ULTIMATE Guide to Disney World for 2023 → Let the Fun Begin!

Is there something extra magical than a visit to Walt Disney World? Comprising 4 unbelievable theme parks, 2 immersive water parks, a 120-acre (50 hectares) waterfront leisure complicated, over 25 uniquely-themed resorts, and a lot extra, Walt Disney World is the final word trip vacation spot for teenagers and youngsters at coronary heart!

Walt Disney World is a second house to me – I’m a former Magic Kingdom forged member turned Disney annual move holder, so I’ve been to the parks extra instances than I can rely. In reality, you’ll virtually all the time discover me there on weekends, because it’s simply 45 minutes from the place I reside in Orlando.

With a lot to do and see at Walt Disney World (it’s actually the scale of San Francisco, California), there isn’t any doubt planning could be overwhelming. We will cowl all the things you have to know earlier than heading there, together with what to do, the place to remain, and the best way to save money and time on this information to Disney World!

I’m sharing some skilled information, suggestions, and tips with you right now to make your journey to Disney World much more magical. You can all the time reference this text by part later, however I like to recommend studying it so as the primary time, as there are a whole lot of implausible Disney trip suggestions all through!

Overview of Walt Disney World Resort

Let’s begin with an summary of Walt Disney World. It covers 40 mi² (105 km²), so it’s mainly a metropolis inside itself! The key to profiting from your Disney World journey is having a plan – determine what you wish to see and do beforehand, so you possibly can focus solely on making magical recollections when you arrive.

In this part, we’ll go over the 4 theme parks and a pair of water parks at Walt Disney World Resort, in addition to Disney Springs, so you will get an concept of what you wish to prioritize throughout your time there!

P.S.: Here’s a map of the place every theme park and water park is situated so that you’ve got a visible illustration of the places.

1. Magic Kingdom Theme Park

When most individuals consider Walt Disney World, they consider the Magic Kingdom. This iconic Disney theme park, house to Cinderella Castle, was modeled after Walt’s unique park Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.

Your favourite Disney motion pictures and characters come to life within the 6 immersive lands at Magic Kingdom: Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland, the place you’ll find points of interest, parades, leisure, eating, and enjoyable for the entire household.

Some of the traditional rides embrace:

Make positive you keep for the legendary fireworks present on the fort! If you’re visiting Walt Disney World for the very first time with youngsters, you positively don’t wish to miss out on Magic Kingdom – it’s quintessentially Disney.

Magic Kingdom hosts 2 main ticketed occasions annually:

These occasions are a ton of enjoyable, particularly for teenagers, however they’re not included in common admission, and tickets should be bought individually. They’re recognized to promote out in a short time!

BEST PARK FOR: first-time guests, little ones, youngsters at coronary heart

2. EPCOT Theme Park

EPCOT is a one-of-a-kind theme park primarily based on an idea Walt Disney dreamt up throughout his lifetime.

Explore 11 immersive international locations in EPCOT’s World Showcase – every pavilion options its native meals, drinks, presents, shows, conventional leisure, and structure.

Many of the forged members who work in every pavilion are initially from that nation themselves, so it’s a implausible technique to join with folks from all around the globe. This is the place you’ll discover rides the entire household will love, like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in France and Frozen Ever After in Norway.

Walt Disney’s mission for EPCOT was that or not it’s, in his personal phrases, “a community of tomorrow that will never be completed.” In addition to the world showcase, EPCOT gives thrilling state-of-the-art points of interest, comparable to:

There is even an entire aquarium adjoining to The Seas with Nemo & Friends referred to as SeaBase, that includes one of many largest man-made ocean environments on Earth! You’ll discover numerous, unbelievable marine life, from sharks and dolphins to rays and reef fish, together with 2 manatees in rehabilitation right here, Lou and Lil’ Joe.

