planning trip to disney world 2023

Stay in the Magic… and Play!

Customize a walt disney world resort vacation package to suit your style and budget., start planning your disney vacation, what’s exciting and new, finding nemo: the big blue… and beyond.

Witness a stirring spectacle of puppetry, music and more during this reimagined stage show set in Nemo’s vibrant underwater world.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Bring the whole family to zip, dash and scurry through Gusteau’s kitchen as you take in the sights, sounds and even smells from Remy’s world.

TRON Lightcycle / Run

Leave the real world behind in this high-stakes race across the Grid—the dark, computerized world from TRON .

Watch in awe as Mickey Mouse’s dreams come alive in a nighttime musical with stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and more.

4 Enchanting Theme Parks

Magic kingdom park.

During your visit, you can:

• Be dazzled by music, dancing and vivid pageantry during the Festival of Fantasy Parade —a grand tribute to the tales and inhabitants of Fantasyland.
• Enjoy iconic attractions and experiences across incredible lands—including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train , a swaying family coaster ride that will have you racing through a diamond mine.
• Rediscover beloved classic Disney attractions such as Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world.”
• Delight in family-friendly thrills on ever-popular coasters like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad .
• Leave the real world behind for a high-stakes race across the Grid—the dark, computerized world from TRON —on TRON Lightcycle / Run .

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Celebrate the magic of nature at Pandora – The World of Avatar . Here, you can fly on the back of a banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage, hike amid floating mountains in the Valley of Mo’Ara and take a mystical boat ride into a bioluminescent rainforest on the Na’vi River Journey.
• Set off in an open-air vehicle across a lush African savanna teeming with exotic animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris .
• Speed through the Himalayas on a runaway train while avoiding the Yeti as you conquer Expedition Everest .
• Wave to beloved Disney Characters as they sail along the Discovery River on fabulous flotillas.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Pack your imagination, switch tracks and take a ride on the cartoon side like never before when you hop aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway .
• Live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge ! Experience 2 thrilling attractions, build your own droid or lightsaber, savor Batuu’s tasty food and beverages, shop for Star Wars -themed merchandise and more!
• Discover big fun for kids and grown-ups alike at Toy Story Land . Take a wild ride on Slinky Dog Dash and go for a whirl on Alien Swirling Saucers.
• Watch in wonder as Mickey Mouse’s dreams come alive in Fantasmic! —an extravagant nighttime musical with stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and more.
• Celebrate every season at themed festivals featuring fantastic food, live entertainment and more—select dates throughout the year.
• Blast off on an intergalactic chase with Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Star-Lord on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind —a coaster inspired by the rockin’ movies.
• Board an ancient Norwegian vessel and be whisked away to the kingdom of Arendelle during a Frozen Ever After adventure.
• Journey around World Showcase , where you can explore the culture, arts, food and beverages of 11 different countries.

Save Up to 30% When You Stay 5 Nights or Longer

Stay in the magic with disney resorts collection, enjoy more time in the parks.

Early Theme Park Entry Guests of Disney Resort hotels can get a 30-minute jump on their Disney day with early theme park entry —available at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks. This popular benefit will continue through 2025!

Early theme park entry gives you a head start in the parks, so you’ll have access to select attractions, shops and dining before regular hours. And you can enjoy this benefit on each day of your stay—in any park, subject to capacity.

For early theme park entry, you'll need valid admission and a MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World Card. Theme park reservations may be required based on admission type.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels or Disney Deluxe Villas can enjoy extended evening hours —experiencing select attractions, shops and dining after regular park hours—in select theme parks on select nights. This popular benefit will continue through 2025!

Together with early theme park entry—available to all Disney Resort hotel Guests—you’ll get to arrive earlier and stay later so you can maximize your time in the parks!

Review our calendar for extended evening hours and dates .

If using a ticket with the Park Hopper option that requires a theme park reservation, please remember that you must enter the park where you made your reservation before you can visit other theme parks.

Start Your Stay with a Water Park Day in 2025

With this water park benefit, it’s easy to unwind on the day you arrive. Get ready to zip down thrilling water slides, relax on sandy beaches, float along a lazy river... and let your cares drift away. Learn more about the Walt Disney World water parks .

More details about this benefit will be available in late 2024, and will be shared with you before your stay.

Important Information About This Benefit

• This benefit is exclusive to registered Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel with a check-in date from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. All Guests must be on the Resort reservation. View eligible Disney Resort hotels .
• This benefit is only on the day of check-in, and is valid for admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. Check the park calendar and operating hours closer to your 2025 arrival to plan your check-in day.
• Usage of this benefit is subject to availability.
• At this time, a park reservation is not required to visit a water park; however, reservation requirements are subject to change.
• Water parks are subject to extended rehabilitation, seasonal, capacity and weather closures, or may close for other reasons.
• Each of our water parks is refurbished annually. These routine maintenance periods are staggered, so our Guests should be able to enjoy at least one water park experience year-round.
• Water park admission is nontransferable, nonrefundable and has no cash value, and excludes activities/events separately priced or not open to the general public.
• Parks, attractions and other offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice or liability. No refund or credit given for any such changes or cancellation. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.

Savor a World of Flavor

With tasty meals and snacks moments away, it’s easy to make the most of the magic during your stay.

Explore dining experiences available for booking during your vacation.

View a full list of the dining options at Walt Disney World Resort.

Add a Dining Plan

Now you can add a dining plan to Disney Resort Hotel Packages.

Dining plans can add the convenience and flexibility of prepaid meals and snacks to your vacation—and give you peace of mind.

Highlights include:

• Savings: Save up to 20% on dining for kids ages 3 to 9 when you purchase a dining plan for your family as part of a Disney Resort Hotel Package! Savings compared to the nondiscounted price of menu items available to kids ages 3 to 9 at participating locations when purchased without a dining plan. Actual savings vary based on menu items ordered.
• Convenience & Peace of Mind: With 2 dining plans to choose from, you can spend more time with your family enjoying the Disney magic (and less time on meal budgeting). And this gives you the opportunity to say that magic word to your kids... "Yes."
• Flexibility: There are more than 200 locations to dine at throughout our Disney Resort hotels, theme parks and select locations at Disney Springs. So there’s something to delight nearly every taste!

Learn more about dining plans .

Immerse Yourself in the Magic

From unique accommodations to distinctive dining options, themed rooms and more, the Disney Resorts Collection offers Guests a variety of options that exemplify the Disney difference.

Proximity Staying at a Disney Resort hotel keeps you in the magic—close to the theme parks, water parks and shopping at the Disney Springs area.

Activities and Amenities Disney Resort hotels feature amenities that immerse Guests in the worlds of classic Disney tales—including themed pools with slides, poolside activities, Character Dining experiences, unique recreation, delightful surprises and so much more.

Endless Possibilities With all of the great options in the Disney Resorts Collection, you’re sure to find one—or more than one—that fits you. From theme to budget, you have a world of amazing options to consider. You’re not just choosing a place to sleep at night—you’re choosing your home for the duration of your Walt Disney World vacation.

Want to wake up, look out your window, and say good morning to a giraffe? You can when you stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge . Ever stayed on the shores of the South Pacific? Drift away to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort . Or come home to larger-than-life recreations of scenes from favorite Disney and Pixar classics at Disney's Art of Animation Resort !

These are just a few of the Disney Resort hotels that await you at Walt Disney World Resort !

Make the Most of Your Visit

Get around with ease.

Resort Transportation

Our complimentary bus , boat and monorail services are available to take you to popular destinations throughout Walt Disney World Resort—some Disney Resort hotels even offer convenient walking paths to nearby parks.

Plus, the most recent addition to our fantastic world on the go, Disney Skyliner lets Guests glide across the sky while traveling between:

• EPCOT (International Gateway)
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels enjoy complimentary standard parking at Disney theme parks, Disney water parks and the Disney Springs area.

Add More Magic

As a Disney Resort hotel Guest, you can purchase a MagicBand+ at a special pre-arrival price.

MagicBand+ includes all of the features you’ve come to love with MagicBand—and more! Your MagicBand+ can be used to:

• Unlock your Disney Resort hotel room
• Enter theme parks and water parks (with valid admission)
• Check in at Lightning Lane entrances and virtual queues
• Charge food and merchandise purchases**
• Discover enchanting surprises and interactions across Walt Disney World Resort
• Connect Disney PhotoPass images to your Disney account

Learn more about MagicBand+ .

Early Access to Purchase Individual Lightning Lane Entry

Get quicker entry to a couple of our most popular attractions! If you’re a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you’re eligible to make your first individual Lightning Lane purchase starting at 7:00 AM each day of your visit. You can select a one-hour arrival window, one at a time, for up to 2 different attractions per day. Guests of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green may also enjoy this early-access benefit. All other Guests are eligible to make their first purchase when the park opens.

Learn more about our Lightning Lane entrances .

Note: Attractions with Lightning Lane entrances are limited in availability, subject to change or closure, may vary by date, and are not guaranteed. To enter a theme park, valid admission is required. A theme park reservation may also be required. Price, terms and entitlements are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice.

Make Reservations for Dining and More Get ready to dine or unwind! Here’s when you can make reservations for dining and Enchanting Extras Collection experiences :

• Guests with a Valid Disney Resort Hotel Reservation: Make reservations for your entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay) up to 60 days in advance of your arrival! This can help you enjoy streamlined vacation planning , since you can make all your reservations on the same day—rather than checking availability day after day.
• All Other Guests: Make reservations up to 60 days in advance.

To dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant, a confirmed dining reservation for the total number of Guests—regardless of age—is highly recommended. You will also need valid admission for the same park on that same date for each Guest ages 3 and up. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type. Learn more.

Dining reservations do not guarantee access to a park, and Park Hopper availability may change daily.

** Credit card must be presented at Disney Resort hotel check-in for purchases with MagicBand. Purchases are charged to your Disney Resort hotel account.

Enjoy Magical Extras with Your Package

More fun for everyone, disney water parks.

Zip down some of the world's tallest and fastest waterslides, plunge into fun on a family raft ride, feel your cares drift away on a lazy river or unwind on a sandy beach. Plus, your little ones can splash around in kid-sized areas!

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – Closed for Refurbishment Chill out in a winter wonderland at a one-time ski resort that melted into warm water.

Here, you can:

• Conquer the slopes of Mount Gushmore on Summit Plummet —one of the world’s tallest and fastest free-fall waterslides.
• Zoom down other thrilling waterslides, like the Downhill Double Dipper and Slush Gusher .
• Float along Cross Country Creek , a 3,000-foot-long lazy river.
• Let your little ones explore Tike’s Peak , a water play area with a snow castle fountain and kid-sized waterslides.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Now Open! Delight in this tropical paradise that’s been transformed by a legendary storm into an oasis of pure excitement.

• Ride a wave at Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool —North America’s largest wave pool.
• Grab a friend and take the plunge down Crush ‘n’ Gusher , featuring thrilling dips and turns.
• Watch your little ones enjoy a whimsical water playground with pint-sized slides, water cannons and other fun features at Ketchakiddee Creek .
• Relax as you float along Castaway Creek and take in lush, tropical surroundings.

Important Information Valid water park admission required. Water parks subject to seasonal and weather closures. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for refurbishment.

Disney Springs

Find happily whatever you’re after at Disney Springs:

• Delectable dining options to please almost every palate
• Shopping galore , from unique boutiques to whimsical Disney-themed stores
• Fun for all ages , with bowling, a movie theater, a carousel and more
• Live entertainment , including Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil® and Disney—a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration between 2 iconic memory-makers

Delectable Dining

• Character dining (with modifications) at Garden Grill Restaurant, Hollywood & Vine, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Chef Mickey’s and more
• Signature dining where you can celebrate a special occasion in style
• Counter-service restaurants —ideal for grabbing a quick bite on-the-go
• Mobile Order at select quick-service restaurants, which enables you to save time by ordering ahead via the My Disney Experience app
• Spectacular rooftop dining at California Grill, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera and Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

When to Make Dining Reservations Get ready to dine! Make advance reservations at select Walt Disney World restaurants.

Enchanting Extras Collection

• Hands-on Star Wars experiences at Droid Depot and Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (with valid park admission)
• In-Room Floral & Gifts , featuring beautiful gift and snack baskets, themed balloon bouquets and enchanting floral arrangements—all designed to celebrate your special moments
• Capture Your Moment , a personalized photo session with Disney PhotoPass photographers in a Walt Disney World theme park
• Fascinating tours that take you to special locations at Walt Disney World Resort—including Savor the Savanna and Behind the Seeds

Explore the Enchanting Extras Collection .

Design Your Disney Vacation

Explore places to stay.

Choose from uniquely themed Disney Resort hotels—with options to suit your style and budget.

4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket

Enjoy 4 days of theme park fun from $99 per day, plus tax (total price from $396, plus tax). One admission per theme park. One theme park per day.

Planning Your Visit to Walt Disney World in 2023: Monthly Guides, New Attractions, and More!

It’s never too early to start planning your visit to Walt Disney World in 2023! This coming year is shaping up to be an exciting one for Disney as we are anticipating several exciting openings. Highlights include the TRON Lightcycle Run Roller Coaster in Magic Kingdom, updated nighttime shows in both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, Moana: Journey of Water in Epcot, and Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant in Hollywood Studios!

As things return to “normal” after its phased reopening, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your trip to Disney World in 2023. Park reservations are here to stay (for the time being) with park hopping available after 2:00 PM for those with park hopper tickets. And if it’s been a while since your last visit to the parks, you may want to visit our guide on Disney Genie+ to learn all about Disney’s new paid service that replaced FastPass+ in 2021.

*This post may contain affiliate links.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy .

Year At-A-Glance

• Weather: Prepare to wear layers! January tends to be a dryer month in the parks, but the weather can be unpredictable. The average high is 72 degrees and the low is typically around 51 degrees.
• Crowds: New Year’s, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend tend to be busier times for Walt Disney World. If you’re visiting in January to avoid the crowds, be sure to avoid these weekends.
• Other Considerations: Park prices, hotel prices, and airfare prices are typically lower in January as it isn’t a peak travel time. Disney is also known to offer discounts and incentives for January, so be on the lookout for these when planning your vacation! Also, plan on a few refurbishments. Because January sees fewer crowds, Disney often uses this time to refurbish certain attractions. This includes some of the bigger water attractions like Splash Mountain.

More about January…

• Weather:  February temperatures tend to be a bit cooler. Typically, you will want to layer up as mornings and evenings are cooler and afternoons warm up a bit. The average high is 75 degrees and the low is typically around 54 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain.
• Crowds: February isn’t generally a peak time at Disney World, but that doesn’t mean crowds aren’t a factor. If you’re visiting in February to avoid the crowds, you may want to avoid President’s Day weekend as well as the final weekend of February due to the Disney Princess Half Marathon. These two weekends tend to bring in crowds and were quite busy in 2022.
• Other Considerations: Because February sees fewer crowds, Disney often uses this time to refurbish certain attractions. This includes some of the bigger water attractions like Splash Mountain.

More about February…

• Weather:  March is a warmer month, but you will still want to wear layers. Mornings and evenings will still be a bit chilly, but afternoons will typically be warmer. The average high is 78 degrees and the low is typically around 58 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain. And compared with both January and February, the days are getting a bit longer as well, which will allow more daylight hours in the parks.
• Crowds:  March is one of the busiest months of the year. With spring breaks happening all across the country, the parks will be busy… especially during the last two weeks of the month.
• Other Considerations: Major refurbishments are usually finished in March, but there may still be a few. Disney tends to schedule their refurbishments during less busy months (such as January or February), but some of these may still be finishing up early in March. Also, this particular month could potentially be busier than usual. Not only is it spring break season, but March 2023 is the final month of Disney’s 50th Anniversary Celebration .

More about March…

• Weather: Overall, the weather in Orlando is quite pleasant in April. So if you’re looking to visit Disney World without the extreme heat, this may be the perfect time to go. The average high is 83 degrees and the low is typically around 60 degrees.
• Crowds:  April tends to be less busy than March. The first two weeks will be a bit busier with the final two weeks being a great time to visit the parks if you want to avoid major crowds. This will be especially true for 2023 as Easter falls earlier in the month. Easter is April 9 this year so expect crowds that weekend!
• Other Considerations: Disney tends to schedule their refurbishments during less busy months (such as January or February), but that doesn’t mean closures can’t or won’t happen in April.

More about April…

• Weather:  Temperatures in May are definitely not quite as hot as in June or July, but it is definitely beginning to heat up. The average high is 88 degrees and the low is typically around 66 degrees.
• Crowds: Expect crowds for Memorial Day Weekend! This three-day weekend does bring its fair share of crowds, but many schools are not out yet for summer so the rest of May shouldn’t be too busy.
• Other Considerations:  The first two weeks of May are an amazing time to visit Walt Disney World. Warmer weather, lower crowds, and fewer refurbishments make the first two weeks of May one of our favorite times to visit the parks!

More about May…

• Weather: The average high is 90 degrees and the low is typically around 71 degrees. It is also the start of Orlando’s rainy season. That being said, most rain in June will come in short “spurts” as brief afternoon downpours are very typical.
• Crowds: Most of June is busy, and the crowds only increase as the month goes on and schools release their students for summer break. Of the summer months, June is slightly less hot, but it is also a little more crowded because of it.
• Other Considerations: Due to the hotter temperatures, the pools can get quite busy during the heat of the day as well as in the evenings when guests return from a day in the parks. Consider visiting in the mornings when they will be less busy.

More about June…

• Weather: The weather in Orlando is quite hot in July. The average high is 92 degrees and the low is typically around 75 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well, so be prepared for rain. Ponchos may be a good thing to pack!
• Crowds: July is usually less busy than June, but there are steady summer crowds for most of the month. Be prepared for an increase in crowds during the Fourth of July weekend.
• Other Considerations: The summer sun can be quite intense, especially when combined with Florida humidity. As the parks are open longer hours each day, afternoon breaks at your resort can be a great way to beat the heat.

More about July…

• Weather: Overall, the weather in Orlando is quite hot in August. The average high is 91 degrees, and the low is typically around 75 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well. That being said, most rain in August will come in short “spurts” rather than be an all-day thing. Brief afternoon downpours are very typical.
• Crowds: Many schools are back in session at some point in August, so between that and the heat, many opt to avoid August when selecting their vacation dates. August is typically the least crowded of the summer months, but it does heat up a bit when it comes to temperatures. If you’re able to withstand the heat and the beginning of school isn’t an issue for you, August could be a great month to visit… especially in the final two weeks of the month.
• Other Considerations: The Food and Wine Festival is quite popular with locals. Consider visiting Epcot on weekdays if you’re trying to avoid the crowds.

More about August…

• Weather: The weather in Orlando is quite hot in September. The average high is 90 degrees and the low is typically around 72 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well. In fact, September is often considered to be the wettest month of the year. It is also worth noting that September has seen about six closures since 1985 due to hurricanes coming through. While that makes hurricanes a rare event, it is something to think about if planning a September vacation to Florida.
• Crowds: September tends to be one of the lightest months of the year in terms of crowds. This is due to several factors including the start of a new school year as well as the weather. Weekends at Epcot will be busier than normal with locals due to the Food and Wine Festival, and the Magic Kingdom will undoubtedly see some smaller crowds in relation to the Disney After Hours BOO BASH. Labor Day weekend is really the only “holiday” during the month of September. And while you may see a slight uptick in crowds, it’s typically not a huge draw in terms of crowds due to most families not wanting to pull their kids out of school during their first weeks back.

More about September…

• Weather: The weather shifts greatly in the month of October. We finally get some relief from the summer heat! The average high is 85 degrees and the low is typically around 65 degrees. Rain is starting to let up as well as October marks the end of hurricane season.
• Crowds: The crowds in October 2023 will most likely be moderate and steady. While there are no major holiday weekends, Halloween festivities do bring many to the parks as well as Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.
• Other Considerations: Halloween in Walt Disney World is quite popular. Ticketed events are held on select nights in Magic Kingdom (which will affect park hours).

More about October…

• Weather: The weather can be a bit unpredictable in the month of November, but it is typically one of the most beautiful months to visit Disney World. The average high is 79 degrees and the low is typically around 59 degrees. Hurricane season is typically over by November as well, meaning there will be fewer rainy days. You will undoubtedly want to dress in layers, however. The days (especially if they are sunny) will feel quite warm, but the evenings will probably get a bit chilly.
• Crowds: November is fairly average in terms of crowds, with the exception of Thanksgiving week. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend is typically one of the busiest weekends of the year.
• Other Considerations: The holidays begin throughout the parks during the month of November. Christmas decorations and holiday events typically begin the second week of November. So be prepared to celebrate!

More about November…

• Weather: The weather can sometimes be a bit unpredictable in the month of December, but it is typically one of the most pleasant months to visit Disney World. The average high is 73 degrees and the low is typically around 53 degrees. It may be a little cooler, but it is typically one of the dryest months of the year in terms of rain. You will want to dress in layers as the days will feel warm but the evenings will undoubtedly be a bit chilly.
• Crowds:  Being in Walt Disney World for Christmas can be truly magical, but be prepared for crowds. Typically, the beginning of December sees moderate crowds with the final two weeks of December being two of the busiest weeks of the year.
• Other Considerations: Christmas is a popular time to visit Walt Disney World. While festivities are in full swing at all four theme parks, Magic Kingdom holds ticketed events on select nights throughout the season. Get your tickets early if you want to attend, and keep in mind that these events will affect park hours at Magic Kingdom.

More about December…

Ride Closures and Refurbishments

* Please note that this list could change at a moment’s notice.

Magic  Kingdom

• Disney Enchantment closed permanently on April 2, 2023. It was replaced by Happily Ever After (an updated version) on April 3, 2023.
• Tron Lightcycle Power Run is now open!
• Splash Mountain closed permanently on January 23, 2023, to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The newly rethemed attraction is scheduled to open in 2024.
• Guardians of the Galaxy : Cosmic Rewind is now open!
• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will be opening on October 16, 2023.
• EPCOT Forever returned on April 3, 2023 (replacing Harmonious which permanently ended on April 2, 2023)

Hollywood Studios

• Voyage of the Little Mermaid is temporarily closed with no reopening date yet.
• Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple has permanently ended.

Animal Kingdom

• It is anticipated that Dino-Rama, as a whole, will likely close at some point to make way for a major expansion. Disney has shared plans for potential replacements, such as a Moana Mini-Land, which includes detailed concept art. Additionally, there is the possibility of a Zootopia Expansion beyond Dino-Rama. Although these proposals are promising, it should be noted that they have not yet been approved or funded by Disney. Therefore, the fate of Dino-Rama remains uncertain, but it is evident that its days are limited.
• Blizzard Beach closed on March 19, 2023, for refurbishment. No opening date has been announced.

Everything Coming to Disney World in 2023 (and Beyond)

Magic kingdom.

April 3, 2023 – Happily Ever After  – This popular nighttime spectacular returned over Cinderella Castle on April 3, 2023, with what Disney describes as some “updates.”

April 4, 2023 – TRON Lightcycle Run Roller Coaster – Without a doubt, this is t he biggest attraction coming to Magic Kingdom. After being delayed by the pandemic, this ride is scheduled to open on April 4, 2023! Based on Shanghai Disneyland’s Tron Lightcycle Power Run , this attraction features a thrilling coaster race on two-wheeled Lightcycles. Its opening means some general re-imagining for Tomorrowland as well (including some changes that have already taken place) in order to match the Tron Lightcycle theme.

November 2023 – Haunted Mansion Hatbox Ghost – The renowned Hatbox Ghost is scheduled to haunt the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World in Florida, starting in November. Visitors can expect to encounter this iconic ghost while exploring the creepy Endless Hallway.

Late 2024 – Splash Mountain – It was announced some time ago that this attraction would be reimagined, but it was just announced that this rethemed water flume ride will open in late 2024! Called “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” this iconic ride will be welcoming Tiana and her friends for a brand new Princess and the Frog theme. Splash Mountain as we know it will close permanently on January 23, 2023, to begin work on this project.

2024 – Country Bear Jamboree – The Country Bear Jamboree at Walt Disney World will undergo renovations and debut a fresh act in 2024. The revamped show will feature the beloved bears showcasing their unique country style while performing popular Disney songs. Disney is collaborating with renowned musicians from Nashville to ensure an authentic experience with the singing bears.

TBD – “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” – Disney has been teasing the idea of a new expansion to Magic Kingdom they’ve referred to as “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain.” Although no specific details were shared at this year’s D23 event, speculation is ongoing, with the promise that the final plans will surpass the size of New Fantasyland and offer an immersive experience similar to Pandora and Galaxy’s Edge.

TBD – Tavern near Pirates of the Caribbean – Adventureland will soon welcome a new tavern near Pirates of the Caribbean, further immersing visitors in the story of the famous attraction.

Now Open – DuckTales World Showcase Adventure – While no opening date has been announced yet, all signs point to it being available to guests sooner rather than later. Replacing Agent P, this World Showcase Adventure will allow guests to interact through the Play Disney Parks mobile app on their mobile phones. Join your favorite DuckTales characters as you search for treasure, find exotic destinations, discover mysteries, locate thieves, or even uncover artifacts.

September 10, 2023 – Figment Meet and Greet – Figment will be greeting guests in the recently completed space at the Imagination Pavilion starting September 10.

October 16, 2023 – Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – This new walkthrough attraction will be coming to the World Nature section of the park and will allow guests to “interact with water” just like Moana does in her film. Also beginning on October 16, Moana herself will be greeting visitors from her very own special area, conveniently situated near Journey of Water.

December 5, 2023 – Luminous: The Symphony of Us – Limited details have been provided about the new show, however, it is anticipated to feature fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting effects, and an abundance of music.

December 2023 – World Celebrations Neighborhood   – There are currently construction walls everywhere in Future World as Disney has been making some massive changes to the park. World Celebration is set to connect World Discovery and World Nature, two existing areas in Epcot. 

TBD – Asha Meet and Greet – Asha (from the upcoming Disney film Wish ) will be coming to Epcot to greet guests.

TBD – Test Track – While we have no information yet about dates, Test Track will undergo a new transformation with assistance from Chevrolet, marking another evolution for this attraction since its inception with the original World of Motion.

Now Open – Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! – A newly reimagined show made its return on June 13, 2022! The show is set in the timeline of the movie Finding Dory and includes new story material as well as popular songs from the original musical such as “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow.”

TBD – Zootopia Show – A new show based on the popular animated film Zootopia is currently being developed for the Tree of Life and will replace “It’s Tough to Be a Bug.” This upcoming experience will offer guests the opportunity to explore the different biomes featured in the movie while being accompanied by familiar characters such as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

TBD – Tropical American (re-theming of Dinoland U.S.A.) – Exciting changes are coming to Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The area is set to be transformed into a “Tropical Americas” land, drawing inspiration from the enchanting film Encanto and the action-packed Indiana Jones franchise. While specific attractions have not been officially announced, there are speculations about the potential re-theming of the popular ride DINOSAUR, as it utilizes the same ride vehicles as Disneyland’s Indiana Jones attraction. We will keep you posted if Disney makes any formal announcements!

