Are you planning your first trip to Walt Disney World? If you're looking for a fun-filled and magical escape, then Walt Disney World is the perfect destination for you! With four theme parks, two water parks, and countless attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Much like life, planning a trip to this magical destination is a trial-and-error process. Lots of people make mistakes or have regrets planning their first visit. Here are some tips to avoid rookie mistakes.
1. Prioritize when planning
Walt Disney World is HUGE. It's the size of San Francisco and there are hundred of things you can do. Attractions, shows, games, dining, characters, pictures, tours, activities, movies, festivals, shopping, fishing, biking, spa treatments, sports... the list goes on and on. Having spent the better half of 7 months in the parks, I haven't even experienced everything the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer. When making a schedule, it is important to know that you shouldn't try to fit in too much, because there's no way you can do it all in one visit. Do not make a jam-packed schedule with things planned down to the exact minute. That's just setting yourself up for disappointment and unnecessary stress.
Instead, try going through the list of attractions and shows and pick a handful of ones that are top priorities for everyone you are traveling with. Disney Darling has in-depth descriptions and tips for the attractions at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Use this information to select your must-do list. Build the rest of your schedule around those few activities.
2. Pay attention to the times of your reservations.
Have a Lightning Lane reservation for Space Mountain in Tomorrowland at 6:45 and a dinner reservation at Skipper Canteen in Adventureland at 7:00? Not gonna happen. Try to schedule your reservations so that you are not running all over the park trying to make it in time. For example, say you want to start your day in Tomorrowland and end it in Adventureland. You could make a Lightning Lane reservation for Space Mountain at 10:00 am, and a lunch reservation at Be Our Guest at 11:30 am. This will allow you to travel around the park in one pathway, you will have plenty of travel time, and you even have time to hit up other attractions in-between.
3. Ask Cast Members for help or advice!
Want to know the best place to watch the parade? Where you can get an ice cream cone? If another gift shop carries this same Mickey Mouse mug? Ask the nearest Cast Member! It is their job to answer your questions the best they can. They may have great advice for you.
4. Take into account travel time
Travel time to and from the parks can be consuming. Make sure to figure in enough travel time to your schedule.
If you take a bus from your resort to a park, you will have to wait on a bus to show up and then you will have driving time. Buses stop at the resorts about every 20 minutes and travel time to a park can take between 15-30 minutes.
If you are taking a monorail, know that you might not get on the first monorail that pulls into the station, depending on the lines. Monorails only carry so many, and it can take 5-15 minutes for another one to show up.
If you are driving, you will have to consider time to find a parking spot and then waiting time to board a tram to take you to the park entrance. Trams come about every 5-20 minutes, depending on how busy the park is.
Don't forget that you will also need a few minutes to actually walk to the front of the park and go through bag check lines.
5. Look at the park maps beforehand
You can look at the My Disney Experience App or search online for park maps. Refer to these while making your schedule and try to memorize them before you are physically in the parks. This way, you will not waste time getting lost and trying to figure out where to go. Check out the My Disney Experience App.
6. Take time to wander
Walt Disney World is so special because of all the detail the imagineers put into the theming of the parks. Walt Disney World is designed to make you feel as if you have left the outside world behind and are transported to places of fantasy. Take some time out of your day just to appreciate the small details. Walk slower and look around. Go exploring down a different path. Take pictures of anything that captivates you. It can be easy to be swept away by the chaos of all the people and the stress of trying to make it in line for the next ride . But don't overlook or take the details for granted. You may discover something really cool!
7. Drink water and apply sunscreen!
This is especially important. You'll need to be in good health in order to enjoy your time at WDW. Make sure that you're drinking plenty of water. Drink water with your meals and snacks instead of soda or milk. You are allowed to bring your own water bottle to the parks. If you don't want to carry a water bottle around all day, you can just ask for a courtesy water. Most quick service food stands will offer free cups of water, which is a great way for you to save money. And remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you're visiting in summer. This makes the list because many who aren't used to the Florida humidity will forget these basic hot-weather tips! Don't forget to also take breaks.
8. Be happy!
Walt Disney World is hot, humid, and crowded. You will be sweaty. You will become tired and hungry. You will lose patience waiting in long lines. You may become annoyed with your kids. Not everything is going to go exactly the way you pictured. But try not to let the stress get to you and have a bad time. You are in the happiest place on earth, after all! You do not want to get mad and yell at others. That will put a damper on your trip more than anything else. If you encounter any stress on your trip, just pull an Elsa and let it go!
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