Walt Disney World for Beginners
Your Complete First-Timer's Guide
Are you planning your first trip to Walt Disney World? With so many resorts, rides, shows, and attractions, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But don't worry, we're here to help! In this beginner's guide, we'll cover all the basics you need to know before your first visit to the most magical place on earth.
From planning your itinerary to navigating the parks, we'll provide you with all the essential information you need to make the most of your trip. We'll also discuss some of the latest changes and updates to the park, including Lightning Lane and Genie Plus, so you can stay up-to-date on all the latest tips and tricks. Whether you're traveling with kids or on your own, this guide will help you make the most of your Walt Disney World experience. So let's get started!
Here's the run-down of what you’ll learn:
1. Consider a free Disney specialized travel agent
2. Set your budget
3. Select your dates
4. Pick your resort
5. Select your number of tickets
6. Select your ticket type
7. Consider a Disney Dining Plan
8. Set up the My Disney Experience App and Connect your Package
9. Make Dining Reservations
10. Check for Add-Ons and Magical Extras like Memory Maker or Bibbidi Boppidi Boutique
11. Schedule Airport to Resort Transportation
12. Rent any necessary Strollers or Scooters
13. General Tips
Understanding Walt Disney World
If you're planning your first trip to Walt Disney World, it's important to understand what you're getting into. Walt Disney World covers over 25,000 acres and is comprised of four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and dining district, and a large number of resorts.
The four theme parks at Walt Disney World are Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each park has its own unique attractions, shows, and dining options. Magic Kingdom is the most iconic of the four, with Cinderella’s Castle and classic Disney attractions like the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean and new rides like Tron Lightcycle Run. EPCOT is known for its World Showcase, which features pavilions representing different countries around the world. There are excellent rides, plenty of character meets and some of the best dining on Disney property. Hollywood Studios is home to a number of popular Star Wars and Toy Story themed attractions, while Animal Kingdom is known for its immersive animal exhibits and immersive Avatar experiences.
In addition to the four theme parks, Walt Disney World also has two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. These parks offer a variety of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, and are a great way to cool off on a hot Florida day.
If you're looking for shopping and dining options, Disney Springs is the place to go. This outdoor shopping and dining district has a wide variety of stores and restaurants, as well as live entertainment.
Planning Your Disney World Vacation
Planning your Walt Disney World vacation can be overwhelming, but with a little research and preparation, you can make the most of your trip. Here are some tips to help you plan your dream vacation:
Considering a Travel Agent for your Disney Vacation
When planning your first Walt Disney World vacation, navigating the multitude of options and intricacies can be daunting. This is where considering a travel agent can be particularly beneficial.
Travel agents who specialize in Disney destinations bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to your trip planning. They are well-versed in the latest promotions and can often secure deals that aren't widely advertised.
Moreover, they can handle the complexities of dining reservations, Genie+ selections, and special event bookings, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.
Our services come at no additional cost to you, as we are compensated through commissions by Disney. A good Disney-focused travel agent can act as your personal concierge, tailoring your trip to your interests while saving you time and potentially money. From arranging magical extras to offering itinerary planning, our expertise can transform a good vacation into an extraordinary Disney adventure.
Want to work with us to plan your next trip? Reach out for a free, no obligation quote!
A free Disney Specialized Travel Agent, like us, can make a major difference!
Determine Your Travel Dates
Timing is everything when planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Your experience can vary greatly depending on the time of year you choose to visit.
Generally, the parks are busiest during school holidays, summer months, and special events like Christmas and Halloween.
Visiting during off-peak times, such as late January through early March or mid-September through early November, can mean shorter lines and less crowded parks.
Weather in Florida is another consideration; summer brings heat and afternoon thunderstorms, while winter is milder but can occasionally be chilly. Consider the balance between crowd levels, weather, and the desire to experience special events when deciding on the perfect time for your visit.
We have full guides to every month, so check them out to see which month may be best for your family.
