Planning a trip to the most magical place on Earth can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so much to do, see, and experience, it’s crucial to plan your Disney World vacation carefully to make the most out of your trip. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of planning for Disney World, from choosing the best time to visit to making the most of your FastPasses.
Planning for Disney World involves choosing the right time to visit, selecting your accommodations, purchasing park tickets, planning your park days, making the most of FastPasses, making dining reservations, packing appropriately, and preparing for your trip. Be sure to download the My Disney Experience app to manage your reservations and check wait times. Remember to be flexible, arrive early at the parks, and enjoy the magic of Disney World.
Choose the Right Time to Visit
The first step in planning your Disney World vacation is selecting the best time to visit. While Disney World is magical at any time of the year, certain times are more crowded, more expensive, or more likely to have inclement weather.
For fewer crowds, consider visiting during the low-season months like January, February, May, and September. Avoid holidays and summer months, as these are typically the busiest times.
Select Your Accommodations
Choosing where to stay is a crucial part of your Disney World planning process. You can stay at a Disney World Resort hotel or an off-site hotel. Disney-owned hotels offer benefits like early park entry and transportation, but off-site hotels can be more budget-friendly.
Some of the most convenient and affordable accommodations for a trip to Disney World include:
- Holiday Inn Disney Springs
- Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs
- SpringHill Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossing
- Sheraton Orlando
- The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Purchase Park Tickets and Plan Your Park Days
Decide how many days you want to spend at the parks and buy your tickets accordingly. A standard recommendation is four full days, one day in each park. Create a rough itinerary for each day, deciding which parks to visit on which days. Consider factors like park hours, Extra Magic Hours (for Disney Resort guests), and special events.
Make the Most of FastPasses
FastPasses can save you hours of waiting in line for attractions. However, Disney has replaced the FastPass system with Disney Genie+ and individual Lightning Lanes, which are paid services. Purchase Genie+ before 7 AM to ensure you have access to Lightning Lanes and can make reservations for popular attractions.
Dining and Advanced Reservations
Disney World offers a variety of dining options, from quick-service to table-service restaurants. Make reservations for table-service restaurants in advance, as they can fill up quickly. Consider booking dining experiences that combine food and entertainment for a unique experience.
Packing and Preparing for Your Trip
Pack appropriately for your trip. Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and rain gear. Download the My Disney Experience app to manage your reservations, check wait times, and access park maps during your trip.
Enjoy the Magic of Disney World
Finally, remember to be flexible and adapt your plans as needed during your trip. Arrive early at the parks to maximize your time and experience. Enjoy the magic of Disney World and have a fantastic vacation!
Planning a Disney World trip can be complex, but with careful preparation, you can create a magical vacation for everyone involved. Use this guide as a starting point, and don’t hesitate to seek out additional resources or ask for help if you need it. Happy planning!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Disney Genie+ service?
The Disney Genie+ service is a paid service that allows you to access the Lightning Lanes at select attractions, saving you time waiting in line. It costs $15 per ticket per day in Disney World.
How far in advance can I make dining reservations at Disney World?
You can make dining reservations at Disney World up to 60 days in advance.
What are Extra Magic Hours?
Extra Magic Hours are a benefit for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. On certain days, one of the Disney World parks opens early or stays open late, and only resort guests are allowed in during these times.
Can I bring my own food and drinks into the Disney World parks?
Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the parks. However, there are some restrictions, such as no glass containers (except for small containers like baby food jars) and no coolers larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high.
What is the My Disney Experience app?
The My Disney Experience app is a free app from Disney that lets you manage your Disney World vacation from your mobile device. You can use it to make dining reservations, see park maps, check wait times for attractions, and more.
