Planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, is an exciting adventure, but it requires careful thought and preparation. With so much to do and see, answering some key questions can help you make the most of your visit. From selecting which Disney Parks to explore to deciding where to dine, here are the questions you should ask yourself when planning your magical Disney vacation.
The Disney Parks
Are You Really Only Spending One Day in Each Park?
Walt Disney World Resort is home to four iconic theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—and two exciting water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. While dedicating one full day to each Disney Park might seem like a solid plan, it’s worth considering the benefits of visiting each park multiple times.
Visiting the parks on different days allows you to experience attractions at various times, from morning magic to evening enchantment. A Disney Park Hopper ticket can enhance your flexibility, allowing you to explore multiple parks in a single day. For example:
Magic Kingdom is often quieter in the mornings but becomes bustling in the evening, especially with Guests gathering for the fireworks show, Happily Ever After.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom shines in the evening with stunning views of Pandora – The World of Avatar and the illuminated Tree of Life.
Spreading your visits ensures you have the chance to experience attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage more than once while avoiding unexpected weather disruptions or crowd patterns.
Are You Spending the Entire Day in the Park?
While it’s tempting to pack your day with as many attractions as possible, spending all day in a park without breaks can be exhausting. Consider leaving the park during the afternoon to relax at your Disney Resort hotel. A quick rest, a fresh change of clothes, or even a power nap can rejuvenate you for an exciting evening.
With a Park Hopper pass, you can visit two parks in one day, making it easier to balance adventure and relaxation. For example, start your day at EPCOT’s World Celebration and hop to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the evening to experience Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Are You Checking for Special Events and Seasonal Attractions?
Each Disney Park offers unique attractions, entertainment, and seasonal experiences. Before your trip, check for events like:
- EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival or International Food & Wine Festival.
- Seasonal parties like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Special events can enhance your trip with exclusive shows, themed treats, and limited-time merchandise.
Are You Skipping the Disney Water Parks?
Don’t overlook Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. These water parks offer a blend of relaxation and excitement. Whether you’re floating along a lazy river, braving thrilling water slides, or lounging on sandy beaches, these parks provide the perfect break from the theme park hustle.
Disney Resort Hotels
Are You Spending Enough Time at Your Resort?
If you’re staying in a Disney Deluxe Resort, you’ll want to make time to enjoy its luxurious amenities, including pools, spas, and fine dining. However, if your plan is to maximize park time, a Disney Value or Moderate Resort can offer comfortable accommodations at a more budget-friendly price.
Consider your vacation style:
- Relaxation-Focused: Spend time at your Resort pool or enjoy activities like movies under the stars.
- Park-Focused: Use your Resort as a convenient base for sleeping and freshening up between park visits.
Are You Utilizing Disney Transportation?
Disney Resort hotels offer a variety of transportation options beyond buses, adding extra magic to your journey:
- Monorail: Available at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
- Skyliner: Connects EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Resorts like Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
- Boats: Provide scenic routes to select parks and Disney Springs from various Resorts.
Choosing a Resort with multiple transportation options can save time and reduce stress.
Disney Dining
Are You Planning Your Meals?
Disney offers an incredible range of dining experiences, from quick-service snacks to full-service meals with character interactions. Researching ahead of time ensures you don’t miss out on iconic options like:
- Wish Makers Enchanted Dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
- Connections Eatery for quick-service favorites at EPCOT.
Create a list of must-try restaurants and make advance dining reservations for popular spots like Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom or Tiffins Restaurant in Animal Kingdom.
Are You Skipping Snacks?
Disney snacks are an essential part of the experience! From Mickey-shaped pretzels to Dole Whip, there’s something for everyone. Snacks can also serve as quick meals, saving time and money.
Disney Experiences
Are You Missing Out on Unique Activities?
Beyond the parks, Walt Disney World offers countless additional activities:
- Mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland.
- Painting classes at select Resorts.
- Boat rentals and Surrey bike rides.
Research these offerings ahead of time to incorporate them into your budget and itinerary.
Are You Using Lightning Lane?
Disney’s Lightning Lane can help you skip long lines for top attractions. Consider purchasing Individual Lightning Lane access for rides like Avatar Flight of Passage or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Planning which attractions to prioritize will help you decide if this extra cost fits your budget.
Final Thoughts
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation involves many decisions, but taking the time to answer these questions can help you craft a seamless and magical experience. Whether you’re prioritizing must-see attractions, indulging in delicious dining, or taking time to relax by the pool, a well-thought-out plan ensures you’ll make memories that last a lifetime.
Happy planning, and enjoy your Disney adventure!
