my first disney trip

By the co-author of The easy Guide to Your Walt Disney World Visit 2020 , the best-reviewed Disney World guidebook series  ever.

Available on Amazon here.

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Instructions for Your First Visit to Walt Disney World

By Dave Shute

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR FIRST DISNEY WORLD VISIT

Follow the instructions that follow for your first family visit to Walt Disney World to save thousands of dollars, and avoid dozens of hours waiting in line, while seeing all the best of Walt Disney World!

1. When to Go to Walt Disney World:

Most years, I suggest that if you can, you should arrive at Walt Disney World one of the first two, sometimes three, Saturdays after Thanksgiving .  In 2024 I recommend the first two weeks after Thanksgiving.     More…      Next best dates to go…

2. How Long to Stay:

You can have a wonderful trip spending as few as 5 days. However, if you can , be in Orlando for 9 days –a Saturday through a Sunday.    More…     Going for a shorter trip…

3. How Old/Tall Your Children Should be:

Kids of any age can have a wonderful time at Disney World. However, if this may be your kids’  only childhood visit, consider going when your youngest child is at least 8 or 9, and your shortest child at least 48 inches tall .       More…     Planning for going with younger/shorter kids…

4. Where to Stay at Walt Disney World:

Stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort if you can afford it, or at Disney’s Art of Animation  Resort  if you can’t.    More…     Next best resort options…

5. How Much to Budget:

You can have a wonderful first visit for $3,000 or less. However, to see  all the best of Walt Disney World at the best time of the year to visit, budget if you can $14,000 if you are staying at the Polynesian , or $9,500  if at  Art of Animation .     More…     Developing a much lower or a different budget…

6. When Your Plans Need to be Firm:

Your plans should be firm at least 181 days before your arrival date.      More…     Planning if it’s already later than that…

7. How to Eat at Walt Disney World:

Sign up for the “Magic Your Way Plus Dining” package. More…     Planning if you can’t do this package…

8. Where to Eat:

The Basic Itinerary tells you exactly where to eat (as do the Other Itineraries ).      More…     Next best dining choices…

9. How to Spend Your Time at Walt Disney World:

The Basic Itinerary tells you exactly how to spend your time in Orlando (as do the Other Itineraries ).      More…     Other Itineraries…

10. What to do When:

See the To-Do List for an exact list of what to do when to prepare for your trip.        More…     To-Do Lists for Other Itineraries…

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1,261 comments

Thanks again for the quick response. Ya I’m still not 100 percent sure if or when we are going. I have looked at prices for tickets and as of now I’m seeing 485 for 2 two day tickets. does that sound about average or is there any other place that I maybe able to get them cheaper. Those prices are direct from disney btw. Thanks again for all your help

Brian, prices vary by the first day of eligible use–in the period you are looking at, the range for two two day park tickets is about $60. You can’t find short tickets elsewhere that will cost less. Some of the longer-day tickets are available for small saving from third parties, but not shorter tickets.

Can I get a copy of your schedule in word so i can use that to plug my plans into?

Hi Kristi, not sure what schedule you are referring to?

Dave! When is the 2020 book coming out???

Soon! All our copy is in our publisher’s hands

Just updating. We did go down 2 weeks ago was a fun trip for what it was but my little boy got sick the very first day at magic kingdom. But I’ll give disney credit I talked to the front desk at my room and they gave me 2 tickets good for a year for him getting sick. Def will be coming back down soon. What’s the weather usually like dec threw Feb. Want to come sometime in that area and curious on temp and swimming conditions. I know that’s a broad range but figured you would have an idea of the best time to go

Brian–so nice they worked with you on tickets.

On weather, I note on this page that highs are not reliably (80% chance or better) above 75 between the beginning of November and the end of March.

You can see a more nuanced version of this in the chart below. If you look at the bottom (blue) line, you can read a number for any date. 80% of the time the high will be over that, and 20% lower than that. The middle (pink) line is the 50-50 line–half the time the high will be lower, half the time higher.

Thanks again for the quick response. Ya they worked really good with me and even refunded 50 more dollars because they refrigerator wasnt keeping anything cool in the room. Also is it normal for a plan to be cheaper at the desk than buying online? I was paying half cash and half on card so they told me I could at the front desk and the plan I got was cheaper by about 60 dollars or so. Maybe a little more I’d have to check my figures for an accurate account. I wasnt aware they charged for parking at their hotels so that kind of blew but still no paying at the parks so I still came out ahead

What kind of plan?

I got two 2day passes and 3 nights at the all star movie resort (as I said it was a quick trip down and back literally left Sunday night and came back thursday morning) but the plan was cheaper at the desk vs what I was quoted online just curious if that’s the normal or I just got a off day on pricing

Brian, I have never heard of such a thing. There are some 10% ish off room rate deals out there–maybe you got put into one of those?

Ya I’m not sure. The original plan I looked at online and was quoted on the phone was right about 906 I believe. Not including the parking. Or at least it wasnt mentioned. But the price they gave me at the desk before parking was under 900. Close to around 880ish I believe. It was wierd for sure but like you said maybe I got put into a discount. I’ll definitely check ahead of time again before I come back. This time I’m thinking magic kingdom and then sea world instead of animal kingdom. Didnt seem like much to do kid wise there but then again he was sick so that was also an issue

Hi Dave, I just wanted to say Thank You again for all of your wonderful advice which helped us on our most recent trip a few weeks ago and also our visits in 2014 and 15.

Jane, so glad to have helped!

Your site is my favorite resource for Disney planning, since planning my family’s own “first visit” back in 2011!

I am now planning our third (and likely final—as my daughter will be graduating and moving away) visit for November 2020.

The Star Wars attractions are a priority for my husband and myself. With your experience, do you have any speculation as to how the process may be for riding Rise of the Resistance and Smuggler’s Run by that time? I realize the current practice with Rise of the Resistance is unprecedented. I guess my question is this—I need to determine to stay on-site vs. off-site. We will have a party of 6 this time, including my elderly parents and two teenagers, so space is important.

Obviously, even with the option of renting DVC points, we can get more bang for our buck for a large group if opting to stay off property. However, if there’s any chance of fast passes becoming an option for these attractions by then, the 60 day window alone would make it worth the extra money to stay on-site.

Of note, I’m a fan of the “Disney bubble” and we did stay on property our last two visits, though last time we rented a car and did 2 days at Universal, my kids’ “favorite” park. (I like it, too, it’s just no Disney!) We will go to Universal for a day this time as well (though we can take an uber now that that’s a valid option).

Hi Nadine! My best guess is that by then they will indeed be using FP+.

One thing you could do is double book both a 60 day eligible hotel and a 30 day eligible one. With the Disney hotels, you can cancel up until 5 days before on a room-only booking and get your full deposit back.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there are now many more hotels eligible for 60 days than there used to be. All the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels are now eligible, as are a few others. Detailed reviews are linked to from the bottom of this page . If multiple rooms is an ok option, look in particular at the Wyndham Garden.

The Doubletree sleeps 6, but the room layout may not suit your group…

Thank you so much for the advice!

Hi, I wasn’t sure if this question was posted, I’m here at Disney now, I picked this week thinking it wouldn’t be crowded. but it’s PACKED. Someone said yesterday that the crowds were at 10/10! Any idea why?

Hey Jennifer, crowds Saturday were indeed at 10s, and Sunday at 9s. Everyone missed this. Touring plans had Saturday projected for a 6, and Sunday as a 4.

I have–in retrospect, so not helpful–several theories as to why:

Reschedules from hurricane Dorian; a general shift of people aimed at Food & Wine to Festivals of the Arts, because of several years in a row of hurricane issues. Both of these focus on this weekend as it is well into the second semester, so a good time to take kids out of school, but also avoids disrupting you-know-who’s watching of the super bowl. And Festival of the Arts is much better than F&W, anyway.

Also, this was the first weekend AFTER Rise of the Resistance opened that was also had a 60 day FastPass+ window open…so folks waiting to book a trip to WDW for Galaxy’s Edge until the RoR reviews came in would find this as the best first choice.

Will you be reviewing Disney’s Riviera Resort? We have reservations for August and I’m looking for what room to request if you have a 2 bedroom villa with a standard view! Haha! Looking forward to your awesome expertise! Thanks!

Hi Sue, I’m working on my review now! I hope to have it done within a couple of weeks–it’ll be coming out in bits and pieces…

Hi Dave, just found your site (I knew of your co-author’s). This is wonderful! Although it’s not our first time, this year I, the wife, and grandson are going Sept 19, and your calendars and crowd guides are invaluable info! But, when oh when will RoR go to FastPass+?

Hey Michael, welcome and thanks! FWIW, for someone coming here from easyWDW.com , the most different stuff is my resort reviews–you can find links to all my resort reviews here .

For Rise, is seems the main question is continuing reliability, so they know with some assurance how many FP+ to issue per hour. I don’t think any outside has any insight into when that will be resolved sufficiently…

Quick question. With the shutdown and everything that has happened do you believe there is a chance they will be running specials or reduced rates on rooms at resorts when they finally open back up? I enjoyed the room we had back in November but cant being myself to pay almost 200 for the “value” rooms next month or soon after when they reopen. Any thoughts are appreciated

Absolutely, I do Brian.

Hope so I have to get back down before july and was actually shooting for this month or april until everything happened. But we going threw prices for similar rooms we stayed in and it just seems to pricey for the same room in my opinion. Almost 200 last I checked a night for value rooms in the all star movie resorts. Hopefully they drop back down to a reasonable level or cheaper. If not any recommendations for offsite hotels? I’m sure you have a section on the site but I didnt see it. Thanks again for all your help

Well now that everything is in motion to open back up what are your thoughts on how long the mask policy will last? A few weeks or months etc? I’d assume the first time people start passing out from that heat in a mask they will recend it. but who knows. Any thoughts?

Brian, I expect masks to be the last policy to be reversed–although clinically the best last policy to abandon is physical distancing.

We would like to get back to WDW during the 50th, but limited to when children are not in school. We live in MA, and thus our vacation timeframes are President’s Week, the April vacation, and summer (about June 20th forward). We normally just do April but April 2022 is the week after Easter, and April 2023 is the month after the 50th is over.

What am I likely looking at in terms of crowds in ’22 for a President’s Day trip vs a week after Easter (Easter late next year – April 18th).

Also considering the late June.. a bit scared about the heat as we are wimpy New Englanders and we’ve been spoiled with prior trips being great weather (mostly mid April trips, couple early December).

Hi Luis, I have not done the data collection and analysis I need to do to give you an answer with conviction. However, it is typical that in late Easters the week after Easter is manageable–not good, but manageable. My vote right now would be that given the weather differences you should aim for the April dates.

Love your site even as a frequent Disney visitor, are you planning to post your 2022 recommendations soon?

Hi Lauren, and thanks!! I hope to have them out within a month

I love your content. I’m a pro with Disneyland (used to be a CM there,) but have only been to WDW once. My husband and daughter have been to Disneyland, but not WDW. We want to take our daughter next year when she is 5 1/2 years, she’s already 42″ and we plan on returning a couple years later, but we want this first trip to be special. We will be out of debt next year and this trip will be a celebration for us. We are excited to splurge and plan on staying at the Polynesian.

In 2022, out of September, October, November or early December, when do you recommend we go?

Thank you for everything you do!

Thanks Sarah! I’ll have specific week by week recommendations for 2022 out very soon–hopefully by the weekend.

Take a look at those when they come out and let me know any questions you have!

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Posted on Last updated: March 28, 2024 Categories Disney Travel

By: Author Kate

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Trip To Disney World

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Heading to Disney World for the first time is one of the most exciting family vacations you could imagine. There is so much amazing entertainment for little kids, and of course, a whole lot of magic! Despite all the fun and excitement, I quickly realized that planning a Disney vacation is a whole lot of work and organization. Sometimes I felt like you needed a Ph.D. in Disney planning just for a four-day vacation! Now that we have a few Disney vacations under our belt, we feel like Disney experts on vacation.

Here are my top 10 Disney World Tips that I wish I had known before planning our first trip:

1. Disney travel agents can do the heavy lifting

If you’ve read any of my Disney World primers , you’ll know I’m a huge fan of certified Disney Travel Agents . Disney travel agents will make your life easier by helping plan your Disney vacation. They know the best fast passes to get, they know the best dining reservations to get, they will even help you choose the right parks for your family. Having a Disney Travel agent is like having an expert friend to guide you along the way. Travel agents don’t cost you extra and many times I’ve found their prices to be better than those posted online.

2. Set an alarm for your FastPass booking

If you are staying at a Disney World resort, you will be able to book your fast passes starting at 7 am eastern time 60 days before the first day of your trip. Believe me, you WILL want to set an alarm to book these passes, as all the good FastPasses are typically taken within a few minutes! You can book FastPasses for the entire duration of your trip starting at that 60-day mark, so if you are planning a longer vacation, you’ll have the best shot at all the FastPasses you want. Having a FastPass for a ride with a long line makes you feel like a total celebrity! You don’t want to miss out on this.

3. One character dining experience is enough

On our first trip, I got a little overzealous and planned three character dining experiences. Although our kids definitely loved meeting Mickey and friends, one character dining experience would have certainly been enough. Not only are character dining experiences quite expensive, but the food is also mediocre compared to some of the other Disney dining options. Choose one character dining for your trip, it’s plenty!

You can read about the best character dining experiences here.

4. Special Holiday Parties Are The Best Value Around

Since I discovered Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party , I don’t do the Magic Kingdom any other way. Holiday parties are amazing because there are limited ticket sales and the lines to the rides are quite manageable. We were able to get on the majority of Magic Kingdom rides within 15-20 minutes. In addition to short lines, there is also lots of holiday magic in the parks that is super fun for the kids. From Trick or Treating to special character appearances, and an amazing fireworks display, the holiday parties have the best value around! This is also a chance for adults to dress in costume if that’s your thing (costume guidelines apply).

5. The Mobile Order App is the Bomb

At home, I am the queen of mobile ordering. There is nothing more satisfying than passing a long line at Starbucks to pick up your already prepared order on the shelf. I LOVE that mobile ordering has come to Disney through the My Disney Experience app . We used this every day at the parks and it was SO convenient with little kids. Don’t wait in another line for food, use the mobile app !

6. ‘Early Morning Magic’ is better than ‘Extra Magic Hours’

Extra magic hours are special extra hours offered at rotating Disney parks for those who are staying at Disney World Resorts or specially designated hotels. These extra park hours are free and offered only to those guests of the resorts. Although it sounds great, these hours can be busy at the popular resorts, and typically the parks that offer extra magic hours will have more guests that day in general.

Early morning magic hours are special promotional hours that you can buy as a ticketed dining event. The park will rotate, and there is a cost to these hours which also includes breakfast/brunch. These ticketed events are capped at very low numbers so you will typically not have lines during these events.

We did early morning magic at Toy Story Land when it was being offered and it was AMAZING. We could have ridden on Slinky Dog Dash 15 times if we had wanted. On the other hand, the following year, early morning magic was no longer being offered so we tried ‘extra magic hours’. What a waste! We were at the park super early which meant cranky kiddos and the lines for the popular rides were still over an hour long.

7. Order groceries to your room

As a Canadian, I don’t yet have the luxury of Amazon Fresh delivery in my area. The first time I discovered Amazon Fresh in Florida, I was completely amazed! Having groceries delivered to your room saves a trip to the grocery store when you first arrive. Disney World allows outside food, so packing your own lunch and snacks is also an excellent way to save money and eat healthier on your vacation to Disney.

Try out Amazon Fresh for grocery delivery at your resort or hotel.

8. Check the Crowd Calendar

It’s basically always busy at Disney World, but there are certainly times that are less crowded than others. Undercover Tourist keeps a crowd calendar that is super helpful for planning your trip. If crowds aren’t your thing, choosing a low crowd day will be essential!

9. Renting DVC Points is the Best Value for Disney Resorts

If you are looking to save money on your Disney Vacation, and are interested in DIY planning, consider renting DVC points for your Disney Resort Stay. Disney Vacation Club is the ‘timeshare’ program of Disney vacations. This membership club allows members to buy in and receive points towards Disney Vacations.

Of course, as with any timeshare type of program, many individuals will find that there is a time when they no longer want to use their points for resort stays. This is where companies like DVC Rental Store come into play. You can rent your points from other members who aren’t planning to use their points this year.

We’ve rented points from DVC Rental Store and got great value for the money. We stayed in a two-bedroom villa for the price of a deluxe room! When one of our reservations fell through about 45 days prior to our trip, the company stepped in and resolved the issue immediately. I have been very happy with their service!

10. Plan to spend a day at the resort

My biggest piece of advice for an amazing Disney World vacation is not to OVERBOOK your vacation. It’s so tempting to get as much done as possible, but you will have a better time if you give everyone some time to unwind. We like to plan 1 or 2 days for enjoying our resort relaxing by the pool. We often spend only half a day at the park. All of these things help to keep the kids less cranky and help us to enjoy our vacation even more.

