyone making memories at Walt Disney World is the endless amount of merchandise that you and your family, from ages 2 to 102, can purchase and take home as a memorable souvenir.

The decision to choose which souvenir to bring home can certainly be one of the hardest decisions you can make; you’ll want to take them all. Everyone has their own way of getting through this without breaking the bank.

We have one of the best ideas to make the souvenir buying part of your Walt Disney World experience that should stop the stress. Before you go to Walt Disney World or on the first day your check into your resort, inform the family that there will be a souvenir day.

Each day, as you walk around a park, think about a souvenir you would like to bring home. You won’t buy it on that day, you’ll keep it in mind for your souvenir day. On the day which you chose your souvenir day, head into Disney Springs , I will guarantee they will find that item in one of the stores, or they will find something else and forget about the one they saw yesterday.

Another great way we have saved money and curbed the “I Wants” is to give each of our kids a Disney Gift Card. That way they know how much they have to spend on souvenirs and they have a little ownership on what they are spending.

There are certainly some souvenirs that are classic and will be chosen each time your visit. Here are some that we feel stand the test of time:

Mickey & Minnie Mouse Ears

Which character, attraction or food is your favorite character? Is there a special event you experienced or maybe it’s the resort you stayed at? Whatever the reason, you’ll probably find something to wear on your head.

The classic, most iconic is the Iconic mouse ears. It has become a tradition for many to purchase a pair or two during their visit. From the vintage black hat that adorns the ears of our beloved Mickey, to the ever-changing design of his elegant Minnie Mouse , her headbands will certainly meet your fancy. These head gEARS can be found all throughout the resorts, parks, and Disney Springs.

Walt Disney World Pins

Walt Disney World has a bountiful collection of pins that will be a great reminder of your time spent in the most magical place on earth. You can find many with the year you went engraved on a pin or even in the form of a spinner. 

How about one with a park icon like Cinderella’s castle, the Tree of Life, Spaceship Earths’ geosphere, or Hollywood Tower of Tower? Pins are not only a great souvenir to remember your magical stay, but they are also small and won’t take up much room in your suitcase.

For every character, ride, Disney movie, or attraction that is created, you can find them in any shop or kiosk throughout Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World sells a designed lanyard so you can display your pins around your neck while you are walking through the parks. 

Each pin comes with a rubber Backing shaped like a Mickey Mouse head to secure your pins tight to the lanyard.  Once you are back home you can save them in a book designed for pins or display them on your wall where they can be seen every day.  Disney Pin trading is another way of not only collecting a unique pin you might want for your collection, but it is also another activity to make your visit to Walt Disney World fun . 

Just ask a cast member who has a lanyard around their neck to see their collection of pins; they will be willing to trade for one you have. No matter which pin or pins you choose, you will have a unique souvenir to remember your magical time.

Walt Disney World Memory Maker Photos

This is a great purchase for any family who cannot decide which photo to choose from the dozen possibly hundreds of photos that are taken by a photo cast member throughout all of Walt Disney World.

By purchasing the Photopass / Memory Maker option before your trip begins, you will receive a discount and peace of mind that all memories captured by a photo cast member will be yours to keep at no extra charge.

Walt Disney World Pressed Coins

Along with Mickey & Minnie Mouse ears, and Walt Disney World trading pins, collected pressed pennies during your visit are a great way to bring home the memories. There are two different methods of making your pressed penny.

The first is the classic hand-cranked machine where you turn the lever until your coin is pressed and it is dropped down the shoot where you can collect your coin. To crank an old-fashioned penny, you will need 2 quarters and 1 penny to begin the cranking process.

The cost is $1.00 to crank and receive 1 pressed penny. If you’d like to hand-crank and press a quarter, you will pay $1.25. The second type of press is a digital press, and you can’t crank your own coin out.

This you can pay with a dollar bill, a bank, or credit card and now you can use your smartphone to have a penny pressed. You do not have to provide a Penny as the machine is stocked waiting for you to not only press one penny for 1 dollar, but you have the choice of having all the images pressed onto a penny, for a dollar each.

With so many locations with a coin press, the Walt Disney World parks including the water parks, the resorts, and Disney Springs, it may be overwhelming to try and find them all. Walt Disney World has provided a list of all the locations you can find the machines.

Walt Disney World Character Autographs

Whether you are experiencing character meals or waiting in lines to meet your favorite characters, you can ask them for their autograph. Each one has its unique signature that will be a great memory for you to look back on.

You can create your own signature booklet as part of your Walt Disney World preparation but there are hard-bound autograph books that you can purchase ahead of time or once you arrive at Walt Disney World.

This makes an extra special souvenir because all the signatures will be kept in the specially made book from Walt Disney World. In combination with the Memory Maker, you can add a photo of your family members with Mickey Mouse to his signature page. 

How To Pack For Disney World

Packing for Disney. That can make some people cringe at just the thought. Me? I love it! It gets me super excited when I finally get close enough to the trip that I get to pack.

I make a list of everything I think we may need once we book our trip, then keep going over it every once and a while either adding something I forgot or crossing things off that we don’t really need.

I like to take some non-perishable snacks with us in my suitcase so that we can save a little money by not buying little stuff. Also, bring gum! Disney does NOT sell gum anywhere on the property!

You have to take the time of year into consideration when  packing for Disney World . Winter and early spring will still be cool so you will want to pack layers for everyone. Summer is hot and rainy so make sure to pack extra clothes to change if you get too wet or sweaty!

Fall is a lot like Spring where you will still want a layer in the morning or evening. I always pack ponchos when we go because you never know when you will have some Florida Showers and I don’t want to pay $20 each in the parks. I like to get them from our Dollar Tree and keep them in my park bag .

Speaking of park bags… I see way too many people either overloaded or not bringing enough stuff when coming to the parks. I like a small backpack that I can fit the following:

• Ponchos for everyone
• A small first aid kit
• Battery bank for charging phones
• A few small snacks in case we are waiting in line and my daughter gets hungry

That’s all I usually carry with me. I don’t want a bad back from bringing half of the hotel room with me to the parks.

Should I Go To Disney World During The Holidays?

Disney is always beautifully decorated for the holidays so many would wonder if those times would be a good time to visit. This tends to be a personal preference.

One positive about going during holidays is that the kids are out of school so you wouldn’t need to have them miss any school days, also it adds a special memory to be able to celebrate Easter, Halloween or Christmas at the most magical place on earth.

You do have to keep in mind though during these times, everyone else has the same idea. Crowds are usually at their highest during holiday breaks, The Magic Kingdom has been known during Christmas to close the gates to new guests entering because they reached their crown capacity of 100,000 guests!

We had never gone during the holidays because we didn’t want to deal with the extra people. If you really want to go to Disney World during some of their holiday parties or to see the decorations, you don’t need to be there for the holiday, Disney decorates ahead of time and the parties start ahead of the holidays.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween starts at the end of August through Halloween and  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party  Starts in early November through early January, so there are plenty of dates to attend.

Booking a vacation at Disney World should be the best experience and not be stressful. That takes the fun out of it. In the end, does it really matter if you have to wait in line for your favorite ride? Not get the exact reservation time for dinner?

Not to me. I love Disney so much that any vacation whether staying on or off-site, in any season, crowded or not is the best getaway I could hope for. I hope you found my tips and advice helpful. You don’t have to agree with me, these are just things that work for my family.

If you prefer to take a more hands-off approach and don’t love the spreadsheets and planning as much as me then I suggest reaching out to an authorized Disney vacation planner like our partners over at  The Vacationeer ! They can help you plan your entire trip from start to finish at no extra cost!

Click Here For More  Disney World Tips

How much does a trip to Disney World cost?

Depending on how long you are going for and how many people are traveling with you; it can cost you anywhere between $1,000 USD and $10,000 USD.

When Should I Go To Disney World?

There is no wrong time to visit Disney World. All four seasons offer their own unique experiences. Many people enjoy going during the holidays when the parks are decorated and there are special events happening but crowds are also at their highest during these times. If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting during the off

When should I start planning my Disney trip?

You should start to plan a Disney World vacation one year in advance as a general rule of thumb.

What is the best way to get around Disney World?

There are a variety of transportation options at Disney World, including monorails, buses, boats and personal vehicles. Ultimately the best option will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some people prefer to take advantage of Disney’s complimentary transportation, while others prefer renting their own car or taking Uber

What is the cheapest time to go to Disney World?

The cheapest time to go to Disney World is typically during the off-season. This varies depending on the time of year, but typically the months of January, February, September and October offer the cheapest rates.

What’s the cheapest Disney resort?

Typically the Disney World Value Resorts are the cheapest.

the disney food blog

food IS a theme park

Read the Latest Posts

Looking for something?

Get the dfb newsletter.

STAY CONNECTED

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!

DON'T DO IT ALONE!

Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.

So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you 🙂

GET MORE INFO

Join the DFB Newsletter  to get all the breaking news right in your inbox!  Click here to Subscribe!

Trending now.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a popular ride in EPCOT, but should you...

There are some great reasons to take the new public bus route from the airport...

We're rounding up several Disney Loungefly bags on SALE online!

A NEW show is debuting at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2024 and we've got all...

OK, Millennials. It's time to spend that hard-earned money on a Target item that was...

Disney Chase Visa cardholders can enjoy numerous exclusive perks, including discounts at select restaurants and...

When can we really expect this Animal Kingdom expansion to start? Or be done? Let's...

We know it's a little bit unusual to be shopping for ornaments in the summertime,...

There are some hard truths about Magic Kingdom, but we are here to help ensure...

There are some cringey things at Magic Kingdom that seriously make me rethink ever walking...

Check out these scenes from INSIDE Tiana's Bayou Adventure!

Whether you're getting ready for your next trip to Disney World or just want to...

Want to get an UPGRADE on that hotel room? Here are some top tips!

Annual Passholders may want to avoid Walt Disney World this June, though there are some...

We're sharing the things that Genie+ experts definitely DO NOT do in Disney World!

Hey, Star Wars fans! MORE exclusive merchandise has been added to the lineup at Disney...

Let's talk about whether or not Disney World has any 24-hour restaurants!

We FINALLY have an reopening date for one of Hollywood Studios' mainstay attractions.

Currently, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is ongoing, but that will be changing VERY...

You need to check out these eight Disney-inspired tiki mugs from Target!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED

2024 Disney World Planning Guide

The goal of our Disney World Planning Guide is to give you helpful tips on how to save money and avoid crowds, the best times to visit and rides to go on and where to eat and stay. We’ll also recommend some daily itineraries for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot theme parks, so you can make the most of your trip wherever and whenever you go.

Our recommendations can apply to everyone from first-time visitors to annual passholders. Plus, since we regularly travel as a family, we have great advice for those traveling with younger kids up to teenagers. (Updated January 2, 2024).

WHEN TO VISIT DISNEY WORLD

While we can give you advice as to the best times to visit Walt Disney World, oftentimes, a promotion has already answered this question for you. These are typically the Free Disney Dining Plan promo or a package that includes free days and big savings on rooms at Disney World hotels. If that’s the case, whatever the reason, you’re going to have to visit during the promotional period. 

That’s right, a promotion may dictate when you vacation at the resort, and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, we think discounts should be a reason to travel to Disney World, so kudos to you for thinking in a savings -savvy way. These promos run at different times during the year and lay out the weeks and months guests can visit.

Other discounts to look for include spring special-offer tickets which pop up occasionally. For example, Disney has offered a spring special where guests receive  two free days at the parks when they book a package . Offers like this are fantastic deals and should be used if available. 

If, however, you are open to choosing your v acation week, a simple breakdown is available here. For something more in-depth, be sure to read our  Best and Worst Months to Visit Disney World Guide .

January and February are great months to travel to Disney World. With the winter holidays ending and school starting around January 5th each year, the parks slow down significantly. The only exceptions are the Monday holidays, including Martin Luther King and Presidents Day. These tend to bring out the weekend warriors and annual passholders for a quick 2-3 day vacation.