EPCOT additionally hosts 4 seasonal festivals:

1. EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
2. EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
3. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
4. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

The pageant is a part of your admission, not further just like the Magic Kingdom events, and they’re completely superb!

For the 21+ crowd, consuming “around the world” at EPCOT (having an grownup beverage in all 11 World Showcase pavilions) is a well-liked exercise, though not an official one.

It’s particularly for journeys with buddies or a major different and bachelorette events! That’s what we did for mine, and it was such a blast. So in case you have been questioning, no, Walt Disney World is not only for teenagers. ????

BEST PARK FOR: foodies, 21+ enjoyable, science, and expertise lovers

3. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park

Step into Disney film magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, house to a few of the finest Walt Disney World rides, like Tower of Terror, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Slinky Dog Dash.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll discover Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an extremely immersive Star Wars-themed space that brings you straight into the movies. In addition to the state-of-the-art rides, strive a few of the distinctive meals choices, like Blue Milk or lunch at Docking Bay 7, construct your personal lightsaber or droid, and meet some iconic Star Wars characters on the streets of Batuu.

Another must-see space at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Toy Story Land, which brings the enduring Toy Story motion pictures to a larger-than-life scale. There are some tremendous enjoyable, family-friendly rides on this a part of the park, in addition to uniquely yummy snacks.

Hollywood Studios additionally has a few of the absolute best leisure in all of Walt Disney World, like broadway-style Beauty & The Beast Live on Stage, Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular, and Fantasmic!

BEST PARK FOR: thrill seekers, film buffs, Star Wars followers

4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates all creatures that decision this planet house, and if you happen to or your little ones are animal lovers, this park is an absolute must-do. Part thrilling theme park, half zoo, and conservation space, Animal Kingdom is an journey for the entire household.

Get up near the superior animals that decision the Harambe Wildlife Reserve house on Kilimanjaro Safaris. This isn’t your common theme park experience. Explore this picturesque space on a rugged safari car to see actual giraffes, zebras, elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, cheetahs, and lots of extra roaming round freely.

Take an exciting experience on Expedition Everest in Asia or Dinosaur in DinoLand U.S.A. Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s latest space, Pandora – The World of Avatar, brings the extraordinary film to life with extremely immersive rides, meals, drinks, and extra.

Animal Kingdom boasts 3 distinctive strolling trails the place you possibly can meet and be taught concerning the park’s animal residents, like hippos, tigers, bats, birds, gorillas, and lots of others.

There can be the Affection Section, the one petting zoo on the Walt Disney Resort, and a beautiful hands-on expertise to your kiddos to spend time with new furry buddies.

BEST PARK FOR: nature fans, adventurers, animal lovers

5. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

You’ve by no means been to a water park like this earlier than – Disney’s Blizzard Beach is themed like a ski resort! Cool off from the Florida solar in a wintery wonderland, full with thrilling slides like Summit Plummet, one of many world’s quickest, tallest free-standing water slides, and loads of family-friendly points of interest, like Toboggan Racers and Melt-Away Bay.

6. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Discover a tropical oasis begging to be explored at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. Plunge down the Crush ‘n’ Gusher, Humunga Cowabunga, Keelhaul Falls, or one of many different thrilling, paradise-themed water slides. Pop down on a tube at Castaway Creek, and float the day away on this lush lazy river. You also can catch some waves on the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool!

7. Disney Springs

The theme parks and water parks at Walt Disney World all have ticketed admission, however Disney Springs is filled with Disney magic with no entrance payment! This sprawling out of doors buying, eating, and leisure complicated constructed on the water has one thing for everybody.

You’ll discover distinctive eating choices, from world-class eating places to scrumptious meals vans for a fast chew. We’re speaking about all the things from Morimoto Asia to an Indiana Jones-inspired watering gap.

Do some buying on the 100 outlets, starting from the huge World of Disney retailer to in style manufacturers and shops like Lululemon, Zara, UNIQLO, Anthropologie, Free People, LEGO®, and lots of extra.