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My Disney Experience – Frequently Asked Questions

How should I begin planning my Walt Disney World Resort vacation?

The first step in planning your trip is to browse disneyworld.com to discover all that Walt Disney World Resort has to offer: 4 incredible theme parks , 2 great water parks , attractions and entertainment for the whole family plus dozens of hotels , hundreds of restaurants and much more.

Next, shop for a Disney Resort Hotel Package —which includes multi-day theme park tickets and a Resort hotel stay—for the dates of your visit.

As you book and link your plans to your Disney account, use your My Plans page to manage your vacation details all in one place:

• Get next-steps and key planning dates.
• See your hotel and dining reservations and personal reminders organized in a daily itinerary.
• View your tickets at a glance.
• See which plans you share with Guests on your Family & Friends list.
• Add, modify or cancel plans with a few clicks.

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What is My Disney Experience?

First Time Beginner’s Guide to Disney World (15 minute crash course)

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With so many Rides, Shows, and Attractions, it can be hard to know where to start at Disney World in Orlando Florida (Disneyland is in California, and offers different things!).

This is a comprehensive guide that covers all the basics about Disney World. If you’re familiar with Walt Disney World, this information is probably unnecessary. If your new to Disney, then this is the place to be.

Disney is a vacation packed full of so many options, from great rides at the four Theme Parks, to water fun at the Water Parks and Resorts, to Character Memories, fun Entertainment and Nighttime Fireworks Celebrations.

Refer to the Table of Contents below to jump around to areas you’d like to learn more about.

Does Disney World do anything Special for First Time Visitors?

Yes! Disney World offers a ‘1st Visit’ button that you can wear to celebrate that occasion and let Cast Members (the Disney Employees) know that it’s your first time.

So let’s jump into some quick tips for first time Disney World visitors and then you can pick where you want to get started with all this information! If this is too much, simply save or share this page for later.

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Table of Contents for Disney World Guide

• Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered

The Best Times to go to Disney World

• How many days do you need at Disney
• What do you need to bring to your Disney World Vacation?
• Overview of the Parks
• Overview of Entertainment in the Parks
• All about Disney Resorts

Quick FAQs for Disney World

What should you do on your first visit to disney world.

You should make a Bucket List/ Cant Miss list!

Disney World is intense… there’s so much more to do and see (maybe that’s why we have so many websites and vlogs and content creators sharing the Disney fun!)

Creating a list of things you want to do will make planning much easier and make the vacation more fun . Here’s a list of Can’t Miss fun for most families , and a Can’t Miss list for little kids !

How Much does it cost to go to Disney World?

The average vacation in 2024 is going to cost around $5000 dollars for a Family of Four to go for 5 days (this includes tickets, lodging, a food budget and souvenirs but not travel costs to get to the parks) See the full breakdown for the costs (with examples!) on how to do Disney World on a tight (yet realistic!) budget.

Having a dollar sign in mind is a good way to make sure that you stay on track with your Disney World Vacation. This is such an exciting time and you want to make sure that you make the most of it. There are many money saving tips that can help with your magical vacation.

The Best Time to go to Disney World is the time that fits with your schedule!

Disney World is ‘always’ busy now on the weekends and many times throughout the week. There is no ‘slow’ season, though the months of January and September are typically slower months than others.

Walt Disney World is such a popular resort that it can get a little crowded.  

I’ve been on some of the busiest days of the year, and while it is still magical, it’s not very fun waiting in a two hour line ! What you can do is check the best weeks to go and pick the week that works best for your family! 

Some of the Best Months to go for lower crowds are:

• The beginning of May
• The second week in December

Some of the best times to enjoy the Parks for lower crowds are:

• In the Evenings- especially if they park is closing in a few hours or staying open very late
• In the Early Morning- especially if you have early morning hours available to you when you stay on Disney World property
• During the Week Days- it helps to look at the MyDisneyExperience App and check the wait times. While these are often inflated, they are a good predictor of crowd levels during your vacation.
• Magic Kingdom on days that a party is planned, and the regular park closes at 6. Many people skip this day because it doesn’t include fireworks, but it’s a great option if you have a park hopper or want to get up early and spend a good 10 hours at Magic Kingdom.

⭐ What is a Touring Plan, and why is it recommended to know the crowd level when planning a touring plan?

Touring Plans are detailed lists that tell you where to go for rides and attractions at what time. These rely heavily on park hours, expected crowd levels, and what rides/attractions your party wants to do. A common Touring Plan example is to rope drop Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom as the wait time is high during the day (or to make it your last ride of the night).

What do you need to pack for your Disney vacation?

Whether it’s your first time to Disney World or your hundredth, it pays to be prepared.

But what you need for your Disney vacation really depends on each person and family (and reason for the trip!) I do recommend getting a packing list together- at least a month ahead of time, so that way you can get everything you need.

This should include the following items:

• Number of Outfits x your vacation days + one opposite weather outfit (so a sweater if you come in the summer, or shorts if you come in the winter)
• Two pairs of Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Sun Protection including Hat, Sunglasses and Sunscreen
• A Park Bag or Park FannyPack, for you to bring into the parks with you
• Comfort Care items like lotion, lip balm, and first aid kits
• Toiletries and Cosmetics
• Disney Items like Mouse Ears, Signature Books, Pin Collections, Penny Collections

⭐ Does Disney World offer personal care items, clothing, or other commonly forgot items? Yes. Lots of these items are found inside the Parks. But for a full selection, head to the resorts. If you are at a Value resort and can’t find what you are looking for (And have talked to a Cast Member to confirm it’s not hiding somewhere), head to one of the Deluxe Resorts to check out there selections.

The top 3 items I recommend to everyone:

1. Portable Phone Charger – you phone WILL go dead using the MyDisney App, and some of the rides will drain your battery as your phone looks for signal. The alternative is good ole pencil and paper- just make sure you can access your plans and reservations for the day! You can also use the swappable batteries, see more about where to find those swappable battery locations at Disney here .

2. Insulated Water Bottle – It gets HOT at Disney. Even in the winter you are dealing with the sun, the wind and way too much walking. Animal Kingdom also doesn’t do straws or lids- so you need a water bottle to prevent spillage. 

3. Body Glide- This stuff is phenomenal. I use it for anywhere my skin might get irritation (like shoes in sneakers or thighs in shorts). Its only a few bucks, so better to have it and not need it- then need it and not have it!

And if your headed to Disney World for a Birthday Celebration , consider what you want to pack, versus what you want to buy when you get there.

How many days should you plan for your Disney World Trip?

Most people will find that a First Time Disney Vacation is exciting and exhausting! There’s so much to see and do, and you cannot possibly get it all done in one trip (or even two!)

Most families will benefit from 3-5 days inside the Parks.

But there’s a lot of ways to do Disney! You could do two days inside Magic Kingdom, and one day at EPCOT. You could just do two days at Magic Kingdom and make it a long weekend. You could hit up all four parks, or two days at Disney and two days at Universal.

Tips for Disney World Tickets

If you are visiting for the first time, a standard ticket would be the most appropriate versus an annual pass- you can pick how many base days you’d like to have.

Recommended time at the resort is 6 days 5 nights . This gives you 4 days in the parks, and then your arrival and departure day. Some families will benefit from a ‘no park’ day in the middle of their week to relax, and take in the amenities at the hotel (and possibly recover from sunburn or dehydration that is so prone to Disney trips!)

There are some pros and cons to only doing Magic Kingdom in one day , but most people will find that with a bucket list, their one day trip is enough!

➡️ You will need a Park Reservation for some tickets and passes. To schedule a park ticket, head over to Disney World here and secure your dates (its better to have a date/park secured and change later than not have one at all!)

What’s not recommended:

-Having a Ticket for Arrival or Departure day (there is plenty to do that doesn’t require a ticket!) Unless you are going for something specific. Most people will benefit from resting on Arrival and Departure day.

-Park Hopper Tickets if you are staying for more than 4 days. If you plan to go to all the parks anyways, there’s no need to add the Park Hopper. I would recommend this if you are doing less than 3 days. Keep in mind that hopping parks can take some time (between 45-90 minutes) that may be better spent in the parks.

-Not getting the Park Hopper if you can only come for 1-3 days. The Park Hopper here will help you take advantage of all the staggered opening and closing times to get the most out of your ticket.

-Purchasing from somewhere like eBay- I would hate for your ticket not to work when you arrived

Overview of the Disney Parks

There’s no Harry Potter, Charizard or Daffy Ducks at Disney World my friends. But we do have 6 Theme Parks (4 Main Ones and 2 Water Parks). Disney World is the size of San Francisco, or double the size of Manhattan. And its also located in Florida, in Orlando. There’s a lot going on here!

Disney also has an amazing amount of themed resorts and restaurants that I also recommend you check out! You can peek around the resorts as a guest and eat at any of the locations on property – most require a reservation but they aren’t hard to get. 

Quick Note about Transportation at Disney World

Or said better, How to get where you need to go on Vacation!

⭐ Is Disney Transportation available to all guests, including those not staying on property? Yes! Respectfully of course, but you can hop on the Skyliner, or take the Monorail, or catch a boat without needing to stay on property. This is a fun option on your ‘no-park-ticket’ day, and here’s everything you can do at Disney World without a Park Ticket.

⭐How long does Disney Transportation take? Maybe the most important question of this entire post! Transportation can be quick, kinda slow, or completely closed. You might miss reservations or get stuck for an hour waiting for a bus. While most of it is free to use, it’s a gamble on the time requirements, so plan to give yourself extra time.

Complimentary Transportation Options:

• The Buses (available at most Disney Resorts, and will pop up if there is severe weather and you can’t take the Skyliner, Boats or Monorail)
• The Monorail. Three lines operate at Disney World. One takes you to and from EPCOT to the Ticket and Transportation Center. One takes you straight from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom and back again. The Last Line makes 5 stops. The Transportation and Ticket Center, The Contemporary Resort, Magic Kingdom, The Grand Floridian Resort, The Polynesian Resort.
• The Ferry Boat takes you from Magic Kingdom to the Transportation and Ticket Center and back.
• The Friendship Boats operate for the Hollywood Studios/EPCOT water front resorts, Between Disney Springs and Port Orleans Resort, and for the Magic Kingdom Seven Seas Lagoon Resorts.
• The Skyliner has three lines. One line goes from the Depot to Hollywood Studios and back (Caribbean Beach is where the depot is located). One line goes from the EPCOT Boardwalk (it’s the second EPCOT entrance called the International Gateway), to Riveria Resort to the Depot. The third line runs from Art of Animation/POP Century Resort to the Skyliner Depot.
• Parking at Disney Springs or the Water Parks and Mini Golf locations.

Paid Transportation Options:

• Parking at Disney World Parks. This is included if you have paid to park at a Disney World resort. There is a tram at several of the parking lots that takes you to the front.
• Minnie Vans, which are a partnership between Lyft Rideshare and Disney World. These are Disney employees who pick you up in a red and black polka dot ‘van’.

The Parks at Disney World

Disney World has four Major Parks, two Water Parks, and then Disney Springs.

Magic Kingdom

The Iconic Cinderella Castle and Main Street U.S.A. are just two of the notable landmarks at Magic Kingdom. This is the Number One Park at Disney World and at full capacity (so really busy with lots of long lines!) it can take a Visitor almost 20 hours to complete the rides and attractions.

Magic Kingdom hosts lots of other amazing attractions like Space Mountain, Fantasy Land and Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Not to mention, Magic Kingdom is also home to lots of character meet and greets and the amazing fireworks display at the end of the night. Seeing the Castle lit up is a magical experience that the whole family can enjoy, and one of the highlights of any Disney trip. 

Hollywood Studios 

Hollywood studios used to be considered among us Disney Goers as the ‘one day park’ because it was something that we could just hit up our favorite attractions and then catch dinner somewhere else on the resort. This is certainly not the case anymore though! 

If you follow Disney news at all, you’ll see that Hollywood Studios has been revamped lately to include Star Wars, Toy Story Land, Beauty and the Beast and the Disney Junior Characters.

This is exciting news because it takes this park and gives it a much needed update. If you’ve never been (or it’s been a reallyyyyy long time) don’t bypass Hollywood Studios because of old reviews. This is definitely a park you want to visit for all your movie and TV needs!

Epcot is the infamous park that houses all the other countries. The park actually has two sections, Worlds Celebration, Nature and Discovery at the Front of the Park and World Showcase around the lake (it’s a giant circle). 

The World Showcase is where you’ll find many scenic views, easy going rides and of course, the eleven countries with authentic gifts and cuisine. I love to go on Date nights to “Britain” or “Japan”-  it’s so amazing that we can step into another country without leaving Disney! 

With few exceptions, the World Showcase doesn’t open up till 11 for shops and drinks, but you can catch the Shops, Attractions and Food at the front of the park when the park opens. Options like the Soarin’ ride, Finding Nemo, Mission: Space and Test Track are great ways to start the day (and Frozen in Norway plus Ratatouille in France open when the park does!)

Epcot is also home to Festivals throughout the year. We have the Festival of the Arts to start the year, followed by the Flower and Garden Festival in the Spring and Early Summer. Then Food and Wine Festival in the Fall and The Festival of the Holidays to round out the year.

Animal Kingdom 

Animal Kingdom is where the animals are, seriously. With more than 500 acres and 1700 animals, it’s considered to be the largest theme park in the world! This makes for quite the adventure when it comes to planning your day as you won’t be able to see everything in one go. 

There’s several sections to Animal Kingdom, the newest of which is the Pandora land based off the movie Avatar. Some of the other sections, which are called ‘lands’ include Asia, Africa, Dinoland, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Discovery Island.

Since Animal Kingdom is so large, it’s good to plan for exactly one day here and still pick your ‘must see’ items! The Thrill rides here tend to fill up quickly, just like at the other parks (namely Avatar Flight of Passage and Everest, plus sometimes slower Family Fun rides like Navi River Journey and the Animal Safari)

Animal Kingdom generally opens earlier than most of the parks, and it’s a great park to ‘Rope Drop’ (or show up before it opens!). Then you can leave around Dinner time to another park, Disney Springs or eat at the Resort.

The Water Parks

Disney has two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both of these have lots of fun water activities with their own unique themes. 

Typhoon Lagoon is a tropical getaway filled with water rides the whole family can enjoy! It also features a kiddy play area and thrill rides for the older kids! 

Blizzard Beach takes a different spin on theming, think ski resort that has melted into summer water fun! Blizzard beach also has several options for everyone in the family, from kid sized water slides to one of the world’s tallest and fastest water rides!

Disney Springs 

Disney Springs was previously called Downtown Disney and if you look at old reviews or message boards it’s easy to get confused about where Downtown Disney went! 

It did get a major facelift and a new name. Most notably, it received lots of new parking, a slew of new stores (many of which are designer names) and several new restaurants.

Disney Springs is:

• Free to Park at
• Free to Enter
• Normally low crowd, but crowded on Weekends, Holidays and High Crowd Park Days

Notable Entertainment Offerings at Disney World

I get this question from Disney Vacationers all the time- “What is there to do at Disney?”

There is SO MUCH to do at Disney World that you simply can’t do it all! What I wanted to do was break down the basics for you!

There’s lots of Characters at Disney

You can meet the characters a few different ways. 

• 1.By going to the Character Meet and Greets inside the Parks, these are marked on the Map
• 2.By Scheduling a Character Dining Experience.
• 3. By purchasing a Special Event Ticket
• 4. By stumbling upon an unmarked Character Meet and Greet
• 5. By meeting Characters at the Resorts as they tour around to different locations daily

Some of the Characters you can meet in the parks are:

• Mickey Mouse
• Joy (Inside Out)
• Donald Duck
• Winnie the Pooh and Tiger
• Tinker Bell
• And SOOOO many more!

Character Dining is a great way to meet your favorite Pals! If you’re interested in how to meet characters without a ticket check out this helpful guide! 

Disney LOVES parades. They have a parade for everything it seems like! They even have one when it RAINS!

Don’t forget that Disney World also has seasonal parades for Halloween and Christmas. They go all out with these, as typically they are only shown for a separate ticketed event (like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas)

Here’s some of the memorable ones you can expect at Magic Kingdom:

Main Street Trolley Show

This happens in the mornings at Magic Kingdom, kind of like their welcoming act to bring you into the park! It’s a very “Mary Poppins” themed show, and oh so cute! 

Disney Festival Of Fantasy Parade

Featured so many Favorites, catch this show on Main Street USA during the day. Typically you’ll find this show at 12 pm and 3 pm, but check the app for updated times during your trip.

FireWork and Nighttime Shows

You can find FireWorks Displays at three Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT!

At Magic Kingdom, you’ll get to see Happily Ever After, typically at 9pm. You can best see this is you can see the Castle, but I also enjoy the Fireworks without the Castle Display by hanging out in FantasyLand.

At Hollywood Studios, line up for Fantasmic, with shows typically starting at 9pm nightly. This is in a Theater, so you’ll need to head down Sunset Blvd and join the crowd to see this performance. There’s minor Fireworks during the Visual Display broadcasted on the Chinese Theater.

