Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can feel both exciting and a bit overwhelming. With so much to see and do, it’s important to plan ahead so you can make the most of your time and enjoy every magical moment. From thrilling rides to delicious dining experiences and unforgettable shows, having a solid plan can turn a good trip into an extraordinary one.
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned Disney pro, these tips will help you craft a fun and stress-free itinerary that ensures every family member has the time of their lives.
1. Make a List of Your Must-Do Attractions
Start by talking with your group about what everyone wants to do the most. Iconic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure are often highlights. Don’t forget to include nighttime shows like Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom Park, which is a must-see for many visitors.
Consider the age and interests of your group. Younger kids might want to meet favorite characters or enjoy gentler attractions like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, while older thrill-seekers will gravitate toward high-speed adventures like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.
Once you’ve identified your top picks, you can plan your day around these must-see experiences to make sure nothing important gets missed. This list will act as the foundation of your itinerary and help you prioritize when things get busy.
2. Check Park Hours and Special Events
Each Disney park has different hours, and special events can change the schedule. Look at the Walt Disney World website or app to get the most current information, including extended hours for Disney Resort guests.
If you’re visiting during seasonal celebrations like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival, planning ahead can help you take full advantage of these events. These occasions often include unique offerings like special character meet-and-greets, themed merchandise, and limited-time snacks you won’t want to miss.
For those traveling during less busy seasons, keep an eye out for smaller-scale events or unique entertainment offerings, like live music at Disney Springs or seasonal decor changes around the parks.
3. Reserve Your Park Days Early
To visit the parks, you need both a valid ticket and a park reservation unless you have a day-based ticket. Popular days can fill up quickly, especially during holidays or busy seasons. This is particularly true for Magic Kingdom, which often reaches capacity on major holidays like Christmas or New Year’s.
Book your reservations as soon as you can to lock in your preferred dates and parks. If you’re planning a trip with park hopping in mind, be sure to check the rules about when you can switch parks—these can change based on crowd levels and seasonality.
4. Book Dining Reservations in Advance
Food is a big part of the Disney experience! From quick snacks to elegant meals, there are tons of options to enjoy. Trying different cuisines or dining in themed settings adds an extra layer of magic to your trip.
Restaurants like Be Our Guest are very popular, so it’s a good idea to make reservations up to 60 days before your trip. Dining at less busy times, like early lunches or late dinners, can also give you a more relaxed experience and a chance to explore the parks during peak hours when attractions might have shorter waits.
Don’t overlook quick-service dining options. Places like Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom offer delicious, high-quality meals without the need for reservations. Mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app can save you time and reduce stress.
5. Use Lightning Lane to Save Time
Lightning Lane lets you skip the regular line for select rides. While it does cost extra, it can save you a lot of time, especially for attractions that usually have long waits. Popular rides like Avatar Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom often have standby lines exceeding an hour.
Research which rides offer Lightning Lane access and decide which ones are worth it based on your group’s preferences. It’s often a good idea to prioritize rides that are family favorites or have unique experiences you can’t find elsewhere. For a more expensive but comprehensive option, the Lightning Lane Multi Pass might be right for you.
6. Plan Time for Breaks
Disney days can be fun but exhausting. Schedule some downtime, whether it’s taking a midday break at your hotel or relaxing at Disney Springs. This can be especially important for families with young children who might need a nap or time to recharge.
Being flexible with your schedule also leaves room for spontaneous fun, like catching a surprise performance, stumbling upon a photo op, or finding a hidden Mickey. You never know when magic might strike, so allow some wiggle room in your plans.
7. Get Familiar with Disney Transportation
Disney offers free transportation, including buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney Skyliner. These make it easy to get around the resort without worrying about parking or driving yourself.
Take some time to learn the transportation routes so you can budget enough travel time to get to dining reservations or shows. For instance, if you’re staying at a Skyliner resort like Disney’s Riviera Resort, you can enjoy a quick and scenic ride to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.
8. Take Advantage of Early and Late Park Hours
Guests staying at Disney Resort Hotels can enter the parks 30 minutes early with Early Theme Park Entry. Deluxe Resort guests get extra perks, like Extended Evening Hours at select parks on certain nights. These perks can be game-changers for visiting popular attractions without long waits.
Use these times to your advantage by planning to visit high-demand rides or attractions early in the day or after the park officially closes to regular guests. Pair this with a strategic breakfast or late-night snack for a perfect start or end to your day.
9. Discover Hidden Gems
In addition to the major attractions, Disney is full of surprises. For example, the Country Bear Musical Jamboree offers a nostalgic and charming show. Disney also hides plenty of secrets, like interactive elements in ride queues or small tributes to classic Disney history scattered throughout the parks.
Explore quieter areas, like the walking trails around Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom, or look for special snacks and secret photo spots throughout the parks. Disney’s Imagineers put thought into every detail, so take time to notice them.
10. Pack Smart
A good packing list can make a huge difference in your trip. Don’t forget essentials like comfy walking shoes, a portable charger, and rain gear for Florida’s unpredictable weather. It’s also wise to bring layers for cool evenings and air-conditioned restaurants.
Reusable water bottles can keep you hydrated, and a small first-aid kit is handy for minor scrapes or blisters. Throw in some extra snacks, especially if you’re traveling with kids, to avoid meltdowns in long lines.
11. Enjoy Disney’s Nighttime Shows
End your day with a breathtaking show like Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom or Luminous: The Symphony of Us at EPCOT. These nighttime spectaculars combine music, fireworks, and storytelling to create unforgettable experiences.
Arrive early to get a good viewing spot and soak in the magical atmosphere of the parks at night. Nighttime is also a great time for low-wait rides as many guests gather for the shows.
12. Use the My Disney Experience App
The My Disney Experience app is an essential tool for your trip. Use it to check wait times, make dining reservations, mobile order food, and even join virtual queues for popular rides. The app also has park maps, character meet-and-greet times, and other features to help you plan. Staying connected with the app will ensure your day runs smoothly and help you make last-minute changes if needed.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a Disney World itinerary that balances adventure, relaxation, and plenty of magical moments. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, your trip to Walt Disney World will be one you’ll treasure forever. What’s your favorite tip for planning a Disney trip? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!
