Welcome to planDisney, Angela!! I'm so excited for you and happy to help you feel prepared for your very first visit to Walt Disney World Resort in just a few days!!
Before you leave, be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes for all of the magical miles you will rack up! I would also suggest taking a park bag so that you can have essentials with you at the theme parks. I always carry a backup battery, hand sanitizer, tissues, and pain reliever, just to name a few items.
You will need to make
theme park reservations before you arrive in order to visit the parks. You can do this through your
My Disney Experience account. Be sure to download the
My Disney Experience app so you will have quick and easy access to your park tickets, reservations, park maps, attraction wait times, entertainment info, and so much more! My favorite way to save time in the parks is to use
Mobile Food and Beverage Ordering through the app.
Even though you're arriving in just a few days, you can still check for
advanced dining reservations. There's a possibility that availability will open up due to last-minute cancellations. Some of my favorite restaurants are Be Our Guest at
Magic Kingdom Park, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria at
EPCOT, and The BOATHOUSE at
Disney Springs. There are many restaurants that also offer a Walk-Up List if you prefer to be spontaneous.
If you are staying at a Disney Resorts Collection Hotel, there are so many great benefits to look forward to! As a hotel guest, you will receive
complimentary resort transportation to and from the theme parks and Disney Springs. You can also enjoy
Early Theme Park Entry to all of the parks each day of your stay!
When you first arrive at a theme park, be sure to get a complimentary "1st Time Visit" button! If you plan to ride some attractions, I have some favorites to suggest that are not-to-be-missed! At Disney's Hollywood Studios, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway are must-dos! I would also suggest checking at Toy Story Land because it is unique to Walt Disney World. At EPCOT, Frozen Ever After and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure are my top picks! When visiting Animal Kingdom, Pandora - The World of Avatar is a beautiful, must-see land, especially at night. At the iconic Magic Kingdom Park, be sure to have your picture taken in front of Cinderella Castle by a
Disney PhotoPass photographer before riding some of my favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Haunted Mansion, and Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.
Because you are visiting during
The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration, be sure to check out the
Beacons of Magic at all four theme parks, Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom, and my favorite, Harmonious at EPCOT!
Wishing you a pixie-dusted vacation at The Most Magical Place on Earth! Have so much fun!
Lisa