Throughout my adult life, I have been lucky enough to go to Walt Disney World many times. I have visited the “Most Magical Place on Earth” with large groups, and with of course, my family. I know there are many people who have never been and have no idea what Walt Disney World is really like. You may picture something similar to your local theme park. That’s not surprising, as many people have been to their local theme park. In reality, Disney World is more like a big city with many things to see and do. Be aware though, you’ll never be able to do everything in just one trip. And you may get the Disney “bug” and want to make a return visit! Here’s your guide to Walt Disney World for Newbies.
Disney World was once called the “Vacation Kingdom”. Set in central Florida, the tropical weather is almost always nice. Visitors from up north enjoy Disney World as an escape from the winter weather back home. Let’s dive into all the Walt Disney World resort has to offer for the vacationer.
Theme Parks
Disney World has not one, not two, not three, but four world class theme parks to enjoy during your visit. The Magic Kingdom is the most well-known and centers around the classic Disney stories such as Cinderella, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Little Mermaid. Epcot was Walt Disney’s original idea for his Florida Project and is considered “edutainment”, where you can have fun while learning about our world. Hollywood Studios, as you might imagine, is all about the movies. You can visit Star Wars land, Andy’s backyard from Toy Story and even the Twilight Zone! Finally, there is Animal Kingdom, a celebration of the Earth’s animals with a focus on adventure. Special note: Magic Kingdom and Epcot both require two days to experience fully. Thus, you can see the advantage of spending your entire vacation with Disney.
Water Parks
Disney has two fun and exciting waterparks to enjoy. With nice weather almost every day of the year, at least one is open most days. Blizzard Beach is themed after a ski resort built when a freak snowstorm hit central Florida. Typhoon Lagoon supposedly happened when a typhoon wreaked havoc upon a formerly pristine tropical paradise, or so Disney legend says. Both can be a nice day of fun and relaxing after visiting the four theme parks.
Tickets
Before you travel, consider how many days you want to spend in the theme parks. For newbies, I would suggest at least four days. You can bundle your tickets with a hotel stay to form a package, making things less complicated. You can purchase up to 10 day’s worth of tickets. In addition, you can add the park hopper option, allowing you to visit multiple parks in a day. Magic Kingdom in the morning, back to your Disney hotel in the afternoon for swimming and resting, and maybe Epcot in the evening. If you want to add the water parks to your tickets, no problem!
Magic Bands
During your visit to Walt Disney World, you have the option to purchase Magic Bands for each member of your family. They come in multiple colors and designs. Besides being a nice souvenir, the advantage of Magic Bands is that they contain everything you need in one place. Your tickets, charging privileges, dining credits, photos, room key, all in one place. Magic Bands can be purchased online or at any Disney World gift shops. If you prefer, you can just get a credit card-style card from your hotel with the same information. Or, if you’re tech-savvy, put everything on your smartphone via the My Disney Experience app.
Lightning Lanes
“Lightning Lane” is the term for what used to be called the “FastPass” line. These are shorter lines for popular rides and attractions. There is an additional cost for Lightning Lane access. Several options are available. What is your time worth? Lightning Lanes can be purchased and reserved via the Using the My Disney Experience App.
Memory Maker
Purchase Memory Maker for unlimited professional photos of your Disney vacation, including ride photos. Share your digital photos on social media in real time. Return home with hundreds of photos of your family having fun!
Hotels
While there are hundreds of hotels in central Florida, Disney wants you to spend all your vacation time and money enjoying all they have to offer. As such, there are more than 25 hotels on Disney World property. Most are owned and operated by Disney. You can immerse yourself in all things Mickey Mouse! There is a Disney hotel for every budget.
The Disney World value hotels offer over-the-top theming at budget prices, comfortable rooms and suites, an expansive food court and multiple swimming pools to enjoy. Moderate-level resorts have larger rooms and multiple dining options, including a sit-down restaurant. Disney deluxe hotels offer luxurious and spacious rooms, multiple restaurants and lounges and close proximity to the theme parks, some even within walking distance. All the onsite hotels come with Disney’s reputation of cleanliness and exceptional service.
Why Should I Stay onsite at Disney?
There are a number of advantages to staying with Disney. The hotels offer free transportation to the theme parks, water parks and everything Disney World has to offer. In addition, onsite guests get to enter the theme parks 30 minutes earlier than offsite guests, giving you a head start on the most popular attractions. Onsite guests can also reserve table-service dining for their entire vacation at one time. This is helpful in getting reservations at popular dining locations, such as character meals.
Transportation
Like any big city, Disney World has multiple transportation options. Depending on which Disney hotel you choose, you will have free transportation via bus, boat, monorail and/or Skyliner. If you prefer a little more freedom, you can rent a car or use rideshare options. One thing to consider- Disney transportation drops you off near the theme park entrances, saving you time and steps, compared to those coming in from the parking lots.
Dining
The Disney theme parks and hotels abound with counter-service restaurants, table-service restaurants and snack locations. You can save money and hassle by adding one of the Disney dining plans to your vacation package. Pay for your food up front and eat worry-free!
Want to dine with the Disney characters in a relaxed format? Book one or more character meals in the parks or resort hotels. Options abound.
What Else is There to Do at Disney World?
Do you enjoy camping? Glamping? Consider staying at the Disney Campgrounds, where you can pitch a tent, park your RV or stay in one of Disney’s luxurious cabins. There’s so much to see and do at the Disney Campgrounds, you may forget the theme parks!
Love to shop? Enjoy good restaurants? Entertainment? Visit Disney Springs for all those options. No entrance fee is required so you can have as much fun as you want. Dozens of shops and restaurants are available. Go bowling, see a movie. You can even experience Cirque du Soliel! You can easily spend a day or evening here.
Any golfers in your group? Enjoy PGA-level golf courses at any of the five locations on Disney property. Is mini-golf more your style? There are two locations with multiple courses.
How about fishing? Book a fishing excursion with a guide and a guaranteed catch!
Souvenirs
Be sure to budget money for souvenirs. Something as simple as a t-shirt or plush or maybe build a lightsaber. Wow!
Tours
Learn how the magic of Disney works. Book a behind-the scenes tour and see how the Haunted Mansion works. Who are those names on the Main Street windows? See how Disney cares for the elephants at Animal Kingdom Park.
Nighttime Spectaculars
Every night at Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, you can enjoy fireworks, stunning visuals, Disney villains and more in nighttime spectacular shows. These will likely be the best things you experience on your Disney vacation. If you’re willing to pay extra, you can book dessert parties or other special dining reservations for reserved seating for these shows.
Book your trip with one of the great agents at The Magic for Less Travel, where we specialize in Disney travel destinations.
