Important Things No One Tells You About Walt Disney World

There is a lot of advice out there about how to visit Walt Disney World.  Even at How to Disney, we provide tips and tricks on where to stay, where to eat, and how to visit the Disney Parks.

Even with all of this advice, there are some important things that no one has told you about Walt Disney World.  Don’t worry though.  We are going to let you know all about these important tips right now.

Walt Disney World is HUGE

You probably have heard that Walt Disney World is big, but has anyone really broken down HOW big Walt Disney World really is?

With four main Theme Parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios), two water Park (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), Disney Springs, and over 20 Resorts to choose from Walt Disney World is truly a city all on its own.

The Walt Disney World Resort Property is 43 acres of magic making it as big as San Francisco.

Because Walt Disney World is so big, you need to be prepared.  First of all, you need to be aware of how to get around Walt Disney World using transportation.  Knowing what free transportation is around will save you time and money.

Second, be aware that you will be walking a lot.  Guests often walk between 8 and 10 miles per day.  Since most of us don’t do this much walking back at home, coming prepared with the right shoes and even taking time at home to walk around before leaving are all good ideas.

You might have heard that Walt Disney World is “Big”, but we hope that this will help you understand what that means for your Disney vacation.

You Can’t Do It All

Most people who are giving you advice are probably giving you all the things that you have to do when visiting Walt Disney World.  We would like to tell you that you can’t do it all.  Because Walt Disney World is so big, you aren’t going to be able to do it all.

No matter how many days you are in Walt Disney World getting it all done is not possible.  Make a list of the top attractions and shows you want to experience.  Having a list of 3-5 five must-do experiences throughout the Theme Parks is a great way to approach touring the Disney Parks.

Don’t head into the vacation thinking that you are going to see and do it all.  This will set you up to be disappointed and frustrated.  Get those top rides down and the rest is extra magic.

Downtime is Key

As you are planning out your days, make sure you schedule in downtime.  Most people won’t tell you how important taking breaks is during a Walt Disney World vacation, but be aware that this is key to the magic.

Take a break each day so you are able to reset.  You can head back to your Walt Disney World Resort for a nap or time at the pool.  If you don’t want to leave the Park, look into stops to rest within the Parks.

Consider a ride on the PeopleMover and Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland.  In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, enjoy a drink at Nomad Lounge.  Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers many shows that are a great time to sit and get off your feet.  EPCOT has a lot of hidden areas in the World Showcase that you can enjoy and rest.

There is a lot of advice out there about what to do in Walt Disney World.  This is great and helpful, but don’t forget to relax as well.  Taking time throughout your vacation to have some downtime is key to keeping the magic going.

60 Days Does Mean 60 Days

You might have a list of all the places you should it in Walt Disney World; however, do you know how important 60 days is?

Guests are able to start making dining reservations 60 days prior to check-in.  This means that at 6:00 am EST dining becomes available on My Disney Experience.  Although you might think, I don’t need to be up then, that is a wrong assumption.

Some of the top dining restaurants do book up 60 days ahead of time.  If you are looking for extremely popular choices, you will want to be up and ready.  Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom are some of the top dining locations that book up quickly.

Mark your calendar for 60 days ahead of your Disney vacation so you are ready to go.

You’ll find it at Disney

When you look at all the suggested packing lists for Walt Disney World, you might think that you are going to need to pack the whole house.  This isn’t the case.  You are going to Walt Disney World, not into space.  It is most likely if you forget something, you will find it in Walt Disney World.

At each of the Walt Disney World Resorts, you will find basic toiletries and medical items in the gift shops.  In the Theme Parks, you can find a lot of what you might need in the Baby Center or Guests Services.

Don’t panic if you forget something when packing.  You will be able to find it at Walt Disney World.  Even if you can’t find it in the Disney bubble, stores are only quick rideshare away.

There is a lot of advice out there about planning a Walt Disney World vacation.  We hope that these important tips are ones that you might not have been aware of before but are now ready to go to the magic.