Now Open – Fantasmic! – This nighttime show has finally returned to Hollywood Studios and includes a brand new sequence featuring live performers, stunts, special effects, and a lineup of characters that have never been part of the show before!

March 23, 2023 – Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant – Now open in Toy Story Land, this new table service restaurant allows guests to experience what it’s like to be one of Andy’s honorary toys! Here’s a sneak peek at the family-style menu .

Spring 2024 – Star Tours – New adventures are set to debut in 2024 featuring Ahsoka. The new adventures will also be featured in Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.

Outside the Parks

MagicBand+ is now available to Walt Disney World guests ! This new accessory offers interactive features including color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition. Guests are able to interact with the Disney Fab 50 golden character statues as well as the fireworks shows in the parks. (Disney Resort guests and Annual Passholders will get a discounted price.)

Disney World hotel rooms will also begin to offer Alexa very soon. In fact, some resorts are already in the process of installing the devices in select rooms . This new service called “Hey, Disney!” will be a virtual assistant that can introduce guests to Disney characters, set alarms, answer questions, and even guide guests to surprises. You will also be able to check on transportation wait times, park hours, and make requests for deliveries to your hotel room.

On March 15, 2022, Disney confirmed that the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show will be ending permanently at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and that brand new Disney Vacation Club Villas will be built in its place. While many are deeply saddened by the news of the show’s ending after a nearly 50-year run, the new project will pay homage to the well-loved show. Opening in late 2024, the tower will be inspired by early concepts for Disney’s Polynesian Resort and include an infinity-edge pool, new recreation offerings, and dining options.

Disney World Planning Guides

Magic in the Planning offers numerous guides to help you get started in your Disney World vacation planning! Here are some to get you started!

Disney Value Resort Hotels

Disney moderate resort hotels, disney deluxe resort hotels, disney deluxe villas.

Walt Disney World Dining:

Dining in Magic Kingdom

Dining in epcot, dining in hollywood studios, dining in animal kingdom.

Attraction Guide for Magic Kingdom

Attraction guide for epcot, attraction guide for hollywood studios, attraction guide for animal kingdom, planning your walt disney world vacation be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to help you get started .

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52 Magic Kingdom Tips for 2024

53 epcot tips for 2024, 35 hollywood studios tips for 2024, 28 animal kingdom tips & tricks for 2024, the 175 best disney world tips for 2024, disney world dining tips & tricks, time saving tips at disney world, tips for taking kids to disney world.

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• Free Vacation Planning

Disney World Trip Planning Tips

42 tips for planning a disney world vacation in 2023.

Want to know the best way to plan a Walt Disney World vacation in 2023? Our Disney World trip planning tips come from decades of experience making trips to Orlando, plus feedback and advice from Guide2WDW readers.

Whether you’re a Type-A planner who never saw a spreadsheet they didn’t love or a spontaneous free spirit who prefers to wing it, you will want to read these tips. You’ll find out what you absolutely must do before you go to Orlando, what items you should pack, and how to maximize your time while visiting Disney World. Our Disney World Trip Planning Tips are organized into the following sections:

• Tips on How to Plan a Disney World Vacation: The basics of WDW trip planning
• Tips on When To Visit Disney World: Advice on which days to plan your trip
• Tips on What to Do Before You Go: From purchasing tickets to dining reservations, these are the things you absolutely must do before going to Disney.
• Tips on What to Pack for a Disney World Vacation: Be prepared for rain and heat with our packing tips
• Tips for Planning Out Your Disney World Vacation: More in-depth tips and tricks for making an amazing plan for your Disney World trip
• Tips for While You Visit Disney World:  Things you should do while you’re visiting the parks.

Table of Contents

Tips on How to Plan a Disney World Vacation

1) Pick the best time of year to visit. There are four main factors you should consider when picking a time to visit Disney World: When you have time off, crowds, weather, and special events. Ideally, you want to find a time of year when crowds are low-to-moderate, the weather is not blistering hot, and when your schedule allows you to visit. If you’re debating between which time of year to go, it’s good to consider if Disney World has any special events. For example, I love visiting in October because Magic Kingdom has its Halloween party, and EPCOT has its Food & Wine Festival. Read on for more tips on when to go to Disney World.

2) Pick the correct amount of days to go into the parks. How long you should go to Disney World is a hotly debated topic. For a complete Disney World experience, we recommend going into the parks for 5-7 days. This is a sweet spot for getting a lot done within a week, while giving some wiggle room for taking breaks. For more details on how to decide your vacation length, check out our article How Long Should You Stay at Disney World .

3) Pick the right hotel to stay at. When picking a hotel, you should consider your budget, the hotel’s location, and if they have any Disney World transportation or perks. Disney World’s official resorts will have the best access to the parks, great theming, and hotel guest perks like Early Entry. However, these hotels will be the most expensive options. Off-property hotels will save you a lot of money, and they accept rewards points. However, they will have the most limited transportation options to the parks. Disney’s Good Neighbor resorts are third party hotels that have access to certain official resort perks, but will be much more affordable.

4) Decide if you should work with a travel agent. Travel agents like our friends at Vacationeer can be a huge help for your vacation, at no extra cost to you. As the official travel agency of Guide2WDW, Vacationeer’s Disney experts can help you plan your trip, book your hotel, purchase tickets, find the best deals, make park reservations and dining reservations — basically everything we’re about to cover in the rest of this article. If you’re interested in getting free help planning your Disney World vacation, you can contact Vacationeer here.

5) Check your inbox for Unique Offer Codes. Disney will send out personalized, non-transferrable offer codes to guests that they want to nudge towards booking a Disney World vacation. These Unique Offer Codes (formerly known as PIN codes) can be some of the best Disney World discounts available. You can increase your odds of getting one of these codes by signing up for free Disney accounts.  Check out our guide on how to get a Unique Offer Code to find links and get more information.

6) Make a daily plan before you go. Before you head to Orlando, make a plan for the big things you want to do each day. You can get as detailed as you like, but the minimum you should figure out is the following:

• Which park or parks are you visiting each day – remember, you’ll need Park Pass reservations
• Which dining reservations do you have for the week.
• Are there any experiences that require extra tickets or reservations you want to do? These include Magic Kingdom holiday parties, building lightsabers at Savi’s in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and building droids at Galaxy’s Edge.

Guide2WDW reader Stan shared his strategy for making a plan plus using Lightning Lane:

We went to the four parks and Blizzard Beach during our week there, so we were pretty busy. It definitely helped to have things mapped out ahead of time. We used Lightning Lane 2-3 times per day for the key rides, and it worked out great. If you Lightning Lane the busiest ride of an area, you can usually work it out so you enjoy the surrounding attractions and then just walk onto the busiest ride during your one hour window. Taking advantage of Lightning Lane and planning out which attractions we would go on, we never waited more than 15 minutes for a ride.

Tips on When To Visit Disney World

7) Don’t visit Magic Kingdom on Mondays. Do not visit the Magic Kingdom on a Monday. It is packed! For many people, Magic Kingdom is the first park they go to, which makes the days or day after most people arrive typically very crowded. Currently, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the best days to visit Magic Kingdom . Visit one of the other three parks on Monday, as they will be much less crowded.

8) Know which seasonal events are happening.  Check out our list of the seasonal events at Walt Disney World. They can help you decide which time of year you want to visit, as the special events can really add some unique fun to your vacation. They can also tell you which times not to visit. If you’re interested in a runDisney event, the race weekends are a must. But if you aren’t interested in running through the parks, avoid those weekends as they will be quite crowded.

9) Plan around the Food & Wine Festival crowds. The  Epcot Food and Wine Festival makes July through November a great time to visit Walt Disney World, but watch out for the weekends. Epcot can get VERY crowded on the weekends. If you are at Disney World for vacation, try a different park at those times and hit up Epcot during the week — the crowds are much better then.

10) When the heat is on, the crowds get low. While summer used to be consistently very crowded, July has actually become a good month for crowds after the July 4th holiday has passed. August and September are even better for crowds, since school usually has started back up. Just be warned: it gets very hot during these months. Be sure to pack plenty of items to cool off during your Disney World vacation , such as a Frogg Togg .

11) Avoid the most crowded times of year. Disney World is absolutely slammed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Expect the heaviest crowds of the year during this time. Guide2WDW reader Ruth shared her experience visiting during this week.

I visited December 26-December 30. I would never visit again during the Christmas Season: the lines and parks were unbearable! But I still managed to steal some time for enjoyment. If you’re visiting during that time, just be sure to set your expectations accordingly!

12) Early December is a great time to go. Guide2WDW reader Sandy shares their favorite time to go to Disney World:

The best time of the year to go to WDW is the first full week in December. We have gone the last 3 years at this time and we just can’t explain it. You have to experience it for yourself. The first time we went at this time, I walked into the Magic Kingdom (the first day of our trip) and cried. I was so caught up in the “magic.” The atmosphere and feeling that you will get is absolutely incredible. Where else would you want to be than Disney World during the Christmas Holiday. We always go for 8 days and you can get on rides with “NO” wait. We have found that by the 7th or 8th day of our trip that the crowds start to build. Since our first visit during this time of year, we have converted my older brother, my younger brother, all of our Disney geek friends, and finally convinced my mother to come on vacation with us this year – she has never been to Disney. Everybody loved going this time of year. Try it, you’ll like it.

13) The first week of October means shorter wait times. Guide2WDW reader Ellen let us know that she loves visiting during the first week in October.

The first week of October is a fantastic time to go to Disney World: the parks are practically empty. Even on the weekends, the LONGEST we waited in line was 10 minutes. We literally rode  Space Mountain twice within 15 minutes. I talked to several people who said every year was like that.

Tips on What to Do Before You Go

14) Purchase Disney Gift Cards. Before you even purchase your tickets, you should buy some Disney Gift Cards. You can always get them for 5% off at Target with a RedCard, or you can save up to 20% with certain grocery rewards. Read about how we save on Disney Gift Cards here: The Disney Target Gift Card Hack . How We Save Up to 20% on Disney World Gift Cards .

15) Purchase your Disney World tickets. You MUST buy your Disney World tickets before you head to Orlando. Don’t wait until you get to the park. You need a ticket in order to make a Park Pass Reservation, which is required to get into the park. If you wait until the day of, you might not be able to get into the parks. Buy your tickets as early as you can, link them to your Disney World account, and make your park reservations.

16) Choose the right type of ticket. First of all, decide if you want a single park per day ticket, or pay extra for Park Hopper ticket. A Park Hopper ticket lets you go to a different park after 2 PM ( check out the current Park Hopper rules here ). You can also add on a Water Park and Sports option to your tickets, which allow for a certain number of visits to Disney World’s other attractions, such as Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Mini Golf, and Oak Trail Golf Course.

17) Look out for deals. Disney World often runs deals on vacation packages or hotel rooms . One advantage of working with a travel agent is that they will help you find the best deals, and the travel agents at Vacationeer can apply new promotions, even after you’ve booked.

18) Make Park Pass Reservations. As early as you can, you should make your Park Pass reservations on DisneyWorld.com . Park Pass Reservations are required for entry into the park in addition to theme park tickets. You need to make a reservation for every day of your trip, and your reservation will be for a specific park. If you have a single park per day ticket, that will be the only park you can visit that day. If you have a Park Hopper ticket, your reservation determines which park you must enter first. Find out more about Park Pass Reservations here .

19) Make dining reservations as early as possible. Some dining reservations are extremely hard to get. How early can you make Disney World dining reservations? 60 days ahead of time at 5:45 am Eastern. Check out our Disney World Dining Reservation Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to make advanced dining reservations.

20) Download the Disney World App. If you want to get the most out of your Disney World vacation, you’ll need to have the latest version of the Disney World app: My Disney Experience. It’s where you can make and manage reservations, use Genie+ and Lightning Lane , and find park maps and wait times. If you’ve never downloaded it before, you can get it from the  Apple App Store for iPhones and other iOS devices , or the  Google Play store for Android phones .

21) Purchase MagicBands through your reservation. If you make a reservation through Disney World, you can purchase MagicBands or MagicBand+ at a discount. Once you have your reservation linked to your Disney World account, open the MyDisneyExperience app, select My MagicBands and Cards, and then you can order discounted MagicBands to have shipped to you before your vacation.

22) You do not need to make Lightning Lane reservations in advance. With Disney World’s old FastPass+ system, you needed to make front-of-the-line reservations 60 days ahead of time. With Lightning Lane, everything is done on the day of, including purchasing Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane reservations. Check out our Guide 2 Disney Genie for all the information on how to use that system.

Tips on What to Pack for a Disney World Vacation

23) Always pack rain gear. If you are planning to go to WDW during the summer, be prepared for afternoon and evening showers. It’s a good idea to bring your own poncho. Of course, you can buy a poncho at Disney World, but those can sell for $10 each.  Amazon sells a poncho pack of 10 for around $13-15 , a huge savings over spending $40-$50 for your whole family at WDW.

24) Don’t buy these items at Disney World. Speaking of ponchos, here are some other items you shouldn’t buy at WDW: Water Bottles (instead pack a reusable water bottle or get free ice water at counter service restaurants), overpriced Neon Doodads (if your kids really want them, pack some from Amazon or the Dollar Store), tickets, and Disney Gift Cards.

25) Pack an external battery and short charging cable. We’ve covered how the Disney World app is essential to use at WDW. Between using the app, taking pictures, and playing games in line, your phone battery will drain faster at Disney World. Always pack an extra battery and a short charging cable to be able to conveniently recharge your devices throughout the day.

26) A small cooler can be a Disney World essential. You are allowed to bring coolers into the park, but you will need to use reusable ice packs as loose ice is not allowed in the park. This is great if you want to pack your lunch for the day. Coolers can also be very useful for your drive to Orlando and your hotel room, as Guide2WDW reader Karen let us know.

We just got back from a trip to WDW. We drove from North Carolina to Orlando, so we had packed a small cooler in the car for the drive down. We took sodas, bottled water and some snacks. Not every hotel room will have a fridge. I had heard about people renting refrigerators for their room, but there is an ice vending machine on each floor. We just kept changing out the ice each morning or evening when it had melted and kept things cold. We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, so we went to the Mercantile and bought pints of milk every other day or so, some small boxes of cereal and some other “breakfast” foods and just kept ice in the cooler. We kept the milk cold and didn’t have to buy breakfast everyday. We also had cold water and sodas for whenever. So, I would recommend packing a small cooler and just keeping ice in it. Save your money on a fridge for souvenirs!

27) Pack Clothing By Day. Guide2WDW reader Becky shares a super organized way to save precious time during the mornings at Disney World.

We put our clothing together in outfits and packed them that way. When we got ready each day, we weren’t trying to figure out what we wanted to wear and what would go together. This is great for everyone, but especially people with kids. Let your kids put together outfits before the trip, pack them so that when you pick it up you have the whole outfit together, you dress, and you’re off!

28) Buy a Frogg Togg for hot weather. Let’s face it, Orlando is hot for most of the year. One of our favorite items to pack for Disney World is a Frogg Togg chilling towel . Just add some water, place it around your neck, and cool off.

29) Pack good walking shoes. Another item we always pack for our Disney World vacations is a good pair of shoes to walk in. You will be taking 20,000-40,000 steps during each day of your WDW vacation. Do yourself a favor and pack shoes that are comfortable and give you good support for walking.

Tips for Planning Out Your Disney World Vacation

30) Our ideal Disney World planning itinerary. Above, we laid out the bare minimum you should plan each day. Here is what we consider the sweet spot for an itinerary that gives each day structure, but allows for spontaneity.

• For each day, list the park or parks you are going to visit. If it’s a resting day or a Disney Springs day, list that out.
• List each dining reservation that you have.
• List a handful of “must-do” or “hope-to-do” items each day. This can be a ride, a snack you want to try, a show you want to see, or really anything else you can find at the parks you are visiting that day. The key is to not go overboard. Pick 1-5 per day. This will help you make sure you get your must-dos done, but don’t feel overwhelmed by planning out every minute.

31) Don’t Overload on ADRs . Advanced Dining Reservations are great to have, but you can have too much of a good thing. Table service meals at Disney World take time, and having a reservation will force you to be at a certain place at a certain time. The maximum dining reservations we like to plan is an average of one per day. If you have to book two ADRs in one day, balance it out with a day with no ADRs. Save time and money by not doing too many table service meals — unless that’s your favorite thing at WDW, of course!

32) Make ADRs for right before park closing. Guide2WDW reader Andrew shares a brilliant way to maximize your time in the park with a dining reservation.

When making an Advanced Dining Reservation (especially during non-peak seasons), you should try making one as late in the day as possible. In many cases, priority seating is available around the time a park is closing. For example, when we were at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it was closing at 7 pm, yet we got priority seating at the  Brown Derby at 6:50. That allowed us to spend more time at the attractions, and by the time we left the park, we were almost alone as we walked to the exit and there were no crowds waiting to leave the parking lots.

Also keep in mind that some locations, like Oga’s Cantina, actually have reservations available for after park closing.

33) Consider Park Pass and Park Hopping Rules for your dining reservations. If you have a dining reservation at a restaurant inside the parks, make sure you also have a valid Park Pass reservation. You need a Park Pass reservation to be able to enter the park. If you have a Park Hopper ticket, be sure that any reservations for before 2 PM are at the park you have a Park Pass for. You can enter another park starting at 2 PM, so if you have a Hollywood Studios Park Pass but you get a 3 PM reservation for Be Our Guest, you will be still able to dine at the Beast’s castle. If that reservation was at 1 PM, you would need to have a Magic Kingdom Park Pass in order to use your reservation.

34) Know that not every ride is for everybody. Disney World is fun for everyone, but that doesn’t mean that you’re going to enjoy every single attraction. Guide2WDW reader Luis shared how they researched WDW attractions to figure out what they wanted to do.

Since time is so limited once you start your Disney World vacation, it’s super important to choose how you spend your time wisely. After our first trip to Disney, we calculated that we spent at least a quarter of our time on attractions (including waiting in line) that we wouldn’t have gone on had we known what to expect. The solution for first timers is YouTube. Simply search for a POV video of the attraction you aren’t sure of. You don’t have to spoil the ride by seeing the entire video, you’ll know within 20 seconds or so whether it would interest you or not. It can save you a lot of time throughout the parks.

35) Which rides to avoid if you are worried about motion sickness. Certain rides like Mission: SPACE Orange and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind are notorious for causing motion sickness. However, motion sickness is very personal and subjective. Odds are you have an idea of what types of rides might give you issues. In our Disney World Motion Sickness Guide , we have every attraction categorized so you’ll have a better idea of what you might want to avoid when you visit WDW.

36) Pick 1-2 parks to visit each day. When Park Hopping, keep in mind that it can take up to an hour to get from one park to another. Considering Park Hopping opens at 2 PM, it can be a challenge to visit more than 2 parks in a day. You can definitely go to all four parks in one day, but for most days, we like to pick one or two parks to visit. This keeps travel time and fatigue to a minimum.

37) Pay attention to extra hours, parties, and special events. Disney World hours and crowd size will be affected by special events. For example, Magic Kingdom closes on 7 PM on nights during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. If you don’t have a ticket to those events, you may want to avoid going to Magic Kingdom on those days — especially if you have a single park per day ticket. Also, the parks with Extended Evening Hours get more crowded on those days. If you don’t have access to that perk, you should avoid the park that has Extended Evening Hours on those days.

38) Don’t overplan. We are a huge fan of having a general plan for your Disney World vacation. However, if every minute of every day is scheduled out, your fun vacation might feel more like an exhausting to-do list. Some planning is inevitable and necessary, but leave some room for spontaneity and discovery at the parks. You may be surprised by what you stumble upon.

39) How to Plan a WDW trip if you hate planning. Our advice to people who hate planning: work with a travel agent . They will do the planning for you! Otherwise, here’s the bare minimum you need to do for your Disney World trip:

• Buy Tickets ahead of time
• Make Park Pass reservations for every day of your trip
• Make a hotel reservation and travel arrangements
• Make dining reservations 60 days ahead of time (optional, but encouraged)

Planning Tips for While You Visit Disney World

40) Set Your Alarm for Before 7 AM – 7 am is a very important time for Disney World guests. With virtual queues, Genie+, and Lightning Lane, you’ll want at least one person from your party up before 7 am with the MyDisneyExperience app open to be able to plan your day.

If you want Genie+, you should purchase it before 7 am. It becomes available at 12:01 am each day.

Here’s everything that becomes available for your Disney World day starting at 7 am:

• First draw for Virtual Queues  open up at 7 am for all guests. Currently, a virtual queue is used at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. If you miss the 7 am draw, more virtual queue spots open up at 1 pm (and 6 pm for Deluxe Resort Guests on Extended Evening Hour nights). You can read all the details you need to know in our  Disney World Virtual Queue Guide.
• Genie+ Lightning Lane  access becomes available for all guests at 7 am. You’ll be able to make your first Genie+ Lightning Lane reservation of the day starting at 7, so this will be your best shot at getting early Lightning Lane access to a popular ride like  Slinky Dog Dash  or  Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run .
• Individual Lightning Lane Selections  become available for purchase for resort guests at 7 am. Not included in Genie+, these are a la carte Lightning Lane purchases available at the two most popular rides in each park –  Seven Dwarfs Mine Train  in Magic Kingdom,  Guardians of the Galaxy  at Epcot,  Rise of the Resistance  at Hollywood Studios, and  Flight of Passage  at Animal Kingdom. You can pick which time of day you’d like to purchase your Lightning Lane reservations, and you can purchase up to two per person per day.

If you have multiple people who are up and have the MyDisneyExperience app open, designate one person to focus on Virtual Queues, one person to focus on Genie+, and one person to focus on Individual Lightning Lane Selections. If you are the only person setting all the plans for your party, we would recommend prioritizing Virtual Queue (if the attraction is one of your must dos), Genie+, then Individual LL selections, in that order.

41) Set a meeting landmark with your party. When visiting the parks, we always set up a landmark with our party to meet up at in case we get separated and one of our cellphones runs out of battery. The key is that we pick a more obscure, less visited landmark, so that it’s easier to remember and easier to spot the other person among the crowd. Some examples: Fire Station at Magic Kingdom, Miss Piggy fountain at Hollywood Studios, Club Cool at Epcot, and the entrance of Pizzafari at Animal Kingdom.

42) Make sure to charge your devices every night. Your cell phone and MagicBand+ will most likely be very low battery at the end of the day. Be sure to pack a charging hub and plenty of charging cables for your hotel room, and plug in your devices at the end of the night.

How To Plan a Disney World Vacation

Planning a trip to Disney World? These Disney World trip planning tips are just the beginning. Get in touch with our friends at Vacationeer for free Disney World vacation planning.  Their travel agents can help you plan your vacation for no extra cost. They are Disney experts, so they’ll have their own recommendations and advice. Plus, they can help with dining and hotel reservations at Disney World.

If you want to be as prepared as possible, check out our Disney World Guides , including an in-depth Disney Genie Guide . Our resources will help you plan your Disney World trip and get the most out of your vacation. And don’t miss our other Disney World Tips and Tricks . We have hundreds of quick bits of advice for visiting WDW.

 More Disney World Tips

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Ultimate Walt Disney World Planning Guide (2024)

Planning a Disney World vacation can feel like a daunting task, especially for first-time guests. The entire Walt Disney World resort area covers around 43 square miles, which is almost twice the size of Manhattan!  Learning how to plan a Disney Vacation can help ensure you have a great time on your trip.

There are so many engaging activities, exciting attractions, magical details, and wonderful restaurants and resorts.  It’s nearly impossible to experience everything at Disney World over the course of several trips, let alone in a single visit to the park. That’s why it’s important to start your planning early and decide what you should prioritize on your trip.

This guide will take you through how to plan a Disney World vacation step-by-step. Disney vacations have become harder to plan each and every year, with Disney Genie+,  Advanced Dining Reservations, My Disney Experience, transportation, etc.  There’s so much to know, and this Disney vacation planning guide will be your go-to resource.

Do You Need To Plan a Disney World Vacation in Advance?

It’s no longer feasible to go to Disney World without doing at least some planning ahead of time.  Even entering a theme park requires an advance reservation in many cases.

In our view, these are the four bare-minimum planning actions needed to have even a functioning  Disney vacation.

• Decide when you will visit.   Crowd levels can impact your experience and time of year will affect your overall cost.
• Decide which park you will attend on each day.   Theme park reservations are mandatory for some ticket types — no reservation, no entry.
• Decide which hotel you’ll stay in.   While you can technically find a room without a reservation during some parts of the year, it’s not worth the risk.
• Decide if you want to dine at any table-service restaurants.   Dining reservations are strongly suggested; during the busiest days, many restaurants may completely refuse walk-ups.

These are the minimum plans needed to have a tolerable Disney World vacation.  To make your vacation good — or, dare we say, magical — you’ll probably want to do a good bit more Disney planning.  Below, we walk you through the eleven things you need to do to plan the best possible Disney World vacation .

Our planning guide is a great way to get started with researching your upcoming Disney World vacation.  As you’ll see, planning a Disney trip is no small task.  Imagine if you could have someone else do most of the work for you, for free!

That’s why we strongly recommend you contact the Disney travel agents at The Vacationeer .  There are plenty of good reasons why you should use a Disney travel agent , including taking advantage of their years of Disney experience and letting them handle making all of your reservations.

But one of the best reasons is that their planning services don’t cost you anything!

The Eleven Steps to Disney World Planning

There are plenty of ways to plan your Disney vacation, and everybody has their own way of doing it.  Below we’ve outlined what we believe to be eleven critical steps, in roughly the order that you should do them.  We’ve tried not to overwhelm you with too much information at once, but there’s no doubt that planning a Disney trip can be very complicated.  Take your time, read through it all, and follow the links throughout to find out more about some of the items we discuss here.

1. Learn the basics by doing some research

As you start to plan for a Disney World vacation, you should begin researching well in advance of booking the trip.  The information you gather during this important first step will help you through the rest of the process; starting early gives you plenty of time to learn before key dates in the trip planning process.  It will also be key to creating a detailed itinerary for each day so that your vacation will include every event, attraction, and restaurant you wish to experience.

Without a daily itinerary and at least some knowledge of the parks, Disney World can be a confusing and overwhelming place. Informed and organized vacationers are less stressed, save more money, and have more fun!

Being in-the-know will also help you secure your spot at popular resorts, attractions, and dining establishments.

Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to research travel destinations online , and Disney World is no exception. There are lots of Disney World resources online these days (such as our entire website!), so getting up to speed with the ins and outs of the parks is well within your reach.  To get you started, we’ll go over some basic information about Disney World.

Disney World at a Glance

Walt Disney World has four major theme parks:

Magic Kingdom

It’s the flagship theme park of Disney World and a rite of passage for kids of all ages.  Leave the real world at the gate — age melts away as you walk down Main Street, USA to reach Cinderella Castle.  Then, head in any direction to experience Liberty Square, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland.  Your kingdom awaits with adventures on flying elephants, doombuggies, space rockets, and steam trains.

Rides   |   Dining   |   Secrets

Originally envisioned as a functioning city of the future, EPCOT offers four neighborhoods: World Showcase , a tribute to the global diversity that enriches us as a species; World Nature , showcasing our interaction with the planetary forces that drive us; World Discovery , celebrating humankind’s ingenuity and innovation; and World Celebration , dedicated to the joy and camaraderie that are essential parts of the human experience.

Rides   |   Dining   |  Secrets

Hollywood Studios

Hooray for “the Hollywood that never was and always will be!”  Here, the golden age of motion pictures gets equal billing with modern blockbusters in a park dedicated to an entire universe of entertainment.  Drop into the Hollywood Tower Hotel, find yourself off-world on Batuu, or slink your way into a Pixar adventure.  You’re the star of this silver screen epic — are you ready for your closeup?

Animal Kingdom

Experience the glory and wonder of nature as you immerse yourself into a world that more than 1,000 animals call home.  Set off on safari, where giraffes are free to walk right alongside your open-air vehicle (from which you can also glimpse elephants, lions, and hippopotami).  Then, escape reality by staging a daring mountaintop run from the mythical Yeti, or traveling back in time to rescue a doomed dinosaur.

Other Resort Complex Amenities

In addition to four theme parks, you’ll find a full resort complex covering upwards of 27,000 acres:

• More than 20 large resort hotels are owned and operated by Walt Disney World, with additional third-party hotels nearby
• There are nearly 400 places to eat and drink at Disney World, from ice cream carts to high-end luxury dining, and everything in between
• Disney Springs is the largest shopping, dining, and entertainment district at Disney World ( no tickets required ); Disney’s BoardWalk offers an additional entertainment and dining district
• Disney World has 2 water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
• WDW has 5 golf courses and 2 mini-golf courses , an entire sports complex , and several lakes (offering boating, kayaking, parasailing, fishing, and other water sports)

There’s much, much more to learn about Disney World, but the above information should give you the basics that you’ll need to know as you start to plan.  At the end of each of our 11 steps in this guide, you’ll find links to special planning tools and additional articles/websites that further discuss items mentioned in each section of our planning guide.  The tools and links for this step are immediately below:

Planning Tools for This Step:

✔️  Use our  Disney World Map to get the lay of the land

✔️  Use our Disney World Transportation Map to chart your route

✔️  Subscribe to Disney-focused  YouTube channels

✔️  Review some fascinating Disney World Statistics

✔️  Learn the History of Disney World

✔️  Enjoy some interesting WDW Trivia

2. Download the My Disney Experience App

My Disney Experience is Disney’s mobile app & website that serves as a centralized hub for everything related to your Disney vacation.  In the app, you can:

• Create a profile
• Add friends and family members so you can plan together
• View your tickets and reservations
• Access the Disney Genie itinerary planning service
• Purchase priority access to certain attractions through the Genie+ and Lightning Lane service
• Enter a virtual queue for highly-demanded attractions, when available
• Access entitlements under the Disability Access Service, if applicable
• Place mobile orders for some meals, helping you avoid lines at some quick-service restaurants
• Use the MagicMobile service, which lets you use your mobile device as a contactless payment/entry device around Disney World.

Note:  If you’d rather not use the MagicMobile service to access your tickets and services, you can either purchase a MagicBand (a colorful RFID-enabled wristband), or request a plastic RFID card at no charge. 

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices — you might see it listed in the app store as “My Disney Experience” or even just as “Disney World.”  There’s no charge to download and use the app; you might see a notice about in-app purchases, but that refers to the ability to do things such as buying park tickets or placing mobile dining orders.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll want to sign in — you can use an existing Disney account or create a new one.  You’ll also need to grant it permission to use location services because some features such as virtual queuing are geofenced (only available when you are in a certain location based on your phone’s GPS).

Downloading the app early in the planning process is important for a few reasons.  First, it’s a great research tool.  Second, getting to know it now will make it all the easier to use during your trip.  And most importantly, as you begin to purchase tickets or make reservations you’ll want to link them to your Disney account.  For example, linking your hotel reservation in the app allows you to access an extended restaurant reservation booking window — as well as to access early booking for Lightning Lane attraction entrances.

Many (but not all) of the same services are also available through a dedicated section of the Disney World website.

Ready to talk to someone about planning next steps?

✔️  Download the My Disney Experience app

✔️  Access My Disney Experience via the Disney World website

✔️  Learn more about My Disney Experience

✔️  Learn more about using the MagicMobile service

3. Start Considering How Much to Budget for Your Disney World Trip

On average, a typical Walt Disney World vacation for a family of 4 in 2024 will cost about $6,559. This includes a 7-night hotel stay at a Disney Value Resort, 6 days of standard theme park tickets, Genie+ or Lightning Lane service, and quick-service meals for 4 people over the course of the trip.

Just like any vacation, you might want to plan for additional expenses such as transportation costs, upgrades, a longer stay, and souvenirs; or you might opt to save some money by staying off-site, shortening your trip, spending a day or two away from the parks, or visiting during the off-season.

Not surprisingly, some families end up putting themselves into debt to make a Disney World trip happen.

Of course, you won’t know exactly how much to budget until you make some choices about hotels, dining, tickets, etc. — but now’s a good time to at least begin thinking about how much you’re comfortable spending on your trip so you’re not left with sky-high credit card bills long after.

The resources below are a great way to start that process.  If you don’t want to devote a ton of time to it at this point, we suggest you start with just the first two resources… our How Much Does it Cost to Go to Disney World article and our Disney World Cost Calculator .

✔️  Explore how much it costs to go to Disney World

✔️  Estimate prices with our Disney World Cost Calculator

✔️  Learn about Disney Payment Plan options

✔️  Find the Cheapest Time to go to Disney

✔️  Check out Disney World discounts & deals

✔️  Save on your trip by buying discounted Disney gift cards

✔️  Learn how to do Disney on a Dime

✔️  Explore some free things to do at Disney World

✔️  Read Is Disney World Worth It?

✔️  Leverage your credit card points on your Disney vacation

Consider Working with a Disney World Trip Planner (For Free!)

This is a great time in your Disney vacation planning timeline to connect with a Disney Travel Agent if you’re planning on using one.  Your agent can provide a more accurate estimate of what you can expect to spend by walking you through all of the big choices you’ll be making in the remaining steps of the process.

Not sure which Disney World Travel Agency to use?  We strongly recommend The Vacationeer .  It’s not hard to see why we’ve ranked them as the best Disney travel agency .  First and foremost, they don’t charge anything to use their planning services and there’s never any obligation to book.  And, as an EarMarked Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , they’ve arranged Disney trips for thousands of families.  They boast a team of 90+ travel agents, but you’ll have one dedicated agent to serve as your personal Disney trip planner from start to finish.

Contact them to see which money-saving promotions might be available for your trip.  They can book your reservations, set up a payment plan for your trip, and even automatically apply newly-announced discounts to your trip after you book!

4. Decide When to Go to Disney World

Holidays at Disney can be crowded but festive

Deciding which time of year to go to Disney World is a very important part of the planning process, and not just for the obvious reasons of school/work schedules.  Crowd sizes, special promotions, festivals, and weather should also factor in your decision; these can not only affect your overall experience at Disney, but also your overall cost as well.

Crowd sizes are a major consideration when planning a trip to Walt Disney World.  Because park attendance fluctuates throughout the year, there are certainly better (less crowded) times of the year go.

For those of you who are not as tied down with schedule obligations (such as parents who homeschool or people who can work from anywhere), you are in a much better position to be flexible with your travel dates. For the rest of us, work schedules, school schedules, and other factors often influence the timing of our vacations, so we just have to plan a trip around a timeframe that works.

With millions of annual visitors, each Walt Disney World theme park can become crowded. The week you choose to visit the park can have a major impact on wait times for attractions and crowd density on the sidewalks and in the restaurants. Each park also has day-to-day crowd dynamics to consider.

The best way to gauge crowd sizes any particular day – at any one of Walt Disney World’s 4 theme parks – is to consult our  Disney World Crowd Calendar .  By using data compiled from recent years, our crowd calendar determines which theme parks will have the shortest lines and which parks will have the longest lines.

While not everyone has the flexibility to plan their trip around the least-crowded dates, crowd calendars can still be a valuable tool to help you to maximize your Disney experience during your visit.

It’s also worth noting that crowd levels tend to be a good indicator of how expensive your hotel and tickets will be.  Hotels and tickets are both subject to seasonal prices; the less popular times of year are the least expensive, while high-demand times like holidays and summer vacation cost more.

When is Walt Disney World Least Crowded?

Walt Disney World parks are typically less crowded from January 2nd until just prior to Presidents’ Day week (third Monday in February ), the week after Labor Day until just prior to Thanksgiving week, and the week after Thanksgiving weekend until the week prior to Christmas. As a general guide, when schools are in session, WDW is usually less crowded.

When is Walt Disney World Most Crowded?

Walt Disney World parks generally experience their highest attendance around school breaks. These include around Presidents’ Day week (third week in February), the Spring Break timeframe from mid- March through late April , Memorial Day weekend , Summer (mid- June through Labor Day), Thanksgiving week, and Christmas week through January 1st.

Special Promotions

During their slower seasons, Disney World will sometimes offer special promotions to lure guests to the park.

Some previous examples have included a Free Dining promotion which offered meals as part of a package that included non-discounted resort hotels and park tickets.  Other promotions have also been offered from time to time, allowing for discounted hotel rates, special ticket packages, or other benefits.

While promotions have been a bit scarce lately, things do tend to change quickly.  It’s a safe bet, though, that any promotions that come along will be limited to specific hotels or specific travel dates, and will likely be in the off-season.  If your plans are flexible, you’re more likely to be able to take advantage of these.

Walt Disney World is a great destination any day of the year. However, there is something about the seasonal festivals which make the park extra magical.

Besides the spectacular Festival of the Arts (typically in January) and the Flower & Garden Festival during the spring and early summer, most of our favorite seasonal events take place during the Fall and Winter months.

Epcot hosts The  Food & Wine Festival in the fall, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a real treat for Magic Kingdom guests around – you guessed it – Halloween.

During November and December , the wildly popular Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place at Magic Kingdom, as do a host of other holiday events, such as A Frozen Holiday Wish Show (Magic Kingdom), Christmas Day Parade on ABC (Magic Kingdom), Joyful! (Epcot), Holidays Around the World (Epcot), and much more .

If we had an absolute favorite week to be at Walt Disney World, we may have to choose some time in early December. The park is festive, the weather is comfortable, and the crowds are lighter than normal.

Any How to Plan a Disney Vacation guide must discuss the nuances of Disney’s weather.

First of all, Orlando, Florida is known for its warm and sunny weather. Ice and snow are virtually non-existent here and the temperatures rarely dip below the freezing level.

That said, there are some seasonal differences that you may want to take into consideration when booking your Disney World vacation. January is typically the coolest month, July is the warmest and wettest (though August is a close second for heat), and June has the most sunshine hours.

Daytime thunderstorms are a given during the summer; they often pop up with little warning and disappear just as quickly, usually leaving a rather unpleasant sauna effect in their aftermath.  On the bright side, a storm lasting 30-45 minutes is usually enough to send people scurrying for the exits, leading to lighter crowds afterwards.

Hurricane season technically lasts from June-November, though September has historically been the most active.  Even then, it’s rare for the Orlando area to take a direct hit from a hurricane.  That said, the parks have had to close a few times for hurricanes, though typically only for a day or so at a time.  Thanks to Disney’s generous hurricane cancellation policies , it’s still generally safe plan a trip to Disney World during hurricane season (though travel insurance is still also a good idea).

Our favorite seasons at Walt Disney World are probably the pleasant spring and fall seasons, with October being particularly nice. Our least favorite season is during the summer months — not only are the crowds heavy, but the weather can be quite hot and humid. If you do plan a summer vacation at Disney World, remember to come prepared with the proper amenities to keep you cool and hydrated.

Overwhelmed and ready for some expert help?

✔️  Use our Disney Crowd Calendar to pick the best time to visit

✔️  Research typical Disney World Weather

✔️  Learn about the best time to go to Disney World

✔️  Review our tips to avoid lines at Disney World

✔️  Beat the rain with the best attractions for rainy days

✔️  Learn about Hurricane Season at Disney World

5. Decide on Your Length of Stay (How Many Days)

Because there is just so much to see and do at  Walt Disney World , there is really no right answer for how long your Walt Disney World vacation should last. However, there are several wrong answers. One wrong answer would be staying for only 1 or 2 days!

We recommend that any trip should last at least four days, with an ideal range of a full week or so. Some people buy an Annual Pass and spend 30+ days at the park, so the sky is the limit! It just depends on your budget, time limitations, who you are traveling with, and what the goals of your trip are. But with so much to see and experience, a day or two won’t even scratch the surface of what Walt Disney World has to offer.

How Long Do Most People Stay at Disney World?

Most Disney World vacations last 3 – 7 days. Many guests devote one full day to each of the four Disney World theme parks. Given their size and number of attractions, it’s certainly possible to spend two days each at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Additional days can be spent re-visiting one of the parks, going to a Disney water park, or doing other various activities, inside or outside of the park.

If your objective is to experience most attractions, shows, parades, etc., you really need to provide yourself with adequate time/days to explore all facets of each park.  If saving money is an important consideration, a shorter trip can help accomplish that.

Many guests like to spend a day or two at other (non-Disney) Orlando-area attractions – such as  Universal Studios , SeaWorld, Legoland Florida, or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Other guests set aside a day or two for golfing, boating, or just to simply relax at the pool.

If your trip to Disney World is a “rite of passage” event for the kids – and your goal is to just experience the popular rides and get a feel for the park – 3-4 days is doable. However, just be aware that you may feel as though you are rushing to get as much in with your time constraints.  You probably won’t be able to experience everything that you set out to achieve.

Besides simply having enough time at Disney World, another reason for booking a longer WDW vacation is the financial incentive. The more days you spend at the park, the less the cost of your daily ticket. That’s not to say you will spend less money on an 8-day pass vs a 3-day pass — you certainly won’t. But, the cost per day  goes down substantially the more days you spend at Disney World.

Thoroughly review all current promotions and ticket pricing scenarios before deciding on the duration of your Disney World vacation.

✔️  Compare prices for different trip lengths with our Cost Calculator

✔️  We explore how long to stay at Disney

✔️  See how many days you need for each park

✔️  See our favorite day trips from Disney World

✔️  Extend your trip by visiting one of the beaches near Disney World

6. Decide How to Travel to Disney World

Planning a Disney World trip must, of course, include consideration of how you will actually get there.

The two most common modes of transportation to Walt Disney World are by car and by air.

Buses and trains also come in and out of Orlando, but these options tend to be more problematic with luggage considerations. Consult your bus service or Amtrak for their guidelines on luggage if you decide to go this route.

Driving to Disney World

For guests within a reasonable driving distance (or those who just love a good road trip), there’s some convenience in having your own car at Disney.  Of course, you’ll need to consider all of the costs associated with driving to Disney… fuel prices, auto maintenance / wear & tear, tolls, and parking fees.

An oft-forgotten expense is that those staying in an off-site hotel must pay a daily parking fee at the theme parks (Disney hotel guests don’t pay this fee).

Those who live far away will likely find the cost of driving to Disney World to be prohibitively expensive.  But for those who live in the southeastern US — or who are faced with the prospect of buying airline tickets for a large family — driving might be the right choice.

Flying to Disney World

Since most people fly to Disney World, let’s review some of your best options for booking a flight.

Most people use airline travel search engines – such as Priceline, Kayak, Expedia, or Travelocity – to book their air travel. We also recommend checking Google Flights or ITA Matrix  — both are robust search engines for finding airline deals. If you have flexibility with your booking dates, sign up for Airfarewatchdog alerts. You can get real-time or daily alerts for special offers and flight deals between your departure city and Orlando.

Which airports are closest to Disney World?

Orlando is served by three major airports, all of which have confusingly similar names.

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the airport of choice for trips to Disney World.  It’s the nearest airport (about 20 miles away)  and offers by far the most ground transportation options to Disney World.
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is located about 45 miles away from Disney World.  Though it’s further away and offers fewer ground transit services, it may be your only choice for a nonstop flight if you’re flying with a smaller/discount carrier or if your home airport is a smaller regional facility.
• Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is located about 65 miles away from Disney World.  It’s the farthest “Orlando” airport from Orlando (they actually got sued for using the word Orlando” in their name) , and is likely better suited for a Disney Cruise from Port Canaveral than it is for a stay at Walt Disney World.

If you’ll have a rental car and don’t mind a bit of a drive, you can also investigate flights into Tampa International (TPA, about 75 miles away) or Daytona Beach International (DAB, about 70 miles away)… but the flight discounts would have to be amazing to make up for the difference in time and cost.

Tips To Save on Flights to Disney World

Here are a few more cost-savings tips for booking your flight to Walt Disney World:

• For the best deals, book six weeks in advance.
• Scan for deals in the morning, as most airlines offer their best deals at this time. Act fast because good deals get scooped up quickly.
• The most inexpensive flights are often the earliest departures in the morning.
• Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly.
• Credit cards with frequent flyer mile points can save you money on future flights.
• Not all airlines offer their cheapest flights through travel search engines. Check low-cost airlines individually to see if booking directly through their website is less expensive.

Traveling Within Disney World

Regardless of how you get there, once you’ve made it to Disney World, transportation is a breeze.  Disney offers a completely free network of monorails, boats, buses, Skyliners (suspended aerial gondolas), trams, and walking paths to move people from place to place.  You’ll really only need a rental car if your plans take you off-site to a non-Disney destination (and even then, an Uber might be better).

Check out our Disney transportation map in the planning tools below to map out your journey through Disney World.

✔️  Search for airfare on Google Flights

✔️  For advanced flight search options, try ITA Matrix

✔️  Explore our Transportation Map to find out how to get around Disney World

✔️  Review options to get from the Orlando Airport to Disney

✔️  Estimate the cost of taking an Uber

✔️  Learn about parking at Disney World

✔️  Explore the Disney Monorail

7. Choose Your Disney World Resort Hotel

Disney owns and operates more than 20 on-site hotels, which it calls “Resorts.”  This name can be a bit confusing, because you’ll also hear the entire Walt Disney World area referred to as a “resort.”  As an alternative to the on-site hotels, you can choose to stay at a hotel not owned by Disney; that could save you some money, but you’ll miss out on a number of perks offered exclusively to on-site Guests.

Official Disney On-Site Resorts

There is something special about staying at an official Disney World resort.

For one, each resort has its own distinctive character, charm, and identity. You can leave the real world behind and surround yourself with Disney magic, 24/7.

Since all of these resorts are on Disney World property, you will be in close proximity to all the parks and have direct access to monorails, boats, skykliners, and buses.  A few resorts are close enough that you can easily walk to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.

On-site guests also receive special perks that off-site guests do not. These include Early Theme Park Entry and the ability to book Dining Reservations and Lightning Lane entries ahead of non-Disney resort guests. For 2025, Resort Guests also receive free water park admission on their check-in day.  Make sure you link your Disney World hotel reservation to your My Disney Experience account to take advantage of these perks!

Disney’s on-site Resorts are categorized within the following tiers:

Disney Value Resorts

The rooms at  Disney Value Resorts are smaller and are situated among larger campuses, so you might find there’s a bit of a walk between your room and the bus stops, dining, and front desk.  Transportation to the Disney World theme parks is mostly via bus or Skyliner.  Dining is typically quick-service that’s more akin to a food court, but still usually features a surprising variety that goes well beyond burgers and pizza.  Value resorts are a fantastic option for families who want to keep an eye on their budget but still have all the benefits of staying on Disney World property.

Disney Moderate Resorts

The  Disney Moderate Resorts offer a nice middle ground between the Value and Deluxe resorts.  You’ll have a somewhat upgraded room, good transportation, and usually a few different dining options that may offer a broader menu.  A Moderate Resort is a great way to upgrade your stay at a Disney World resort hotel without a major impact on your budget.

Disney Deluxe Resorts

Deluxe Resorts tend to be closest hotels to the Disney World theme parks, usually just a monorail, boat ride, or short walk away.  Not only is it easier to get to the parks in the morning and back from the parks at night; it’s also easy to avoid the hottest and most crowded parts of the day by returning to your hotel and letting the kids cool down in the pool or take a midday nap.  Then, while everyone else who stayed in the park all day is hot, tired, and cranky, you’ll be refreshed and ready for the nighttime fireworks.  Disney World’s Deluxe resorts also often feature larger rooms, the best pools and restaurants, and a generally upgraded experience.

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Deluxe Villa Resorts offer vacation home style amenities such as kitchens and separate bedrooms, which can be a great option for larger groups.  These range from studios (basically a hotel room that also includes a kitchenette and pull-down bed) to 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units featuring full kitchens and living rooms.  There are even some unique offerings, such as treehouse villas and over-the-water bungalows.  Even beyond these deluxe villa resorts, many other Disney World hotels offer family suites .

The only major disadvantage of staying at an on-site Disney resort is the cost. With the extra perks and close proximity to the park, these resorts are more expensive than off-site resorts, so your decision will really just depend on your budget and the priorities of your vacation.

Traveling with a fuzzy friend?  You might be surprised to learn that pets are welcome at a select few resorts, and there’s even a facility made exclusively for them.  Check out Pets at Disney World for more information.

Our favorite Disney World YouTube Channel has a great overview of Disney’s official on-site Resorts.

Off-Site Hotels (non-Disney)

Most off-site properties are further away from the park and do not have direct access to the monorail (though some might offer a limited shuttle service). Despite this, many off-site resorts are still quite close to the parks – some, in fact, are situated directly on Disney-owned land.  For example, you’ll find third-party hotels not far from EPCOT, as well as an extensive “Hotel Boulevard” just an intersection or so away from Disney Springs.

While you won’t enjoy the same perks as on-site guests, these off-site properties are generally very nice.  And some  non-Disney hotels do have agreements with Disney to allow their Guests to experience some special perks.

Many have all the amenities of the more expensive Disney Resorts (some even have more), and the rooms are often larger. If your party has 5 or more guests, off-site resorts offer more value, as most of the on-site 5-person+ options are quite pricey.

The bottom line is, if you are sticking to a tight budget and don’t mind being a little further away from the action, a non-Disney resort may be your best bet. You can have a fantastic vacation staying at either on- or off-property resorts.

We recommended that you explore both options and weigh the pros and cons as they apply to your situation. You can certainly split your nights between on-property and off-property. But if you are only at Disney World for a few nights, we recommend just paying a little more to be on the property.

Find the perfect hotel for your budget

✔️  Explore our Disney Resort Comparison page

✔️  See the best Disney Value Resorts

✔️  View the best Disney Moderate Resorts

✔️  Review the best Disney Deluxe Resorts

✔️  Find the best Family Suites at Disney

✔️  See the best Disney Resorts for kids

✔️  Explore the best Disney Resorts for adults

✔️  Learn where to book Disney World hotels

✔️  Find off-site hotels with shuttle service

✔️  Find our picks for the best on-site hotels overall

✔️  See which resorts have the best hotel pools

✔️  Splurge on Club Level at Disney World or a Five-Star Hotel at Disney

✔️  What’s the cheapest on-site hotel?

8. Buy Theme Park Tickets and Make Park Reservations (if needed)

Image © Disney

While it’s certainly possible to go to Disney World without ever setting foot inside a theme park, very few people actually do that.

And given that it’s possible that you may end up spending more on park tickets than on your hotel room, the decision about which tickets to buy is an important one.

We recommend you review all your options well in advance so you have time to think about which package makes sense for your budget and duration of stay.

And remember, you might need to make a theme park reservation (Disney Park Pass), depending on your ticket type.

Disney Theme Park Tickets

Let’s first look at the theme park tickets.

When and Where to Buy your Disney World Theme Park Tickets

As a general rule, you should always purchase tickets either directly from Disney, your travel agent, or an through an authorized seller/reseller — and you should do so well in advance of your departure. This will shield you from any price hikes that might occur and gives you the best chance of securing a reservation to your desired park on your desired day  (if your ticket type requires reservations).

Given that tickets can sell out and that some even require a theme park reservation, it’s not wise to just wait to buy your tickets when you get to the front of the park .

Most importantly, NEVER buy your tickets via eBay, Craigslist, or another unauthorized reseller.   There’s a very good chance that those tickets will be expired, completely used (no days left), or simply counterfeit.  Don’t risk it!

Ticket Pricing

Disney World theme park ticket pricing varies throughout the year.  They’re generally the most expensive during popular times (such school breaks, holidays, and weekends) and the least expensive during slower times. Prices also vary by park; Animal Kingdom is usually the least expensive and Magic Kingdom is usually the most expensive, with Hollywood Studios and EPCOT falling somewhere in between.

You can purchase single-day tickets or multi-day tickets (up to 10 days).  Ticket prices are structured in a unique way that rewards Guests for committing more time to the parks; the per-day price of a multi-day ticket gets cheaper the more days you add.

We have a full rundown of the ticket pricing structure in our How Much Does it Cost to Go to Disney World article.

2024 One-Day One-Park Ticket Starting Price (actual price varies by park)

Types of Theme Park Tickets

The basic Disney World theme park ticket allows entry to only one theme park per day.  But there are optional upgrades which allow you to visit multiple parks on the same day or add other special experiences.

Park Hopper option

The Park Hopper ticket option allows Guests to visit multiple Disney World theme parks on the same day.  After starting the day at one park, Guests may then go to a different theme park later in the day.

We especially love the Park Hopper for spending the first part of the day at one theme park, then spending the evenings at Epcot to take advantage of the wonderful dining options at World Showcase.  It’s an especially great option for those who have a limited amount of time at Disney World, and for those who have short attention spans!

Water Park and Sports option

The Water Park and Sports option allows Guests to visit one theme park per day, while also providing visits to other Disney properties.  Guests who purchase this upgrade will be able to visit water parks, mini golf and nine-hole golf courses, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, when available.

The number of these visits provided is equal to the number of days of theme park admission purchased.  As an example, a 4-day park ticket allows four visits to these facilities.

Park Hopper Plus option

The Park Hopper Plus option combines the Park Hopper option and the Water Park and Sports option into a single upgrade.  Guests who purchase this upgrade will be able to visit multiple theme parks in the same day, and also enjoy a number of visits to water parks, select mini golf and nine-hole golf courses, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, when available.