Decide on Your Budget
Budgeting for a trip to Walt Disney World is a critical step in the planning process. The cost of your trip will vary based on several factors, including the length of your stay, the type of tickets you purchase, where you decide to stay, and how you plan to dine. Here are some key expenses to consider:
Tickets: Choose between single-park and multi-park (Park Hopper) tickets (more on that later). The longer the duration of your ticket, the less you pay per day. Keep an eye out for special offers throughout the year.
Accommodation: Disney offers a range of options, from value resorts to deluxe villas. Off-site hotels can be less expensive, but consider the added cost of transportation to the parks (which often negates the savings).
Dining: Budget for meals, snacks, and drinks. Disney Dining Plans are back for 2024, so check out our Dining Plan Calculator to help get a better idea of the costs and if a Disney Dining Plan is worth it for your family.
Souvenirs and Extras: Set a budget for souvenirs, as well as any extra experiences, like tours or special events.
Transportation: Include the cost of getting to Orlando and your method of transportation to the parks each day, whether it's parking fees, ride shares, or public transportation.
To manage costs, consider booking your trip well in advance, monitoring for discounts, and staying flexible with your dates. Travel agents can be particularly adept at finding deals and promotions to help stretch your Disney vacation budget further.
Choosing the Right Disney Resort
Once you have your budget and dates narrowed down, it’s time to select a resort! When planning your trip to Walt Disney World, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing where to stay. There are several options available, including on-property Disney resort hotels and off-property hotels. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right Disney resort for you:
On-Property vs. Off-Property
Staying on-property at a Disney resort hotel has a lot of benefits, including access to complimentary transportation to and from the parks, Extra Magic Hours in the parks, and the ability to book dining reservations 60 days in advance. Disney resorts have superb service, multiple heated swimming pools, multiple dining options, shopping and more, all on site at each resort!
Staying off-property may be more affordable on a per-night basis, but when you consider transportation costs to and from the park, as well as a loss of the other perks, it can lessen the experience.
Resort Categories
Disney resorts are divided into four categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa. Each category offers different amenities and price points. Value resorts are the most affordable, while Deluxe Villas are the most luxurious and expensive. Consider your budget and what amenities are important to you when choosing a resort category.
Location
The Walt Disney World Resort is massive, so choosing a resort in the right location can make a big difference in your vacation experience. If you plan on spending most of your time at Magic Kingdom, consider staying at one of the resorts on the monorail line, such as Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. If you're interested in visiting Epcot and Hollywood Studios, consider staying at one of the resorts on the Boardwalk, such as Disney's Boardwalk Inn or Disney's Beach Club Resort.
However, the great thing about being in the “Disney Bubble” is that all of the resorts are connected with free transportation to all of the theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs. So no matter which resort you pick, you’re just a short Disney transportation ride away from all of the places you’d want to be!
Theme
Each Disney resort has its own unique theme, from the Art of Animation Resort's larger-than-life Disney characters to the rustic wilderness theming of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Consider what type of atmosphere you want to be surrounded by during your stay.
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay at Walt Disney World. By considering factors such as location, resort category, and theme, you can find the perfect Disney resort for your vacation.
Disney World Tickets and Pricing
When planning your trip to Walt Disney World, one of the most important things to consider is the cost of tickets and pricing. There are a variety of ticket options available depending on your needs and budget.
So how do Walt Disney World tickets work? You can purchase multiple different types of tickets, but the main two are:
Base Tickets: allow entry to one theme park per day
Park Hopper Tickets: allow entry to one theme park until 2pm and then you can “park hop” to any other theme parks for the remainder of the day
The cost of a one-day ticket for a single park starts at $109 for guests ages 10 and up. Walt Disney World uses a variable pricing model for tickets, meaning each day the ticket prices are different based on the amount of demand they expect. A random day in February may be closer to $109, while prices in December around Christmas are $159.
However, the cost per day decreases as you add more days to your ticket. For example, a five-day ticket may cost $88 per day. It's worth noting that the more days you purchase, the lower the cost per day. This is especially the case above 4 days of tickets, where the cost per day drops significantly.
