Hey there, Disney adventurers! If you’re gearing up for a magical journey to the Disney theme parks, you’re in for a treat. But let’s be honest: planning a Disney vacation can be a tad overwhelming. That’s where I come in with some golden nuggets of wisdom to make planning a stress free Disney vacation as easy as a walk down Main Street, U.S.A.

Pack Smart

When it comes to packing for your Disney trip, think comfort and preparedness. Check out my post here to see my favorite items. Here’s what you should include in your packing checklist:

• Comfortable Footwear: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable, broken-in shoes are a must. Consider sneakers or walking shoes.
• Sunscreen: Protect yourself and your family from the sun’s rays. Florida sun can be brutal, and you do not want to spend your vacation suffering from a sunburn.
• Hats: Wide-brimmed hats or baseball caps can provide extra sun protection and keep you cool.
• Refillable Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the Florida heat. Bring refillable water bottles and fill up at water fountains throughout the parks.
• Portable Chargers: Don’t let your devices run out of juice. Portable chargers ensure your phones stay powered for taking photos and using apps.
• Weather-Appropriate Attire: Check the weather forecast before you go. If there’s a chance of rain, bring ponchos or an umbrella. For hot weather, consider cooling towels or portable fans. And don’t forget a light sweater for cooler indoor areas.

Utilize My Disney Experience

The My Disney Experience app is your best friend for navigating the parks efficiently. Here’s what it can help you with :

• Park Maps: Access interactive maps of all Disney parks to help plan your day.
• Wait Times: Check real-time wait times for rides and attractions, helping you make informed choices.
• Dining Reservations: Use the app to book dining reservations in advance. Popular restaurants can fill up quickly.
• Genie Plus: Purchase and utilize Genie Plus to access Lightning Lane entrances on select attractions.
• Virtual Queue: Join virtual queues for rides like Tron and Guardians of the Galaxy

If you’re a first-timer, I recommend you practice in advance. Download the app before your trip and get familiar with its features. You can even practice mobile ordering at select dining locations to save time.

Use Rider Switch

For families with young children, Rider Switch is a game-changer. Here’s how it works:

• When a ride has a height requirement that a child doesn’t meet, one adult can wait with the child while the others ride.
• After the first party rides, the waiting adult can enjoy the attraction without waiting in the regular queue. They may even be able to bring someone with them if they wait alone.
• Not all rides offer Rider Switch, but it’s especially useful for attractions with height restrictions.

Book Your Trip with a Travel Professional

Consider working with a travel planner who specializes in Disney vacations. Here’s why it’s a smart move:

• Disney already factors the cost of a travel planner into their prices, so it doesn’t cost you extra.
• A good travel planner can help you with as much or as little as you’d like, from securing dining reservations to monitoring promotions to save you money.
• They’ll provide expert advice and help you create a solid game plan while leaving room for those unexpected magical moments.

I would love to help you plan your dream Disney vacation. If you’re interested in a complimentary quote, please reach out here, and we can start planning together! 

Prioritize Must-See Attractions

Every member of your group likely has a must-see attraction or two. Plan your day around these top picks to ensure everyone’s Disney dreams come true. Don’t forget yourself on this list! If you’re the one doing the bulk of the planning, it’s easy to forget to prioritize those activities that YOU want to do. Don’t make this mistake! 

Stay Onsite for Convenience

Another way to eliminate some stress from your vacation is to consider staying at a Disney resort for added convenience:

• Onsite guests can easily access the parks through various transportation options like buses, boats, walking paths, and the Skyliner.
• Staying onsite also immerses you in the Disney magic 24/7.
• There are options at different price points, so you can find one that fits your budget.

Use Grocery Delivery

Save time and money by having groceries delivered to your resort:

• Order breakfast items to start your day right. This can serve as a quick meal before you hit the parks
• Snacks like granola bars, pretzels, and non-melting options are perfect for park days.
• Consider ordering bottled water and drinks.

Plan in Rest Breaks

Don’t underestimate the need for rest. Trying to push through to get as much in as possible is tempting, but you’re likely to burn out and make yourselves miserable. Resting within the parks or heading back to your resort for a nap or swim can recharge everyone’s energy.

Don’t Overschedule

Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day:

• Factor in transportation time to and from the parks.
• Leave some flexibility in your schedule to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Limit yourself to one table-service meal per day to maintain flexibility.