At EPCOT, gather around World Showcase for a fun Visual and Auditory Show that you can see all around the lake. It’s an easy watch, and generally low crowd.

Nightlife and Nighttime Activities at Disney

Some would say that I saved the best for last- and that is probably the case! If we were going to cover ALL of the options for entertainment after dark at Disney we would be here awhile. Let’s look at some of the favorites! 

Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs)

Disney is not just for kids! Especially Downtown Disney, which was built more with the adult in mind. You can shop and enjoy Dinner, then grab drinks on the water. 

You’ve got several options to choose from. One of the newest additions is The Edison, which has flapper style dancers, a DJ and music floor. The Hangar Bar has lots of games to play over drinks, and Paradiso 37 will have you dancing to Latin Music all night long! Bar hopping is another favorite, with almost 10 places to choose from it can be a fun weekend night! 

The BoardWalk

If you want to stay near the resorts, definitely check out the Disney BoardWalk. Not only is it absolutely picturesque in the evenings with live musicians and plenty of restaurants, but it also hosts some 21 and up venues. 

Jellyrolls is famous for their dueling piano competitions- truly a must see experience. Then you have a Dance Venue featuring hits from the 80s and 90s. 

Disney World Resorts

Now, let’s talk about the resorts. Disney World has 36 resort hotels on the grounds, 26 of which are owned and operated by Disney.

The Resorts are set up in a tier system. What this means is that each resort falls under one of three categories. The categories for the Walt Disney World Resorts are Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Deluxe. These tiers are based on the resorts sizes, amenities, transportation options and price. 

Value Resorts 

We’ll start with the Value Resorts. These are the least expensive of the Walt Disney Resorts but they don’t lack in magical experience!

They all have a dining area, stocked with various goodies (and yes, they accommodate allergies!) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the gift area sections they have the standard souvenirs like coffee cups and towels while they also have snacks and drinks. 

All of the Disney Value resorts have the usual conveniences you would expect at a Disney hotel. Mail, laundry, dry-cleaning, complimentary wi-fi, airline check-in, designated smoking areas, and ATMs. 

The Value Resorts also have some other amenities like the pools and a jogging trail. While the pools don’t have slides, they do have poolside activities that happen throughout the day. Other cool options for the value resorts are the indoor arcades and the playgrounds.

The two best perks of the Walt Disney World Resorts are the free transportation and the Extra Magic Hours. 

The transportation and extra magic hours are the main reason we stay at Disney so often even though we live right up the road! Because you really can’t go wrong with the list of amenities, the adorable themes and the perks of transportation and extra magic hours that you get by staying on-site at  the Disney World Value Resort hotels.

Moderate Resorts 

The next tier up is the Moderate Resorts and these are some of my favorites! The moderate resorts at Walt Disney World Resort provide some of the best options for the price. Plus the blend of affordability and amenities make Moderate Resorts a great options for most families.

While the Value Resorts focus more on cartoonish theming- The Moderate Resorts focus more on cultural themes. They offer all the amenities of the Value resorts with some nice additions! 

Disney’s Port Orleans offers horse-drawn carriage rides, bike rentals and catch-and-release fishing. Disney’s Caribbean Beach offers a pirates adventure cruise, bike rentals, sand volleyball and catch-and-release fishing. Disney’s Coronado Springs offers bike rentals and sand volleyball. They also have nicer themed room with queen sized beds (value resorts have the full sized beds). 

Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas

Staying at a Deluxe Resort is similar to the name, its where Disney goes above and beyond! These rooms tend to be a little bigger than most other rooms on the grounds, and they have more amenities. 

So you get all of the perks of the other tiers, with some nice additions like valet parking, higher quality dining on site and more recreation choices at the resort. This takes your Disney vacation from regular to extraordinary! 

My favorite part about staying at the Deluxe resorts is how much closer they are to the parks, and transportation also seems to move a lot faster from these resorts (maybe its in my head… but I do feel that way!). We tend to save the Deluxe Resorts for special occasions, like honeymoons, but we’ve taken the kids before and their were lots of other kids there too! 

The Deluxe Villas are similar to the resorts, but they sleep way more people! Most of these are also at a different location than the other Deluxe properties, but still full of the same amenities. 

Disney Resort Features 

So now that you have a general understanding of the what and where, let’s compare some of the basic features of all the resorts. 

The value resorts have double beds that sleep four, whereas the Moderate and Deluxe resorts have queen beds. King Sized beds can be found sprinkled throughout the resorts, you just have to hunt to find them! 

Food Options

The value and moderate resorts have food court style options- which is great for a large family of picky eaters, but the Deluxe resorts only have one quick service option that can be limiting on food choices. Both the Moderate and Deluxe have Table Dining options that help to add to the ambience of finer vacationing. Deluxe resorts also offer Signature and Character dining as part of their 5 star service.

Transportation 

For the most part, the value and moderate resorts only options are the buses. There are three moderate resorts that have the Water Taxi boat service and those are Ports Orleans Riverside, French Quarter and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. The Deluxe Resorts have several more transportation options, like the monorail, boat taxis and walking. You can also call a ‘Minnie Van’ from any of the resorts (and they come with two car seats!) You’ve got options! 

Every resort on Disney property has a pool (thank goodness, because Florida is hot!) but the types of pools differ across the tiers. 

The value pools are, well, value based (but your kids won’t mind, I promise!). They don’t have anything fancy besides some theming and poolside activities that Disney Cast members run. 

The moderate pools are absolutely a step up. Here the theming is top quality and you’ve got water slides!! 

So how can the Deluxe pools beat water slides? With even bigger water slides, of course! They also have more pool options to choose from, which limits the amount of loud rowdy teenagers you might run into on your afternoon swim. 

How far in advance should you book a Disney World trip?

As soon as possible! Disney Rooms can normally be book over a year in advance, and park reservations can be book 365 days in advance!

Is it cheaper to stay on Disney Property?

Honestly, most of the time, not really–though you can get some good deals with the value resorts, what you’re really paying for is convenience and the experience. There are definite perks, the biggest of which is being so close to the parks. You’ll have to decide what’s right for you and your family!

How much money should I bring to Disney World?

It kinda depends on your budget and how much you plan on eating at the Parks. A single person can easily spend 100 dollars on food and drink for one day at Disney World. Budgeting 150+ per person, per day for food, drinks plus a souvenir budget (like 100 per person for the trip) is reasonable.

So there you have it, folks, just about everything a beginner needs to know (and then some!) about planning their first trip to Disney World!

If you’re a first time Disney World visitor, I know it can be a little overwhelming, but remember that priority number one is to have fun! You’re not going to be able to do and see everything, so make a plan and let the good times roll!

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Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

20 Insanely Useful Tips For Your First Time At Disney World

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

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

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

Get Familiar with My Disney Experience

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

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

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

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

Consider Renting DVC Points

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There Are Fun Things to do on Arrival Day

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

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

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

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

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

Make Money by Declining Housekeeping

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prepare to Walk A LOT and Bring Comfy Shoes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Miss Out On Freebies!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Magic Bands Aren’t Required, But They Are Helpful

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some Splurges Are Worth It!

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Guaranteed Way to See Characters is to Book Character Dining

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

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

Garden Grill :

Toppolino’s Terrace Breakfast:

Hollywood and Vine Breakfast:

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

Hollywood and Vine Lunch/Dinner:

Chef Mickey’s :

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

Disney Offers Lots of Dietary and Vegan Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You Can Have Groceries Delivered to Your Resort

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

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

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

You Are Able to Bring Your Own Food Into the Parks

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

The only restrictions are:

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

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

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

Prepare a Park Bag With All of the Necessities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Utilize Rider Switch

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

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

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

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

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

Know Your Stroller Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 🙂

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50 Things to Do Before Your First Disney Trip

Your first trip to Walt Disney World is an amazing experience. But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are 50 things we believe you should do before your first Disney trip to help make it practically perfect in every way:

• Buy or borrow a recent copy of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World . Yes, it is long. Yes, it looks intimidating. But it has everything you need to know. Read it in small doses, or focus only on the sections most important to you.
• Get a TouringPlans subscription . It includes full access to our crowd calendar and other trip-planning essentials.
• Make a playlist of your favorite Disney songs. Listen to it while you plan and pack.
• Learn the lingo . From FP+ to EMH, ADR to TTC, there are a lot of commonly used terms and abbreviations associated with WDW.
• Decide when to go. Take into account weather, crowd levels, holidays, work schedules, and so on.
• Figure out your trip length . Any length is great, but a full week is recommended if you can swing it.
• Create a budget . Include transportation, lodging, park tickets, other activities, food, souvenirs, and other expenses.
• Compare ticket-buying options.
• Weigh the pros and cons of staying on-site vs. off-site .

• If staying off-site, check out nearby hotels, VRBO , and airbnb . Renting a house is often a better deal for families.
• Consider a travel agent. If you are feeling overwhelmed by decisions, there are plenty of qualified travel agents who specialize in Disney and would love to help you plan your perfect vacation.
• Discuss interests and expectations with your entire traveling party.
• Decide which parks to visit . Disney has 4 theme parks and 2 water parks, and Universal is just down the road.
• Determine which park to visit each day . Park pass reservations are currently required, but this also helps in “normal” times to plan your FastPass+ and Advanced Dining Reservations.
• Research attractions at each park. From opening day classics to new fan favorites, there is something for everyone!
• Research entertainment at each park. Disney has even more to offer than its amazing rides. Don’t overlook stage shows, street performers, parades, and nighttime spectaculars. (Also look to see which of these is available and which is currently suspended due to COVID requirements.)
• Watch videos of attractions and entertainment on YouTube . I prefer to be surprised, but this can be especially helpful to determine what young children are ready for.
• Learn about character meet & greets . Who can you meet at each park, and which ones are you most interested in? (During COVID restrictions, meet and greets are currently suspended, but there are ways to see characters in daily character cavalcades .)

• Look into activities outside the parks. Disney Springs , golfing , spas , and more!
• Prioritize . It is impossible to do everything. Make a list of “must do”, “want to do”, and “if time” to help you prioritize.
• Plan in some R&R. Depending on the length of your trip, you may want 1-2 non-park days, or at least an afternoon to recharge at the pool.
• Create your touring plans. Use our tried-and-true plans or customize your own !
• Download the My Disney Experience  app. Get your whole party connected and get familiar with using the app.
• Download the Lines app . Log in with your TouringPlans subscription to create, view, or modify your plans, plus get crowdsourced wait times and more.
• Make Advanced Dining Reservations   60 days ahead of time (plus the length of your stay for resort guests). Use our Reservation Finder to find that hard-to-get reservation.
• Consider transportation options. Will you use Disney transportation , a rental car , or ride share ? Or a combination?
• Take a breath. It can be overwhelming, but try to enjoy the planning process. (Remember: you’re going to Disney World!!)

• Create or find a packing list .
• Look at the monthly Orlando forecast . Get an idea of the weather and see if there’s anything you should add to your wardrobe.
• Purchase trip T-shirts  or other Disney clothing, ears, or accessories via Shop Disney , Etsy , etc.
• Be prepared to get wet. Whether from those infamous Florida thunderstorms or Kali River Rapids: you will get wet, and you may get soaked. Consider a poncho and quick-drying shoes.
• Decide what bag to bring to the parks . A backpack, purse, fanny pack, or sling, make sure it will fit everything you need, and that you can carry it for 12+ hours.
• Know what you can and cannot bring into the parks .
• Practice packing . Can you fit everything you need in your suitcase? Is there enough room for souvenirs?
• Invest in a good pair of walking shoes . Break them in.
• Start a walking routine. You should be prepared to walk 7-10 miles per day at the parks.

• Look at parks merch on shopDisney . Get an idea of the types of souvenirs available and what they will cost, so you can budget accordingly.
• Plan for special snacks or beverages. Some things are not be available at every park, so figure out where you can get them and make a note.
• Buy additional snacks to bring with you. You will get hungry between meals and park snacks can be expensive!
• Get a good reusable water bottle.
• Clear space on your phone. You will be taking lots of photos and don’t want to run out of storage!
• Consider a portable phone charger. Remember: you will be using multiple apps and taking photos for 12+ hours a day.
• Become familiar with the park maps . You don’t have to memorize them, but having a rough idea of the layouts will save you time once you arrive.
• Have a movie night. Watch a parks-inspired film like Pirates of the Caribbean , or a movie starring a character you plan to see.
• Stay up to date on social media. A lot is changing at WDW right now. Follow Disney Parks, Walt Disney World, and TouringPlans on Facebook or Twitter for the latest news.
• Get excited for what is sure to be a magical vacation!

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Amy Crockett

Amy Crockett is a native Michigander who works at a library by day and dreams of Disney by night. Planning Disney trips is her favorite thing in the entire world to do (apart from the trip itself)! In addition to all things Disney, she loves reading, musical theatre, playing tennis, traveling, and cheering on the Detroit Tigers.

One thought on “ 50 Things to Do Before Your First Disney Trip ”

Plan to bring or rent a stroller. Even if your child is way past his/her toddler time, he/she will take advantage of it. Also helps you carry your stuff and you can leave things that you don’t want to get into the rides.

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Your First Disney Trip: 9 Things You MUST DO To Have The Full Disney World Experience!

Taking a Disney World Vacation is an ideal trip for most families, but in order to get the full experience on your first Disney trip, there are some things you MUST do!

Your First Disney Trip:  Ride the Monorail

Disney World’s amazing transportation system reaches it’s peak with the Monorail!  These futuristic trains carry guests into the parks in of of the most unique and exciting ways to travel.  Whether you’re visiting a resort or just taking a cruise from the ticket and transportation center over to the Magic Kingdom, a Monorail ride is the perfect start to any first Disney trip.

Your First Disney Trip:  Stand on Main Street and Enjoy the View of Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle is the most iconic structure on all of Disney property!  Used in the logo and the beginning of all Disney movies, of course your first Disney trip MUST include a little time appreciating it! (Fair warning: You might just get a little teary-eyed viewing it in person!)  Take the time to walk through the castle and enjoy the beautiful mosaics and other artwork inside!  If you’re really lucky, enjoy a meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table and get a view from those beautiful windows!

Your First Disney Trip:  Take a Castle Picture

The perfect souvenir from a first Disney trip is a family picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle.  Always frame-worthy, the castle picture captures a perfect memory.  Thankfully, Disney photographers are available to take a fantastic pic you can purchase or will happily use your camera to take one for you!

Your First Disney Trip:  Meet Mickey Mouse

Meeting Disney’s most popular character is usually the highlight of any trip!  Be sure to make time to get a picture with the mouse that started it all during your first Disney trip!  (Helpful hint:  You can save some time by using a fast pass to skip the wait time for meeting Mickey Mouse!)

Your First Disney Trip:  Watch a Disney Parade

Nobody does parades like Disney!  They’re full of amazing characters, custom music, and fun for the whole family.  No first Disney trip visit would be complete without taking the time to enjoy one of these fantastic parades!

Your First Disney Trip:  Eat a Mickey Shaped Snack

Just about any snack you can imagine is available in a Mickey Mouse shape at Disney World.  From ice cream bars to pretzels to cupcakes, you’re sure to find a snack to satisfy your appetite.

Your First Disney Trip:  Ride the Classics

For the full experience on your first Disney trip, you simply MUST ride the classic rides.  Take a journey around the globe on It’s A Small World.  Soar over the park on Dumbo the Flying Elephant.  Take an adventure-filled safari on the Jungle Cruise.  Spin your giggles out on the Mad Tea Party.  Float through the air on a pixie-dust covered pirate ship over London and Neverland on Peter Pan’s Flight.  No matter what you choose to ride, these classic rides truly capture the magic and fun of Disney World.  No first Disney trip would be complete without enjoying some or ALL of these rides.

Your First Disney Trip:  Do Something New

Walt Disney World is always innovating new experiences.  Some of the most amazing experiences in Disney Parks are some of the most recently added attractions.  From Pandora:  World of Avatar to the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, all of these new experiences are spectacular.  Be sure to visit some new attractions on your first Disney trip.

Your First Disney Trip:  End the Day with Fireworks

Every single night, Walt Disney World puts on a spectacular show.  Whether you’re at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios, each show is unique and amazing.  The perfect end to any day at Disney Parks is to take in one of these shows.

Want to pack the perfect bag to carry into the parks with you?  Check out my post with all the details here.

Everyone makes mistakes, but you definitely DON’T want to make these rookie mistakes on your first trip to Disney World.  Read all about it HERE.

There are SO many experiences available at Disney World.  Find out which ones I regret doing here. 

The Ultimate Disney World Guide for First Timers (2024)

Disney World for first timers can be…well…overwhelming! And there’s no way I want you to feel that way. So, I created the ultimate Disney World guide for first timers (and I’m so excited to share it with you!). 

I’ve been lucky enough to go to Disney World anywhere from 1-3 times per year my whole life. I’ve done Disney as a kid, teenager, adult…and now as a mom myself (which has been awesome, by the way! So if you’re going to Disney with kids, no need to stress…I got you!). 