These months have also become home to the Epcot Festival of the Arts . This celebration of creativity is a ton of fun, with plenty of food, beverages and art. In other words, expect lots of eating and drinking around the world and a fair few locals.

Spring is Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival . Like all other festivals at Epcot, food, drink and fun activities like topiary displays and workshops abound. Kids will find treasure hunts throughout the park, while adults can enjoy live music at the American Adventure Pavilion.

March and April mean spring break time. This well-deserved break starts earlier each year, so most of these months are suffer from bigger crowds and longer wait times. So, if you will be traveling during these months, try the first week of March or the last week of April. May is also a pretty good time to travel now that Walt Disney World has stopped hosting Grad Nites.

Summertime is the absolute worst time to travel to Walt Disney World. Why? Because it’s hot, humid and busy. School is out, and families are taking vacations, with Disney World as their destination of choice. We’re not saying you shouldn’t go during these months, but be prepared.

September and October are good months to travel, specifically post-Labor Day and pre-Halloween. Disney World typically runs their Halloween parties from late August through October 31st, making for a treat-filled addition to any fall trip to Orlando.

In November and December, the resort shines with festive spirit, and there’s a lot to see and do. This is the busiest season of the year for Disney World, but not necessarily the busiest time to visit. Early November is slower, while Thanksgiving week is hectic. Early December is quiet again, and then the last two weeks are downright insane. Personally, we don’t travel to the parks over these weeks because it’s just too much with kids.

If you do want to make it during the holiday celebrations, be sure to catch  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party  (replaced by the Disney Very Merriest After Hours event in 2020 and 2021), which is held at Magic Kingdom Park, or Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays .

HOW LONG TO VISIT

Most of the time, your schedule will dictate how long you’ll be able to visit the parks. The average family typically stays for one entire week, with five to six days in the parks. First-time visitors should aim for seven days in the theme parks to see and do it all.

We recommend visiting the parks for three to four days and then taking an entire day to relax at the pool, head to the beach, take a stroll down Disney’s BoardWalk or shop at Disney Springs . Whatever you choose, a break is highly recommended so you don’t risk getting worn out.

Many guests who come from out of town also tend to visit other non-Disney theme parks like Universal Orlando . Factoring that in, you should probably plan for eight theme-park days total. If you’ve never been to Universal, we recommend you take some time to experience it, particularly The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . It’s split between two parks and can be done in one to two days, depending on how busy it is.

For Disney World, we suggest that if you’re going to be in the parks for less than five days, try and visit all four parks. If you have five or more days to spend, hit up all four parks and then revisit your favorites afterward.

WHERE TO STAY

We’re big fans of staying on property because there are just so many benefits. However, we also understand that this doesn’t always work for everyone. Having stayed at all property hotels and several off-property too, we have lots to recommend. Be sure to see our in-depth guides where we dig deep into each resort hotel, offering the pros and cons of staying there. We keep these regularly updated from our most recent stays so you can be in the know.

Over the past several years, Disney has raised their prices for staying on property. This means that when you go to search for a rate, you may get sticker shock. While Disney may offer discounts and promotions on hotel stays, keep in mind that it’s always going to be more expensive to stay on-property than off.

Value resorts are the best bet for anyone debating whether to stay on or off Disney property because of price. There are four of them, and they start around $110 per night when they’re on promotion. Not all of them are created equal though, so be sure to see our Value Resort Rankings Guide for which ones top our list.

Moderate resorts are a nice step up from the value hotels and tend to have better placement near the parks. There are quite a few that are must-stays for us, and we think you’d enjoy them as well. Overall though, moderate resorts are the most popular hotels for guests looking for a step up from standard.

Deluxe resorts are the creme de la creme, offering the best rooms, locations and resort dining. While these rooms may seem expensive, we think they are worth the extra money. 

Likewise, deluxe villas are Disney Vacation Club rooms at deluxe resorts and can be rented for quite a bit less, thanks to our preferred partner . Rooms with one bedroom and up have full kitchens and are great for those wanting to have groceries delivered to them.

There are other reasons for staying on property that aren’t just location and transportation. For example, all resort guests have access to Early Theme Park Entry, while those with rooms at deluxe resorts can also use Extending Evening Theme Park Hours. Additionally, guests staying at Walt Disney World resorts can also book Individual Lightning Lane Selection reservations (around $7-15 per ride) before other theme park guests, starting at 7 AM rather than once the park opens.

Finally, if you love buying things in the parks but hate carrying it around with you, resort hotel guests can have them delivered from the parks to their hotel room for free. We love this service and can’t wait for it to come back sometime in 2022.

VACATION PACKAGES

We used to not be fans of vacation packages because we thought we could save a lot more money by booking everything separately. While this may be true for people who are redeeming points from a hotel rewards program or have received free tickets as a gift, booking separately can be a pain for everyone else. So, for anyone out there who appreciates convenience and loves being thrifty, packages are probably for you.

First off, don’t be like everyone else who books their package right from  disneyworld.com . Even with a promotion, you’ll always pay what everyone else is paying, or what is known as rack rate. In fact, you can find much better deals by booking directly through the fine folks at Park Savers. Not only do we have some of the best ticket prices out there, but our travel agents are Disney experts who are excited to share their tips and tricks with you.  Connect with one of the Park Savers travel agents  today to get started. 

When it comes to booking a Disney World vacation package, you want to use someone who specializes in them, not just someone who can do it because you asked. Unfortunately, companies like  AAA  and  Costco  can’t offer the expertise that we can. Plus, just like us, our travel agents visit the parks multiple times during the year, so they are up-to-date on any happenings or changes.

Second, when you’re looking for a package, you’re probably going to be staying on property, especially if you want to take advantage of the Disney Dining Plan. This means your package will consist of a hotel room, tickets, dining and possibly airfare (though we recommend  using a different tool online for this ). If you’re staying off property, it probably will be cheaper to book separately.

Finally, remember that Park Savers doesn’t charge a fee for booking your package. Our travel agents are paid a commission from Disney, so you’ll never need to worry about any hidden fees or surprises. 

PARK TICKETS

Walt Disney World has one of the most complex systems for tickets since they moved to a date-based system a while back. Basically, each day is priced differently based on various factors, including time of year and how busy the parks will be. So, for example, staying from Monday to Friday in January will be cheaper than a Monday-to-Friday trip in July. This is because summertime is busier than January, while, of course, the busiest season of all is during the winter holidays.

Timing your vacation during the right season can help you save some decent cash, so keep that in mind. You may want to look at our guide to the best time to visit Walt Disney World . It gives a more in-depth explanation of each month and how you can avoid large crowds. Buying your tickets from an authorized seller is highly recommended.

Along with date-based pricing, you can choose from a few different add-ons to upgrade your ticket. The most popular is the Park Hopper option. A Park Hopper ticket allows you to visit several parks on the same day if you so desire. 

Park Hopper Plus tickets give you the same Park Hopper access “plus” some extra fun things to do. It can be confusing, so read carefully and make sure this is something you’ll have time to utilize fully. Here’s a list of things you can do when you purchase this ticket:

• Nine holes of traditional golf at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
• Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf
• ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex

So, those are the fun things you can do. Now, how can you use them? Park Hopper Plus or the Water Parks & Sports option are based on however many days your ticket is. For example, if you buy a 5-Day Park Hopper Plus ticket, you’ll also receive five visits to use however you’d like from the list of attractions above. Best of all, you can use your visits however you’d like. A different activity each day, five trips to the same attraction – it’s all up to you.

DINING AT DISNEY WORLD

Where to begin? Disney World is so much more than burgers, hot dogs and popcorn. So, get that out of your head right now. With hundreds of offerings from around the world (and we’re not just talking at Epcot), any foodie would find themselves in paradise here. But, believe it or not, there have been and will be times when we’ve gone to Disney World just for the food offerings and nothing more. The point we’re trying to make is that dining can and should be an essential part of your planning and experience.

For anyone who wants to dig into dining even more, we have a Disney World Dining Guide that can help you choose specific restaurants to visit and our rankings. We even have a guide on the  best places to eat at the parks for couples  if you’re headed there for just a casual lunch or romantic dinner.

Disney has several categories for dining that are available at each of the parks, resort hotels and entertainment areas like Disney Springs and the BoardWalk . Your most basic food option is quick service , which offers meals like salads, chicken, burgers, wraps, pizza by the slice, fruit cups, vegetables and kids meals. Typically, you place your order at a counter, get your food and then sit somewhere. This is by far the most abundant kind of restaurant.

Next, there is table service dining, which is what it sounds like. You’ll have a server, and your food will be made fresh from a kitchen and brought out to your table. Sit-down dining usually requires advanced reservations, but you can also try and do a walk-in. We recommend the reservation option, especially for a place you really want to try. Table-service restaurants can range from $12 per plate all the way up to $60+ for a signature restaurant like Victoria & Albert’s. For more details on the best restaurants at Walt Disney World , consult our guide.

Have you (or at least your kids) ever wanted to dine with your favorite Disney characters? Character dining is offered at all four parks and several resort hotels, so you can live out your Disney dream. These are typically done in a buffet style, with character interactions happening throughout. Once again, you want to make advanced reservations for these places. Be sure to read about each meal as different restaurants offer different character sightings.

Bars and lounges are a great place to relax, get a drink and just talk. After a long day at Disney, these are our go-to places to unwind for the night. Having said that, there are some bars and lounges that we prefer to go to over regular quick-service or table-service restaurants just because they offer some amazing food. Take a look at Disney World’s Top Rated Bars & Lounges to see what we’re talking about. Every park and most resort hotels have lounges to enjoy, so keep this in mind as you’re visiting the parks or doing some resort hopping.

Lastly, there are snack carts at all the parks, everywhere you turn, serving up the delicious smells of popcorn, pretzels, pastries, crepes, and so much more. There’s a seemingly endless amount of options, and you never have to worry about finding something to munch on. Snacks are a great way to tide you over until mealtime. Be sure to read about our  top snacks at Disney World , which will surely get your mouth watering and stomach rumbling.

To cap things off, guests are in no way expected to dine in the parks at Disney’s restaurants. In fact, a lot of the time, we pack our own meals, mostly snacks, for each day. The best way to do this is to have groceries delivered to your hotel. There are several options for this service out there. The one we recommend the most is Walmart+. You get to purchase groceries at Walmart pricing  and  have them delivered to your hotel for free. Not a Walmart+ member? You can do a free trial while you’re traveling! It’s really a win-win and can help you save a lot of money versus eating in the parks.

ATTRACTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT

It’s always a good idea to have a plan in place before heading to Disney World. Unlike ten years ago when you could just show up and go on rides, dine and not worry about anything, Disney World is anything but like that now. You need to have a plan, but it doesn’t need to be anything crazy, so put away those digital planners and notebooks. Not having a plan, particularly for first-time visitors, can ruin a vacation. It means unnecessarily standing in long lines and dealing with crazy wait times. Some guests will even skip an attraction just because the wait time is too long. This is entirely avoidable.

Our first plan of attack for attractions is looking at park hours and entertainment. You’re going to want to know which parks are open latest and which nights you can catch certain firework shows. They don’t run every night, so look at these first and plan accordingly.

Next is setting up Disney Genie or, if you’d like, upgrading to Disney Genie+ and making Individual Lightning Lane Selections. When planning attractions and entertainment. Genie allows you to take advantage of short wait times and your location in the park to make the most of your time *for free*. Alternatively, you also have the option to skip the lines by paying for Disney Genie+ ($15 per person per day) or Individual Lightning Lane Selections (between $7-15 per ride).

We’re not going to dive deep into this here, as the new program is a little complicated, so we highly recommend you look at our Disney Genie and Lightning Lane guides to decide whether buying the service is right for you. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to have My Disney Experience downloaded onto your phone so you can make ride reservations or check out your virtual itinerary as you navigate the parks.

