Congratulations on starting to plan your first time to Disney World! As we’re sure you’re finding, there are a ton of choices and it can be overwhelming to navigate through which theme parks you should visit, what to do when you’re there, and what the must-do things are. WDW encompasses more rides, attractions, dining opportunities, and entertainment options than can be counted. While it can be overwhelming, there’s no reason to let that steer your away from starting to plan your vacation to the happiest place on earth!
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when you’re planning your first time to Disney World:
Plan and Plan Some More
Planning ahead is a must when considering a Disney trip. One of the first things to consider is when you want to visit. For many visitors, school breaks and vacation time will decide when you’ll be vacationing. But other factors can come into play — such as weather, crowds, and cost. Spring break, summertime, and holidays, for example, are peak seasons for Disney World. This means that not only will there typically be more people there, but you can also expect to pay more and have a more difficult time finding last minute accommodations.
When Should You Visit Disney World for the First Time?
Numerous events happen at Disney World that you may be interested in scheduling into your travel plans as well. Special annual events include the Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in the spring, Easter celebrations, summer extravaganzas, and more. Each park at Walt Disney World also has a unique celebration for Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s. If you need assistance with choosing the best time to visit Disney World, you’ll find we have an entire post that delves into each season and what to expect as far as crowds, weather, and ticket prices.
Choosing What Theme Parks to Visit for Your First Time
There are 4 main parks to choose from — Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. As a part of the planning phase, we recommend picking the parks you definitely want to explore during your visit. To give you a quick overview of highlights of each park:
Magic Kingdom:
If you envision Cinderella’s castle when you think of Disney, this is one of the parks that you won’t want to miss! Magic Kingdom is home to all of the classic attractions — the castle, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Main Street USA, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Splash Mountain, and more!
Animal Kingdom:
Celebrate all living creatures with safaris, treks, and plenty of other adventures. This is the perfect place for all Avatar fans too! Here you’ll find popular attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Na’vi River Journey, and the infamous steamed burger pods at Satu’li Canteen.
Epcot:
Want to explore the world, Disney World style? Epcot will be one of your favorites. Here you can literally travel around the globe — tasting delicacies from 11 different countries! Think Germany, France, Canada, and more! You’ll also be able to enjoy rides that take you into the sea with Nemo and all the way to space! For those of you with Frozen fans in the family, you’ll also want to stop by to check out Frozen Ever After (a musical boat ride through the enchanted world of Arendelle).
Hollywood Studios:
Star Wars fan? Hollywood Studios is an absolute must for your upcoming Disney World vacation! You’ll be able to go on a smuggling mission at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Plus, there’s also Toy Story Land and many other immersive experiences located within Hollywood Studios.
Want to visit multiple parks in one day?
You’re in luck! Park hopping is back as of the beginning of the year. This ticket add-on allows you to literally hop between parks on your chosen day.
We’ll be adding comprehensive guides to each park soon! If you’d like to know more tips, you can sign up to our monthly newsletter and you’ll receive updates straight to your email inbox.
Booking Your Disney Tickets Ahead of Time
There are currently 2 steps for securing your tickets and reservations at Disney World. First, you must have a valid park ticket and then make a reservation for each ticket. Reservations are limited and subject to availability, which means it’s good practice to make sure your desired theme park is available before purchasing your ticket. You’ll find a calendar on Disney’s website that will show you what parks still are available on any given day. After you’ve made sure there’s availability, then you can purchase your tickets with peace of mind.
Don’t Forget to Make Advanced Dining Reservations
Another of the many things to consider when planning a Disney vacation is dining. There are easily over 100 dining options within the Disney theme parks, each with different themes, price points, and styles. Do a little research ahead of time to determine where you want to eat while you’re on-site and purchase advanced dining reservations. It’ll make your visit much easier when you’re in the thick of checking off that Disney to-see list!
What to expect with Covid-19
Keep in mind that due to the current pandemic, changes have been made to numerous aspects of the Disney experience. We recommend checking the Disney World website or calling us directly before traveling for the most up-to-date information. As of now, restrictions are in place regarding the number of people allowed to enter the park at a time, social distancing remains in effect, and some events and interactive opportunities — such as character meet and greets — have been changed or canceled altogether. So things will undoubtedly be a little different than “normal” if you’ll be visiting in the near future. Nonetheless, your first Disney vacation will be magical! And, we’ve personally witnessed how amazingly all of the theme parks are implementing all of the new procedures to keep all guests safe during this time.
Before You Arrive: Download the My Disney Experience App
Before your visit, make sure to download the My Disney Experience App. You’ll have access in the palm of your hand to wait times, park information, dining and entertainment information, and so much more. It’ll be a life-saver. If you can swing it, consider getting the photo package through the app as well. It’ll provide lifelong memories in the form of photos throughout the park for your family to treasure for years to come. Speaking of photos for Instagram pros and novices alike, here are our top 10 Insta-worthy spots at Disney World.
Where should you stay in Orlando near Disney World?
There are also many options when you’re starting a search for accommodations near Disney World! Here, at Villakey, we offer a large selection of private vacation rental homes in Orlando that are only moments away from the theme parks! Plus, we’re an Authorized Disney Ticket Seller, which means you’re in trusted hands when you’re ready to purchase your tickets. It’s like having an inclusive and personalized Orlando vacation package just for you and your family.
You can contact us to learn more! And, you can browse through all of our vacation rental properties by clicking here or choose from one of the Villakey Curated Collections listed below:
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