Father and son walking through BOG
  • On May 11, 2024
    Luis from TX Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello Amy. My name is Luis from El Paso Texas. I am trying to plan a visit to Walt Disney in Florida. We have never been, and I want t make sure I plan with time. I want to visit in September 2024. Want to visit the 4 parks.

    Hi Luis!

    I'm thrilled to help you plan your very first visit to Walt Disney World Resort. There's a lot to consider but that's part of the fun. Let's dive into all the details together.

    First, you've chosen a great time to visit. Crowds tend to be a bit lower once school is back in session, and there are a number of added offerings in the fall months like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. But more on those in a bit. Your first planning step should be deciding which Disney Resorts Collection hotel to stay at during your visit.

    I always recommend staying on property, especially for first-time visitors. You'll enjoy complimentary transportation between your resort and the parks daily, saving valuable time on driving and parking fees. As a resort guest, you'll also enjoy Early Entry into the theme parks each day, giving you a 30-minute jump start on attractions before off-site guests. I recently shared my top resort suggestions with another guest so I'd recommend reading through to see if any of these resorts spark your interest.

    You can review availability by inputting your travel dates into the "Build Your Vacation" search bar. Once you've decided on your resort and room type, you can add theme park tickets before completing the checkout process. It's great that you plan to visit all 4 parks as there is so much to discover at each destination. If time allows, I'd book one extra night for a rest day during your visit, preferably midway through your trip. You'll appreciate a morning to sleep in and enjoy the pool and other amenities at your resort in between the go, go, go of the parks.
     
    As I mentioned earlier EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will be happening within your travel dates. You'll need a theme park ticket to enter EPCOT, but festival offerings like the Eat to the Beat Concert Series are included in your admission. If you're a foodie like me, you'll want a full day there to enjoy all the culinary offerings around the park. You also won't want to miss attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

    If you're a fan of Halloween, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a must not miss. This is a separately ticketed event on select days and does require an additional purchase to enjoy. I've attended the past two years and loved all the decor, entertainment, and festive fun. If Halloween isn't your cup of tea there is plenty of magic included in your regular theme park admission. I recommend reviewing the schedule and timing your Magic Kingdom visit accordingly as guests without a party ticket will be escorted from the park at 6 p.m. as the event begins. Wait times tend to be lower, but if you want to enjoy a full day into the evening hours and experience Happily Ever After, my favorite nighttime spectacular, I'd recommend visiting on a non-party day. 

    Luis, I'm limited on character count here but am happy to offer additional guidance if you'd like to write me again. I'd be happy to share suggestions for park itineraries and dining recommendations or answer any other planning questions. 

    Magic and memories,
    Amy
thumbnail image for Amy

Meet the Panelist: Amy, North Carolina

Hi, I'm Amy- a proud wife, mom, and Disney adult. I'm a natural planner with a flair for the creative, always looking for ways to add a little magical sparkle to our family's day-to-day happenings and once-in-a lifetime moments. You'll find me and my crew visiting the parks from rope drop to close and packing in as much magic as possible to each day of our Walt Disney World Resort vacation. From dining to photo spots and all the details in between, you've got a friend in me! Learn More About Amy

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