disney world travel journal

100+ free downloads for your Disney World binder

By: Author Shannon Albert

Published: May 13, 2020 Updated: September 8, 2023

No destination is quite as difficult (or as fun) to plan as Disney World. That’s why it can be very helpful to have a planning binder full of info and printables to keep you organized.

And now with nearly every guest traveling with smartphones, there’s more ways than ever to keep all that important Disney info at your fingertips.

Below, we cover all the important things you should consider for your own Disney World binder and links to downloads that you can use to create your own.

Let’s get started…

In this article

Disney World Binder

First things first – are you a paper or digital kind of person?

Most people are a mixture of both when it comes to something big like vacation planning. In all likelihood you’ll fall into this category, too.

Let’s start with setting up a system for paper:

Step 1: Get organized

To get started, you’ll need a binder and at least 8 tabs.

The 8 tabs are labeled:

• General Info
• Magic Kingdom
• Hollywood Studios
• Animal Kingdom
• Everything Else

Customize it

The company that we used to order our original binder and tabs is no longer available.

However, Disney’s Zazzle store also has hundreds of cute binders that can even be personalized (and they cost about 1/4 of what our original one cost). 

To get a Zazzle Disney World binder that feels a lot like the one photographed above does, we recommend doing these things:

• Order the 2 inch option
• Choose black for the inside color if it coordinates with the design better than white
• Customize it, including uploading an image that can be used on the front cover 

Note : Zazzle won’t allow you to use the phrase “Disney World” on your design anymore, but we’d suggest “WDW” along with some other text (such as “WDW trip”) as an alternative that they will allow.

Easy customization ideas

You can use the Zazzle binders “as is” but for even more fun, you can customize them a bit by adding labels.

You can find all sorts of free “labels” to add on the internet, but here are a few of our favorites.

To use, download the images below by right-clicking and choosing “save image as”.

Then, when you’re customizing in Zazzle you can simply upload them there to add to your masterpiece.

There are literally hundreds of combinations for you to choose from.

Note: If items are purchased by clicking on one of the Zazzle links above, Zazzle will send me a referral fee.

Have an empty binder at home?

You can customize that, too.

Websites like Canva.com make it easy to create customized covers for binders. They have tons of templates and free fonts and clipart options.

Plus, just like with Zazzle, you can upload your own images and clipart to use.

The company that we originally used for customized tabs is no longer around, but any tabs will do.

If you want a more customized look, you can even purchase tabs that you can print on at home, like these dividers on Amazon (this is an affiliate link):

Creating a digital Disney World binder

As we mentioned above, there will likely be some people that prefer a digital version of a planning binder. OR, if you’re like us, prefer to have some things in paper and some digitally .

But just like with a physical binder, you’ll want to keep all your details organized.

There’s lots of popular apps that can help you do that.

We highly recommend you use something that you can access both on a computer and on a phone .

2 of the easiest-to-use ones that we’ve found for planning are Trello and Evernote.

Both are simple to use even if you’ve never tried them before.

Watch the video for details on how to use Evernote to create a digital binder.

Tip: If you prefer to go all digital, we still recommend that you consider back-up copies for important travel documents (like reservations) and that you store digital copies of important information on your device and NOT just in a cloud-based server. That way you’ll have the most important stuff if your device battery dies OR if you don’t have cellular access for some reason.

Now that you’ve got that stuff set up, let’s get started building!

Take a look at each section below for ideas on what to put in your Disney World binder…

Tab 1: General Info Downloads

Since this section covers a lot of stuff, the general information tab will likely be one of the largest of your entire binder.

Things to include:

• Yearly or monthly blank calendars
• Park hours and crowd calendars (with recommended parks)

Transportation information

• Flight information (including airport maps)
• Daily itinerary
• WDW Resort area maps

Blank Calendar

Our favorite place to start is with a blank calendar since it can be very handy when you’re trying to figure out the best dates to travel. 

Plus they can be a great place to add reminders about when you can make dining and FastPass+ reservations, etc..

Digital binder option: Apps like Google Calendar and iCalendar are a great place to store information. Both Trello and Evernote offer calendar integration features as well.

