Walt Disney World travel planning guide

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23 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Disney World Vacation

Planning a Disney World vacation can feel overwhelming, especially for a first-time trip. You put so much pressure on yourselves because you invest so much time and expectation that it becomes almost impossible to live up to it.

There’s so much to see and do that it’s easy to get lost in all the details. We’ve put together a list of essential things to know before your trip to help you make the most of your magical experience.

Our tips will help you navigate the parks, save money, and avoid common pitfalls that can trip up new planners. From booking strategies to packing essentials, we’ve got you covered. These insights will give you a head start on planning your Disney adventure and ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

1) Book reservations early

Planning ahead is key for a Disney World trip. We recommend booking your vacation at least 6 months in advance. This gives you the best chance to get the hotel and room type you want. If a discount or promotion later becomes available, you (or your free travel agent like us) can add it to your package to make sure you have the best price.

Dining reservations open 60 days before your visit. Set a reminder to book restaurants right when that window opens. The most popular spots can be hard to get.

Multipass selections (line skipping) should be made 7 days out for resort guests.

Don’t forget about special experiences. Things like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique book up quickly too.

By planning early, you’ll have more options. It reduces stress and helps ensure you get to do the things you really want on your Disney trip.

2) Buy Multipass for shorter wait times

Disney World’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass can help you spend less time waiting in lines. This paid service lets you book up to 3 rides per day in one park.

You can choose specific times for each ride when you make your selections. This means you can plan your day more easily and avoid long waits.

The Multi Pass works differently from the old Genie+ system. You now book your rides before you arrive at the park, not on the same day.

Keep in mind that the Multi Pass is a daily purchase. If you buy it for multiple days of your trip, you’ll get 3 bookings each day.

Not all rides are part of the Multi Pass system. Some popular attractions use a separate Lightning Lane Single Pass instead.

We recommend looking at ride wait times from past visits to decide if the Multi Pass is worth it for your group. It can be a big time-saver on busy days.

3) Download the My Disney Experience app

Familiarizing yourself with the My Disney Experience app is ESSENTIAL. It’s free and works on iPhones and Android phones.

The app helps you plan your vacation and makes your time at the parks easier. You can use it to check wait times for rides and shows.

It also lets you view park maps and find places to eat. This can save time when you’re looking for attractions or restaurants. It also lets you save time by mobile ordering food and avoiding long lines.

Your phone can even be your room key if you’re staying at a Disney resort. Just use the app instead of carrying a separate card.

You can add a payment method to the app too. This lets you buy things in the parks without needing cash or cards.

The app gives you access to Disney Genie, which can help plan your day. It suggests things to do based on what you like.

We think the My Disney Experience app is a must-have tool for any Disney World trip. It can make your vacation smoother and more fun.

4) Stay on-site for convenience and benefits

Historically, people stayed off-site to try and save money. Nowadays, there are so many benefits to staying onsite and the prices at Disney hotels are so affordable, that staying onsite is really a MUST.

One big advantage is Disney transportation. You won’t need to rent a car or pay for parking at the parks. Buses, boats, the skyliner and the monorail can take you where you need to go.

On-site guests get early access to the parks. This means shorter lines for popular rides before the crowds arrive. Some resorts also offer extended evening hours on select nights.

Disney hotels let you book Multipass reservations earlier than off-site guests, which is crucial for popular rides like Slinky Dog Dash.

The hotels have great theming and are close to the parks. This makes it easy to take midday breaks or return quickly if you forget something.

5) Plan rest days into your itinerary

Disney World can be exhausting. Walking miles each day and standing in lines takes a toll on your body. We suggest building rest days into your schedule if you can.

A rest day doesn’t mean you have to stay in your hotel room. You can explore Disney Springs or relax by the pool. These activities are less tiring than theme parks.

If you’re staying for a week, try to plan two rest days. Space them out between park days. This way, you’ll have time to recharge your batteries.

You might think more park days means more fun. But pushing too hard can lead to exhaustion and grumpiness. Rest days help you enjoy your vacation more.