Finally, for guests who have smaller children, remember that you’ll need to look if an attraction has a height restriction . If there is, plan accordingly. Disney gives parents the option of doing a rider swap, where one guardian must remain behind to watch the child who does not meet the height requirement. This swap allows the first parent to go on, and then, when they’re done, the other parent can go on the ride via the Lightning Lane.

TRANSPORTATION AND AIRFARE

As we’re sure you’ve figured out by now, Walt Disney World is massive, and deciding how to get around it is an essential part of planning. Disney themselves offers many options for guests, including bus and boat transportation to the parks and Disney Springs. These are free options for guests staying on property. While these seem convenient, not everyone finds them useful. Some prefer to drive themselves to the parks, while others use services like Uber or LYFT.

These rideshare services are invaluable for those needing to travel between the resort and airport or even just between attractions. Uber and LYFT are readily available and can be requested once you’ve gathered all your luggage. From the airport, a trip typically runs about $40 for a group of five to the Walt Disney World area, while rides around Disney World generally cost between $5-15.

For anyone looking to rent a car, just be aware of the  parking costs at the resorts and or theme parks . Currently, Disney is charging $25 for a vehicle to park at one of their theme parks. This is a per-day cost and is valid for all visited theme parks that day. If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, your overnight charge includes theme park parking. Value resorts are $15 per night, moderate resorts are $20 per night and deluxe resorts are $25 per night. Guests can also opt to upgrade to preferred parking for an additional cost.

Rentals typically run between $12 and $30 per day, depending on the size of vehicle you get. If you’re planning on day-tripping away from Disney World and heading to the beach or another local attraction, you may want to rent a car. If you only need a rental for a day,  Disney does offer an on-site rental station  for this. Prices are a bit higher than if you rented from the airport, but if you only need it for one day, it’s worth the extra cost. Disney also provides a free shuttle from your hotel to the rental station and back.

As for bus transportation, Disney’s internal bus system is extensive and can get you almost anywhere you want to go, if you have the time. It’s really a double-edged sword. On one side, the transportation is free and will eventually get you to where you want to be, including the theme parks, Disney Springs and other resort hotels. On the other side is time, and with the Disney bus system, time is not your friend. Nothing is calculated when it comes to using this busing system. If you really need to be somewhere at a specific time, you either need to leave really early or use a different method of transportation.

Guests who aren’t staying on property can still use the bus system for free. The only thing it won’t do is take you to your off-property hotel.

For the most part, the bus system is excellent when you have the right attitude. Just going into it with the mindset that you’re not in a huge hurry, you don’t have to pay, and you’ll eventually get to where you want to go is key to enjoying it.

MOBILITY NEEDS

Walt Disney World has four massive theme parks. Getting around can be tiring, and many people need strollers or mobility scooters to make the trip more manageable. However, transporting mobility scooters or strollers while on vacation can be incredibly difficult. Therefore, we have found that renting is definitely the way to go in this area!

Having your rental items delivered directly to you and then picked up when you’re done makes it so you can just focus on enjoying your vacation. We highly recommend  Amusement Park Rentals  for your next vacation as their quality, reliability, and service can’t be beaten. 

AFTERTHOUGHTS

Did we miss something that you feel is important? Do you have some expert advice to share with us? Please do! We put these guides together with you in mind, so if there’s something we didn’t answer, please let us know. We’re happy to respond to your questions and suggestions. If you want to keep up to date with theme park news, guides and discounts, be sure to join our Free Monthly Newsletter below.

Sign up for the FREE MouseSavers Newsletter and get a monthly email with exclusive discounts!

Facebook Twitter

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation

Space Mountain by Benjamin D. Esham ( CC )

Planning a Disney World vacation requires some research. Walt Disney World is a huge place (47 square miles — that’s almost twice as large as Manhattan!) with so many things to do and see that even after more than 60 visits, we have not begun to do it all.

Just a quick summary of SOME of what’s available at Disney World:

• 4 major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• 2 water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
• Over 20 large resorts
• 4 golf courses
• 2 mini-golf courses
• numerous lakes offering water sports, boating and fishing
• dinner shows
• BoardWalk entertainment district
• Disney Springs shopping and dining district

So it’s not surprising that you’re a little confused about where to begin.

You’ll need to decide the following, in roughly this order:

1. When you’re going.

Check our Disney World FAQ for hints on the best and worst times of year for planning a Disney World vacation . Obviously your budget, kids’ school schedules and other factors will influence your decision as well.

If you are interested in learning when discounts for Walt Disney World resorts and vacation packages became available in past years, we maintain a chart listing that historical information .

2. What you’re going to do when you get there.

Seems kind of early in the planning process, doesn’t it? I mean, you haven’t even decided on a hotel yet! Well, trust us, you need to do some research before you go any further. There is so much to do, and everyone does something slightly different. Depending on the parks and attractions you want to visit, you may find certain hotels and resorts are much more convenient.

You’ll need some good basic help with planning, and something that will give you an overview of the attractions, the entertainment, etc. We list the best guidebooks on our Disney Guidebooks page.

3. How long you’re staying.

You probably thought that was part of #1 above, didn’t you? But after you learn how much there is to do, you may re-think your plans. Our first visit to Walt Disney World was 4 days. We thought that would be plenty of time. Wrong! We had to skip a lot of things we really wanted to try.

If you want to visit all four theme parks and actually experience the majority of the attractions, parades and shows, you will need at least 5 full days! (Epcot can easily take 2 days all by itself, because in a sense it’s the equivalent of 2 theme parks: Future World and World Showcase).

If you would like to do the major attractions at the theme parks without racing around like a maniac, or you want to try some of the “extras,” like water parks or golf, allow more days. In fact, we think a one-week trip is optimum for a first-timer who wants to enjoy the full experience. Tickets are the most expensive part of most people’s Disney World vacations, and Disney has set up its ticket pricing to encourage trips longer than 4 days: 7-day tickets don’t cost that much more than 4-day tickets.

4. How you’re getting there.

For this, consult the Transportation page here on the site . If you will be flying to Florida, it is a good idea to start checking out airfares right away, and keep checking them. The fares fluctuate wildly and if you catch a good one, you’ll need to grab it quickly.

5. What kind of theme park tickets to buy.

Because Walt Disney World tickets are so expensive (you’ll probably spend more on tickets than you will on your hotel room) this is a critical decision. Look over your itinerary, get out your calculator, take a look at the prices and figure out which tickets make sense for your situation.

Once you’ve decided on what tickets to buy, check out the Ticket Discounts page here on MouseSavers.com to find the best deal on them.

6. Where you will be staying.

First you’ll have to decide whether to stay at an official Disney resort, or at a nearby “off-property” resort. This is a complex decision for many people, to say the least. Keep in mind that while we use the term “off-property” to describe the non-Disney hotels, many of them are quite close and some are actually physically located on Disney-owned land. They just aren’t owned and run by Disney.

Each of the official Disney resorts is unique and special, and the ability to leave the real world behind and experience the Disney magic 24/7 is part of the fun for many people. The Deluxe Disney resorts are especially stunning. When you stay at a Disney resort hotel, you get access to Early Theme Park Entry and some other perks. Staying at a Disney resort gives you direct access to the Disney buses, boats and monorails so you can take a break from driving. The Disney resorts have much larger pools and more recreation options than most off-site hotels.

If you are trying to save as much money as possible, an off-property resort is usually going to be the best value. Families of 5 or more usually find that off-property resorts are an especially good deal, because most of the 5-person options at Disney’s resorts are quite pricey. Good off-property hotels often have larger rooms with more amenities than the official Disney hotels (especially compared to the Value and Moderate resorts, which have standard rooms that feel a bit motel-like). A quality off-property hotel will have service at least as good as a Disney resort, and a “luxury” hotel like the Four Seasons Orlando  will typically have better service. If you stay off-property, you will probably want to  rent a car , which is an additional expense, but it is generally a faster and better way to get around than the Disney transportation system.

The bottom line is that you can have an excellent vacation staying either on or off property. We have done it both ways multiple times, and we can assure you there are no right or wrong answers. We recommend exploring both options and figuring the bottom-line price and what you get with each. If you can afford to stay more days with one option, we recommend going that way; we’ll always advocate for staying longer if you can swing it. If neither one jumps out as being obviously better for you and this is your “once in a lifetime” trip, we’d go with a Disney resort just to get the full experience. If you think you’ll come back, just pick one option at random; you can always try it the other way on your next visit.

• If you’re considering an on-site resort stay , first read our analysis of the basic differences and best values among the Disney resorts . We have lots of information here on MouseSavers.com about discounts at Disney’s resorts as well as discounts on Disney’s vacation packages . If you will be staying for 5 nights or more at a Disney resort, that’s a big investment and we hope you’ll seriously consider contacting a Disney Specialist travel agent . It costs you nothing to have someone else keep track of all the resort discounts and find you the best deal. They will even rebook your resort reservations if a better discount becomes available. We recommend an excellent Disney Specialist travel agent here on MouseSavers.com.
• If you’re considering non-Disney / off-site hotels — and they’re worth considering, especially if you are on a tight budget and/or have a family of 5 or more — we have visited over a hundred of them around Walt Disney World and picked the very best ones for the MouseSavers Preferred Hotels page. You can book them yourself via the special discount links on our website.

7. How you’re getting from the airport to your hotel (if you’re flying).

There are lots of options. Visit our Transportation page to learn how to save on your transportation to and from the airport.

That’s it!

Seriously, everything else is “gravy.” You can make reservations for your meals , book special events and do all kinds of other planning , but these are the basics. Enjoy your planning!

By the way, if you’re just starting to plan your Disney World vacation and wondering how you are going to afford it, be sure to read the page titled Ways to Save for Your Disney Vacation – a collection of tips and tricks to help you sock away the money for your next trip.

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation in 2024

Planning a Disney World vacation can be very overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In fact, it can be fun! When I planned our first family vacation to Florida, I had a lot to learn. And after the fact, I realized a lot of things I would have done differently.

So if you’re ready to plan your Walt Disney World vacation, this guide is for you! It will cover all the basics of planning your visit. Plus, I will be updating it regularly to reflect any new and exciting changes!

*This post may contain affiliate links.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy .

Planning a Disney World vacation in 2024? Be sure to  check out our guide  to all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer this year including the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the return of the Disney Dining Plan, and more!

1) Choose a Date

Depending on your circumstances, this could either be the easiest step… or the most difficult. Here are some things to consider before deciding on a date:

• Work/School Schedules – My husband and I both have jobs that make certain times of the year more difficult to travel. If you’re traveling with kids, school and/or sports schedules may also be a factor. **Tip: While it may seem smart to plan a Disney vacation during school breaks when your kids are already out of school, keep in mind that everyone else will probably be thinking the same idea. The parks will always be busier during school breaks and major holidays!
• Holidays – Speaking of holidays, Disney is known for going all out! So keep in mind that Disney strives to make the most out of each season. For example, the Halloween season typically begins early-mid September and lasts through October 31st. And Christmas decorations typically arrive by mid-November. So if you’re itching to take part in all of the Christmas festivities at Walt Disney World, your window of opportunity may be wider than you may think!
• Events – In recent years especially, Disney has made an effort to fill each and every season with some amazing events. Is there an event you really want to experience? Or perhaps events you wish to avoid due to higher crowds? When selecting dates for your vacation, be sure to check on possible events occurring throughout your visit.
• Budget/Travel Costs  – If you’ve ever purchased airline tickets during peak travel times, you will understand why this is on the list. I often check flight prices as well as hotel costs before settling down on specific dates.
• Weather – On our last vacation to Walt Disney World, we experienced everything from a 50-degree morning to an 80+ degree afternoon… all in the course of the first three days! And while this wasn’t typical weather for the month of January, it’s smart to pay attention to what the weather is typically like during your prospective vacation.

And if you are still having trouble narrowing down a specific date (or even if you already know when you want to go), be sure to visit our monthly guides below! They will give you an idea of what to expect each month in terms of crowds, weather, events, closures, and more!

