Plan Of Attack For The Walt Disney World First Timer

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is overwhelming for anyone. But for someone who has never been to this magical, yet massive place it can be downright intimidating. Let’s break it down, into manageable bits, so your trip can go smoothly and magically.

1. Stay On Property – Disney World has a resort for every budget, from camping sites to value, moderate and deluxe resorts. All have free parking. All have free transportation.  Speaking of transportation, guests staying on property have free transportation from the airport to their resort and (sadly) back again. And then there are extended park hours for on-site guests only and free souvenir delivery to your resort and access to dining plans.

2. There’s More To Disney World Than Just The 4 Parks – Check out Downtown Disney, play a round of mini golf or take a splash at one of the two water parks. Or you could have dinner at one of the signature restaurants at another resort. Go fishing, play a round of golf or send the kids on a pirate adventure. There is more to do beyond that parks than you could ever imagine. Take time to explore.

3. You Don’t Have To Wait In Line To Meet The Characters – Why wait in line for Snow White or Donald or even Mickey Mouse if they will come to you? Various restaurants on property have character meals, where the characters visit you at your table. You enjoy a lovely meal and little Susie gets to meet Belle, all without waiting in line. It’s a win-win!

4. Plan Ahead. Plan Ahead. Plan Ahead. – Just about every sit-down restaurant in Walt Disney World needs a reservation, especially if you enjoy eating dinner during dinner time. Know where you want to eat, which day you want to eat there, and at about what time you’d like to eat. Guests staying on-property (yet another advantage) can make reservations up to 180 days out from their arrival. And speaking of planning ahead, you can now make FastPass (a “skip the line” option) reservations 60 days in  advance of your first day of arrival. Non-resort guests can make these reservations 30 days in advance.

5. Carve Out Downtime – Disney isn’t just about the rides. There are parades and shows and relaxing, themed pools to enjoy. Take time to smell the roses or look at the ducks, as the case may be. Racing around with a monstrous check-list is no fun for anyone.

6. Know Your Attractions – Scan a good guidebook, like Birnbaum’s, and know what your party would like to try. Then, map out a rough plan of attack. Even if you just bring a short list with you each day to the park, you’ll at least have a game plan. Walking through those magical gates, you can be overwhelmed with all there is to see. Having a general idea beforehand ensures that you’ll at least hit the highlights.

7. Get To The Parks EARLY – You can accomplish so much more when the crowds are lightest, and that tends to be first thing in the morning. If your party absolutely can not get out of bed before noon, arrive late afternoon, shop, eat, watch a parade and then attack the rides in the last couple hours the park is open. But in my experience? Early is best.

8. Take Advantage of Ride Swap – You, your husband and your 10 year old all want to ride Tower of Terror. But your 5 year old is beyond scared. (Or not tall enough.) Once you get to the head of the line, tell a Cast Member and your husband can ride with your oldest while you wait with the younger child. Then, when they finish, you can ride while your husband waits with the younger child and your oldest gets to ride twice!

9. Rent Or Bring A Stroller For Your Toddler (Or Slightly Older) Child – This is not the time to train your little one for a marathon. There is a lot of walking. A lot. I feel like I need a stroller by the end of the day. You may get looks at the mall if your 5 year old is in a stroller, but you won’t at Walt Disney World. You’ll only get envious looks from parents who wish they had thought to do the same thing.

10. Lower Your Expectations – Not because Walt Disney World isn’t magical. It truly is a magical place. And you will have a magical time. But many times, especially for once-in-a-lifetime trips, we build up and create in our mind the perfect, flawless vacation. And it won’t be. It never is. It will rain. Someone will get crabby. A errant stroller will roll over your toe. The crowds will be heavier than you imagined possible. Something, anything can and will happen. Once you arrive, step back, soak it in and go with the flow. Have your loose plan at the ready but be prepared to switch gears once in awhile. Too crowded? Go back to the resort for a swim. Someone is irritable? Time for a Mickey Bar break! The magic will happen. Often when you least expect it!

Not a first-timer? What is your favorite tip for the Disney newbie?