13+ Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida

Planning a surprise family getaway to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida? 

Opened in 1971, Walt Disney World (WDW) is a resort complex that encompasses theme and water parks and multiple hotels. With its fantastical attractions and endless activities, it’s no surprise Disney World is touted as the most magical place on earth.

Spanning over 47 square miles (or 122 square kilometres) Disney World can seem like an intimidating place to navigate. I’ve rounded up some of my top Disney tips to help you prepare for the trip of a lifetime. 

Tip: Looking for more ways to join the Disney fun? Have a look at these Disney cruise tips.

Top 13+ Best Disney World Tips & Tricks

Discover some of my best Disney World Resort tips to make the most out of Walt Disney World Resort’s many attractions.

Go With a Plan

While this may seem like an obvious tip, it’s essential to do your research beforehand to simplify your trip. I’m not talking about military precision, but it’s good to go in with a rough idea to avoid stress. 

Identify the key attractions you want to visit and map out the easiest or shortest routes. A rough itinerary will also help ensure all the non-negotiable sights are covered and nobody’s left disappointed. Some attractions also require advance bookings, so planning is essential if you don’t want to miss out.

Get to Know the My Disney Experience App

The My Disney Experience mobile app is your go-to at Disney World and will make your trip so much smoother. It allows you to coordinate dining reservations, track down Disney characters, and receive up-to-date times for parades and shows. I was constantly checking the waiting time for the attractions. It’s genius!  

You can also plan your daily activities, buy park tickets, and view the complimentary Disney transport routes and stops. As an added benefit, all your family members can use the same account. So you’ll all be on the same page about each day’s plans.

Don’t Try to Do Everything

There’s so much to do at Walt Disney World — from the fun rides to the shows and character meetings. It may be tempting to squeeze as much fun into your holiday. But, for your peace of mind, it’s better to limit expectations. 

On any given day, there can be over 100,000 visitors at Disney World. This means you’ll likely encounter lines and delays. Paired with all the walking and the Florida heat, the whole family may get tired quite fast. To avoid frantically trying to do everything, choose your must-dos and save the rest for your next Disney World visit.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

While you may think you’ll be spending most of the day on fun rides, the steps quickly add up. 

We averaged around 10 miles (about 16 kilometres) a day!

Nobody likes blisters, especially not the little ones. So ensure everyone is kitted up with comfy shoes that are broken in before the trip.

Stay Outside the Resort

While there may be many benefits to staying inside Walt Disney World, we opted to stay outside the resort. You’ll find some great hotels near Disney World, Florida, including:

• Ritz Carlton
• Hyatt Regency
• Waldorf Astoria

We booked accommodation at the elegant, Art Deco-inspired Waldorf Astoria Orlando and were so glad we did. Being able to take a break from the Disney mania at the end of the day was like taking an Alka Seltzer after a heavy night. We even got to see the fireworks from our hotel room.

It may also be great to get the kiddos away from all the bright stimulation. This will allow everyone to wind down and get a good night’s rest before the next day of adventure.

Don’t Sleep In

You’re heading to the place where dreams come true, after all. So skip the snooze button and head to the parks nice and early. You’ll get to enjoy fewer crowds and cooler temperatures and easily hop on some must-do rides. Parks also start to quiet down later in the afternoon if you prefer to visit when it’s less busy.

Take Advantage of the Disney Transportation

There’s no need to deal with driving or wasting time on finding a parking spot. Disney World offers complimentary buses, monorails, and boats to get around all four theme parks. This transport also connects to all hotels within Disney World. 

Some hotels outside of WDW may also offer complimentary shuttles, so look out for that. At Waldorf Astoria, we boarded a complimentary luxury coach which went by all four theme parks and Disney Springs (Downtown Disney). 

Bring Your Own Buggy or Stroller

Even if your child doesn’t normally use a buggy, you’ll want one at Disney World. With plenty of ground to cover during the day, a buggy will quickly become a necessary relief for small feet. There are buggies (or strollers, as Americans call it) to rent at Disney World. These looked quite flimsy and uncomfortable. So, if you can, bring your own. 