January    |    February

March    |    april, may    |    june, july    |    august, september    |    october, november    |    december, 2) decide how long you want to stay.

This will ultimately depend on three factors:

• How much do you want to see and do? – Are you planning on visiting all four theme parks? Are there any other parks, water parks, or sites you want to see in Florida? Do you want to have a built-in “rest” day from the parks?
• How long can you get away from work/school? – Obviously, some of us will find it easier to get away than others. For example, we homeschool our daughters, so time away from school isn’t as much of a factor as it would be for others.
• How much do you want to spend?  – Needless to say, the longer your vacation is, the more it will cost. Your budget may be a huge contributing factor to the length of your vacation.

3) Decide On a Hotel and Book Your Room

To help you decide, be sure to check out our guides to the Disney Resorts:

Disney Value Resorts

Disney moderate resorts, disney deluxe resorts.

Disney has an excellent relationship with many of the neighboring hotels. So if you do decide to stay off-property, there are many options for all budgets. Just be sure to look into what they have to offer in terms of transportation and other Disney World perks as many do offer free bus service and other special amenities you wouldn’t want to miss out on!

Still can’t decide which hotel is right for you? Consider a split stay! Staying in more than one resort allows you to see more and possibly even save some money in the process. Want to stay at a Deluxe Resort but can’t afford it for the entire duration of the trip? Start off in a Value Resort and switch part-way through your vacation!

Disney even makes this super easy by transferring your luggage for you. On the morning of your resort transfer, take your luggage down to Bell Services and let them know you’re transferring resorts. Give them the name of your next resort, and head off to the parks for the day. Luggage is usually transferred in mid-afternoon and should be to your new resort around 5:00 PM. (Keep this in mind as you will not have access to your luggage until it’s transferred.)

4) Purchase Your Park Tickets

If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, it may be wise to add park tickets to your hotel stay when you book your room. Otherwise, this step could technically wait until a bit closer to your vacation. There are many different options when it comes to what type of tickets to purchase. You can add on a park hopper option to switch between theme parks in a single day, add water park days, purchase Genie+ , and even add on special event tickets.

**It is worth noting that currently, Disney requires a park reservation for each day you plan to go to the parks. Normally, you can wait to purchase your park tickets until a little closer to your vacation. But currently, you do need to have tickets purchased in order to make a reservation (which you definitely want to do sooner rather than later!) It is my recommendation to get your tickets early and make your reservations as soon as you can… especially if planning to visit during a peak season.

Disney park tickets can be purchased through the Walt Disney World website . Another option that we love is Undercover Tourist . This trusted third-party seller offers wholesale tickets at a discounted price. The tickets can be linked to your My Disney Experience app account and function exactly the same as tickets purchased from Disney.

5) Plan Your Days

With four theme parks, two water parks, and a large shopping district, there is definitely a lot to see and do during your vacation! Now, this doesn’t mean you have to do it all. Part of planning a Disney World vacation is knowing what you want to see and do when you get there! I also highly recommend including a rest day or two to spend at your hotel or visiting Disney Springs… especially if you have little ones.

• Choose which parks you want to visit.
• Decide how many days you want in each park.
• Build in rest days (optional, but highly recommended for longer vacations).
• Be strategic and map out what days you will be in each park.

It used to be that there were specific days that were better than others to visit the parks. This is still the case to some extent. For example, the weekends tend to be busier at Epcot and Hollywood Studios as locals tend to visit these parks more often than the others. (Hollywood Studios is the park with the newest attractions, and Epcot is a favorite spot for locals because of its dining options.)

There were also Early Magic Hours where only certain parks would be open early or late for Disney Resort guests on specific dates. This definitely made that particular park more crowded! With Early Magic Hours now a thing of the past, crowds are a bit more spread out… at least for the time being.

6) Plan Your Dining and Make Reservations

Planning your quick service meals can also be helpful. I did this on our last family trip to the parks, and it was so nice to have a plan! I was even able to time our FastPass+ reservations to be near our dining choices just before mealtimes. We saved a ton of walking this way!

Check out our guides to Disney World Dining:

Dining in Magic Kingdom

Dining in epcot, dining in hollywood studios, dining in animal kingdom, 7) map out your days in the park.

Here are some park attraction guides to get you started:

Attraction Guide for Magic Kingdom

Attraction guide for epcot, attraction guide for hollywood studios, attraction guide for animal kingdom, 8) add your final touches in planning your disney world vacation.

Remember when I said that planning your Walt Disney World vacation should be fun? This is hands-down the most fun part! Once you’ve booked your hotel, secured your dining reservations, and mapped out your days in the parks, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your vacation.

For my family, this meant planning our daily attire. We purchased much of our Disney attire before we left for the trip (and we saved quite a bit of money in the process.) We also bought new summer shoes, swimsuits, and other miscellaneous travel accessories such as fun things to do on the flight down to Florida.

Bonus: Things to Keep in Mind for Your 2024 Disney World Vacation

• Check out our guide to visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in 2024 . New attractions, updated nighttime spectaculars, and more are coming in 2023 along with the Disney100 Celebration!
• See what’s coming to the parks in 2024 ! Disney World is constantly adding new attractions and dining options, so be sure to check out what’s opening before your next Disney vacation!
• Check out our guide to Epcot’s Festivals . Throughout the year, Epcot holds four unique festivals featuring international cuisine, entertainment, specialty merchandise, and more!

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

How to Choose a Disney World Resort Hotel

All You Need to Know About the Disney World Moderate Resorts

The Complete Guide to Epcot Rides and Attractions 2024

Disneyland or Disney World: Which One Costs Less?

Disney Announces the Return of Disney Dining Plans for Vacations Beginning January 9, 2024!

Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2024: January 12 through February 19

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read More

About Cookies

Preferences, unclassified.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

21 Hacks for Visiting Disney World With Kids, According to Travel Experts

Whether you're traveling with toddlers, preschoolers or elementary-aged children, these insider tips will help you plan a stress-free trip with lifelong family memories.

Consider booking a hotel room with more space

Sleep is essential for kids (and parents!) while visiting Walt Disney World, so a suite or villa is a great option if you're worried about having the whole family share one sleeping area. Villas are located in the Deluxe Resort category (i.e., the most expensive hotels) and have full kitchens, living rooms and dining areas. Suites are available within all hotel categories (including Value Resorts, the least expensive).

If you're looking for the best bang for your buck, check out Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort (pictured here; it's a Deluxe Villa Resort with tons of kid-friendly amenities, but isn't located adjacent to any of the theme parks) or Disney's Art of Animation Resort (a Value Resort that has family suites with pull-down beds, a kitchenette and impeccable Disney theming throughout). If you're willing to splurge and want to be closer to the parks, I recommend villas at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort (near Magic Kingdom) or Disney's Beach Club Resort (near EPCOT).

RELATED: The Best Hotels at Walt Disney World

Don't feel like you must wait till kids are "old enough"

I get the appeal of wanting to wait until elementary school for the first visit because it's easier to travel, and they'll remember more. That being said, I first took my kids to Disney World when they were 6-months and 3-and-a-half-years old, and I am so happy that I did. My 6-month-old didn't require a paid ticket, and everything was pure magic to my 3-year-old. From a developmental standpoint , preschool-aged children typically don't understand the difference between fantasy and reality, so I got to experience the magic of believing through my daughter's eyes. And while they don't remember everything firsthand, they love looking at the photos from the trip.

Ask questions on PlanDisney.com

This Disney-owned question-and-answer forum provides advice from a panel of experienced Disney guests. Unlike social media groups where you'll get a wide range of answers to your questions, you can trust these responses to be accurate and up-to-date because each panelist has been selected by Disney. You can also browse answers to other questions that have been asked.

RELATED: Major Updates Are Coming to Disney

Be flexible with dates

...especially if you want to save money (on both park tickets and hotel rooms) while also avoiding crowds. Holiday school breaks are going to be the most expensive and busiest times to visit Walt Disney World. If your kids are young enough that they can easily miss a few days of school without added stress, it's worth prioritizing an off-peak travel time. Check out the Disney website for special offers on park tickets and hotels, which are sometimes available during off-peak times.

Determine how long to stay

It's no secret that park tickets are pricey, but keep in mind that the cost per day decreases as the length of your visit increases. The price varies based on dates, but a one-day theme park ticket can cost well over $100. However, the cost of going from a five-day park ticket to a six-day park ticket could be just around $20 extra.

Familiarize yourself with the My Disney Experience app

This do-it-all app is going to be your guide throughout the trip, so it's a good idea to get used to it before you go. Use it for everything from making dining reservations, checking attraction wait times and accessing your family's photos to getting directions within the parks and checking showtimes. When it comes to your Disney hotel, you can even open the door with the app and check bus times when heading to the parks.

Prioritize the right dining reservation

If you're staying at a Walt Disney World hotel, you can book dining reservations for your entire stay 60 days prior to your check-in date. That means you get early access for dates that are more than 60 days away, so try booking the hard-to-get restaurants towards the end of your trip. One of the most high-demand meals is the character breakfast at Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort (pictured here). Others include Space 220 at EPCOT and Cinderella's Royal Table at Magic Kingdom.

Find the unobstructed backgrounds for your photos

Though it can be tempting to take your family photos in front of the iconic backdrops right when you enter the parks, you'll find that it's nearly impossible to get a shot without a crowd in the background. Instead, look for the spots that Disney refers to as "hidden gems," including an overlook between Asia and Africa in Animal Kingdom for the Tree of Life (pictured here) and the bridges to Fantasyland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom for Cinderella Castle.

RELATED: How to Take the Best Photos at Disney World, According to Cast Members

Bring a stroller to the parks

Even if your kids are past the stroller phase, it'll make your visit so much easier. Not only will you be walking several miles each day, but it also allows you to have some extra storage space to carry the essentials. Most airlines allow you to check a stroller for free; just note that it needs to be collapsible if you plan to bring it on Disney transportation. If you prefer not to travel with a stroller or rent from a third-party platform, you can also rent one at the Walt Disney World parks.

Optimize Genie+

If you're willing to spend extra for Genie+ , Disney's service that lets you access Lightning Lanes (i.e., shorter lines for certain attractions), make sure you learn how to use it before you go. Some kid-favorite rides book up quickly and have consistently long wait times — like Remy's Ratatouille Adventure , Slinky Dog Dash and Peter Pan's Flight — so make sure to prioritize these attractions when you book your first Genie+ reservation of the day.

Stop by the Baby Care Centers

They're not just for babies. While they do have facilities that make traveling to Disney World with an infant easier (like changing tables and nursing rooms), they're also great for young kids. You can find a Baby Care Center in each of the four parks for when your toddler needs a break, and there are quieter restrooms (sometimes even with smaller toilets!) if the public restrooms feel too overwhelming.

Use the Rider Switch feature

If your child is too short or too scared for certain attractions, Disney offers a Rider Switch option so everyone else can ride without having to wait in line twice. And if you don't want to ride alone, you may bring one guest from the party on with you after you switch (e.g., if you have an older child going on the ride, they can ride with each parent while the other is supervising the younger one). Make sure to tell a Cast Member when you're in line that you'd like to use this feature.

Mobile order your food

Trust me on this one. Even if you're already in the dining location, ordering from your phone is going to save you a ton of time, especially during peak meal times. You can find mobile ordering at a handful of quick-service restaurants and snack kiosks throughout the parks. The menus have pictures of the food, and you can choose between ordering in real time or scheduling for a later pick-up.

If you've got early risers, take advantage of the morning hours in the parks. It's calmer with fewer crowds and the weather is cooler, which is especially helpful in the spring through fall. I personally prefer to prep outfits and pack our bag the night before so we can get to the park before it opens. Even if you don't plan to "rope drop" the most popular rides, you'll find lower wait times throughout the parks. Plus, there's a fun welcome show at Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom with favorite Disney characters right before the park opens.

Stay organized

It's hard to pack light when you're spending a day at the parks, and it can be difficult to find what you need in a fully-packed bag. Zippered mesh pouches like this one on Amazon have been a total game-changer for my family, separating out snacks, sunscreen , autograph books , accessories and more.