If you want to visit multiple parks in one day, you can purchase a Park Hopper tickets. This allows you to visit more than one park per day, which can be a great way to maximize your time at Walt Disney World. The cost of a Park Hopper pass typically starts at $70 per day, in addition to the cost of your regular park ticket. Similar to Base Tickets, the prices change each day based on demand and decrease with the more tickets you purchase.
If you're planning on visiting Walt Disney World multiple times in a year, it might be worth considering an Annual Pass. This pass allows you to visit the parks as many times as you want for a year, and can be a great value if you plan on visiting frequently.
Another way to save money on tickets is to take advantage of value seasons. These are times of the year when ticket prices are lower due to lower demand. For example, visiting in the fall or winter can be a great way to save money on tickets.
Finally, Walt Disney World offers a variety of Genie+ and Lightning Lane options to help you skip the lines and make the most of your time at the parks. These options allow you to reserve a specific time to ride certain attractions, so you can spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying the parks. Genie+ is typically $17-27 per person, per day (again, based on demand) and can be purchased each day of your vacation. You cannot buy Genie+ in advance at Walt Disney World.
Lightning Lanes are for specific attractions, like Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, that are popular and not included with Genie+. These attractions typically cost $15-20 per person and allow you to skip the line for the attraction one time.
Consider a Disney Dining Plan for Your 2024 Disney World Trip
After a hiatus, Walt Disney World announced the return of Disney Dining Plans for 2024.
The right Disney Dining Plan can enhance your experience while offering convenience and potentially saving you money.
The two main tiers - the Quick Service Dining Plan and the Standard Disney Dining Plan - cater to different dining styles and budgets.
The Quick Service Dining Plan is perfect for families on the go, offering a flexible and straightforward way to enjoy self-service meals, which includes a wide variety of options across the parks and resorts. This plan is ideal if you prefer casual dining experiences or want to maximize your time on attractions and entertainment. The Quick Service Dining Plan includes 2 quick service meals per day.
On the other hand, the Standard Disney Dining Plan includes a quick service meal and a table service meal each day, which can be a great way to take a break and immerse yourself in themed dining experiences, character meals, and a broader range of culinary delights.
Both plans include a snack credit each day, which can be used for treats like the iconic Dole Whip or a Mickey Pretzel. To decide which plan best suits your needs and to get a clearer idea of the costs involved, check out our free Disney Dining Plan calculator. This user-friendly tool will help you compare the different plans and calculate how they fit into your overall vacation budget, ensuring you make the most out of your dining experiences at Walt Disney World in 2024
Navigating the Parks
Walt Disney World is a massive resort with four theme parks - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom - and two water parks - Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Here are some tips to help you navigate the parks:
Park Hopper
If you want to visit multiple parks in one day, consider purchasing the Park Hopper pass. This pass allows you to visit more than one park per day, which is perfect if you want to experience the best of each park. Keep in mind that you will need to have a valid base ticket for each park you plan to visit.
Park hopper is especially beneficial for families on shorter trips that may only want to spend a half day in certain parks.
Transportation
The best part about a Walt Disney World vacation is that you don’t have to worry about transportation or car seats. Disney offers several transportation options, including buses, boats, monorails, and the Skyliner. Many of the transportation options feel like attractions themselves. All of these options are free of charge for resort hotel guests.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that transportation does not run from resort to resort. So if, for example, you want to travel from Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Polynesian for a dining reservation, you would need to take a bus from Animal Kingdom Lodge to a theme park and then transportation from the park to the Polynesian. It sounds complicated, but it’s easy when you plan a bit (or worth with a Disney Travel Agent!).
If you prefer to use Uber or Lyft, you can also do so, but keep in mind that there are designated pick-up and drop-off locations.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is the most popular park at Walt Disney World and is home to classic attractions like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and It's a Small World. Be sure to catch the daily parade and fireworks show, which are both spectacular.
EPCOT
EPCOT is a unique park that is divided into two areas - Future World and World Showcase. Future World features attractions like Test Track and Soarin', while World Showcase is home to pavilions representing different countries. Be sure to try the food and drinks from around the world.