No matter the season, there’s all the time one thing happening at Disney Springs, like day by day reside music and performances at AdventHealth Waterside Stage and numerous venues, like House of Blues and Raglan Road.

It’s a hub of enjoyable for the entire household, in addition to a terrific spot for date evening, providing one-of-a-kind experiences, comparable to taking a classic amphicar tour of Lake Buena Vista or getting a fowl’s eye view of the magic from a tethered balloon journey from the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon.

Buy your Disney World tickets

Disney gives a number of kinds of tickets, in addition to trip packages that embrace theme park tickets and a lodge keep on Disney property. The trip packages are a good way to bundle your enjoyable whereas saving cash, and you’ll customise your Disney World trip on-line in only a few clicks.

Selecting the correct Disney World tickets generally is a little complicated since there are a number of choices at completely different worth factors, and you could not know which is finest to your Disney journey. I may help out with that as effectively!

• One Park Per Day Tickets – This is essentially the most normal park ticket you should purchase, permitting entry to at least one theme park on in the future. There can be a separate water park choice and an choice to mix the 2.
• Park Hopper Tickets – Park hopping is a good way to maximise your time at Walt Disney World. With a park hopper ticket, you possibly can go to any and all the 4 theme parks in a single day. Like one park per day ticket, the extra days you buy, the extra money you’ll save.
• Park Hopper Plus Tickets – Take park hopping to an entire new degree with Park Hopper Plus, which incorporates all 4 theme parks and the 2 water parks, so you may make a splash after a protracted day within the Florida solar.
• Klook – You even have the choice to buy sure Disney World tickets at Klook, the place typically you’ll find some actually nice offers, so I like to recommend checking this one as effectively.

People usually surprise if it’s even potential to see a couple of Disney park in a single day, with a lot to see and do at each. With the exception of Magic Kingdom, you possibly can completely expertise all the things at a Disney theme park in simply half a day if you happen to plan correctly!

Park hopper tickets are 100% price it, particularly if you happen to’re planning to go to Disney World for 2-3 days – you’d be capable of see all 4 Disney theme parks in half the time!

I don’t suggest making an attempt greater than 2 Disney parks in a single day. However, it’s totally potential to do extra (if you happen to’re feeling adventurous) because the transportation accessible inside Walt Disney World is absolutely superior and complimentary! My private recommendation for the proper Disney World trip is to select 1-2 theme parks to discover every day so that you don’t miss out on the highest points of interest.

NOTE: All ticket costs differ primarily based on the park, date, and variety of days. The extra days you buy, the extra you save on park tickets. Disney additionally gives particular reductions for Florida residents.

Make use of Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane

The very best technique to save time in your Disney World journey is by including Genie+ to your ticket – you’ll reduce down on a lot time you’ll have spent ready in strains.

Genie+ is basically Disney’s skip-the-line move, permitting you to make use of points of interest’ Lightning Lanes. Lightning Lanes are, because the identify implies, quick tracks to the entrance of the queue. Adding Genie+ to your park day provides you entry to lots of the Lightning Lanes all through the parks, and I discover it price the additional price, which begins at US$15 per ticket per day.

Just a few of the preferred points of interest at Walt Disney World, like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, and Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom, should not included in Genie+ however provide particular person Lightning Lanes accessible for buy. This choice is smart in case your coronary heart is ready on a particular experience, however you don’t wish to decide to a 2-hour wait time.

How to profit from Genie+

You can add Genie+ to your complete journey when reserving your Disney World trip on-line, however you can even add it later, usually even the day of.

To get essentially the most out of Genie+, be sure to’ve signed up for it at the least in the future earlier than the primary day you’ll be utilizing it, as you may make your first Genie+ attraction choice as quickly because the park opens (and as early as 7 AM if you happen to’re staying at a Disney lodge). Popular points of interest guide up very first thing! You can use Genie+ for any Disney park you go to on the day you buy it for.

