Welcome to planDisney, Sheli!
Let's start off with my favorite topic, FOOD!! There are
hundreds of dining locations at Walt Disney World Resort; everything from popcorn stands to elegant signature dining. Although many popular table-service dining locations do require
reservations that can be made up to 60 days in advance, other locations may have same-day reservations or walk-up availability. Quick-service dining offers some great options, and is available throughout the theme parks and resort hotels, no reservations required! The
My Disney Experience app will be your new best friend during your upcoming visit. Use the plus button on the bottom of the home screen to "Check Dining Availability" for table-service locations. Select your preferred time or meal period to look for reservations, or to check
walk-up waitlist availability, choose "Now". Many quick-service dining locations offer
Mobile Food & Beverage Ordering, allowing you to browse menus and build your order ahead of time, even while waiting in line for an attraction. Then when you are ready to eat, just press "I'm here, prepare my order". For mobile orders, use the plus button in the app to select "Order Food." Since you'll be visiting during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, be sure to stop by the
outdoor kitchens for more tasty bites and sips.
You'll find a small selection of grocery and snack items in the shop at your resort hotel, or in the grab-and-go section of the quick-service dining location. Shops also have a selection of over-the-counter medications, and items such as diapers, sunscreen, toiletries, and other vacation essentials. There are quite a few stores nearby, although none of them are accessible without a vehicle. Some Guests choose to use a ride-share service to go to Target, Walmart, Walgreens, or Publix, and others choose to place a grocery order through Instacart or other delivery services. Turner Drugs will deliver prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, as well as common health and beauty items, to your hotel for a small fee.
While only you can decide if
Disney Genie+ service is worth it to you, I am happy to share my experience. I found it helpful when park hopping - I was able to reserve
Lightning Lane attractions for late afternoon and evening for the park I was hopping to, making for a very enjoyable evening. In my opinion, Disney Genie+ works best at parks with many attractions, such as Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios. I didn't find it necessary for the days I was visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and EPCOT. If you will be staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, I highly recommend taking advantage of exclusive
early theme park entry to visit some of the more popular attractions.
Sheli, space limits prevent me from providing more detailed answers to your questions. I'd love to give you dining recommendations and other tips, so please
write back if you would like more information or have additional questions.
Anne Marie