If you’re printing a blank calendar off, our preferred method is to print off our iCalendar or Google Calendars (because we regularly use them so they already have important dates in there) but if you don’t use them you can generate free blank calendars on websites like Print-A-Calendar.

Park Hours and Crowd Calendars

Lots of factors play into daily park crowd levels, so knowing which ones are recommended means you’ll be able to plan to go to the parks with the lowest attendance.

That means shorter lines, less waiting, and more fun.

We have free and easy-to-use Crowd Calendars to help you know which parks are best for each day of your trip.

• January Crowd Calendar
• February Crowd Calendar 
• March Crowd Calendar  
• April Crowd Calendar 
• May Crowd Calendar
• June Crowd Calendar
• July Crowd Calendar  
• August Crowd Calendar
• September Crowd Calendar  
• October Crowd Calendar
• November Crowd Calendar
• December Crowd Calendar

One final note about park hours:

Park hours can and do change , so make sure you revisit them regularly before your trip to monitor for updates and then use the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date park information when you are actually in the parks.

Transportation covers lots of different things, like:

• flight info
• airport parking info
• rental car research
• general maps
• toll booth information (if driving)
• Magical Express info
• airport maps

Digital binder option: Most major airlines offer apps that you can use to store things like boarding passes and most airports have apps as well, but be sure to store digital screenshots of anything important in case you need quick access while in flight (or any other location without cellular or wifi access).

Disney World Resort Area map

The entire Disney World resort area is huge (roughly the size of San Francisco) so having a map showing you exactly where things are located throughout the property can help.

This map is good for general planning:

Download PDF

But for more specific information (especially if you are driving), we recommend something like Google Maps:

That way you can see exactly where everything is located, plus, if you are driving, you can generate turn-by-turn directions that you can print and save.

Digital binder option: Use Google Maps to generate PDFs to save.

Orlando International Airport Map

Digital binder option: Save a PDF of the map above to your digital binder and download the MCO App .

Trip Planning Worksheet

You’ll want a place to store your plans for each day of your trip so you can see at-a-glance exactly what you’ll be doing.

Digital binder option: The PDF can be filled out electronically and saved in your digital binder.

This worksheet goes hand-in-hand with our FREE 64-page Quick Start Guide . Get your copy below.  Note: It may take up to 1 hour for the email to arrive to your inbox.

Resort section

In the resort section of our binder, we put a map of our hotel and things specific to the area.

You may also want to include a general page that includes contact info for your hotel.

Resort address and phone number info

Deluxe/DVC Resorts

Animal kingdom lodge and animal kingdom lodge villas, animal kingdom lodge – jambo house resort map.

Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani village resort maps

BEACH CLUB, BEACH CLUB VILLAS, AND YACHT CLUB

Epcot area jogging path

Boardwalk Inn and Boardwalk Villas

Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Tower

Contemporary Resort jogging path

Grand Floridian & Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Grand Floridian Jogging Path

Old Key West Resort

Old Key West Jogging Path

Polynesian Village & Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Resort

Grand FLoridian & Polynesian Village Jogging Path

Riviera resort.

Caribbean Beach and Riviera jogging path

Saratoga Springs Resort

Saratoga Springs Jogging Path

Wilderness Lodge Resort, Boulder Ridge Villas, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins

Ft. WIlderness / Wilderness Lodge Jogging Path

Moderate Resorts

Caribbean beach.

Caribbean Beach Jogging Path

Coronado springs.

Coronado Springs Jogging Path

Port Orleans – French Quarter

Port Orleans – French Quarter jogging map

Port Orleans – Riverside

Port Orleans – Riverside Jogging Path

Value resorts, all-star movies.

All-Star REsort Jogging Path

All-Star Music

All-Star Resort Jogging Path

All-star sports.

Art of Animation

Pop Century

Pop Century Jogging Path

Fort Wilderness Campground

Fort Wilderness Jogging Path

Dining section.

After deciding where we want to eat, we like to print off menus to store in this section so our family has an idea what to expect at each meal.

We also keep a 1 page worksheet that summarizes all of our dining locations and includes our ADR numbers, transportation information (especially important if you’re dining at a resort), as well as any other notes you might have.