Leaving some white space in your plan will not only minimize the pressure and stress but it will also allow for those spontaneous magical moments. Sometimes, it’s those unplanned moments that end up creating the most lasting memories.

Be Flexible

One of my most important tips is to be flexible and embrace spontaneity:

• Some of the best Disney memories happen when things don’t go according to plan.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff; focus on enjoying every moment.

I hope this post has been helpful. Hopefully, these expert tips will prepare you for a magical and stress free Disney vacation. Happy planning!

Whether you’re planning your first visit to Disney World or you’re a full fledged Disney Adult, there’s always something new to discover. Disney World offers many different types of tours and experiences catering to various interests.

This post is an ultimate guide to the options currently available at Walt Disney World so you can decide if you want to add one on your next trip. 

Disney Tours Available Inside the Theme Parks

Disney Private VIP Tours

If you want to tour Walt Disney World in luxury and be able to customize your experience completely, then a Private VIP Tour may be right for you. You’ll have a dedicated tour guide who can give you insider tips and history about the parks. You’ll be transported from park to park in a private vehicle, and you’ll be able to skip the lines at your favorite attractions. You can even access many rides through secret entrances you wouldn’t usually get to see. Another perk is that you get VIP viewing for shows and fireworks.

Cost: Ranges from $450 to $900 per hour, depending on the season. Valid park admission is required for each park visited on the tour and is not included in the price of the tour. All Private VIP Tours must be booked for at least seven continuous hours, and your party may include up to 10 Guests, including infants.

Important Info: 

• You’ll need to make reservations by phone by calling (407) 560-4033
• Disney VIP Tours participate in complete security screenings
• No cameras, video equipment, or cell phones may be used while in backstage areas
• If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, you will  incur a cancellation fee of two hours at your booking rate
• Meals are not included, but you will get snacks and drinks such as popcorn and Mickey Ice Cream Bars
• Tipping your tour guide 15-20% of the total cost of the tour is considered standard

Magic Kingdom Tours

Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour

The Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Disney World is a guided 5-hour walking tour that gives guests a behind-the-scenes look at Magic Kingdom. During the tour, you can explore secret areas of the park, including a visit to the famous underground tunnel system known as the Utilidor. This tour is perfect for history buffs who want to learn about the creation and evolution of Disney World.

Cost: $114 per person, plus tax.

Important Info: 

• The tour includes lunch and a keepsake to take home
• Valid theme park admission is required and not included in the price of the tour
• No cameras, video equipment, or mobile phones may be used throughout the tour. Photography is strictly prohibited.
• Guests must be 16 years of age and have a valid photo ID 
• Reservations can be made online or by calling (407) 939-7529

EPCOT Tours

Behind the Seeds

If you’re a Living With the Land Ride fan, this tour could be for you. The Behind the Seeds tour takes you behind the scenes of the Land Pavilion’s greenhouses, where you can see firsthand how Disney grows crops using innovative techniques such as hydroponics. This walking tour lasts approximately one hour and is a great way to learn about the importance of nature and conservation.

Cost: $35 per person, plus tax

Important Info: 

• Valid theme park admission is required and not included in the price of the tour
• You will forfeit the entire cost of your tour if you no-show or cancel with less than two days’ notice
• Reservations can be made online or through the My Disney Experience App

EPCOT Seas Adventures – DiveQuest

During this experience, you’ll dive into the Seas with Nemo and Friends in the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium. The DiveQuest adventure lasts two hours, with approximately 40 minutes spent on the dive. Additionally, you’ll receive a backstage tour to get a glimpse of the aquarium’s inner workings. Please note that SCUBA certification is required to participate in the program.

Cost: $219 per person, plus tax

Important Info: 

• Valid theme park admission is required and not included in the price of the tour.
• Friends and family can watch your dive but are not allowed behind the scenes for this tour.
• Proof of SCUBA certification is required for this program. Guests must be ten or older to participate. An adult must accompany anyone under the age of 16
• All diving equipment and wetsuits are provided
• A bathing suit is required to enter the water. Locker rooms with free lockers, towels, shampoo, and hair dryers will be provided
• Reservations can be made online or through the My Disney Experience App.

EPCOT Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth

During this dolphin encounter, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from the experts who care for these fantastic creatures and even interact with them in the water. The experience is limited to eight guests per day and lasts two hours. The dolphin interaction lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Since the water is only waist deep, you don’t need to be SCUBA certified or know how to swim to join in on the fun.

