When you’ve been to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as many times as I have, it becomes much easier to plan a trip. Here are my best suggestions to take out some of those pain points, whether you’re going with two people or ten!
Stay on Property
Getting a room at a Disney Resort Hotel might seem like it would be more expensive than your other options, but in many cases, it can be just as cost effective and more convenient. There are different levels of hotel accommodations, from Value all the way to Deluxe Villas. Staying at one of these resort hotels includes free parking and transportation to all the parks, hotels, shopping areas on property. You also receive exclusive perks like early park entry, the ability to reserve dining and lightning lane time slots ahead of non-resort guests, and access to the dining plan. Plus, the ability to immerse yourself in the magic is worth any additional cost, in my opinion.
Use the MyDisneyExperience App
Download and create your profile well ahead of your trip. You’ll be able to do so much in advance, like book dining, purchase Lightning Lane access, check-in for your hotel, and more. If you do check-in beforehand, you’ll get your room number directly to your phone when it’s ready and hopefully be able to skip the stop at the concierge. You’ll also be able to link your MyDisneyExperience profile to all your dining, attraction, and other reservations to see them all in one place, in an organized fashion. And of course, you can use can link it to your MagicBand to use for park and lightning lane entry.
Book Dining During Off Hours
The most popular restaurants can be hard to visit during peak meal times. If you schedule your reservations during off-times, like lunch around 2 or 3 PM for example, it can be easier to get the booking you really wanted, instead of having to settle for your second or third choice. Also, once you’re there, you can try for walk-up dining. This is easily accessible via your MyDisneyExperience app when you’re in close proximity to the restaurant.
Explore What the Whole Resort Has to Offer
Some of my favorite things to do and see are not in the parks. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is a great example of a place with fun things to do beyond the parks, as it offers activities like wagon and pony rides, archery, and fishing. Fort Wilderness is also home to the Hoop Dee Doo Review musical dinner show, a can’t miss. Some of the best character dining opportunities also are found the hotels, including 1900 Park Faire at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Despite what you might have been told, you are allowed to bring these in and there are water bottle refill stations and water fountains throughout the parks. It’s important to stay hydrated in that Florida sun! In that same vein, don’t forget to purchase your resort mug so that you can get your free drink refills throughout your hotel stay and take home a cute souvenir!
Emily Gnacik is the Editor of AAA Every Day Magazine.
This article was originally written for and published in the January – March 2025 issue of AAA Every Day Magazine.
