Family Days Out recently visited Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and we just HAD to share our Top 6 Tips to make your day even smoother, and more magical!
HOTEL SELECTION
It's worth considering a few facts when looking what hotel to book for your Walt Disney World experience! Yes, we know budgets are always something to consider, but there are a few other things you should look at before making a decision.
Budget wise, staying off the Disney complex could save you money, however be aware that you'll not only need to drive into the parks every day, but there are also parking costs. Grab your spreadsheet and work out what your total parking would be, and also know you'll have to factor in finding a parking spot and then commuting to the park from the car park (sometimes this could be a boat, or a bus!)
If you are staying in a Disney Resort within Walt Disney World, you not only get to enjoy early access to the parks (usually 30 minutes prior to the gates opening to the general public), but you can also enjoy free transportation between the parks. This means you can relax, put your car keys away and be dropped off right at the ticket gates to the parks.
There are a lot of great hotels within the resort, so really do your research and you will find the perfect one for you! Remember, you're not going to be in your hotel very much though.
If you love a sit down breakfast to start your day, and not a buffet or "fast food" style service, it's worth looking at hotels which have a great restaurant, as not all of them do.
TRAVELING BETWEEN THE PARKS
Walt Disney World is BIG. HUGE in fact, and that is a factor when you have to consider your timings. If you are enjoying the free shuttles around the park, they do say you need to even allow up to an hour or 90 minutes to get around. This would be especially true in the summer months or school holidays when the park is bustling.
We stayed at All Star Movies resort, which is really as far away as you can get from Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs, and the shuttle was 20 minutes each way, door to door.
SAVING MONEY IN THE PARK
A visit to Walt Disney World can be expensive, after your hotel and park ticket, you then have souvenirs, food & drink, and more.
One of the things that will be a huge saving for you, is taking your own water bottle. There are plenty of water fountains dotted around the park, so you can easily re-fil when you need. Each park also has one Starbucks based cafe, which is a great place to grab an iced water when you want to fill up your bottle with something to cool you down from the sun (the water fountains don't really offer cool water).
When it comes to food, it may seem more cost effective to stop by the stands or grab a quick burger or hot dog. However, consider exploring the menus of the table service restaurants.
We visited Via Napoli in EPCOT, which was not only incredibly delicious (and actually hard to get a table so book well in advance), but you could order a huge pizza, which would easily accommodate a family of 4. Plus you can enjoy the atmosphere of Naples in an air conditioned breath of fresh air from the crowds!
Another thing we did is book table service for lunches and dinners, but for lunch we just ordered an appetizer. That meant we were enjoying a delicious salad or soup, for what is often the same price when you have ordered a burger or fries.
Another saving grace for us was snacks! So many snacks. We packed as many snacks as we had clothes. These included energy boosting snacks such as organic brazil nuts, seaweed snacks, and protein oat bars.
We would skip breakfast and just take a handful of nuts or an oat bar to start the day, then that helped stop any need for purchasing food between lunch and dinner.
MUST PACK ITEMS
There really are some staple items to pack when you head out for your day. Ensure you have a small backpack too. You will tire of carrying a bag very quickly, and smaller bags are easier to hold when on the faster rides such as Space Mountain and Everest.
We already mentioned the water bottle - that's key! We also carried sunscreen as it gets VERY hot, as well as sunglasses. A lanyard is a great idea too, so you can conveniently keep your ticket / hotel room key (which doubles as a ticket)
For an extra cost you can actually keep your key and pass on a watch, but to save money you can use your room key complete with QR code.
We also packed blister band-aids which were invaluable (you will be doing a LOT of walking), plus the above mentioned snacks! Taking snacks into the park will change your experience!
LIGHTNING LANE PASSES
With some of the queues reaching up to 2 hours, investing in a Lightning Lane pass every day will be the icing on a cake for your trip. You're spending all that money to travel to the park, purchasing tickets and a hotel, so why do all of that just to stand in a queue?
The Lightning Lane pass is worth the investment, and should be factored into the budget.
The Lightning Lane pass costs between $15 - $20 per person, per day depending on the park and time of year. This allows you to skip the queues of rides and we can't tell you how much it made our day so much more enjoyable!
The pass system is also very fair. If you're staying in a Disney Resort, you can start booking your lanes at 7am. After you have booked your first, you can book your second after 2 hours, or after you have scanned and used your first. Whatever comes first. You can also only use the Lightning Lane one time on each ride.
We managed to Lighting Lane nearly every applicable ride or show every day, making for a very ride filled day which is what you want - you're in Walt Disney World after all!
You can even use these passes on some of the great Disney entertainment available, such as the Indiana Jones stunt show!
It's also great to help make a plan of where you're going to head. It's worth considering booking the rides which fill up quickly first, like Slinky Dog Dash, otherwise you will miss out or be riding it at 10:30pm!
You do have some rides such as Star Wars: Galactica, and Avatar which are an individual purchase and not included in the regular Lightning Lane options. These range from $10 to $20 per person, per lightning lane.
Don't forget to plan your itinerary and allow at least 2 days in each park - if you're pressed for time, consider 1 day for EPCOT but you really need 2 days in each part to make the most of the journey!
Hope you have enjoyed our tips and tricks for visiting Walt Disney World - let us know in the comments any tips YOU would like to share!
Have a magical Family Day Out!
