We’re going to Disney World in a few weeks and we are so excited, but we are normally Disneyland people so I’ve been doing some research to make our trip great! And as usual I asked you for your tips and tricks and you had such great tips that I complied them here. Whether you’re a huge Disney fan or have never been before, I feel like there is something for everyone! My biggest tip is to make a list of one thing each person wants to do during the trip and make sure that happens, everything else is just special Disney magic.
To Bring
- Bring a shade umbrella
- Cooling towel
- Mini Fan
- Snacks
- Refillable Waterbottle
- It will rain. Even if it says it wont, it will. Make sure you take rain gear or ponchos. Buy them from the Dollar Store though.
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Disney doesn’t sell gum in the park
- Bring a phone charger, you’ll need it
- Bring silicon straws if you don’t like paper straws
- Hand sanitizer–they have some all over the park, but you’ll want your own too
Tips
The first tip is to learn the lingo–lightning lane, Park Hoppers, on-stie, the Skyliner, mobile order.
Learn beforehand what can and can’t be brought into the park and how to get through security. Don’t bring glass bottles.
Learn the opening protocols of each park.
If you can get to the park early you can get so much done! Rope drop every day, but then go back to the hotel and rest, go back in the evenings. Except Animal Kingdom, it closes between 6 and 7.
If you are staying at an on-site hotel you can get in 30 minutes early. There are also extended evening hours for certain hotels. And free transportation for buses, Skyliner, and the Monorail system if you are staying on-site.
Use the app and learn the park so you aren’t wondering aimlessly. Photos, mobile ordering, show times, and ride wait times are all on there.
Disability pass–get this done early, they will video interview you and the person who needs it. This can be scheduled 2-30 days before your visit. Or you can do it in person on the first day of your visit. This is different than a wheelchair pass.
Plan extra time to get in and out of Magic Kingdom, you don’t park right in front of the park so you will need extra time to get to and from your car.
Do indoor activities in the afternoon when it’s really hot.
Blizzard Beach is worth it!
Lightning Lane is worth it, especially if you don’t want to miss a ride. Make sure you make your three selections on the first day you are eligible to, other wise you might miss out.
You can have groceries delivered to your hotel so you don’t have to bring all the snacks on the airplane.
Mobile order food to avoid long lines and meltdowns.
Buy Disney gift cards beforehand to help prepay for your trip.
Go to Guest Relations to get a button to celebrate! Whether it’s your birthday or first trip, everyone will comment on it.
Places to Eat
- Magic Kingdom–Liberty Tree Tavern
- Magic Kingdom–Pineapple Lanai Dole Whip
- Epcot–Canada’s maple popcorn
- Epcot–Mexico’s La Cantina specifically the guacamole
- Epcot–Try some food from each country
- Free ice water is always available throughout the park
More Research
These were the top people to check out if you have more questions or want to do more research.
- Provost Park Pass
- Mammoth Club
- Disney Food Blog
Disney is such a fun trip, but it is also hot and exhausting. Pace yourself, be flexible, stay hydrated, and take breaks when you or the kids need them! It’s about the memories, not how fast you made it to each ride. It is such a fun vacation, but no one will be having fun if you are rushing from one thing to the other. Take time to see the park through the kid’s eyes. Where is your favorite place to eat? Let me know in the comments below so I don’t miss the best food while I’m there!
