Hi Heather, and welcome to planDisney!
I’m happy to be your personal Mary Poppins and help you plan your most magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort. Just like Mary says, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.” Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but we make it enjoyable here. So, let’s get this planning party started!
First, create a
My Disney Experience profile on the Walt Disney World Resort website. This tool will be your one-stop shop for most of your vacation needs: purchasing theme park tickets, creating the required
Disney Park Pass reservations (do this early!), and so much more. Definitely download the phone app version, too. Using the app while you’re in the parks, in conjunction with
Disney Genie, will make you whistle while you work…well, play. Among its many useful features, you can find attraction wait times, locate bathrooms, and
mobile order food.
Speaking of food, I strongly recommend that you make your table service restaurant advance dining reservations up to 60 days before your visit. That means that you can start now! My kiddos especially love the character dining options like
Tusker House Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and
Garden Grill Restaurant at EPCOT.
Because you’re an ‘ohana of all ages and stages, you’ll want to include activities that the whole family can enjoy. The shows and parades are phenomenal, and all of the theme parks have attractions that have no
height requirements. So, everyone can ride together, even the baby. And if your older kids want more thrill, look into the
Rider Switch service. This way, no one misses out on the fun.
AN EXTRA GEM: There are so many new and returning experiences coming to the resort around the time of your visit. Consider checking out some of these wondrous must-dos:
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Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (opening March 23, 2023)
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TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom Park (opening April 4, 2023) Use the
Virtual Queue system to access this thrilling attraction. (If you have questions about how this system works, feel free to ask me here at planDisney.)
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Happily Ever After Fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park (returning April 3, 2023)
Heather, as you get closer to your family’s big adventure, please don’t hesitate to continue asking me questions. Which theme parks do I most recommend? How does Rider Switch work? Anything you need,
I’m all ears!
Magic always,
LeAndra