Last week we talked about what you need to think about when you start planning your Disney vacation. This week, let’s take a look at your time once you get to Walt Disney World, and the things you will want to plan for there.
What Do You Want to See and Do?
This is going to take some time. 🙂 So to start, check out the official website to see all the things to do. Then start making notes and divide everything into categories: Must Do, Want to Do, Things to Do If We Have Time. Be sure and separate into parks also. Don’t be surprised if this is a long list but slowly you can whittle this down, picking your top 3 to 5 items for each. (Note: This is SUPER important if you are going with kids, because chances are your children will want to see/do everything – and unless you’re staying two weeks, that’s probably not going to be possible. So avoid in-park meltdowns and make sure that your kids’ priorities are your priorities!)
If this is not your first trip, then you’ll want to think about some other things as you make your lists. Are there things you haven’t seen before? Or perhaps something that not everyone in your family has soon/done….or a ride that your children were not quite tall enough for last time, but now they are. What about any rides/attractions that will be going away or replaced, and so this may be your last time to experience it?
Then think a bit about the logistics of each day. Are you planning to be at the parks early? Will you be there all day or head back to the hotel in the afternoons? Or maybe sleep late a day or two and not visit the parks until late afternoon? Will you be at Disney during any of the festivals or special events? If so, is the festival something you will enjoy or would you prefer to be another park to avoid it?
Are you a “ride-person” that wants an adrenaline rush or a “show-person” that you can sit and enjoy? What about the children in your group? Are there any rides that they aren’t tall enough for, but you still want to experience the ride anyway?
Do you enjoy visiting different parks in one day (park hop) or would you rather see everything you can in one park per day?
Where Are You Going to Eat?
When it comes to food, Disney dining is it’s own theme park. Trust me when I say that Disney food goes way beyond “fair-food”! So you will want to think about this part too.
Are you a snack or “quick service” kind of person or are sit down enjoy meals more your style? Walt Disney World has some of the finest restaurants around, so if table service – or character meals – are important to you, be sure to plan in advance for this part of your trip. Dining reservations can – and should – be made starting 180 days in advance. Check out your options on the Disney website or My Disney Experience app and don’t forget to check out the hotels also, as some of the best restaurants are in the resorts!
Are you an adventurous eater or a picky one? Do you have small children in your group that are more comfortable with a bag of cheerios or a PB&J? Are there food allergies, vegans or special diet requirements needed? Counter-service and restaurants alike can accommodate different diets, and special needs, just ask any cast member for information. And healthy kid-friendly food options are available at every dining location in the Disney parks and resorts.
How Are You Getting Around?
Do you have your own vehicle or will you rely on Disney transportation? Remember that all Disney resorts charge a daily parking fee (but parking is free at the theme parks). Do you have strollers, wheelchairs or scooters in your group? Disney transportation can accommodate strollers easily, but depending on the type of transportation, wheelchairs and scooters may be limited to just a few per vehicle. Are you okay taking boats or being in the air somewhat on the monorail?
Think about visiting different hotels during your trip. This can take some time unless you visit the ones on the monorail, but it may be worth your time! When leaving a park, catch a bus, boat or monorail to a hotel you have wanted to visit. Get off, look around and then catch a bus to another park or Disney Springs. This is a great way to take a break and see someplace you have been thinking about staying, and is especially fun to do during the Christmas holidays.
Thinking through all parts of your trip in advance will make your trip to the most Magical Place on Earth an enjoyable experience! Of course, help is always available. The bottom line to any Walt Disney World vacation is to plan – plan – plan and then enjoy all that Walt Disney World has to offer once you get there.
Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple and STRESS FREE!
Debbie and her husband live in Collegedale, TN where her youngest son is going to college. She is a huge Disney fan who dreams of someday retiring and working as a tour guide at Walt Disney World. She has enjoyed many trips to WDW with children, grandchildren and sometimes adults only. It is her ultimate goal to make sure everyone who visits WDW has the same magical time that she enjoys every time she visits.
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