Cost: $199 per person, plus tax

Important Info: 

• Valid theme park admission is required and not included in the price of the tour.
• Guests must be at least 44″ tall
• An adult must accompany guests under the age of 18
• Expectant mothers may not participate in this experience
• A bathing suit is required to enter the water. Locker rooms with free lockable lockers, towels, shampoo, and hair dryers will be provided
• No jewelry of any kind is permitted in the aquarium
• Reservations can be made online or through the My Disney Experience App

La Cava Experience

During this experience, you will learn the history and savor the flavors of the truly Mexican liquor. Discover exceptional and distinctive tequilas with a Certified Tequila Ambassador to guide you. At the La Cava Experience, you’ll have the opportunity to sample rare tequilas that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Cost: $180 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included

Important Info: 

• Valid theme park admission is required and not included in the price of the tour.
•  If you fail to show up or if you cancel within one day of your reservation, the credit card on file will be charged $50
• Guests must be 21 years of age or older to participate in this experience
• The experience includes chips and guacamole, but it does not include a full meal
• Reservations can be made online or through the My Disney Experience App

Animal Kingdom Tours

Caring for Giants

The Caring for Giants Tour at Animal Kingdom offers an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world’s largest and most majestic animals. Led by expert guides, visitors will learn about the African elephant herd and their habitats, behaviors, and conservation efforts. The 60-minute tour includes a breathtaking view of the elephants from a safe distance of 80-100 feet, allowing visitors to appreciate their beauty and learn about their role in the ecosystem. Overall, the Caring for Giants Tour is a must-do experience for anyone who loves animals and wants to learn more about their care and conservation.

Cost: $35 per person, plus tax

Important Info: 

• Valid theme park admission is required and not included in the price of the tour.
• A participating adult must accompany guests under 18 years of age 
• Guests must be four years of age or older to participate
• You will forfeit the entire price of your tour if you no-show or cancel with less than two days’ notice
• Reservations can be made online or through the My Disney Experience App

Up Close with Rhinos

Up Close with Rhinos is an unforgettable 60-minute experience at Animal Kingdom, where visitors can get within a few feet of these magnificent creatures. You’ll be led by knowledgeable animal experts who will guide you through these gentle giants’ behaviors, biology, and conservation efforts. 

Cost: $45 per person, plus tax

Important Info: 

• Valid theme park admission is required and not included in the price of the tour.
• A participating adult must accompany guests under 18 years of age 
• Guests must be four years of age or older to participate
• You will forfeit the entire price of your tour if you no-show or cancel with less than two days’ notice
• Reservations can be made online or through the My Disney Experience App

Savor the Savanna

Experience the Savanna like Never Before with this tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Indulge in a private safari, African-inspired tapas, beverages, and more to fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds – and tastes – of Africa. The Savor the Savanna premium tour is a privately guided journey, including a ride in a safari vehicle to see the wildlife.

Cost: $174 per person, plus tax

Important Info: 

• Valid theme park admission is required and not included in the price of the tour.
• Guests must be at least eight years of age to participate
• For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back, or neck problems; motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate
• Reservations can be made online

Wild Africa Trek

As you embark on the Wild Africa Trek, you will be immersed in the savannah’s beauty and wonder. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the animals’ behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts. The tour lasts about three hours and covers approximately one and a half miles. You’ll be provided with a safety harness that will enable you to cross rope bridges and walkways, giving you a great view of the animals below. You’ll also enjoy a delicious African-inspired meal overlooking the savannah. During your tour, a photographer will capture the action, and you’ll receive a photo code at the end of your experience to download the images taken.

Cost: $199 per person, plus tax

Important Info: 

• Valid theme park admission is required and not included in the price of the tour.
• Complimentary lockers for your belongings will be provided.
• You will receive a safety vest and wireless headset so that you can always hear your guide.
• Cameras are allowed as long as they can be securely fastened to the vest
• Participants must be eight years of age or older and at least 48 inches
• For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back, or neck problems; motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate
• A participating adult must accompany guests under 18 years of age
• You will forfeit the entire price of your tour if you no-show or cancel with less than two days’ notice
• Reservations can be made online

Disney Tours Available Outside the Theme Parks

Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

You’ll get a chance to see the wild come to life with Disney’s hour-long after-dark safari tour of the African savannas. This popular experience is open to all Walt Disney World Resort guests. You’ll ride on an open-sided safari vehicle and feel the night breeze while searching for over 30 species of African wildlife. Night vision devices will be provided to help you make the most of your animal-viewing adventure. You’ll be amazed by what you can see: zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and antelopes – plus ostriches and over 20 other unique African species that roam freely across the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Cost: $75.65–$89 per person, plus tax

Important Info: 

• Guests must be eight years of age or older 
• A participating adult must accompany guests under 18 years of age
• For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back, or neck problems; motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.
• Guests are responsible for transportation to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village.
• You will forfeit the entire price of your tour if you no-show or cancel with less than two days’ notice.