No, I’m not a local, so I can’t just pop in and see the latest and greatest thing going on there any time I want. I have to plan for each Disney trip we take to make sure we make the most out of it, while still making it feel like a vacation. 

Believe it or not, planning a first Disney trip can be almost as fun as actually going on the trip. In this Disney World guide, I’ll cover it all thoroughly enough to give a great head start on this planning extravaganza, but also concise enough so that you’re not sitting here for hours reading it. 

Now, let’s get planning for your first time at Disney World!

Disclosure: You may see affiliate links throughout this post, which means these are the things I handpicked! If you purchase something through these links, I will get a small commission at absolutely no extra charge to you. And that sure means a lot to me, so thank you in advance! See the privacy policy for more information.

Walt Disney World is the size of the city San Francisco. And that’s probably one of the reasons it feels like such a big task to plan your first Disney vacation. 

So, needless to say, there’s zero chance you’ll do it all on your first trip to Disney (heck, I haven’t even done it all, and I’ve been more times than I can count!). And that’s okay . Please remember that as you’re planning!

But just to get started, let’s review some of what makes up Walt Disney World:

Four Theme Parks 

Magic kingdom.

Think quintessential Disney. A mix of classic attractions and new favorites, TONS of rides that everyone can enjoy, and a pretty epic fireworks show. Magic Kingdom is a must-do during a first-time visit to Walt Disney World in my opinion! 

At Epcot, you’ll find some amazing food and drink options. And this is absolutely the best park if meeting princesses is a priority. But my favorite part about it as a mom? There are a bunch of fun play areas around the park that my kids LOVE. 

Hollywood Studios

This park is the place to be if you’re a Stars Wars, Toy Story, or Disney Junior lover. While there are only a couple rides with no height restrictions, there are lots of shows and character meet and greets to keep even the littlest ones in your party entertained. 

Animal Kingdom

An animal lover’s dream, but so much more than a zoo.  In fact, I wouldn’t even put Animal Kingdom in the category of a zoo at all. You can learn so much about animal conservation here, enjoy unique attractions, and see my personal favorite show on property – Festival of the Lion King. 

Can’t decide which park(s) might be best for your family? Here’s a good review of what each park offers .

Two Water Parks

Typhoon lagoon.

Disney legend has it that this tropical paradise was hit by a huge typhoon, and now you get to enjoy all the fun that came from the aftermath. 

Blizzard Beach

This water park doesn’t have a tropical feel at all. In fact, you’re transported to a winter wonderland in the middle of Florida. 

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a massive shopping and dining area. So, if you’re really into those things, this area might end up being on your must-do list for your first trip to Disney.

There’s also plenty of entertainment options and fun experiences there, as well, such as Cirque du Soleil, bowling, a movie theater, driving a car (that turns into a boat) right into the water, and taking a “hot air balloon” ride.  

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex 

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a large sports facility that hosts thousands of athletes in over 60 sports throughout the year. (Fun fact: I actually competed in dance team nationals there in high school!). 

Over 30 Resort Hotels

The resorts can honestly be attractions of their own.  Whether you’re staying on property or not, you can still enjoy all that the resorts have to offer including dining and resort activities. 

Now that you have a general idea of what Disney offers, let’s jump into the details of the planning stage. 

Setting Up a My Disney Experience Account

The very first thing you should do when planning a trip to Disney World for the first time is set up your My Disney Experience account. Head over to Disney’s website or download the My Disney Experience app on your phone to get started.

My Disney Experience will be your hub for basically EVERYTHING while planning your trip and enjoying your time at Disney. Your travel party and all of your plans, tickets, dining reservations, and resort information will be linked to this account as you plan everything.

This is also where you will access Disney Genie (as well as Genie+ if you decide to purchase this), virtual queues, mobile food ordering, and photos that are taken throughout your vacation. 

You’ll be able to find the park hours, park maps, ride wait times, character meet and greet locations, and SO much more.

If you’re staying on Walt Disney World property, you will even be able to check into your resort and open the door to your room through the app. 

So, the moral of the story? Go get this set up ASAP. And once you do, click around just for fun to get yourself familiar with it all. 

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Once you have your dates on the calendar, it’s time to choose where you’ll stay. There are two general options–staying on Disney World property and off Disney World property. 

Both have their pros and cons (the main con of staying on property being the price), but there really is something extra special about staying on property and being in the “Disney bubble.” Not only that, but there are also perks that come along with staying on property. 

On-property perks include:

• Extra park hours. All Disney Resort Hotel guests get to enter the parks 30 minutes early each day. And those staying at deluxe resorts get extended evening hours on select nights (I promise I’ll get into the different levels of resorts in a second).
• The ability to book your dining reservations for your entire trip 60 days prior to your check-in date (yep, I’ll get to this soon, too!). 
• Free transportation around property.
• Getting first dibs on Individual Lightning Lane selections (again, I’ll get to this later). 
• Free parking at the resorts and theme parks. 
• The ability to purchase the Disney Dining Plan (if you book a vacation package).
• Discounts on MagicBand or MagicBand+. And if you do decide to purchase those, you can set up the ability to charge your room for purchases made during your vacation.  

Ok, now let’s get into the deets about your on-property vs off-property accommodation options. 

On-Property Resort Hotel Options

Disney World has Resort Hotel options at various price points, with the value resorts being the cheapest option and the deluxe resorts being the most expensive option. Obviously, as the price goes up, the more amenities or better location you get. But here’s a quick overview of it all:

Value Resort Hotels

In general, you can expect the Value Resort Hotels to have motel-like outdoor entrances to your room, a food court, fun theming, and large pools with no water slides. 

Value Resort Hotels have the smallest rooms overall and usually sleep 4. But All-Star Music and Art of Animation offer family suites that sleep 6 for a higher price. 

List of Value Resort Hotels at Disney World + Transportation Options Around Property

• Art of Animation : Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks. 
• All-Star Movies : Bus transportation only.
• All-Star Music : Bus transportation only.
• All-Star Sports : Bus transportation only.
• Pop Century : Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks.

Moderate Resort Hotels

You can expect a little bump up in the quality and amenities at Moderate Resort Hotels compared to Value Resort Hotels.  The rooms will be a bit bigger, some of the studios have 5th sleeper options, pools will have water slides, and you’ll have table service restaurant options in addition to a food court.

List of Moderate Resort Hotels at Disney World + Transportation Options Around Property

• Caribbean Beach : Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks.
• Coronado Springs :  Bus transportation only. 
• Fort Wilderness Cabins : Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Port Orleans French Quarter : Bus transportation to all theme parks and water parks. Boat transportation to Disney Springs. 
• Port Orleans Riverside : Bus transportation to all theme parks and water parks. Boat transportation to Disney Springs. 

Deluxe Resort Hotels

The Deluxe Resort Hotels are the cream of the crop when it comes to Disney resorts (and the prices reflect that).  These resorts will have the most square footage in the rooms with a balcony/patio, more elaborate pools and waterslides, and table service and quick service dining options (no food court style dining). 

These resorts *usually* have interior entry to your room, multiple transportation options to get you around property, and a location close to the theme parks or Disney Springs (sometimes within walking distance!). 

List of Deluxe Resort Hotels at Disney World + Transportation Options Around Property

• Animal Kingdom Lodge : Bus transportation only. 
• Beach Club : Boat transportation and walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Walking distance to Skyliner transportation (which connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Boardwalk : Boat transportation and walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Walking distance to Skyliner transportation (which connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Contemporary : Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Walking path to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Grand Floridian : Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Walking path and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Old Key West : Bus transportation to all theme parks and water parks. Boat transportation to Disney Springs. 
• Polynesian : Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Riviera : Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks.
• Saratoga Springs : Bus transportation to all theme parks and water parks. Walking path and boat transportation to Disney Springs. 
• Wilderness Lodge : Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Yacht Club : Boat transportation and walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Walking distance to Skyliner transportation (which connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 

Fort Wilderness Campground

Yep, there’s even a campground at Disney World! The campground is located at Fort Wilderness, and guests can enjoy the same perks and resort amenities as those staying in the cabins (except for the fact that you have to have a camper or tent with you!). 

Guests have access to boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. And bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks. 

Disney Vacation Club Villas

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is basically Disney’s version of a timeshare and has villas at all the deluxe resorts. One major thing that sets the villas apart from the regular resort rooms is that the villas have a bit more of a home away from home feel. In the studios, there are kitchenettes and in 1-bedroom villas or bigger, there are full kitchens and laundry facilities in the room. 

Now, this may sound like something that doesn’t pertain to you since it’s your first time at Disney World, BUT you can actually rent DVC points to enjoy the perks of staying in a DVC villa (and staying in a deluxe resort in general). This usually ends up being cheaper than booking a regular room at the same deluxe resort. In fact, at times, you may even find prices that are similar to stays at moderate resorts!

In order to rent DVC points, there are quite a few companies you could use. DVC Rental Store and David’s Vacation Club Rentals are a couple of options, but if you google “renting DVC points,” you’ll be able to see various options. 

It’s good to note that you’re not able to book a Disney vacation package when renting DVC points, so you’ll have to purchase your tickets separately. 

List of Resorts with Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney World + Transportation Options Around Property

• Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary : Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Walking path to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge : Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Copper Creek at Wilderness Lodge : Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 

Off-Property Accommodations 

There are plenty of off-property accommodations nearby, including vacation rentals (like on VRBO ) and nearby hotels. 

These are great if you’re looking for more budget-friendly or pet-friendly options, you need accommodations with lots of extra space, you want to use hotel points that you’ve been saving up, or you just don’t want to be *totally* immersed in Disney. 

It’s good to note that there are “good neighbor hotels” at Disney World, in which you can book a Disney vacation package (resort + tickets) at a non-Disney resort and get some perks as if you were staying on property. Check out a full list of good neighbor hotels here . 

Theme Park Ticket Options and Park Reservations

Next up on this Disney World beginners guide? Purchasing your park tickets. You can do so on Disney’s website , as part of a Disney vacation package, or on a discount ticket site (like Undercover Tourist ). My workplace even offers discounted tickets, so it’s something to look into!

IMPORTANT: Kids under 3 are FREE and will *not* need a park ticket. Kids ages 3-9 will have slightly discounted ticket prices. 

Check out this post if you’re trying to figure out which park(s) to visit , especially if you’re going with young kids.

Disney World Ticket Options

Standard theme park ticket.

The Standard Theme Park Ticket is also known as the 1 Park Per Day ticket. This is the least expensive option.

With this ticket type, you will receive admission to ONE of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks each day. You may leave the park and re-enter the same park later that day. But you will not be able to enter a different theme park that day.

My Disney World advice for first timers who are overwhelmed with all the options Disney offers? Get the 1 Park Per Day ticket to help streamline your decision-making. 

1 Park Per Day with Water and Sports Option

With this ticket type, you will receive admission to one theme park per day as described above.  Plus, you will be able to enjoy a certain number of visits to some fun extras. 

The number of visits you receive will depend on the number of days worth of theme park tickets purchased. For example, a 1-day theme park ticket allows one visit to one of the extras listed below, a 3-day ticket allows 3 visits, etc. These visits will be in addition to your theme park tickets, so you can choose to use them on the same day you go to a theme park or a different day. 

For each visit, you can choose one of the following:

• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course – FootGolf
• Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (before 4 PM)
• Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (before 4 PM)

Park Hopper Option

Adding on the Park Hopper Option to your Standard Theme Park Ticket will allow you to visit more than one park on the same day. This is my favorite ticket type because it allows for SO much flexibility. 

Park Hopper Plus Option

The Park Hopper Plus Option is almost identical to the 1 Park Per Day with Water and Sports Option described above, so check out that section for more details. 

The only difference is that instead of only being able to visit one theme park per day, you will be able to visit more than one park on the same day, as described in the Park Hopper Option section. 

Annual Passes

Annual passes are most useful when you live close by or when you will be taking at least 2-3 separate trips to Walt Disney World throughout the year.

There are different types of Disney annual passes that consist of different benefits. Make sure to read through all the benefits of each pass on Disney’s website before purchasing, so you know exactly what it entails. 

Park Reservations

As of January 9, 2024, park reservations are a thing of the past IF you have a date-based park ticket! (Can I get a whoop whoop?!)

There’s a bit of a caveat, though. If you have a different ticket type (like an annual pass, military ticket, conference ticket, etc.), you will still need to make a park reservation. Don’t forget that important step if you don’t have a date-based ticket!

Special Ticketed Events

Throughout the year, Disney World offers special ticketed events, including After Hours Parties, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party , and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 

If an event is offered during your Disney trip and you’d like to go, you will need to purchase a separate ticket for that event specifically. 

Disney World Transportation 

Airport transportation.

If you’re flying into Orlando International Airport (the easiest and most common airport to fly into when visiting Disney World), you’ll have several options for how you’ll get from the airport to your resort. 

Here’s a quick overview:

• Shuttle bus (such as Mears Connect ) : these shuttle buses tend to be one of the most affordable options and you don’t need to have a car seat. But with a decrease in price comes some things to consider. You’ll have to wait in a (potentially long) line to get onto the bus. Then you’ll have to wait for the bus to fill up. Then you’ll likely have multiple stops along the bus route (I’m not sure why, but we’re somehow always one of the last dang stops!). For your return trip at the end of your vacation, you’ll be given a pickup time that’s usually about 3 hours prior to your departure time. 
• Private transportation (my favorite is Away We Go ) : the great thing about this option is that they’re ready right when you get off the plane to take your family directly to your resort. A lot of them even provide car seats. With any sort of private transportation, the cost goes up though.
• Car rental : if you want more flexibility during your trip or if you’ll be traveling to the surrounding areas off Disney property, this will be the way to go. I highly recommend reserving your car in advance . 
• Uber/Lyft : a rideshare service might be the cheapest option of all (although you will see price surges during busy times). But of course, there are certain things to consider, such as the car seat situation if you’re traveling with your kiddos. We have personally never done this option with our kids.

On-Property Transportation

There are SO many fun Disney World transportation options (honestly, we take rides on the Monorail or Skyliner just for the fun of it sometimes!). Almost all transportation options on property are FREE for anyone. 

So, let’s say you’re staying off property, but you’re at the Magic Kingdom and want to take a ride on the Monorail to go grab lunch at the Polynesian resort. You can do that!

Here are the on-property transportation options you might come by during your trip:

• Monorail : the Monorail travels to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and select resorts. It also makes a stop at the Transportation and Ticket Center, which is important to know if you’ll be driving, taking an Uber, or using the shuttle from an off-property resort to get to the Magic Kingdom. *You do not need to collapse your strollers on the Monorail.  
• Skyliner : the Skyliner travels to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and select resorts. *You do not need to collapse your strollers on the Skyliner IF it’s a single stroller or tandem double stroller (you will need to collapse it if it’s a side-by-side stroller).
• Bus : if you’re staying on Disney property, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll take a bus to get somewhere on property. *You will need to collapse your strollers on bus transportation.
• Boat/Ferry : you’ll find boats or a ferry in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot resort areas. *You do not need to collapse your strollers on the boats or ferry.
• Minnie Van : this is a paid service offered through Lyft, picking you up when you’d like and taking you directly to your destination (often making it the quickest option to get anywhere on property). You can book a Minnie Van in your My Disney Experience app. Up to two car seats will be provided if needed.  
• Driving : if you have a car, you can drive anywhere on property. If you’re staying at a Disney World resort, parking at your resort and at the theme parks will be free (although you can pay a fee for premium parking if you’d like). It’s good to note that when driving to Magic Kingdom, you will not park at Magic Kingdom. Instead, you will park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and take the Monorail or a Ferry to the park. 

Dining at Disney World

Dining options at Disney World seem endless. So, let’s just stick with the basics in this guide.

Quick Service Restaurants at Disney World

Quick service restaurants are spread out all over the theme parks and resorts. You do not need reservations for these restaurants.

These restaurants will have large seating areas, you will get your food on trays, and you’ll be responsible for throwing your trash away at the end of your meal. 

As the name implies, this will be your quickest dining option. 

Table Service Restaurants at Disney World

These are sit-down meals, whether that’s family-style, table service, or buffets. All character dining is included in this category. 

It’s highly recommended that you make advanced reservations for table service restaurants at Disney World. However, at times, there is a walk-up list you can join at the last minute.

Some reservations are harder to get than others (there are some SUPER popular themed restaurants or character dining spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table, for example). 

I always try to make my reservations 60 days in advance. But if I don’t get the reservation I want, I check back every now and then leading up to our trip. I’ve even had luck getting popular dining reservations on the day of!

Advanced Dining Reservations

What’s this you say about making reservations 60 days in advance? Well, let’s talk about it. Because this is a very important part of the planning timeline for Disney World.

If you’re staying at a Disney World resort , your advanced dining reservation booking window will open at 6:00 AM Eastern 60 days prior to your check-in date for your entire trip. 

If you’re staying off property , your advanced dining reservation booking window will open at 6:00 AM Eastern 60 days prior to the day you want to make each specific reservation.

