If you're thinking about a family vacation that's fun for everyone, it's hard to beat a trip to Walt Disney World. With so many attractions, shows, and characters to see, it can be overwhelming to plan the perfect vacation. That's why we've put together this guide with tips for planning the perfect Walt Disney World holiday.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Walt Disney World Holiday
Decide on the Best Time to Visit
Before you start planning your vacation, it's important to decide on the best time to visit Walt Disney World. Some things to consider when deciding on the timing of your trip include:
- Crowd levels: Walt Disney World can get very crowded, especially during peak seasons like Christmas and summer vacation. If you're looking for lower crowds, consider visiting during off-peak times, like January or September.
- Weather: The weather in Florida can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months. If you're not a fan of heat and humidity, consider visiting during the cooler months, like December or February.
- Special events: Walt Disney World hosts several special events throughout the year, like the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. If you're interested in attending one of these events, plan your trip accordingly.
Choose the Right Accommodations
When it comes to accommodations at Walt Disney World, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some things to consider when choosing the right accommodations for your family include:
- On-site vs. off-site: Staying on-site at a Walt Disney World resort has its benefits, like free transportation to and from the parks and Extra Magic Hours, which allow you to enter the parks before they open or stay after they close. However, off-site accommodations can be less expensive and offer more space for larger families.
- Theme: Each Walt Disney World resort has its own unique theme, like the African savannah at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Victorian elegance of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Choose a resort that fits your family's interests and preferences.
- Room size: Make sure to choose a room that's big enough for your family, with enough beds and space to relax after a long day at the parks.
Plan Your Park Days
With four theme parks and two water parks, it can be tough to decide how to spend your time at Walt Disney World. Here are some tips for planning your park days:
- Use a crowd calendar: Websites like Undercover Tourist offer crowd calendars that predict which parks will be busiest on which days. Use this information to plan your park days and avoid crowds.
- FastPass+: FastPass+ allows you to skip the lines at popular attractions by reserving a specific time to ride. Make sure to book your FastPasses as soon as possible to get the most out of your park days.
- Park hopper: The Park Hopper option allows you to visit more than one park in a single day. This is a great option if you only have a few days at Walt Disney World and want to experience as much as possible.
Dining Reservations
Walt Disney World has some of the best dining options of any theme park in the world, but reservations can be hard to come by. Here are some tips for making dining reservations:
- Make reservations early: Dining reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance, and popular restaurants like Be Our Guest and Cinderella's Royal Table fill up quickly. Make sure to book your reservations as early as possible to ensure you get the dining experiences you want.
- Use the My Disney Experience app: The My Disney Experience app allows you to make dining reservations, view menus, and even order food in advance. It's a must-have for any Walt Disney World vacation.
- Character dining: Character dining experiences are a great way to meet your favorite Disney characters while enjoying a meal. Make sure to book these reservations early, as they are very popular.
Make a Budget
Walt Disney World vacations can be expensive, so it's important to make a budget and stick to it. Some things to consider when budgeting for your trip include:
- Accommodations: Decide how much you want to spend on accommodations and choose a resort that fits your budget.
- Park tickets: Walt Disney World park tickets can be expensive, especially if you plan to visit for multiple days. Consider purchasing multi-day tickets to save money.
- Dining: Dining at Walt Disney World can be expensive, so make sure to budget accordingly. Consider purchasing a dining plan to save money on meals.
- Souvenirs: Disney souvenirs can be hard to resist, but they can also add up quickly. Decide on a budget for souvenirs and stick to it.
Pack Smart
Packing for a Walt Disney World vacation can be tricky, but here are some tips to make it easier:
- Bring comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking at Walt Disney World, so make sure to bring comfortable shoes. Consider bringing multiple pairs to switch out during the day.
- Dress for the weather: Florida can be hot and humid, so make sure to dress accordingly. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing and don't forget sunscreen and a hat.
- Bring a backpack: A backpack is a great way to carry all your essentials, like water bottles, snacks, and sunscreen, while keeping your hands free.
- Bring rain gear: Florida is known for its afternoon thunderstorms, so make sure to bring rain gear, like ponchos, just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far in advance should I book my Walt Disney World vacation?
A: It's best to book your Walt Disney World vacation as early as possible, especially if you plan to visit during a peak season or special event.
Q: How many days do I need to visit Walt Disney World?
A: It's possible to see the highlights of Walt Disney World in just a few days, but to truly experience everything the parks have to offer, plan to visit for at least four or five days.
Q: Is it worth it to stay on-site at a Walt Disney World resort?
A: Staying on-site at a Walt Disney World resort has its benefits, like free transportation to and from the parks and Extra Magic Hours, which allow you to enter the parks before they open or stay after they close.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Walt Disney World?
A: The best time of year to visit Walt Disney World depends on your preferences. If you're looking for lower crowds, consider visiting during off-peak times, like January or September. If you're interested in special events, plan your trip around one of them.
Conclusion:
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be overwhelming, but with these tips, you can make sure your vacation is the perfect magical experience. Decide on the best time to visit, choose the right accommodations, plan your park days, make dining reservations, make a budget, and pack smart. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure your Walt Disney World vacation is one you'll never forget.
To Help You Plan You Walt Disney World trip:
These websites can be great resources to help you, whether they're looking for park tickets, accommodations, dining reservations, or just general advice and tips.
Walt Disney World official website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/
This is the official website of Walt Disney World, where users can purchase park tickets, book resort accommodations, make dining reservations, and more.
Undercover Tourist: https://www.undercovertourist.com/
Undercover Tourist is a trusted source for discounted park tickets, as well as tips and advice for planning a Walt Disney World vacation.
Touring Plans: https://touringplans.com/
Touring Plans is a website that provides customized park plans and crowd calendars to help users make the most of their time at Walt Disney World.
The Disney Food Blog: https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/
The Disney Food Blog is a website dedicated to all things food at Walt Disney World. Users can find reviews, tips, and recommendations for dining at the parks and resorts.
Wizootravel: https://wizootravel.blogspot.com/
Wizootravel is a travel blog that provides helpful tips and guides for planning a Walt Disney World vacation, as well as other travel destinations around the world.