It is also helpful to keep Disney Dining Plan information in this section, as well.

Disney dining planning sheet

Disney Dining Plan info

Participating restaurants.

Regular Disney Dining Plan

Deluxe Dining Plan

Quick-Service Dining Plan

Disney Dining Plan Plus

Our favorite spot for menus that are easy-to-print is Allears.net.

Digital binder option: Save links to restaurants so you always have the most up-to-date information.

Magic Kingdom section

In the Magic Kingdom section, we recommend you keep a park map, touring plans, and entertainment schedules.

Magic Kingdom park map

Digital binder option: The My Disney Experience App has a handy map you can use.

Magic Kingdom touring plans

We have several different touring plans to choose from, including 1 and 2 day plans and plans specifically for toddlers and little ones.

Our free touring plans are updated regularly and posted as downloadable PDFs on our Magic Kingdom Touring Plans page.

Magic Kingdom entertainment schedule

WDWEnt.com is basically a digital copy of the paper Times Guides you can get in the parks and very handy for advanced planning:

Buzz Lightyear scoring tips

Attractions Magazine has some fantastic tips for maximizing your score on Buzz Lightyear .

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card list

Complete list of all Spell Cards for SOTMK.

Read more about how Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom works . 

Epcot section

In the Epcot section, we recommend you keep a park map, touring plans, and entertainment schedules.

Epcot Park Map

Epcot Touring Plans

We have several different touring plans to choose from, including plans that include the Single Rider Line at Test Track as well as plans specifically for toddlers and little ones.

Our free touring plans are updated regularly and posted as downloadable PDFs on our Epcot touring plans page.

Epcot entertainment schedule

Hollywood Studios section

Like the other parks, you’ll definitely want to add park maps and touring plans, but the because there are so many shows here, the entertainment schedule is also especially useful.

Hollywood Studios park map

Hollywood Studios touring plans

Hollywood Studios touring can be a little tricky because of the popularity of attractions like Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash . 

Our free touring plans are updated regularly and posted as downloadable PDFs on our Hollywood Studios touring plans page.

Hollywood Studios entertainment schedule

Toy Story Mania scoring tips

DisneyEveryDay.com has a great collection of Toy Story Mania tips that can help you score big.

Animal Kingdom section

For this section, you’ll definitely want to add park maps and touring plans and of course the entertainment schedule.

Animal Kingdom park map

Animal Kingdom touring plans

Animal Kingdom touring can be a little tricky because of the way FastPasses work with the attractions in Pandora.

Our free touring plans are updated regularly and posted as downloadable PDFs on our Animal Kingdom touring plans page .

Animal Kingdom entertainment schedule

Everything Else section

This section includes all of the other miscellaneous stuff that doesn’t get its own section: water parks, Disney Springs, pressed coin info, packing lists, etc.

Disney Springs Map

Blizzard Beach Map

Typhoon Lagoon Map

Pressed coin machine machine locations

Presscoins.com has lists of all the pressed coin machines throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

FP+ Quick Reference

Digital binder option: Save the image below to your phone.

Ultimate Packing List

Pre-Vacation checklist

Tuesday 1st of March 2022

You suggest to print off your icalendar or google calendar since dates are already entered on there. Where is your icalendar to print off? I can only find the crowd calendars. Thanks!

Monday 29th of November 2021

Waited until the last minute and then decided I maybe should plan something... so glad I found this site. Thank you for all of your help it may have saved our Christmas trip!

Troy Stanley

Monday 3rd of May 2021

Jambo House map is not working. ;)

Shannon Albert

Tuesday 4th of May 2021

That's been fixed. Appreciate the heads up.

Maraline Freeman

Monday 5th of October 2020

Wow! Thank you so much for all this together in one place! This makes this list maker/organizing Momma happy!

Thursday 22nd of February 2018

Is there a way to dlownload these all at once?

No, there isn't. Many/most of them link out to external sources that are updated all the time. Best to just snag the downloads you find useful.

