DO make your reservations early. You can make dining reservations 180 days before your first day. If you’d like to eat at Cinderella’s Castle or at the newest sit-down dining experience at Magic Kingdom, Be Our Guest, you must make advanced dining reservations. I know. One hundred and eighty days sounds crazy. But Disney World’s popularity gets crazier and crazier every year.
DON’T plan every minute of every day. Sketch out a basic plan, that includes your dining must-dos, and then enjoy a few “spontaneous” afternoons or mornings. Some of the best memories are created when you take the time to smell the roses.
DO schedule a wake-up call if you’re staying at a Disney resort. Even if your internal clock works, well, like clockwork, receiving a wake-up call from a favorite Disney character is a treat. Just be sure to put the call on speaker so everyone can share in the magic.
DON’T forget to make your FastPass+ reservations. Up to 60 days before you arrive you can reserve a one-hour window to ride some of the most popular Disney attractions. And it’s free! Do not skip this step. Knowing that your kids will be able to ride Toy Story Mania or the new Seven Dwarves Mine Train, guaranteed, makes for a less stressful day in the parks.
DO pack easy breakfast items for your room. Breakfast bars, fruit, yogurt, milk and cereal, even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, can all be eaten while you’re getting ready, saving you money and time each morning.
DON’T push your family to their breaking point. You know your family best and if you have a group of night owls, don’t try to turn them into early birds every morning of the trip. Schedule a sleep-in day or two. Take a break in the middle of the day when the crowds get heavy.
DO take a ride on the monorail, even if you aren’t staying at a monorail resort. My sons think the monorail is an attraction in itself. It’s a great way to take break in the middle of the day and see Disney World from a different perspective.
DON’T pack the kitchen sink. I always over pack. I’m getting better. My new formula: Pack about 1/2 the clothes you think you’ll need. There are washing machines at the resort if you get desperate. And more room for souvenirs in your suitcase.
DO set limits for souvenir shopping. We buy our kids a Disney gift card before we leave for our trip. They have a set budget and can make wise choices on their own. This tip alone has reduced whining and begging by about 80% in our household.
DON’T skip a character meal if your kids want to meet Mickey. Or Donald Duck. Or Winnie the Pooh. Or Belle. There are meals in all four parks and many resorts that offer one-on-one character interaction. And the best part? No waiting in line. The characters come to you while you dine.
DO take advantage of Disney’s free planning tools. Disney offers a free Disney DVD on their website. Order it to get a lay of the land and a better idea of what you want to do. And download the My Disney Experience app to keep all your resort, dining and FastPass reservations all in one place. You can also use this app to check attraction wait times, parade schedules, interactive maps and more.
DON’T go during the week of Christmas and New Year’s. This is, hands down, the busiest time of the year. With crowds at capacity, this will be a miserable time to first experience Disney World. We have witnessed 5 hour wait times for attractions and Disney turning guests away because the parks were full. If you must see Disney decorated for the holidays, mid-November (avoid Thanksgiving) and the first few weeks of December are great times to go.
DO have a plan but don’t stick to it. Sounds counterintuitive but you’ll thank me later. Having an itinerary is the only way to make sure you see all you want to see. Deviating from the plan will keep your family sane. Things happen. Dinner takes longer than usual. Your son wants to ride Space Mountain over and over. A swim sounds perfect in the 95 degree heat. Remember, a plan is just a guideline.
DON’T try to do it all. There is so much to do with 4 parks, 2 water parks, 3 golf courses, horseback riding, fishing, water sports, spas – you can’t possibly do everything. Disney planned it this way. They want you to come back. Pick a focus for your trip, hit the highlights and take notes for your next visit.
2 Replies to “Do’s And Don’ts for the Disney First Timer”
This is a GREAT list of do’s and don’ts! I completely agree with you on packing breakfast bars. I’d rather save my money (or dining credits) and get to the park sooner! Before my last trip, a friend told me to schedule a wake-up call and put it on speaker phone. Such a magical way to wake up!
Thanks for the tips!
When The Rain, Rain Won’t Go Away While You’re At Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World Planning Guide For The First-Timer
The First-Timer’s Must-See Must-Do Guide To Walt Disney World
First Timer’s Guide To Must See/Must Do Walt Disney World
What NOT To Pack For Your Upcoming Disney Trip: The Anti-Packing List
Best Ways To Celebrate At Walt Disney World
This is a GREAT list of do’s and don’ts! I completely agree with you on packing breakfast bars. I’d rather save my money (or dining credits) and get to the park sooner! Before my last trip, a friend told me to schedule a wake-up call and put it on speaker phone. Such a magical way to wake up!
Thanks for the tips!
And thanks for the endorsement for the wake-up call. You’re right. Truly a magical way to start your day!