Disney Park Pass (Theme Park Reservations)

A theme park ticket isn’t necessarily the only thing you need to get into a Disney theme park.  Guests who buy theme park tickets may also need a theme park reservation through a system called Disney Park Pass .

Because of this, planning ahead can be crucial to ensuring you can get into your desired theme park on the day you want to visit.  If you’re traveling during a more popular time of year such as spring break, summer, or Christmas, it is quite possible that tickets or reservations may not be available if you wait until the last minute.

Example of a theme park reservation availability calendar

Park Pass theme park reservations can be made as soon as you’ve purchased your theme park admission tickets.  We recommend you buy your tickets as far in advance as possible to have the best chance of getting the theme park reservations you want.

Park reservations may be needed for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — but it depends on the type of ticket you purchased.   They’re not needed for Disney Springs or the water parks.

As of December 2022, all One-Day One-Park tickets automatically include a park reservation — no need to make one separately. And as of January 9, 2024, all date-based tickets will be reservation-free. Other ticket types may still require one, so be sure to check out all the details when you purchase.

If your park hopper ticket requires reservations, you’ll only need a reservation for the park you’ll be  starting  your day at.  You do  not  need a reservation for the  second  park you’re visiting (“park hopping” to) on the same day, but the park still needs to have capacity to admit new Guests.

✔️  View Disney’s official theme park ticket price calendar

✔️  Check Disney’s theme park reservation availability calendar

✔️  Explore ticket prices in our How Much Does it Cost to Go to Disney World article

✔️  Read our complete guide to  Disney Park Pass theme park reservations

Need help navigating all of the ticket options?  Contact the Disney Experts at The Vacationeer .  They can help you decide which tickets are right for you and give you tips on snagging theme park reservations.  And best of all, their planning services are completely free!

9. Select Your Disney World Dining Options

There are literally hundreds of places to eat and drink around the Walt Disney World Resort, from the humblest popcorn cart to the fanciest high-end fine dining restaurant.  If this is your first trip, you may be surprised by all the world-class dining experiences the parks and resorts offer.

Gone are the days when Disney was known simply as a “burgers and kid’s meals” type of destination.  Sure, there are plenty of quick-service restaurants and snack stands around the park, but there is also an eclectic mix of fabulous table-service restaurants to satisfy the toughest of culinary critics.

Some restaurants are themed around Disney attractions, while others are geared towards families or offer formal dining experiences.

All-you-can-eat buffets are popular, as are regional cuisine restaurants. Epcot’s World Showcase offers culinary experiences aligning with the specific country represented, while Disney Springs has an abundance of fabulous dining experiences to choose from.

There’s even a popular dinner show called the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue that features two hours of comedy and music (accompanied by endless fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and strawberry shortcake).

There is really something for everyone’s taste buds at Walt Disney World!

Types of Restaurants

There are two primary types of restaurants at Disney World.

Quick-Service Restaurants

A quick-service restaurant, sometimes also called counter-service, is a place to grab a casual, quick bite.  The ordering, payment, and service experience is somewhat similar to what you might expect at either a fast food restaurant or a “fast casual” place such as a Panera Bread or Chipotle.  You’ll stand in line, order, and pay (or use the mobile ordering service described later in this planning step); then, you’ll either receive your food right away on a tray or be given a pager-type device to alert you when it’s time to come and pick up your meal.  You won’t have a server at your table, and when your meal is over you’re expected to bus your own table and discard your trash.  Despite the ordering experience being akin to a fast food place, your food isn’t necessarily just burgers and fries.  Many locations have innovative menus and substantial meal offerings that rival those of a traditional restaurant.

Table-Service Restaurants

A table-service restaurant, sometimes also referred to as a “sit-down” location, is a more refined dining experience.  You’ll check in with a host/hostess, be taken to a table, and be introduced to a server who will take your order and tend to your needs during your meal.  These restaurants vary from relatively casual a la carte locations, to all-you-care-to-eat buffets, to elegant signature dining locations.  Menus vary from homestyle cooking to authentic international cuisine.  Advance reservations (described below) are strongly suggested, as some restaurants may completely refuse walk-ups during busy times.

Advance Dining Reservations

If you plan on dining at table-service restaurants during your vacation (recommended!), reservations are essential.

Disney calls its restaurant reservations “Advance Dining Reservations.”  Sometimes you’ll hear people call these “ADRs.”  An ADR lets you secure your table at some of Disney’s most popular table-service restaurants (restaurants in which you have a server at your table who takes your order and brings your food to you).

Slots during prime hours go quickly, especially at popular dining locations like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Chef Mickey’s.  Booking your reservations as soon as the reservation window opens is key to getting what you want.

Guests staying in a Disney Resort hotel  may make dining reservations for the entire length of their stay (up to 10 days’ worth of reservations) as early as 60 days in advance of their hotel check-in date.

All other Guests can make their advance reservations for dining as early as 60 days in advance of the meal.

Note: you might have previously heard that dining reservations could be made 180 days in advance.  While that was previously true, the booking window changed in 2020.

We recommend that you spend some time reviewing on Tripadvisor  and  Yelp  before making your Advance Dining Reservations (or speak w/ a Disney Travel Agent first).

Mobile Ordering

Reservations are not offered for quick-service dining at Disney World, though some locations do provide a mobile ordering service through the My Disney Experience app.  For these locations, you can view menus in the app, then order and pay ahead of time.  When it’s time to eat, you can bypass the regular ordering/payment line and go straight to the mobile pickup window to get your food.

Skip the Line with Mobile Ordering

Character Dining

One of Disney’s unique dining offerings is its character dining.  If getting some face time with Disney characters is a must-do for your trip, this is a great way to accomplish it without having to wait in line (and you get to enjoy a great meal, too!).

While you enjoy your meal, several Disney characters will come to your table for a brief visit.  It’s a great chance to snap a photo, ask for an autograph, or just enjoy a personal interaction.  Because the characters are coming to you, there’s no need to wait in any long lines.  And there’s just something special about having the main mouse himself pop up over your shoulder while you’re chowing down on a Mickey waffle!

Each character dining experience focuses on a specific set of characters… for example, the “Fab 5,” Disney princesses, Disney Junior Stars, or Winnie the Pooh and friends.

Disney Dining Plans

For some travelers, one of the best options for dining at Disney is to add a Disney Dining Plan to your on-site hotel stay.  These plans offer a set number of meal and snack credits per person at a fixed daily cost.  Historically, during certain low-demand seasons, Disney has even  occasionally offered the dining plan at no additional charge as part of a vacation package including a hotel stay and theme park tickets.

Disney Dining plans were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they’re returning for 2024 Disney World vacations .

Until the dining plan fully returns, you’ll be paying out of pocket for your food on-site, unless you opt to bring your own food into the parks (and yes, you can get groceries delivered to your hotel).

✔️  Calculate the date you can book dining reservations

✔️  Explore menus for every restaurant at Disney World

✔️  Use our Disney Dining Plan Calculator (Note: Dining Plans are currently suspended until January 2024)

✔️  Estimate your food costs by viewing examples in our  How Much Does it Cost article

✔️  See how different meal choices affect your budget in our Disney World Cost Calculator

✔️  See our picks for the best Magic Kingdom restaurants

✔️  Explore our ranked list of the best EPCOT restaurants

✔️  Review our choices for best Hollywood Studios restaurants

✔️  Go wild when dining at the Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants

✔️  Explore the best options for Character Dining

✔️  Experience culinary excellence at one of the Michelin Guide restaurants at Disney

✔️  On a plant-based diet? Check out the best Vegetarian dining

✔️  Just love food? Review our guide to Disney World for Foodies

✔️  Learn more about Disney Dining Plans

✔️  Read about Disney World Free Dining promotions

10. Create a Daily Itinerary for Your Disney World Vacation

Now that we have covered the basic elements of your Walt Disney World vacation, it’s time to start thinking about the nitty-gritty details of your trip. Improvising on-the-go can cost you money and lost time while you are at the park, so creating an itinerary will keep your vacation on track.

If your trip to WDW is 4 days or fewer, you will most likely spend each day exploring at least one of Disney’s 4 theme parks. Consider a Park Hopper pass so that you have the ability to jump between parks during the day.

Time is of the essence, so we recommend that you map your route and create an itinerary of high-priority attractions so nothing is overlooked.

If your Disney World vacation is a week or so, consider spending one day at a Disney water park (Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon), at a non-Disney property (such as SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens), golfing, boating, shopping, or just taking a day off to relax.

Reservations for theme parks and dining should be made well in advance of your trip, so the process of selecting which restaurants and attractions are top priorities should begin as soon as you book your trip (if not before).

As you research your options, make notes to help you formulate your Walt Disney World itinerary.

Here are a few things to consider when making your daily plans:

One of the primary factors for your daily itinerary should be how late the park is open each day you’re there.  Park opening and closing times can vary from day-to-day.  So you might want to base your daily park choices on which park has the longest hours — or at least make sure you don’t shoehorn yourself into only being able to visit a certain park on the one day during your trip that it closes early. Some parks take longer to fully experience than others, and you don’t want to run out of time.

A great perk of staying at an on-site Disney hotel is having extra time in the parks when the general public is not allowed in.  While not all attractions operate during these extended hours, it’s still a great way to get a few extra rides in with typically lower wait times.  The previous Extra Magic Hours  program has now been replaced by two offerings:

Early Theme Park Entry

Disney Resort hotel Guests (and Guests of other select hotels) may  enter the Disney parks 30 minutes earlier  than the general public, every day of the week. Each of the four parks offers this perk every day of the week; which park you choose is solely up to you!

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

Guests at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villa Resorts, and a few other select hotels may also enjoy additional time at specific parks on specific nights.  You’ll want to check the  latest schedule  to verify which dates and parks are available during your trip.

Waiting for Rides/Attractions

It’s an unfortunate fact that a sizable portion of your Disney World trip will be spent waiting in line to get on rides or see shows.  Fortunately, there are ways to minimize this as much as possible.

Standby Lines

When most people think of waiting in line for a ride, they’re thinking of what Disney World calls a Standby queue.  It’s line waiting in its simplest form; you walk up to an attraction entrance, wait in line for as long as it takes, and then get into the ride vehicle.

Standby wait times can fluctuate wildly throughout the day, often peaking in the mid-afternoon.  While you can’t do anything about the length of the line itself, you can game the system a bit by deciding when to enter that line.

For your most important attraction of the day, I suggest doing what frequent visitors call “rope dropping” the park.  This means that you are at the park before it opens for the day, enter the park as soon as Guests are allowed in (as soon as they “drop the rope” that is keeping people out), and go directly to the desired attraction so you can ride it with as little wait as possible.

Other tactics to try to avoid the worst of the standby wait times is to go during the afternoon parade, or to go when most people are having lunch/dinner.  The Disney Genie section of the My Disney Experience app will also show you a forecast of wait times for each hour of the day so you can better plan your arrival time to minimize waits.

One further tip that won’t necessarily help you avoid an extended wait time but will certainly increase your comfort level. As a long-time Floridian, I highly recommend doing all of the rides that have completely-outdoor waiting lines either early or late in the day; when it’s miserably hot/steamy outside during the afternoon hours, I prefer to hide away from the midday sun by experiencing the rides with indoor air-conditioned queues. These rides are also less likely to close during afternoon thunderstorms.

Virtual Queues

If your trip happens to occur in the months immediately following the opening of a highly-anticipated attraction (such as a new roller coaster), you’ll likely find that you can’t simply go stand in line for that ride.  Instead, you might have to use something called a virtual queue .

It’s exactly what it sounds like — rather than physically standing in line, your spot in line is held virtually via the My Disney Experience app.

Virtual Queue

A virtual queue is both good news and bad news for your itinerary planning.

The good news: Historically, people have spent as much as five or six hours (!) waiting in line for a new ride — I did that when Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opened and don’t recommend it.  Those long lines are not the case with virtual queuing.  Your wait might technically still be that long, but you don’t have to spend that time actually waiting in a line.  You’re instead free to go have plenty of other fun elsewhere in the park during that time, and then come back when it’s time to ride.

The bad news: Competition to grab a spot in the virtual queue can be fierce.  Spaces open up daily at 7AM and again at 1PM.  On dates when Extended Evening Theme Park Hours are offered for select Resort Guests, another round of queuing begins at 6PM.  On the busiest days, all available slots can be claimed within seconds of being released. To give yourself the best possible chance of snagging a spot, read Disney’s extensive instructions  ahead of time so you know exactly what to do at 7AM on the day you wish to visit.

Priority Attraction Entrance (Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane)

Many rides and experiences in the parks have a special Lightning Lane entrance which allows you to bypass the regular line and board more quickly.  If you’ve been to Disney World in the past, you might remember these entrances having been previously called FastPass or FastPass+.  The Lightning Lane concept is still mostly the same, but there’s one big difference: you now must pay to enter the Lightning Lane.

Genie+ Service

Most rides which have a Lightning Lane entrance are packaged together into a bundled service called Genie+.  For a combined fee of approximately $15-$30 (varies based on date/demand/park) per person per day, Genie Plus lets guests make reservations to use the Lightning Lane entrance at more than 40 attractions throughout the parks.  Guests make their first Lightning Lane reservation on the morning of their visit and then make additional ride reservations, one at a time, for the remainder of the day (subject to availability).  Disney says this service will usually help you experience a quicker load time on 2-3 attractions on a busy day (maybe more on less-crowded days), which can help save you hours of waiting in line.

Note: The paid Genie+ service should not be confused with the basic Disney Genie service, which is an itinerary suggestion service inside the My Disney Experience app.  Disney Genie provides suggestions of what to do based on wait times and your interests.  Genie+ saves you time waiting in line by letting you instead select a time to return to ride.

Individual Lightning Lane entry

The Lightning Lane entrances at the most popular attractions in each park are not included in Genie+ and are instead sold separately.  You’ll be able to purchase one entrance per day for each ride offering this individual entry service.  The cost usually ranges from $10-$20 per ride and varies based on the attraction, date, and availability.

If a ride’s Lightning Lane is sold under this individual pricing structure, it will not be included in the Genie+ package offering.

You can’t actually book your Lightning Lane entrances in advance — they’re available for purchase only on the day of your visit — but you’ll still want to research them in advance to include in your daily itinerary.

Disability Access Service

A special service is provided to assist Guests who have a condition that interferes with their ability to wait in line.  This offering, called the Disability Access Service (DAS), assigns return times so Guests don’t need to be physically present in the attraction line (but still experience a similar length of wait as those who are waiting in line).

There’s an important distinction when understanding DAS: qualifying is based on a guest’s ability to wait  in line, not their ability to  stand in line. Most attraction lines are wheelchair accessible , so a wheelchair alone is unlikely to qualify someone to use DAS.  There’s no official list of disabilities which automatically qualify, but some which may qualify include ADHD, autism , or anxiety.  Each decision is made on an individual basis, and Disney alone has sole authority to grant or deny DAS to a Guest.

This is a highly-nuanced topic that we can’t completely cover in just a few sentences.  We suggest you read our extensive guide to the Disability Access Service for further details.

Timing Your Meals

Your itinerary should include a solid plan on when you’re going to eat your meals.

Unless you have breakfast reservations for an in-park restaurant, we do NOT recommend that you have breakfast in the park.  You’ll likely be missing out on some of the lowest ride wait times of the day if you’re off getting food right after the park opens.  One option is to have breakfast at your hotel’s restaurant before heading to the park (the restaurants open early enough to allow this without missing park opening). I personally prefer to just have bagels and cream cheese in my room and opt for an early lunch — that lets me sleep in just a bit and still get to the parks early.

Speaking of an early lunch, having your meals during an off-peak time is a great way to avoid wasting time waiting in long lines at counter-service restaurants.  If you have lunch at noon and dinner at 6PM, you’ll quickly notice that pretty much everyone else in the park had the same idea.  Not only will there be longer waits in line (and for your food to be prepared), but you might even have to “hover” a bit to find an empty table.  If you do have to dine during the busiest hours, take full advantage of mobile ordering within the My Disney Experience app whenever you can.

Of course, should you have dining reservations at a table service restaurant for lunch or dinner, your time for that meal is set and you just need to plug it into your daily itinerary.

Planning When to Stop and When to Go, Go, Go

With the prospect of a full vacation in front of you, it’s easy to either over or under do it.

Yes, you’re on vacation, so it’s tempting to sleep in.  But doing so will put you a step behind everyone else in the park, meaning you’re at the mercy of higher crowds and longer lines.  Waking up early and getting to the parks right away goes a long way toward starting the day right.

On the other hand, if you plan to go nonstop from morning to night seven days in a row, you’re going to crash midweek and have a miserable time.  You’ll probably end up losing more time due to the inevitable meltdown than if you had just planned to take some downtime along the way.

Take it from someone who spend more than a decade battling the central Florida heat: the afternoon sun will suck the life right out of you. A midday break is just the thing to rejuvenate your spirits.

If you’re staying on-site, you can easily go back to your hotel for a midday nap or dip in the pool.  I also like to give myself at least one “day off” during my trip. I usually just spend it relaxing at the hotel or maybe checking out the animals on the Savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge — but you might want go play a round of golf, sit on the lakeside “beach” at some resorts, or have a laidback day at Disney Springs (go shopping, have a meal, take a balloon ride , or see a movie ).

Giving some thought  now to periods of activity and periods of rest will help make sure your vacation doesn’t veer off track.

Our Top Tips for Disney World Itinerary Planning

With all of the above in mind, it’s really going to come down to a matter of personal preference.  Once you have a good handle on all of the things to do, see, eat, and experience at Disney World — what do you want to do each day?

Only you can answer that question.  But here are a few of our favorites to consider when planning your daily itinerary:

Some of the most popular rides for Lightning Lane passes and Disney Genie+ are:

• Magic Kingdom – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train; Space Mountain
• Epcot – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind; Frozen Ever After; Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Hollywood Studios – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run; Rise of the Resistance; Slinky Dog Dash; Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Animal Kingdom – Pandora’s Na’vi River Journey; Avatar Flight of Passage; Expedition Everest

Some of the other most popular attractions at each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks include:

• Magic Kingdom – Haunted Mansion; Magic Carpets of Aladdin; Pirates of the Caribbean; Splash Mountain (currently closed)
• Epcot – the pavilions of Epcot World Showcase; Mission: Space; Test Track; Spaceship Earth; Soarin’; Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Animal Kingdom – Expedition Everest; Jungle Cruise; Kali River Rapids; Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Hollywood Studio – Fantasmic; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster; Toy Story Midway Mania; Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Some of our favorite WDW restaurants include:

• Be Our Guest Restaurant , Magic Kingdom – This ornate French eatery with a Beauty & the Beast theme offers fixed-price dining.
• California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Contemporary Resort’s premier restaurant is a great spot to watch the fireworks and offers breathtaking views of the park.
• Chef Mickey’s, Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Popular breakfast & dinner buffet restaurant with special visits from Mickey and friends.
• Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom – This Cinderella-themed eatery is set in a room that resembles a medieval castle’s banquet hall.
• Flame Tree Barbeque, Animal Kingdom – Tasty BBQ featuring a relaxing outdoor pavilion with amazing views of Animal Kingdom. And it’s quick-service, so no need for a reservation!
• Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Retro dining establishment with fantastic caricatures of old-time celebrities on the wall.
• Le Cellier, Canada Pavilion at World Showcase, Epcot – Steaks are a specialty at this top-notch table service dining establishment.
• ‘Ohana, Polynesian Village Resort – All-you-can-eat, American-style (with a Polynesian twist) buffet for breakfast and dinner.
• Teppan Edo, Japan Pavilion at World Showcase, Epcot – Guests are seated around the teppanyaki grills as skilled chefs prepare your meal in front of you.
• The Boathouse Restaurant, The Landing, Disney Springs – Upscale waterfront dining experience featuring steaks and seafood, Amphicar tours, Italian water taxi tours, and live music.
• Via Napoli, Italy Pavilion at World Showcase, Epcot – Amazing pizza! Need we say more?

✔️  Find out which rides and experiences have a Lightning Lane

✔️  See the scheduled Disney Park Hours

✔️  Learn about the Virtual Queue

✔️  Learn a few of our favorite Disney Tips and Tricks

✔️  Find the Best Days To Visit Magic Kingdom

✔️  See  What’s New at Disney World

✔️  Check the  Ride Closure and Refurbishment Calendar

✔️  Investigate whether Genie+ is worth it

✔️  Learn if we believe Lightning Lane passes are worth the cost

✔️  See our complete guide to the Disability Access Service

✔️  See our list of fun things to do at Disney

✔️  Traveling with little ones? Find the best attractions for kids

✔️  Want some time off your feet? Plan on attending a stage show

✔️  Find the best places to relax at Disney

11. Create Your Disney World Packing List

Depending on the duration of your Walt Disney World vacation, you will most likely pack lots of items to take with you. Let’s look at some of the things you should include in your WDW packing list.

Luggage / Backpacks for Disney World 

First and foremost, make sure your luggage/backpacks are in tip-top shape for the journey, and of adequate size to hold your travel essentials.

Many families prefer to bring a backpack with them into a Disney World park so they have everything with them. It’s handy to have the essentials (or even a snack) — just remember not to overdo it!  Everything you bring in with you has to be hauled around all day, stowed away for rides, or left in a rented locker at the front of the park.

Some people prefer to skip the backpacks all together and use a smaller pack that goes around the waist.  While not necessarily the height of fashion, they certainly do the job and are much easier to work with when it comes to boarding ride vehicles.

Disney Souvenirs

This tip might sound odd, but hear us out.

Consider purchasing some of your Disney World souvenirs before your departure.

Purchasing items beforehand – like t-shirts, trading pins and lanyards, Disney autograph books, games and toys, and Mickey Mouse Ears hats – can save you money and time spent shopping for these items at the park. Plus, you will have these Disney souvenir items ready to use as soon as your flight touches down in Orlando.

Packing List

And finally, it’s time to think about which clothing items, documents, toiletries, medications, electronics, swimwear, baby items, food and snacks, and other accessories you will need to pack.

From our experience, you will arrive at Disney World – thinking you have packed everything you will need for your trip – only to discover that you left an important item or two at home.

For your convenience, we have created a suggested Disney World Packing List  to ensure that nothing is overlooked during the packing process.

Print this list and check items off as you pack. We have also included a few recommended items on our Packing List.

These include links to inexpensive ponchos, comfortable shoes, external batteries, USB wall chargers, and Disney beach towels, as well as water bottles and Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads for those warm days at Disney World.

✔️  Download our suggested Packing List

✔️  See our suggestions for the Best Backpacks for Disney World

✔️  Review the Best Disney World Fanny Packs

✔️  Scope out the Best Souvenirs in advance of your trip

Final Thoughts on How To Plan a Disney World Vacation

We hope our Ultimate Guide to Walt Disney World Vacation Planning will get you on the right path to planning, prioritizing, and booking your magical vacation to Disney World.  It’s a lot of information, but with enough research and planning, you’ll have a magical trip!

We should point out that this guide is mostly geared towards Walt Disney World in Florida, but many of the basic ideas still apply to other Disney vacations .  If you’re headed to Disneyland in California, you’ll also want to check out our Disneyland vs Disney World ,   Disneyland Resort Map , and  Disneyland Crowd Calendar pages.  We also offer extensive resources for those planning trips with Disney Cruise Line (including a complete guide to planning your first Disney Cruise ), as well as resources on Adventures by Disney .

Contact a Disney Travel Planner to Book Your Disney World Trip

As you’ve seen in this article, there is a LOT that goes into planning a Disney vacation.  Why not call in a professional to help?

The Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at The Vacationeer can plan your trip for you and take care of all of your reservations, all at no additional charge.  You won’t pay a penny more than if you’d have booked it yourself — and you might even pay less !

Their team of 90+ Disney fanatics know all the tips and tricks for hotels, dining, park tickets, and more… and can even apply new discounts to your trip as they’re announced, after your trip is booked!

There’s never any obligation to book and their services are free, so there’s nothing to lose by contacting them for a quote.

Related Posts:

First Time Beginner’s Guide to Disney World (15 minute crash course)

Save this post for later

With so many Rides, Shows, and Attractions, it can be hard to know where to start at Disney World in Orlando Florida (Disneyland is in California, and offers different things!).

This is a comprehensive guide that covers all the basics about Disney World. If you’re familiar with Walt Disney World, this information is probably unnecessary. If your new to Disney, then this is the place to be.

Disney is a vacation packed full of so many options, from great rides at the four Theme Parks, to water fun at the Water Parks and Resorts, to Character Memories, fun Entertainment and Nighttime Fireworks Celebrations.

Refer to the Table of Contents below to jump around to areas you’d like to learn more about.

Does Disney World do anything Special for First Time Visitors?

Yes! Disney World offers a ‘1st Visit’ button that you can wear to celebrate that occasion and let Cast Members (the Disney Employees) know that it’s your first time.

So let’s jump into some quick tips for first time Disney World visitors and then you can pick where you want to get started with all this information! If this is too much, simply save or share this page for later.

This post may contain affiliate links, read my full disclosure here.

Table of Contents for Disney World Guide

• Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered

The Best Times to go to Disney World

• How many days do you need at Disney
• What do you need to bring to your Disney World Vacation?
• Overview of the Parks
• Overview of Entertainment in the Parks
• All about Disney Resorts

Quick FAQs for Disney World

What should you do on your first visit to disney world.

You should make a Bucket List/ Cant Miss list!

Disney World is intense… there’s so much more to do and see (maybe that’s why we have so many websites and vlogs and content creators sharing the Disney fun!)

Creating a list of things you want to do will make planning much easier and make the vacation more fun . Here’s a list of Can’t Miss fun for most families , and a Can’t Miss list for little kids !

How Much does it cost to go to Disney World?

The average vacation in 2024 is going to cost around $5000 dollars for a Family of Four to go for 5 days (this includes tickets, lodging, a food budget and souvenirs but not travel costs to get to the parks) See the full breakdown for the costs (with examples!) on how to do Disney World on a tight (yet realistic!) budget.

Having a dollar sign in mind is a good way to make sure that you stay on track with your Disney World Vacation. This is such an exciting time and you want to make sure that you make the most of it. There are many money saving tips that can help with your magical vacation.

The Best Time to go to Disney World is the time that fits with your schedule!

Disney World is ‘always’ busy now on the weekends and many times throughout the week. There is no ‘slow’ season, though the months of January and September are typically slower months than others.

Walt Disney World is such a popular resort that it can get a little crowded.  

I’ve been on some of the busiest days of the year, and while it is still magical, it’s not very fun waiting in a two hour line ! What you can do is check the best weeks to go and pick the week that works best for your family! 