• Disclosures
• California Adventure
• Disneyland Park
• Animal Kingdom
• Hollywood Studios
• Magic Kingdom WDW
• Packing Lists
• Height Restrictions
• Disneyland Video Tips
• Walt Disney World Video Tips
• Reviews & Giveaways

Disney Travel Journals- Everything You Need to Start Your Own

by Toy Story Fanatic Devo | Jun 26, 2017 | Disney DIY Projects , Meeting Characters , Packing Lists , Packing Lists , Souvenirs | 0 comments

By the Toy Story Fanatic Devo

So… Let’s talk about travel journals for a minute.

A sample page from the journal of Nathan Drake in Uncharted. image owned by Naughty Dog studios and presented for promotional use.

Let’s stray from Disney (just for a second) and talk about one of my favorite video game franchises: Uncharted. Those who know the game know the game, but for those who don’t, let me recap the premise. The game series follows an adventurer/ treasure hunter named Nathan Drake as he travels the globe, looking for artifacts, running away from cursed treasure and trying really hard to not act too much like Indiana Jones . As you go through the game you encounter puzzles and clues and Nate Drake will sketch them, take photos, write down notes and clues to the puzzles and tape important papers into the pages of a leather-bound journal.

Now if you are reading this, it’s likely because you are planning your own adventure to a magical, sometimes hidden city full of (tourist) traps, thick jungle, and future technology developed by (now) ancient societies, and giant rodents who roam free through the isolated ecosystem. This has all of the makings of the adventure of a lifetime! And just like the great adventurers of TV, film and video games, taking a notebook of some kind to document everything can be a great way to keep track of all of your activities and successes.

When you get to the park, there is an opportunity to pick up official Disneyland Autograph Books and photo albums for your trip, however, building your own autograph book/ Disney journal adds a lot more options as far as your theme and is a fun way to prepare for your excursion and take a break from your trip planning. Here are a few ideas on and things to consider when you make your book that I think may be of use to you.

Pick a Base

A good starting point is to start with a base of some kind. This takes away any extra work you would need to do such as binding the book together and allows maximum creativity and options for customizations. Here are some that I would say are sufficient, but the sky really is the limit as far as what base you use:

Composition Notebook – depending on the time of year and what year you get it, these come in a variety of Disney animated characters already placed on the cover; but if not, you can always get a plain one, unlock your inner schoolchild, and decorate the cover yourself with crafting supplies.

Journal- I’m talking about the 6” X 8.5” ones. Not full 8.5”X 11” ones. There is quite a selection of these to choose from with

I use a 9 inch by 6.5 inch sketchbook. it’s not too inconvenient to carry around and it allows for optimal doodling space.

almost any cover image you can imagine available online or at a bookstore. These last a long time and are ideal for long-term/ repeated use. I’d go with this option if you are hoping to collect all autographs into one book.

Sketchbook- I use a 9”X 6” sized sketchbook and that seems to be the ideal size. These can run expensive sometimes, but the cost is returned when factoring in the higher quality paper (sharpie doesn’t bleed through), the fact it’s completely blank, and they’re meant to travel places so they are rather durable.

My Tip for you is to take one of these and turn it into the base for your custom Autograph Book/ Travel Journal. Decorate the cover however you want or even leave it plain. It really depends on you.

What to put in it?

There are a lot of ways you could document your adventures and a travel journal gives the opportunity to use almost all of them. Again, the sky is the limit as to what you can do here, but, after careful examination of several treasure hunting stories, I found that these are the ideas that are the best

Write down the day’s events-  What did you do? When did you do it? Write down the information you learn about the rides, your feelings when meeting favorite characters, etc. Writing down your thoughts into your travel journal will prove to be more valuable to you in years to come than almost any trinket from a gift shop.

Pictures-  Take pictures of your family or of interesting things you find and tape them into your journal. Digital is nice but hardly anything beats the real thing. I recommend you correspond pictures of characters with their autographs/ related attractions but that’s a personal decision.

Paper scraps-  Did you like the gray stuff? (I hear it’s delicious) Did Orleans square fulfill your souvenir wishes? Did you accidentally miss your Fast Pass time? I would tape certain receipts, passes, and my ticket stub into the journal along with a reflection on why it’s there.

Autographs-  Of course, Autographs from characters are always a cool thing to have and adds a kind of collaborative feel to your journal making it feel fresh every time you open it.