It also features hit new attractions, Guardians of the Galaxy, Frozen, and Ratatouille.
EPCOT is also one of the best parks for meeting characters, with the opportunity to meet most of the princesses.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is a park dedicated to the magic of movies, TV shows, and music. It is home to popular attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Toy Story Land, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Be sure to catch the nightly show, Fantasmic, which brings out dozens of characters!
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is a park that celebrates the beauty and wonder of nature. It is home to exotic animals, thrilling rides like Expedition Everest, and the stunning Pandora - The World of Avatar. Be sure to take a safari ride through the African savanna and catch the Festival of the Lion King show.
Water Parks
If you are visiting during the summer months, be sure to check out one of the two water parks - Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Both parks offer water slides, lazy rivers, and other fun water activities. Walt Disney World has heated pools and the water parks are also often open during winter months, weather permitting.
Using the My Disney Experience App
One of the best tools for planning your Walt Disney World vacation is the My Disney Experience app. This free app is available for iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store. With this app, you can manage every aspect of your trip, from making dining reservations to booking Genie + selections.
Familiarizing yourself with the app is the most important aspect of a Walt Disney World vacation. It can save you tons of time and is the easiest way to enhance your experience.
Once you have downloaded the app, you can create an account and link your Walt Disney World reservation. This will allow you to view your itinerary, make changes to your plans, and customize your trip. You can also use the app to purchase tickets, view wait times for rides and attractions, and order food and drinks from select restaurants.
If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can use the app to check-in and unlock your room with your mobile device. You can also use the app to view bus schedules and transportation options.
One of the best features of the My Disney Experience app is the ability to book Genie+ selections. These allow you to skip the regular line and enjoy some of the most popular rides and attractions without waiting in long lines.
There are tons of features and different things you can accomplish in the app, so downloading it early and getting used to it is critical!
Disney World Dining and Reservations
When planning your trip to Walt Disney World, it's important to consider your dining options. With over 300 restaurants throughout the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs, there's something for every taste and budget. From quick-service options to fine dining experiences, you'll find plenty of delicious meals to enjoy.
The biggest thing first time visitors fail to understand is the demand of dining at Walt Disney World. For many table service restaurants (restaurants with a server and table seating) reservations are required *well* in advance of your trip and walk-ups are not feasible.
To make the most of your dining experience, it's recommended to make reservations in advance. You can make reservations up to 60 days in advance. It's important to note that some of the most popular restaurants book up quickly, so it's best to plan in advance.
When it comes to dining, you'll find plenty of options throughout the parks and resorts. Quick-service restaurants offer a variety of options, from burgers and fries to salads and sandwiches in a relaxed, walk-up and open seating style. If you're looking for a sit-down meal, table-service restaurants offer a more relaxed atmosphere and a wider range of menu options.
Add-ons and Enchanting Extras
MagicBands: Your Key to the Kingdom
MagicBands make your Disney experience effortlessly magical. These colorful wristbands are a game-changer, serving as your park entry ticket, Genie+ access, hotel room key, and even a payment method for dining and shopping. They're linked to your My Disney Experience app, ensuring all your plans and selections are at your wrist's reach.
If purchased in advance of your trip, magic bands will be sent to your house so you are ready to go when you arrive!
Memory Maker: Capture Every Magical Moment
With Memory Maker, you can keep all those special moments without having to pull out your camera. This add-on grants you access to unlimited digital downloads of every PhotoPass photo taken during your trip, including those shots on rides and at dining experiences. Photographers are also available throughout the parks to capture your group in front of perfect backdrops. For those who want every magical moment captured, this is an essential add-on.
In our experience, Memory Maker is the most valuable add-on to a Walt Disney World vacation. There are dozens of photo opportunities with professional photographers throughout the park and it’s easy to “get your money’s worth” with Memory Maker.