Consider scheduling your rest day after your busiest park day or a late night so you can sleep in.

Remember, Disney World isn’t going anywhere. It’s better to pace yourself and truly enjoy your time.

6) Familiarize yourself with the park layout

Before your Disney World trip, take some time to study the park maps. Each of the four theme parks has its own unique layout and areas to explore.

Magic Kingdom is divided into six themed lands surrounding Cinderella Castle. Epcot features World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and the World Showcase.

Hollywood Studios is organized into different movie-themed areas. Animal Kingdom has lands inspired by real and imaginary wildlife habitats.

Knowing the basic layout will help you navigate more easily. It’s also useful for planning which attractions to visit first.

If you download the My Disney Experience app. It provides interactive maps and real-time wait times for rides.

As you enter each park, pick up a paper map too. These can be handy backups if your phone battery runs low.

Remember, the parks are quite large. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for lots of walking.

7) Take advantage of early park entry

Early park entry is a great perk for Disney World resort guests. It lets you enter the parks 30 minutes before the official opening time. This extra time can make a big difference in your day.

All four Disney World theme parks offer early entry every day. To use it, you need a valid park ticket and a reservation for that day. You also must stay at a Disney resort or other select hotels.

We suggest using early entry to ride popular attractions with shorter wait times. It’s a chance to experience top rides before crowds build up. You could knock out 1-2 major attractions in that short window.

Plan which rides you want to target during early entry. Arrive at the park gates at least 30-45 minutes before the early entry start time. This ensures you’re ready to go when they let guests in.

8) Stay hydrated throughout the day

Staying hydrated is crucial during a Disney World vacation. The Florida heat can be intense, especially if you’re not used to it.

Bring refillable water bottles for everyone in your group. Disney provides free water at quick-service locations, so take advantage of this to save money and stay hydrated.

9) Make use of mobile food ordering

Mobile food ordering is a great way to save time at Disney World. You can order meals and snacks from select restaurants using the Disney World app on your smartphone.

To use mobile ordering, open the Disney World app and select a participating restaurant. Browse the menu, choose your items, and customize your order as needed. Then pay through the app using your stored payment method.

When you’re ready to pick up your food, tap “I’m Here” in the app. This lets the restaurant know to start preparing your order. You’ll get a notification when it’s ready for pickup at the designated mobile order window.

We recommend placing your order in advance, especially during busy meal times. This allows you to skip long lines and spend more time enjoying the parks.

Not all restaurants offer mobile ordering, so check the app to see which locations participate. Quick-service restaurants are most likely to have this option available.

Mobile ordering is convenient whether you’re heading to an attraction or just getting hungry during your visit. Give it a try to make your Disney dining experience smoother and faster.

10) Prepare for Florida weather

Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be ready for anything at Disney World. Summers are very hot and humid, while winters can be surprisingly chilly. In January 2025 it *almost* snowed!

Rain showers are common year-round, especially in the afternoon. We recommend packing a small umbrella or poncho that’s easy to carry around the parks.

Sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days. The Florida sun is strong, so reapply often to avoid sunburn. Hats and sunglasses will also help protect you from the sun’s rays.

For winter visits, bring layers. Mornings and evenings can be cool, but afternoons may warm up. A light jacket or sweater is often enough.

Check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Being prepared for the weather will help you enjoy your Disney World vacation to the fullest.

11) Understand the Multipass and Lightning Lane system

Disney World’s Lightning Lane system helps guests skip long lines at popular attractions. The Lightning Lane Multi Pass replaced the old Genie+ service in 2024.

With Multipass, you can book up to 3 attractions in one park per day. You pick the rides and times you want before your trip. This is great for planning ahead.

Resort guests can make Multi Pass bookings 7 days before arrival. Other guests can book 3 days in advance. it’s a huge advantage to stay onsite.

There’s also a Lightning Lane Single Pass for individual rides. This lets you skip the line for one specific attraction.

Prices for these passes vary based on the park and how busy it is.