Some of the Best Months to go for lower crowds are:

• The beginning of May
• The second week in December

Some of the best times to enjoy the Parks for lower crowds are:

• In the Evenings- especially if they park is closing in a few hours or staying open very late
• In the Early Morning- especially if you have early morning hours available to you when you stay on Disney World property
• During the Week Days- it helps to look at the MyDisneyExperience App and check the wait times. While these are often inflated, they are a good predictor of crowd levels during your vacation.
• Magic Kingdom on days that a party is planned, and the regular park closes at 6. Many people skip this day because it doesn’t include fireworks, but it’s a great option if you have a park hopper or want to get up early and spend a good 10 hours at Magic Kingdom.

⭐ What is a Touring Plan, and why is it recommended to know the crowd level when planning a touring plan?

Touring Plans are detailed lists that tell you where to go for rides and attractions at what time. These rely heavily on park hours, expected crowd levels, and what rides/attractions your party wants to do. A common Touring Plan example is to rope drop Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom as the wait time is high during the day (or to make it your last ride of the night).

What do you need to pack for your Disney vacation?

Whether it’s your first time to Disney World or your hundredth, it pays to be prepared.

But what you need for your Disney vacation really depends on each person and family (and reason for the trip!) I do recommend getting a packing list together- at least a month ahead of time, so that way you can get everything you need.

This should include the following items:

• Number of Outfits x your vacation days + one opposite weather outfit (so a sweater if you come in the summer, or shorts if you come in the winter)
• Two pairs of Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Sun Protection including Hat, Sunglasses and Sunscreen
• A Park Bag or Park FannyPack, for you to bring into the parks with you
• Comfort Care items like lotion, lip balm, and first aid kits
• Toiletries and Cosmetics
• Disney Items like Mouse Ears, Signature Books, Pin Collections, Penny Collections

⭐ Does Disney World offer personal care items, clothing, or other commonly forgot items? Yes. Lots of these items are found inside the Parks. But for a full selection, head to the resorts. If you are at a Value resort and can’t find what you are looking for (And have talked to a Cast Member to confirm it’s not hiding somewhere), head to one of the Deluxe Resorts to check out there selections.

The top 3 items I recommend to everyone:

1. Portable Phone Charger – you phone WILL go dead using the MyDisney App, and some of the rides will drain your battery as your phone looks for signal. The alternative is good ole pencil and paper- just make sure you can access your plans and reservations for the day! You can also use the swappable batteries, see more about where to find those swappable battery locations at Disney here .

2. Insulated Water Bottle – It gets HOT at Disney. Even in the winter you are dealing with the sun, the wind and way too much walking. Animal Kingdom also doesn’t do straws or lids- so you need a water bottle to prevent spillage. 

3. Body Glide- This stuff is phenomenal. I use it for anywhere my skin might get irritation (like shoes in sneakers or thighs in shorts). Its only a few bucks, so better to have it and not need it- then need it and not have it!

And if your headed to Disney World for a Birthday Celebration , consider what you want to pack, versus what you want to buy when you get there.

How many days should you plan for your Disney World Trip?

Most people will find that a First Time Disney Vacation is exciting and exhausting! There’s so much to see and do, and you cannot possibly get it all done in one trip (or even two!)

Most families will benefit from 3-5 days inside the Parks.

But there’s a lot of ways to do Disney! You could do two days inside Magic Kingdom, and one day at EPCOT. You could just do two days at Magic Kingdom and make it a long weekend. You could hit up all four parks, or two days at Disney and two days at Universal.

Tips for Disney World Tickets

If you are visiting for the first time, a standard ticket would be the most appropriate versus an annual pass- you can pick how many base days you’d like to have.

Recommended time at the resort is 6 days 5 nights . This gives you 4 days in the parks, and then your arrival and departure day. Some families will benefit from a ‘no park’ day in the middle of their week to relax, and take in the amenities at the hotel (and possibly recover from sunburn or dehydration that is so prone to Disney trips!)

There are some pros and cons to only doing Magic Kingdom in one day , but most people will find that with a bucket list, their one day trip is enough!

➡️ You will need a Park Reservation for some tickets and passes. To schedule a park ticket, head over to Disney World here and secure your dates (its better to have a date/park secured and change later than not have one at all!)

What’s not recommended:

-Having a Ticket for Arrival or Departure day (there is plenty to do that doesn’t require a ticket!) Unless you are going for something specific. Most people will benefit from resting on Arrival and Departure day.

-Park Hopper Tickets if you are staying for more than 4 days. If you plan to go to all the parks anyways, there’s no need to add the Park Hopper. I would recommend this if you are doing less than 3 days. Keep in mind that hopping parks can take some time (between 45-90 minutes) that may be better spent in the parks.

-Not getting the Park Hopper if you can only come for 1-3 days. The Park Hopper here will help you take advantage of all the staggered opening and closing times to get the most out of your ticket.

-Purchasing from somewhere like eBay- I would hate for your ticket not to work when you arrived

Overview of the Disney Parks

There’s no Harry Potter, Charizard or Daffy Ducks at Disney World my friends. But we do have 6 Theme Parks (4 Main Ones and 2 Water Parks). Disney World is the size of San Francisco, or double the size of Manhattan. And its also located in Florida, in Orlando. There’s a lot going on here!

Disney also has an amazing amount of themed resorts and restaurants that I also recommend you check out! You can peek around the resorts as a guest and eat at any of the locations on property – most require a reservation but they aren’t hard to get. 

Quick Note about Transportation at Disney World

Or said better, How to get where you need to go on Vacation!

⭐ Is Disney Transportation available to all guests, including those not staying on property? Yes! Respectfully of course, but you can hop on the Skyliner, or take the Monorail, or catch a boat without needing to stay on property. This is a fun option on your ‘no-park-ticket’ day, and here’s everything you can do at Disney World without a Park Ticket.

⭐How long does Disney Transportation take? Maybe the most important question of this entire post! Transportation can be quick, kinda slow, or completely closed. You might miss reservations or get stuck for an hour waiting for a bus. While most of it is free to use, it’s a gamble on the time requirements, so plan to give yourself extra time.

Complimentary Transportation Options:

• The Buses (available at most Disney Resorts, and will pop up if there is severe weather and you can’t take the Skyliner, Boats or Monorail)
• The Monorail. Three lines operate at Disney World. One takes you to and from EPCOT to the Ticket and Transportation Center. One takes you straight from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom and back again. The Last Line makes 5 stops. The Transportation and Ticket Center, The Contemporary Resort, Magic Kingdom, The Grand Floridian Resort, The Polynesian Resort.
• The Ferry Boat takes you from Magic Kingdom to the Transportation and Ticket Center and back.
• The Friendship Boats operate for the Hollywood Studios/EPCOT water front resorts, Between Disney Springs and Port Orleans Resort, and for the Magic Kingdom Seven Seas Lagoon Resorts.
• The Skyliner has three lines. One line goes from the Depot to Hollywood Studios and back (Caribbean Beach is where the depot is located). One line goes from the EPCOT Boardwalk (it’s the second EPCOT entrance called the International Gateway), to Riveria Resort to the Depot. The third line runs from Art of Animation/POP Century Resort to the Skyliner Depot.
• Parking at Disney Springs or the Water Parks and Mini Golf locations.

Paid Transportation Options:

• Parking at Disney World Parks. This is included if you have paid to park at a Disney World resort. There is a tram at several of the parking lots that takes you to the front.
• Minnie Vans, which are a partnership between Lyft Rideshare and Disney World. These are Disney employees who pick you up in a red and black polka dot ‘van’.

The Parks at Disney World

Disney World has four Major Parks, two Water Parks, and then Disney Springs.

Magic Kingdom

The Iconic Cinderella Castle and Main Street U.S.A. are just two of the notable landmarks at Magic Kingdom. This is the Number One Park at Disney World and at full capacity (so really busy with lots of long lines!) it can take a Visitor almost 20 hours to complete the rides and attractions.

Magic Kingdom hosts lots of other amazing attractions like Space Mountain, Fantasy Land and Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Not to mention, Magic Kingdom is also home to lots of character meet and greets and the amazing fireworks display at the end of the night. Seeing the Castle lit up is a magical experience that the whole family can enjoy, and one of the highlights of any Disney trip. 

Hollywood Studios 

Hollywood studios used to be considered among us Disney Goers as the ‘one day park’ because it was something that we could just hit up our favorite attractions and then catch dinner somewhere else on the resort. This is certainly not the case anymore though! 

If you follow Disney news at all, you’ll see that Hollywood Studios has been revamped lately to include Star Wars, Toy Story Land, Beauty and the Beast and the Disney Junior Characters.

This is exciting news because it takes this park and gives it a much needed update. If you’ve never been (or it’s been a reallyyyyy long time) don’t bypass Hollywood Studios because of old reviews. This is definitely a park you want to visit for all your movie and TV needs!

Epcot is the infamous park that houses all the other countries. The park actually has two sections, Worlds Celebration, Nature and Discovery at the Front of the Park and World Showcase around the lake (it’s a giant circle). 

The World Showcase is where you’ll find many scenic views, easy going rides and of course, the eleven countries with authentic gifts and cuisine. I love to go on Date nights to “Britain” or “Japan”-  it’s so amazing that we can step into another country without leaving Disney! 

With few exceptions, the World Showcase doesn’t open up till 11 for shops and drinks, but you can catch the Shops, Attractions and Food at the front of the park when the park opens. Options like the Soarin’ ride, Finding Nemo, Mission: Space and Test Track are great ways to start the day (and Frozen in Norway plus Ratatouille in France open when the park does!)

Epcot is also home to Festivals throughout the year. We have the Festival of the Arts to start the year, followed by the Flower and Garden Festival in the Spring and Early Summer. Then Food and Wine Festival in the Fall and The Festival of the Holidays to round out the year.

Animal Kingdom 

Animal Kingdom is where the animals are, seriously. With more than 500 acres and 1700 animals, it’s considered to be the largest theme park in the world! This makes for quite the adventure when it comes to planning your day as you won’t be able to see everything in one go. 

There’s several sections to Animal Kingdom, the newest of which is the Pandora land based off the movie Avatar. Some of the other sections, which are called ‘lands’ include Asia, Africa, Dinoland, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Discovery Island.

Since Animal Kingdom is so large, it’s good to plan for exactly one day here and still pick your ‘must see’ items! The Thrill rides here tend to fill up quickly, just like at the other parks (namely Avatar Flight of Passage and Everest, plus sometimes slower Family Fun rides like Navi River Journey and the Animal Safari)

Animal Kingdom generally opens earlier than most of the parks, and it’s a great park to ‘Rope Drop’ (or show up before it opens!). Then you can leave around Dinner time to another park, Disney Springs or eat at the Resort.

The Water Parks

Disney has two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both of these have lots of fun water activities with their own unique themes. 

Typhoon Lagoon is a tropical getaway filled with water rides the whole family can enjoy! It also features a kiddy play area and thrill rides for the older kids! 

Blizzard Beach takes a different spin on theming, think ski resort that has melted into summer water fun! Blizzard beach also has several options for everyone in the family, from kid sized water slides to one of the world’s tallest and fastest water rides!

Disney Springs 

Disney Springs was previously called Downtown Disney and if you look at old reviews or message boards it’s easy to get confused about where Downtown Disney went! 

It did get a major facelift and a new name. Most notably, it received lots of new parking, a slew of new stores (many of which are designer names) and several new restaurants.

Disney Springs is:

• Free to Park at
• Free to Enter
• Normally low crowd, but crowded on Weekends, Holidays and High Crowd Park Days

Notable Entertainment Offerings at Disney World

I get this question from Disney Vacationers all the time- “What is there to do at Disney?”

There is SO MUCH to do at Disney World that you simply can’t do it all! What I wanted to do was break down the basics for you!

There’s lots of Characters at Disney

You can meet the characters a few different ways. 

• 1.By going to the Character Meet and Greets inside the Parks, these are marked on the Map
• 2.By Scheduling a Character Dining Experience.
• 3. By purchasing a Special Event Ticket
• 4. By stumbling upon an unmarked Character Meet and Greet
• 5. By meeting Characters at the Resorts as they tour around to different locations daily

Some of the Characters you can meet in the parks are:

• Mickey Mouse
• Joy (Inside Out)
• Donald Duck
• Winnie the Pooh and Tiger
• Tinker Bell
• And SOOOO many more!

Character Dining is a great way to meet your favorite Pals! If you’re interested in how to meet characters without a ticket check out this helpful guide! 

Disney LOVES parades. They have a parade for everything it seems like! They even have one when it RAINS!

Don’t forget that Disney World also has seasonal parades for Halloween and Christmas. They go all out with these, as typically they are only shown for a separate ticketed event (like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas)

Here’s some of the memorable ones you can expect at Magic Kingdom:

Main Street Trolley Show

This happens in the mornings at Magic Kingdom, kind of like their welcoming act to bring you into the park! It’s a very “Mary Poppins” themed show, and oh so cute! 

Disney Festival Of Fantasy Parade

Featured so many Favorites, catch this show on Main Street USA during the day. Typically you’ll find this show at 12 pm and 3 pm, but check the app for updated times during your trip.

FireWork and Nighttime Shows

You can find FireWorks Displays at three Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT!

At Magic Kingdom, you’ll get to see Happily Ever After, typically at 9pm. You can best see this is you can see the Castle, but I also enjoy the Fireworks without the Castle Display by hanging out in FantasyLand.

At Hollywood Studios, line up for Fantasmic, with shows typically starting at 9pm nightly. This is in a Theater, so you’ll need to head down Sunset Blvd and join the crowd to see this performance. There’s minor Fireworks during the Visual Display broadcasted on the Chinese Theater.

At EPCOT, gather around World Showcase for a fun Visual and Auditory Show that you can see all around the lake. It’s an easy watch, and generally low crowd.

Nightlife and Nighttime Activities at Disney

Some would say that I saved the best for last- and that is probably the case! If we were going to cover ALL of the options for entertainment after dark at Disney we would be here awhile. Let’s look at some of the favorites! 

Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs)

Disney is not just for kids! Especially Downtown Disney, which was built more with the adult in mind. You can shop and enjoy Dinner, then grab drinks on the water. 

You’ve got several options to choose from. One of the newest additions is The Edison, which has flapper style dancers, a DJ and music floor. The Hangar Bar has lots of games to play over drinks, and Paradiso 37 will have you dancing to Latin Music all night long! Bar hopping is another favorite, with almost 10 places to choose from it can be a fun weekend night! 

The BoardWalk

If you want to stay near the resorts, definitely check out the Disney BoardWalk. Not only is it absolutely picturesque in the evenings with live musicians and plenty of restaurants, but it also hosts some 21 and up venues. 

Jellyrolls is famous for their dueling piano competitions- truly a must see experience. Then you have a Dance Venue featuring hits from the 80s and 90s. 

Disney World Resorts

Now, let’s talk about the resorts. Disney World has 36 resort hotels on the grounds, 26 of which are owned and operated by Disney.

The Resorts are set up in a tier system. What this means is that each resort falls under one of three categories. The categories for the Walt Disney World Resorts are Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Deluxe. These tiers are based on the resorts sizes, amenities, transportation options and price. 

Value Resorts 

We’ll start with the Value Resorts. These are the least expensive of the Walt Disney Resorts but they don’t lack in magical experience!

They all have a dining area, stocked with various goodies (and yes, they accommodate allergies!) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the gift area sections they have the standard souvenirs like coffee cups and towels while they also have snacks and drinks. 

All of the Disney Value resorts have the usual conveniences you would expect at a Disney hotel. Mail, laundry, dry-cleaning, complimentary wi-fi, airline check-in, designated smoking areas, and ATMs. 

The Value Resorts also have some other amenities like the pools and a jogging trail. While the pools don’t have slides, they do have poolside activities that happen throughout the day. Other cool options for the value resorts are the indoor arcades and the playgrounds.

The two best perks of the Walt Disney World Resorts are the free transportation and the Extra Magic Hours. 

The transportation and extra magic hours are the main reason we stay at Disney so often even though we live right up the road! Because you really can’t go wrong with the list of amenities, the adorable themes and the perks of transportation and extra magic hours that you get by staying on-site at  the Disney World Value Resort hotels.

Moderate Resorts 

The next tier up is the Moderate Resorts and these are some of my favorites! The moderate resorts at Walt Disney World Resort provide some of the best options for the price. Plus the blend of affordability and amenities make Moderate Resorts a great options for most families.

While the Value Resorts focus more on cartoonish theming- The Moderate Resorts focus more on cultural themes. They offer all the amenities of the Value resorts with some nice additions! 

Disney’s Port Orleans offers horse-drawn carriage rides, bike rentals and catch-and-release fishing. Disney’s Caribbean Beach offers a pirates adventure cruise, bike rentals, sand volleyball and catch-and-release fishing. Disney’s Coronado Springs offers bike rentals and sand volleyball. They also have nicer themed room with queen sized beds (value resorts have the full sized beds). 

Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas

Staying at a Deluxe Resort is similar to the name, its where Disney goes above and beyond! These rooms tend to be a little bigger than most other rooms on the grounds, and they have more amenities. 

So you get all of the perks of the other tiers, with some nice additions like valet parking, higher quality dining on site and more recreation choices at the resort. This takes your Disney vacation from regular to extraordinary! 

My favorite part about staying at the Deluxe resorts is how much closer they are to the parks, and transportation also seems to move a lot faster from these resorts (maybe its in my head… but I do feel that way!). We tend to save the Deluxe Resorts for special occasions, like honeymoons, but we’ve taken the kids before and their were lots of other kids there too! 

The Deluxe Villas are similar to the resorts, but they sleep way more people! Most of these are also at a different location than the other Deluxe properties, but still full of the same amenities. 

Disney Resort Features 

So now that you have a general understanding of the what and where, let’s compare some of the basic features of all the resorts. 

The value resorts have double beds that sleep four, whereas the Moderate and Deluxe resorts have queen beds. King Sized beds can be found sprinkled throughout the resorts, you just have to hunt to find them! 

Food Options

The value and moderate resorts have food court style options- which is great for a large family of picky eaters, but the Deluxe resorts only have one quick service option that can be limiting on food choices. Both the Moderate and Deluxe have Table Dining options that help to add to the ambience of finer vacationing. Deluxe resorts also offer Signature and Character dining as part of their 5 star service.

Transportation 

For the most part, the value and moderate resorts only options are the buses. There are three moderate resorts that have the Water Taxi boat service and those are Ports Orleans Riverside, French Quarter and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. The Deluxe Resorts have several more transportation options, like the monorail, boat taxis and walking. You can also call a ‘Minnie Van’ from any of the resorts (and they come with two car seats!) You’ve got options! 

Every resort on Disney property has a pool (thank goodness, because Florida is hot!) but the types of pools differ across the tiers. 

The value pools are, well, value based (but your kids won’t mind, I promise!). They don’t have anything fancy besides some theming and poolside activities that Disney Cast members run. 

The moderate pools are absolutely a step up. Here the theming is top quality and you’ve got water slides!! 

So how can the Deluxe pools beat water slides? With even bigger water slides, of course! They also have more pool options to choose from, which limits the amount of loud rowdy teenagers you might run into on your afternoon swim. 

How far in advance should you book a Disney World trip?

As soon as possible! Disney Rooms can normally be book over a year in advance, and park reservations can be book 365 days in advance!

Is it cheaper to stay on Disney Property?

Honestly, most of the time, not really–though you can get some good deals with the value resorts, what you’re really paying for is convenience and the experience. There are definite perks, the biggest of which is being so close to the parks. You’ll have to decide what’s right for you and your family!

How much money should I bring to Disney World?

It kinda depends on your budget and how much you plan on eating at the Parks. A single person can easily spend 100 dollars on food and drink for one day at Disney World. Budgeting 150+ per person, per day for food, drinks plus a souvenir budget (like 100 per person for the trip) is reasonable.

So there you have it, folks, just about everything a beginner needs to know (and then some!) about planning their first trip to Disney World!

If you’re a first time Disney World visitor, I know it can be a little overwhelming, but remember that priority number one is to have fun! You’re not going to be able to do and see everything, so make a plan and let the good times roll!

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25 Dates to Consider When Planning Your 2023 Disney World Vacation

By Hannah Risser 1 Comment

2023 is a momentous year for Disney. Not only will the 100th anniversary for the company kick off toward the end of January, they will be wrapping up the 50th anniversary celebrations at Disney World this spring. We also have a few other anniversaries to celebrate this year, PLUS attraction closures and openings.

Cinderella Castle

If that wasn’t enough to keep up with there are of course all the other events that happen throughout the calendar year at the parks like festivals and holiday events!

When planning for a Disney trip it’s important to take a look at the calendar — especially if there are any events or holidays you want to celebrate at Disney World. Checking out what’s happening at the parks can also help those who would prefer to visit when the parks are less crowded. Here are 25 dates, events, and other occasions to keep in mind for your 2023 trip!

Holidays tend to be a popular time to visit Disney. Plenty of people choose to celebrate these important moments at the parks, and usually there are some special additions to the parks during these times! You might get to sample special treats , see a show you haven’t watched before, or find limited edition merchandise to bring home.

Christmas in Hollywood Studios

Valentine’s Day is the first holiday after New Year’s, and the Disney parks can be a fun getaway! We often find lots of sweet treats for the love-centered holiday. While the parks themselves might not be much busier than a typical day, what you’ll need to keep an eye out for is Advance Dining Reservations getting booked up more quickly. Whether you’re hoping for a dinner with that special someone or just with your family, you might want to plan your special Valentine’s Day dinner as soon as you can!

Then comes spring breaks in March and early April, and Easter on April 9th ! Around Easter, be sure to check out the amazing chocolate eggs on display at the Beach Club and the Grand Floridian, and you can meet the Easter Bunny in Magic Kingdom!

Easter Bunny in Magic Kingdom

Planning on surprising your parents with a Disney trip? Mother’s Day (May 14th) and Father’s Day (June 18th)  are next on the calendar, and some families might want to show appreciation for mom and dad by treating them to some Disney nostalgia. These holidays also get fun seasonal treats , but like Valentine’s Day, you may want to book a Mother’s Day Brunch fairly early to help you get your top pick.

Mother’s Day Photopass Sign!

Disney’s regular nighttime spectaculars are already pretty amazing to witness, but on the 4th of July it’s extra special! In past years we’ve seen both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT end the day with epic fireworks shows. If seeing these light shows and fireworks are important to you, be ready to fight some serious crowds. In the past we’ve seen park reservation availability disappear as early as April or May.

Cinderella Castle lit up for Independence Day

Skipping into the fall, the undeniable big holiday for this time period is definitely Halloween! Disney World does the holiday justice with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, a special ticketed event where you can come to Magic Kingdom in the evening and dress up in your favorite costume. For those aged 14 and older, this event is your only chance to wear costumes in the parks, as it normally isn’t allowed. The Halloween Party is a great opportunity to meet rare villain characters, try some spooky snacks, and enjoy unique experiences you don’t get during the day in the parks.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Thanksgiving (November 23rd)  is a great time in the parks for foodies because many food service locations feature special dishes and other menu items for the holiday. While some of these offerings are available around Thanksgiving, some are only available on the day, so if you want to try a Disney-fied Thanksgiving meal, come to the parks then! Because this is a food-centered holiday, dining reservations go FAST, so be ready to book yours 60 days out when your reservation window opens.

Thanksgiving eats from Liberty Tree Tavern

Christmas Day and the dates surrounding the holiday are some of the busiest times in the parks. If crowds are a no-go for you but you still want to enjoy some of the holiday offerings around the parks, try going toward the end of November or in early January. The holiday decorations and treats usually last throughout that period, plus Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party usually runs from early November to late December. Most of the crowds c0me the week after Christmas , so that is something else to keep in mind!

Santa Goofy!

The last (and first!) holiday of the year is New Year’s, which is another fun, fireworks-centered holiday. That means you’ll see a lot of different lights, fireworks, and other nighttime shows in the parks, like this sparkly display on Spaceship Earth from 2022. If the shows are the most important part of the holiday to you but you don’t feel like fighting the crowds, book a hotel or resort room with the perfect view!

New Year’s Lights on Spaceship Earth

While not a set date for everyone, you might have personal holidays or milestones you are hoping to celebrate in the parks. Be that a birthday, anniversary, graduation or other accomplishment, check the dates around your occasion to see how reservations are looking for both accommodations and dining. When you arrive don’t forget to get a complimentary celebration button ; you might just get some surprises throughout the day!

Happy Birthday to Mickey and Minnie!

50 Free Things to Do in Disney World in 2023

Disney world events.

Disney World itself has a number of dates throughout the year with important events. Some are annual, like the festivals, while others are unique for this year, like premieres of new attractions and dining offerings. We also added important ride closures so you don’t miss your favorite attraction!

Mission Space

EPCOT has four festivals throughout the year. Some guests prefer to visit during one of these festivals because they feel it adds an extra layer of activities for their trip to the park. The first of the year is the Festival of the Arts , running from January 13th to February 20th. This festival celebrates art in several different forms, from performance art to visual art to culinary art! Expect Broadway performances, stunning chalk art, and unique food offerings.

Tangled chalk art!

Next on the calendar is the Flower and Garden Festival, which typically runs from March to July. During this festival EPCOT gets covered with perfectly structured topiaries featuring our favorite Disney characters. The food during this festival focuses on homegrown farm to table ingredients and has plenty of plant-based offerings.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Next is the festival that started it all: Food & Wine ! This long-running fest, which usually spans July to November , is 100% food-themed. Food booths serving up small plates and beverages fill World Showcase, and we look forward to it every year!

Food and Wine Festival

At the end of the year EPCOT hosts the Festival of the Holidays . The booths, performances, and other special offerings during this festival are designed to celebrate the holiday traditions and cuisines of cultures from around the world . Aligning with the winter holiday season, usually the Festival of the Holidays runs from late November through December . Stay tuned to our site for all the official festival dates!

Festival of the Holidays

run Disney hosts a few races at Disney World throughout the year where runners descend on the parks to take part in races from 5k up to full marathons. The busiest event of the year takes part in January each year and is the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend . This year it spanned from January 4th to the 8th, and the parks were very busy. Another popular race is the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend , this year scheduled for February 23rd to the 26th. This year is the 15th anniversary of the event, so we anticipate it being busier than usual. Check out the run Disney events schedule here!

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2022

After a year and half, the Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebrations are drawing to a close. The official conclusion is March 31, 2023, so if you were hoping to visit Disney World to take part in the celebrations you’ll need to do so before that date.

Chip ‘n Dale 50th Statue

A big event for Magic Kingdom this year is the closure of Splash Mountain . The water-based attraction is being rethemed into an attraction inspired by  The Princess and the Frog called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. While the new ride won’t premier until at least 2024, Splash Mountain will be boarding its last passengers on January 22nd, 2023. 

Splash Mountain is closing permanently in 2023.