Amorette’s Patisserie Cake Decorating Experience

This is a small-group session where an expert instructor will share insider stories and tips on the entire process of cake decoration, from design to completion. In this 90-minute experience, you’ll learn how to decorate your own Mickey cake that you can take home at the end of class. Complimentary beverages are included.

Cost: $199 plus tax, which covers up to 2 Guests decorating one cake. You can add a second cake for an extra $50 plus tax. Ordering a second cake will not change the party size (up to 2 Guests per reservation)

Important Info: 

• Guests must be eight years of age or older 
• Guests must be at least five years of age to participate
• Alcohol will only be served to Guests ages 21 and older with a valid ID
• Cake-decorating classes are held on select mornings starting at 9:15 AM
• You will forfeit the entire price of your experience if you no-show or cancel with less than two days’ notice

Sangria University

Are you looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path activity at Disney World? Look no further than Sangria University, held at Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This 90-minute class lets you learn about sangria and make your own, with four different offerings to taste afterward. While you’re there, enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting and a delicious appetizer. If you’re taking a break from the parks, consider spending a Saturday or Sunday afternoon at Sangria University.

Cost: $59 per person, which includes tax and gratuity

Important Info: 

• Guests must be 21 years of age or older with a valid form of ID
• Guests younger than 21 years of age must be accompanied by a Guest who is 21 years of age or older, will be charged the total price, and will be served a flight of non-alcoholic beverages during the experience.
• You must prepay at the time of booking
• Reservations can be made online or through the My Disney Experience App
• You will forfeit the entire price of your experience if you no-show or cancel with less than one day’s notice

Spanish Mosaic Art

If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to spend your afternoon, consider participating in the mosaic-making experience. Design your own unique mosaic piece, which you can take home with you. A travel container is provided, and the size of the piece varies but will not exceed 12 inches by 12 inches, making it easy to transport. This class is held at the Dahlia Lounge at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday afternoons.

Cost: $25 per person, plus tax

Important Info: 

• This experience is recommended for Guests ages 12 and up. A parent or guardian must accompany guests under 12.
• Reservations can be made online or through the My Disney Experience App
• You will forfeit the entire price of your experience if you no-show or cancel with less than one day’s notice

Colors of Coronado Painting Experience

This is a 2-hour painting class led by local artists. You’ll be provided with a brush and follow along as they guide you through creating a beautiful canvas art piece inspired by the latest and greatest Disney designs. Once finished, you’ll take home your original 11 “x 14” artwork. The class is held at Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The restaurant will be closed during this event and cannot provide food or beverages.

Cost: $35 per person, plus tax

Important Info: 

• This experience is recommended for Guests ages 12 and up. A parent or guardian must accompany guests under 12.
• Reservations can be made online or through the My Disney Experience App
• You will forfeit the entire price of your experience if you no-show or cancel with less than one day’s notice

Overall, taking a tour or class at Disney World can significantly enhance your experience at the park. Whether you’re interested in learning about the history and design of the rides or gaining insider knowledge on the park’s secrets, there’s something for everyone. Not only will you come away with a deeper appreciation for the magic of Disney, but you’ll also have memories that will last a lifetime. 

Leave me a comment and let me know if you’ve ever done any of these tours or experiences on your vacation. 

If you are planning a trip to Disney World, chances are you have probably seen Magic Bands or Magic Band Plus being mentioned.

You may be wondering what they are, what they do, and do you need Magic Bands at Disney World. In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about Magic Bands and Magic Band plus at Disney World. 

What is a Magic Band?

A magic band is a waterproof plastic wristband with a “puck” in the center that contains a scannable radio frequency chip. This chip allows you to scan into the park, unlock the door to your resort room, make payments for food and merchandise, and more.

