Are you planning a trip for your first time at Disney World but feeling overwhelmed? I get it. I didn’t take my first trip to Disney World until I was thirty, and even at that age, I felt nervous as a first-timer. After all, there are many things to consider when planning a Disney vacation, and to be honest, it’s best to do some research before booking your big trip. That’s why I came up with this list of tips for Disney first-timers!
Visiting Disney for the first time can be an exhilarating and magical experience for you and your family. From planning your trip to navigating the parks, these tips will help you have a memorable and stress-free visit. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I only share what I highly recommend!
1. Plan Ahead
I recommend researching Disney and getting familiar with Disney before planning your trip. One of the best things you can do is book through a travel agent. I highly recommend Get Away Today. They will book your entire trip for you!
I watched several YouTube videos on each of the four parks before going. Disney has 4 different parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
- Research and choose the best time to visit based on crowd levels and weather.
- Book your park tickets and accommodations well in advance to secure the best deals.
2. Utilize Disney Resources
- One of the best things you can do is download the My Disney Experience App on your phone. Here you can see a park map with attraction wait times, dining options, and room information.
- Study park maps, which can be found on the My Disney Experience App, and prioritize the attractions you want to experience most.
- Familiarize yourself with which attractions are Lightning Lane attractions and which are best suited for Genie Plus. Here’s a link for more information!
3. Pack Smart
- Get a good backpack or a fanny pack. I used this Loungefly for my first trip, but you can certainly use any small backpack.
- Essentials to include in your bag are a poncho, a portable charger, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer. I’ve created a shopping list of some of my favorite items!
4. Dining at the Park
- Disney offers many quick service options and snack options throughout the park. For many character dining experiences, you will need to make reservations in advance.
- You can check out the MouseDining website to snag last-minute reservations.
- You CAN bring a cooler into the parks. It must be between 24″ long x 15″ wide and x 18″ high. You are NOT allowed to bring loose or dry ice, but reusable ice packs are permitted.
5. Entertainment and Parades
- Check showtimes and parade schedules and plan your day around those. If you are watching the parade in Magic Kingdom, a good place for viewing is at the entrance!
- Get there early to grab the best spots!
6. Capture the Memories:
- Disney’s PhotoPass photos allow you to preview all the images that were taken by photographers on-site. You can then purchase your favorites or buy them all with Memory Maker.
- This is a great option for families and for people who are always behind the camera but want to be in the images themselves.
7. Take Advantage of Rider Swap:
- If you are traveling with little ones but want to enjoy one of the big rides, you can take advantage of Rider Swap.
- This allows one adult to wait with the child while the other rides, then swap without waiting in line again.
8. Tips for Fireworks
- Arrive early to watch the fireworks show, and be sure to check showtimes. You can see Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom, Luminous the Symphony of Us at Epcot, and Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios.
- Prime locations to watch the shows are Main Street USA and Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom, but you can also get an epic view from behind the castle.
9. Don’t Overpack Your Schedule:
- It’s important to be flexible and allow for downtime at Disney. Keep in mind there is a lot of walking, and the weather can be unpredictable.
- Try not to rush from one attraction to another, and just take it all in. After all, you are in the Happiest Place on Earth!
I hope this list has helped you feel less overwhelmed if you are planning a trip for your first time at Disney World! Be sure to pin for future reference.
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