You can make dining reservations on your My Disney Experience account online or on the My Disney Experience app. (I personally like to have both options open in case one glitches!)

If you decide you no longer want or need the reservation, you can cancel it up to two hours prior to the reservation without penalty (you’ll have to put a credit card down when booking the reservation that can be charged if you no show your reservation).

Mobile Ordering 

There are lots of restaurants that offer mobile ordering using the My Disney Experience app. Most of the restaurants that offer mobile ordering are quick service restaurants, but there are some table service restaurants that offer it for to-go orders. 

To mobile order food, open up your My Disney Experience app, click the “+” button on the bottom, then click “Order Food.” Once you’re ready for them to start putting your meal together, click the button stating that you’ve arrived. 

This is a great way to save time waiting in lines at restaurants! 

Food Allergies at Disney World

Disney World is amazing at accommodating food allergies. All quick service and table service restaurants at Disney have allergy-friendly menus. And you are encouraged to ask to speak to the chef to discuss all allergies before ordering. 

Disney recommends contacting them in advance if you have 4 or more food allergies. Their website states they would like you to contact them by emailing [email protected] after making your dining reservations AND no more than 14 days before your trip.

Bringing Your Own Food into the Parks

You’re more than welcome to bring your own food into the parks (I always have snacks with me for the boys!). However, Cast Members will not be able to store, cook, or reheat any food you bring in.

Coolers are allowed as long as they’re smaller than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high. Loose and dry ice are not allowed, so bring along ice packs. 

Here’s a full list of what you can bring into the Disney World theme parks . 

Moving right along, now we get into the stuff that you don’t necessarily need, buuut may just make your trip a little more magical.  

First up, Genie+.  This is a paid service that allows you to skip the standby line at an attraction by booking a Lightning Lane reservation on the My Disney Experience app.

If you’re not quite sure what Genie+ is or if you’d need it, check out my full Genie+ review here . 

Long story, short…this can come in VERY handy if waiting in long lines doesn’t seem like something you’d like to do. But it’s super important to know how to use the service to get your money’s worth. 

I promise it’s not hard, but it can seem a little overwhelming initially. To learn all about it and prepare yourself in the best possible way, take a look at my full Genie+ guide . 

Memory Maker

Memory Maker is a photo service offered at Disney World. 

Around the parks, you’ll see PhotoPass photographers just about everywhere. If you purchase Memory Maker you’ll have access to download all the photos taken on your trip. And if you purchase it in advance, you’ll snag it at a discounted rate.

If you’re the picture taker in the family like me, this is a great way to ensure you get all the group photos you want during your first Disney trip (that aren’t selfies, of course). 

But my favorite reason to have it? Capturing my kids’ reactions during character meet and greets .  That way I just get to enjoy the moment instead of worrying about getting my phone out. 

Enchanting Extras

Finally, let’s talk about Enchanting Extras.  These are things like a fireworks dessert party, a cabana by the pool, getting a princess or knight makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, getting a haircut at Harmony Barber Shop, or building a lightsaber. There are a crazy amount of options!

To book an enchanting extra, you can do so online or by calling Disney World. The booking window is the same as the advanced dining reservations, BUT instead of opening at 6:00 AM Eastern, they often open at 12:00 AM Eastern (if you weren’t already tired enough thinking about booking advanced reservations…ha!). 

Disney World Tips for First Timers

Woohoo! You’ve made it through all the big decisions. But it’s one thing to just check boxes and another thing to make the most out of your time in the parks.  Here are some of my best tips for Disney World first timers. 

Get to know the My Disney Experience app ahead of time.

You’ll use the My Disney Experience every. single. day. of your trip. So click through it ahead of time to get an idea of where to find everything. 

Get to know how to use Genie+ ahead of time if you plan to purchase it.

This is a big one. To be blunt, if you don’t know how to use Genie+ before purchasing it, you’ll likely feel like you completely wasted your money on it. So do yourself the favor of getting to know how to use Genie+ before you even step foot in the parks. 

Looking for allll of my Disney tips? (Because there’s plenty more where this came from.)

Instagram is where it’s at! Check out @ThoseMagicalDays — an extension of Those Johnson Boys, where I let loose on everything Disney to help make your trip stress-free.

Check in at the front desk to get the lay of the land.

If you’re staying at a Disney World resort, you’ll be able to check into your resort in advance on your My Disney Experience app.  And you should definitely do that! (I usually do it anywhere from a month to a few days before our stay.)

BUT once you get to the resort, I still recommend heading to the lobby to check in there, too.

Why? They can go over all the resort details and give you a map. You can ask any questions you have. And SOMETIMES they can pull some strings to get your room ready a little earlier (this is not always the case, but it’s always worth a shot!). 

Prioritize your park days. 

Now, I’m not saying to plan your day down to the minute.  That’s the perfect recipe for a stressful day at Disney World. 

What I AM saying is to prioritize your day. Pick about 5 must-do attractions and experiences based on your family’s interests. Then get a nice-to-see list together to start knocking out once you’ve covered your priorities. 

This can include anything from rides, shows, playgrounds , character meet and greets, a special dining reservation or snack you want try, etc.

Planning a day at the Disney World parks can be overwhelming! But it doesn’t need to be.

Check out my FREE daily Disney World park planner to help prioritize and organize your day, so you can have the vacation you’re dreaming of.

Consider taking a day or two away from the parks. 

There is SO much more to Disney than just the parks. In fact, some of our favorite days (that actually feel like a vacation!) during our Disney World vacations are the days we don’t go to the parks. 

If the length of your first Disney trip allows, I’d highly recommend planning at least one non-park day.  On those days you can relax, enjoy the pool, check out Disney Springs or a water park, go to a character meal without feeling rushed, explore the other resorts, participate in resort activities, go golfing or mini golfing…the list goes on!

Don’t over-plan…but also don’t wing it.

Like I stated earlier, there’s no way to see and do everything at Disney World.  So, don’t try to! Focus on what’s most important to your family, then let the little moments of magic in between fall into place. 

With that being said…please, please, PLEASE don’t wing it. I cringe a little whenever I hear someone say that’s what they’re going to do at Disney World. The parks will get overwhelming QUICKLY if you go in without a plan at all, and you’ll waste too much time wandering around trying to figure out where to go and what to do. 

I like to have a basic plan each day. And I especially like to have a plan for what we’ll do at the start of our park days. That way we can start having fun right off the bat. 

Know that there are options for everyone to ride what they want.

If you’re going to Disney World with little ones, but you’re really looking forward to riding something your kiddo is scared of or way too small for, you can use Rider Switch. I explain it all in this Instagram post .

Review the Disney lingo.

Are terms like Rider Switch, Lightning Lane, and rope drop making you feel like you’re trying to learn a foreign language? Check out this quick vocab lesson to help things make a little more sense.

Know what to pack. 

Finally, what should you bring and what should you leave back at home? I cover it all in this article about what to pack for your entire family (complete with a printable checklist!). 

If you’re looking to learn what you need to bring just for your time at the parks, find out how I pack our stroller for Disney here .

If you want to just jump straight to the packing list, though…here you go.

Want to know EXACTLY what to pack for your upcoming Disney World trip?

Snag a free printable Disney World packing checklist by clicking the button below. (And how do I know it’s EXACTLY what you need? Well, it’s the list I personally use, so it’s been through plenty of trial and error.)

FAQ for Disney World First Timers

What do i need to know about disney world for the first time.

The most important thing to know about going to Disney World for the first time is that there’s something for everyone, which means there are a LOT of options to choose from. You won’t regret putting in some time before your trip to prioritize what you want to see and do to make your vacation individualized to your family’s interests. 

Which Disney park is best for first timers?

If I had to choose the best Disney park for first timers, it would have to be Magic Kingdom because of the nostalgia and quintessential Disney feel. But all four theme parks are so unique and fun in their own ways, so I would base which parks you’ll visit off of your family’s interests. 

How many days should I go to Disney World for the first time?

For a first time visit to Walt Disney World, I would recommend a 5-7 day vacation. 

Where should I stay in Disney World for the first time?

I highly recommend staying on Disney World property for your first Disney trip. The convenience of being close to the parks, the extra park hours, and having access to free transportation anywhere on property are huge perks. Plus being immersed in that Disney magic (and getting to experience the amazing customer service from the Cast Members) makes things extra special.  

Do I need a MagicBand at Disney World?

While having a MagicBand or MagicBand+ at Disney World makes things a bit easier, you don’t need to have one to enjoy your vacation. You’ll also have the option of using the MagicMobile service on your My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card (a physical card that you can get from Guest Services at the parks or the front desk of your resort) to perform similar tasks to the MagicBand. 

Does Disney World do anything special for first time visitors?

You can ask for a “first visit” button at the front desk of your resort or at any Guest Services location. Wear that button around the parks and the Cast Members just might take notice and sprinkle a little extra magic into your day! 

Wrap-Up: Disney World Guide for First Timers

I’m BEYOND excited for you that you’re going to Disney World for the first time… let the countdown begin ! While it can seem like a lot when you first start diving into planning a Disney vacation, I hope this guide gave you some good direction. 

Check out the Disney section of my blog for all sorts of Disney World tips and tricks. And if you want weekly tips and exclusive content sent straight to your email, subscribe to my newsletter here .

Counting down the days until Disney?

Well, let’s build that excitement even more.

Click the button to download a free Disney countdown printable. It’s FULL of fun Disney countdown ideas to choose from.

Wondering how I give my photos a bit of an oomph?

Well, let’s just say I’m a little obsessed with the Light & Airy Photographer photo editing presets.

In just one click, your photo goes from, “Aw, that’s cute,” to, “WOW!”

Jenn is the founder of Those Johnson Boys, a family travel blog on a mission to give parents the confidence to travel with their kids. As a mom to 3 young boys, she's learned all the tricks over the years to make family travel less stressful. Whether you're traveling to Disney World, the USA, or international destinations, Jenn loves sharing tips, itineraries, and travel inspiration to help you have the family vacation you've been dreaming of.

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How to Plan Your First Disney World Trip

When planning your First Disney Trip, there is a lot to consider. From which parks to visit, to which resort to stay at to how much a Disney vacation costs. There is a lot to learn. More confusing yet, is how all the puzzle pieces fit together to actually create your perfect Disney Vacation. If you’re ready to learn how to Plan Your First Disney World Vacation don’t get overwhelmed. We’ll give you all the Walt Disney World basics, and step-by-step instructions for planning your Disney Vacation. 

Booking a Disney Vacation package is by far the easiest way to pull together a vacation to Walt Disney World. A Disney Vacation Package includes tickets, and resort booking, and allows you add-ons like transportation to and from the airport, as well as the Disney Dining Plan when offered. But before we get started in the How-To, let’s get some basic Disney information out of the way. This will help you have a good lay of the land before you dive in so that you can choose what’s best for you and those you’re traveling with. 

• 1 Walt Disney World Planning Basics
• 2 Walt Disney World Parks
• 3 Walt Disney World Tickets
• 4 Disney Special Event Tickets
• 5 Walt Disney World Resorts
• 6 Walt Disney World Restaurants
• 7 Walt Disney World Rides
• 8 Walt Disney World Transportation
• 9 Walt Disney World Budget
• 10 Disney Payments and Cancellations Fees
• 11 First Disney Vacation Helpful Tips

Walt Disney World Planning Basics

Through the planning process, you will need to do the following. You can grab our First Disney Vacation Printable Worksheet to help nail down these decisions to get you started. You can also check our Helpful tips section at the end of this post for our best recommendations on each of these steps.

Setting Up Your Disney Vacation

• Create Your Profile: Create your My Disney Experience Profile. Create a Disney Account here. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/login If you already have a Disney account, then simply sign in to manage your account. Note: Everyone in your travel party ( kid’s included) will need a My Disney Experience Account. 
• Choose When to Visit: Pick when to visit Walt Disney World. Some months are cheaper and have lower crowds than others. Read more about the Cheapest and Most Expensive Times to Visit Walt Disney World.
• Choose How Long to Stay: Decide how many days to visit Walt Disney World. Read our post on How Long you Should Visit Walt Disney World. 
• Choose How Many Tickets You Need: Select which days you need Disney Park Tickets. Check out all the things you can do Without a Park Ticket at Walt Disney World.

Figuring Out Costs

• Pick Your Resort: Choose which Disney Resort at which you want to stay at. Read our Disney Resort Reviews. 
• Plan Transportation: Plan travel to and from Walt Disney World. Check out all the Transportation Options from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World. 
• Figure out your Disney Budget: Figure out how much your Disney Vacation will cost. Read about Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation on a Budget and Disney Dining on a Budget to get you started. 

Getting the Details Figured Out

• Reserve Your Park Passes: Choose which park to visit on which days. Check out Which Disney Park to Visit on Which Day for Lower Crowds. Add your required Park Pass Reservations. View Park Pass Reservation Availability for your dates of travel .  ONLY thru January 8, 2024. 
• Choose Extra Experiences and Events: Select extra Disney experiences and Special Event Tickets for your vacation. Grab tickets to Special Events at Walt Disney World. 
• Plan your Restaurant Reservations: Consider Disney Dining Reservations to book. Read about Restaurants at Walt Disney World. 
• Plan Your Rides: Plan which days and for which rides you need Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane. Learn more about Lightning Lane and Disney Genie+ Build your Daily Disney Itinerary. Check out what you can do at each park each day in each section below. 

Walt Disney World Parks

Walt Disney World is not one place that you visit. Instead, when planning your first Walt Disney World Vacation it’s helpful to look at it as a small town. In fact, Walt Disney World has its own zip code, is close to 43 square miles, and is twice the size of Manhattan, NY. That said, realizing this ahead of time, will HELP you with planning. 

Four Theme Parks

Walt Disney World is made up of 4 theme parks, each with its own park icon and theme. Each requires a park ticket to enter and has different park hours, events, rides, and restaurants. When we talk about planning one park per day, this really is the best strategy. Especially since each of the four theme parks have enough to do to fill one full day. This is important to know if you’re planning a short Disney Vacation. Here is a brief look at what there is to do in each Disney World Theme Park

Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park is home to Cinderella’s Castle. It is the most popular Walt Disney World park, and also the smallest. You can peruse the Magic Kingdom Checklist to help you choose what to do on your Magic Kingdom Day. 

Magic Kingdom has several popular rides that are most likely on your Disney Must-Do list. Peter Pan’s Flight, “it’s a Small World”, Mad Tea Party Teacups, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain are all in Magic Kingdom. This park is also home to TRON, which is opening in 2023. 

Magic Kingdom’s more popular restaurants are Crystal Palace, which offers character dining with Winnie the Pooh and Friends, and Be Our Guest , which is housed inside the Beauty and the Beast Castle. Perhaps the most popular restaurant in Magic Kingdom is Cinderella’s Royal Table , with Disney Princess meet and greets, and is known best as the restaurant inside Cinderella’s Castle. Browse the Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants.

EPCOT Park is home to Spaceship Earth, otherwise known as the giant golf ball at the front of the park. It consists of 4 neighborhoods highlighting humanity’s shared journey. World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery, and World Showcase. These areas include attractions around a theme. Be sure to review the EPCOT Checklist to help you choose what to do on your EPCOT Day. 

Popular rides at EPCOT Park include Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure , Frozen Ever After, Soarin’, Test Track, and Spaceship Earth. This park also includes the Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind rollercoaster.

EPCOT Park restaurants to consider include Space 220, Chefs de France, Teppan Edo Hibachi , La Cantina de San Angel, and many options for fine dining. EPCOT is also known for its annual festivals, which happen throughout the year. If you’re visiting during an EPCOT festival know that you can also grab food at the outdoor kitchens that are available during Festivals at EPCOT. Browse the Best EPCOT Restaurants . 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom Park is home to the Tree of Life and more than 500 acres of landscape, housing a variety of wildlife across the park. As Disney’s wildlife park, Animal Kingdom includes trails, rides, restaurants, and experiences themed to Africa and Asia. Animal Kingdom is also home to Pandora, World of Avatar . If this is your first Disney World Vacation, know that as Disney World’s largest park, Animal Kingdom covers a lot of ground. 

With one of the most popular rides in Walt Disney World, Avatar: Flight of Passage, Animal Kingdom is no stranger to rope drop crowds. Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, Kilimajaro Safari, and Navi River Journey are all top rides to have on your Checklist for your Animal Kingdom Day . 

Animal Kingdom Restaurants to try to include Tusker House where you’ll see Mickey and Friends in their safari gear, Yak and Yeti, Satu’li Canteen, and Nomad Lounge. 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 

Hollywood Studios icon in the park is the Hollywood Tower Hotel which houses the Tower of Terror ride. As home to both Toy Story Land and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge , there is plenty to do in this classic Disney Park. Other areas of the park include an area decorated to the 1950s, and a Classic Hollywood area, called Sunset Boulevard. 