Make theme park reservations

In addition to purchasing your theme park tickets, you’ll additionally have to make park reservations for the times you’re visiting Walt Disney World theme parks. You solely have to make a reservation for the primary park you’re visiting.

With a park hopper ticket, you possibly can go to any of the opposite Disney parks after 2 PM, so long as they haven’t reached capability.

You should test in on the park your reservation is at first, otherwise you received’t be capable of park hop! If you don’t have a reservation in at the least one park, even with a park hopper ticket, you received’t be capable of go to any.

It’s not unusual for a number of of the Disney parks to have their reservations fully booked up, particularly throughout in style instances like vacation weekends. I extremely suggest checking theme park availability to your desired dates PRIOR to purchasing tickets and making your park reservations instantly after buying.

Availability differs relying on whether or not you’ve got park tickets, annual passes, or are staying at a Disney lodge, so make sure to toggle that choice on the theme park availability calendar to see essentially the most correct info.

You don’t presently want reservations to go to one of many Walt Disney World water parks or Disney Springs.

Get round Walt Disney World

I discussed above how the complimentary transportation at Walt Disney World is implausible, so let’s chat about what makes it so nice! You can simply hop from park to park, from resort to park (and vice versa), and from park or resort to Disney Springs (and again), and go away the driving to another person!

• Walt Disney World® Buses – The buses run each 20 minutes, ranging from 45 minutes earlier than the park opens to roughly an hour after the park closes. You can hop from park to park through the buses, and if you happen to’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort lodge, you should use the buses to navigate out of your resort to the parks and vice versa.
• Walt Disney World® Monorail – Known because the freeway within the skies, the monorail stops at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC), and the entrance gates of the Magic Kingdom! You also can take the monorail from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT (and EPCOT to Magic Kingdom) by transferring on the TTC.
• Disney Skyliner – These whimsical aerial gondolas have magic Disney touches and join EPCOT (from the World Showcase facet) with Hollywood Studios and 4 Walt Disney World Resort motels: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
• Boat transportation – Walt Disney World gives numerous boat transportation all through Disney property. There is a ferry that connects the Tickets & Transportation Center to Magic Kingdom, a ship that launches to and from Magic Kingdom at surrounding deluxe resort motels, and a ship that goes between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Select Walt Disney World resort motels provide their very own extra transportation choices. For instance, you possibly can take a ship to and from Disney Springs on the following resorts: Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

If you’ve got your personal automobile or a rental automobile and like to drive, there’s ample parking accessible in any respect theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Parking on the water parks and Disney Springs is complimentary, whereas parking charges on the Disney theme parks are as follows:

• Standard parking – US$25 per day
• Preferred parking – US$45-50 per day
• Oversized car parking – US$30 per day

You solely have to pay for parking as soon as per day, even if you happen to park hop. Walt Disney World Resort lodge company can park without spending a dime in any respect the parks – it’s one of many perks of staying on the Disney World motels, which we’ll go over later within the article.

Grab a chew at Walt Disney World eating

At Walt Disney World, theme park meals doesn’t imply simply popcorn and corn canine. One of the best possible issues a couple of Walt Disney World trip is the meals. There are so many unbelievable eating places – you could possibly simply spend an entire journey doing nothing however consuming!

Quick service eateries

There isn’t any scarcity of scrumptious quick-service eateries at Walt Disney World both, so if you’re able to gasoline up for extra enjoyable at a theme park, you possibly can simply discover one thing good to eat. Many of the quick-service eating places provide cellular ordering, which is a large time-saver. Place your order on the My Disney Experience App, choose a pickup time, and present up when it’s prepared! No lengthy strains, no problem!

You can simply get by with out making a single eating reservation in your subsequent Disney trip. In reality, sticking to quick-service meals over full-service is an efficient technique to make your journey extra budget-friendly. But if you’re thinking about Disney’s full-service eating, there are some things you have to know.

