Hello, Ken! I'm happier than Cinderella at the ball to welcome you to planDisney.
While I can't turn a pumpkin into a carriage, I love helping first time visitors make the most out of their Magical visit! With a
bibbidi, bobbidi, boo... these are my top five tips for YOU!
First, explore and study the park maps in advance of your visit. Walking into the parks for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. If you have a general understanding of how the park is laid out AND which attractions are at which park, you'll be much better equipped to tackle the day. I'll link the maps here for your quick reference:
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Magic Kingdom Park -
Disney's Hollywood Studios -
EPCOT -
Disney's Animal KingdomNext, book Table-service meals in advance. My family typically eats at one "sit-down" restaurant per day and in addition to enjoying the delicious food, it's a great way for everyone to rest and relax. Popular meals book up quickly, so I recommend booking 60 days in advance of your visit. (If you are staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel you can
book all of the dining for your trip 60 days in advance, up to 10 days.) If you need recommendations for restaurants, we hEAR at planDisney love to offer up our suggestions!
Third, if you're visiting for a week, consider building a rest day into your itinerary. Experiencing all four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort is Magical... but can also be tiring. We ward off exhaustion by taking a break in the middle of the week to sleep in, hang out at the resort, swim or check out
Disney Springs. Having a "no pressure" day with a slower pace has been such a help to my family.
Next, bring your own water (or water bottle) into the parks. When we are staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel, we will often use a grocery delivery service like Instacart to pre-order some snacks and a case of water. Keeping water with us not only keeps everyone hydrated, but saves us money
(which translates into more Mickey ice cream bars)! If you have a favorite water bottle, you'll also find fountains and refill stations around the parks. You can also get complimentary ice water from many of the Quick-Service restaurants.
Finally, Ken, my number one tip is to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere. While I want to experience every attraction, show and sprinkling of pixie dust, there is too much to see and do all in one visit. I find that when I prioritize a few things (and to be honest, manage my own expectations of my family), we all have a better time. Make a plan for the day, but be realistic and remember to slow down and soak in the Magic.
Wishing you all the best, including a trip full of unforgettable moments. Come on back to planDisney with any other questions,
Lauren