Extra Magic Hours: More Time, More Fun
Extra Magic Hours offer a special perk for guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels. This benefit allows you early entry to any of the four theme parks on select days, enabling you to enjoy particular attractions before the general public. In the evenings, certain parks may stay open later so you can extend the fun. Check the park calendar for availability during your visit, as these extra hours can be a strategic way to experience more with less waiting.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: A Royal Transformation
At the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, children aged 3 to 12 can receive a magical makeover, transforming them into princesses or valiant knights. This Enchanting Extra experience is led by Fairy Godmothers-in-Training who style hair, apply shimmering makeup, and choose the perfect costume, ensuring your little ones are ready for the royal ball.
Reservations are essential and can be made 60 days in advance of your visit. This is one experience where reservations often fill up the day they open.
VIP Tours: The Ultimate Disney Experience
For those looking for the most exclusive and personalized Disney experience, VIP Tours offer a way to enjoy the parks like never before. Accompanied by your own Disney VIP Tour Guide, you'll receive perks like direct access to attractions, behind-the-scenes insights, and the flexibility to visit multiple parks in one day without the usual wait times. These tours can be customized to your interests, making them ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply ensuring your vacation is as perfect as it can be.
Character Encounters and Shows
One of the most exciting parts of visiting Walt Disney World is getting to meet your favorite characters in person. You can find them throughout the parks, and there are several ways to interact with them.
One popular option is character meet-and-greets, where you can take photos and chat with characters like Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and Buzz Lightyear. These experiences are typically scheduled throughout the day, and you can check the park map or My Disney Experience app for times and locations.
Another way to see your favorite characters is through character dining experiences. These meals allow you to enjoy a delicious meal while interacting with characters like Winnie the Pooh, Ariel, and Rapunzel. Some popular character dining options include Cinderella's Royal Table and Tusker House.
In addition to character encounters, Walt Disney World also offers a variety of shows and performances. Some must-see shows include Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Happily Ever After fireworks at Magic Kingdom, and Festival of the Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
No matter what your interests are, there are plenty of character encounters and shows to enjoy at Walt Disney World. Be sure to plan ahead and make reservations for character dining experiences, and check the park schedule for showtimes so you don't miss out on any of the magic!
Airport Transportation: Smooth Transfers to Your Disney Resort
Airport Transportation to and from Orlando International Airport is an important detail in your Disney vacation planning. While Disney’s Magical Express service is no longer in operation, there are still plenty of convenient options to consider. Several reputable services offer direct shuttles, private car hires, and ride-sharing options that can be booked in advance to ensure a seamless transfer to your Disney Resort hotel.
For those preferring a shared shuttle service, companies such as Mears Transportation provide cost-effective transfers to your resort. If you're seeking a more personal and direct touch, private car services offer a faster experience, often complete with meet-and-greet services at baggage claim. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft have designated pickup areas at the airport and offer a range of vehicle sizes to accommodate your party and luggage needs.
When scheduling your airport transportation, consider your arrival time, the size of your travel party, and your budget. It's advisable to book your transfer well in advance, ensuring you have one less thing to worry about as you embark on your magical Disney adventure.
Disney World with Kids
Because Walt Disney World offers transportation throughout the resorts, renting a car or bringing car seats is often unnecessary. One of the biggest considerations is a stroller! You can always bring your own, but families often don’t want to deal with carrying a big stroller through the airport and onto a plane.
We always rent a stroller. There are a number of reputable options in the Orlando area that will deliver the stroller directly to your Walt Disney World resort and offer great stroller options.
Be sure to think about strollers when planning your trip!
Conclusion: Embarking on Your Disney World Adventure
Now that you've been equipped with the essential knowledge for planning your Walt Disney World trip, you're ready to take the next exciting steps on your journey to the land where dreams come true! From choosing the perfect time to visit to setting a budget that works for you, you've laid the groundwork for an unforgettable vacation. Remember, the magic of Disney is in the details, and diving into those details is part of the fun.
As you move forward, as a dedicated Disney travel agent I’d be happy to help you plan your dream vacation, free of charge. With personalized advice, insider tips, and access to all the deals, I’ll help craft your ideal Disney experience without the stress. So why not make your planning process as magical as the trip itself? Reach out today, and let's turn your Disney dreams into reality. It's time to create memories that will last a lifetime!
