Planning a magical vacation to Walt Disney World can be an exciting adventure, but it also requires careful preparation to ensure you make the most of your time in this enchanting place. Here are some essential tips to help you craft the perfect itinerary for your next Disney World vacation.
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Start Your Day Early
Disney transportation, including buses, monorails, and boats, typically starts running at least one hour prior to park opening. This is a great opportunity to arrive early, beat the crowds, and enjoy some of the popular attractions with shorter wait times. On property guests can typically take advantage of early park entry, allowing you to start your day even earlier than those who are not staying at an eligible resort. Starting your day early may mean hitting the most popular attractions before most of the crowds even arrive at the park!
Be Strategic with Park Days
To navigate through the parks with lower crowd levels, consider the following suggestions:
- Magic Kingdom: The busiest days at Magic Kingdom are typically Mondays and Fridays. If you are looking for lower crowds, Tuesdays or Thursdays are typically your best bet. Sundays can also be a good option if you must visit over the weekend.
- Epcot: Mondays and Wednesdays are typically good target dates at EPCOT, as crowds tend to head to Magic Kingdom on those days. The evenings on Fridays and Saturdays are typically very busy due to crowds attempting to hit up the various festival boohts for dinner.
- Hollywood Studios: Hollywood Studios tends to get VERY busy on the weekends, so you will generally want to avoid the park on Saturday and Sunday if possible. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays are great options for a trip to Hollywood Studios.
- Animal Kingdom: For an enjoyable Animal Kingdom day, try to vist Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. If you are looking for a weekend visit, Sunday is typically a better than Saturday.
Consider Targeting Weekdays Rather Than Weekend
Weekends are typically busier at Walt Disney World than weekdays. Locals often hit up the parks on the weekends while they are off work, and visitors who live within a days drive will often visit for a weekend when possible. Planning your park days with this in mind can help you experience lower wait times and more enjoyable crowd levels.
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Utilize Disney’s Genie+ and Lightning Lane
To make the most of your time, consider using Disney’s Genie+ service and Lightning Lane selections. Genie+ allows you to skip the regular lines for select attractions, while Lightning Lane provides access to the top-tier attractions that are not included in Genie+. You will need to refresh throughout the day and be strategic with your selections, however maximizing Genie+ can really be a game-changer, especially on busier days.
Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated
With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Remember to schedule breaks, stay hydrated, and perhaps head back to your resort for a midday rest. This will keep you refreshed and ready to enjoy the evening festivities. Need a sip of water? Simply ask for a glass of ice water at any counter service location!
Be Flexible and Have a Backup Plan
Even with the best planning, unexpected changes can happen. Be prepared to adjust your itinerary if necessary, and have a backup plan for attractions or experiences that might be unexpectedly unavailable.
By following these tips, you can create a Walt Disney World vacation itinerary that maximizes your time, minimizes your stress, and ensures a truly magical experience for you and your loved ones.
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