Our Top Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World Resort

Whether this is your first or hundredth time visiting Disney World Resort, this list will come in handy when it comes to making sure you have all the things you’ll need to get your vacation off without a hitch. As my ol’ pal Scar from the Lion King, says, “Be Prepared,” for long lines, unexpected thunderstorms, heat, and mechanical failures when you visit the Disney World theme parks. While it’s the greatest theme park in the world, there are still a number of things that can throw a wrench in your plans. Here are our top tips for visiting Disney World Resort.

1. Do your research before you book your vacation

In theory, spending Christmas morning at the Magic Kingdom sounds like a beautiful idea. Cinderella’s Castle is draped in shimmering lights that will leave you and your family feeling splendid. The holiday decor is unrivaled to anything you’ll see elsewhere! But, did you know that the Magic Kingdom often hits capacity on Christmas Day and stops letting in guests? This is just one example as to how visiting the Disney World parks can throw a wrench in your plans if you don’t do your research ahead. When it comes to planning, a good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that if your kids are on vacation, it means every other kid is on vacation, too. Holidays, spring break, and summer are the most popular times to visit Disney World. If you’re looking to travel in these dates, you’ll also run into peak pricing. If these are issues for you, then you may want to look into visiting the parks during a less-popular time of year.

2. Wear comfortable shoes! Dress appropriately!

Forget you ever heard of that old saying, “it’s better to look good than to feel good.” When you’re in Disney World, it is always, always, always better to feel good. Do your feet a favor and wear comfortable shoes, regardless of how ugly that may be! You also want to dress appropriately. After all, Disney World is in Florida where the temperatures can quickly become sweltering during the summer months. Wear shorts, comfortable shoes and of course, bring a poncho for those unpredictable spouts of rain.

3. Pace yourself

It can be tempting to want to walk quickly as soon as you enter the parks so you can get on your favorite ride as soon as possible. Regardless of how fast you may walk, the bottom line is that there are thousands of people visiting the theme parks everyday; you’re not going to outrun the line. Instead, take a stroll throughout the parks. Just because everyone else is hustling and bustling beside you, doesn’t mean you can’t take your time and admire the intricate details Disney Imagineers implemented in places you ordinarily wouldn’t even notice. By pacing yourself, you’re not only taking in more of the hidden magic (and perhaps a few hidden Mickeys), but also not wearing yourself out. A Disney World vacation can be exhausting as is, let alone when you’re pushing yourself to experience everything quickly.

4. Make dining reservations ahead of time

People visit Walt Disney World for much more than family vacations. In fact, there are many celebratory trips taken in the House of Mouse, from birthdays, engagements, marriages, bachelorette parties and anniversaries. There’s a dining reservation that can meet each of these needs. You can book at the uber elegant and romantic Victoria & Albert’s to commemorate an engagement or anniversary. You can book at Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Hollywood Brown Derby and so much more. Walt Disney World caters to every kind of budget, food preference, theme and special life-moment each guest is experiencing. Even if you just make one dining reservation your whole trip, it’s worth it to experience unparalleled service that will fancy your tastebuds.