12) Consider purchasing a Park Hopper ticket

Park Hopper tickets give you the freedom to visit multiple Disney World parks in one day. This can be a great option for some visitors, but it’s not always necessary.

With a Park Hopper, you can start your day at Magic Kingdom and end it watching fireworks at Epcot. It’s perfect for those who want to maximize their time and experience more attractions.

The cost of adding Park Hopper to your ticket varies. It’s usually around $65-$85 per ticket for a multi-day visit. This price can add up quickly for families or large groups.

Park Hopper Plus includes access to water parks and other Disney attractions.

For first-time visitors, we suggest focusing on one park per day. This allows you to fully enjoy each park without rushing. However, consider park hopper if you have a shorter visit and want a little time in multiple parks.

Consider your travel style and budget when deciding. Park Hopper isn’t essential, but it can enhance your Disney World experience for some.

13) Look out for special events

Disney World hosts many exciting events throughout the year. These can add extra magic to your trip. We recommend checking the park calendar before you go.

EPCOT is known for its festivals. These include the Food & Wine Festival and the Flower & Garden Festival. They offer unique food, drinks, and activities.

The Magic Kingdom has special events too. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are popular choices. These after-hours events have shorter lines and exclusive shows.

All of the parks often have After Hours events with an additional cost to enjoy the parks after the public park hours.

Some events might require a separate ticket. Others are included with regular park admission. It’s a good idea to plan ahead if you want to attend a special event.

Keep in mind that special events can make the parks busier. But they also offer unique experiences you can’t get any other time of year.

14) Plan for popular attractions first

Popular rides at Disney World often have long wait times. We suggest making a list of must-do attractions before your trip. This helps you focus on your top choices.

Look up which rides tend to be busiest. Slinky Dog Dash and Flight of Passage are examples of high-demand attractions that require some specific planning to make the most of your trip.

15) Have a transportation plan

This is arguably the most important on the list. Getting around Disney World requires some thought, particularly when it comes to dining options at Disney World.

If you book a dining reservation at another Disney Resort for example, you’ll need specific plans to get there.

Disney offers several transportation options to and from all of the theme parks, but there isn’t direct transportation between ever Disney Resort.

If you’re staying off-site, you might want to rent a car. This gives you more freedom to explore beyond Disney property.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Remember that parking at Disney World theme parks costs money. Factor this into your budget if you plan to drive.

16) Take breaks during the day

Disney World can be exhausting, especially for first-timers. We recommend planning regular breaks throughout your day at the parks.

Midday is a great time to rest. The crowds and heat are often at their peak around noon. Consider heading back to your hotel for a nap or swim.

If you can’t leave the park, find a quiet spot to sit and relax. Many indoor attractions offer a cool, peaceful environment to recharge.

Planning a full day off from the parks can be a good idea too. Use this time to enjoy your resort amenities or explore Disney Springs.

Remember, it’s not a race to see everything. Breaks will help you enjoy your vacation more and avoid burnout.

17) Budget for souvenirs

When planning your Disney World vacation, it’s important to set aside money for souvenirs.

Popular souvenirs include Mickey ears, t-shirts, pins, and plush toys. Prices vary widely, with ears costing around $30 and shirts ranging from $20-$40.

To save money, look for free souvenirs like celebration buttons. These make great keepsakes and won’t cost you a dime.

Consider setting a souvenir budget for each family member. This helps manage expectations and prevents overspending.

For unique and affordable options, check out the Disney Springs area. It offers a wide range of shops with varying price points.

18) Know Disney dining rules

Disney World has some key dining rules to keep in mind. We recommend making reservations for table-service restaurants as early as possible. You can book up to 60 days before your trip.

Quick-service restaurants don’t need reservations. They’re great for grabbing food on the go. Many places offer mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app.

Dress codes vary by restaurant. Most are casual, but some upscale spots have stricter rules. It’s best to check before you go.

Allergies and dietary needs can be handled at Disney restaurants. Let the staff know when you book or arrive. They’ll work with you to find safe options.

