Any trip to Disney World is fun, that is what it is there for. Whether you are on a solo trip or with the family and friends, there are a million and one fun things to do and see. So where to go? What to see? Where to stay? We’ve got the top 10 best tips for Disney World right here. Looking for Fun Tips for Disney Land…we have those too! Quick and Easy Dole Whip is also on the Menu today!
1. Plan Ahead and Go with the Flow
Most people will not have enough time to see and do everything. It’s pretty much impossible. So before you go, plan out your “must-see” attractions, events, and dining experiences. You can easily find approximate wait times for most things online so you can schedule what to do when. Just be aware that like with any trip, things don’t always go according to plan. It’s better to be prepared, but realize things don’t always work out. Have backup plans, and if all else fails, do not stress. Just find something else you’d like to do. There is no shortage of things to do and see and who knows? Maybe that unplanned diversion will end up being your favorite thing about the whole trip!
With everything that they have, it’s best to take one of two approaches. Either plan for a shorter vacation focusing on very specific things you want to do, or one very long trip to accomplish “everything.” “Everything” being in quotations because it’s pretty logistically impossible to do everything without living there! Just be sure to plan realistically.
2. Take It Easy
Just because you’re at Disney does not mean you have to go and do everything! The great things about the huge Disney World complex is the number of resorts. Everyone seems to have their own favorite place to stay, but make no mistake, many of these resorts are exactly that. Resorts. You could have a whole relaxing poolside vacation without ever leaving your hotel. Restaurants, spas, water sports, surf lessons, poolside movie nights, campfire hangouts, arcades, and more can all be found. So spoil yourself after a long day at the parks (with free transport between your resort and park, of course) or make that your whole vacation!
3. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Walt Disney World features not one, but two different scavenger hunts that are free to participate in. There’s Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure at Epcot and Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. Sorcerers of Magic Kingdom is fun for all ages (though younger kids might need help) and require you to battle Disney villains with special magic spell cards you obtain. You start your adventure at the Main Street Fire Station where Merlin sends you on your quest. There are 9 missions using some of the 20 portals to battle at throughout Magic Kingdom and each battle can last 20-30 minutes.
Agent P’s World Showcase is better suited towards kids and tweens. You must solve all of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s clues and puzzles in order to stop his dastardly plan. You start on your smartphone where you are sent clues to crack about your next location. There are 6 locations each with their own spy adventure. Each adventure lasts around 30-45 minutes.
4. Dining at Disney World
Did you know there are 387 places listed to eat at Disney World? Neither did I! These range from carts and quick counter service venues to gourmet sit-down meals and room service. They mean to feature a worldwide variety of food and they do not disappoint. Remain open to grabbing a Dole Whip or churro on the go, but plan ahead for any sit-down experience. You can reserve at just about any restaurant up to 6 months in advance, so there is no excuse for waiting until the last minute. The most popular spots are almost always full. If you want dessert at Tomorrowland Terrace you can watch the evening fireworks show right from your seat. Explore the beast’s castle at Be Our Guest and Ohana is popular for a fun breakfast. There are so many options!
5. Top Rides
The top five rides at Disney World are as follows:
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Space Mountain
- Soarin’
- Toy Story Mania!
- Splash Mountain
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Haunted Mansion
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Star Tours — The Adventure Continues followed closely by Kilimanjaro Safaris (because who wouldn’t want to go on a safari?)
What this means is that you need to plan ahead for these rides. Disney is good about trying to keep people cooled off and entertained while waiting in line, but everyone gets fussy if they’re waiting more than 90 minutes. SO, get your fast past and schedule your ride times for qualified rides. Get right on and enjoy! Don’t be late!
6. For Guests with Varying Degrees of Ability
Disney aims to be magical for everyone, no matter who they are or how they experience the world. While certain attractions might not be suitable for everyone, the parks try to accommodate just about anyone anywhere. Well trained and registered service animals are welcomed, and rides with long lines can be scheduled for those who take a little longer to get on or off the ride. Guests with mobility issues can get a scooter not just for their park visit but for the duration of their trip! Their websites clearly spell out all the possible issues one may come across in their parks and resorts, so it’s easy to get the info you need ahead of time.
7. Consider Bundling
At Disney World, it really does pay to find vacation packages and bundled deals. We all know that this is no inexpensive trip, but it can be a little less so when you search out the deals. Often you’ll find seasonal packages and greatly discounted deals in their offseasons. Disney also often partners with other organizations to offer deals, so check your AAA or AARP memberships. You never know who might have the deal of a lifetime. Most everyone agrees that a dining plan is the way to go so you don’t have to worry about meals. Also looks for packaged resort deals, waterpark add-ons, and their magical moments deal for photos. This is going to be the best and most inexpensive way to do and have everything you want from your trip.
8. Mail a Coconut
What better way to gloat about your wonderful vacation than mailing a coconut to your closest friends? You can find these in the shops at Pirates of the Caribbean, Caribbean Beach Resort, and the Polynesian. Write out your message and mail a coconut anywhere in the United States! Or take one home as a special souvenir.
9. Must See
Whether or not you are a fan of the movie, Journey to Pandora – The World of Avatar is a must-see for everyone. It is ranked as one of Disney’s best simulator rides and the stunningly gorgeous landscapes get rave reviews even from movie haters. It will be busy, so plan ahead, but it is well worth the visit!
An often overlooked attraction is the Carousel of Progress. A 21-minute audio-animatronics adventure, it’s great for nursing mothers to catch a break while entertaining older kids. There’s often no line and it can be a fascinating look at the progress technology has made through the 20th century into the 21st. This was Walt Disney’s favorite attraction and was the original entry to the New York World’s Fair!
10. Keys to the Kingdom Tour
True Disney fans will love this behind the scenes tour of the park. Explore backstage areas and underground Utilidor tunnels below the park. Lunch is included and you get 5 whole hours of exploring the magic behind the magic. More interested in what’s backstage? Try the 7-hour Backstage Magic Tour or a similar 4-hour UnDISCOVERed Future World tour of Epcot.
Bonus Tip:
Animal Kingdom features many secret little gems. Look for the performer DiVine, but she’ll be tough to spot. She blends in perfectly and loves sneaking up on people. There are also a number of hidden, though fully accessibly side trails leading to quite relaxing areas to just take a moment and rest and enjoy seeing some animals up close.
FREE PRINTABLES!!!
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Debra says
As a Central Florida resident, I want to stress how important it is to use a high SPF sunscreen and reapply often. The sun is intense here. Stay well-hydrated; many of the quick service restaurants at WDW will give you free cups of water and ice if you ask. Also consider bringing a packable rain poncho, they are much higher at the parks. Florida summers are notorious for their afternoon showers. You will also be able to use the poncho on rides where you could get wet, such as Splash Mountain.
Jaime says
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing these….They’re adorable ????
Andrea says
Hi there Jaime! How are you. So glad you enjoyed the Disney Printables! Have tons of fun when you go!!! Take care …have a fabulous evening…hugs…
Jaime says
Wow! I love these. Thank you for sharing them
I love all your disney work…Thank again!