So you finally did it. You saved up enough money to go to Walt Disney World. Now you just need to book everything and you’re on your way!
Well, not quite. There’s a lot of First Timers who seem to think going to Walt Disney World is no different than any other vacation they’ve ever taken. Unfortunately, that isn’t true. While a bohemian approach won’t ruin a Disney vacation, a little planning goes a long way. More often than not, the people who callously disregard experienced Disney-goers’ advice come back wishing they’d been less assumptive.
Now every Walt Disney World fanatic is going to have their own set of rules. And there’s always bits of advice you forget. This is a pretty well-rounded list of things you should know and do from start to finish on your first trip to Walt Disney World.
Consider a travel agency. Particularly if you’re planning a family trip instead of splitting costs with friends, this will help a lot. Travel Agents know what deals are out there and can get you a good rate without much trouble. Don’t assume the internet is the only way to get a deal. There are even travel agencies that only handle Disney vacations like our friends Pixie Vacations.
Fight or flight. Orlando is a fantastic, beautiful city with much to offer, and Universal Studios (now with Harry Potter and Peter Parker!) is only one of those things. You should absolutely see Orlando for the wonderful, uniquely entertaining city it is… on your next trip. Unless you have over a week’s vacation and a blank check, you’re not going to do even half of the things Disney has to offer. Stay focused and try to take in as much of the Resort as you can. Believe me, you will be back. In 10 years I’ve only known one person who felt one trip was enough, and I think there may be something wrong with my brother. So really, flying vs driving comes down to which is more cost effective for you. For most people, the convenience of Disney’s Magical Express and the price of gas will mean that flying is your best option.
Stay on property. Disney has gone to great effort to make sure that your entire vacation can feel complete without ever having to leave them until your plane takes off. If you don’t have a lot of cash, you can stay in one of Disney Value Resorts. It’s cheaper but still nicer than most value hotels and Disney’s Transportation means you won’t need to have or rent a car. However, if you do have the means, stay in one of the nicer resorts. “It’s just a hotel. We won’t even be IN it most of the time. Let’s just get the cheap ones.” Wrong. Disney’s Resorts are a third of the reason to go (the Parks and the food being the other two). The most expensive hotels, such as the Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are worth every penny. Hot tubs, restaurants, bars, activities and plenty of other amenities are there to make even the quiet moments of your vacation seem like Heaven. Check out this article about Staying on Property.
Express service. Disney’s Magical Express is a free bus that takes you to and from the airport. Use it. They’re nice buses. They will also handle all your checked luggage as long as you use the luggage tags they send you. However, your luggage won’t be in your hotel room until well after you arrive, so carry on everything you need immediately.
Dress properly and travel light. I usually do 12- 16 hour days at the parks, depending on if there are extra magic hours (on certain days, guests who stay at Disney’s hotels can go the Parks earlier or stay later). This means you have to be prepared as far as what you wear and what you carry. Gel shoe inserts will go a long way to helping your feet, which will be very, very sore by the second or third day. A backpack with essentials that is easy to carry is necessary. And take advantage of the room delivery service for any souvenirs you buy. Remember than even the light jacket you brought with you “just in case” will seem like a burden by mid-day if you’re not using it. And it’s worse for camera enthusiasts like me. Check out this fun article about keeping a spring in your step.
Map where you want to go. When the Park opens, immediately go to the second busiest ride. In the Magic Kingdom the order is Splash Mountain, followed by Space Mountain and then Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Get a Fast Pass for this ride, then go to the busiest and the third busiest. If you’re there early, you should get through your top picks before the lines get crazy. Then if you want to ride again, they should get better later in the evening as people start to dwindle off, or you can just get another Fast Pass.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The Parks are an endurance test. You will be there all day, so you need to plan accordingly, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE KIDS. If you’re at Epcot, you’re going to want to see Illuminations (maybe my favorite thing on the planet). At some point in the middle of the day, you’re going to get tired and your kids will be even worse. Take that time to go back to your hotel room. Nap. Get some food and then go back to the park in a little while. If you try to make it the whole day, you’re going to be too miserable to enjoy it properly. Do plan for travel time though. Don’t expect to leave your hotel 10 minutes before the parade and get there just in time.