Sketches-  Need to sit and rest for a bit? Sit down and try to sketch something. Disney Parks are amazing pieces of art, even when just walking around the park. Nowhere has that kind of attention to detail. If you’re resting for a bit, take some time to sketch out something in front of you- Jungle Cruise boat, The Forbidden Eye, Space Mountain Rail Cars, etc.

What to Bring With You

Now taking a travel journal of this caliber might require you take a few items with you to scrapbook on the go.

• Tape : use this to place paper scraps/ photos into the book
• Pencils : bring multiple in case one breaks
• Eraser : for when you mess up with the pencils
• Pen : Pens are great for autographs. And general writing. They don’t smudge like pencils would but sketching with them isn’t my favorite thing (however, I have several Art friends that swear by them… personal preference I guess.)
• Sharpie/ permanent marker : this one is important. A lot of the non-face characters (anyone with a mask over their heads) have gloves as well that make it hard to hold pens. A regular sharpie, maybe with some rubber bands as a grip, are ideal and easier for these cast members and you know that underneath their masks they are relieved and thanking you with their brain.

I made it a habit since I was 14 or so to write in a journal the day’s events every single day. I have missed very few days and each vacation, for the most part, has had their own travel journal with them. Being able to look back at my life and remember specifics of the day is one of the better things I have done. I can see how I have grown in my talents, relive my greatest triumphs, and see easier how my defeats really didn’t last that long.

From my experience, this is the best way to document a trip, particularly Disneyland. Relive every experience you had over and over with the greatest Disney historian available: you.

What do you do to document your Disney trips? Leave your thoughts in the comments below and remember to keep wishing on stars.

Looking for more like this?

• Taking a Travel Bear to Walt Disney World
• Disney Autograph Books- To Buy, or Not to Buy?
• Throwback Thursday: Disney Character Autograph Books- Buy or DIY?
• Easiest Autograph Book (and souvenir) you will ever make

Toy Story Fanatic Devo

My name is Taylor Campbell. I don't like cats, I have a Sweet recipe for Fish Custard, I love Disney, I love comic books, and I'm an eternal Student of everything. Thank you for reading, liking and sharing with your friends!

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Adding an Itinerary to your Disney Travel Journal

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It is time to add an Itinerary to my Disney Travel Journal. If you recall in my last post, Creating a Disney-Themed Packing List , I enjoy creating different pages for my travel journal because it allows me to better plan our vacation and it serves as a great souvenir.

Ideas for a Travel Journal Itinerary

A lot of planning goes into any Disney vacation. I use an itinerary as an overall summary of our upcoming trip. It’s my quick reference guide to help me remember important trip information. The key items to include in an itinerary are dates, flights, accommodations, car rentals, tickets, important dates, and special events. You may also want to add a list of things to do and see, places to eat, characters to meet, etc. Customize the itinerary sections based on what works best for you and your family/friends.

What I Include in My Itinerary

For our upcoming Disney trip, we are staying at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter . This is one of my favorite resorts. I love the overall atmosphere and charm of the resort. We haven’t been there in some time, so I quickly reviewed the resort’s amenities and made a list of a few items I either don’t want to miss or may consider adding to our trip plan. Some of the things that caught my eye are the horse-drawn carriage rides, boat transportation to Disney Springs, and the walking path to  Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside , which we always enjoy. I want to be sure that we have some of those delicious New Orleans-style beignets found in the bakery area at Sassagoula Float Works and Food Factory to satisfy my sweet tooth. I also include the resort’s address and phone number in case we want to have something shipped to the resort.

You may want to consider making a list of any special events happening in the parks during the trip. For example, the 2019 Epcot Food and Wine Festival will be underway while we are there. This is one of my favorite festivals. We enjoy sampling at least one item from each country in Epcot’s World Showcase. Yum! I’ll want to pick up a festival guide to see what other events are happening as part of the event once we arrive.

Dates to remember are important to note during initial planning. For example, Advance Dining Reservations can be made as early as 180 days before the vacation. I also don’t want to forget to make my FastPass+ reservations 60 days prior to our trip. (Note: Guests staying at a non-Disney resort are able to make FastPass+ reservations 30 days out.)