Visiting Walt Disney World FAQ
Welcome to the magical world of Walt Disney - the happiest place on earth! If you're planning a family trip to Walt Disney World, you might be curious about what attractions are on offer. Well, hold onto your Mickey Mouse ears, because there's a lot to cover! Firstly, let's talk about the theme parks. There are four in total - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Each park has its own unique rides, characters, and experiences. For example, at Magic Kingdom, you can meet classic Disney characters like Cinderella and Mickey Mouse, and ride iconic attractions like Space Mountain and Splash Mountain. Epcot has a more educational focus, with attractions like the World Showcase pavilions and the popular Soarin' ride. Hollywood Studios is all about movie magic, with must-see attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Finally, Animal Kingdom is a wildlife theme park, featuring exotic animals and thrilling rides like Expedition Everest. But that's not all! Walt Disney World also has two water parks - Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. These are perfect for cooling off on a hot day and getting your adrenaline pumping on water slides and lazy rivers. There are also countless dining options, ranging from quick service snack stops to fancy sit-down restaurants. And don't forget about the shopping! Disney Springs is a shopping and entertainment district, with stores like the World of Disney and unique dining experiences like the Rainforest Cafe. Now that you have a better idea of what Walt Disney World has to offer, let's talk about some tips to help you make the most of your visit. Firstly, it's important to plan ahead and make reservations for popular attractions and dining experiences. You can do this through the My Disney Experience app or website. Secondly, make sure to take advantage of FastPass+ to skip the lines for select attractions. You can reserve up to three FastPasses per day in advance, or use the app to make additional selections once you've used your initial three. And finally, don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and clothing - you'll be doing a lot of walking and standing! With these tips in mind, you and your family are sure to have a magical time at Walt Disney World. Remember to take plenty of pictures and make lasting memories - after all, that's what a family vacation is all about!
With over 400 dining options available, there's something for everyone at the happiest place on earth. First and foremost, there are the character dining experiences. These are a must-do for families with young children, as they get to meet and take pictures with their favourite Disney characters while enjoying a meal. Some popular character dining options include Cinderella's Royal Table in Magic Kingdom, Chef Mickey's in Disney's Contemporary Resort, and Garden Grill in Epcot. If you're looking for a unique dining experience, consider the themed restaurants. From eating in a haunted mansion at Liberty Tree Tavern to dining under the sea at Coral Reef Restaurant, there's no shortage of immersive dining experiences at Walt Disney World. For those on a budget, quick-service restaurants are plentiful throughout the parks and resorts. You'll find everything from classic American fare to international cuisine, and many offer mobile ordering to save time waiting in line. And of course, there are the signature dining experiences for those looking to splurge on a special meal. These upscale restaurants offer exquisite cuisine and impeccable service, such as California Grill in Disney's Contemporary Resort and Jiko - The Cooking Place in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. In summary, there's no shortage of dining options at Walt Disney World. Whether you're looking for character dining, themed restaurants, quick-service options, or upscale dining experiences, you're sure to find something to satisfy your appetite and budget. Make sure to plan ahead and make reservations for any must-do dining experiences, and don't forget to indulge in some Mickey-shaped treats while you're there!
If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you're in for a magical experience! There are plenty of resorts to choose from, each with their own unique features and themes. As a family expert and avid traveller, I'm excited to share some of my favourite Disney World resorts that are perfect for families. First on the list is Disney's Art of Animation Resort. This resort is perfect for families who love to immerse themselves in their surroundings. The resort is themed around popular Disney animated films, including Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and Cars. They offer spacious family suites that can accommodate up to six people, complete with separate sleeping areas and a kitchenette. Another great option is Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. This resort is inspired by the vibrant colours and tropical landscapes of the Caribbean. It's perfect for families who want to relax and soak up the sun during their trip. The resort offers a variety of rooms and suites, as well as amenities such as a pirate-themed pool and a fun-filled water play area. If you're looking for a luxurious stay, check out Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This resort offers a Victorian-style ambiance and is located just a short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom. The resort features elegant rooms and suites, as well as a stunning pool and spa area. Lastly, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a great option for families who want to indulge in a tropical paradise. The resort is situated on the shores ofSeven Seas Lagoon and features a South Pacific-inspired theme. Families can enjoy spacious rooms and suites, as well as amenities such as a volcanic-themed pool and a luau dinner show. No matter which resort you choose, you'll be immersed in the magic of Walt Disney World. From themed rooms to exciting amenities, there's something for every family. Remember to book your resort early and plan ahead to make the most of your stay. Happy travels!
Walt Disney World is located just 21 miles southwest of Orlando International Airport, which means you can get there in no time. Depending on traffic, it should take you around 30 minutes to get from the airport to the resort. Now, the real fun begins! After your quick journey from the airport, get ready to immerse yourself in the magic that is Walt Disney World. With four theme parks, two water parks, and endless entertainment options, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy. If you're looking to make your trip even more special, consider staying at one of Disney's many resorts, each with unique themes and amenities. Plus, staying on property means you'll have easy access to all the parks and attractions via Disney's complimentary transportation. So, pack your bags and get ready for a magical adventure at Walt Disney World, just a short ride from Orlando International Airport.
The opening times at Walt Disney World varies depending on each individual park and the time of year. Generally, the parks open between 8:00 am and 9:00 am and close between 9:00 pm and midnight. However, there are some exceptions, such as during special events or holidays. It's always a good idea to check the park's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening times. You can also download the My Disney Experience app, which will give you real-time information on wait times, show schedules, and more. One tip is to arrive at the park early, as this is often the least busy time of day. You'll be able to enjoy more attractions with shorter lines and avoid the midday crowds. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, you can enjoy early access (usually about 30 minutes extra) before the park opens to non-Disney resort guests. Don't forget to plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your magical day at the happiest place on earth!
Lisa
Lisa has been a content writer for Family Days Out for nearly 10 years, and a keen travel writer for nearly 20. She loves experiencing the best of a city, discovering the many things to do and immersing herself in the culture, and sharing these experiences with others through her writing.
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