Popular rides in Hollywood Studios include Rise of the Resistance , Slinky Dog Dash, Star Tours, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway . Other favorite attractions in this park are Midway Mania, Muppet Vision 3D, and Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. Since both Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash typically see long waits, you’ll want to figure out which rides are Must-Do’s on your Hollywood Studios Checklist.  

Restaurants at Hollywood Studios are themed to the areas in which they are found. The Hollywood Brown Derby is the park’s signature dining experience and denotes a sense of old Hollywood. Hollywood and Vine is the park’s character dining restaurant and offers seasonal dining experiences. If interested in immersion dining, the 1950s Prime Time Cafe is also popular. ABC Commissary and the Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant are ones to consider if you’re looking for consistent dining options. 

Water Parks

Walt Disney World has two water parks; Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. If adding this to your Disney Vacation you will need to grab a water park ticket. These parks are themed to storylines that lend to their respective rides, restaurants, beaches, etc. While you may not need to add a Disney Water Park on your First Walt Disney World Vacation, if you’re a water park family, know that they are open year-round, except when they are in the process of refurbishment. 

Disney Springs

Walt Disney World has an on-property shopping center. Thankfully, Disney Springs is Free, and we often recommend it as one of the best ways to enjoy Walt Disney World without a park ticket. With both Disney-themed shopping and major retailers like Anthropologie, Uniqlo, Sephora, The Lego Store, and more, it’s easy to spend a full day at Disney Springs. Read more about Disney Springs.

Disney Boardwalk

Visiting the Disney Boardwalk is another one of our favorite Free Things to Do at Walt Disney World . And since it’s FREE you don’t need a park ticket, and can easily visit at any time throughout your vacation. The Disney Boardwalk Area has a few Disney Resorts, restaurants, entertainment, beaches, and a walking path from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios . This is also the area where you will find the Walt Disney World Swan, Swan Reserve, and Dolphin Hotels. 

Walt Disney World Tickets

If you are booking a Disney Vacation Package you won’t have to worry about purchasing tickets separately. The convenience of this alone is usually enough for us to purchase the package. That said, as a Disney World Annual Passholder you also wouldn’t have to worry about tickets for the four theme parks. However, if you’re planning on several trips to Walt Disney World in any given year a Disney Annual Pass may be most budget-friendly. 

Disney World Theme Park Admission

A theme park ticket is required for each of Disney’s four theme parks. Luckily Disney tickets are not park-specific, as one Disney Theme Park Ticket can be used at any of the four theme parks; Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom. Typically about $110 dollars for a 1-day ticket, if you purchase more days, the price goes down per down. This is per person, per day, for one park. Check current Disney Theme Park Ticket Prices.

Disney Park Hopper

You Don’t Need a Disney Park Hopper Ticket on your First Disney Vacation, simply because there is so much to do in each park, and as a Disney newbie, so much that you will want to take in.

Park Hopper Ticket

What is a Disney Park Hopper ticket you ask? This ticket is an extra amount above your theme park ticket price and gets you into a second park on the same day. The way this currently works at Disney World is that those guests with a Park Hopper Ticket are allowed to enter another park after 2 pm, without a park pass reservation. This is helpful for shorter Disney Vacations where you hope to smash two parks into one day. Otherwise, we recommend against adding a park hopper ticket on your First Disney Vacation. 

Park Hopper Plus Ticket

If you’re hoping to visit the Theme Parks, Park Hop, and go to the Water Parks, then the Park Hopper Plus ticket, includes all of these. And in regards to doing Disney on a Budget, this combined ticket is cheaper than purchasing theme park tickets, water park tickets, and park hopper tickets separately. 

Disney Water Park Tickets

Just like any Disney theme park, Disney Water Parks require a ticket, and they are a different type of ticket than the theme park ticket. If choosing a Disney Vacation Package and purchase it on the Walt Disney World website, then one of your last screens will allow you to choose a water park ticket, and park hopper ticket add-ons to your package. Check out current Disney Water Park Ticket Prices .

Disney Special Event Tickets

Perhaps you’re visiting Walt Disney World for the first time to take advantage of a special event. Perhaps you’re celebrating and want to experience something special. While you don’t need to add a special event ticket to Your First Walt Disney World Vacation, here are some of the events that are typically available, depending on what time of year you visit. 

Disney’s After Hours

If you’re traveling without little ones and want to stay out late, then you may want to consider adding tickets for a Disney After Hours event. While the After Hours events at Magic Kingdom are one of the best things to do for Disney Adults , the high price of tickets and late hours to almost 1 am, make this a challenging event for families. Read our Disney After Hours review to see if it may work for you. 

Parties at Magic Kingdom Park

A favorite of families and holiday junkies, the Disney holiday parties at Magic Kingdom are considered a Disney Must-Do by many. What you’re paying for in this extra ticketed experience are unique experiences you can’t get anywhere else in the parks. Both Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party include exclusive snacks, merchandise, ride overlays, fireworks, parades, meet and greets, and shows. These are generally cheaper than the Disney After Hours events and if you’re traveling in the fall or winter, grabbing a party ticket is a great way to make your vacation extra special. 

• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Disney Dessert Parties

Another event that requires an extra ticket, dessert parties are offered at select parks for certain events. Disney Dessert Parties offers guests sweet and savory snacks and an exclusive location from which to view the nighttime spectaculars. EPCOT and Magic Kingdom typically offer dessert parties. Check out all the Disney Dessert Parties currently available. 

Walt Disney World Tours

Walt Disney World offers a variety of tours and special activities that can upgrade your Disney Vacation. However, keep in mind that these are extra and require their own ticket and registration. While these are not needed on your First Vacation to Walt Disney World, if you’re celebrating something special or plan on this being your only vacation to Walt Disney World, it may be worth the cost. Check out all the Walt Disney World Tours you can add to your trip. 

runDisney Marathon events

If you’re a runner, then chances are you’ve heard of the runDisney marathons that happen throughout the year. Intermittently offered you can check out the runDisney Marathon schedule to see if this is an event that coincides with your vacation dates. Know that runDisney events tend to fill up fast as soon as registration opens. So unless a marathon is a reason for your first trip to Walt Disney World, participating in this event is a planning undertaking in and of itself. Check out the runDisney Events calendar.

Walt Disney World Discounts

Ah, now for the most important thing you will want to consider regarding your Disney Vacation Budget . Can you get any discounts for a Disney World Vacation? There are several tried and true ways to save money on a Disney Vacation. However, the page you want to check before you start planning is the Walt Disney World Special Offers page. Updated constantly, you may find a discount here that coincides with your vacation dates, or includes a discount resort, or dining offer. 

Walt Disney World Resorts

Now that you have a handle on the fact that Walt Disney World has four theme parks, and two water parks, all of which will require tickets, let’s move on to where you are going to stay. Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort is always a good idea. While there are other nearby hotels, nothing is quite as magical as staying on Disney property. When considering a Disney Resort, know that Disney has three resort tiers; Value, Moderate and Deluxe. And prices can range from $80-$4000 dollars/a night depending on several factors, including resort tier, amenities offered, transportation options, and what time of year you visit. 

What are you looking for in a Disney Resort? Do you need something basic and don’t mind waiting for the Disney buses? Or would you prefer a resort on the Disney Skyliner or Monorail Line, so you can get to the parks easily? Perhaps you prefer a resort away from the crowds? Or a resort that isn’t overly Disney-themed? Here are some options to consider. 

• Disney Value Resorts : Bus transportation. Pop Century and Art of Animation also have Skyliner transportation.
• Disney Moderate Resorts: Bus Transportation. Caribbean Beach Resort also has Skyliner transportation.
• Disney Deluxe Resorts. Bus transportation. Some offer monorail, ferry, and Skyliner transportation.
• Disney Boardwalk Resorts : Within walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
• Disney Monorail Resorts: Within walking distance of Magic Kingdom. 
• Disney Ferry Boat Resorts : Ferry boat resorts are located near EPCOT and Magic Kingdom
• Disney Skyliner Resorts: Includes Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. 

Value Resorts

Disney’s Value Resorts typically offer all your basic amenities including on-site dining, laundry, pools, a gift shop, and a Disney theme. The main Value Resorts at Walt Disney World are known as Disney All-Star Resorts. These resorts are the cheapest on the property, with the exception of tent camping sites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds.  They only offer bus transportation, and sometimes see larger groups, like high schools, and international travelers, making these somewhat crowded resorts. However, they offer everything you need to have a great Disney vacation on a budget.

Value Plus Resorts are technically also in the Value Resort category and include one of our favorite Disney Resorts on the property, Pop Century Resort . The resorts included in this category are still very budget-friendly and include both Disney’s Art of Animation and Pop Century Resort. These resorts share access to the Disney Skyliner, in addition to Disney bus transportation, making getting to and from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios easy and fast. Art of Animation Resort is known for its family suites and is a good option for families who need the space.

Moderate Resorts

Disney Moderate Resorts level includes a variety of Disney Resorts that are themed both to Disney in subtle ways. Coronado Springs for example is based on Walt Disney’s love of Central and South America, while Port Orleans Resorts have hints of Princess and the Frog elements throughout. Also offering bus transportation, these resorts are great options if you want to get away from it all. If choosing a resort at this level, we’d recommend Disney’s Caribbean Resort, as it has access to the Disney Skyliner, as well as buses, and is located just next to Disney’s Riviera Resort . This proximity means that you can simply walk to the other resort to try out their restaurants, gift shop, and beach. 

Deluxe Resorts

Disney Deluxe Resorts are the highest-priced resorts on Disney property. In addition to all the basic amenities you get from the other resorts, Disney Deluxe Resorts often include gyms, fine dining, and alternative modes of transportation. The Disney Boardwalk Resorts for example include six resorts that are within walking distance of both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. And Disney Monorail Resorts offer monorail transportation to and from Magic Kingdom. Some resorts offer boat transportation to and from Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs. 

Disney Resort Perks

There are several reasons that we recommend staying at a Disney World Resort, and most of those reasons include convenience, as everything shows up in your My Disney Experience App. Here is what you get as a Disney Resort Guest. 

• Early Theme Park Entry. Guests staying at a Disney Resort are able to enter the parks 30 minutes earlier than other guests. Allowing you time to get to your favorite rides before the crowds roll in. 
• FREE Parking at the Resort and in the Parks.  If you’re staying off-property, you most likely will have parking fees at your hotel, as well as the parks. Check out all the details about Disney Parking Fees.  
• Complimentary Disney Transportation. A variety of transportation options can get you to and from the parks, Disney Springs, and other resorts. 
• A Discounted MagicBand is offered Pre-Arrival so you can show up ready, with tickets, resort, and everything already loaded. Learn about MagicBands.
• Special Offers and Discounts. As a Disney Resort guest, you can get access to Magical Extras which sometimes include restaurant discounts and free miniature golf. 
• Early Individual Lightning Lane Pass Access. Disney’s ride reservation system, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane open at 7 am to Disney Resort Guests, as opposed to 9 am. Giving you time to reserve the most popular rides, before all the spots are taken. 
• Many Disney Resorts are within Walking Distance of the Parks . This is a huge perk if you’re hoping to stay close to the action without being dependent on shared transportation. 

Staying Off-Property at Disney World

While staying off-property is always an option, we never recommend it for your First Disney World vacation. Mainly because it just doesn’t feel as magical! When staying on property at Walt Disney World you are able to simply ignore the real world for a while, as we wouldn’t wish Orlando traffic or parking at the Disney parks on anyone. However, if you’re also vacationing at other Orlando theme parks, like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then it may make more sense to find somewhere in the middle. 

Walt Disney World Restaurants

When figuring out what to eat at Walt Disney World and how to pay for it, it’s helpful to know the Disney lingo and how much money to set aside for your Disney Dining Budget. When it’s offered to make this step extra simple you can grab the Disney Dining Plan, which can be added when you book a Disney Vacation Package. A Disney Dining Plan includes meal allotments per person that are good at most all Disney restaurants. And since you pay for it when you book your package there’s no worrying about how much things cost when you’re dining out. You can find restaurants at all Disney Parks, and Resorts, as well as on the Boardwalk and in Disney Springs. Are you looking for a Restaurant at a certain Disney World Park? If so, check out the Disney Restaurants at each park, on our park pages, below.

• Animal Kingdom Restaurants
• EPCOT Park Restaurants
• Hollywood Studios Restaurants
• Magic Kingdom Restaurants
• Disney BoardWalk Restaurants
• Disney Resort Restaurants
• Disney Springs Restaurants

Quick Service Restaruants

Quick-Service Restaurants are restaurants that offer a walk-up counter and don’t require reservations. You can find them everywhere, and they offer a great option for budget-friendly meals. But, not all quick-service restaurants are worth it. Check out our Best Quick Service Dining Restaurants list to make sure you pick the best places to grab a bit during your trip.  Plan to budget about $15-20 per meal, per person. 

Table Service Restaruants

Table-Service Restaurants are restaurants that are sit-down, with meals that typically last 1 hour. and generally require reservations. This restaurant category also includes Character Dining and Signature Dining, which are more expensive. Plan to budget on average about $40-60 per meal, per person. 

• Character Dining Restaurants can be found all across Disney World. This type of dining is typically a buffet dining experience and features characters on a theme. As part of the meal, the characters visit your table for photos and light interaction. For example, Topolino Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort features Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy dressed in European style as a poet, painter, dancer, and artist. Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom is a buffet that includes Winnie the Pooh and Friends. There are many restaurants featuring characters if this is something you’re looking for. 
• Signature Dining Restaurants can be such a treat and is great for Adults visiting Walt Disney World. They are, however incredibly pricey and can cost hundreds of dollars for one meal. If you’re looking for something special, however, then you could consider Victoria and Albert’s over at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort or California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, among others.  

Snacks can be found across all Disney Parks. From Mickey Bars to slushy kid-friendly drinks, chances are you will have to grab snacks throughout your trip. Plan typically $5-10 dollars per snack, per person. Check out the Best Snacks at Walt Disney World to see what you may want to add to your Disney Must-Do List. 

Booking Disney Restaurants

Disney Restaurants can be booked 60 days before the first day of your vacation. If you are a Disney Resort Guest you can book restaurants for all the days of your vacation. If you are not a Disney Resort guest, then you can book 60 days before the first day of your vacation, and then will have to repeat this process for each day of your vacation at the 60-day mark. You can reserve a Disney Restaurant with your credit card, to hold your place. Your card won’t be charged. Cancellations must happen within 2 hours of your reservation, and there is a $10 per person cancellation fee.  

Walt Disney World Rides

Riding any Walt Disney World is FREE when you are willing to just wait in line. All Disney Rides have standby lines, with the exception of rides that may be newly opened. That said, if you would like to pay to skip waiting in lines, then Disney has a couple of options at a cost. 

• Disney Genie+ is Disney’s PAID service that allows you to customize your Disney day, and choose 2 rides for which you would like to use Lightning Lane Passes. Note that Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane ride selections do not include all rides. This costs $15 per person, per day. 
• Individual Lightning Lane is a Disney PAID service for the most popular rides in the parks. With a price range depending on the time of year, crowds, and availability. Cost ranges from $9-$18 per person, per ride. Read all about Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane rides . 

Disney Ride Height Limits

If you’re bringing small children to Walt Disney World you will want to know which rides are open to them. While some coasters may be off-limits, many rides are great for all ages. Check out the Disney Ride Height Limits list to see all the rides and the heights required. To see which Disney Rides are great for a First Trip to Walt Disney World, check out our Best Rides in each Disney Park post to get a quick look at what you should prioritize. 

Walt Disney World Transportation

Walt Disney World has a variety of complimentary transportation options that can transport you all over Walt Disney World property. While there are benefits to bringing a car to Walt Disney World,  Disney Theme Park Fees may make having a car expensive and unnecessary. That said check out our Guide to Disney Transportation for the details, this is what you can expect. 

• Disney Buses are available for every Disney Resort, Theme Park, and Disney Springs. They are clearly marked with their destination and arrive and depart regularly throughout the day, about every 20 minutes. 
• Disney Monorails are available to transport you to Disney Monorail Resorts, and to and from the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center) to EPCOT Park. 
• The Disney Skyliner gondola system transports guests to and from the Disney Skyliner Resorts, EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance, and Hollywood Studios entrance. 
• Disney Boat Transportation is available to and from select resorts on Walt Disney World property. Boat access to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs is all offered. 

Transportation | Walt Disney World – Orlando International Airport

How do I get from Orlando Airport to Walt Disney World? Plan travel to and from Walt Disney World by deciding if you are renting a car, or flying in and using a hired service. Since Walt Disney World does not offer complimentary service to and from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) we recommend using the Mears Connect Driven By Sunshine Disney shuttle service. This new service is a bus service at the airport and will bring you straight to your Disney World Resort for a fee. Read our post on How to Get to Walt Disney World from the Airport for prices and details. 

Walt Disney World Budget

Perhaps the most important thing to figure out on your First Disney World Vacation is How Much a Disney Vacation costs? And more specifically how much YOUR Walt Disney World vacation will cost? You can check out our post on how to build a Disney Vacation Budget for details. Here are the main elements to consider. 

