{"id":44113,"date":"2016-02-19T13:00:15","date_gmt":"2016-02-19T18:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/?p=44113"},"modified":"2022-05-04T22:35:11","modified_gmt":"2022-05-05T02:35:11","slug":"top-10-planning-tips-walt-disney-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/top-10-planning-tips-walt-disney-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Planning Tips for Walt Disney World"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"MFL<\/a><\/p>\n

If you are visiting Walt Disney World, it can be overwhelming. \u00a0The four main parks, two water parks and Disney Springs all offer so many magical opportunities for visitors but if you aren’t prepared those moments might slip by or even seem more frustrating than magical. \u00a0Here are a few tips if you are heading down for the first or even one hundred and first time that can help you make the most of your vacation. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Do Some Reading<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The first suggestion I would make would be to get to know the four main parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot). \u00a0Get on the web, grab a book and get familiar with the park layout. \u00a0Figure out what rides, shows, nighttime entertainment and parades are provided at each of the parks. \u00a0Knowing this information ahead of time will help you feel more comfortable when you are there. \u00a0In Magic Kingdom, learning about the different lands (Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Fantasyland) and what rides are located in each will allow you to feel more confident when in the park. \u00a0In Hollywood Studios, understand the layout of the park and what is located down the different streets will help you move around quickly in this smaller park. \u00a0Animal Kingdom can be frustrating for new, and veteran, travelers as it is harder to move between the different areas (Asia, Africa and Dinoland) because of the Tree of Life in the center. \u00a0Just look over the map or even getting online and seeing it through Google Earth can be helpful in understanding how to get around. \u00a0Epcot is a little easier to navigate, but it is a big park to get around. \u00a0In Epcot, it is important to know where rides are located at throughout Future World as it is a small jaunt between the two areas. \u00a0You don\u2019t want to waste time walking between these two on a hot day, so getting a general layout in your head can be a big help. \u00a0Now don’t think you need to memorize where everything is in Disney. \u00a0Disney is constantly changing and adjusting so things move and change making it nearly impossible to know where everything is located at in each of the parks. \u00a0Instead, plan on getting a general understanding of the parks so you are ready to go!<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"MFL<\/a><\/p>\n

    Enjoying Eating at Cinderella’s Royal Table<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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    1. \u00a0Book Your Reservations Early<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Another suggestion that will help your vacation run smoothly is booking your dining reservations prior to leaving. \u00a0If you are staying on Disney property, you are able to book these meals up to 180 days ahead of time. \u00a0I know this seems extremely early; however, if you want to eat at the castle or with the Beast it is important to book on the 180 day mark. \u00a0These highly popular restaurants book up early so getting a walk up spot on the day of is highly unlikely. \u00a0To prevent disappointing your little ones, make sure you get these reservations done ahead of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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      1. \u00a0Book Your FastPass+<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Along the same lines as the dining reservations are booking your FastPasses early as well. \u00a0Those staying on Disney property are able to book their FastPasses 60 days prior to check-in. \u00a0These are somewhat like a reservation for a ride, parade, show, or meet and greet with your favorite character. \u00a0You will always be able to ride the rides at Disney it just depends on how long you want to wait in line to do so.\u00a0 FastPasses allow you to avoid the two hour long line for Toy Story Mania and instead head there during your hour FastPass time and have a typically short 10-15 minute wait. \u00a0Although it might be hard to determine what to FastPass or when to FastPass, many sites and books have suggestions on what the top rides and shows are at each park that would be the best use of your FastPasses. \u00a0Taking advantage of this opportunity is a great way to limit your wait time for those main Disney attractions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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        1. \u00a0Have a Plan<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          As I have stated before, Walt Disney World and the four main parks are huge and can be extremely overwhelming. \u00a0After doing some reading, booking your dining reservations and FastPasses, start thinking about what your plan might be each day that you are there. \u00a0This doesn\u2019t mean plan every minute of everyday, but it does mean have a general idea of which park you what to be at morning, afternoon and evening. \u00a0Having this basic information planned ahead of time will help prevent meltdowns and discussion regarding what to do each day and evening. \u00a0Realize that these plans can change (see tip #9) while you are there, but designing a general plan prior to leaving will help get everyone on the same page when it comes to the goals for the day. \u00a0I also find this helpful for little ones because if they know ahead of time which park they are going it seems to lessen meltdowns. \u00a0Planning can help you feel less overwhelmed while on vacation.<\/span><\/p>\n