Magic Bands are designed to make your experience at Disney parks as hands-free as possible. They also make it really easy and seamless to rack up all those purchases throughout the day. 

The bands come in a variety of colors and designs and have become somewhat of a collectible for some Disney fans.  

What can you do with a Magic Band?

• Unlock your resort room
• Enter the theme parks
• Check-in at Lightning Lane checkpoints
• Purchase merchandise and food 
• Link to your in-ride photos and PhotoPass photos 

Some things to know:

• Magic bands are not interchangeable among different members of your travel party. You do need to link each magic band to one individual person.

• There is a 2 step verification process with the bands. When scanning into the park you will also need to use the biometric fingerprint scanner. For purchases made with the band, you will also be required to enter a PIN. This is to help ensure that if you lose your band while in the parks no one else will be able to use it. 

• Magic Bands are one size fits all.  There is an outer portion of the band that can be torn off to fit smaller wrists. Just be sure you don’t peel that part off unless you’re sure it will fit because you won’t be able to reattach it. 

Where can you purchase a Magic Band?

You can purchase Magic Bands through ShopDisney and through your My Disney Experience app. 

Guests staying at a Disney resort can order Magic Bands with a discount through the My Disney Experience app prior to their trip.  You’ll want to be sure you do so at least 11 days before your trip if you are having them shipped to your home. 

You can also have the bands sent directly to your resort hotel.  Magic Bands are also available at various merchandise locations at Disney World. 

Do you need a Magic Band?

The short answer is no. There are several other ways to enter the parks. Here are some other options:

Key to the World Cards 

These are plastic RFID cards that you can get at the front desk at your resort hotel. They work much the same as Magic Bands. They can be used to open your hotel room, enter the parks,  and connect to PhotoPass photos.

If you have a credit card saved to your My Disney Experience App, you can also use it to charge purchases to your room. Each person needs to have their own card, and they can be harder to keep track of compared to the wearable Magic Bands. 

Disney MagicMobile Service

Magic Mobile is a way to access nearly all the features that you can with a Magic Band by using your smart device.  You can set up Magic Mobile through your My Disney Experience App. Instead of scanning your Magic Band, you would scan your Magic Mobile pass from your phone or your Apple Watch. 

What is Magic Band + 

Magic Band + is the newest version of the Magic Band introduced in 2022. The Magic Band+ can do everything that the original Magic Band can do, plus some additional features. The below chart outlines the differences.

Extra features of the Magic Band +

• A new look and new designs
• Rechargeable battery 
• Lights up and vibrates along with park experiences -entering the park, lightning lane entry, unlocking your room, during nighttime spectaculars, and when interacting with your environment
• Unlocks interactive experiences throughout the parks such as:
  • Fab 50 Quest– a scavenger hunt around the parks to find the gold statues of your favorite Disney characters. When you wave at the statues it activates a unique response from the characters. When you are close to a statue your band will vibrate to alert you.
  • Batuu Bounty Hunters – an interactive game that involves scanning your band at various locations around Galaxy’s Edge.

Is Magic Band + Worth the Cost?

The price for Magic Band + is currently $34.99 for a basic and $44.99 for most special designs. The pre-arrival price for resort guests is $24.99 for basic and $34.99 for most special designs. 

Overall, there is not a significant benefit to having the Magic Band + as compared to a regular Magic Band.  In terms of features, they are comparable.  The Magic Band + does have some great designs and looks more like a smartwatch than the original version. 

Those who are interested in collecting the bands for their designs may find it worth the extra cost. It also may be worth it for those who are going to enjoy the interactive games and experiences.  At this time there aren’t a ton of experiences available, but the selection may expand in the future. 

Although there are other options, I do think having a Magic Band does add a level of convenience. For me, it’s worth it to not having to get out a card or other device to scan multiple times per day. For most though, I think a regular Magic Band is more than sufficient, and a Magic Band Plus isn’t necessary. Since prices are rising all around these days, this is one of those extras you may be able to skip.

Have you used a Magic Band Plus at Disney World? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think.

There’s a lot involved in planning a great Disney World vacation.  But it goes beyond just booking your hotel and park tickets.  There are some common mistakes that beginners tend to make on their first trip to Disney World.  By being prepared you can set yourself ahead of  the pack. This post will give you the top 7 mistakes to avoid on your Disney World vacation.