Full-service eating places

Advanced eating reservations are extremely advisable for almost all of full-service eating places at Walt Disney World Resort. However, I all the time encourage individuals who missed out on reservations to inquire in particular person the day of. Sometimes the eating places are capable of accommodate walk-ins, particularly smaller events, and it by no means hurts to ask! I as soon as received a reservation at Be Our Guest that manner!

If you’re touring with youngsters, look into eating places that supply character eating experiences, like Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom, the place you possibly can meet Winnie the Pooh and the gang. Of all eating reservations, character eating tends to refill the quickest.

When to make eating reservations

You can make eating reservations as much as 60 days upfront. The most in-demand Walt Disney World eating places – Space 220 at EPCOT, breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom, and famend Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, simply to call a number of – refill with out moments of going reside.

You’ll want a bank card on file to guide a reservation, but it surely received’t be charged until you don’t present up. You have as much as 24 hours earlier than the reservation to cancel, which could be finished simply by way of the My Disney Experience app. Some eating experiences at Walt Disney World do require a deposit to order a time, however you’ll be notified of this when reserving on-line.

Check out the whole record of Walt Disney World eating places with the intention to plan your advance eating reservations accordingly!

PRO TIP: To nab a coveted reservation at one in all these tremendous in style eating places, you’ll wish to be on-line and able to guide at 5:45 AM EST, precisely 60 days out. I’m not ashamed to confess I’ve needed to set a whole lot of very loud, consecutive alarms for this very purpose!

HACK: Many cancellations occur within the days main up, so it’s a good time to seize that hard-to-find reservation you’ve been trying to find! Check the app periodically 24-48 hours earlier than you wish to dine – this methodology has labored so effectively for me prior to now in the case of uncommon reservations!

Where to remain at Walt Disney World

We’ve lined Disney World theme parks, water parks, tickets, transportation, and eating! Now it’s onto lodging and the best way to choose the place to remain in your subsequent Disney trip.

One of essentially the most generally requested questions is whether or not to remain at a Walt Disney World Resort or to save cash by staying off-property. Walt Disney World Resort motels are considerably pricier than different native motels within the space, so that you may be questioning if it’s price it to remain at a Disney lodge.

Let’s check out a few of the execs of staying on the Walt Disney World Resort:

✔️ Incredible, distinctive, and immersive theming with magical touches all through
✔️ Early entry to the theme parks
✔️ Extraordinary customer support and a focus to element Disney is thought for
✔️ Complimentary transportation to and from parks and Disney Springs
✔️ Free parking all through Walt Disney World
✔️ Amazing swimming pools for each kiddos and adults at each lodge
✔️ Easy to return to your room at any time all through the day to relaxation

For many, this justifies the additional price of staying on Disney property. There are 3 pricing tiers of Walt Disney Resort motels, serving a variety of budgets.

Luxury resorts at Walt Disney World (app. US$450+ per evening)

Luxury meets magic at Disney World’s deluxe resorts, full with all the things you want for the proper Walt Disney World trip. These are the nicest resorts on Disney property and, after all, the costliest. They’re gorgeously themed and designed, boast a wide range of superb eating choices, and include extra perks as effectively: prime places proper close to the theme parks and prolonged park hours after they shut!

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – You received’t consider you’re nonetheless in Florida at this gorgeous resort impressed by Africa, that includes views of 4 lush savannahs teaming with over 30 species of unique African wildlife. Imagine sipping espresso subsequent to a giraffe!
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort – This resort immerses you in a New England seashore city with one of the best pool on all of Walt Disney World Resort property. It’s situated on Disney’s Boardwalk, an leisure district primarily based on boardwalks of bygone days, which is inside strolling distance from EPCOT.
• Disney’s Boardwalk Resort – Also situated on Disney’s boardwalk, this waterfront resort hearkens again to a picturesque previous on the New Jersey seashore with turn-of-the-century attraction.
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort – The monorail goes proper by way of this ultra-modern resort, cut up down the center for the monorail observe! Stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for an unparalleled view of the fireworks and the very fact you possibly can stroll to the Magic Kingdom.
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Inspired by Hotel del Coronado in southern California, this resort is essentially the most luxe of all Disney motels. In reality, Princess Diana as soon as stayed right here on a visit to Walt Disney World. It’s the place many magical Disney weddings happen.