Costs to Consider

• Travel Costs . Flying or Driving to Walt Disney World, plus transportation to and from the Orlando Airport need to be considered. Cheaper airlines like Spirit and Southwest will get you the best rates. 
• Lodging Cost. Check out average Disney Resort Prices for each tier if you’re considering staying on the property. 
• Tickets/ Package Cost. Purchase Tickets before you go on the Walt Disney World website, or book a Vacation Package to get these included. 
• Dining and Meal Costs. The average is $80-$100 per person/ per day. Read how to plan a Disney Dining Budget. 
• Disney Genie+ and Lighting Lane Passes . $15 dollars a day for Disney Genie+ which includes 2 Lightning Lane passes for select rides, per person, per day. And between $9-18 dollars for individual Lightning Lane Passes per person, per ride. 
• Misc. & Souvenirs. Plan to set aside a few hundred dollars for emergencies and souvenirs. 

Ways to Save Money on a Walt Disney World Vacation

While there are many, many things that will affect the cost of your Disney Vacation believe it or not most of those things are in your control. If you’re hoping to get the most bang for your buck there are a couple of things you can do to ensure you’re saving money. 

• Set your travel dates during the Cheapest Times of Year to Visit Walt Disney World
• Select a Disney Value Resort instead of a more expensive resort
• Limit most meals to quick-service dining options
• Pack quick breakfast foods like granola bars and yogurt so you can skip paying for this meal at the parks
• Stay for more days to get the best price on Disney Park tickets. After 3 days the price per day drops. At 5 days or more, you get the best rate on tickets
• Check out all the ways you can Save Money on a Trip to Walt Disney World.

Disney Payments and Cancellations Fees

A Disney resort reservation can be made with a $200 deposit held on a credit card. The remainder of your payment is due at the Resort when you arrive. If you have booked a Disney Vacation Package, a $200 dollar deposit held on a credit card is required to make the reservation. Payment in full must be made 30 days prior to arrival. 

Disney Cancellation Fees

And if you are worried you may have to cancel, here are the Disney Cancellation Fees to consider.

• 30 Days or More BEFORE your arrival date. The full amount is refunded.  
• 2 days- 29 days BEFORE your arrival date. Amounts paid for your vacation, minus a $200 cancellation fee will be refunded. 
• 1 day or less BEFORE your arrival date and for no-shows. The full price of your Disney Vacation package is non-refundable. 

Note that if you purchased Disney tickets they have variable usage rules and expiration dates. Check out the rules on how long you have to use Disney tickets.   If cancelation is something you’re worried about, then be sure to check out Disney’s Cancellation Policy for all the details and exceptions. 

First Disney Vacation Helpful Tips

When is the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World?

Pick when to visit Walt Disney World.  So many things affect what may be considered the “best time” to visit Walt Disney World. From weather, to cost, to events offered and crowds, we’ve rounded up our best suggestions in the Best days to Visit Walt Disney World post. However, we most like September for lower crowds and Halloween Decorations, November for holiday decorations, and January for mild weather and the Festival of the Arts.  In general, we AVOID holidays, spring break, and late spring and summer due to crowds and cost. 

How Many Days Should You Plan for Walt Disney World?

Decide how many days to visit Walt Disney World. For us, a 9-12 day vacation to Walt Disney World is best. But we understand that many people just don’t have this kind of time. If this is your first Disney Walt Disney World Vacation aiming for 7-9 days is also adequate. We share our reasoning in our How Many Days Should You Go to Disney World post. For the most part, when you consider you should have 5 full days ( 1 for each of the four parks and 1 for Disney Springs) plus an arrival and departure day that are primarily empty of obligations, you see that trying to fit it in under than 7 days feels rushed. Keep in mind that with this model, you won’t necessarily have the time to do Magic Kingdom on a second day, which we also suggest. Nor the time to visit the Water Parks, Boardwalk or do the extras, like mini-golf, a resort day, and resort hopping . 

Do I need a Disney Park Ticket for Every Day of your Vacation?

Select which days you need Disney Park Tickets, by choosing how many days you’ll be in the parks. For us, we usually grab 5 park tickets for a 7-day trip, with 1 day for EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, and 2 days for Magic Kingdom. Do you plan on visiting a theme park on your Disney World Arrival Day? Often hours of travel and an after-8 am arrival makes getting to the parks on your first day and being prepared to stay through evening entertainment near impossible. Similarly, do you plan on going to a theme park on your departure day, when all items need to be packed and ready to go by 11 am for check-out? 

Should I  Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort on My First Disney Vacation?

While staying off-property at Walt Disney World is always an option, we say YES, you should stay at a Walt Disney World Resort for your first Disney vacation. Choose which Disney Resort at which you want to stay by comparing costs, themes, location, and transportation options.

How Much Does a Walt Disney World Vacation Cost?

While the amount you pay for a Disney Vacation has many variables, it’s important to Figure out how much your Disney Vacation will cost, while you’re planning. On average 2 adults, 1 child ( 10+, which is technically an adult) and one child (age 3-9)) is about $6,000 dollars for a 5-day trip. Travel to and from Walt Disney World can get pricey depending on where you live, so here are the things you can estimate to get a number to start your Disney Budget.  

• Transportation to and from the airport to Walt Disney World – $30 per person round trip
• Lodging at Walt Disney World- $300/ night
• Tickets at Walt Disney World- $125/ per person per day
• Food at Walt Disney World- $100/ per person per day

Does everyone in My Family Need a My Disney Experience Profile?

Yes. With the exception of children under 3, every person in your travel party should have a My Disney Experience profile. You can create your My Disney Experience Profile on Disney’s website. Having the profile allows each person in your party the ability to see what reservations, lightning lane passes, and event tickets are attached to their name. As well as open the resort room door. Parents by default manage children’s accounts. Be sure to download the Walt Disney World My Disney Experience App. 

Which Disney Park Should I visit on Which Days?

Choose which park to visit on which days by determining your arrival and departure dates first. Once those are decided you can see where crowds may be the lowest at each park by reviewing our Which Disney Parks to Visit on Which Days post. All parks have lower crowds on Tuesday and Thursday. And we recommend putting Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios on those days. Animal Kingdom is Walt Disney World’s largest park and doesn’t feel as crowded as the others at any time. We recommend reserving weekends for resort days, the Boardwalk, Resort Hopping, and Disney Springs. 

Do I Need Disney Park Pass Reservations and a Park Ticket?

Yes. In order to get into any park, you must have a Disney Park Pass Reservation. Add your required Park Pass Reservations, in the My Disney Experience App, based on which park you chose for each day of your vacation. You are able to select park passes for everyone in your travel party during the process. But will have to do each day separately. Read more about How to Make Disney Park Pass Reservations . ONLY Through January 8, 2024. 

Does Walt Disney World Have Special Events and Experiences?

Yes. Whether you’re visiting during the holidays or celebrating something special you can select extra Disney experiences for your vacation by checking out the Special Events and Experiences page on Disney’s website. While there is so much to do on your First Vacation to Walt Disney World, you don’t need to add anything extra. But, things like Disney’s Halloween Party or a Disney After Hours event could enhance your vacation. Especially, if you don’t plan on regularly visiting. 

Do I Need to Book Disney Restaurants before I go to Walt Disney World?

Yes. Consider Disney Dining Reservations to book before you go. You are able to make dining reservations 60 days before the first day of your vacation. And certain restaurants will be absolutely impossible to get if you don’t plan ahead. Restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, Topolino’s Terrace, Crystal Palace and Space 220 are difficult reservations to score. So, if you have somewhere special you’re hoping to dine on your first vacation to Walt Disney World check availability as soon as your reservation window opens. 

How Should I Plan Meals During our Disney Vacation?

Review options for dining for each day of your trip by reviewing your preferred Disney Restaurant list. This will help you nail down which restaurants will naturally fall on certain days. Due to you being in the park on those days. If they’re quick service, no reservation is required. And if they’re not, plan to book a reservation. This is also a good time to consider snacks, and what you’re planning for breakfasts. 

Do I Need to Buy Lighting Lane Passes for Rides at Walt Disney World?

No. You can simply use the standby line or other Disney Ride Strategies if you’re trying to save money. You could also plan which days and for which rides you need Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane. Perhaps Flight of Passage is on your Disney Must Do List, or Rise of the Resistance. While you may not need a Lightning Lane Pass or Disney Genie+ there will be days that it may make sense.

Planning your First Vacation to Walt Disney World

There you have it! Hopefully, this First-Timers Guide to Walt Disney World is helpful. Be sure to grab the FREE Printable Disney World Park Checklists and Planning Guide to help you plan this trip! Let us know if you have questions along the way! We know that the Disney World planning experience can get overwhelming. Especially when you’ve never been there before! 

Rochelle Mariah

Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.

• Rochelle Mariah https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/rochellemariah/ Summer House on the Lake Disney Springs Restaurant Review
• Rochelle Mariah https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/rochellemariah/ Star Wars Season of the Force Disneyland Special Event
• Rochelle Mariah https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/rochellemariah/ Garden Grill Breakfast Review with Chip and Dale
• Rochelle Mariah https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/rochellemariah/ Is Chefs De France Restaurant At EPCOT Disney World Good?

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10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before My First Disney World Vacation

Josh Roberts

Josh Roberts believes the best trips involve long hikes and muddy boots. His life goals haven't changed much since he was a kid: He still wants to be Indiana Jones when he grows up.

Follow him on Twitter ( @joshwhowrites ) and Instagram ( @joshwhowrites ), and visit his website ( joshrobertsbooks.com ) or Goodreads page to learn more about his forthcoming novel.

Josh joined SmarterTravel in 2001, and is an active member in both the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

In addition to SmarterTravel, he has written for USA Today, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Travel, The Huffington Post, Airfarewatchdog, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, ABC News, Oyster , and Business Insider . His travel photography can be seen in Britain and Ireland's Best Wild Places , published by Penguin UK.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A lacrosse ball. It's small, lightweight, and works wonders on loosening up tight muscles."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Being the first to discover an ancient lost city. Failing that, visiting as many of the already-discovered ancient ruins as possible."

Travel Motto: "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle."

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I have hazy memories of visiting Disney World as a kid. There’s an old picture of me grinning from ear to ear in front of the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, so I think it’s safe to say I probably enjoyed the experience. But going to Disney as an adult in charge of planning the trip—where to stay, how to navigate the park, how not to waste two hours waiting in line—is an entirely different experience. It feels like going for the first time all over again.

[viator_tour destination=”663″ type=”3-mod” tours=”2855MICKEY,17230P1,5202PARA”]

When I planned my first family vacation to Disney World as a dad this past spring, I made a few rookie mistakes. So take note, fellow first-time Disney trip planners: Here’s what I wish someone had told me before I took my family to the Happiest Place on Earth.

1. There’s an App for That

Most people picture the Magic Kingdom when they think of Disney World. I know I did—I think that and Epcot may have been all there was to “Disney World” when I was young. But in the last three decades, Disney’s Orlando presence has grown substantially: In addition to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, there are the self-contained Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios theme parks; two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach ; and Disney Springs (formerly called Downtown Disney), ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex , and Disney’s BoardWalk .

And there’s a single super helpful app that works for all of these parks and attractions. Download the My Disney Experience mobile app for your phone to get everything from GPS-based in-park directions (e.g., How to walk from Space Mountain to the Haunted Mansion ) to current wait times (e.g., “It’s 75 minutes to get onto the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster right now, but only 20 minutes at Splash Mountain —let’s go there instead!”).

You can change or update your FastPass+ selections at any time during the day (more on FastPass+ later) and even search for restaurants and events. It’s like the One Ring of theme park apps—the one app to rule them all. And it’s essential to getting the most out of your visit.

2. Arrive Before the Park Opens

With the exception of ExtraMagic Hours (more on that later, too), the Disney parks generally open at 9:00 a.m. I made the mistake of arriving at 9:00 on my family’s first day at Magic Kingdom, thinking I was doing everything right. I wasn’t. The parking lot was already a vast sea of cars.

Let’s use a day at Magic Kingdom as an example: It will take you roughly an hour of walking-riding-waiting time from the moment you pull into the parking lot to the moment you pass through the park entrance. First you park, then you walk or tram it to the ticket gate, then you board a ferry, then you arrive at the park proper, then you go through security and have your bag searched, and only then do you reach the area you actually think of as the theme park.

It was a little after 10:00 before we boarded our first ride. Surprisingly, the park was still pretty empty even then. We didn’t encounter any wait times longer than 15 minutes until about 11:00. So we got an hour of essentially crowd-free Disney time by arriving right when the park opened, which was great…but we could have had two hours of free time if we’d arrived even earlier. That’s a mistake I won’t make again.

Crowd-free time at Disney is like gold—rare and beautiful. Treasure it.

  View this post on Instagram   An old favorite, #bigthundermountain at #magickingdom #disneyworld #disneyparks #orlando #familytravel #travel A post shared by Josh Roberts (@jauntist) on Apr 23, 2016 at 3:40pm PDT

3. Use Your FastPass+ Wisely

The FastPass+ is Disney’s way of allowing advance reservations on rides, entertainment, and character greetings during your visit. It’s included in the cost of your ticket, and you get three free reservations per person. You can make your selections as far ahead of time as 30 to 60 days before your visit, or as last-minute as, “I want to go on that ride right now, let’s see if there’s a FastPass+ spot free.” You can select rides and times on Disney’s website or from the app, and you’re given a window of time in which you can show up to use your FastPass+.

There are two separate lines for Disney rides: the walk-up line and the FastPass+ line. Using your FastPass+ feels like being a VIP and skipping to the front of the line. It doesn’t always mean there’s no wait; just that the wait is generally pretty short.

I went about using my FastPass+ all wrong.

Having not been to the parks since I was a kid, I decided to reserve FastPass+ spots on my must-do rides for the early part of the day to make sure my kids got to experience them. This was not smart. As I mentioned earlier, the parks are basically empty for the first few hours. Wait times for even the busiest rides are minimal. Do not use your FastPass+ before 11:00 a.m. You’re throwing it away. Save your passes for the peak times when the park is bursting at the seams with people, generally the hours between lunch and dinner.

If you have a ride or two on your must-do list, get to the park early and head straight to it. You might be able to experience it a few times before the lines get long. Save your FastPass+ for later in the day when you’re tired, it’s hot, and the kids have begun to fade. That’s when you need it most.

  View this post on Instagram   Beautiful #elephants roaming freely at #animalkingdom #kilimanjarosafari #disneyparks #disneyworld #travel #orlando #florida #disney #waltdisneyworld A post shared by Josh Roberts (@jauntist) on Apr 26, 2016 at 2:10pm PDT

4. Plan Your Stay Around Extra Magic Hours

On designated days, the Disney parks open early or stay open later for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. These are called ExtraMagic Hours . Plan your stay accordingly and you could wind up with a lot of crowd-free access to the best rides.

I was only tangentially aware of this perk when I booked my stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge , and wasn’t able to take advantage of it because my stay didn’t overlap with the Extra Magic Hours available at the two parks (Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom) that my kids wanted to go to on this trip. Next time, Extra Magic Hours will factor more heavily into my decisions.

5. You Can Leave and Come Back Later

Even if you haven’t bought a park hopper pass (which allows you to visit multiple Disney parks in one day), you can still leave and come back to the same park at any time on the day of your visit.

Why is this a big deal? Let’s say you arrive early to enjoy the short lines and relatively cool weather before midday. Let’s also say you want to watch the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks show at 10:00 p.m. There’s a 0.0 percent chance you’re making it from the opening bell to the closing whistle without exhaustion, whining, and/or a full-on meltdown (to say nothing of how your kids will act).

Leave. Enjoy the afternoon at your hotel. Go for a swim, buy or make a nice meal, read a book, binge watch something on Netflix in your air-conditioned hotel room. Relax and come back after dinner when the crowds thin again and the heat has slipped out of the sunburn zone. It’s better that way.

View this post on Instagram Getting soaked at #kaliriverrapids in #disneyparks #animalkingdom #orlando #florida #themepark #familytravel A post shared by Josh Roberts (@joshwhowrites) on Apr 24, 2016 at 5:57pm PDT

6. Where You Stay Matters

If you’re planning a Disney-exclusive vacation (instead of, say, one day at Disney and another at Universal ), it makes sense to stay at a Disney resort . There are the obvious perks—a unified experience between hotel and parks, free shuttles, free parking, etc.—but also another perk: location.

Let’s use the fireworks example again. I have young kids. I didn’t particularly want to drag them from our hotel after dinner at 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. to go back to the Magic Kingdom for the fireworks. If I’d stayed at, say, Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows Resort , I wouldn’t have had to—you can watch the fireworks from the resort. Trust me, it’s worth it in the long run.

(Side note: We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge instead. If your kids love animals—giraffes in particular—this is the place to be.)