1. Not packing for the weather

 The weather in Florida can be unpredictable. It’s a good idea to do a little research about the typical weather during the time of year you are visiting.  It’s not unusual for it to get chilly in the winter, to the point where you would want a jacket and pants. 

Even during the warm months, I recommend having a light sweatshirt for evenings or when you are in an air-conditioned building. Another key thing to prepare for is the rain.  Just a little preparation can save you from being really uncomfortable, or from spending a fortune buying sweatshirts and ponchos in a gift shop.

For a guide to what I recommend packing in your Disney park bag click here.

2. Not understanding Disney Transportation

One of my favorite things about staying on Disney property is not having to worry about driving or parking. I love that there are many transportation options to get you where you need to go, but it can be a little complicated.  Should I take the bus or the monorail? What about the Skyliner? What time do I need to be at the bus stop if I want to be at the park before it opens? How much time do I need to leave to make it to my dining reservation on time? It pays to know the answers to these questions ahead of time.

If you’re looking for a complete guide to Disney Transportation, including a tool that gives you recommendations from pretty much any starting and ending point, WDW Prep school has an amazing one here. 

3. Under planning 

Gone are the days of being able to roll up to a Disney Park the day of with zero planning.  Not that I have ever done that, because planning is kinda my thing. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have any spontaneity in your trip, but you do have to do at least a little planning. 

For one thing, you are going to need to make your Park Pass Reservations in advance. I also recommend having a general idea of what your top priorities are for your visit. It also helps to have a general understanding of the layout of the park before you arrive.  That is also very helpful to avoid unnecessary walking.  Because trust me, you will be doing a lot of walking. 

4. Over planning 

Although I don’t recommend going in without a plan, there is a danger of doing too much planning.  One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to remain flexible.

Don’t schedule every minute of your day, and leave yourself some buffer time. Go into your trip knowing not everything is going to go exactly as planned. And that’s ok! Some of the best surprise experiences can happen when you need to pivot.

Another piece to the overplanning puzzle is scheduling too many table service dining reservations. Don’t get me wrong, I love a table service meal.  But if you plan three meals a day as table service meals, that is taking a huge chunk out of your time in the parks. It also adds a level of stress in timing your day to be sure you get to your reservation in time. In general, I usually recommend a maximum of one table service meal per day. 

5. Not planning for meals ahead of time 

 DO NOT wait until you are hungry to decide where to eat when you are visiting Disney World. 

For any table service meals, you will want to make those reservations 60 days in advance of your trip.  Even if you are doing quick service dining I recommend scoping out your options in advance.  That doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind, but at least you will have a better idea of what places have items you will like. 

I also recommend placing your mobile order early in the day to be sure you have your choice of order window options.  A little bit of planning can save you from some big meltdowns. You can view my guide to mobile ordering in Disney World here.

6. Not planning for top priorities 

I highly recommend taking some time to think about the top few things you want to be sure to experience on your trip.  Maybe your kids are most excited about riding Space Mountain. Or perhaps you have a little princess who really wants to meet Cinderella.  If you don’t plan out your priorities you run the risk of running out of time and ending up disappointed. 

I recommend getting one or two “must-do” items from each person in your travel party. Be sure to schedule time for each of those things first.  You’ll feel more relaxed knowing you have a set time so you won’t miss out.  Be sure not to forget a few things YOU want to do when making your list! 

7. Setting unrealistic expectations 

No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to see and do everything.  You will only stress yourself out and end up exhausted and disappointed if you try.  Once you have your list of things you “must do”, take some time to think about your “nice to do” list.

It’s also important to remember that just because you paid a ton of money for this vacation doesn’t mean that every single member of your travel party is going to be perfectly happy during every moment of your trip. People are going to get cranky, it’s going to be hot, and you’re going to have to wait in some lines that are longer than you would like. Expect there to be a few meltdowns. If you anticipate them and do not make a big deal out of them then they are less likely to put a damper on your trip. 

I hope this post helps you avoid some of the common pitfalls that beginners experience in Disney World.

If you want me to walk you through the planning process so you will know exactly what to do each day of your Disney World vacation click here to book a planning call.

Back in the day when my Disney obsession began, I was around 13 and planning our first family trip to Disney World. This was a time before smartphones, back when we had dial-up internet if you were lucky to have the internet at all. It was a time when there were stores that sold books inside the mall. Crazy right? 

