New Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary License Plate
March 23, 2021
A Disney vacation is a dream for many families and individuals, offering a magical and immersive experience in the world of Disney. However, planning a trip to Disney can be overwhelming and stressful, especially for first-time visitors.
From choosing the right accommodations and park tickets to making dining reservations and planning your daily itinerary, there are many factors to consider when organizing a Disney vacation.
This guide will provide helpful tips and insights on planning a Disney vacation and making the most of your magical experience.
When planning a Disney vacation, the first thing to consider is the timing of your visit. This decision can affect everything from the crowds to the cost of your trip. Here are some factors to keep in mind!
When planning your Disney vacation, it’s important to consider the time of year you’ll be visiting. Each season has advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the best time of year for you and your family is important.
Here are some seasonal considerations to keep in mind:
Peak Season: If you’re visiting during peak season (June through August, Thanksgiving week, and Christmas through New Year’s), be prepared for larger crowds and longer wait times for attractions.
However, this is also when the parks offer the most special events and shows, so it can be a great time to visit if you don’t mind the crowds.
Off-Season: Visiting during the off-season (January through May, September through November) means smaller crowds and shorter wait times. It also means fewer special events and attractions may be closed for refurbishment.
Holidays: Disney goes all out for holidays like Halloween and Christmas, so it’s a great time to visit if you’re a fan of these holidays. Just keep in mind that these holidays can also bring larger crowds.
Special Events: Throughout the year, Disney hosts special events like Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. If one of these events interests you, plan your trip accordingly.
When planning a Disney vacation, the cost is one of the most important things to consider. Disney can be expensive, but there are ways to save money and have a magical experience. Here are some cost considerations to keep in mind:
Accommodations: Disney offers a range of accommodations, from value resorts to deluxe villas. To save money, consider staying at a value resort or off-property hotel. These options can be significantly cheaper than the deluxe resorts on Disney property.
Tickets: Park tickets can be expensive, especially if you visit for several days. Consider purchasing multi-day tickets or annual passes if you plan to visit more than once a year.
You can also save money by purchasing tickets in advance or through discount ticket sellers!
Food: Food can be a major expense at Disney, but there are ways to save money. Consider bringing your snacks and drinks into the park, and opt for quick-service restaurants instead of sit-down meals.
You can also purchase a dining plan, saving you money if you plan to eat at many Disney restaurants.
Souvenirs: Souvenirs can add up quickly, especially if purchasing items for multiple family members. Consider setting a budget for souvenirs before your trip, and look for cheaper options like pins or keychains.
Transportation: If you’re flying into Orlando, consider using Disney’s Magical Express transportation from the airport to your hotel. This service is free for Disney hotel guests and can save you the cost of a rental car or airport shuttle.
Considering these cost-saving tips, you can plan a Disney vacation that fits your budget. You can have a magical experience without breaking the bank with a little planning and flexibility.
When it comes to planning your days in the park, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Park hours are an important consideration when planning your Disney vacation. The parks typically open early in the morning and close late at night, giving you plenty of time to explore and enjoy the attractions.
Check the park hours: Before your trip, check the park hours for the days you’ll visit. This will help you plan your day and maximise your time in the parks.
Extra Magic Hours: If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, you may have access to Extra Magic Hours. These are extra park hours before or after regular park hours, exclusively for Disney hotel guests.
This can be a great way to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times.
Park Hopper tickets: Park Hopper tickets allow you to visit multiple parks in one day. This can be a great way to maximise your time and experience all that Disney has to offer. However, it’s important to consider the travel time between parks and plan accordingly.
Early morning or late night: If you want to avoid crowds, consider arriving early in the morning or staying late at night. These times can be less busy, allowing you to experience more attractions with shorter wait times.
One of a Disney vacation’s biggest challenges is the long wait times for popular rides and attractions. However, with Disney’s FastPass+ system and some strategic planning, you can minimise your wait times and maximise your time in the parks.
Here are some tips for using FastPass+ and minimising ride wait times!
Reserve your FastPass+ selections early: You can reserve your FastPass+ selections up to 60 days in advance if you’re staying at a Disney hotel or 30 days in advance if you’re not. Reserve your selections as early as possible, as the most popular rides fill up quickly.
Use the My Disney Experience app: The My Disney Experience app allows you to see real-time wait times for rides and attractions. Use this app to plan your day and choose rides with shorter wait times.
Consider Single Rider lines: Some rides have Single Rider lines, which can significantly reduce your wait time. If your group doesn’t mind splitting up on the ride, this can be a great way to get to popular attractions with shorter wait times.
Planning a Disney vacation can be a fun and exciting process if you have the right tools and resources at your disposal. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a stress-free and enjoyable experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
To organise your Disney vacation, determine your budget, travel dates, and accommodations. Purchase park tickets, make dining reservations, and plan your meals.
Create a daily itinerary using the My Disney Experience app, including FastPass+ selections and attractions. Pack appropriately for the weather and activities!
It’s recommended to plan your Disney vacation at least six months in advance, especially if you’re looking to stay at a Disney hotel or visit during peak season. This allows you to secure reservations for accommodations, dining, and FastPass+ selections.
Disney charges for their hotel rooms based on the room type and occupancy rather than per person. The room’s price will depend on the resort category, size, and view.
Nicole is a native Floridian who attended the University of Central Florida and decided to call the land of theme parks home. She’s been sharing magical tips, tricks and Orlando travel and tourism favorites online for over a decade.
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