Top Tips for Planning your Next Disney World Vacation
Planning your next Disney World vacation doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. We’ve got some top tips for planning that next trip that can help you make the most out of your Disney vacation! Whether it’s ways to save money or recommendations for things to do, we’ve got you covered.
Related – Top 8 Tips for Planning your Next Disneyland Vacation
Theme Park Reservation Updates: Planning Made Easier
To kick off our expert tips, I thought we could start with the one that gets many people excited! Beginning Jan. 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for Disney World’s standard, date-based tickets. For certain other admission types, theme park reservations may be required, and you can visit Disney’s World’s website to see if you need to make a theme park reservation based on your admission type and the date of your visit.
Where to Stay at Disney World
Disney has more than 25 resorts to choose from within the Disney Resorts Collection – from value to deluxe – there’s one to fit nearly every family size and budget.
If you’re looking for lower prices, consider any one of Disney’s All-Star Resorts. Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are other great options as they connect to the Disney Skyliner – the gondolas that run to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. These resorts are also super fun for kids, with themes inspired by popular Disney and Pixar stories, plus themed pools, poolside activities, and more.
If you want a few more amenities and dining options to enjoy during your visit, check out Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort or Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. And if proximity is what you want, check out the Magic Kingdom Park or EPCOT area resorts. These resorts not only offer fun and convenient transportation options, but some are even within walking distance to the parks.
Best yet, if you choose a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort, you can enjoy even more time in the parks with extended evening hours – available in select theme parks on select nights now through 2024. Combine this with early theme park entry, available to all Disney Resort hotel guests, to truly maximize your time in the parks. Extended evening hours and early theme park entry require valid admission, a theme park reservation and resort ID.
From complimentary overnight self-parking to early access to book dining reservations, there are many benefits to staying at a Disney Resort hotel. Plus, with complimentary on-site transportation that’s fun and convenient – like themed buses, water taxis, the monorail and Disney Skyliner (which the kids LOVE) – you can save on other transportation expenses and really maximize your time.
Disney also has special offers on the Disney Resort hotels from time to time, so that you can save even more. Right now, guests can save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights Jan. 9 – March 24, 2024, and there are special discounts for Florida residents and Annual Passholders, too.
Best Way to Buy Disney World Tickets
I always tell friends and family that if you’re looking to find the lowest ticket prices, then consider visiting in August, September or January. You can check out the date-based ticket calendar online to view prices for each day of the year. Tip: In most situations, the more days you add to a multi-day ticket, the lower the price per day will be.
Also, depending on the time of year, there may also be special ticket offers! Right now, Florida residents can save with the Florida Resident Disney Weekday Magic Ticket!
Disney Genie+ Service Can Save You Time
On the day of your visit, you can purchase Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane entrances which can save you time waiting in lines. Just keep in mind that some Lightning Lane entrances are offered through Disney Genie+ service, while other Lightning Lane entrances may be purchased individually or as we like to say “à la carte.”
If you’re new to the Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane purchase options, be sure to check out the quick how-to videos available on the My Disney Experience app – they’ll get you on your way! Tip: You can modify your Disney Genie+ service Lightning Lane selections in the app, subject to availability, so if you want to change your plans, you can search for other available attractions and times.
Where to Eat at Disney World
First off, dining plans are coming back for stays beginning Jan. 9, 2024. Guests see a lot of value in the dining plans and they are a very popular option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package. The dining plans give guests convenience and peace of mind since they pay for their meals and snacks before they arrive – so they can focus on enjoying all the Disney eats during their trip.
And for foodies and families looking to book vacations for later this year or early next year, you can get a Disney Dining Promo Card when you buy a non-discounted 5-night, 4-day room and ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels.
If you’re looking to indulge in a quick bite that is both delicious and filling, there are dozens of quick-service locations that can help you stretch your vacation dollars. Here are some of our favorites across our Disney parks with the best value:
- With fun food options, Woody’s Lunchbox in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a three-cheese grilled cheese and smoked turkey sandwich – and who doesn’t love “totchos”? These will be sure to satisfy your cravings at a good price.
- Satu’li Canteen at Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park offers unique choices that are healthier, and taste great like cheeseburger steamed pods, smoked chimichurri braised beef, and chili garlic shrimp bowls.
- If you’re looking for a great snack or lunch, be sure to stop at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom Park. If you’re searching for a classic funnel cake – this is the place to go. You also can’t go wrong with a sweet and spicy chicken waffle or fresh fruit waffle.
- At EPCOT, you can stop by the many food kiosks across World Showcase, where you can treat yourself to different international cuisines.
Many locations also have kids’ meals that come with two sides and a drink. Of course, there are also some great table-service restaurants available.
New Offer Coming Soon for Families! Kids Play & Dine for 50% Off
On Nov. 14, 2023, Walt Disney World will introduce a special package offer for families looking to save on a spring vacation! Children’s (ages 3 through 9) theme park tickets and dining plans will be half off with the purchase of a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Co. package for you and your children that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel, theme park tickets and a dining plan. Valid for stays most nights March 3 through June 30, 2024, this will be a great option for those who also want the convenience of having their tickets, room and meals already paid for before they arrive!
Ready to plan your next Disney World vacation? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical and memorable vacation.
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