After a long hiatus, Disney princesses will be returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table! This hard-to-get table service location is known not only for it’s stunning interior but for the Princess character dining experience. Cinderella has been greeting guests as they make their way into the restaurant, but the princesses that used to visit each table had not yet returned. But they’re coming back on February 28th! This is going to be one of those spots you want to try to book as soon as you can!

Cinderella Meet and Greet

Another dining experience that is slowly returning to normal is Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort. This character dining locale features the classic Fab Five: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto . Currently serving meals family-style , Chef Mickey’s will be returning to a buffet service on March 1st, 2023.

Chef Mickey’s

Last year we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of EPCOT , but this year it’s Animal Kingdom’s time to shine! The park opened 25 years ago on April 22, 1998 , and while we don’t know any specifics currently, we anticipate Disney bringing out some fun snacks, merchandise, and maybe even throwing a fun party like they did for the 20th anniversary!

Animal Kingdom

Another anniversary in 2023 is the Grand Floridian Resort’s 30th! One of the three Monorail resorts, the Grand Floridian will be celebrating its birthday on July 1st. Just in time, the resort is getting a bit of a makeover! The lobby is getting a refurbishment and while we don’t know when the official finish date is, we understand wanting to spruce up before your big day.

Disney’s Grand Floridian

Do you love when you get to peek behind the curtain and learn about the inner workings of the Disney company? If so, the Destination D23 event is perfect for you! This year the event will be held at the Contemporary Resort from September 8th to the 10th. You’ll get to learn about Disney park projects, behind-the-scenes info on upcoming films, and more. 

Destination D23 2021

Last month we learned that popular thrill ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be closing for refurbishment on February 20th, 2023. While we don’t know the exact date of reopening, a Disney  cast member said it is planned to reopen sometime in the summer of 2023 . If this is a must-ride for you, try to plan your trip before it closes or later in the fall!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

We now have an official end date for Harmonious , the nighttime light and water display at EPCOT. The final performance will be on April 2nd, 2023. But don’t worry: a new show will be debuting later this year! This also means the barges in the center of the World Showcase Lagoon will be going away. They house the LED panels, moving fountains, lights, lasers, and pyrotechnics for the show. Many guests, even those who loved Harmonious, are glad to see them go.

Harmonious at EPCOT

While the other show replacing Harmonious is still under wraps, we do know about one show that will be coming back for the meantime. EPCOT Forever will be returning for a limited run beginning April 3rd !

EPCOT Forever Concept Art ©Disney

Another nighttime spectacular we’ll be saying goodbye to in 2023 is Disney Enchantment . This Magic Kingdom show will be holding its last performance on April 2nd, 2023.

Disney Enchantment

Once Disney Enchantment closes Magic Kingdom will also be bringing back an old show. That’s right, Happily Ever After is coming back! The first night it will be back is April 3rd, 2023. This show will have some new additions, like projections down Main Street, U.S.A.

Happily Ever After

While not technically a date to remember, it is worth noting that overnight self-parking is now FREE again for Disney World hotel guests ! This change took effect immediately after the announcement, so this will apply to all trips booked this year.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

UPDATE: We also have an official opening date for TRON: Lightcycle Run! This attraction will officially premiere in Magic Kingdom on April 4th, 2023! There will also be some preview dates for certain groups, and you can read about those below.

• Annual Passholder Previews for TRON Lightcycle / Run
• Disney Vacation Club Member Previews for TRON Lightcycle / Run
• Cast Member Previews for TRON Lightcycle / Run

TRON Lightcycle Run Billboard

Another new opening for 2023 is  Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Hollywood Studios. Originally slated to open in 2022, Disney announced in December that the restaurant should be opening its doors this spring. The latest update gave us some cool interior shots of the food location, which is themed to look like Andy designed it himself. Once this opens we can definitely see it filling up quickly, but that will mean more dining openings at other Hollywood Studios dining spots that you might love!

Last year at the D23 Expo we saw this incredible model of the new Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana attraction. We’ve watched the construction progress in EPCOT for this immersive, water-based, walkthrough attraction. You’ll be able to learn about the water cycle and see the full-size Te Fiti structure in late 2023!

A giant Te Fiti sculpture is being installed at EPCOT!

In the coming months, PhotoPass downloads will be free for guests who purchase Genie+. All PhotoPass enabled attractions you ride the same day as your Genie+ purchase will be eligible. We don’t know when this will start, but keep checking our site to stay updated!

Discounts are welcome, too! Florida residents can save up to 30% off of their hotel stay at a Disney World resort from May 1st to July 10th, 2023. Check out this post for more info on restrictions.

All-Star Sports

Along with the return of character dining, other opportunities to meet characters are popping up at Disney World too. One meet and greet coming to EPCOT sometime toward the end of 2023 is with our favorite dragon, Figment! After the chaos that was the Figment popcorn bucket we can see this meet and greet being in high demand.

Disney announced recently that they are doing away with Park Pass Reservations for Annual Passholders after 2PM. This makes it easier for Passholders to enjoy spontaneous trips to the parks! There are some exceptions, which you can read about here.

2022 Passholder magnet

Last but most certainly not least, we have the exciting Walt Disney Company 100th Anniversary Celebrations to look forward to! The official start to the anniversary celebrations is January 27th in Disneyland , and although a lot of the events currently scheduled are centering around the West Coast park at the moment, we are hoping to see some special events over in Disney World too. Currently, there are plenty of Disney100 merchandise items for sale at Disney World and online , so you can get a head start on celebrations!

What dates you plan your trip for can make a huge difference in how your vacation goes. Think about what you want to prioritize (Is going over a certain holiday important? Do you want to avoid crowds? Are there rides you HAVE to get on?), and let that lead you when picking which dates to travel.

We’ve got a great resource for you when you plan your NEXT Disney World trip – our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining . We wrote our ebook after decades of visiting Disney World, so that we could help you have a stress-free vacation! Click here and use code WDW2023 to get 25% off!

Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World updates!

2023 Dates You Should Know If You’re a Disney World Fan

Planning a trip to disney world we’ve got everything you need to know, the ultimate guide to planning a disney world vacation, a month-by-month guide to planning your disney world trip, tips, hints, lists, and videos for planning the best disney world trip, learn about the disney park pass system, the ultimate disney world packing list, everything you need to know about genie+, insider secrets for your first trip to disney world, a complete look at the current disney discounts and deals, the only disney dining planning tool you’ll need is here – get the dfb guide to walt disney world dining, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe.

What time of year is your favorite to visit Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

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January 17, 2023 at 6:56 pm

Lol, thanks to this I just realized that we’re returning from Disney World the day before Father’s day this year. I probably could have planned that better…

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2024 Disney World Planning Guide

Our Walt Disney World vacation planning guide offers tips & tricks for 2024 on how to avoid crowds, save money & time, with info on Genie+ & Lightning Lanes, best rides, restaurant reviews, and itineraries for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios. (Updated February 1, 2024. )

The latest update comes as Walt Disney World is in the midst of more changes to restore normalcy, making the guest experience closer to what it was like in ~2019. With this, theme park reservations have mostly been eliminated, return of the Disney Dining Plan , and resumption of unlimited all-day Park Hopping . Next up is pre-arrival Lightning Lane ride reservations , a system that should closely resemble FastPass+ (but paid).

Beyond the rolling back of temporary changes implemented during the phased reopening and pent-up demand period, a ton is happening and changing at Walt Disney World. There are new attractions, nighttime spectaculars, and other additions on the horizon. We visit the parks regularly, reporting on everything as it happens–if you want to receive updates when discounts are released, new things are announced, etc., sign up to receive our FREE Walt Disney World Email Newsletter .

There are a few important things you need to know if you’re visiting Walt Disney World soon. First, the big new ride is TRON Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom. This attraction is very popular and can be difficult to experience due to not having a standby line. Improve your chances for success in scoring virtual queue spots by reading our TRON Lightcycle Run Virtual Queue Strategy Guide & FAQ .

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, which was the previous big addition, also does not have a standby line. At least, for now. Walt Disney World has been setting up overflow queue and seems poised to ditch the virtual queue for that once the off-season rolls around.

Second, there’s the paid Genie+ service that offers Lightning Lane line skipping service (free FastPass+ was retired a few years ago). This can be purchased in the My Disney Experience app for variable, date-based prices that now differ for each park (Magic Kingdom and Park Hopping are most expensive, costing up to $39 per person, per day plus tax).

Genie can be confusing, but we’ve used and tested Genie+ and Lightning Lanes a ton . Everything you NEED to know, including ride priorities, where it’s NOT necessary to buy Genie+ or Lightning Lanes, and much more is covered in our Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World .

If you’re looking for ways to avoid waiting in long lines  without spending extra on Lightning Lanes, see our Best Time-Saving Strategies for Walt Disney World , which covers the best & worst ways to do that in each park–and is accurate for the entirety of 2024. That’s the result of extensive testing, and the optimal methods for outsmarting the crowds aren’t always intuitive. For 3 of the 4 parks, you’re better off using a ‘free’ strategy rather than paying extra for Genie+ and Lightning Lanes!

Winter is also typically ‘refurbishment season’ at Walt Disney World. For a look at what’ll be temporarily unavailable during your trip, see the 2024 Walt Disney World Refurbishment & Closure Calendar , which we update regularly with return and downtime dates. There are some big closures right now, including Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

The other big closure is Splash Mountain, which permanently closed about a year ago. The good news is that this is also for 2024’s big new attraction: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure . That’s currently scheduled to open sometime this year–the timeline could move forward to Summer 2024…or be delayed until early 2025!

Then there’s the colossal EPCOT overhaul, which is now mostly finished now that new Luminous: The Symphony of Us nighttime spectacular and World Celebration Gardens have debuted. The only thing left is the CommuniCore Hall event space, which will likely debut before Summer 2024.

There’s a lot more on the horizon than just those things–here’s everything exciting being built: What’s New & Coming to Walt Disney World in 2024 & Beyond .

With those updates out of the way, let’s tell you about ourselves and why this guide is useful to your trip planning. We are obviously big Disney fans, but with this guide, we share our objective and unbiased tips. This covers the good and the bad, and the hard realities of planning Walt Disney World trip. We don’t sugarcoat everything or feel the need to put a positive spin on things. A lot about Disney is great, but that’s plenty that’s overpriced and not-so-great. If blunt, honest advice is not for you, there are many other sites that are all-positive.

With hundreds of trips dating back to the 1980s when we were kids, we’ve learned a lot about all things Disney. That now comes full circle as we start taking our daughter to Walt Disney World! We visit every month to see what has changed, taste-test new menu items, analyze crowds, offer recommendations for things you should do on vacation, share updates on construction, and much more.

This guide distills the key things we know about Walt Disney World into something easy to absorb and less overwhelming. Think of this planning guide as WDW101, with everything organized into the most important aspects of planning. The reality is that Walt Disney World is one of the most complicated vacation destinations on earth, and having a smooth and good trip requires doing your homework. With that said, we promise that taking the time to learn about Walt Disney World will be worth it, so let’s get started…

1A. Best Times to Visit for Avoiding Crowds

“When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?”  This is often the first question readers ask, and it’s not an easy one to answer because it’s subjective. What makes an experience the “best” differs from person to person. With that said, in helping first-timers plan over the course of the last decade-plus, there are usually three distinct components to this:  crowds, cost & fun.

The first two variables are the overriding factors and, thankfully, those are objective. If you’re primarily concerned with avoiding long lines and high wait times, consult our 2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars . That takes into account Orlando area school schedules, conventions, youth sporting events, park hours, special events, and more to provide you with specific dates that are the least and most crowded.

While that’s all about crowds (and can be overwhelming), we also have something more holistic: our list of the  10 Best and 10 Worst Weeks to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024 & 2025 . As the title suggests, that identifies the ‘red flag’ dates to avoid, as well as the ideal times to visit. It’s really more than just 10 weeks, as a number of the good and bad windows are far longer than a single week.

For example, pretty much the entirety of August and September are great from a crowds perspective, but we zero in on a single week that’s the best-balanced (from our perspective) as it combines low crowds, seasonal events, weather, and other factors. Same idea for a number of other dates throughout the year.

Rather than our objective crowd calendars, those are our subjective picks for when to visit. In addition to wait times, those rankings take other things into account: seasonal offerings like Christmas & Halloween, weather, new attractions, and more. If you find the crowd calendars intimidating, go with the Best & Worst Months post instead.

The good news is that, as a general rule, lower prices and crowds coincide with one another. Meaning that if you book your trip around the cheapest dates, you’re more likely to also have lower crowds. Prices are higher and discounts are weaker when crowds are higher, meaning you get hit with a double-whammy if visiting during these times of the year. (Spoiler: the highest prices and crowds both occur when school is out of session.)

1B. Best Times to Visit for Saving Money

The second component is cost. This one is especially significant now, as prices are up across the board. If you’re a first time visitor or it’s been a few years since your last trip, you might be in store for sticker shock. We take a look at this topic in How Much Does a Walt Disney World Vacation Cost? with sample pricing for multiple ‘trip tiers,’ from budget to luxury.

However, it’s not as straightforward as that. Some people don’t realize it, but prices vary significantly based upon when you’re visiting. If you visit for New Year’s Eve, you could end up spending close to double what it costs to visit a few months earlier, in September. Cutting to the chase, here are the Cheapest Times to Go to Walt Disney World .

The good news is that there’s considerable overlap between the cheapest times to visit and the least-crowded times. Visiting during the least-expensive and least-crowded times is entirely possible, and those goals align pretty well. Conversely, the most expensive times are usually also the most expensive.

Intuitively, this should make sense. When demand is highest, prices are highest. Like most other businesses, Walt Disney World charges what the market will bear, raising prices when able and discounting in order to incentivize visits when attendance and hotel occupancy are lower.

To that point, the other good news is that deals are starting to return to Walt Disney World after a couple years of very strong pent-up demand! See All Current Walt Disney World Discounts   for a full rundown of special offers through Spring 2024. There are a TON of discounts available right now, some of which offer up to 40% off hotels!

If you want to save even more money and do WDW as cheaply as possible, we have the 14 Best Tips to Save Money at Walt Disney World in 2024 . Those tips cover a lot of excellent ideas, such as buying discount Disney gift cards or having Groceries Delivered to Your Walt Disney World Hotel Room .

Those are just a handful of ways to save a ton of money on a trip to WDW! It also covers several options for the biggest expense of your trip–lodging. Among other things, you can stay at Walt Disney World’s best resorts for a fraction of full price by renting DVC points .

The idea behind all of these money-saving tips is not cutting corners and compromising on the quality of your vacation. To the contrary, we aim to “cut the fat” from your budget and recommend ways to save while also improving efficiency. Taking grocery delivery as an example–we do not recommend cooking dinner in your room or packing picnic lunches. Instead, we advice ordering nutritious breakfasts (the weakest meal at Walt Disney World restaurants) to have quickly have in your room or on-the-go each morning to save money and time .

1C. Best Times to Visit for Having Fun

Now we’re getting into the much more subjective area of determining when to visit. What makes a time of year more or less fun? Will you enjoy the parks more or less during certain timeframes? That’s really difficult to say. As a general matter, our mantra is this: “A rainy day at Walt Disney World is better than a sunny day at home.”

This is to say that you can have a great Walt Disney World vacation no matter what time of year you visit. The smile and laughter of your child hugging Mickey Mouse for the first time; the delicious taste of a Dole Whip or Citrus Swirl; the sight and sound of fireworks exploding over Cinderella Castle at the end of a long and satisfying day at Magic Kingdom. Absolutely none of that is seasonal. Those joys are possible 365 days of the year at Walt Disney World, and your trip will be made up of moments big and small exactly like those that happen daily.

However, it’s also fair to say that a sunny day is better than a rainy day at Walt Disney World. Most people probably are more comfortable during mild and temperate days than oppressive heat and humidity. Seasonal events can likewise add a lot to the baseline experience, taking a trip from “memorably magical” to “magnificently magical” on our  highly scientific scale of magicalness.

Hopefully you get the point here–that every day at Walt Disney World has the potential to be great, but also, that greatness has its own sliding scale, with weather, seasonal enhancements, and more cranking things up to the next level of magicalness.

The holiday season is our favorite time at Walt Disney World. It’s not even a close call. If we could only visit Walt Disney World one month of the year for the rest of our lives, we’d pick November or December. (Super-specifically, we’d pick the week after Thanksgiving that straddles the two months– that’s our favorite week to go! ) If you’re thinking of a holiday vacation, we’d implore you to start by reading our Ultimate Guide to Christmas at Walt Disney World .

Every park, resort, and Disney Springs gets into the spirit of the season. The last few holiday seasons have been scaled back, first as the parks reopened and then for the 50th Anniversary. With that now over, things are almost 100% normal for Christmas, minus the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights.

Last Christmas, there were two hard ticket events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) at Magic Kingdom and the brand-new Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. MVMCP will definitely be back for Christmas 2024, but it remains to be seen whether Jollywood Nights–which received a mixed reception in its inaugural year–comes back for a second season.

There are other seasonal events throughout the year, starting with the EPCOT Festival of the Arts in January and February. Following that is the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival from March through late May. Notably, Flower & Garden Festival has been shortened by over a month for 2024. Our expectation is that Food & Wine Festival also starts later and EPCOT debuts a new summer festival–but that’s just a guess!

It’s also possible that Magic Kingdom will once again do a special event in Summer 2024. In fact, we’d expect this to occur, with new entertainment debuting and smaller scale additions. Walt Disney World’s big new attraction (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) won’t be ready in time for Memorial Day, so they’ll need something else to market in the first half of 2024.

Even if a summer-time event doesn’t happen, Pride is celebrated in June, and there are other smaller-scale events spread across the calendar. After Hours parties will once again occur in Summer 2024, too.

The special events kick into high gear in August, which will kick off the 5-month long ‘party season’ at Magic Kingdom. That starts with Halloween time in Magic Kingdom, from August through the 1st of November. Our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide offers info & tips for Magic Kingdom’s fan-favorite Halloween-themed event.

While it has nothing to do with Halloween, another staple of fall is EPCOT’s annual culinary event. Read our Guide to the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival to prepare for that park’s colossal culinary celebration. This just scratches the surface. You can see everything that happens throughout the year in our Calendar of Seasonal Events at Walt Disney World .

2. How Long to Visit

How long you should stay at Walt Disney World depends largely upon the type of trip it is. If you’re not much of a Disney fan but are taking your kids on a “once in a lifetime” rite of passage trip, we recommend a Walt Disney World vacation of at least 6 or 7 days. The exact length will still vary a bit depending upon how much vacation time you have and if you plan on visiting non-Disney theme parks or destinations.

In addition to visiting Disney’s theme parks, you’ll also probably want to build a day into your itinerary for relaxation, and this is good to plug into the middle of your trip so you don’t get worn out by the theme parks. The other consideration for planning trips to Walt Disney World might be how much time to spend doing other things.

You might want to do Orlando-area theme parks like Universal, SeaWorld, or Busch Gardens. We recommend at least a couple of days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Use our Universal Orlando Resort Trip Planning Guide for strategy. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is absolutely mind-blowing, even if you’re not a fan of the books. The new Jurassic World VelociCoaster is the best roller coaster in all of Orlando–and that’s just one of several excellent recent additions.

We also have a post titled Walt Disney World vs. Universal Orlando that covers a lot of the pros and cons of visiting Universal. If you want to broaden your horizons and do something beyond Central Florida’s world-class theme parks, check out our 50 Things to Do in Orlando, Florida (Outside Disney’s Parks) . That covers beaches, manatee-watching, outlet malls, and much more.

3. Booking Vacation Packages

Vacations booked via DisneyWorld.com cover some combination of hotel, park tickets, and dining. Sometimes these packages offer excellent savings off rack rates, sometimes they’re merely full price elements of the trip bundled together. If you’re looking further into the future, 2024 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages are now available! (For those already wanting to plan 2025 WDW vacations, you’ll need to wait until late June or early July 2024, unfortunately.)

If you’re already overwhelmed, you might want to consider using a travel agent. If you go this route, look for one who primarily or exclusively does Disney-related bookings. As you can probably gather already, planning a Walt Disney World vacation is incredibly complex. If a travel agent doesn’t specialize in Disney, they probably won’t know the many nuances of Walt Disney World vacations. (For this reason, we don’t recommend AAA or Costco, even though some of their agents have Disney knowledge.)

Most travel agents specializing in Disney are “no fee” agencies, meaning that it costs you no more to book through them than it does to book through Disney (they get commission from Disney). If you are unsure of which package might be best for you–or need personalized help with any aspect of your trip–we recommend contacting a no fee “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” ( here’s why we recommend one ) to get a quote and to help you plan. Request a quote from our recommended Authorized Disney Vacation Planner here .

4. Park Tickets

If you opt to book things yourself and without a vacation package, we recommend buying your tickets from an authorized third party ticket seller to save money. Read our Tips for Buying Discount Walt Disney World Tickets post for everything you need to know about choosing the right tickets and saving money on them.

Normally, prices increase in February and/or October. They increased twice two years ago, with the second occurring later than usual in December. Last year, the only admission costs that increased were on Annual Passes, which raises a question about whether tickets will increase again in December, or if Walt Disney World is waiting until February 2024. Either way, it’s not a bad idea to buy now to lock-in current prices no matter when you’re visiting between now and December 31, 2024.

If all you want to know is where to safely buy the cheapest, legitimate Walt Disney World multi-day tickets from an authorized reseller click here to buy via Get Away Today , our recommended & Disney-authorized ticket seller.

Disney’s mantra is “the longer you play, the less you pay per day.” It’s corny but true. Single-day Walt Disney World tickets are expensive , but multi-day tickets are much cheaper per day. The cost of additional days on a ticket substantially decreases with each day you add after 3 days. In other words, longer trips are not proportionately more expensive than shorter ones.

This is just one of the many tips we cover in our post about saving money on Walt Disney World park tickets . Whatever you do, don’t wait to buy your tickets at the front gates of the parks or on eBay…they won’t work!

5. Where to Stay

One of the very best posts on this blog is our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page . We have stayed at every Disney hotel, plus many off-site ones. That page offers links to each of our hotel reviews, room photos, thoughts on the amenities, pros & cons, and more.

When deciding whether to pay the premium prices that Disney-owned hotels charge, one important consideration for many will be on-site perks. Unfortunately, there aren’t many anymore–basically just some extended hours (see our Guide to Early Entry at Walt Disney World ), location, theme, and more convenient transportation. Since reopening, many benefits have been eliminated–either permanently or temporarily. Read about this in Is Walt Disney World’s On-Site Advantage Disappearing or Reappearing ?

When pricing out Walt Disney World hotels, you’re bound to have some sticker shock. Prices have gone up considerably in the last few years, and discounts are not nearly as abundant as they once were. If your budget is tight but you still want on-site luxury, consider getting a quote from Disney Vacation Club point rental company ( click here to book with the cheapest point DVC rental company ).

For more info about renting points, you might want to read our Guide to Renting Disney Vacation Club Points article. This is a great way to save money on nicer accommodations than you otherwise might be able to afford.

If you’re going to stay on-site at Walt Disney World, the three main tiers are Value, Moderate, and Deluxe, which are exactly what their names sound like they are. There’s also a Deluxe Villa tier, which is basically Disney-speak for “timeshare room.” Looking for the best hotel in each tier? Check out the following posts ranking the various Disney hotels:

• Value Resort Hotel Rankings
• Moderate Resort Hotel Rankings
• Deluxe Resort Hotel Rankings
• Deluxe Villa (Disney Vacation Club) Resort Rankings

Debating whether to stay off-site to save money or on-site at Walt Disney World for convenience and to be immersed in the magic? We have an Off-Site vs. On-Site Walt Disney World Hotels article that goes into great depth about the pros and cons of both options.

If you’re also visiting other theme parks in Central Florida, one alternative is to stay off-site. Our Universal Orlando Hotel Rankings & Reviews covers the pros & cons of those resorts, many of which we love for their locations, theme, on-site perks, and value for money. Additionally, refer to Universal Orlando v. Walt Disney World Resorts for a comparison between Disney’s and Universal’s hotels to see what each does better.

6. What to Pack

It might sound hard to believe, but packing for Walt Disney World offers ways to save money and improve your experience. There are some wrinkles to Walt Disney World that make packing a bit different, and by bringing certain “clever” (we think) items in your luggage, you will improve your experience. We go over the best stuff in our Walt Disney World Unique Packing List .

Two of our favorite examples from that list are Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads and this Compact External Charger . Seriously, you’ll wonder how you ever travelled without these (and many other) items on our list!

One of the most important things to pack for Walt Disney World is comfortable shoes. This can trip people up, as you probably walk  far, far less at home than you will at Walt Disney World. Suffice to say, what’s best for logging tens of thousands of steps could differ from your day-to-day footwear. See our picks for the Best Shoes to Wear at Walt Disney World for guidance–and be sure to plan ahead, breaking in your shoes before your trip!

Comfort is also key when planning your clothes for Walt Disney World–and weather can make that challenging. If you’re going in the colder months, check out our Packing for Disney in Winter post. For summer months, read Tips for Beating the Summer Heat at Disney .

7. Itineraries & Attraction Advice

Having an itinerary is a big deal, even for some frequent Walt Disney World guests. Some visitors create binders, spreadsheets, and schedule every step of their day. People get serious and obsessive about this. We are not those people. Planning is important, but going to those lengths is unnecessarily stressful and creates unrealistic and rigid plans. The best laid plans often go awry, and when that inevitably happens, it can be disappointing if you’ve over-planned.

With that said, we also recommend first-time visitors do not “wing it” for your daily itinerary . You don’t need to plan every movement so that there’s no spontaneity in your trip, just make sure you have at least a loose plan of what you’re going to do. As with most things in life, balance and moderation are key.

We have the following flexible step by step plans for each park that cover our perfect days using standby-only:

• 1-Day Magic Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 2-Day Magic Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Epcot Itinerary Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Animal Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Hollywood Studios Park Itinerary

For step-by-step single day itinerary using Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, see these itineraries:

• 1-Day at Magic Kingdom with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
• 1-Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
• 1-Day at Epcot with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
• 1-Day at Animal Kingdom with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes

Additionally, we have itineraries for Universal Orlando offering the same type of step by step advice:

• 1-Day Universal Studios Florida Itinerary
• 1-Day Islands of Adventure Itinerary
• 1-Day Universal Park Hopping Itinerary ( both Islands of Adventure & Universal Studios Florida )

If you’d prefer to create your own itinerary, we recommend reading our Disney Parks Ride Guides and getting a rough idea of which attractions you want to do:

• Magic Kingdom Park & Attraction Guide
• Epcot Park & Attraction Guide
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park & Attraction Guide
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park & Attraction Guide

We also have guides for the Walt Disney World water parks and Disney Springs:

• Blizzard Beach Water Park Guide
• Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Guide
• Disney Springs Shopping & Entertainment District Guide

With that said, we’d strongly recommend using our pre-made Walt Disney World Park Itineraries . Those step by step guides are maximized for efficiency, and will save far more time than ones you put together yourself, or just winging it. These are good, flexible itineraries that offers attractions, dining, and other things to enjoy without going crazy with mapping out every bathroom stop of your day.