Book your restaurant reservations well ahead of time. I have never gotten to eat at Canada’s Le Cellier Steakhouse in Epcot. I’ve heard it’s amazing, but I’ve never been able to get a reservation before a trip. Some restaurants are easier to get into than others. Character meals like Chef Mickey’s and Cinderella’s Royal Table fill up fast. Disney has some of the most amazing food you will ever have, and it would be a shame to miss some of the best because you didn’t plan ahead.
Park Hoppers keep things fresh. If there isn’t a whole lot that interests you at Animal Kingdom, having a Park Hopper ticket is a huge advantage. You can mix and match Parks. Also, if you’re at Hollywood Studios, but you have a reservation to eat in Italy, there’s no problems. Check out this Planning tip on buying only as much ticket as you need.
Take advantage of Disney Photographers. It costs nothing to let them take your photo. If you want it, you can buy it later. And if you ask they’ll take your picture with your own camera, so you don’t have to hand it to a stranger for that pic of you and your wife in front of Cinderella’s Castle.
Be nice to the Research people at the front of the Parks. I know you’re in a rush, but the questions are short and not very invasive. It’s their job, so be nice to them. It’s also how Disney constantly improves their service.
Downtown Disney. Last minute shopping? World of Disney is the largest Disney Store in the world. Food? Try Rainforest Cafe. Dessert? Ghiradelli is AMAZING… and they give out free chocolate samples. Or you can just relax and sit by the water while the music plays. Downtown Disney is an experience unto itself. It’s also a good way to spend the afternoon on the day you arrive. Sort of a warm-up.
Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Both are rated 2 of the best water parks in the world. The Crushin Gusher at TL is one of my favorite rides.
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Not sure which restaurant to go to or what Parks and rides to try first? Ask someone. Could be a Cast Member or the person standing next to you in line. People LOVE to talk about their Disney experience. Some will even volunteer it without you asking.
Hotels are a poor man’s best friend. If you don’t want to spend anymore money on your last day, try hotel hopping. No lie; Disney’s Resort hotels are an experience all their own. Take advantage of the bus service and just go to each hotel and have a look around. You have to see Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge to believe them. Gorgeous. And if you’re so inclined, try the Disney Vacation Club presentation at Sarasota Springs. It’s interesting and you have no obligation to buy.
Be prepared to say goodbye. There’s nothing sadder than your last day. Especially if you handle it wrong. Magical Express picks you up 3 hours or so before your flight. Don’t pick a 6 am flight unless you plan to be up at 2 in the morning. Similarly, don’t pick a 7pm flight if you have a ton of luggage that you will have to carry around with you anywhere you want to go. Pick an early/ mid-day flight, so you can have breakfast, pack and check out at a decent time. Also, make sure you have all your souvenirs. If you buy anything delicate, have it shipped to your house, so you don’t have worry about it breaking in transit.
Keep your heart open. Look, I am a cynical person. I’ve seen Walt Disney World behind the scenes, so I know how it all works. I even had an unfortunate experience with a chain smoking, Cinderella that forever shattered that fantasy. But take it from me, there is magic in Walt Disney World. It permeates from every rock, tree and bakery fresh piece of fudge. It stems from Walt Disney’s one true belief: imagination can change the world. There’s a reason they call it the Happiest Place on Earth. It truly is.
This guest article was written by Adam Relayson from Rebel Comix he is one of members of my elite group of guest writers called the Chip Panel. Be sure to stop by his website or facebook page and say hi!
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- Disney World Planning 101: Getting Ready For The Magic (chipandco.com)
- Disney Planning Tip: Top 5 Snacks for Small Children at Walt Disney World (couponingtodisney.com)
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Chip, this may be my favorite of your posts. I really like your thoughts on Illuminations :). It’s my favorite, too. I think you should post that last one a couple of more times. When you keep your heart open to the magic, you are more likely to relish in the little things. An accommodating cast member, a guest with a stroller that smiles as you go by, the smell of cookies on Main Street, fireworks in the daytime. My favorite part about being at WDW is the feeling of being free from all the cares of the world. It is truly a magical place. Can you tell I’m really missing it right now? LOL! Thanks for another great post!