• Disney’s Old Key West Resort – This resort is all laid-back island aptitude, impressed by the sweetness and romance of Key West, Florida.
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – The closest you will get to the South Pacific in Florida, this tropical resort proper throughout from Magic Kingdom boasts superb views and a calming ambiance. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort even has bungalows proper on the water you possibly can keep in!
• Disney’s Riviera Resort – The latest in Disney’s lineup, this resort combines European design with Disney magic.
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – This equestrian-themed lodge designed in Victorian fashion is a superb selection for company in search of relaxation and rest, though it’s only a brief stroll over a bridge to Disney Springs if you’re in want of a little bit pleasure.
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort – This resort attracts inspiration from turn-of-the-century National Park lodges. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge fully transports you to the Pacific Northwest, and its intricately designed foyer is such a sight to see!
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – The sister lodge to Disney’s Beach Club Resort, this resort is themed after the elegant Martha’s Vineyard and shares one of the best pool on the property with Beach Club. An wonderful selection for enterprise vacationers.

Mid-range resorts at Walt Disney World (app. US$200+ per evening)

A terrific choice proper in the midst of worth and deluxe, reasonable Disney resorts provide a extra upscale expertise whereas remaining inexpensive. These resorts aren’t as hectic as worth resorts as a result of there aren’t as many massive teams. The rooms are greater, and extra facilities are on web site, together with full-service eating and immersive pool areas with water slides.

Budget resorts at Walt Disney World (app. US$110+ per evening)

The least costly Disney lodge choice, keep within the Disney magic with out the sticker shock of a few of the different resorts. These are in style choices for households and huge teams, in order that they are typically on the louder, extra chaotic facet. They’re nonetheless a ton of enjoyable, although, and the theming is nice for teenagers!

• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – See beloved characters and scenes from iconic Disney movies bigger than life at this Disney movie-themed resort
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – This music-themed resort celebrates numerous genres of music all through the last decade, from rock ‘n roll to show tunes
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort – Step again in time at this tremendous enjoyable Disney lodge paying homage to fads of the Fifties by way of the Nineteen Nineties. You’ve by no means seen playdough like this earlier than!
• Disney’s Art of Animation – Surround your self with the artistry of your favourite Disney characters at this one-of-a-kind animation-themed resort, that includes suites primarily based on motion pictures like Cars and the Little Mermaid
• The Campsite at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – You can camp at Disney World! Bring your tent or an RV and arrange at one of many absolutely outfitted campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, and luxuriate in ample alternatives to play in nature

Many of Disney’s deluxe resorts have villas accessible as effectively, that are a really perfect choice for prolonged stays or bigger households who don’t thoughts the splurge. The villas are completely superb!

You can obtain lots of the advantages of staying at an official Disney resort at an much more budget-friendly worth level by staying at a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel as an alternative. These motels provide worth, high quality, and comfort – they’re virtually all inside strolling distance from Disney Springs, which is a very nice perk. My favourite Good Neighbor® Hotel is Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – 10/10 stars from me!

Check out the full record of Walt Disney World motels, and if you happen to plan to remain on Disney property, make sure to bundle your tickets and lodge keep in a trip bundle to save lots of $!

Where to remain close to Walt Disney World

As many advantages as there are to staying throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, there are many the explanation why you’d select to remain elsewhere. Maybe Disney World is simply a part of your general Orlando trip, otherwise you’d reasonably not be surrounded by Disney 24/7 – hey, nothing mistaken with that!

