Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere these days. Disney has even started introducing AI-based characters for Park meet-and-greets, and animators are exploring AI tools for their creative processes. But can AI also help you plan your dream Walt Disney World vacation? Could it replace guidebooks or the advice of a seasoned Disney vacation planner?
The short answer is: it might! To find out, I put ChatGPT to the test. Could this AI tool design an itinerary worthy of a Disney enthusiast while also being accessible for someone new to Walt Disney World? Here’s how it went and what I learned.
Setting the Parameters
I gave ChatGPT a straightforward challenge: create a five-night, six-day Walt Disney World itinerary with recommendations for rides, accommodations, and meals. My goal was to see how well AI could handle the nuances of Disney planning.
ChatGPT delivered a decent plan, especially for someone new to Disney vacations. However, there were some quirks and drawbacks to note, many of which stemmed from how specific—or vague—I was in my instructions.
The AI Itinerary: First Impressions
ChatGPT’s first attempt wasn’t bad, but there were a few issues. For starters, it planned three sit-down meals per day—hardly realistic for most families visiting Walt Disney World. While it did suggest beloved restaurants like ‘Ohana and Be Our Guest, this approach would quickly burn through both time and money. Pro tip: aim for one sit-down meal per day to balance the experience with practicality.
Another initial misstep? The AI suggested accommodations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. While it’s a stunning hotel with luxurious amenities, it’s not the most budget-friendly option. For a family-friendly vacation, moderates like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort or Disney’s Pop Century Resort might be more accessible choices.
After adjusting my parameters—asking for just one sit-down meal daily and mid-tier hotel options—the itinerary became more manageable and affordable.
Strengths of ChatGPT’s Disney Planning
Despite its flaws, ChatGPT impressed me in several areas:
- Balanced Daily Schedules: The AI provided a good mix of rides, dining, and downtime, which is crucial for avoiding burnout during a Disney trip. Each day included morning and evening activities, with time for breaks in between—a must for families with young children or anyone hoping to keep the magic alive all day long.
- Multi-Park Suggestions: ChatGPT embraced the Park Hopper concept, recommending one park for the morning and another for the evening. For example, a day might start with thrilling rides at Magic Kingdom and end with dinner and fireworks at EPCOT.
- Incorporating Disney Springs and Water Parks: The AI didn’t overlook these often-underappreciated gems. It recommended a visit to Disney Springs for shopping and dining and a relaxing day at Typhoon Lagoon, offering a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.
Where ChatGPT Fell Short
No plan is perfect, and ChatGPT’s itinerary had its share of hiccups:
- Outdated Information: ChatGPT advised taking the Magical Express to my resort—a service Disney retired in early 2022. It also referenced outdated names for fireworks shows, such as Happily Ever After instead of the latest nighttime spectaculars like Luminous: The Symphony of Us at EPCOT.
- Missed New Attractions: While the itinerary highlighted classics like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, it omitted some of Disney’s newest and most popular experiences. There was no mention of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, nor did it include TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom or the revamped areas in World Celebration at EPCOT.
- Limited Guidance for First-Timers: For someone with Disney experience, ChatGPT’s suggestions were helpful starting points. But for first-time visitors, the lack of detailed guidance might lead to confusion. For example, it didn’t clarify how Lightning Lane works or the importance of booking dining reservations 60 days in advance.
Tips for Using ChatGPT to Plan Your Disney Vacation
If you’re considering using ChatGPT to help plan your Disney trip, here are a few tips to get the most out of it:
- Be Specific: The more detailed your instructions, the better results you’ll get. Specify your budget, preferred hotel category, must-visit attractions, and dining preferences.
- Double-Check Information: While ChatGPT provides a great starting point, always verify details on Disney’s official website. Attractions, showtimes, and dining options can change, so it’s essential to have the latest updates.
- Supplement with Personal Research: Use ChatGPT’s itinerary as a foundation, then customize it with your personal preferences and the latest park news. For instance, if you’re a fan of Star Wars, ensure Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance are included in your Hollywood Studios day.
- Leave Room for Flexibility: One of ChatGPT’s strengths was its relaxed pacing, allowing for spontaneous changes. Keep this in mind when planning—Disney magic often happens in those unscheduled moments.
Final Thoughts: Can ChatGPT Really Plan a Disney Trip?
In a word: partially. ChatGPT is a fantastic tool for generating ideas and creating a basic itinerary, but it’s not a substitute for in-depth planning or expert advice. It’s perfect for Disney veterans who need a quick starting point or first-timers looking for inspiration, but you’ll still need to do some fine-tuning to make your trip truly magical.
So, while ChatGPT can’t replace the magic of a dedicated Disney planner (yet), it’s a helpful companion in the planning process. Give it a try for your next Disney vacation—it might just surprise you!
What do you think? Would you use ChatGPT to help plan your Disney trip? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