Because there have been quite a few changes in the Walt Disney World parks since our last visit, I decided to add a section for what’s new in the parks. I listed a few items to get started and expect the list will expand as new announcements are made. Don’t forget to check out The Mouse for Less for park and resort updates.

It’s Time to Create

The format of the itinerary can be designed anyway you want. I like to include it as part of my travel journal, which becomes a cool keepsake. Or, it can be designed using notebook paper and some pens, along with some stickers or decorative tape.

I started by using a Mickey Mouse t-shirt tag as a template to quickly draw my Mickey-shaped design in the page header. Then I added the categories for my itinerary, filled in the items for each category, and decorated with some Disney stickers that I had from another project. It’s that simple.

I hope you find creating a travel itinerary gives you a quick reference page to help you plan your next Disney vacation.

Have you created a travel journal itinerary for your Disney vacations? Do you include an itinerary or quick reference summary? Let us know   in the comments,   or on  Facebook  or  Twitter !

Did you like this article? Make sure to share it with your friends! Check below for easy ways to share!

Want to visit the Walt Disney World Resort? Contact  The Magic for Less Travel  for more information and a free, no-obligation quote.

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Dream Plan Fly

A Guide to Planning the Ultimate Dream Vacation

Walt Disney World Travel Journal Bundle

This bundle includes four unique journaling pages specifically designed for adults and kids. Adults and kiddos can use these travel journal pages to record moments as they happen, to reflect at the end of each day, or to reminisce when you get back home.

Description

• Reviews (0)

Never forget the precious details of the vacation you spent months planning. This bundle includes 4 unique journaling pages specifically designed for adults and kids. Adults and kiddos can use these travel journal pages to record moments as they happen, to reflect at the end of each day, or to reminisce when you get back home. You will love knowing that you recorded the sweet, silly, and heartwarming moments throughout your vacation. I’ve also included a “reflections” page that I have LOVED using with every vacation.

+ + + + + + + +

Create your own Walt Disney World vacation planner with printable planning pages. You can completely customize your planner by choosing exactly the pages you’d like to download. As a travel blogger and expert trip planner, I have poured years of experience into creating ultra usable, totally practical pages you will love using over and over again. Your Disney trip planning will never be the same!

Why buy a printable planning page?

+ Purchase once and download/print as many times as you’d like! + No need to pay (and wait!) for shipping. Your downloads are available as soon as payment clears.

What’s Included?

+ 8.5 x 11 inch JPG files – perfect to print on plain paper or cardstock on your home printer + Walt Disney World Adult Travel Journal + Walt Disney World Kid’s Travel Journal (ideal for elementary and middle school students) + Walt Disney World Young Kid’s Travel Journal (ideal for toddlers, preschool, and young elementary) + Walt Disney World Travel Reflections + BONUS: Front and Back Cover for your Disney World Planning Binder

Please Note

+ Feel free to print this page as many times as you’d like for yourself, family, and friends. Please do not share the files online or with customers. If you are a travel agent wishing to use these planning pages with your clients, please message me for details about my travel agent package. + Files are copyright Dream Plan Fly and may not be used in a way inconsistent with this listing. Files may not be reproduced online altered or in their original state.

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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.

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Experts Share Most Common Disney World Booking Mistakes To Avoid

W alt Disney World continues to dominate the realm of vacation destinations. Themed Entertainment Association’s (TEA) annual  Theme Index and Museum Index  reveals the flagship theme park, Magic Kingdom, as the most-visited park worldwide. In 2022, Magic Kingdom alone welcomed approximately 17 million guests, all while Disney World was still rebounding from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2024 is expected to yield robust results as families plan their Disney World vacations. According to this year’s Travel Forecast from the U.S. Travel Association, demand for leisure travel is back to pre-pandemic levels. The industry anticipates spending on domestic leisure travel in 2024 will surpass 2019, at $739 billion versus $723 billion, respectively.

With so many families eager to travel and with Disney World remaining a top destination, millions are expected to vacation at the House of Mouse this year. A lot goes into planning a Disney World vacation.