Those with small children should also know that some Walt Disney World rides have height restrictions, requiring kids be a certain number of inches tall (usually 38 to 44″) in order to experience. Measuring sticks are outside attractions with a requirement, and kids who do not meet the minimum height are not allowed to enter the line. There are no age requirements for any attractions. See  Height Requirements at Walt Disney World for a comprehensive list, updated with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Attractions that have height requirements also offer Rider Switch (also known as child swap, baby switch, rider swap, or parent swap). This is Walt Disney World’s system that allows parents with small children to take turns experiencing thrill rides and other attractions with height requirements via Lightning Lanes. See our  Guide to Rider Switch at Walt Disney World   for everything you need to know about this service. If eligible, it can save you a ton of time.

8. Where to Eat

A lot of the posts on this blog detail dining at Walt Disney World, which is a surprisingly complex (and fun!) topic. The most important thing for first-timers to know is that the tired stereotype that Disney dining is all burgers, hot dogs, and other fast food is not even remotely true. Disney has a lot of wonderful dining options that can be an experience in themselves.

To figure out where to eat, consult our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews page. That page has reviews of 75+ restaurants at Walt Disney World, plus other resources like our Magic Kingdom Counter Service Restaurant Rankings , and lots of other specific topics. Another great post with random quick-tips is our 101 Walt Disney World Dining Tips post.

Good dining experiences can make a trip, so if you only read more on one topic in this guide, make it dining. We know a number of people who have had their opinions of Walt Disney World changed for the better simply because they “discovered” the right places to eat.

If you’re starting the planning process far in advance, you might want to subscribe to our free newsletter for updates . We also provide subscribers with news from the parks, and have given a heads up on Free Dining and ticket price increases before they have been officially announced. This makes the newsletter especially handy for scoring discounts and being in the know as to what’s going on before your trip.

It’s also worth noting that if you’re trying to do “Disney on a Dime,” one of the easiest ways to save money is to not eat at Walt Disney World restaurants. Dining at Disney is expensive, and unlike park tickets, it’s not mandatory . You can save a lot of money by eating off-site, or better yet, getting groceries and preparing your own meals. We have a comprehensive Tips for Buying Groceries at Walt Disney World post that covers grocery delivery, local stores, and much more.

Even if you don’t want to make your own meals, grocery delivery is great for getting fruit and other small grab and go snacks, both of which are really over-priced at Walt Disney World. It’s also excellent for beer–for less than the cost of a single beer in the parks, you can have a 6-pack delivered to your hotel room!

9. Transportation

Walt Disney World transportation can be hit or miss, and can take a lot of time. For the most efficient transit options, read our Time-Saving Walt Disney World Transportation Tips post. This covers shortcuts, when to use buses v. monorail v. boats v. your feet, and more!

One of the other big considerations is whether you want to stay at a Walt Disney World hotel that offers a unique form of transportation, such as the monorails to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, or the boats, walking paths, or Skyliner to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. These can be a huge time-saver.

Disney’s Magical Express has now ended, and following a merger of two competitors, it’s indirect replacement is essentially Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. This does cost money, but otherwise it’s roughly analogous to Disney’s Magical Express–it’s even operated by the same vendor that ran Disney’s Magical Express (same buses and everything, just no Disney branding!). For a broad overview of alternatives, see our Airport Transportation Guide to Walt Disney World .

An alternative to a rental car is Lyft (or the Minnie Van service powered by Lyft) or Uber. For the basics on using these ride-sharing services, read our Tips for Using Lyft or Uber at Walt Disney World post. This post also shares the easiest way to get to Universal Orlando Resort (in case you want to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, too)

10. What Else to Do

Your imagination is really the limit here. Most first-time visitors only know about the theme parks, Disney Springs, and the water parks. That’s just the surface of what Walt Disney World has to offer. There are tours, golf, fishing, nightlife, shopping, fireworks cruises, babysitting, spas, and much more. An exhaustive list would ultimately be longer than the rest of this already long blog post!

Most of our favorite things are couples or adult-oriented, which you can read about on our Walt Disney World for Adults page . Honeymooners (aka “Disneymooners”) should read our Walt Disney World Honeymoon Tips article. Here are some other posts that cover “other stuff” at Walt Disney World, and other ways to improve your vacation, that don’t really fit the categories above:

• Free Things to Do at Walt Disney World
• Best Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing Spots
• Best Harmonious at Epcot Fireworks Viewing Spots
• Tips for Celebrating at Walt Disney World
• First-Timer Tips for Walt Disney World

If all of this is really overwhelming, we (again) recommend contacting an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and letting them do the work for you. This is Disney’s term for their affiliated travel agents, and the huge upside to them is that they don’t charge for their services–Disney pays them directly at no cost to you! Click here to get a vacation quote from our recommended no fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner .

Remember, what’s in this post is just a starting point. To recap, you’ll also want to read our When to Visit Walt Disney World post for the best time of year to plan your trip. If saving money is important, read Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post to buy the cheapest tickets from legitimate sources. To figure out where to stay, our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page is a great resource. Want to know where to eat or if the Disney Dining Plan is right for you? Our Walt Disney World Dining Resources will help!

These are just a few of many posts mentioned in this article that will provide the foundation for your planning…but these 4 other posts are probably the most important of the bunch! If you enjoyed this Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide, please help us out by sharing it with your friends via social media. We put a lot of ongoing work into this, and hope it’s as helpful as possible to as many trip planners as possible. Thank you so much for your support–we really appreciate it!

Your Thoughts

Are you visiting Walt Disney World in 2024? If you are a Walt Disney World veteran, what tips would you add to this? If you’re a first-timer, is there anything else you’d like to know? Are you excited to experience the parks for Disney’s 100th Anniversary, or will you wait until Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens or more on-site perks are restored? We love hearing from readers, whether it be questions from newbies or tips from seasoned Disney pros with tips of their own to add!

Written by Tom Bricker

I will l spend my first full day at Disney World on a Sunday should I go to the magic kingdom, Epcot or Hollywood studios first to avoid crowds? Going the first week of March.

Every traveler must read this crucial information before visiting Disney for tourism. I love the way you write for travelers this is easy to understand and the information itself is quality content.

Hey Tom! Will you do an article on how to navigate busy times of year like spring break? We have historically been off season travelers to avoid crowds but older kids in school prevent us from being able to do so and I am a bit anxious about what to expect during spring break and how to best manage the crowds!

Hi Tom, my wife and I are planning a trip to Disney World after Thanksgiving to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. We have never been to Disney World and want to make the most of our time (and money). We are really good at Genie+(Disneyland) and are willing to arrive for rope drop and stay until the parks close.

Which of the following 2 options would you recommend? 1. A 4-Day Park Hopper and do MK on a MVMCP day and park hop to HS. On another day, do a half day at HS and park hop to MK to enjoy the evening with fireworks and the “Frozen” Castle Experience 2. A 3-Day Base Ticket and 1-Party Night Ticket (Jollywood Nights or MVMCP)

Hi Tom. Myself and my family spent 2 weeks in Orlando middle of August, including 5 days at WDW and we would like to thank you very much for all the advice you give. I read all of your blogs and the advice/information was so valuable to help us to get the best out of our holiday (we are from UK so we can’t visit as often as we would like!). Using Early Entry, Extended Evening Hours and very quick fingers on the Virtual Queues, we were able to do everything we wanted to do and much more!! The only thing that went wrong was when after doing Early Entry at MK we took the monorail back to our hotel (Yacht Club) via Epcot forgetting that we would technically be park-hopping so are restricted by the 14:00 rule. We arrived to EPCOT just after 13:00 so had to wait a bit. It was only a minor issue but thought I would mention as reminder to anyone else. We also learnt through this incident that although Park Hopping is officially allowed from 14:00, you can tap through from 13:45. Again, might be useful for others… We are already starting to plan our next trip and I continue to read your blogs every day! Thanks again and hope everything goes well with the baby!

Hi Tom! Do you have any articles or good tips for room requests (timing, method, hotel cast member insight, etc)? I would really appreciate it! I am a bit of a Disney veteran, but the art of the room request has eluded me (for example, old online articles suggest faxing things – that can’t possibly still be applicable, right??) – and if I ever post any questions on Facebook groups, the comment section eventually spirals into negativity and chaos. Thanks!

Hi! Thank you for everything you do, it is such a huge help when planning a Disney world trip when I’m used to just going to Disneyland. Do you have any tips on booking flights? Such as when is the best time to book, how far in advance and recommendations on which website to book through?

This information is crucial for every traveler. It is common to encounter health issues during our journeys, which is why this comprehensive guidance blog is essential for everyone. I greatly appreciate your kind words about the post, and I’m glad that the information shared in the article has proven helpful to you. bali tours

Hi Tom! Any tips for doing the Parks in the rain? We’ve been waiting months and see there maybe showers when we’re there next week. Thanks

Tom, My family and I planned for a 2-day Epcot experience in June. I am using your itineraries for the other parks and I thought I’d ask if you have a 2-day for Epcot?

Just amazing help for us in planning our vacation – thanks, Tom!

This is in dire need of updating. Rock n Roller Coaster is down, Toyland is open and fabulous, we did Lightning Lane at Rise of the Resistance. And more.

Have you heard anything about package service returning? It seems advantageous for Disney. I wouldn’t buy a large collectible if I have to carry it around all day. Having it sent to my hotel would’ve been nice.

I have not heard anything about that specifically, but I have recently been hearing about very big, very comprehensive announcement plans to coincide with 2024 Walt Disney World vacation packages. Normally, that news would be released in June or July, but I suspect it might be coming earlier this year.

Again, no clue if resort package delivery is among the changes (it was not one of the things mentioned to me), but it very well could be given the potential scope and scale of the news.

Hey Tom! What do you know about Typhoon Lagoons re-opening for 2023? I was thinking about adding the water park option to my annual pass renewal but wasn’t sure it would be worth it if both aren’t open. Thanks!

I’m grateful you recommended we consider opting for a week-long Walt Disney World vacation if we want the kids to enjoy the experience and all the attractions available without wearing them out. I’m planning to take my kids to Disneyworld this spring, so I was wondering how I should plan the trip. I’ll keep your suggestion in mind while I look for a Disney VIP tour to book in advance soon.

Hello Tom, I tried to use the code DTB5 at get away today and it says code is invalid?? Do you have another code that can be used? Also I love Sarah’s Mickey Mouse purse, where did she buy it I have to get one!! Thanks Lori

The Get Away Today website tells me that the DTB5 discount code is invalid, so this article may need further updating (that or there is an error on their side – just thought you should know).

This article is awesome. It was wonderful and I really like it. Thanks for sharing this post.

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Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, disney private islands, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, disney world reviews, other park reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, our 24 best disney world tips for your 2024 vacation.

Are you in the middle of planning for your 2024 trip to Disney World? We’ve got your back!

We have years of experience in Disney World travel, and we’ve put together guides on the best hotels to stay at , how much you should realistically budget , and we’ve shared money-saving hacks for your next Disney vacation . But now, we’re taking you through 24 of the best Disney World planning tips for your 2024 vacation!

Ahead of Your Trip

1. be aware of surge pricing.

Way back in November of 2022, Disney announced that 1-day 1-park tickets would have surge pricing depending on the park , and it’s been that way ever since. Animal Kingdom usually has the lowest starting price and Magic Kingdom has the highest starting price — if you are buying 1-day, 1-park tickets, be sure to watch the prices. If your schedule allows, you can pick the cheaper days listed for the park you want to visit .

Even if you have a multi-day park ticket, prices vary by day. When going to buy tickets, check the calendar for the cheapest days to visit Disney World and try to build your trip around that to save some cash! See the cheapest days to visit Disney World in 2024 here .

While it’s not always possible to move your trip around (for example, your kids are only available to go during spring break), paying attention to the price can end up saving you TONS.

2. Don’t Pay Full Price for Your Hotel

Disney World has different price categories for its hotels , but make sure NOT to pay full price for your hotel room! There are almost always hotel deals happening at Disney World — we’ll let you know about them, but make sure you check what deals Disney is running so you can get a discounted hotel room .

There are specific groups of people who sometimes get more or bigger deals including Annual Passholders and  Florida residents , and we’ve also seen great deals for guests with Disney+ subscriptions .

You can also use hotel points at some of the Disney Springs hotels — these hotels still get the same perks as Disney World-owned hotels like Early Theme Park Entry.

Also, don’t let the stress of finding the deals and planning your vacation by yourself get you down. You can use a travel agent instead! We recommend our friends over at Mouse Fan Travel and they can help you plan your trip for free.  

3. Have a Plan for Dining Reservations

Remember that dining reservations in Disney World can be made 60 days in advance , and if you are staying at a Disney World hotel, you can make dining reservations for the length of your stay 60 days out from your first day. But you’ll want to have a plan in place before you make your reservations !

Dining reservations typically open around 5:45AM EST, and they can go VERY fast at popular spots like Topolino’s Terrace or California Grill . Make sure you’ve got your plan on lock for which dining reservations you want ahead of time so when that 5AM alarm goes off to make reservations, you are prepared.

Pro tip : If you have a multi-day trip at a Disney World hotel, start with the first day of your trip since everyone has access to those reservations. Then you can make them for the other days!

Also, don’t forget that the Disney Dining Plan returned in January 2024.

Now that the Dining Plan is back, you probably have a few questions. We did, too! Luckily,  we did a TON of research and made a list of all the changes you need to know about in 2024. 

Learn ALL about the Disney Dining Plan here!

4. know your food priorities.

Speaking of food, know your priorities when it comes to food! It can be very tempting to want to eat everywhere, and you end up making too many reservations.

For example, if you are going to EPCOT during a festival and you know you want to try a bunch of festival eats, consider skipping a dining reservation at a table service restaurant in the park.

Keep in mind the changes to the dining reservations policy that allow more flexibility and last-minute cancelations , but knowing your priorities ahead of time will alleviate the stress of changing plans last minute.

5. Decide on Airport Transportation in Advance

It’s up to you to decide how you want to get to Disney World from the airport.

There are several options to choose from: You can rent a car and drive yourself to and from the hotel. You can also choose a bus transportation service like Mears Connect or call a rideshare service to take you.

Try to make this decision in advance, because the Orlando International Airport can be a bit trying, so having a plan in place will hopefully ease some of the stress .

Here are 9 unspoken rules about flying out of Orlando Airport!

6. know the my disney experience app.

The My Disney Experience app is a MUST when you’re visiting Disney World. Nowadays, it’s very hard to be in the parks without your phone and this app, so you should familiarize yourself with it before heading out on your trip .

The app has many different features including the ability to check wait times, the tip board when using Genie and Genie+, Mobile Order , virtual queues, and so much more.

7. Make Park Pass Reservations (Annual Passholders)

As of January 2024, Guests with date-based Disney World park tickets no longer need to make park pass reservations .

If your park tickets are not tied to a date, you will still need to make a park pass reservation. This includes Annual Passholders and a few other types of tickets.

Annual Passholders whave the opportunity to use “Good to Go” days. These are dates when WDW Annual Passholders are not be required to obtain a Park Pass Reservation and went into effect January 11th, 2024. Annual Passholders and Cast Members can see Good to Go dates in the online calendar!

Learn More About Good to Go days!

8. keep an eye on the events happening at disney world.

Disney World crowds can be pretty predictable — the winter holidays and spring break are a time when we expect big crowds in Disney World . However, there are some dates you may not realize will have BIG crowds in the parks.

Disney World hosts many major events including  run Disney weekends and cheer competitions, so before booking, check the dates and make sure there aren’t any major events happening at the resort that will cause major crowds!

9. Hold Off on Your Trip for the Newest Attractions

Last year, Splash Mountain closed to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventur e — a new ride in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure picks up after the end of  The Princess and The Frog , where Tiana has successfully opened her restaurant, Tiana’s Palace.

New music, new and returning characters , and more are all scheduled to come to this reimagined ride in 2024!

Read MORE about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure here! 

Country Bear Jamboree closed in January to make way for an updated show .

The Country Bears will be learning some new songs and performing a new act. The new show takes inspiration from classic Nashville variety shows.

Disney even involved Nashville musicians to make the new arrangements for the songs.

Stay tuned for a re-opening date.

10. Make a List of Priorities

Since there are so many things to do at Disney World, you’ll need to make a list of your priorities in the park!

Are you a ride person? Make a list of must-do rides. Want to eat 20 snacks in one day? You may want to commit to fewer rides and shows so you can eat all of the snacks you want. It all depends on priorities but it’s also important to be realistic about what you can do in a day .

11. Watch AllEars Videos

The AllEars team is full of Disney experts, and we post videos daily on our YouTube channel ! These range from challenges to crowd updates to special events — you can learn just about everything you need to know just by watching our videos !

During Your Trip

 12. don’t forget about freebies.

Now we know this sounds completely made up, but did you know you can get some things for free at Disney World? Yes, it’s true! This includes cups of ice water at quick service locations, birthday or celebration buttons, and soda samples at Club Cool.

There are several other things you can still get for free in the parks — check out a full list here !

13. Know How to Use a Virtual Queue

Remember how we said to know the My Disney Experience app ? This is where it comes in handy! You’ll also want to know how to use a virtual queue when in Disney World!

Currently, both Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT and TRON Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom use a virtual queue.  See everything you need to know about the TRON Lightcycle Run virtual queue here .

14. Save Time with Mobile Order

If you want to make the most of your day in Disney World, you have to save time where you can. A big way to save time is using Mobile Order at quick service spots !

On the My Disney Experience app , you can choose a time window and order everything on your phone. You’ll click a button on the app when you arrive at the restaurant and then you’ll get a notification to come grab your food. It’s super convenient and can save you time standing in line!

Now This Is a Mobile Order Change We LOVE, Disney!

15. only use genie+ when you need it.

When it’s crowded in Disney World, you may feel the need to buy Genie+ for every park and every day of the trip — but that’s not necessarily the case.

This goes hand in hand with your priorities. If rides are the priority, you may want to buy Genie+ . However, in parks with fewer rides (like Animal Kingdom), you should be able to do every ride WITHOUT Genie+ in one day.

It all depends on your wants on your trip, so read up on Genie+ to make an informed decision.

16. Use Single Rider Lines

If you don’t mind splitting up your group, pop into the single rider line when you can! Several popular rides including Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom and Test Track in EPCOT have single rider lines that can move much faster than the regular queue.

You still get to wait with your group in line — you just have to split up when it comes to filling the empty seat as a single rider. This can also be a huge time saver. Bear in mind that sometimes the single rider lines are closed off. Keep an eye on it on your next visit!

17. Get Up Early or Stay Later (or Both)

If you want to skip the crowds without using Genie+, we recommend rope dropping (arriving at the parks before it opens so that you are some of the first people in the park) or staying until close .

When looking at the wait times, the lines are lowest at the most popular rides first thing in the morning and in the last couple of hours when the parks are open . Remember, if you are staying at a Disney World hotel, you can get into each park 30 minutes early every day which can also save you some time.

Also, Extended Evening Hours , may not apply to your last day at Disney World (especially if you have a flight to catch), but it’s something to keep in mind as it could potentially give you a few more hours in the parks after they close. However, Extended Evening Hours are only available on specific dates for specific parks. So, consider getting to the parks early, staying until the park closes, or both!

18. Know Your Group & Their Needs

We’re not going to lie. It can be very tempting to stay in the parks ALL DAY. I mean, Disney World vacations can be pretty pricey, so it makes sense to make the most of it, right? It does make sense, but you should also keep in mind who is in your group and what their needs are.

If you have kiddos in the group, chances are you will need a midday break for a nap. If you get crowd burnout, build in some time at the pool. Know what you and your group need and adjust your priorities accordingly to have a successful trip !

19. Be Patient and Prepare for Plans to Change

You could spend years planning a Disney World vacation, but that doesn’t mean everything will go to plan. As you know, the Florida weather is temperamental, and we can’t predict technical difficulties that might occur with some of the rides. Just be flexible when unexpected issues pop up .

Be patient with yourself, Cast Members, and your group — it’s okay for plans to change the day of! Instead of letting the unexpected challenges ruin your day, focus on what you can do and let your plans adapt to your day.

Packing Tips

20. bring rain gear.

Since we just talked about the weather, it’s probably a good time to bring up that you should pack for all kinds of weather in Florida! Rain happens all of the time and you could see some pretty severe weather during hurricane season.

We recommend packing your own ponchos instead of buying expensive ones at Disney World, and you’ll want to throw some extra socks in your park bag in case it rains (or in case you get soaked on Kali River Rapids!).

Also, remember that Florida does have its cold spells! Yes, it is warm  most  of the year, but it can get pretty chilly in the winter months. Check the weather when packing so that you are prepared for anything the Florida weather wants to throw at you.

21. Bring Activities for Long Lines

It’s inevitable — at some point, you’ll find yourself in a long line at Disney World (at Starbucks, Cosmic Rewind, the bathroom!). But if you prepare ahead of time, it doesn’t have to be boring or a waste of time!

We’ve put together a list of activities and things you can do while waiting in line at Disney World ! Don’t let waiting in line be boring.

22. Pack the Right Shoes

One of the most important tips of all is to pack the right shoes! It may seem like a small thing, but it truly can make or break your trip.

You will walk miles and miles on your Disney World trip, so it’s important to have comfortable and supportive shoes ! There’s nothing worse than getting a blister on the first day of your trip and having to walk on it for days.

Looking for the Best Shoes for Disney World? See our full list on Amazon here! 

23. bring a charger.

If there was only ONE THING that you ABSOLUTELY NEED on your 2024 Disney World trip it would be a portable charger. A super easy option for never letting your devices run out of power while you’re roaming the parks are these Fuel Rod Portable Chargers !

All over the Disney World parks, you’ll find Fuel Rod Stations with portable chargers that go for $30 each . But get this!! You can get multiple for almost the same price on Amazon, (Also, these are the exact same brand, so they can be swapped out at the Fuel Rod locations within Disney World.)

24. Book A Bounceback Deal

We know that stays at Disney World can be pretty pricey, so if there’s a way to save some coin, you better believe we’re letting you know about it! In 2023, we shared that bounceback deals would be returning to Disney World’s hotels, and we just had to share a reminder about it so you wouldn’t forget!

What’s a bounceback deal? Good question! Essentially, these are promotional offers that are generally offered to guests at Disney World hotels if that guest books a future vacation within 7 days of their current hotel stay.

Discounts on future hotel stays may range from 25%-35% off .

If you want to take advantage of the deal, you’ll have to book the reservation over the phone, and it  has to be booked within 7 days from the date of checkout. To book, dial extension 8844 from an in-room phone, call 407-934-7639, or contact a travel agent like MouseFan Travel to book a new reservation.

We’ll continue to keep you update you on any changes in the parks that could impact your 2024 Disney World trip. Happy planning!

The Ultimate Packing List for Disney World in 2024

Do you have any questions about planning a 2024 Disney World trip? Ask away in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer them!

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2 Replies to “Our 24 BEST Disney World Tips For Your 2024 Vacation”

I looked at a crowd calendar and it said that Oct 30 – Nov 3, 2024 wil be very crowded. Any ideas why? I can’t find any specific events that weekend.

Hi Carrie! That’s Halloween weekend. A lot of people like spending Halloween at Walt Disney World (and Disneyland) because of the special events, parades and décor. 🙂

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FinanceBuzz

10 U.S. Vacations That Are Still Worth Splurging On

Posted: October 24, 2023 | Last updated: October 24, 2023

One great thing about the U.S. is its size. It has so many different regions that its vacation options really run the gamut.

You can choose from beautiful beaches on both shores, breathtaking national parks, world-renowned theme parks, and some of the most famous metropolitan destinations on the planet.

With so many options, narrowing down the destinations worth spending your hard-earned money on can be difficult. So in an effort to avoid foolish money mistakes , we wind up staying at home.

Stay at home no longer. Here are 10 destinations in the U.S. that may be pricey — but are absolutely worth the splurge.

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Hawaii tops the list as a must-see destination, no matter which island you plan to head to. 

Oahu, home to the state’s capital, Honolulu, is the most visited island and offers a mix of city life alongside gorgeous beaches, breathtaking views, and crystal blue water.

However, given Hawaii’s location right smack in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, getting there alone will cost a pretty penny. If you can swing it or budget for it, the trek (and the splurge) will absolutely be worth it.

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New Orleans

Even if you don’t plan to spend too much time around the sites and sounds (and drinks) on Bourbon Street, vacationing in New Orleans, Louisiana, can get pricey.

Hotels tend to be more expensive than other cities, and there’s so much to do, travelers can end up running up quite a tab.

On the plus side, many activities in and around New Orleans are quite affordable, making the Big Easy a must-see if you can swing it.

Visitors can take carriage rides through the gorgeous French Quarter, hop on a bayou and swamp tour, visit haunted cemeteries, or indulge in a dinner cruise. You can do it all on a budget if you book smart.

The Grand Canyon

As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, you absolutely have to see the Grand Canyon to believe it. Unfortunately, seeing it can be costly.

The closest airport to the Grand Canyon is in Flagstaff, Arizona. That’s about a 90-minute drive away, so travelers are looking at the cost of a flight plus a rental car (or bus trip).

Renting a hotel inside the park can be pricey, but it may be worth it if you want to spend a few days exploring. However, you can get cheaper rates in Flagstaff or Las Vegas and book bus tours from those cities.

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Disney World

It may take some budgeting, but planning a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth is worth the splurge at least once.

Flights to Orlando may be affordable, depending on where you’re coming from. But factor in the cost of hotels, transportation, and park tickets, and you’re looking at a pretty pricey Floridian vacation. That doesn’t include all the food and souvenirs you can buy in the parks.

However, the attractions, rides, parades, and daily fireworks shows can be unforgettable for visitors, especially kids. Day passes (currently $109) also drop in price if you buy more than one, which is ideal if you plan to spend one day in Magic Kingdom and another in Epcot, for example.

If you’re into skiing, Aspen, Colorado, needs to be on your bucket list. However, this top winter destination is one of the priciest ski towns in the country.

Average visitors spend around $200 per night on lodging and another $200 on ski-lift tickets. If you’re spending a few days in the area, that vacation tab could run up to several thousand.

However, you don’t have to stay at pricey accommodations when visiting the area. You can save big bucks if you lodge in nearby Snowmass Village (about 20 minutes outside of Aspen) or opt for hostel-style lodging inside Aspen.