Here are a number of of my favourite motels close to Disney World, however not on Disney property:

• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress – This unbelievable resort features a non-public lake with actions like fishing and kayaking, tennis courts, an outside lagoon pool with a water slide and cave, 6 superb eating places, and spa. It’s solely a 3-minute drive from Walt Disney World.
• Margaritaville Resort Orlando – Nothing says Florida fairly like Jimmy Buffett! This sprawling Key West resort options sandy seashores, a zero-entry pool, and lovely pastel cottages you possibly can lease. It’s all the time 5 o’clock right here!
• Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center – This resort is nearly too lovely to be actual. Florida previous and current come to life on this extremely distinctive lodge that makes you are feeling such as you’re outdoor if you’re inside!
• Meliá Orlando Celebration – Tucked away within the charming neighborhood of Celebration, the city Disney World constructing, this lodge is away from all of the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, with the added conveniences of a city.

Getting to Walt Disney World

The entrance to Walt Disney World is a couple of 20-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. You have a number of choices for transportation to and from the airport if you happen to’re flying in.

• Rental automobile – There is far more to do in Orlando than simply Disney, so if you happen to’d prefer to discover extra of what the town has to supply or one thing apart from theme parks, renting a automobile is right.
• Uber and Lyft – Rideshare is a well-liked option to get to Walt Disney World from the Orlando International Airport. While you will have to take care of surge pricing throughout busy instances, some folks desire rideshare for comfort.
• Shuttle – If you’re touring with a bunch of 5 or extra, this mini shuttle bus will get you from the Orlando airport to Disney World for an inexpensive worth, beginning at simply US$16 per particular person.

How many days is sufficient?

The size of your Disney trip relies upon primarily on how a lot you’d prefer to see and do when you’re there.

For your first journey, I’d say a minimal of 4 nights and three days is finest. While you received’t be capable of expertise all the things in that timeframe, you possibly can cowl a whole lot of floor, particularly if you happen to make the most of Genie+, further park hours from staying on property, and a few of my time-saving suggestions, arising subsequent!

Of course, there isn’t any proper or mistaken reply to this. Some folks pop into one park for the day and have had their fill, whereas others may spend weeks at Walt Disney World and nonetheless not be prepared to depart. The longer your keep, the extra time you’ll need to chill out in between lengthy days on the parks.

The excellent Disney trip would permit you some restoration days on the pool and Disney Springs so that you recharge for extra adventures.

When to go to

There are a few components that go into one of the best time to go to Walt Disney World. If your aim is the least quantity of crowds potential, I recommend any time college is in session – keep away from spring break, summer season break, and so on. Plus, crowds are virtually all the time decrease on weekdays in comparison with weekends.

If you’re searching for the least costly time to go to Disney World, January is your finest guess. The costs drop proper after New Year’s and usually don’t improve once more till the tip of January. The climate is generally so excellent then too!

You also can plan your go to round one of many EPCOT festivals or different Walt Disney World particular occasions, just like the Magic Kingdom events. My private advice for a first-time go to is to go someday in November by way of January. The temperatures are a lot milder then (Central Florida will get inexplicably scorching and humid in the course of the summer season), and nothing feels fairly as magical as Disney at Christmas time!

Costs & how to save cash in your trip

Let’s face it – a go to to Mickey Mouse doesn’t come low-cost as of late. Between the lodge, park passes, meals, drinks, further experiences, and souvenirs, prices add up shortly on the most magical place on earth.