We asked travel experts, many of whom are seasoned Disney pros, to warn us about the mistakes and pitfalls encountered by first-timers or those who last visited the theme parks a while ago. Their advice: avoid overspending and overplanning while still doing your homework

Not Shopping for Deals

Disney World vacations are expensive, with hotel rates and theme park ticket costs eclipsing nationwide competitors. Many families spend years saving for their once-in-a-lifetime Disney vacation. While pricey, Disney World offers discounts if one knows where to look.

It can be easy to overspend when caught up in the excitement and magic of Disney parks, but flexibility and awareness can combat consumers’ temptation. Alexandra Caspero, Founder of Delish Knowledge, advises families to consider modifying hotel reservations and transportation methods to mitigate costs; resorts on Disney World property cost families more than the average Orlando hotel. “We almost always stay outside of Disney to use hotel points; most hotels near Disney offer shuttles or transportation to and from the parks and can be a significant cost savings than the Disney properties.”

With hundreds of hotel options, including two dozen on Disney World property, planning a trip can overwhelm even the most seasoned guests. This process can be even more daunting for first-timers or those seldom visiting the parks. Working with a dedicated Disney travel agent alleviates associated stress.

Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit and bestselling author of Disneyland Secrets, urges travelers to seek and secure better deals by leaning on the park’s trained agents. He elaborates, “Disney works to ensure that travel agents are educated and prepared to help guests book trips. The services are also free because Disney pays the agents a small commission.”

Not Planning in Advance

A Disney World excursion can help families craft lifelong memories, but some guests quickly learn that a Disney vacation sidelines relaxation. A lot goes into planning a Disney World vacation aside from budgeting. With four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and dining center, two dozen hotels, and hundreds of restaurants, it is impossible to see and do everything in one week. Visitors, especially first-timers, may feel compelled to fit as much activity into their schedule as possible, which can add to cost concerns, crowd frustrations, and other existing vacation stressors.

Brainstorm with family and assemble an optimal itinerary, says Megan duBois, freelance journalist and theme park expert. She says, “One common mistake I see people making when they book their first or first in a long time trip to Walt Disney World is thinking they can just walk into the parks without booking anything. Those days are long gone.”

Book reservations early to eliminate most last-minute walk-ups. Staying on top of reservations is especially important with dining experiences, where reservations open 60 days in advance. “Families should also be familiar with how Genie+ works and how to get the most out of the service if they plan to use it,” duBois adds. Genie+, Disney World’s newest digital service, allows users to bypass most rides’ and attractions’ standby queues. The service functions similarly to its predecessor, FastPass+. Still, the differences — including its price tag — push even the most seasoned Disney World travelers to triple-check trip plans.

Committing to Too Much

A successful Disney World vacation requires planning. Overplanning and a lack of flexibility, however, often yields opposite results. Though most families want to stretch their dollar, overstuffed itineraries lead to shattered expectations, burnout, and an unpleasant vacation experience.

This is especially true for first-timers, says Mikkel Woodruff of Sometimes Home. “Allow time that you do not have things planned to create some space for spontaneity,” she suggests.

Scheduling a midday break allows everyone to rest and recharge before returning to the parks at night. Woodruff also recommends, “It’s okay to go to the park for part of the day or most of the day but then leave the parks to enjoy your resort by night or some of the incredible restaurants and additional neighborhoods in the greater Orlando metropolitan area outside of Disney World property.”

Setting appropriate expectations remains fundamental for Sarah Gilliland, founder of On the Road With Sarah and Managing Travel Editor for Wealth of Geeks. She notes that families must understand how long it will take to cross everything off their to-do list. She adds, “The parks in Orlando are so spread out. It takes time to park hop or visit another resort or shop at Disney Springs. It is also difficult to take a family to all four parks and ride everything or see every show in a three-day or four-day weekend.”

Gilliland echoes the importance of having a knowledgeable travel agent when planning a Disney World vacation. Travel agents are up-to-date on the latest terminology and technology, helping travelers of all experience levels plan a tailored Disney trip.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

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Tourism | Tourism district considers $100M in Disney…

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Tourism | ‘a huge kiss and make up:’ disney world, florida leaders plot major expansion, subscriber only, tourism | tourism district considers $100m in disney world road upgrades.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s board voted Wednesday to explore issuing bonds for six transportation projects by autumn.