Tipping is expected at table-service restaurants. The typical rate is 15-20% of your bill. Quick-service locations don’t require tips.

Restaurants charge fees for no-shows or late cancellations not complete 2 hours in advance. Be sure to cancel ahead of time if your plans change.

19) Research ride restrictions, refurbishments and closures

Before your Disney World trip, check which rides will be open. Some attractions close for maintenance or updates. This happens throughout the year, so it’s good to plan ahead.

Look up height requirements too. Many rides have restrictions to keep everyone safe. Knowing these in advance helps avoid disappointment, especially for kids.

Walt Disney World’s website has up-to-date info on closures and restrictions. We recommend checking it a few weeks before your visit. This way you can adjust your plans if needed.

Keep in mind that popular rides can close unexpectedly. It’s a good idea to have backup options. This flexibility will make your trip more enjoyable.

Remember, even with some rides closed, there’s still plenty to do at Disney World. Shows, character meet-and-greets, and other attractions can fill your day.

20) Buy Memory Maker and utilize Disney’s PhotoPass service

Disney’s PhotoPass is a handy service that lets you get great photos without worrying about your camera. Professional photographers are stationed at popular spots throughout the parks. They are literally everywhere. Memory Maker is $185 if purchased in advance of your trip and it’s worth every penny.

They’ll snap pictures of your group in front of iconic landmarks and with Disney characters. You can view and download these photos later.

The basic PhotoPass service is free. You’ll get a card or link to see your pictures. But you’ll need to pay to download or print them.

For unlimited downloads, consider buying Memory Maker. It’s cheaper if you purchase it at least 3 days before your trip.

With Memory Maker, you get digital copies of all your PhotoPass pictures. This includes ride photos and videos too.

We think PhotoPass is worth trying. It lets everyone be in the photos together. Plus, the photographers know the best spots and angles for great shots.

Remember to ask the photographers for any special poses or Magic Shots you want. They can add fun Disney effects to your pictures.

21) Don’t forget about Disney Springs

Most people headed to Disney for the first time don’t even know about Disney Springs until they get to Disney. Disney Springs is a must-visit at Walt Disney World, if you can squeeze it in.

It has great restaurants, shops, entertainment and it’s a blast to walk around.

The World of Disney store is the largest Disney merchandise location in the world. Here you’ll find countless souvenirs, toys, and collectibles, including most of the stuff you’d find in the parks. For LEGO fans, there’s a dedicated store with impressive Disney-themed displays.

It’s also home to our favorite cookies and coffee spot, Gideon’s Bakehouse. Check out some of our favorite Disney Springs restaurant recommendations here.

Remember, Disney Springs is free to enter and explore. You can enjoy the atmosphere and window shop without spending a dime and Disney transportation will take you there!

22) Know the bag-check policy

Disney World has changed its bag check process in recent years. The old system of manually searching every bag is mostly gone. Now, they use high-tech scanners that allow most guests to walk through without stopping.

You’ll need to pass through these scanners with your bags before entering any Disney park. The machines can detect prohibited items quickly and efficiently.

Some things may still trigger the scanner. Metal water bottles, cameras, umbrellas, and even eyeglass cases can set it off. If this happens, a security guard will check your bag by hand.

It’s best to avoid bringing large items or anything on Disney’s prohibited list. This includes selfie sticks, folding chairs, and large tripods.

We recommend keeping your bag organized. If you do need a manual check, having things neatly arranged will speed up the process. Be ready to open all compartments of your bag for inspection.

23) Rent a stroller, but not from Disney

You can check out our stroller recommendations, but the short note here is never rent a stroller from Disney directly. They are hard, plastic, expensive and can’t leave the parks. Just don’t do it.

There are plenty of great stroller rental options, or you can always bring your own. Just remember, no wagons!

Matthew Brandabur
Lawyer, travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel and creator of Adventures of a Disney Dad. I’m the main writer, podcast host and photographer. Disney Authorized Vacation Planner and a graduate of The College of Disney Knowledge, and certified as a Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando Resort Specialist.
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