Save time for the playgrounds

Believe it or not, there are spaces at Disney World where kids can run free. Though it may feel like you want to stick with the can't-miss attractions, young kids will love the opportunity to let loose at these sites. Pictured here is The Boneyard at Disney's Animal Kingdom, a shaded complex of slides, bridges, climbing areas and a dig site. Other favorites include the circus-themed (and air-conditioned!) indoor playground in the Dumbo The Flying Elephant queue at Magic Kingdom and the Green Family Landing Play Zone at EPCOT.

Take advantage of Disney's (free!) PhotoPass Studios

This is one of my kids' favorite activities and, in my opinion, one of the most underrated experiences. There's no reservation required, and we've never had to wait in line, plus there's no cost for the session itself; the images are included in Disney's Memory Maker packages. Pictured here is the Royal Portrait Studio inside of Sir Mickey's at Magic Kingdom (right behind Cinderella Castle); it has plenty of props for kids to pose with. If you head to Disney Springs, check out the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs , which offers virtual backdrops, including scenes from theme parks or favorite movies.

Choose Entertainment Wisely

Walt Disney World offers a variety of daytime shows and parades along with nighttime spectaculars to pick from. If an evening show is on your wishlist, but you're worried about the late night with a young child, I recommend opting for Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It takes place in an outdoor theater so you get a seat, there's a concession area for snacks, and it's easy to exit at the end. It was also more engaging for my young kids than the fireworks at other Disney parks.

Don't overlook the kid-friendly hits

You've probably heard about a ton of "must-do" attractions at Walt Disney World — especially thrilling rides and nostalgic experiences — but some of the most memorable attractions for kids aren't talked about as much. Pictured here is the Affection Section at Disney's Animal Kingdom, where kids can interact with animals. Also check out Living With The Land at EPCOT , a boat ride through greenhouses that's filled with plenty of hidden Mickeys in plant form.

Research your favorite characters

One of the most common questions I get asked by first-timers with young kids is how they can meet characters from favorite movies and TV shows. The characters vary by park (and some even by day and time), so if there are any that your child is eager to meet, make sure to plan in advance. You can find the characters available for meet and greets at each park on the My Disney Experience app, as shown here for Magic Kingdom.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Travel

Are Vessi's Travel Sneakers Worth It?

Universal's Epic Universe Will Live Up to Its Name

The Best Mother-Daughter Trips to Take Together

13 U.S. Amusement Parks That Are Free to Enter

10 of America’s Best Water Parks

Romantic Weekend Getaways

11 Ways to Protect Yourself From Travel Scams

The Best Caribbean Resorts for Families

Best All-Inclusive Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

The Best Alaska Cruises

25 Fun Girls' Weekend Getaway Destinations

Walt Disney World Parks in Orlando Florida Complete Guide

P lanning a Disney World Vacation gets complicated for many because Walt Disney World isn’t just one place. In fact, covering over 40 sq. miles, the Disney World Parks combined is the size of San Francisco. Spanning 4 theme parks, two water parks, 30+ resorts, and a shopping center. As a result, unlike other vacations, this one is more than just buying tickets, booking a hotel and showing up. Luckily, we’re hear to break it down, so that you can understand the layout of Disney World Parks in Orlando Florida, and get a handle on how much time you need to cover it all. Consider this your complete guide to the theme parks in Disney World. 

We’re sharing the important rides, and restaurants in each park, so that you can make a plan to do all your favorite things on your next trip to the parks. As one of the major theme parks in Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World sees about 58 million people a year. With most vacationers planning between 7-10 days per visit, there is so much to do that you typically won’t get it all in. Therefore we always recommend a few tips to help you make the best decisions when it comes to planning your vacation. 

• Review the Disney World Event Calendar to check what events, and crowds may look like for the dates of your visit.  
• Decide How Many Days for Disney World you’d like to plan. While it’s a huge resort, how long you stay is up to you and based mostly on what you hope to do while you’re there. 
• If this feels overwhelming to you, consider using a Disney Travel Agent to help you create your best vacation. Authorized Disney Travel Planners offer their services for FREE and is a great resource, if you’ve never visited before. 

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

We’ve said it before, Disney theme parks in Orlando, Florida are multiple places that see millions of visitors a year. Luckily all these places are connected by complimentary Disney Transportation to help get you around Walt Disney World. Here are the places to visit on your trip. 

Theme Parks

Walt Disney World has four theme parks, each with their own theme, rides, restaurants, and shows. 

• Magic Kingdom Park : Home to Cinderella’s Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantasyland. Disney’s most popular park with over 25 attractions. 
• EPCOT Park : Walt Disney’s original concept for a community of tomorrow, EPCOT includes the World Showcase, Festivals, Spaceship Earth and areas honoring Nature, Technology, and Celebration. 
• Animal Kingdom Park : Home to over 2000 animals, Animal Kingdom includes animal habitat trails, animal shows, Pandora, and rides like Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris. 
• Hollywood Studios Park : Disney’s Original MGM Studios park, this park honors old Hollywood, Star Wars and Toy Story. Home to churros, light sabers and the Tower and Terror. 

Water Parks

The Water Parks at Disney World are typically open on opposite schedules throughout the year to allow for cleanings and refurbishments. The Water Parks at Disney require an additional ticket. 

• Typhoon Lagoon : This Disney Water Park is themed as a tropical oasis with a lazy river, surf pool and water slides. However, it’s been hit by a “typhoon”, causing a bit of chaos. 
• Blizzard Beach : Featuring a Santa Claus on vacation storyline, you can find “snow” at Blizzard Beach, a snow monster and even the snowgies from Frozen. 

Other Places at Disney World

These places at Disney are open to the public and do not require a park ticket to visit. 

• Disney Springs:  The shopping center at Disney Springs includes stores, restaurants, and live music. It’s also home to the Splitsville bowling alley, a Movie Theater and the Cirque de Soleil show. 
• Disney’s BoardWalk: The Boardwalk includes a variety of restaurants, beaches, and recreation. It’s also home to 3 Disney Resorts; Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. 

Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando is home to Cinderella’s Castle and opened in 1971. By far the most famous of the Walt Disney World parks, it is, however, also the smallest. Magic Kingdom includes Main Street U.S.A. inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri, and popular classic attractions like It’s a Small World, and Pirates of the Caribbean. This Park consists of six themed lands combining everything old, with everything new. Featuring classic rides like the Mad Hatter Tea Party in Fantasyland alongside the newer attractions like TRON LightCycle Power Run in Tomorrowland. Magic Kingdom has the most rides of any Walt Disney World Park and even though it’s the smallest will take the longest to get through get everything offered here.

Magic Kingdom Resorts

The Disney World Magic Kingdom theme park is near several resorts that get you close to the action. If you’re looking for hotels near Magic Kingdom, you have a couple of options. Easy transportation via the Monorail allows for easy access to and from the park from the Disney Monorail Resorts. These resorts include Disney’s Contemporary Resort , The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and the Polynesian Village Resort. 

You can also grab a boat from Magic Kingdom to the nearby Wilderness resorts. Both Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are a quick boat ride to the park, and offer a nature filled alternative to a typical Disney hotel experience. 

Magic Kingdom Restaurants

Magic Kingdom is filled with restaurants. Unfortunately, restaurants at Magic Kingdom are not usually the best, and we always recommend heading to the Monorail Resort restaurants instead. However, if you’re planning to stay in the park to eat, we suggest Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, and The Crystal Palace. Home to Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest , these are some of the hardest to get Disney Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World. They are also some of the most expensive, and we don’t feel they’re worth the cost. 

If you’re looking for something easy and cheaper, you can check out the Best Quick Service Restaurants at Magic Kingdom. Again, the theme park food at Magic Kingdom is not the best, so we try to stick to things that are simple. Pinocchio’s Village Haus has flatbreads, and Friar’s Nook has great potato barrel Bowls. 

Magic Kingdom Rides

Of all the parks, you most need Disney Genie+ for Magic Kingdom because there are so many rides. And waiting in line for rides throughout the day is near impossible when crowds are typically the worst at this park. Popular Rides at Magic Kingdom include the Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain . The newest ride at Magic Kingdom, TRON, requires a Lightning Lane or Virtual Queue Board Pass. Check out the Magic Kingdom Park Checklist for all the rides to plan for! 

Magic Kingdom Disney Characters

Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell, and Disney Princesses are all available to meet at Magic Kingdom. These Disney Character Meet and Greets don’t typically have the longest lines, but if they are a priority for you, be sure to plan for them! You can also catch Donald and Daisy, Winnie the Pooh and more Disney favorites in this park. Lines are lowest for characters in the morning and between 2-4 PM. Check out the list for where to find Disney Characters in Magic Kingdom. 

Magic Kingdom Shows and Parades

Magic Kingdom is famous for its Festival of Fantasy Parade and the fireworks show, Happily Ever After . Both are Disney Must Dos at Magic Kingdom, and you should plan for it! This means a 3pm parade in the park, and an 8 or 9pm Fireworks Show to stay for in the evening. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience App, for showtimes.

Magic Kingdom Events

Best known for it’s seasonal events, you can attend parties at Magic Kingdom and Disney After Hours events. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the fall and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in December are very popular and an excellent way to take advantage of rides with fewer guests in the park, exclusive snacks, and seasonal fun!  

EPCOT 

EPCOT combines the worlds of technology, nature, and culture, bringing life to Walt Disney’s original idea of an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. While his original idea included self-driving cars, solar-powered homes and an international marketplace, the current version of the park is changing with times. As a result, EPCOT is in the midst of several construction projects beginning to complete. Grounded in an overarching goal of creating four neighborhoods within EPCOT these themed areas further solidify the desired look and feel of each experiential land.

These four neighborhoods are World Celebration, acting as the central spine of the park, World Nature showcasing everything on the land and sea that makes up our human experience, World Discovery, featuring technology and space with a focus on innovation and World Showcase comprised of multiple countries sharing cultural experiences in each pavilion. From engineering your own vehicle at Test Track to strolling through nature in the Moana’s Journey of Water attraction, there are many things to explore in EPCOT.

EPCOT Area Resorts

Resorts near EPCOT Park can be found in the Disney Boardwalk Area. Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn are all within walking distance of the park. You can also find Disney Marriott Hotels in the EPCOT area, giving you even more options of places to stay. Disney’s Swan, Swan Reserve and Dolphin are also other hotels near EPCOT if you’re looking to stay close by. Other resorts included in this area are Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort, both accessible via the Disney Skyliner, with a station at the EPCOT International Gateway. 

EPCOT Restaurants

Restaurants at EPCOT combine a lot of different cuisines, as a result of the World Showcase. Home to signature dining experiences at Monsieur Paul and Le Cellier, you don’t have to spend a fortune for a good meal. We most like Via Napoli for the pizza, La Cantina de San Angel for the empanadas, and Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie for everything else. You can also see all the Disney Princesses at once for character dining at Akershus in Norway. Many of the restaurants here are good and you can find even more Quick Service Restaurants at EPCOT that are budget friendly. 

EPCOT Rides

Most known for Spaceship Earth at the entrance of the park, there are many popular rides in EPCOT worth riding. Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Soarin’ are favorites, and usually require a ride strategy or lightning lane pass if you’re hoping to stay out of long lines. Favorites like Test Track, and Living with the Land are also here. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is a thrill rollercoaster that brings back to the past, with fun music. It does require a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass to snag a place in line or a Lightning Lane Pass if you’re hoping for a shorter wait. Check out the EPCOT Park Checklist for details on all the rides. 

EPCOT Disney Characters

Characters in EPCOT include Snow White in Germany, Aurora and Belle in France, Mulan in China, and Donald Duck in Mexico, among other. With more characters than you realize be sure to check out the list of EPCOT characters to make sure you have your favorites on the list. 