I remember how excited I was to learn all there was to know about Disney World.  I wanted to know about the layout of the parks, which rides were going to be too scary for me, and where to find the best places to eat.  Yes, even back then I was a foodie. 

The very first Disney planning book I purchased with my babysitting money was a Birnbaum Guide to Disney World. Birnbaum guides are still my favorite planning books.  There is something special about being able to flip through the pages and look at the colorful pictures.  

Here are my top recommendations for Disney planning books. If you are like me and enjoy a good book, these are my go-to options for the best Disney planning books.

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Birnbaum’s 2022 Walt Disney World: The Official Guide

This is the OG of Disney planning books.  I really love the layout of this book.  It’s easy to read, has great advice, and has beautiful pictures to break up the text. This is my top recommendation.

Birnbaum’s 2022 Walt Disney World for Kids: The Official Guide 

This book is great to look through with kids to help them get excited about an upcoming trip. It can also help reduce some anxiety for kids who have a difficult time with new environments.  For first-timers, knowing what to expect can help your vacation run a little more smoothly.

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2023

The Unofficial Guide is full of the best planning information. The book is reliable and backed by a ton of research.  There are some great general touring itineraries included as well. There are not as many pictures to break up the text, but this is a great choice if you’re looking to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

Fodor’s Walt Disney World: with Universal and the Best of Orlando 

This is a great comprehensive guide complete with maps, itineraries, and best-of lists. It also includes information on Universal and other Orlando area attractions.

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World, 3rd Edition: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This book is great for learning some of those little-known details that you can easily miss during a trip to Disney World.

The Hidden Mickeys of Walt Disney World

My family loves to look for hidden Mickeys. This guide has tons of pictures to help you have a fun scavenger hunt while you’re touring the parks and resorts.

There you have it.  If you’re looking for a physical book to help feed your Disney planning addiction, any of these will do quite nicely.

 If you need some extra help planning your best trip ever click here to set up a one-on-one planning call.

You’ve finally decided to take the plunge and take your family on a trip to Disney World. Now what? Your first trip to Disney can be truly magical, but it’s going to take a little planning to get there.

The key is, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and it doesn’t have to feel like work. For me, planning our trip is almost as much fun as the trip itself. According to a 2010 study, just planning or anticipating your trip can make you happier than actually taking it.

My goal in this guide is to help make the planning process as simple, and enjoyable as possible.

Choose your dates

Decide where to stay

One of the questions I get asked the most is, “Should I stay on Disney property?” I have done both, and my answer to this question is: It depends! Like anything else, you should evaluate the needs of your group.

Many people will tell you that in order to truly experience the magic of Disney you need to stay inside the “Disney bubble”. While I love staying on property, there are also many benefits to staying off-site. The most notable benefit is cost. Read more about choosing to stay onsite vs. offsite here 

Staying Offsite

There are some beautiful hotels nearby that are considered “Good neighbor hotels” You can book a good neighbor hotel at a fraction of the cost compared to official Disney Resort hotels. They also offer transportation to the parks, and other perks such as discounted tickets or vacation packages. You can find more information about Good Neighbor hotels here.

If you are traveling with a large group, a great option could be to rent a large home nearby and split the cost. There are several popular resort communities with restaurants and amenities similar to what you would find on Disney property. When we traveled in October 2021 we stayed at Encore Resort at Reunion and we had a great time! We were within 20 minutes of the parks, our group of 10 had plenty of space to spread out.

One of the potential downsides of staying off-site can be transportation. You do need to factor in the cost of a rental car, parking, or rideshare services if you are not staying at a resort that offers complimentary transportation to the parks. Many nearby hotels and resorts do offer a shuttle, but the hours and process can sometimes make this a hassle. Just make sure you take transportation into account when making your choice.

Staying On-Site

If you are staying on Disney property you will need to choose between over 25 Disney resort hotels. Disney hotels are broken out into three tiers: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. A few things to consider when choosing your resort:

• Budget: Cost can be one of the biggest factors when choosing a resort.
• Amenities: What types of amenities are important for your group?
• Location: How far is the resort from the parks you will visit most?
• Transportation options: Do you prefer to walk or use a monorail, skyliner, ferry, or bus?
• Dining options: Is having a table service restaurant
• Room size: If you have a larger travel party, you may want to choose a resort that offers suites, or rooms that sleep 5.

