Visiting Walt Disney World for the first time is a dream come true, but with its size and countless attractions, it can be overwhelming. Fear not! We’ve got you covered with our Top 10 Tips to make sure your first visit is magical and stress-free.
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! Let our preferred travel partner at MEI-Travel take the stress out of your trip.
1. Plan Your Park Days in Advance
Walt Disney World is made up of four distinct parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Buying your park tickets and planning your park days in advance is the key to an unforgettable trip! This allows you to book dining reservations, plan your park hopping, and avoid feeling overwhelmed on the spot.
Pro Tip: Use the My Disney Experience app to check park hours, crowd levels, and more!
2. Book Dining Reservations Early
Disney offers some incredible dining experiences, but popular restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Space 220 fill up fast! Dining reservations open 60 days in advance, and we recommend securing your must-do restaurants as soon as possible.
Pro Tip: Missed out on the dining reservations you wanted? Don’t worry, our friends at Mouse Dining will help you snag those hard to find ADRs.
3. Use Lightning Lane Multipass and Single Pass Wisely
Lightning Lane access helps you skip the regular lines and maximize your park day, so be sure to make the most of both Multi-Experience Lightning Lanes and Single-Attraction Lightning Lanes!Lightning Lane Multi Pass is flexible pass allowing you to skip the line at multiple eligible attractions. Check the list of eligible attractions in your My Disney Experience app. Use it strategically for high-demand rides with long waits. Lightning Lane Single Pass allows you to book the most popular attractions (e.g., Tron: Lightcycle-Run or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind)
Pro Tip: Know your must-do attractions and prioritize accordingly. Keep refreshing the app for new availability throughout the day.
4. Stay on Property for Extra Perks
If it’s in your budget, staying at a Disney Resort adds convenience and magic to your trip. You get perks like early park entry, free transportation, and the ability to make reservations before non-resort guests.
Pro Tip: Resorts like Pop Century and Art of Animation offer Skyliner access, which gives you quick transport to Epcot and Hollywood Studios!
In episode 706, we compare the pros and cons of staying on property versus off property when visiting Walt Disney World, breaking down the rooms, benefits, transportation, parking, dining and more, while giving real world cost comparisons between the options.
5. Arrive Early and Rope Drop
Arriving at the park before opening—known as “rope dropping”—is a great way to hit top attractions before the crowds arrive. Use those early hours to tackle must-do rides with little wait, then slow down and enjoy the park later in the day.
Pro Tip: Get to the gates 30-45 minutes before official park opening to maximize your morning!
6. Pack Smart
Florida weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared. Bring sunscreen, ponchos (for those afternoon showers), comfortable shoes, and refillable water bottles to stay hydrated. And don’t forget portable phone chargers to keep your devices powered for photos and using the My Disney Experience app throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Consider bringing cooling towels for those hot summer days!
In episode 506, we discuss a full checklist of items you’ll want to consider packing for your park bag, whether visiting Disney, Universal, or beyond, including weather related items, personal items, first-aid, phone items, entertainment, and more.
7. Take Breaks and Pace Yourself
Walt Disney World is massive, and it’s easy to get exhausted trying to do it all. Schedule downtime to relax at your resort pool or enjoy a long meal in the park. Don’t be afraid to take an afternoon break before returning for nighttime shows.
Pro Tip: Consider booking a table-service lunch to rest and recharge in the middle of the day.
8. Prioritize Must-Do Attractions
It’s impossible to do everything in one trip, so make a list of your must-do attractions. Prioritize these experiences and be flexible with others. Whether it’s meeting Mickey, riding Rise of Resistance, or exploring World Showcase, focus on what’s most magical for you and your party.
Pro Tip: Use the Disney app to keep an eye on wait times and adjust your plans on the go.
9. Watch Fireworks from Unique Spots
Disney fireworks are legendary, but you don’t always have to fight the crowds in front of the castle for a great view. For Happily Ever After, consider watching from behind Cinderella Castle in Fantasyland or from the bridge to Tomorrowland. At Epcot, snag a spot near Japan or Canada for a prime view of Epcot Forever.
Pro Tip: If you’re at a Magic Kingdom-area resort, try watching the fireworks from your resort beach or restaurant for a relaxing, crowd-free experience.
10. Capture the Memories
Disney offers Memory Maker, which allows you to download all the photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers during your stay. It’s a great way to capture professional shots of your family throughout the parks. Plus, you’ll get ride photos and videos included!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to take some candid photos of your own—sometimes those moments of pure joy can’t be captured by anyone but you.
Bonus Tip: Have Fun and Embrace the Magic!
It’s easy to get caught up in planning and logistics, but remember to slow down and enjoy the little moments that make Disney special. Whether it’s a surprise character interaction or an unexpected parade, those are the moments that create lifelong memories.
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Ready for your bucket list trip? Our trusted partner, MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations.
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