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Must-Know Disney Planning Tips for a Magical Vacation

When planning your Walt Disney World vacation, you are probably constantly finding advice and suggestions about what to do during your trip. Although this is meant to be helpful, it can be overwhelming at the same time.
To help you narrow down all those tips and tricks, we will share the top pieces of advice that we give first-timers. These are the suggestions that, if followed, will have the biggest impact on your overall experience at Walt Disney World.
Let’s get started!
Tips for Packing
Being prepared with the essential items for your trip is a big part of having a lower-stress experience at Disney. We have many detailed posts about what to and not to pack for your Walt Disney World vacation, but here is a quick breakdown of the essentials.

Shoes: You must have good walking shoes for everyone to enjoy their vacation at Disney. With the amount of walking involved, comfortable footwear is essential. We recommend bringing more than one pair for everyone. Having two pairs allows you to switch them out if they start to rub or get wet from the rain.
Rain items: No matter when you visit Walt Disney World, bring rain gear. Small ponchos and umbrellas are game-changers. Having these in your bag will prepare you for the sudden rainstorms that often happen in Florida. Even if the weather forecast says sunny all day, toss those ponchos into your bag just in case.
Layers: Even if you’re visiting during the summer, having some light layers with you is a good idea. Indoor areas like shows, restaurants, and buses can be chilly, so having a layer to put on can make these areas more comfortable.
Before You Arrive
There’s a lot to prepare before your Walt Disney World vacation, and these tips will help make your experience smoother.
Park Pass Reservations: One of the most important tips is to ensure you have both a valid theme park ticket and a Park Pass Reservation. This reservation is required for entry into any of the four parks. Since these are limited, we recommend making your reservations as soon as you purchase your tickets. Locking in your preferred park early ensures that you’ll be able to visit the parks you want.
Dining Reservations: If enjoying sit-down meals is part of your Disney vacation plans, you’ll want to make your dining reservations early. Reservations open 60 days before your check-in date, and some of the top Disney dining spots, like Chef Mickey’s or Cinderella’s Royal Table, book up quickly. Make a list of your must-visit dining locations and be prepared to book them as soon as reservations open.
My Disney Experience App: Before your trip, make sure you download the My Disney Experience app. This is your essential tool for navigating Walt Disney World. From checking wait times to placing mobile orders for food, this app is a must-have. Familiarize yourself with its features before your trip so you can use it efficiently while you’re there.

Top Must-Dos: Before your vacation, create a list of must-do attractions and experiences. Walt Disney World is massive, and it’s impossible to do everything in one trip. Focus on the top three to five experiences you don’t want to miss each day, such as rides, shows, or snacks. Having this priority list helps you stay focused and keeps everyone on the same page.
While at Disney
Once you arrive at Walt Disney World, these are some of the most important tips to keep in mind:
Be Flexible: While having goals and plans is important, it’s equally important to be flexible. Not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay. People will get tired, the weather might change, or unexpected things may come up. Flexibility will help reduce stress and make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Enjoy the Moment: It’s easy to get caught up in what’s coming next or the rush to do it all. However, the magic of Disney is often found in the smaller moments—whether it’s a chance encounter with a character, a surprise performance, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. Slow down and appreciate the magic around you rather than constantly focusing on what’s next.
These are the top pieces of advice we give first-time visitors to Walt Disney World. By following these tips, your overall trip will be smoother, more enjoyable, and filled with magical moments.
For more tips and tricks, be sure to explore additional resources to help you plan your dream Disney vacation.