Staying on Disney property also has it’s perks. These include:

• Free transportation to Disney Parks and Disney Springs
• Early Theme Park Entry each day
• Extended evening hours for Deluxe resort guests on selected nights
• The ability to book the Disney Dining Plan when availabile
• General “Disney Magic” of being on property

Once you have completed these steps you can book your trip. You will also want to make sure you download the My Disney Experience (MDE) app. This is where you are going to manage your tickets, reservations, dining etc. for your trip.

Plan your park days

Now that you know when you are going, and where you are going to stay, it’s time to decide when you will visit each park, and make your park pass reservations.

At this time, Disney is still requiring park pass reservations to enter each of the parks. It doesn’t seem like this is going away anytime soon, so be sure to check availability and make reservations as soon as possible when planning your trip. There are separate calendars for theme park tickets only, resort guests, and annual pass holders. Be sure to use the correct calendar that applies to you.

Your crowd calendars are going to come in handy here to choose the days that will be least crowded for each park. My high-level recommendations are:

Magic Kingdom: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Epcot: Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday

Hollywood Studios: Weekdays

Animal Kingdom: Any day including weekends

You will also want to decide if you want to visit one of the 2 water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon) or spend some time in Disney Springs.

Personally, water parks are not really my jam. But many people swear by adding a water park day into the mix.

I highly recommend spending some time in Disney Springs. In addition to great shopping, it has some of the best restaurants on property.

Determine Transportation

How will you get to Disney World? Do you need to book flights, or will you drive? If you are flying, how will you get from the airport to your resort? Will you be renting a car? These are all questions you will need to answer, and will affect your budget as you plan.

Decide on dining options

This is one of my favorite steps, and one I spend WAY too much time thinking about. There are so many fantastic restaurants on Disney property that it can be really hard to choose.

Currently you can book dining reservation 60 days prior to your visit. That doesn’t mean you need to know exactly where you will eat every meal during your vacation that far in advance. However, you will want to be sure you have a list of your top choices so you can secure a reservation for those hard to book locations. This includes:

• Any character dining
• Ohana
• California Grill
• Le Cellier
• Space 220
• Victoria & Albert’s
• Fireworks dining packages

I try to have all my table services choices made in advance so I can book them as soon as my 60 day window opens. This is not required, but it does put you ahead of the game. You can always cancel or modify your reservations if you change your mind, or if something else pops up.

Create a touring plan

This is the step that can really put you ahead of the pack, and help you get the most value out of your Disney World vacation. It’s also the step that a lot of people skip.

Now, if you are one of those spontaneous, free spirit kind of people that feels restricted by plans- hear me out. I’m not saying you need to plan every moment of your trip. In fact, I think it’s really important that you don’t OVER plan. But, if you walk into a park with no idea what you want to do or see, you are going to wind up overwhelmed and disappointed.

Go into your day knowing that it is not going to go exactly as planned. Someone will have to take an unexpected bathroom break, attractions may close for parts of the day. Someone is going to get cranky. It happens. You absolutely must be flexible when it comes to Disney. But, there are a few things you can think about ahead of time that will set you up for success.

• What time do you plan to be at the park? Are you planning to be there as soon as the park opens for rope drop? Will you be staying for fireworks? Are you planning to take a mid-day break? This is important information so you can fill in your most popular attractions at the most strategic times so you can avoid long lines.
• What are your must do attractions? Have each person in the group choose their must-do activites. This should be a total of 5 or less attractions for the day. Set the expectation that anything above and beyond that list is a bonus. I’m not saying that’s all you will be able to do. It just helps to keep stress levels and disappointment to a minimum.
• Are you planning any sit down meals? Table service meals typically take longer, so you will want to factor that in to your day. If you have dining reservations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, (which I do not recommend) that is going to take a big chunk out of your touring time for the day.
• Plan time for rest. Whether or not you plan on taking a mid-day break to head back to your resort, you will need to factor in some rest time. This could be as simple as finding a spot in the shade or air conditioning to enjoy a snack and a drink. One of my favorite things to do on our Magic Kingdom days is to hop on a monorail and visit a resort during the hottest and busiest part of the day.

Conclusion

It’s no secret that planning a Disney World vacation can require a lot of work. The good news is, with a little planning and preparation, you can have a truly magical experience. Having a basic knowlege of the the steps involved can really help you to beat the overwhelm, and get the most from your money. Who knows, you may even enjoy it!

I hope you find this guide helpful. Leave me a comment with which step in the planning process is your favorite.