7. You Can Get a Free Souvenir for Your First Trip to Disney

If you mention that this is your first visit when you buy your tickets, check in at a Disney resort, or stop in at Guest Services, you can get a free button to wear around the park. Free and cheap souvenirs are hard to come by (even the famous mouse ears can set you back $20) so don’t turn your nose up at a free gift.

8. The Magic Bands Really Are Convenient

Disney’s Magic Bands are customizable waterproof wristbands that you can use around the parks and resorts for everything from FastPass+ access to unlocking your hotel room door. If you link them to your credit card, you can also use your Magic Band to purchase food or gifts. (That way you won’t need to carry cash or credit cards on you at the parks.)

9. Bring Your Own Food to the Disney Parks

There’s no nice way to say this, so I’ll just level with you: The food in the Disney parks is not good. I mean, it probably tastes all right if you’re the kind of person who enjoys a deep-fried turkey leg on a 90-degree day. (And judging by the sheer volume of people eating fried turkey legs, many people do seem to enjoy it. But not me.)

The food is overpriced (which is to be expected) and the lines to get food can stretch 50 people deep. We ate breakfast before we left our hotel but decided to buy lunch at the Magic Kingdom. Big mistake. It took about an hour to get four cheeseburgers from a fast food window in Tomorrowland because literally, everyone else in the park wanted to eat lunch at the same time.

The smart people were using lunchtime to sneak onto the busiest rides with shorter wait times. You can bring “snacks and other foods that do not require heating” into the park, and I’ll definitely do that next time. Not only will it save money, it’ll also allow us to skip some lines while the rest of the crowds are lining up for their deep-fried turkeys.

View this post on Instagram A #rollercoaster #train steamrolls up #disneyparks #animalkingdom #expeditioneverest #themepark ride. #yeti #travel #familytravel #orlando #florida #disney #waltdisneyworld A post shared by Josh Roberts (@joshwhowrites) on Apr 26, 2016 at 2:18pm PDT

10. Look for Disney World Discounts 

It’s expensive to visit a Disney park. Let me rephrase that: It’s EXPENSIVE to visit a Disney park: roughly $100 per person per day, and it gets even more expensive on peak days and during peak seasons (sometimes referred to as seasonal pricing or surge pricing). Whatever you call it, the takeaway is that the Happiest Place on Earth is also among the most expensive places on Earth to bring a family.

Disney does offer military discounts, multi-day passes (the more days you stay, the less you pay on a per-day basis), and other money-saving opportunities like Florida resident discounts.

But the real savings come from discounted passes, which you can buy from authorized sellers like Mouse Savers and Undercover Tourist . Give them a look before you book directly with Disney.

Josh Roberts feels more at home in hiking boots than at a theme park, but he was pleasantly surprised by how much he enjoyed Disney World. Follow him on Twitter @joshwritesYA and on Instagram @jauntist .

More from SmarterTravel:

• Disney Announces New Parks, Cruises, More Coming Soon
• Disney Land vs. Disney World: Which Is Cheaper?
• 10 Best Places to Go in Florida

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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My First Trip To Disney World: What You Need To Know

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I have been going to Disney parks since I was an infant. In fact, my first Disney trip was at the age of 6 months. Although I don’t remember my first trip to Disney World, I enjoy looking through the pictures with my mom, and her re-telling stories about what we did, what we saw, and who was there. The particular trip we discussed recently occurred in 1985…things are a bit different now. If this is your first trip to Disney, it’s important to know that gone are the days of just “winging it” when going to Disney World without any kind of plan or itinerary. Also, gone are the days you can walk up to the most popular restaurant in a park and find an empty table. And, unfortunately, gone are the days when you would only stand in line for rides for a MAXIMUM of 30 minutes (hello, Frozen Ever After). So, if you are a “Disney virgin,” and are looking forward to your first vacation to the Florida parks, there are some things you need to know and do before going. Check out the following list:

Plan, Plan, Plan

If you are looking toward your first Disney trip or perhaps even your first and only trip, the word “spontaneous” is not a word you hear very frequently with any sort of positives involving trip planning to Disney World. There’s a good chance that if you were to arrive at Magic Kingdom tomorrow with no set plan or schedule, you would maybe achieve about 20% of the things you wanted to do. This is especially true if you have never been to the parks before, as newcomers tend to over estimate just how much they can get done in a day. I will go into the reasons why you should plan your trip well in the rest of the list, but I felt it was important to emphasize the significance of planning at Disney.

The Parks Are VERY Busy

You might have already heard horror stories of the huge crowds that are found in the Disney parks. Magic Kingdom, the most popular of the 4 main parks, sees about 18 million visitors each year. Divide that by 365 days a year, and you have an average of about 49,000 visitors per day. PER DAY! Of course that’s just an average. There are lighter days and heavier days. So much of what goes into how busy the parks are is actually “when” you go. For instance, the Magic Kingdom has a maximum capacity of around 100,000 guests and the last time the park was at that amount of guests was April 7, 2009, when the Magic Kingdom went into a phase 4 closure by 1pm. This meant that the park had to stop letting ANY more people into the park after 1:00pm because they had reached the maximum capacity of around 100,000 guests. That day, you would have been shoulder to shoulder walking down Main Street and waited in line for HOURS instead of being able to do the things you had planned on doing. As a rule of thumb, the busiest times to visit the parks fall on any days or periods where children are out of school (think all summer, Christmas through New Year’s Day, and Spring Break).

My Magic+ and FastPass+

This goes along with planning your trip before you arrive to the parks. Disney has done a really great job of letting you schedule your time in the parks way in advance of your actual vacation, but if you are in the “this is my first Disney trip” boat, it can be a little confusing. You may be familiar with Fastpasses, where you can reserve a specific return window  of time to experience an attraction with minimal to no wait. Disney World used to offer paper passes you would get at the beginning of the day. Now, using the My Magic+ and My Disney Experience app and website, you are able to access Fastpass+, in which you can reserve your fastpasses up to 60 days before you arrive. This has been an important feature for those that want to experience an attraction that is in high demand. You no longer have to worry about getting to a park at opening just to get a fastpass that won’t be valid until later in the day. Planners love this, those that are more lackadaisical usually hate it. Speaking of My Magic+ and My Disney Experience, these fairly new (in the last 5 years) applications have streamlined your vacation by keeping all of your plans and reservations in one place. Once creating an account and being logged in, you can make and view your hotel room reservation, dining reservations, Fastpass+ times, and MagicBand features (more on MagicBands below). It’s also easy to make changes and find help if you need it. Unless you are a day guest, all visitors should have an account with these applications.

Let me preface this by saying that I love MagicBands, as they make touring the park SO much better. MagicBands are relatively new so some kinks are still being worked out, but for the most part, they are amazing. In a nutshell, MagicBands are a silicone RFID wrist bands that contains information about your trip and let you access certain features. You can use them to:

• Unlock your Disney Resort hotel room
• Enter into all of the theme parks
• Make food purchases and pay for merchandise
• Scan for your Fastpass reservations on specific attractions
• Keep track of credits on your Disney Dining Plan (if you choose to buy this)
• Experience special features on attractions
• Access Disney Photopass

Every resort guest will receive a free MagicBand that can be accessed on the My Disney Experience app. All changes can be made through the app and will apply to the MagicBand. All your reservations, park tickets, food credits, and credit card information will be linked to the band to use at your leisure. It is literally your room key, park tickets, credit card, and fastpasses in one wrist band.

Dining Reservations

Ah, Disney dining . Such a crazy part of the vacation experience! Disney World has many forms of dining for all meals and snacks: quick service, table service, buffets, character meals, and dinner shows. There is some form of dining in all resorts and parks, with some more popular than others. Since the theme of Disney vacations is “planning,” it is important to make dining reservations as early as possible, with all but quick service meals (Be Our Guest restaurant is the exception). Disney allows guests to make dining reservations up to 180 days in advance of their vacation. That’s 6 months beforehand! While that may seem WAY too early to know where you will want to eat on your trip, there are certain restaurants that are so popular, all reservations are snatched up on that 180 day mark. So do a lot of research about restaurants at Disney World before booking to get an idea of which ones you want to make reservations for. You can find tons of restaurant reviews all over the internet (I like allears.net and The Dis the best).

Walt Disney World is Expensive

Again, if you are in the boat of saying “this is my first Disney trip”, you may not realize how much the general cost will be. I’ll just save you some time: IT’S A LOT! If you were thinking you could take a week-long Disney vacation with a family of four or more, and spend less than $2,000, it’s time for a reality check. An average family coming to Disney World and staying on Disney property will spend around $3,000 for the hotel room, tickets, and food. This doesn’t even include souvenirs, airfare, or non-Disney activities. Plus, Disney has been hastily offering “add-ons” in form of special events and experiences. So be prepared to drop some serious bucks on your trip.

It may be overwhelming to plan your Disney trip with the list I provided, but I can assure you that there are many travel agents to help you plan, and websites out there that can walk you through the whole process. With all people going to Disney World, whether they are veterans or newbies, it is vital to MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS. Hopefully, you can know what to expect a little better now with the above list. I hope you have a good time planning your first vacation to Disney World, and you can always email me at [email protected] if you have any questions.

If you like this article then be sure to check out our other articles that can help you plan a great Disney trip. You may find our article and What’s The Best Stroller Foe Disney World  quite interesting.

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By Jamie Lee

Jamie is a lifelong Disney fanatic that has been going to Disney parks since she was a child. She is the head writer here at Capture The Magic & co-host of the Capture The Magic Podcast. When she isn’t planning her next Disney vacation, she can be found helping people plan their own Disney vacations and enjoying quality time with her family.

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Disney News, Rumors, Trip Planning & More!

If you love Disney World then you will love our new podcast where we discuss all things Disney. Whether you are planning a trip and/or wanting to stay up on the latest Disney news & rumors we’ve got you covered

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I'm planning my first ever trip to Disney world with my sister in Sept & want to explore MK, Epcot & Animal kingdom + MNSSH night, within a 3 day span. What days/how would be best? We're open to breaking them up bc I am in a wheelchair ”

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8 Things to Do Before Your Disney World Trip

N o matter when you're planning your next trip to Walt Disney World, there are a few things you will need to figure out ahead of your vacation. From where to stay to when to go, and how much you're willing to spend. Here's What to Do Before Going to Disney World. Consider this your checklist to make sure you're ready.

How Do I Plan a Disney Vacation?

Disney World Trip Planning can get very complex, especially if this is your first Disney Vacation, there are 8 main things you will need to figure out ahead of time! From choosing when to go to your Disney budget to any of the fun things you're hoping to do during your vacation. We've talked about these things before when we share the Disney planning schedule , from what to do 90 days before to 14 days before your Disney Trip. But if you're just getting started and need the overview then you're in the right place. Planning a Disney Trip doesn't have to be complicated. It's literally just a series a decisions and steps. Here is our lineup of must-do things to do before Your Disney trip.

Plan Your Disney Trip Dates

Picking a date for your Walt Disney World vacation is your best first step. Even if you're not entirely sure of the exact week, nail it down to a month you'd like to visit. A couple of things to know ahead of time is that Walt Disney World is affected by a few things that can make or break your Disney vacation. The weather, the festivals at Epcot, the holiday crowds, the tourists! So many things. Be sure to know what you're up against before you pick your dates. We cover all the things happening each month, annually in our Best time to visit Walt Disney World post. 

Set Your Disney Trip Vacation Budget

For a Disney Vacation, you will need a very good and thorough Disney budget. You can check out our Disney on a Budget post for everything you should plan ahead of time. But here are the main areas to consider. 

• Travel Budget - Are you flying or driving?
• Lodging Budget - Do you want to stay at a value, moderate, or deluxe resort. Check out Disney Resort Levels and Pricing to get a good idea of what's within your preferred price range. 
• Tickets Budget- Are you buying tickets separately or as part of a package with your resort? While we usually find deeper discounts with a package deal, if you're looking to buy tickets separately, check out Get Away Today for the best prices. 
• Entertainment Budget - Are you planning to attend an After Hours event or party? Maybe experiencing the Wild Africa Trek is on your Disney bucket list. Whatever you're hoping for, add it to your list, so you get in everything you want to on this trip. 
• Food and Snacks Budget - Knowing what your Disney food and snacks budget is before your Disney vacation will be a lifesaver. Especially since it can usually cost 70-100 dollars per day, per person for food. And that's on the low end. Check out our Disney Dining Budget estimates so you can get an honest handle on the numbers. 

Buy a Disney Trip Vacation Package

If you are purchasing directly through Disney you can buy a Magic Your Way Package. You can do this on the Disney Website , by simply adding your resort, number of tickets, and a dining plan to the care. This combines your Disney Resort lodging and your Disney theme park tickets for all parks together into a bundle. You can also add a Dining Plan to this package to make things easy, when offered. If you choose not to book directly through Disney then you have a few options. either way remember that places like Get Away Today and Disney itself sometimes offers a Disney Trip Payment Plan, so that you can manage your trip payments. 

• Book your Hotel: Our best advice is to always stay on Disney property when you can. Plus you can often even find cheaper Disney Resort prices by booking Disney through a third-party service. And then of course you can also always stay off-site, but often lose out on the Disney perks by doing so. 
• Purchase your Tickets: Our preference is to purchase tickets as part of a Disney Vacation Package, but sometimes it just makes more sense to purchase them separately, especially if you are trying to do both Universal Studios and Walt Disney World and may want an out of the way hotel not included in a package. 

Two months before your Disney Trip you'll want to consider what you need to buy before your trip, and things like transportation and dining options. From researching airline prices to adding  Disney Travel essentials to your shopping cart, here are the things to do 60 days before your Disney trip. 

Plan your Disney Transportation

While we sometimes think it's better to drive to Disney , especially if you're traveling with many people there are times when flying makes sense. Especially if you're traveling from a far distance. Whatever you choose here, know that there are options. Check out all the ways to get to Walt Disney World from the Orlando International Airport . Walt Disney World is about a 45-60 minute drive from the airport, so an uber, rental car, or the Disney shuttle service all work. 

Plan Disney Dining Reservations

While not every Walt Disney World vacation needs Dining Reservations, having a nice table-service meal at Walt Disney World often requires one. Disney Dining Reservations aren't necessarily hard to get, but popular restaurants fill up fast. From African dining at Sanaa in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge to breakfast at the Topolino Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort , being able to sit down, relax and enjoy a nice meal should be part of any hectic Disney Vacation. Typically dining reservations are made 60 days in advance. As part of your Disney Vacation Planning, choosing restaurants before your Disney Vacation is a must. As reservations may not be available last minute for many of the best restaurants like Space 220 in EPCOT Park . 

One Month before your Disney Trip your highest priority is planning your Disney Days from morning to night. This will help you make sure you don't miss anything important as well as be prepared for longer days. Consider things which shoes are best for Disney World, and planning what to pack for a Disney Trip all happen during this time period. 

Make a Daily Plan for Disney World Itinerary

Building out your day-to-day itinerary needs to be done BEFORE your Disney Vacation. This will help you choose which restaurants you'd like to try each day, what to pack and which Lightning Lane Passes may be needed. Write them down ahead of time and assign each park to each day of your vacation. This will help immensely when you need to reserve dining for both in-park and out-of-park restaurants, as well as Genie+ attractions for when you're in the parks. Check out our Disney Printable Planners to help you get organized. 

Choose Must Do Disney Rides for Each Park

Do you Need Disney Genie Plus or Lightning Lane on this Trip? Take the time before your Disney Vacation to talk through your Disney must-do lists. Maybe Pirates of the Caribbean is something you're all looking forward to? Avatar's Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom usually requires you to be at the park gates earlier than the opening of the park, because when those gates open you'll need to race to the ride to get a decent spot in line. This ride usually sees 2-3 hour wait times. Deciding your Must-Do list ahead of time will allow you the opportunity to decide which day you need to wake up early, or stay late in each park. Check out our Disney checklists for the rides in each park, so you can make a plan. And through some Disney Ride Strategies so you can make your best plan. 

Plan Your Disney World Packing List

Wondering what to pack for Disney ? Obviously, you will need to figure out what to bring ahead of time, but visiting Florida isn't as easy as you think. From bug spray to sunscreen to extremely good walking shoes and sometimes a hoodie, you may need more travel gear than originally planned. Check out our stuff to buy for Disney before you go post. This will give you the rundown of essentials and get you ready. Also, consider packing light and aiming for comfortable clothes. Walt Disney World is often hot, crowded, and very sunny. Be prepared for it! You may want to order MagicBands if you plan to plan to use them, and they can be ordered in the app, at a discount, 12 days before your trip. 

A Week Before Your Disney Vacation

A week before your Disney Trip is all about making sure you didn't forget anything. Double check the My Disney Experience App for your resort information, tickets attached to your account, and reservations. Double check your flight app and make sure all your flight and TSA details are correct. And lastly, grab your luggage, so you can start packing. Don't forget to leave a few essentials out of your suitcase for your Disney Parks Bag. Hopefully, this has helped you get a feeling for what goes into planning a Disney Vacation. You can check even more Disney Planning Tips here on the blog for details on restaurants, resorts, shows, parties and festivals.