EPCOT Shows and Parades

EPCOT doesn’t have parades, but they do have a nighttime spectacular called, Luminous . Luminous combines music, pyrotechnics and fireworks for a nightly show featuring familiar Disney music and a message about our shared humanity. You can see this show nightly, for a dazzling display on the World Showcase Lagoon. Truly an amazing fireworks show you can even see it from the beaches of the Boardwalk and nearby hotels. 

EPCOT Festivals

Walt Disney World hosts 4 festivals at EPCOT park annually. Each festival has it’s own theme, specialty foods, shows, performances and merchandise. Here are the festivals you can see every year at Epcot. First, the International Festival of the Arts happens from January through mid-February. Second, the Flower and Garden Festival takes place from March through mid-June. Third, you can visit the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival late July- November. And Fourth, the International Festival of Holidays in December. Check out all the details on each festival at EPCOT. 

Animal Kingdom 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom covers 500 acres of landscape comprised of six areas featuring unique cultures, wilderness, and over 2000 animals. The Oasis and Discovery Island features lush landscapes, shops, and the Tree of Life as the centerpiece of the park. Bringing the lands of Africa and Asia to the forefront, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers winding paths through the Maharajah Jungle Trek, and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. DinoLand U.S.A features the world of the past, while Pandora World of Avatar brings guests 4.4 million lightyears away. Here you’ll find Walt Disney World’s most popular ride, Avatar Flight of Passage.

Animal Kingdom Area Resorts

If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom, know that this area of the Disney World Parks, is somewhat remote. Still, there are 5 Disney Resorts in the Animal Kingdom Resorts Area. While none of them are within walking distance, and you can only travel to Animal Kingdom by Bus, here are the Animal Kingdom resorts to know. The Disney All-Stars Resorts ; including All Star Music, Movies and Sports are nearby. As are Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge . These resorts only offer Disney Bus transportation, but if you’re hoping to finding somewhere close to Animal Kingdom to stay, then it’s typically a 10-15 minute bus ride from these resorts. 

Animal Kingdom Restaurants

Offering a variety of unique cuisine, hailing from Africa, Asia and even Pandora, the food at Animal Kingdom is unique and flavorful. The Tusker House Restaurant offers character dining with Mickey and Friends in their Safari Gear, and Nomad Lounge serves some of the best drinks and appetizers to be had in the park. If you’re looking for the  Best Quick Service Restaurants at Animal Kingdom , then Satu’li Canteen offers delicious power bowls to keep you going through the day. Animal Kingdom is also great for specialties like dumplings at Mr. Kamals, and Pineapple Dole Whip Cake from Tamu Tamu. 

Animal Kingdom Rides

The most popular ride at Animal Kingdom is Pandora’s Flight of Passage . This flight simulator ride has consistently long waits, typically about 1-2 hours long. As a result this is an ideal ride to grab a Lightning Lane Pass for, or to rope drop as soon as the park opens. Due to Animal Kingdom’s shorter hours, there is less time to ride rides. However, there are a few main ones you should be sure to have on your Animal Kingdom Must do list. Kilimanjaro Safaris takes you across the savanna so you can see the animals and is a must see for many at the park. Expedition Everest gets you face to face with a Yeti, and Dinosaur is a must do for anyone eager to outrun a T-Rex, courtesy of a rickety old jeep. Get a full list of Animal Kingdom Rides in the Checklist. 

Animal Kingdom Disney Characters

Some of the most unique Disney characters can be found at Animal Kingdom Park. Moana, Pocahontas, Tarzan, Russell and Dug, and Kevin from UP! are all available for meet and greets throughout the year. Plus, you can also see Donald Duck, Launchpad McQuack and even meet Mickey and Minnie in their Adventurer outfits. Animal Kingdom characters can also be seen in flotilla boats sailing along the discovery River throughout the day. A fun treat if you’re not up for standing in line to see them close up. Check out all the Disney Characters at Animal Kingdom you can see on your next visit. 

Animal Kingdom Shows and Parades

Due to Animal Kingdom’s early closing, usually by 6pm there aren’t typically nighttime spectaculars , like the other parks. However, on nights when they are open later you can watch the Tree of Life Awakenings Show, which also offers a holiday version during December. Throughout the daytime hours, Animal Kingdom does not offer parades, but does include a steady stream of Disney Character Flotillas that sail Discovery River. Check the My Disney Experience App for showtimes. You can generally see up to 5 different character floats in a day. 

Animal Kingdom Events

Disney After Hours Events are sometimes offered at Animal Kingdom throughout the year on select dates. Giving guests the chance to see Pandora at Night, and take advantage of a nighttime safari on the savanna. You can check the Disney Website and the app for times when specialty events are available. Note, that they are in addition to your park ticket, so plan to budget extra if you’re hoping to snag a spot at a late night event. 

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has had many names over the years, but the focus of honoring cinema has stayed the same. Featuring some of Disney’s most popular film franchises like Toy Story, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and the Muppets, Hollywood Studios has rides and experiences perfect for both kids and adults. Home to popular rides like Slinky Dog Dash, Rise of the Resistance and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Hollywood Studios offers a variety of fun for everyone in the family.

Hollywood Studios Area Resorts

Nearer to EPCOT Park than you realize, and actually connected by a walking path from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios, the Hollywood Studios Resort Area includes the EPCOT resort area as well. As a result, all of the BoardWalk Resorts are within walking distance of Hollywood Studios. In addition, there are a few other resorts connected to Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner. These Skyliner Resorts include Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the Riviera Resort, Art of Animation and Pop Century. As Skyliner resorts guests staying at any of these 4 locations can take the skyliner to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. 

Hollywood Studios Restaurants

Dining at Hollywood Studios is much like it is at Magic Kingdom, somewhat sub-par. While Woody’s Lunch Box over in Toy Story Land is fantastic for a quick lunch, and the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge is wonderful for an upscale meal, other options inside the park are basic theme park fare. The exception my be the Ronto Wraps over at Ronto Roasters, which are a must-try Disney Snack. You can check out our Best Quick Service Restaurants at Hollywood Studios to make sure you’re only picking the best ones. 

Hollywood Studios Rides

Home to Rise of the Resistance , Mickeys Runaway Railway and Slinky Dog Dash , there are plenty of rides here that are popular and fun. Though lines do tend to be long, if you plan the busiest rides in the morning, you’ll be able to fit indoor rides, like Star Tours, and Toy Story Mania, in during the hot afternoon hours. And don’t overlook the shows; Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular , and Muppets 3-D are all fun additions to your Hollywood Studios Day. check out the List of Attractions at Hollywood Studios for everything to see and do while you’re there. 

Hollywood Studios Disney Characters

The main characters to see at Hollywood Studios include the Pixar Pals, Star Wars characters, and Woody, Buzz and Jessie in Toy Story Land. You can also see Mickey and Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams, if you’re looking for a Hollywood version of your favorite power couple.

Hollywood Studios Shows and Parades

While Hollywood Studios doesn’t typically have parades, you can sometimes see cavalcades, or motorcades throughout the park. You can also catch the Green Army Men and Stormtrooper March performances that are shown intermittently throughout the day. 

The main shows at Hollywood Studios are Fantasmic and Wonderful World of Animation. Fantasmic is show that takes place at the outdoor theater, complete with moat, pyrotechnics, fireworks, and storytelling as Mickey and the Disney Villains have a showdown. The Wonderful World of Animation show takes place on the facade of the Chinese Theater. Featuring memorable Disney scenes and songs, this is an honor to the animation of Disney.

Hollywood Studios Events

Events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios often include Disney After Hours, on select nights throughout the year. And during the holidays, you can catch Jollywood Nights , which is a holiday party after hours in parks. Both require additional tickets and get you access to the park after closing. 

Disney World Parks Guide

Hopefully this post has helped you get a handle on all the Disney World Parks to visit while you’re in Orlando Florida. If you looking for even more to do, be sure to check out the Disney Water Parks. In addition, visiting the Disney BoardWalk , and Disney Springs to your trip are also free and worth your time! 

Save money, experience more.

First-Hand Reports After Disney World Launched Disability Pass Changes Yesterday

The new changes to Disney's disability pass went into effect on May 20th at Walt Disney World and with it brought stricter rules to the eligibility criteria. DAS (Disability Access Service) is the program offered to qualifying guests with disabilities at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland to manage standard attraction queues.

Disneyland's changes to DAS go into effect on June 18th and many Disneyland guests will be looking to see how the program rollout is being handled at Walt Disney World.

We have been reading the first hand reports of guests applying for DAS after these new changes and are seeing many NEW changes in how the DAS approval process works along with alternative accommodations being offered. These are difficult topics to cover but we believe that they are critical to share here so that anyone considering the disability access pass has the background before their application. You can read more about these DAS policy changes here .

Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!

Disney Disability Pass Program Changes

The new changes to DAS go into effect at Disneyland on June 18th and are now in effect at Walt Disney World as of May 20th.

The language for this new criteria specifically states DAS is to “accommodate those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar disorder” that cannot manage standard attraction queues.

These changes are a result of the extensive overuse of the program along with rumored abuse from “unofficial Disney tour guide” groups that may have been taking advantage of the program for profit. The use of DAS has skyrocketed in the last four years which has resulted in long Lightning Lane queues which has negatively impacted the park experience for all guests.

👉Click here for ALL the details and reasoning behind the new DAS changes!

Attraction Queue Re-Entry Offered as DAS Alternative

One common scenario I have seen reported online is that many guests applying for DAS are being offered Attraction Queue Re-Entry as an alternative as opposed to DAS.

The Walt Disney World websit e has been updated with the details on how Attraction Queue Re-Entry will work:

How to Use Queue Re-entry

Speak to a Cast member at the location for directions on how to re-enter the queue.

• A Cast Member will provide details about how to exit the queue and how to navigate back to your party.
• While the Guest who must leave the line is briefly away, the rest of the party will remain in line.
• The Guest reunites with their party to ride the attraction.

The website states that each ride location will have a defined process to  support this option based on a person’s disability while the rest of the party remains in line.” Queue Re-Entry is being described as a solution for guests that need to suddenly leave the attraction queue.

Guests are also being directed to use Rider Switch as an alternative. To use Rider Switch, guests simply tell the Cast Member that you want to use Rider Switch and you will be divided into two parties. Group one will board first and group two will wait until they are done, then group two enter the Lightning Lane to ride the attraction. The person that is applying for DAS is being recommended to be that person to wait in alternative location while the rest of their party waits in the standard queue until it is their turn to ride using the Lightning Lane.

With that context in mind, let's look at some reports at how these alternative accommodations are being heavily pushed as a replacement for DAS for many guests that are applying since the changes have taken effect.

Multiple DAS Applicants Receiving Denials

The first wave of first-hand reports we're reading so far is a high number of guests reporting denials for DAS with many guests being repeat users.

On a popular Walt Disney World Reddit group , we read multiple reports of guests being denied for DAS. Reddit user AlternativeAnt7677 posted their experience applying under the new program which resulted in a denial:

“For the record, I have qualified for DAS for years. I got started with the DAS process bright and early this morning to see exactly how it worked, and while I hoped the wording on the first post was just poor, I could not be more wrong.

I have a tissue disorder that affects muscle tone globally. Without going into too much detail, my heart overcompensates its pulse when exposed to certain triggers like prolonged heat and exertion, causing pain across my body. My doctor has directed for me to recognize the beginnings of these attacks and find a cold place to sit to return to stability.

The representative told me to use ice packs and cooling towels as well as bring a wheelchair into the queue. The towels I can understand, but for someone with muscle issues, carrying around a wheelchair all day when I often visit alone is more likely to accelerate my attacks than prevent them.”

She also brought up the queue reentry system, which, as others have said, seems more complicated than anything. I asked if this is the same solution for conditions like ADHD (which I have), with triggers like sensory overload around crowds. The solution to this was acquiring noise-canceling headphones — for purchase, of course, so not an accommodation by definition — within the park. Other sensory concerns were not addressed.