The project list includes the third phase of the World Drive North improvement plan, which involves the construction of 1.6 miles of four-lane road. Funds would also go to replace aging bridges, widen Western Way, resurface roads and improve interchanges.

“It’s great we are able to take a positive step,” said Charbel Barakat, acting chairman of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s Board of Supervisors.

The transportation upgrades come as Disney plans what one executive said would “ probably be the largest expansion ever ” of the Magic Kingdom. Details are thin on the project dubbed “beyond Big Thunder,” but it’s expected to involve about 11 or 12 acres of land.

Meanwhile, Disney’s competitor, Universal Orlando, is expected to open a new theme park , Epic Universe, next year.

Disney: Big Magic Kingdom expansion is in the works

In the past, the Gov. Ron DeSantis-appointed tourism oversight board directed fiery rhetoric at Disney as the two sides tussled in court. But as of late, the meetings have focused on the nuts and bolts of running the special district, which oversees fire protection, transportation and other key government services for Disney World.

Disney and the district settled a lawsuit over development agreements in March. The settlement said development agreements and covenants approved by a Disney-friendly board shortly before the state takeover are null and void.

A federal lawsuit filed by Disney is still pending. At its meeting Wednesday, the oversight board approved new regulations for adopting development agreements, setting the stage for a new plan to be brokered with Disney. Disney officials did not respond to an email seeking comment about the new regulations.

Disney is working with new leadership at the district, which DeSantis seized control of in February 2023 after the Legislature gave him the power to appoint its five board members. For decades before that, Disney essentially self-governed the district because it elected the board.

Stephanie Kopelousos, a top DeSantis adviser who worked as his legislative affairs director, replaced another DeSantis ally, Glen Gilzean, as the district’s administrator. Her background includes stints as Clay County manager and secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation.

Board Chairman Martin Garcia also resigned from his leadership post. DeSantis appointed Orlando businessman Craig Mateer to the board, but a new chairman has not yet been selected.

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13-year-old girl dies after drowning in pool at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida: Police

A teenage girl has died after drowning in an Orlando, Florida, theme park pool, according to local authorities.

In a statement, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said the girl was found unresponsive in a Discovery Cove pool on Tuesday just before noon. She was transported to the hospital in critical condition and died on Wednesday.

The girl was identified by authorities as 13-year-old Anna Beaumont.

Discovery Cove is an amusement park in Orlando where visitors can interact with marine animals, located near both Universal Studios Florida and Walt Disney World.

The medical examiner's office listed her cause of death as accidental caused by drowning. Police said the investigation into her death remains active and ongoing.

Fatal drownings: Young men drown in Florida's Caloosahatchee River while trying to save someone else

Orlando drowning latest in teen drownings this year

USA TODAY has reported several drownings as summer and warmer weather arrive this year, including a few recent cases involving teens.

On May 22, 17-year-old Alonzo Juan Juan , a high school senior in Coffeyville, Kansas, died from drowning just hours after graduating.

Two South Carolina teens were found dead in suspected drownings last week after they were challenged with a dare to jump into a lake over the weekend. Authorities  confirmed  Rayan Al-Nasser, 16, and Zakaria Chaar, 15, were found late Monday morning in 15 feet of water and about eight feet apart, per The Greenville News, part of USA TODAY Network.

In another incident, one teenager and two young adults died after swimming in the Caloosahatchee River near the Franklin Lock in Alva, Florida. The three who drowned on May 18 were identified as Santos Tiul-Chen, 17; Victor Pedro-Gaspar, 19, and Pedro Miguel Pascual, 21.

The drownings happened when two of the drowning victims attempted to rescue the first victim, the sheriff's office said in an emailed statement to the Fort Myers News-Press, part of the USA TODAY Network.

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Keeping track of Riley's ever changing moods can be a challenge so it's handy to have a journal to keep things straight. Inspired by Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 , the novel cover features two clear plastic sleeves filled with hundreds of colorful beads, plus some of Riley's familiar emotions like Anger and Joy, and newer ones like Anxiety.