Disney World for First Timers: The Ultimate Guide to a Magical Trip
Planning your first trip to Disney World? This Disney World for first timers guide includes top tips on making the most of your adventure! From booking your hotel to navigating the parks, we’ve got you covered.
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Booking Your Hotel with Expedia
First things first, let’s talk about where to stay. Disney World offers a variety of hotels to fit every budget, but booking through Expedia can help you find great deals. Here’s how:
- Visit Expedia.com and enter “Disney World” in the search bar.
- Select your travel dates and number of guests.
- Filter results by price, guest rating, and amenities to find the perfect fit for your family.
- Book your stay and take advantage of Expedia’s bundle deals for flights and car rentals.
We love using Expedia because it simplifies the booking process and offers competitive rates. Plus, you can earn reward points for future travel!
Planning Your Days at the Parks
Disney World is massive, with four main parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here’s a quick overview to help you plan:
- Magic Kingdom: Ideal for younger kids with classic rides like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and It’s a Small World.
- Epcot: Great for educational experiences and international cuisine.
- Hollywood Studios: Perfect for Star Wars fans and thrill-seekers.
- Animal Kingdom: A must-visit for animal lovers and the incredible Avatar Flight of Passage ride.
Tip: Download the My Disney Experience app to manage your reservations, check wait times, and navigate the parks with ease.
Lightning Lane and Ride Wait Times
Disney’s new Lightning Lane system has replaced the old FastPass+ system, offering a way to skip the standby lines on some of the most popular attractions. Here’s how it works:
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass: Purchase the new Lightning lane multipass service through the My Disney Experience app for access to Lightning Lane entrances at over 40 attractions across all four parks. You can now schedule them in advance for up to 3 experiences. Prices vary depending on the day and demand.
- Lightning Lane Single Pass: For the most in-demand attractions, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, you can purchase individual Lightning Lane access. Prices vary by attraction and date.
- Tip: Book your Lightning Lane selections early in the day for the best availability and to maximize your time in the parks.
- If staying at a Disney resort, you can buy the Lightning multipass up to 7 days in advance. If staying off property, you can buy them up to 3 days in advance.
Ride wait times can vary significantly throughout the day. The My Disney Experience app provides real-time updates on wait times, helping you plan your day more effectively. Early morning and late evening are often the best times to experience popular rides with shorter waits.
Dining Options and Reservations
Disney World offers a range of dining options, from quick service to fine dining. To make the most of your meals:
- Book dining reservations 60 days in advance, especially for popular spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Ohana’s, or Chef Mickeys.
- Take advantage of Mobile Order through the My Disney Experience app for quick service meals so you don’t have to wait in line for food.
- Consider purchasing a Disney Dining Plan if you want a prepaid meal option.
I highly recommend trying at least one character dining experience. It’s a fantastic way for kids to meet their favorite characters without waiting in long lines.
Navigating the Parks with Kids
Traveling with kids can be challenging, but with a little planning, it can be magical:
- Bring a stroller or rent one at the park. Even older kids may need a break from walking.
- Pack essentials like snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, and extra clothes.
- Use Rider Switch for rides with height requirements, allowing one parent to wait with non-riders while the other rides, then switch without waiting in line again.
- Plan for breaks and downtime. Disney can be overwhelming, so taking a midday break at your hotel can help everyone recharge.
Must-Have Experiences for First Timers
Make your first Disney World trip unforgettable with these must-do experiences:
- Meet Mickey Mouse: No trip is complete without a photo with the main mouse himself. Check the My Disney Experience app for meet-and-greet times. He’s at every park but my favorite was meeting him in Epcot with Minnie.
- Watch the Fireworks: The nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom are a magical way to end your day. Find a good spot early for the best view. If you’re at Hollywood Studios, DO NOT miss Fantasmic. It fills up so fast so get in line at least 45 minutes before show time.
- Ride the Classics: Don’t miss iconic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain.
- Experience the Parades: The parades at Disney World are spectacular. Make sure to catch the Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom.
Using Undercover Tourist for Tickets
Save money on your theme park tickets by purchasing through Undercover Tourist. This trusted site offers discounted tickets and often includes special promotions. We always check Undercover Tourist before buying our tickets to ensure we’re getting the best deal.
If you live in Florida and plan on doing more than one Disney trip within the year, consider getting an annual pass. That’s what we have and you get discounts on dining and merchandise.
Final Tips for a Smooth Trip
To wrap up, here are a few final tips for a smooth Disney World adventure:
- Arrive Early: Getting to the parks at opening allows you to experience popular rides with shorter wait times.
- Stay Hydrated: Florida can get hot! Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Have a Plan: A little planning goes a long way. Know which rides and attractions are must-dos for your family and prioritize those.
- Be Flexible: Things don’t always go as planned. Be flexible and go with the flow to keep the magic alive.
Planning your first Disney World trip can seem daunting, but with these tips, you’ll be set for an unforgettable adventure. Don’t forget to book your hotel through Expedia for the best deals and check Undercover Tourist for ticket discounts.
For more info on Florida Theme Parks, visit our other posts HERE.
If you have any specific questions, I’d love to answer them. You can leave a comment below or shoot me an email.
Happy Travels!