One interesting change in this user's experience is that Disney is likely working from a tool kit of other accommodations to recommend rather than DAS being the first go to option. So recommending noise-canceling headphones and icepacks to mitigate concerns rather than DAS. The Reddit user followed up in reply stating that the Cast Member told them that “Disney is also offering noise-canceling headphones available for purchase” as an alternative accommodation.

This post generated a number of replies including other users sharing their own denial under the new criteria like Reddit user Hoover889 who shared, “I have terminal stage 4 cancer, and the chemo causes me horrible IBS symptoms. They recommended that I use the queue reentry system, but I go there alone.”

It wasn't all denials though on this particular Reddit group. A few commenters mentioned they were approved but didn't elaborate on their medical scenarios which I personally think is wise to avoid encouraging abuse. Anyone looking to abuse the program could read these threads for ideas so I applaud those that are keeping their reasons for approval private and we will follow that same line of integrity in our coverage.

On other Disney message board websites like Disboards and WDWMAGIC Forums, other users recounted their experiences.

Over on WDWMagic Forums , user sylasink shared their experience being denied under the new system:

“Well, it's official… I was just denied my DAS. I am a Cast Member and Disney has proof of my disabilities, and they provide me accommodation while I work, but apparently the new system is so restrictive that I do not qualify for accommodations while I come in on my days off. I have POTS, Hashimoto's, a very severe skin condition, and autism. They determined that I can wait in line or that I can utilize the “return to queue” feature.”

So we're seeing a similar trend here, guests are being directed to use the Attraction Queue Re-Entry feature as the most common alternative to DAS.

User Kari2684 on Disboards shared their experience being approved after the new rule changes as a solo traveler:

“I was approved for 120 days- again, I have an AP. I am not on the autism spectrum. I explained why I could not wait in the typical queue. I was told this approval was for me only. If anyone joins me, we would need to utilize the rider swap or return to queue option. I don’t know if this is another “level” of accommodations with a sort of partial approval. I really don’t know what this will look like when a friend joins me. I suppose that’s going to be a “we’ll see how this works” moment.”

This experience provides some insight on how this push towards Queue Re-Entry as an alternative to DAS will work with solo travelers. It seems that DAS may be granted if eligible in some cases unless the party size is two or more then they will be redirected to use these alternative accommodations. This would also likely work in a similar way for parents traveling along with children that cannot wait in the queue alone. This makes sense as Attraction Queue Re-Entry or Rider Swap does not work for solo travelers or those with children unable to be left unattended.

Other DAS Changes to Crack Down on Abuse

I also read some scattered reports that if guests try to change their party size they may be required to reapply for DAS, especially for those that have been approved prior to the new changes going into effect. This is likely in response to the abuse that was taking place with larger than average party sizes and the “unofficial Disney tour guides” that were essentially using their DAS approval for profit. Currently, the new changes state that party sizes are limited to three immediate family members in addition to the DAS user.

There are also now changes to how DAS usage works in the parks. Guests using DAS currently in Walt Disney World can only select a new return time 10 minutes after they redeem a selection. This makes sense since DAS is meant to replicate the experience of a person physically waiting in line.

Keep in mind that all these reports are from the FIRST DAY of this new rollout. Emotions and tensions are running high right now and we most likely will read more about denials than approvals. Disney has continued to reiterate that these conversations are all still on a needs basis, not on a diagnosis. It could be Disney is also hoping news of this crackdown on DAS spreads fast with the new rollout to discourage future scammers.

👉Read about the surprising new language on class action lawsuits in Disney's DAS terms!

Plan Your Disney Vacation Today!

For the best resource and helpful information for planning your Disney trip, make sure to subscribe to our  FREE Deals newsletter​ . We’ll provide you with helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest-priced Disney tickets anywhere.

Related Posts

Disney is Planning Massive Expansion of Their Theme Parks, These 15 Movies Should Definitely Be Represented

NEW World of Color Water Short Debuting Celebrating New Pixar Inside Out 2 Movie

Best Airport For Disneyland Getting Dozens of New Food Options Including Disney Favorite Chain

New Disneyland Security Entrance and Plaza Now Open

Hollywood Studios Rides Guide 2024 – Ride Reviews, Must-Knows, Bonus Tips

This Other Disneyland Discount Is Better Than Disney Visa Cardmember Deal Just Released

Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and Disney Dose- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Visit Anaheim, Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.

Planning a Disney Vacation? Get Exclusive Discounts + Free Bonuses

In addition to exclusive discounts for Mickey Visit subscribers, get our free planning printable and guide to make your life SO much easier.

2 comments add your comment

Autism here, and you pretty much just guaranteed I won’t be visiting Disney again. You made these changes because people exploited the system and wanted to stop those people. That I understand.

But when your solution makes things harder on disabled people, you’ve shown your priority is corporate greed. You absolutely must allow one person to be designated an assistant/aid to the disabled person. That would still shut down “groups” taking advantage.

It’s not just a matter of waiting outside of the queue, but where you wait as well. Last time I was there, I needed a “quiet” area to wait in or I would have had to leave the park, and the staff suggested areas that were still loud and triggered sensory overload. I had to find an area that was quiet that was not in their list of suggestions. Having the choice to wait in a place of my choosing and come back at a designated time WITH my aid was the only reason it worked.

How exactly do you plan to coordinate having an aid/assistant wait in the normal line and allow the disabled person to wait in an area that is actually compatible? You’re thinking like corporate bean counters who view people as nothing but statistics on a chart. One Size Does NOT Fit All.

I’ll also add, you could consider accepting the IBCCES Accessibility Card like other Amusement Parks do, which does require a doctor’s note to get. People could still fall through the cracks, but as long as it’s an optional form of “proof” it would help people with lifelong disabilities.

I was denied yesterday. Before my conversation I had to say that I would not file a lawsuit. I was told about line reentry. I stated that I also use A wheelchair and that my husband pushes me. If we We leave the line together, how will they know. Where we reenter? She couldn’t answer that and said it would be determined at each individual ride. I don’t know why a doctors note would not be accepted. We may have to rethink getting annual passes as our enjoyment of the parks will be seriously diminished.

Leave a Comment Cancel

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Previous Post: 8 Best Disneyland Park Rides You CANNOT Skip During Your Vist

Next Post: NEW Movie Inspired by Disney’s Highly Exclusive Club 33 in the Works—See Plot, Details!

Exclusive Discounts + BREAKING NEWS

Join our newsletter of 100,000+ readers for discounts, planning tips, and breaking news about Walt Disney World and Disneyland. "Essential for planning your trip!" -Helen from Portland, Oregon

Disney Eats

Disney Eats: Pride Month Foodie Guide 2024 

by Nicole Cantore , Digital Integration Specialist, Global Food & Beverage

June kicks off the start of Pride Month and all month long you’ll be able to treat yourself to tasty bites and sips across both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort . The culinary teams have been hard at work, creating mouthwatering delights that you definitely will want to try.  

This year, there are several new and returning favorites to taste. The new Pride Mousse Dome available at select Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort and Rainbow Love Mousse Bar from Amorette’s Patisserie will make you and your taste buds happy. And back again this year, the Rainbow Mickey Cereal Treat at Disneyland Resort and Pride Liege Waffle at EPCOT are beautiful and delicious.  

Should we get to the tasty treats coming to Disney Parks this June? I think so! Let’s jump into this year’s Pride Month Foodie Guide.  

Walt Disney World Resort   

Disney’s hollywood studios   .

PizzeRizzo and The Trolley Car Café (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available at PizzeRizzo only)   

• Pride Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake filled with rainbow sprinkles and berry marmalade topped with red berry buttercream, rainbow sprinkles, rainbow glitter, and a chocolate Mickey pride coin 

Magic Kingdom Park   

The Lunching Pad (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available)   

Main Street Bakery (Available June 1 through 30)   

• Pride Mousse Dome: Dark chocolate and strawberry mousse, flourless chocolate cake, and rainbow glaçage (New)  

EPCOT   

Connections Cafe and Connections Eatery (Available June 1 through 30)   

• Pride Liege Waffle: Brioche dough with colorful icing 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park   

Creature Comforts (Available May 30 through June 30)  

• Pride Mousse Dome: Lemon chiffon cake, raspberry lemonade mousse, white chocolate glaze, and rainbow sprinkles (New)   

Disney Resort Hotels   

Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort   

Beach Club Marketplace and The Market at Ale & Compass (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available)   

Disney’s BoardWalk   

BoardWalk Deli (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available)   

• Pride Cinnamon Roll: Classic Mickey cinnamon roll with rainbow icing  

Available at Multiple Disney Resort Hotel Locations (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available)  

• World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort  
• Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort 
• End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort 
• Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort  
• Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 
• Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 
• Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort 
• Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside  
• Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Disney Springs   

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available)   

• Rainbow Love Mousse Bar: Orange dream mousse with crispy cereal crunch and orange passion curd (New)   

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available June 1 through June 30)  

• Pride-themed Jumbo Squeeze Bottles: 22-ounce Pride-themed jumbo squeeze bottles available for purchase with the Shine on Tap (Refills available)  

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew (Available June 1 through June 30)  

• Rainbow Donut topped with rainbow sprinkles and a rainbow sour belt 

Vivoli il Gelato (Available June 1 through July 31)  

• Cake Batter Cannoli: Cannoli with sweet cream and cake batter ricotta topped with rainbow sprinkles 

Disneyland Resort   

Disneyland park   .

Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available)   

• Pride Cookie: Shortbread cookie dipped in white chocolate sprinkled with nonpareils 

Disney California Adventure Park   

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe (Available June 1 through 30)   

Hollywood Lounge (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available)   

• Strawberry Vodka Cocktail: Vodka, strawberry purée and soda water topped with a rainbow candy belt (New)   

Novelties Available Throughout Disneyland Resort (Available starting June 1)   

• Disneyland park: Churros near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Churros near Haunted Mansion, Churros near Sleeping Beauty Castle, Churros near Town Square, Critter Country Fruit Cart, Churros & Lemonade in Critter Country, Lemonade at small world Promenade, Main Street Fruit Cart, Popcorn near Haunted Mansion, Popcorn near Mark Twain Riverboat, Pretzels near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Ship to Shore Marketplace, Troubadour Tavern 
• Disney California Adventure park: Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Corn Dog Castle, Paradise Garden Grill  
• Disneyland park: Alien Pizza Planet, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Golden Horseshoe, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Plaza Inn, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, Red Rose Taverne, Stage Door Cafe 
• Disney California Adventure park: Aunt Cass Café, Award Wieners, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Cappuccino Cart, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Corn Dog Castle, Hollywood Lounge, Paradise Garden Grill, Smokejumpers Grill, Studio Catering Co. 

• Disneyland park: Alien Pizza Planet, Fantasyland Fruit Cart, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Lemonade at small world Promenade, Plaza Inn, Red Rose Taverne 
• Disney California Adventure park: Aunt Cass Café, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Corn Dog Castle, Paradise Garden Grill 
• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: GCH Craftsman Grill  
• Disneyland park: Alien Pizza Planet, Golden Horseshoe, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Red Rose Taverne, Stage Door Cafe  
• Disney California Adventure park: Aunt Cass Café, Award Wieners, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Corn Dog Castle, Schmoozies!, Select Outdoor Vending Locations 
• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: GCH Craftsman Grill 

Downtown Disney District   

Naples Ristorante e Bar (Available June 1 through 30)  

• Pride N’ Candy Cannoli: Cannoli shells filled with ricotta cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, rainbow candy chips, and cotton candy flavoring 

Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available June 1 through 30)  

• Sunset Serenade: Pineapple, Aperol, soda water, gin, and elderflower syrup 

Wetzel’s Pretzels (Available June 1 through 30)   

• Pride LED Tumbler 

Available at Various Candy Locations Around Disneyland Resort Including Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, and Trolley Treats (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available)  

• Rainbow Mickey Apple: Granny smith apple dipped in caramel and milk chocolate decorated with two marshmallow ears, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple sanding sugars and white M&M’S chocolate candies (New)   
• Rainbow Mickey Cereal Treat: Mickey-shaped cereal treat dipped in white chocolate and decorated with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple sanding sugars 

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite (SOLD OUT)  

For those of you who already have your tickets for the Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite on June 18 and 20, there’s some additional treats to indulge in. Throughout the night, enjoy sweet bites like the Cereal Funnel Cake from Stage Door Café or the Red Balloon Mickey Cookie from Candy Palace Candy Kitchen . Looking for a refreshingly delicious sip? The Peach Tea at Refreshment Corner is a must! For a savory dish, the Loaded Corn Dog at Little Red Wagon is sure to satisfy. And for those interested in a combination of salty and sweet, the Popcorn with Freeze-dried SKITTLES at Popcorn near Haunted Mansion is for you. For extra tasty fun, you can reserve a spot for the Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite Specialty Dining Package at Plaza Inn where you can enjoy a delicious chicken and waffles dinner with reserved viewing for the Welcome Pride Cavalcade. These are just a taste, and there are even more items to try at the event this year! 

