We spend a lot of time in Disney World. You could call us professionals. It’s such a popular destination for friends, families, couples, and singles. We want to make sure your Disney World vacation is as magical as possible. However, Disney can be an overwhelming trip, especially if you’ve never been before. You want to make sure you’re seeing all you can see and getting a bang for your buck. Here’s a few of our personal tips and tricks to help ease your mind before you step into the world of Disney.
DO – Always Take Your Raingear
Even if it is sunny and 95 degrees when you leave for the parks, you’re still in Orlando, Florida. The weather can be as unpredictable as wait times. ALWAYS make sure a rain jacket or poncho is included in your park bag. Umbrellas can make walking in crowds difficult, and they set off the metal detectors. We recommend just ditching them for the ponchos and rain jackets that fold into your bag and won’t make navigating the thick crowds any harder than it needs to be.
Disney is no stranger to rain. They will pretty much carry on as normal. You can continue to enjoy your day in the park without getting soaked to the bone.
DO – Purchase a Lightning Lane
This one depends more on your priorities. If your biggest priority is riding rides, we highly recommend lightning lanes. Honestly, without them, you may not have enough time to ride everything in one day. They also free up time for dining, character meets, and shows throughout the day.
If your biggest priorities are more like vibes and enjoying just being in the parks, then a lightning lane may not be so important to you. You can always use the Walt Disney app to check wait times throughout the day!
DON’T – Expect to Walk into a Restaurant in the Parks
Some restaurants in Disney parks can book up months in advance! You can always be put on the waitlist, but don’t assume that means you’ll get in to eat. Making reservations is key if you want to eat somewhere specific during your stay.
Some of the most popular experiences are character dining. This includes Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, and Chef Mickey’s. All of these restaurants will definitely require planning ahead.
DO – Include a Resort Day
If you have the time to spare, consider including a resort day into your itinerary. While magical, Disney can be exhausting. A resort day in the middle of your trip offers time to refresh and relax. Most resorts on Disney properties offer several ways to spend your day. Some notable points are swimming pools. arcades, spas, restaurants, and more.
Everyone wants to experience as much magic as possible. We totally understand that! However, taking some time to rest can make the parks even more enjoyable because you’re not too tired from walking 12 miles in a single day EVERYDAY.
DON’T – Forget to Use Resort Perks
Staying on Disney properties has so many perks you need to make sure you’re taking advantage of during your stay. One of the biggest perk is rope drop. It does make for an early start and a long day. However, it also means you can get more time in the parks to see and ride items at the top of your list. If you can knock out the most popular rides before others are allowed in the park, it makes for a much easier day with a much slower pace.
Another huge perk is transportation. Avoid the additional cost of parking at Disney World. The resorts offer free transportation from the hotel to the parks and vice versa. It’s nice to not have to worry about parking and driving after a long day. You simply board the bus, and let it get you safely back to your hotel. In parks besides Magic Kingdom, is doubles as a designated driver if you, or your party, as been drinking during the day!
DON’T – Forget to Hydrate
It’s excited getting to try all of the Disney specialty drinks! Disney World offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. You want to try as many new things as you possibly can. However, you’re still in Florida and spending all day in the sun. Disney World allows you to bring water through security with you. You can save the money by not buying water in the parks, and you can save yourself from becoming sick by keeping water inside your bag at all times. Also, quick service locations will give you free cups of water!
This doubles for parks like Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Alcohol can quickly dehydrate you. It happens even faster when you’re sweating from being in the sun, humidity, and heat.
There’s certainly no one right way to enjoy your Disney vacation! These are some of your tips to help it run smoothly and safely. Make sure to cater your Disney vacation to what YOU want to see and experience. There’s magic is every aspect of Disney. Your memories will mean so much more if you travel your way.
As always, we’re here to help! Let one of our experienced agents help you plan your vacation. We know the dos, the don’ts, and the maybes of what can make your vacation so special and unique to you.