There are designated stroller parking stations at each attraction where you can park your buggy without valuables. If you do opt to rent a stroller, your rental slip will be valid across theme parks for the day. This allows you to easily get a replacement stroller if you choose to visit a new park.

Secure Dining Reservations in Advance

Make advance dining reservations or resign yourself to eating in fast food joints. You can make meal reservations up to 60 days in advance for everything from character dining experiences to buffets. There are over 100 restaurants that accept reservations, so you’ll have plenty of options to consider.

Book a Character Meal

Waiting in Disney character lines or running after characters throughout the park can leave everyone very hot and bothered. Queues are often ridiculously long, and the characters take breaks often (normally when you’re next up!). Save your valuable time for rides by booking a character meal instead. 

We booked a meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table — a magical mediaeval castle setting. The girls got to meet plenty of storybook princesses, including Cinderella, Jasmine, and Snow White, from the comfort of their table. With all the hype and price tag, I didn’t expect much from the meal, but it was surprisingly flavourful and enjoyable. 

Other themed character dining options include Chef Mickey’s, ‘Ohana, and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.

Buy the Children’s Autograph Book Before the Holiday

Buying an autograph book in advance for characters to sign works out cheaper and saves you valuable time. There won’t be any need to hunt around for the perfect book once you arrive at the park.

Make Time for Rest

Be sure to schedule a break from the mouse madness in your day plans. This could be a lengthy lunch break in the shade or a midday nap back at the hotel. After hours in the sun among the busy crowds, a bit of rest may be just what you need to recharge. 

Be Prepared for Any Weather

Don’t underestimate the weather in the Sunshine State. Florida gets super hot, so remember your sunhats and plenty of sunscreen. You’ll also want to be prepared for the thunderstorms. They arrive in an instant! So pack your raincoats and ponchos — or get soaked like we did.

Don’t Leave Right After the Fireworks

Avoid the mass exodus after the nightly Disney Nighttime Spectaculars. Once the fireworks are over, masses of crowds exit towards the parking and lines for the monorail and buses. 

It’s crowded and unpleasant and you’ll likely be waiting either way. So, rather head to the shops or enjoy a few more rides while you wait out the crowds.

WDW Tips: FAQs

Still have a few questions while planning a trip to Disney World? Have a look at these frequently asked questions for additional Disney advice.

How Many Days to Spend in Disney World, Orlando? 

With there being four themed parks, you’ll want to stay at least four days to get the most out of your trip. We planned a three-day trip to Disney, which meant time was of the essence. Planning a trip of four or more days will allow for more leisure time, and you won’t feel as rushed.

What Is Disney Genie+ and Is It Worth It? 

Disney Genie+ is Disney’s replacement for the now-retired Disney FastPass+ System. This free system allowed guests to make a limited number of advance bookings to skip the lines for priority rides. 

Disney introduced Genie+ in 2021. This paid service allows you to reserve Lightning Lane access on and during the day for expedited ride access. While this option is not free, it may be worth the money if you’re on a time crunch.

What Are the Best Months to Visit Disney World? 

The best time to visit Walt Disney World in Florida is between December and March. This period follows the end-of-year festivities and tends to see fewer visitors. The weather is cooler and you may be able to get off-peak deals for hotels in or near Disney World.

Wrapping Up: Top Tips for Disney World

If you’re heading to Disney World, Florida, these holiday tips are sure to help make the experience a bit smoother. 

My biggest tip is to do as much planning in advance. Secure those dining reservations, browse around for the best hotel options, and plan which rides to prioritise. Having a game plan will make a world’s difference in getting the most out of your visit.

If you’re planning a longer trip, have a look at these fun ideas for day trips from Orlando, Florida. You’ll also enjoy these tips for visiting the Kennedy Space Center if it’s on your Florida itinerary.