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa   

Hearthstone Lounge (Available June 18 and 20 from 4 p.m. to midnight; reservations highly recommended, walk-ins will be limited)  

• Hearthstone Lounge Reception: On the Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite evenings, anyone is welcomed to gather for a special reception at Hearthstone Lounge, with a themed photo op, upbeat music and specialty beverages like the XOBC Cellars Proud Sparkling Rosé, the Ketel Watermelon Vodka Cocktail, and the Elderflower Gin Fizz, which is also available at Napa Rose along with the XOBC Cellars Proud Sparkling Rosé. You can also enjoy the recently launched menu, including Truffle Mac and Portobello Mushroom Risotto, as well as a premium whiskey library. 

I sure am hungry now and can’t wait to try these limited-time items for Pride Month. With so much fun to be had at Disney Parks, the foodie adventures are limitless! 

Want to stay up to date on all the tasty tidbits? Check out our Disney Eats topics page and be sure to follow us @DisneyEats on Instagram and Facebook.  

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)   

Topics: Disney Eats , Foodie Guides

After the past two years with dozens of offerings all around the Walt Disney World property, I am very disappointed in what I see this year. Not only has the food been scaled back I see no mention of Pride walls in the parks or at Disney Springs and in the Pride merchandise collection we did not get a Pride Minnie Mouse plushie. I did not expect Disney to pull back from our community this year when we needed you to step up more, especially in light of other companies like Target abandoning us.

Why the cake straw clip but no cake again? 😭 We miss the actual cake sooooo much.

Other Stories by

by Nicole Cantore , Digital Integration Specialist, Global Food & Beverage

Disney Eats: Disney Lookout Cay Foodie Guide for Disney Cruise Line

Disney eats: mother’s day foodie guide 2024  , sign up to get interesting news and updates delivered to your inbox from the disney parks blog.

By submitting this form, you are granting Disney Parks Blog permission to email you. You can revoke permission to mail your email address at any time using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email. We take your privacy seriously. For more information on our data collection and use practices, please read our Privacy Policy .

By providing my email address I'd like to receive updates, special offers, and other information via electronic messages and postal mail from Disney Destinations, LLC and other members of The Walt Disney Family of Companies.

You can withdraw your consent for these messages at any time. For more information on our data collection and use practices, and managing your preferences, please read our privacy policy .

167 episodes

Sharing Disneyland planning tips, park history, the storytelling behind Disney attractions and my latest Disney adventures!

Mix In Some Magic: Your Guide To Disneyland Planning & Fun‪!‬ Melissa Hamblin

• Society & Culture
• 4.8 • 153 Ratings
• MAY 31, 2024

The Best And Worst Bathrooms At Disneyland

On this episode of Mix In Some Magic I'm talking about the best and worst bathrooms at the Disneyland Resort! I polled my Instagram community and the results are in! Did your favorite bathroom make the cut? I also talk about Disneyland's huge ticket sale that's going on now! Become A Patreon Member(Add Free Listening. Disney Book Club Included With Membership!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/MixInSomeMagic?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click the link for the Disney deals, or call my travel partners at Get Away Today at 855- GET-AWAY and tell them Mix In Some Magic sent you for the best rates!: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.getawaytoday.com/?referrerid=7842⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mix In Some Magic Touring Plans: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mixinsomemagic.com/downloadable-touring-plans/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Newsletter!: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://view.flodesk.com/pages/644ad3a7c7c6125acedc57ba⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mix In Some Magic Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mixinsomemagic.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out my social media for Disney tips and fun! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pinterest.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mixinsomemagic/message

• MAY 24, 2024

After Hours Events At Disneyland! Are They Worth The Money?

On this episode of Mix In Some Magic, i'm talking about my experience at Star Wars Nite at Disneyland! I skipped all the Star Wars stuff and just focused on rides to see how many I could get done! Here's my full report! Become A Patreon Member(Add Free Listening. Disney Book Club Included With Membership!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/MixInSomeMagic?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click the link for the Disney deals, or call my travel partners at Get Away Today at 855- GET-AWAY and tell them Mix In Some Magic sent you for the best rates!: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.getawaytoday.com/?referrerid=7842⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discount link for after hours events at Disney World: https://www.getawaytoday.com/disney-after-hours?referrerid=7842 Mix In Some Magic Touring Plans: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mixinsomemagic.com/downloadable-touring-plans/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Newsletter!: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://view.flodesk.com/pages/644ad3a7c7c6125acedc57ba⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mix In Some Magic Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mixinsomemagic.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out my social media for Disney tips and fun! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pinterest.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mixinsomemagic/message

• MAY 17, 2024

Disneyland Trip Recap! Pixar Fest & Utah Disney Trip!

On this episode I'm recapping my latest visit to Disneyland! I got to check out Pixar Fest and we had our Utah Disney Crew event at the Disneyland Resort! I'm sharing all the details, including my favorite food from Pixar fest! I also talk about the hidden Pizza Planet trucks around the resort. Grab a link to my printable so you can find them all! Become A Patreon Member(Add Free Listening. Disney Book Club Included With Membership!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/MixInSomeMagic?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Just Meats Co: ⁠⁠⁠https://get.aspr.app/SHZMh Use code JUSTMELISSAH for $20 off your purchase! Anaheim Majestic Discount Rates: https://www.getawaytoday.com/hotels/disneyland-resort/the-anaheim-majestic-garden-hotel?referrerid=7842 Cambria Hotel Discounted Rates: https://www.getawaytoday.com/hotels/disneyland-resort/cambria-hotel-and-suites-anaheim-resort/?referrerid=7842 Pixar Fest And Pizza Planet Trucks Printable: https://mixinsomemagic.com/pixar-fest-at-disneyland-resort/ Click the links for the Disney deals, or call my travel partners at Get Away Today at 855- GET-AWAY and tell them Mix In Some Magic sent you for the best rates!: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.getawaytoday.com/?referrerid=7842⁠⁠⁠ Mix In Some Magic Touring Plans: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mixinsomemagic.com/downloadable-touring-plans/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Newsletter!: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://view.flodesk.com/pages/644ad3a7c7c6125acedc57ba⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mix In Some Magic Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mixinsomemagic.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out my social media for Disney tips and fun! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pinterest.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mixinsomemagic/message

• MAY 10, 2024

How To Maximize Your Time At Disneyland

Are you ready to maximize your time at Disneyland? Disneyland is like the ultimate in theme park magic. It offers a ton of experiences and attractions. But it can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Whether you're planning a once in a lifetime trip or you're a regular guests looking to squeeze every drop of fun out of your visit. This episode is for you. We're going to talk about tips, insider secrets. Strategic planning advice all to ensure that you have the best time of the happiest place on earth. From navigating crowds to optimizing ride, wait times. I've got you covered with everything you need to know to unlock the full potential of your Disneyland vacation. Join Audible: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audibletrial.com/mixinsomemagicDiscount Click the links for the Disney deals, or call my travel partners at Get Away Today at 855- GET-AWAY and tell them Mix In Some Magic sent you for the best rates!: ⁠⁠https://www.getawaytoday.com/?referrerid=7842⁠⁠ Mix In Some Magic Touring Plans: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mixinsomemagic.com/downloadable-touring-plans/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Genie Plus Episode: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/pTFHwPanmJb Join My Newsletter!: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://view.flodesk.com/pages/644ad3a7c7c6125acedc57ba⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mix In Some Magic Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mixinsomemagic.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out my social media for Disney tips and fun! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pinterest.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mixinsomemagic/message

• MAY 4, 2024

Worst Day At Disneyland

What if you were asked to plan a day at Disneyland for your worst enemy. What would you have them do? Paddle the canoes? Eat a turkey leg? Ride the teacups 10 times in a row? On this episode, I'm joined by my cousin Mandy and we're playing a little game. We're pretending that we're planning a Disneyland trip for our worst enemy! We're having them do all the wrong things so they'll have a terrible time. :). Of course this is all in good fun and we would never really do this! But, it was fun to think about! Become A Patreon Member(Add Free Listening. Disney Book Club Included With Membership!): ⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/MixInSomeMagic?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink⁠⁠⁠ Just Meats Co: ⁠https://get.aspr.app/SHZMh⁠ Use code JUSTMELISSAH for $20 off your purchase! Click the links for the Disney deals, or call my travel partners at Get Away Today at 855- GET-AWAY and tell them Mix In Some Magic sent you for the best rates!: ⁠https://www.getawaytoday.com/?referrerid=7842⁠ Mix In Some Magic Touring Plans: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mixinsomemagic.com/downloadable-touring-plans/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Newsletter!: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://view.flodesk.com/pages/644ad3a7c7c6125acedc57ba⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mix In Some Magic Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mixinsomemagic.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out my social media for Disney tips and fun! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pinterest.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mixinsomemagic/message

• APR 26, 2024

Tips For Visiting Disneyland In The Summer!

On this episode I'm talking about visiting Disneyland in the summer! Is it worth it? Is it more crowded? Is it hot? What about Grad Nites at Disneyland? How about the new Pixar Fest? We're covering everything you need to know! Become A Patreon Member(Add Free Listening. Disney Book Club Included With Membership!): ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/MixInSomeMagic?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink⁠⁠ Just Meats Co: https://get.aspr.app/SHZMh Use code JUSTMELISSAH for $20 off your purchase! Hotel Links: Best hotels with bunk beds near Disneyland: https://mixinsomemagic.com/best-disneyland-hotels-with-bunk-beds/ My favorite hotels near Disneyland: https://mixinsomemagic.com/best-hotels-near-disneyland-resort-in-anaheim/ Cheapest Hotels Near Disneyland: https://mixinsomemagic.com/11-of-the-cheapest-hotels-near-disneyland/ Hotels Within Walking Distance: https://mixinsomemagic.com/best-hotels-near-disneyland-on-harbor-blvd/ Click the links for the Disney deals, or call my travel partners at Get Away Today at 855- GET-AWAY and tell them Mix In Some Magic sent you for the best rates!: https://www.getawaytoday.com/?referrerid=7842 Mix In Some Magic Touring Plans: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mixinsomemagic.com/downloadable-touring-plans/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Newsletter!: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://view.flodesk.com/pages/644ad3a7c7c6125acedc57ba⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mix In Some Magic Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mixinsomemagic.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out my social media for Disney tips and fun! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/mixinsomemagic⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mixinsomemagic/message

• © Melissa Hamblin

Customer Reviews

153 Ratings

Mix In Some Magic really cares!

Melissa is an all around Disney expert! The difference between her and most is that she really cares. Melissa is the hardest working Disney expert out there, and will really make your trips so much better and more enjoyable. Enjoy her down to earth, funny outlook on everything, and you will learn a lot along the way.

So helpful!

Podcast is so helpful for planning a Disney vacation and I saved $200, thanks!

Great Disneyland Content.

Melissa has a great way of sharing her Disneyland knowledge. Her knowledge is short, sweet, and to the point. Keep up the great work!

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

You might also like.