No vacation’s quite as magical as one to Disney World. You don’t need to be a child to enjoy a trip to the happiest place on earth. In fact, some might argue Disney is a great trip for adults because it allows them to think and act like a kid again.
If you’re thinking about going on a Disney World vacation, you’re going to need some help. We’re going to review all you need to know before visiting Disney World to make the most of your trip. Keep reading to unleash the magic.
When to Visit Disney World
There are a few things one must take into consideration before deciding the best time to visit Disney World. The time of year you’re visiting can make or break your trip.
Weather
The weather in Florida can be a fickle thing. It could be pouring rain one minute and then scorching hot the next. How do you think you’ll children will do in this type of weather?
The weather from March through May is the most pleasant you’ll find all year. Temperatures are in the high 50s through to mid-80s most days. September through mid-November often have nice weather, but can be less predictable due to it being the hurricane season.
The weather can make or break your trip to Disney World so familiarize yourself with the Florida climate before booking your trip.
Special Events
There are several annual events that you may wish to consider attending. The holiday season at Disney World is unlike anything else. The magic of the parks really comes alive in the weeks leading to Christmas.
Halloween is another fun holiday you might love attending. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an unforgettable experience for the young and old alike.
Crowds
It’s almost impossible to avoid crowds in a place like Disney World. That said, there are some times of the year where one can expect fewer crowds.
Mid-January and February tend to the slower months of the year. The problem with visiting during these times is that the park hours are shorter.
The slower months are also when the parks do maintenance on some of the bigger rides. Disney usually gives notice well in advance of any ride maintenance so you’ll know before you go which will be under construction.
Disney World parks tend to be busier during the weekends and over school breaks. If your goal is to avoid big crowds, we recommend booking outside of these time frames.
The holiday season is a must-see for any Disney aficionados, but expect long waits and big crowds.
How to Maximize Your Days
There are several things you need to know to maximize each of your days at Disney World. You don’t want to leave the park at the end of the day upset that you missed a show or ride you were dying to experience.
Dining
There are many restaurants you can walk up to and eat without reservations. But many of the popular establishments that provide an experience and not just a meal do require reservations. You can begin booking your resos 60 days in advance of your trip.
Cinderella’s Royal Table is a must-do if you have any princess lovers in your family. 50’s Prime Time Cafe is a fun restaurant that throws it back to simpler days.
Be sure to read menus (and check prices!) before booking your dining reservations.
FastPass+
Fast Passes are one surefire way to ensure you’re experiencing all each Disney park has to offer. A FastPass+ allows you to reserve a time for specific shows and rides. You’ll be thankful you have a reservation when the line for Flight of Passage line is three hours long.
If you’re staying on-site in Disney accommodations, you can book your FastPass+ 60 days before your check-in. If you’re staying off-site, you’re able to book 30 days beforehand.
Keep checking the Disney app so you can see what FastPass+ options are throughout the day.
Memory Maker
Each Disney park has handfuls of photographers waiting to capture your family. The photographers are stationed strategically throughout the park in areas that make for beautiful images. You can even use the Disney app to find where the next photographer is.
The line-ups for photos are often short and they move fast even if they’re long. If you don’t have a Memory Maker pass, you won’t be able to access these photos.
Memories of your vacation will fade, but the photos won’t. Spend the money and splurge on the Memory Maker pass. You won’t regret having those images forever.
Where to Stay
Though you may not be spending a ton of time in your hotel room, accommodations are important. You don’t want to choose a hotel that’s across the city or one with a lot of crime nearby.
On a Budget?
Your Disney World vacation is going to cost you an arm and a leg, there’s no way around that. The great thing is that you can save money by choosing your accommodations wisely.
There are plenty of Disney-approved budget hotels around the parks that won’t break the bank. Many of the hotels near the parks offer free shuttles to and from Disney so you can save money on parking, too!
Skies the Limit?
If money is no object, we recommend trying to stay on-site. Not only is it convenient, but it will make your entire vacation that much more magical.
If you plan to be an annual visitor to Disney World, you may wish to consider joining the Disney Vacation Club. The DVC is a timeshare that provides accommodations at various Disney resorts.
We personally love the Saratoga Springs DVC for its proximity to Disney Springs and great dining options.
Enjoy Visiting Disney World
Though planning your trip might seem overwhelming, we think you’re going to have a blast visiting Disney World. Enjoy letting that inner child of yours out to explore!
Keep reading our blogs for more travel tips and tricks.