Heading to Walt Disney World soon and feeling like you have taken on a part-time job planning it all? A lot goes into a Walt Disney World vacation, but we have some tips to help you as you plan.
These tips will help you prepare more for Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World Resort is Massive
The first thing you need to understand when planning is that the Walt Disney World Resort is massive. The size of Walt Disney World is similar to that of San Francisco. Because of this, it can take a lot of work to get around and navigate.
With four central Disney Parks, two fantastic water parks, Disney Springs, and more than 25 Disney Resorts, many are shocked by how big it is when they arrive.
Keep this in mind as you plan your vacation. Be aware that traveling between your Disney Resort and a Disney Park can take time. Give yourself extra travel time in the mornings and evenings, so you aren’t rushed.
Another area that the size of Walt Disney World will impact will be walking. Don’t think you will just jump back and forth from the different lands in Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, as it will take a while to get there. Most Guests walk between 8 to 12 miles a day! We assume your daily life doesn’t probably include this for everyone in your family, so make sure to plan some downtime to allow those feet to rest.
The big Disney tip here is don’t rush during your Disney vacation- know that everything will take longer than you think, and that is okay because you are still in the magic.
An Overall Plan
As you plan your Park days, make sure you take time to discuss with everyone their must-do list for each Park. Go over what is offered at each of the four Disney Parks and determine what everyone would like to do, see, and experience.
Having this information before arriving at a Disney Park can help you navigate the day easier. Everyone walks into Disney Park, knowing what the goals are for the day.
We like to allow everyone one ride and one food item each day. This is usually easy to accomplish and gets all moving together in the same direction.
My Disney Experience
When planning a Walt Disney World Resort trip, it is essential now more than ever before taht you understand My Disney Experience. This is Disney’s free planning app for Guests and how they will connect to everything important throughout the trip.
Before heading down, ensure everyone with a phone has access to the app. Take time to navigate through it, so you are aware of what it offers. We have many posts on How to Disney to help you do this.
My Disney Experience is helpful but overwhelming if you don’t look it over before arrival. Make sure you have it downloaded and ready to go before you arrive.
Mobile Ordering
Mobile ordering is the main way for Guests to order quick-service meals while visiting Disney World. Although you can still walk up to some areas, most locations require Guests to mobile order. This is done right now through the Disney Experience app.
Get to know this system, so you aren’t frustrated when everyone is ready to order. Along the same lines, you can place orders ahead to ensure you get a pick-up time that works best for your family. These are easy to cancel and can be modified if needed. You will want to look into mobile ordering to help make your trip easier.
Disney Genie, Genie+, Individual Lightning Lanes
Make sure that you take time to understand the new features offered within the My Disney Experience app. Even if you don’t plan on using these features, it is essential to understand them ahead of time.
Disney Genie is the free aspect that provides Guests with tips and suggestions throughout the day. Genie+ is a paid feature. Guests can add this feature starting at $15 per person per day. With this option, Guests can bypass the standby lines throughout their day in the Park.
Individual Lightning Lanes refers to the Disney rides that aren’t included with Genie+. These rides are purchased individually to bypass the lines. These can change, so ensure you know which rides are included before arriving.
Extras Happening
Before you head down, double-check hours at the theme parks and any extras that are happening while you are visiting. Disney is offering early theme Park entry to all Guests staying at Disney Resort. All four theme parks open a half hour early just for Resort Guests giving them a head start on the magic.
Disney is also extending evening hours on select evenings to EPCOT and Magic Kingdom to those Guests staying at a deluxe Resort or a deluxe villa. These also are fantastic ways to experience the Parks with fewer wait times.
Make sure you look into if any special events are happening while you are visiting as well. Is EPCOT having a festival? Could you add holiday parties or dessert pirates to your vacation for a magical touch? You don’t want to be surprised by the hours adjusting or by special events impacting your Park days.
These are some general tips that can help you as you begin planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Take small steps each day, so you don’t feel overwhelmed in your planning. It will be a magical time.