          \"MFL<\/a><\/p>\n

          Playing Before Park Opening<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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          1. \u00a0Get To Parks Early or Stay Late<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            As you are making your plans, take into consideration getting to the parks early in the morning, or if your group aren\u2019t early risers, staying late. \u00a0These hours are typically the least busy and can allow you to get to a variety of rides quickly with limited wait. \u00a0If you are staying on Disney property, take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours <\/a>(EMH) that are provided to resort guests. \u00a0These are hours that only Disney resort guests can be at the specific park and it really lessen crowds drastically. \u00a0Even if you don\u2019t take advantage of these hours, being at the park around an hour prior to opening can be a big game changer. \u00a0This gets you through security and the gates and sometimes through part of the park\u2019s main walkway before the park even opens. \u00a0Taking advantage of these off hours will really allow you to get more accomplished in the park. \u00a0I know it is vacation, but if you can pull your group up early or power through and stay late you can achieve a lot during these hours. <\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. \u00a0Plan Downtime<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              One of the biggest suggestions I can make for anyone heading to Disney is to take breaks. \u00a0Although Disney is magical and truly one of the happiest places on Earth, it can make even the most Disney loving fan crabby at times. \u00a0It doesn\u2019t matter if you are old or young, your body will need a break throughout your vacation. \u00a0Breaks can be heading back to the resort for a nap, a swim or a movie. \u00a0Sitting down and people watching while having a delicious Mickey ice cream bar can always be a nice way to relax. \u00a0It is sometimes hard to convince yourself to just relax and do nothing while in Disney as there is so much to take in and you don\u2019t want to miss anything; however, investing a little time in a break will pay off in the end as everyone will be refreshed and ready for more Disney fun.<\/span><\/p>\n

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              1. \u00a0Stay Hydrated<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Along with taking breaks is making sure you stay hydrated. \u00a0Disney is humid and you are walking a ton so make sure your body is getting the fluids it needs to prevent dehydration. \u00a0Parents, it is so important that you make a conscious effort to keep your kids drinking water throughout your visit. \u00a0It is easy to get wrapped up in the rides, shows and moving from place to pace that we often forget to hand them some water. \u00a0Whenever you are waiting in line, make sure they are drinking something to prevent them from being dehydrated. \u00a0Disney allows you to bring in water bottles of your own and you are able to get ice from any quick service restaurant. \u00a0This is such an important step in keeping your family safe and happy during your vacation. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                \"MFL<\/a><\/p>\n

                Favorite Show Fantasmic<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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                1. \u00a0Visit the Shows<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Many people know about all the rides that Disney has at each of the four main parks, but many miss out on the shows. \u00a0Don\u2019t forget to take some time to visit some of the show throughout the parks. \u00a0Disney has many scheduled shows such as Finding Nemo, Lion King, Dream Along With Mickey and Fantasmic at each of the parks that bring Disney magic to a whole new level. \u00a0Along with these scheduled shows throughout the day, there are many different shows that you can find throughout the parks that seem to just pop up randomly. \u00a0Keep your eyes open and don\u2019t pass them up! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                  \"MFL<\/a><\/p>\n

                  A Unplanned Visit to Meet the Rosetta<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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                  1. \u00a0Be Flexible<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    A lot of my suggestions are around planning and I do feel that is key to limiting your stress on a Disney vacation, but with that said make sure you are flexible when you get there. \u00a0Plans are great, but they shouldn\u2019t prevent you from stopping and visiting a character with no line or jumping on a ride that you don\u2019t have on your list. \u00a0Remember rides breakdown, kids have to use the bathroom and they too will probably have meltdowns as will you possibly. \u00a0Be flexible. \u00a0Listen to what they need and adjust your plans accordingly. \u00a0Forcing them to ride a ride or see a show when they are hungry won\u2019t be fun or magical for anyone. \u00a0I am a planning queen and I love doing it, but when we are in Disney my plans become more a guide than a rule. \u00a0We visit the rides that don\u2019t have waits, we stop and grab popcorn, we sit and relax when needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    \"MFL<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

                    Love the Extra Magic<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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                    1. \u00a0Don’t Miss the Magic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      My final tip for those visiting the first time is don\u2019t forget to take in the magic. \u00a0Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the plans that we forget to step back and enjoy the magic all around us. \u00a0You made it to Disney. \u00a0You did your research, made your reservations and FastPasses, and you have a general plan now it is time to just breath and take it all in. \u00a0Watch your kids as they take in a show or enjoy a ride for the first time. \u00a0Look around and see the details that go into the waiting areas for rides. \u00a0And feel free to cry when you see the fireworks in Magic Kingdom for the first time. \u00a0We all do it! \u00a0Walt Disney World is known for its magic so make sure you take time to see it.<\/span><\/p>\n

                      Walt Disney World is an amazing vacation and a wonderful place to visit which is why so many do so over and over; however, it can be overwhelming. \u00a0Hopefully you will find these tips helpful as you prepare for your trip to Disney. \u00a0Have a magical time!<\/span><\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                      If you are visiting Walt Disney World, it can be overwhelming. \u00a0The four main parks, two water parks and Disney Springs all offer so many magical opportunities for visitors but if you aren’t prepared those moments might slip by or even seem more frustrating than magical. \u00a0Here are a few tips if you are heading…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":72,"featured_media":44117,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1695,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44113","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-theme-parks","category-walt-disney-world"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/72"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44113"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44113\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85500,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44113\/revisions\/85500"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44117"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44113"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44113"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}