No matter where you’re traveling from in the U.S., getting to Alaska is quite the journey — but it’s worth it. The natural phenomena you can see there are unlike anything in the lower 48 states.

However, many travelers book a cruise or a land tour (or both) to get the full experience. The cost of a cruise can really add up, even with one of the best credit cards for cruises .

While smart traveling is possible — booking day cruises or traveling in the off-peak “shoulder season,” for example — a trip to Alaska will still take some financial planning.

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The Hamptons

The Hamptons are known as a hotspot for the rich and famous, but they make for a great getaway for everyone else as well. 

Cheap lodging is not easy to come by in this coastal community on Long Island, New York, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

There’s plenty to do in the gorgeous villages, from beach hopping to beer and wine tasting to hiking to the Montauk Lighthouse. Booking far in advance or opting for the off-season (after summer ends) can save you some big bucks on a Hamptons vacation.

Big Sur encompasses a coastal stretch of Central California and offers truly gorgeous views of the Pacific, as well as hiking, camping, and so much more. Visitors also tend to stop for a photo opportunity of the world-famous Bixby Creek Bridge.

While Big Sur has no shortage of luxury hotels, travelers can also take advantage of oceanview or streamside camping to cut costs and still enjoy all the beauty the area offers.

Jackson Hole

If you’re the adventuring type or enjoy outdoor sports, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a 48-mile valley surrounded by mountains, is an excellent addition to the bucket list.

From Grand Teton National Park to ski-hill Snow King Mountain, visitors have endless options for enjoying the natural beauty.

However, flying into the area and paying for lodging, lift tickets, and more can really add up. It’s possible to knock a few dollars off the price by staying in town rather than in Teton Village and choosing budget meals rather than fine-dining experiences.

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Napa Valley

Napa Valley, California, is a must-visit destination if you enjoy a great glass of wine.

The world-famous region is just over an hour outside of San Francisco and offers visitors the opportunity to bike, hike, and indulge in top-of-the-line cuisine. And, of course, acres and acres of some of the country’s best wineries.

Unfortunately, the area has a reputation for being pricey. But like the other destinations on this list, it’s possible to cut down vacation prices by booking in advance and comparing lodging prices (Airbnb vs. local hotels, for example) to get the best deal possible.

Bottom line

While there are many great vacation spots within the U.S. that you can travel to on a budget, plenty of the pricier options really are worth the splurge.

It’s also a good idea to sign up for a travel rewards credit card to make your luxury vacations even more affordable.

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Disneyland Crowd Calendar 2024-2025 (Updated Monthly!)

In the Disneyland crowd calendar below you'll see the crowd ratings for Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, notable dates that may impact crowds, and the calendar dates for Disneyland special events. Click on the specific event or rating below for more information.

Our Disneyland crowd calendar is different than others available because we are completely transparent about the data we use to make specific decisions that impact the various crowd levels throughout the year . See this all detailed below the calendar.

Currently this calendar is updated to April 2025 . Information will be added as we get further into 2025.

We rated Disney California Adventure and Disneyland crowd levels as Massive Crowds, Above Normal Crowds, Normal Crowds, Below Normal Crowds, and Very Low Crowds. Here are the color schemes to identify those levels on the calendar.

Remember that even though this Disneyland crowd calendar (and the others you’ll see out there) looks very official, the actual experience of crowds at the parks could be very different if we were off in the assumptions that we made. There are many factors that can influence crowds on any given day, and it is not always possible to predict these.

How Did We Rate Crowd Levels For Disneyland Crowd Calendar?

Forecasting a Disneyland crowd calendar has gotten far more difficult as the crowd patterns at Disneyland have shifted quite a bit in the years coming out of the pandemic closure. The introduction of Disneyland park reservations and changes to park capacity has meant that over the past couple of years, it is a safe assumption that Disneyland is always crowded. Disneyland often tweaks the availability of park reservations to keep attendance spread out evenly. They would prefer to have “Above Normal” feeling crowds every single day.

Even with that stated, we have received constant questions about a Disneyland crowd calendar to forecast how busy the days at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure actually are. Though we already have our analysis of the best time to visit Disneyland and the Disneyland dates to avoid we understand the demand for a visual crowd calendar to track and present the information.

We combine this data plus our own constant personal experience visiting Disneyland every single week to provide the most informed theme park crowd calendar possible.

We determine the different ratings for the dates on our crowd calendar above by weighing the below factors.

• 1-Day Disneyland ticket prices
• Magic Key blockout dates
• Thrill-Data historical wait time data
• School calendars for key school districts in California, Arizona, and Utah
• Parties like Disneyland After Dark Nites and Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party

We analyze these shifting factors throughout the year to ensure that our crowd calendar remains up to date and shifts for any critical dates at the theme park.

For the 1-Day ticket prices that are visible for the year on the Disneyland calendar, we weigh these as a factor because they are tiered by date (from Tier 0 at the lowest price to Tier 6 at the highest) and often reflect expected crowd levels during certain times. Another important factor we weighed was wait time data from Thrill Data , which is a compilation of average historical data on wait times for each day of the year for Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

Magic Key blockout dates also play a role in influencing crowd levels—for example, the highest-tier Magic Key, Inspire, is blocked out during the last week of December into the start of January as a reflection of when some of the biggest crowds of the year will occur. The presence of no blockout dates can also contribute to higher crowds in the theme park as well with the locals unrestricted from visiting, like when all Magic Key holders return to the parks after summer blockout dates are lifted. This is one area where we bring in some of our own lived experience with the impact of crowds based on specific times of the year and the flow of Magic Key Holders.

Another factor we consider is the timing of special events throughout the year. We know the starting dates of seasonal celebrations due to the special events calendar that Disneyland shared for the year , including major celebrations like Season of the Force , Pixar Fest , Halloween , and Christmas . Especially on the starting days of each of these special events, we can expect crowds to be higher than normal. We also take into account how crowd levels at the parks may be affected by parties like Disneyland After Dark Events or Grad Nites and mark these on the Disneyland crowd calendar.

Major school breaks that can affect crowds include Spring Break and Fall Break, which can make the parks more crowded. We have some of these dates specifically marked on the calendar. The Fall Break has begun to have even more of an impact on the parks as it has become a popular time for guests to travel in from states surrounding California. October has actually become the most popular month of the year for Disneyland travel according to our travel partner, Get Away Today . As a general rule of thumb, holidays and three-day weekends will draw larger crowds to the parks, so this was also a factor we considered.

Overview of Disneyland Crowds During the Year

As you will see on the Disneyland crowd calendar, there is a typical pattern of crowds you can expect throughout the year.

Some of the slower months at Disneyland include parts of January, February, August, September, and November. You'll see that there is a fair amount of green during each of these months indicating “below normal” crowds. There is also a fair amount of special events that you can enjoy during these months like the Lunar New Year celebration , the start of the Halloween celebration , and the start and tail end of Christmas at Disneyland .

Spring break season is notoriously hard to predict on Disneyland crowd calendars as many schools have differing school breaks during the months of March and April. The common trends we see take place at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World is that crowds increase from the beginning of March until mid-March with a lull after St. Patrick's Day. This most recent 2024 Disneyland spring break season, crowds picked up again at the end of March and carried into the first week of April. Breaks are spread out across the country during the spring break season making this data a bit more unpredictable for our crowd calendar.

While summer break is a popular time to visit Disneyland with kids out of school on summer break, summer months are still not quite as crowded as some other times of year like October and the holidays. In June and July, our Disneyland crowd calendar projects a mix of normal and above normal crowds with some “massive crowds” days mixed in. Summer is a popular time for many families to take a Disneyland vacation but it's been easily outpaced by the popularity of holidays like holiday weekends, holiday breaks, Halloween, Thanksgiving week, and Christmas season.

You'll see above normal crowds surrounding the Halloween celebration during the month of October and around the holidays, especially during the last week of December leading into the first few days of January (which you can see on the Disneyland crowd calendar is all marked as red “massive crowds”). As mentioned in our above discussion of the factors weighed for the crowd calendar, school breaks (especially Spring break and Fall break) will contribute to above normal crowds at the theme parks.

Crowd Calendar Differences at Disneyland vs. California Adventure

Our crowd calendar also includes different ratings for both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. Our reasoning for giving each park its own unique crowd calendar rating is due to the special events that impact each theme park separately.

Crowd calendars at Disneyland can shift depending on what special events are taking place. If there is a ticketed event taking place at California Adventure, like Oogie Boogie Bash, you may see crowds begin to increase over at Disneyland as guests without tickets hop to the opposite park when the event starts.

This can also impact the availability of Disneyland park reservations as guests without tickets flock to the opposite park not hosting an event. Holidays and special events can create different crowd levels at both theme parks while on some days the ratings may be the same.

For instance, you might see larger crowds flock to Disneyland in the evenings as guests turn out to watch Disneyland fireworks especially during the holiday season. The nighttime entertainment is incredibly popular at Disneyland during the holiday seasons. But during the Food & Wine Festival at California Adventure that takes place in the spring, you might see higher crowds turning out in the evening as locals come out to enjoy the food offerings of the festival. There are many factors that can change the way busy days feels at both Disneyland and California Adventure.

Three-Day Holiday Weekends at Disneyland Impact Crowd Calendar

One of the biggest contributors to Disneyland crowds are three-day holiday weekends. Three-day holiday weekends draw large crowds for a Disneyland vacation along with locals taking advantage of the longer weekend. This is also one of the few times of the year we see Disneyland park reservations become hard to get.

Not all three-day weekends will create massive crowds although you may see an increase in long lines during these weekends. Easily one of the busiest three-day weekends is Indigenous People's Day/Columbus Day which often coordinates with existing Fall school breaks in October. We would consider this one of the busiest times to visit Disneyland with higher than average theme park attendance. Halloween at Disneyland Resort has now become one of the most popular times of the year to visit the theme parks. This often catches guests by surprise when they visit in October which is why we try to highlight it on our Disneyland crowd calendar as a peak season at Disneyland. But if you wanted to do a three day weekend during Halloween, you will have lower crowds if you visit during Labor Day instead since September doesn't have the same problem with fall breaks.

But on the opposite side of the spectrum, Memorial Day weekend is often not that crowded at all in comparison. During our recent trip on Memorial Day at Disneyland we did not notice a difference from other days in May. This is why looking at the data we've collected on our Disneyland crowd calendar can be useful rather than just assuming all holiday weekends should be avoided. And if you're there during a holiday weekend with manageable crowds, you can enjoy longer park hours with light crowds.

Ticketed Events at Disneyland

There are ticketed events at Disneyland that take place in spring and fall which all can impact the crowd levels at the theme parks. These events often take place after the parks close for the day although for some events the parks will closer earlier which can cause attendance to fluctuate between Disneyland and California Adventure.

Disneyland After Dark is the name of the after hours events that take place in the spring months at Disneyland. These events all take place at Disneyland Park after the park closes for the day. These events usually start in January with some running through June. Event goers are given early entry to Disneyland so this can cause an increase in evening hours at Disneyland Park on the days of any of these Disneyland After Dark events.

In May and June, Disneyland Grad Nites takes place which can cause crowds at both parks. Grad Nites are an event for local teens to celebrate their high school graduation and they are given the option to pick from tickets to either park, park hopper tickets along with access to a private event that takes place at 9PM in California Adventure. On Grad Nite days, California Adventure will close early at 9PM for this event which can cause an increase of crowds flocking over to Disneyland to watch the fireworks. Aside from the impact of the early closure at California Adventure, Grad Nites do not necessarily equal a massively crowded day and most of the impact of these events will only be noticeable in the evening hours.

Disneyland goes all out for Halloween and has become one of the most popular times of the year at Disneyland as this time of year also coordinates with many Fall school breaks in the region. Halloween at Disneyland also includes its own ticketed event called Oogie Boogie Bash . Oogie Boogie Bash takes place at California Adventure August-October as part of the Halloween season. On nights that Oogie Boogie Bash takes place, California Adventure will close early which will force all guests without a party ticket over to Disneyland Park. This event has the greatest impact on crowds at Disneyland since California Adventure closes at 6PM for the event. All of the other ticketed events throughout the year take place close to park closing or after park closing so the impact is not as great on visitors. This is another reason why Halloween can feel especially busy. Oogie Boogie Bash is an extremely popular event with tickets selling out each year. So when you note that it is an Oogie Boogie Bash date on our Disneyland crowd calendar, this also means an early closing for California Adventure on the same day which can cause an increase in Disneyland evening crowds.

What If I Want to Visit When Disneyland Is Crowded?

If your trip dates to visit Disneyland align with high crowd levels it's no need to panic as you can still have a magical vacation at the Disneyland Resort.

While most Disneyland crowd calendars will warn against visiting during high crowds, some of these crowded times on our 2024 Disneyland crowd calendar also take place during some of the best events of the year. This includes special attraction overlays on favorite rides like the Haunted Mansion, it's a small world, and Space Mountain.

Disneyland will also increase park hours during peak times of the year, increase staff, and offer a large variety of entertainment to disperse crowd levels. We love to take advantage of the longer park hours at Disneyland theme parks by visiting early in the morning or staying late after the Disneyland fireworks end. The early morning and late evening park hours are helpful to manage Disneyland crowds as most wait times will be short during this time of day.

Another great tip for handling a busy day at Disneyland is to make dining reservations so you have a guaranteed break for avoiding crowds.

We frequently visit Disneyland on days our crowd calendar warns as higher than normal theme park crowds. The special events at Disneyland and longer hours help balance out the cons of visiting in the peak season. There are upsides to visiting Disneyland during the busy time of year as there will be less ride refurbishments to worry about as you might see during off peak times, more entertainment offerings, and longer park hours. So regardless if all Disney crowd calendars are saying your trip may be busy, you can still have a magical vacation.

Avoiding Crowds Can Save Money

There is a perk to planning your next magical vacation at Disneyland to avoid crowds based on specific dates. If you can avoid the time periods of the year that we know draw considerable crowds at Disneyland then these times of the year may also line up with discounts, lower hotel rates, and cheaper air travel.

The Disneyland crowd calendar will highlight times of the year that have a lower chance of massive crowds. Disney also shares this knowledge and they proactively release Disneyland ticket and hotel discounts to encourage guests to visit the theme parks. If you plan your trip with these discounts in mind, you can effectively avoid crowds while enjoying cheaper travel expenses.

We often see the most aggressive Disneyland hotel discounts take place January through May with the most heavily discounted dates falling on days our 2024 Disneyland crowd calendar would consider some of the least busy days. If you are looking to travel to Disneyland on a budget, I recommend following the discounts rather than events. And often, these will also give you the chance of experiencing low wait times on your vacation too.

Regardless of when you plan to visit Disneyland, a busy day at Disneyland is better than a busy day at work!

Plan Your Disney Vacation Today!

For the best resource and helpful information for planning your Disney trip, make sure to subscribe to our  FREE Deals newsletter​ . We’ll provide you with helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest-priced Disney tickets anywhere.

You can find more information on planning your vacation in our guides:

• Why You Should Visit Disneyland in Spring 2024
• Best Hotels Near Disneyland 2024: Disneyland Hotel Reviews to Help Plan Your Stay
• Ultimate Disneyland Packing List 2024 and What to Wear to Disneyland
• Disneyland Character Dining 2024: Meal Reviews, Tips, Rankings

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Star Wars at Disney Parks

Shop These New  Star Wars  Day Must-Haves!

by Jenna DePellegrini , Communications Specialist: Consumer Products, Games and Publishing

Star Wars  Day is only a day away and to help fans celebrate, I’ve gathered some galactic surprises to help kick off the annual fan holiday. Ready your credits, because I am pleased to share a first look at some exciting new merchandise reveals for  Star Wars  fans of all ages, including brand-new toys, collectibles, apparel, accessories, keepsakes and more.

From fan-favorite licensees and  DisneyStore.com , there is something for every  Star Wars  fan to enjoy. Check out some of our favorite new items arriving just in time for  Star Wars  Day. 

Newly announced from Hasbro are new Black Series, Retro Collection and The Vintage Collection figures. Featuring new sculpts of fan-favorite characters and droids, such as the Black Series Darth Sidious, the Retro Collection  Star Wars  Episode II and Episode III Multipack figures, and more, these figures, available for preorder tomorrow, May 4th, are perfect additions to any fan’s collection.

Fans of  Star Wars: The Phantom Menace  will not want to miss out on adding the  new Droideka building set  from the LEGO Group to their collections. Perfect for adult builders, this new set includes an information plaque for display, a brick commemorating the 25th anniversary of the LEGO  Star Wars  collaboration and a LEGO minifigure of a Droideka. Be sure to also check out the full line of  new LEGO  Star Wars  building sets . 

Newly announced from Sideshow, Mace Windu strikes a dynamic pose as he wields his purple Lightsaber in the new  Mace Windu Premium Format Figure , available for preorder on May 4 th . This stunning collectible piece includes an intricately detailed tailored fabric outfit and a light-up Lightsaber function. The Force is with us all! 

Spice up your wardrobe with the new  Star Wars:  Remastered T-shirt collection  from UNIQLO. Featuring  Star Wars- inspired designs from UT Creative Director Kosuke Kawamura, this limited T-shirt collection is available now in the United States, Canada and Japan, and provides a fresh take on  Star Wars  characters and elements. More into button-ups than tees? RSVLTS has you covered with their new May the 4 th  collection, featuring the new May the 4th limited-release   “We’ll Handle This” Kunuflex button-up , inspired by the fateful duel between Darth Maul, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi in  Star Wars: The Phantom Menace . These and more are available for purchase starting on May 4th at 4 p.m. ET.

“If what you’ve told me is true, you will have gained my trust.” Well, believe me when I tell you, the new sleek and eternally cool  Mace Windu-inspired frames  from DIFF are available now. With luxe purple lenses to commemorate the Jedi Master’s iconic Lightsaber blade color and oxidized steel arms that invoke his Lightsaber hilt, these frames are a staple piece for any  Star Wars  fan.

For glasses wearers looking to add some Sith flair to their everyday look, the new  dark side-inspired top frames  from Pair Eyewear are the perfect accessory. Add top frame styles inspired by  Darth Maul ,  stormtroopers and more patterned designs to your base frame for an interchangeable dark side-inspired look.

Continue to embrace the darker side of the Force with the  new Darth Maul Mastermind watch  from Citizen, available for purchase starting on May 4th. Packed with details including the Sith apprentice’s likeness and his signature double-bladed Lightsaber, this item is perfect for fans looking to add a staple piece to their everyday look. Continue to showcase your love for Darth Maul with this  new Otterbox phone case , available now at select merchandise locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. And available at select Pandora store locations in Disney parks and on DisneyStore.com starting on May 4th, is the new  Star Wars  AT-AT charm , a stunning sterling silver charm that will make the perfect addition to any bracelet set.  

Fans looking for more subtle additions to their style will want to check out the new  Jar Jar Binks-inspired studs  from Girl’s Crew, depicting the fan-favorite Gungan in a cute, fashionable design. For those whose allegiances lie with the Empire, the new  TIE Fighter Necklace  from RockLove is a perfect accessory piece for both everyday wear and special occasions. And celebrate  Star Wars  Day everyday with the new May the Force be with You silicone ring, one of  many new reveals  now available from Enso Rings. 

Star Wars  TruMoo Blue Milk inspired by  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge  has arrived and can be found in the dairy section at select retailers in most major markets. Fans can enjoy this  vanilla-flavored low-fat TruMoo Blue Milk, along with special-edition white milk from various regional brands and TruMoo 1% low-fat chocolate milk with  Star Wars -inspired packaging for a limited time. To find TruMoo Blue Milk products near you, visit  www.StarWarsMilk.com .  

Looking for something special to drink your blue milk out of? The brand new  special-edition artist series Princess Leia Geeki Tikis Mug  is one of the finest collectibles inspired by a galaxy far, far away. This stunning ceramic 24 oz mug is limited to only 500 pieces and is available with special release pricing for May the 4 th  only. Don’t miss adding this amazing collectible to your shelf!

Spice up your morning coffee runs with the new  Star Wars  Dark Side Trio Coffee Collection  from Joffrey’s Coffee. With three different dark roast coffee blends inspired by some of the more iconic villains of the  Star Wars  galaxy, you won’t be able to resist these strong flavors! Need to take your coffee to go? No worries – pour your dark roast blend into the new  Star Wars- inspired   Starbucks tumblers and mug, available for purchase tomorrow at  DisneyStore.com  at 8 a.m. PT. 

Ignite your senses and journey on a culinary adventure with the new  Star Wars  Dark Side Hot Sauce  from TRUFF. A meticulously-crafted blend inspired by the menacing nature and powerful mystique of Darth Vader, this is TRUFF’s hottest hot sauce yet. Most Impressive, indeed! 

Celebrate your  Star Wars  fandom with the new  Star Wars  May the 4 th  Dated Collection, available now on  DisneyStore .com  and coming to select locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort on May 4th. Featuring a  stunning embroidered crewneck , a retro-inspired tee for  kids  and  adults ,  drinkware , a  pin  and more, this collection is the perfect way to kick off this year’s  Star Wars  Day. For those visiting Disneyland Paris, select items in the collection are also available at Star Traders in Discoveryland.

Bring playtime to a galaxy far, far away with the new  Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures  collection from DisneyStore.com. Younger fans can have fun in the sun with the new  Nubs Plush Costume Baseball Cap  and  T-Shirt  for kids or play all day in the new  Nubs Plush Costume Zip Hoodie.  And when playtime ends, young fans can adorn this  new sleep set , perfect for napping after a full day of fun. 

These are the droids you’re looking for! Add to your collectibles shelf the new C-3PO and R2-D2 Talking Action Figure Set from  DisneyStore.com . Available for purchase starting on May 4th, these fan-favorite droids feature light and sound effects, including real character phrases. And Jar Jar fans, rejoice! Coming to  DisneyStore.com  on May 4th at 8 a.m. PT is the new Jar Jar Binks Baseball Cap for Adults. Capturing the distinctive appearance of the Gungan, this baseball cap is not one to miss. 

Showcase your fandom this  Star Wars  day by adorning the new  Star Wars  Imperial Stormtroopers and Droids Dress from  DisneyStore.com . With C-3PO and R2-D2 hidden amongst battalions of stormtroopers in this vintage-style sundress, this staple piece is a must-have addition to any wardrobe. Make sure to grab yours on May 4th at 8 a.m. PT.

The Empire’s most fearsome Sith Lord has never been more fiercely adorable in the new  Darth Vader Hologram Teddy Bear  from Build-A-Bear Workshop. Perfect for gifting to fans of all ages, this super cuddly teddy comes with sparkly hologram paw pads and Darth’s Vader’s signature helmet, cape and chest panel. Looking for more cute? The new  Star Wars  Wishables , available now at  DisneyStore.com , are the perfect small companion for young fans. 

What better way is there to celebrate  Star Wars  Day than playing  Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes ? Throughout the month of May, celebrate  Star Wars  with tons of free gifts including a login calendar for daily rewards, free character shards, credits and the long-awaited release of fan-favorite, Jar Jar Binks! Download today on iOS or Android. Make your gaming experience even more enjoyable with the new  Star Wars  Jedi Edition of Secretlab SKINS . Inspired by the stoic protectors of the galaxy, these new precision-fit chair sleeves made for the Secretlab TITAN Evo Series chair pays tribute to the iconic robes of the Jedi in a soft, breathable fabric. 

More into cozying up with a good book over gaming? No worries – we have some exciting recently announced  Star Wars  titles coming soon to bookshelves near you. Follow Jedi Master Mace Windu as he travels to a dangerous, remote planet on a mission that challenges even his prowess in  Star Wars: Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss .  For fans looking to brush up on their  Star Wars  facts,  Weird but True! Star Wars   is jam-packed with surprising secrets and mind-blowing facts about the beloved franchise. Trivia night anyone? For more visual readers, Dark Horse’s inaugural anthology series concludes in  Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories Volume 3 – Light and Shadow .  With illustrations from Lucas Marangon and Ricardo Faccini, this finale will see secrets revealed through 4 action — filled tales of galactic adventure. 

This year, May 4 th  is not just  Star Wars  Day, but also Free Comic Book Day! Action, Lightsabers, blasters, stormtroopers and more make an appearance in Marvel’s Free Comic Book Day 2024:  Star Wars # 1 .  In this entry point into the exciting world of  Star Wars  comic book storytelling, join Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Lando Calrissian and Chewbacca as they mount a dangerous rescue mission to Echo Base, and witness Darth Vader recruit a surprise character from the past to help him in his quest to track down Luke. Make sure to visit your local comic shop tomorrow on May 4th to pick up your free comic while supplies last! 

Guests with reservations to travel to Batuu at  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge  will want to be ready to trade in their credits for the next release of the Batuuan Spira, releasing in celebration of  Star Wars  Day. The ancient currency of Black Spire Outpost is available now at select locations at  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge  at Walt Disney World   Resort and Disneyland Resort, and is good for purchases on planet and anywhere the Disney Gift Card is accepted. 

In addition to new merchandise, we’re celebrating  Star Wars  Day with some amazing fan events. On Saturday, May 4 th , pour over an exciting mix of new  Star Wars- themed products to choose from at  Stage 1 Company Store  at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring adult and youth apparel, collectibles and limited release pins, there is something for every fan to enjoy! A  virtual queue * will be in place for this shopping event; a standby queue will not be available. Guests will need to use the My Disney Experience app to take part in this experience. Guests must also have a valid park admission and, if applicable,  a theme park reservation  for Disney’s Hollywood Studios to join the virtual queue. Guests can request to join the virtual queue beginning at 7 a.m. ET on May 4 th . Happy shopping! 

*Merchandise is subject to availability and inventory may sell out. Joining the virtual queue does not guarantee access to this event. Purchasing limits apply.

At Disney Springs and Downtown Disney District, fans can build their own LEGO complimentary  Star Wars  minifigurecharacters to take home in celebration of the 25 th  anniversary of the LEGO  Star Wars  collaboration, while supplies last.  This fun Make & Take opportunity is available for fans to enjoy from May 1st through May 2nd from 5 p.m. to 7p.m.

And starting on May 3 rd  through May 4 th  from 11 a.m. to  7 p.m., fans will be able to experience a brickload of LEGO  Star Wars  fun in addition to the Make & Take opportunity, with photo opportunities with lifesize LEGO  Star Wars  minifigures,an interactive LEGO mural wall, and pop-up outdoor retail display featuring newly released LEGO  Star Wars  25 th anniversary building sets. This is a galactic experience fans won’t want to miss! 

As we gear up to celebrate  Star Wars  Day this year, don’t miss out on acquiring this bounty of galactic treasures for yourself and your fellow  Star Wars  fans! Be sure to also check out all the exciting deals on  Star Wars  merchandise happening in honor of  Star Wars  Day and visit StarWars.com for even more exciting new product reveals. 

May the Force (and the 4th) be with You! 

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