• Hotel – Lodging close to Disney World begins at round US$130 per evening however can dramatically improve from there. For a stability between worth and facilities, I like to recommend bundling your park tickets with a keep at a Disney Good Neighbor® Hotel, like Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace.
• Tickets – Disney park tickets differ all year long, however usually vary from US$109 – $189 for a one-day, one-park ticket. A park hopper ticket is an extra US$65 for a single day and US$60 for two+ days. Purchase tickets from a good vendor, like Klook, for a reduced worth!
• Food and Drink – Eating and consuming (particularly at EPCOT) could make a serious dent in your Disney World price range. Save cash by prioritizing 1 or 2 full-service meals throughout your keep, and sticking to quick-service eating for the remainder of the time. Disney has some actually tasty, cheap meals choices within the theme parks!
• Genie+ and Lightning Lane – The Genie+ add-on that means that you can skip the strains of a few of the finest Walt Disney World rides is US$15 – $25 a day, relying on the date. Individual Lightning Lane entry varies from US$7 – $25 per experience, with the preferred rides on the pricier finish. This is completely non-compulsory, however a superb technique to save time in any other case spent ready in strains.
• Shopping – Disney merchandise will get cuter and cuter yearly, I swear. Before I moved domestically, I approached each Disney journey with a buying plan. I’d peruse the newest and best merch on-line at StoreDisney, and have an concept of what I needed to buy on my journey. That manner, I may price range round these objects and go away a little bit further spending room simply in case.
  P.S.: If you’re touring with a big group and don’t wish to shell out for US$30 mouse ears to put on within the parks, you possibly can choose up Mickey Mouse ears for a fraction of the value on Amazon and even choose Target places close to Disney World!

My Disney Experience App

The My Disney Experience app will probably be your finest good friend, each in the course of the planning and through your keep at Walt Disney World. This app connects you to all issues in your Disney trip, comparable to:

• Dining reservations
• Checking wait instances
• Customized time-saving suggestions
• Mobile checkouts
• Mobile meals order at choose fast service places
• Access to Genie+ and particular person Lightning Lanes

Each day, you may make your first experience choice beginning at 7 AM. The in style rides refill tremendous quick, so it’s positively price setting an alarm for. With Genie+, you possibly can solely make one experience choice at a time, so in case your #1 precedence is thought for lengthy wait instances, make it your first Genie+ choice within the morning.

Check out the Walt Disney World web site for a extra in-depth clarification of how Genie+ works!

Parks time-saving suggestions

To maximize the magic of your trip, you’ll wish to handle your time as effectively as potential. I’ve put collectively a number of time-saving suggestions to your subsequent Disney World journey:

1. Buy your tickets upfront

There’s no have to waste time in line to purchase a ticket when you are able to do so fully on-line! It appears apparent, however so many individuals overlook to do that, and the ticket strains get very lengthy, particularly early.

2. Have a recreation plan

Even if you happen to’re not the sort to plan your time out minute by minute, have a common concept of what you wish to do on the park every day. This manner, you received’t spend time making an attempt to determine each subsequent step for the time being – you’ll be onto the following enjoyable factor!

3. Download the My Disney Experience app

As a lot as I like to unplug at theme parks, this app actually does turn out to be useful. It exhibits you the optimum time to experience points of interest primarily based on their common wait instances. You’ll additionally discover the schedule of parades, fireworks, and different exhibits.

4. The Second Parade Rule

This is my favourite time-saving tip. If you’re not making an attempt to race house by bedtime, wait till the later displaying of any in-park leisure. Most households can have caught the sooner displaying, in order that they’ll be headed house by then.

The last displaying helps you to see the parade and reap the benefits of shorter wait instances in the course of the earlier parade.

5. Take benefit of cellular checkout and cellular ordering

Avoid ready in lengthy strains to order meals or checkout at shops by utilizing these options within the My Disney Experience app.

Select shops will can help you scan your objects in your cellphone, pay for them by way of the app, and current a receipt to obtain a bag. This cuts down on a ton of time!

Select service eating places and snack stops across the parks have the choice to cellular order your meals, choose a pickup time, and present up when it’s prepared. More time is saved by avoiding strains!

FAQs about Walt Disney World

Conclusion

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