It is a big decision to take a Walt Disney World vacation. Not only is it a big financial commitment, but there are a lot of details that go into a Disney vacation. To help you with this big investment, we have ten quick tips to help you successfully plan a great Disney vacation. Focus on these tips to prepare for a magical trip to Walt Disney World.
Budget is Step One
When planning any vacation, but especially a Disney vacation make sure to set a budget. It can be easy to get wrapped up in the Disney magic and overspend before you even arrive.
Take time to sit-down and think about what your overall budget is for this vacation. Doing this before anything other than planning will help narrow down your planning options which is helpful.
Choose a Resort
After looking at your budget, the first big decision that you need to make is where you want to stay. Luckily Disney offers Resorts for all budgets and needs.
Start with your budget in mind to determine if a value, moderate, or a deluxe Resort is best for you. Once you have that decision made, then look into the themes, dining, and amenities that are offered at the different Disney Resorts.
If swimming is going to be key to your vacation, then staying at a moderate and deluxe Resort is a good option as there are slides and more pools for Guests to enjoy.
Want easy transportation to and from the Parks, then look into a monorail or Skyliner Resort. These make afternoon naps easy to accomplish.
All the Disney Resorts are well themed and beautiful, you are sure to find one that works well for your family.
Hop or Not to Hop
Once you determine where you want to stay during your trip, it is time to think about your Disney Theme Park Tickets. Guests typically choose between either a base ticket or a Park hopper.
Base tickets allow Guests to visit one Park per day. You can come and go from that one Park but you aren’t able to visit another Disney Park.
A Park Hopper is an additional expense that allows Guests to move between the four Disney Parks. Park hopping continues to have a restriction in that Guests are only able to hop after 2 pm.
Because Park Hoppers are an additional expense, it is important to think about if it is a feature you will use throughout your trip. Hopping can be a great way to see more of Disney in a shorter time. You can start the day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and wrap up the night at Magic Kingdom for fireworks.
When Park Hopping, it can take a lot of time. If you have a large group or little ones, hopping between Parks can take a lot of effort and might not be needed.
Think about your touring plans to determine if this option will work for you.
Dining Options
Dining is a big part of your Walt Disney World vacation and because of that it is also important to have a plan when it comes to dining.
You need to determine if your group will prefer sit down meals or quick on the go meals during the trip. Disney offers hundreds of amazing dining options for either situation.
Think about what style you prefer and then look at menus to find locations that will have entrees that everyone will enjoy.
Set Expectations
Before heading to Walt Disney World make sure you set realistic expectations. Disney is huge and no matter how long you stay you won’t be able to see and do it all.
Start by determining what your must-do attractions are for each Park. Are there snacks or shows that people don’t want to miss? Having these conversations early on can help keep expectations focused and realistic.
What Is New
Dig into what new experiences are at Walt Disney World. Being aware of what new rides, snacks, and entertainment is available can help you create that must-do plan.
Disney is constantly opening new experiences for Guests. Don’t miss out on the new magical experiences during your trip.
My Disney Experience
Before heading down to Disney, make sure everyone downloads My Disney Experience, the official app of Walt Disney World. This app is essential to a successful trip to Walt Disney World.
It is through this app that Guests are able to see wait times, mobile order, use Disney Genie and so much more. Make sure to mess around with the app before your trip. There is a lot of information in the app but it can be frustrating at first. If you take time before your trip to navigate it some, you will find it a lot easier.
Genie or no Genie
A newer decision that Guests have to make along with their Disney vacation is if they want to use Genie+ or not. Genie+ is a paid option that allows Guests to bypass the standby lines for many attractions throughout the four Disney Parks.
Before using Genie+ it is important to do some learning on how it works. Doing this will not only help with your decision of purchasing it but also help you use it successfully when purchased.
Genie+ can be a great tool but make sure you understand it before paying for it during your trip.
Weather Happens
When preparing for your Walt Disney World vacation make sure you prepare for the weather. Rain, heat, humidity and even cold all happen at Walt Disney World.
You don’t want the weather to impact your trip, so make sure you take steps to prepare for it. Have those rain jackets, umbrellas and personal fan ready to go. Having a plan for the weather is key to a magical Disney trip.
Slow Your Roll
We completely understand the desire to rush from ride to ride. We used to do the exact same thing. Learn from us and take time to slow down.
By scheduling in some downtime, you can really begin to enjoy the small magical moments. These are some of the best moments of a Disney vacation and you need to slow down so you don’t miss them.
Those are our top ten quick tips for getting started with planning your Walt Disney World vacation. We hope they help you jump into the planning.
