If you could give one piece of advice to a person going to Disney World for the first time or someone who doesn’t go often, what would you tell them?
That’s the question that I asked to a number of people who visit Disney World on a regular basis – many multiple times per year. Â Disney can be an overwhelming place to visit and a stressful plan to trip, but there are lots of way to make it easier! Â I thought by asking this question I could get the top tips from people that have a lot of Disney experience – and then share them all with you!
Here’s what my Disney friends had to say:
“Make use of fastpass plus and try to plan a little in advance – that way it’s less stressful in the parks!” – Amy Connor
“Be patient and expect to spend more time than you’d think on transportation!” -Jessica Wells
“Don’t try to squeeze everything in! It’s impossible to do and see everything and if you try you’ll be disappointed and exhausted. Just go slow and enjoy every moment.” Â – Amanda Laster
Look into going in off peak times. You’ll save a little money. And larger crowds during busier times may be a turn off for some.” – Amanda Laster
“If you’re on a budget, share your meals.” – Venessa Wright
“Take a break if you have kids. Don’t drag them around from open till close, they are going to be exhausted and you’re going to be miserable. I see it every time I go, parents yelling at their kids because they are acting up yet it never dawns on them to take them back to the resort for a nap.” – Sara O’Connor
“Make your dining reservations at 180 days. I have had so many friends on their first trips (with the dining plan even) that didn’t want to “tie themselves to a dining reservation” and assumed they could walk up to any restaurant and get a table.” – Kari Owston
“You won’t see it all unless you will be there for 2 solid weeks, so don’t even try. Plan and do your research. Don’t just go without some sort of idea what you want to do and how you will accomplish it.
I also suggest staying on site, at least for your first trip. If you stay off site, prepare for travel and parking fees.” – Morgan Williams
“Check out some of the areas that aren’t just the parks, like the monorail resort or the boardwalk. It’s a nice break during the busier times of the day, and you may find something and/or somewhere you never thought of checking out.” – Natalie Mego
“Character meals are the best way to do meet and greets.” – Emily Ivey-Cotton
“1) always stay on site. It’s not worth saving a little each night once you consider the free nonstop transportation (and magical express to/from the airport) and WDW is soooo much larger than most people realize!! 2) always arrive 30 min before opening do you can get through security and in line before rope drop. Always. You’ll get more done in the first few hours then the rest of the day. And when it gets crazy crowded, head back to the resort to swim, nap or chill before heading back in the evening.” – Amy Blasing
Disney can be overwhelming, but I’m happy to try and help you figure it all out! If you’d like help planning your next Disney vacation at no extra cost to you, contact me at my travel agent email: [email protected]
What’s the best advice you’ve heard for Disney?
These are great tips! I haven’t been to Disney in years and years, and it seems like a lot has changed!!
It’s true, Disney has definitely changed a lot recently! Always growing 🙂
I reeeeally want to go to disney! Thanks for these tips, they are great to bear in mind for a Disney Land newbie like I am (will be, hopefully)!
You’re welcome! If you need help planning a trip in the future definitely let me know!
I havent been to disney in nearly 20 years. I need to go back
Oh yes, there are so many new and exciting things! I took my mom two years ago and she hadn’t been in almost 20 years. She enjoyed it even more than the first time!
These are great tips! I especially agree with the tip about taking a break at the resorts. They’re often overlooked, but sometimes just chilling in the lobby can be very refreshing!
Thanks Kelsey! If I’m planning a long day a break is a must (even without kids!). Plus the middle of the afternoon is when the parks are the most crowded and the hottest. Might as well take a break and feel refreshed!
Character dining is a great way to do meet-and-greets, for sure!
It’s so nice to meet them while you eat – and I imagine easier with kids, too!
I love these! I have never been but we plan on taking my 2.5 year old next year because she is overly obsessed with princesses. I’m so excited so this was a ton of help! 🙂
Alicia, how exciting that you are planning to take your 2.5 year old! I bet she will absolutely love it 🙂 If you need any help planning your trip just let me know 🙂
So many awesome tips! Thank you! Filing this away for later 🙂
You’re welcome Nichole! Hopefully they can come in handy for you at some point in the future 😉
These are so good! Saving them for our April trip!
Yay, hopefully they will come in handy for you in April!
Totally keeping note of all of these! I hope we can take our son next year and we’ve never ben!
Fantastic, I hope you get the chance to go!
Great tips! We love Disney – after reading this I want to go back!
That’s how I always feel when I read anything about Disney! 😉