So I’m back from my absolutely amazing trip to Walt Disney World. It was so unbelievable and I’m already desperate to go back. I’m going to go into more detail about resort, dining, going to universal as well in future posts as I found blog posts and vlogs really helpful when trying to plan my trip.
I thought I’d start with my top 10 tips for booking and planning a trip to WDW. Hopefully you’ll find these helpful!
#1 – Stay on Disney Property
- I know staying in one of the Disney resorts can be a pricier option and isn’t possible for everyone but I can’t recommend it enough. You can so many perks including refillable resort mugs, extra magic hours, free Disney transport and lots more! The resorts are amazing and when you look at the full package it can really make your holiday!
#2 – Use Memory Maker
- Memory maker is such a fantastic extra. Having a Disney PhotoPass means you can have memories from throughout the holiday. There are photographers everywhere you look in the parks ready to take your photo and can include cool magic shots. It also means you get all of your ride photos. Many UK packages include it within your booking but if it’s not I would make sure to buy.
#3 – Book Dining Reservations
- Once your all booked you need to start thinking of planning and what you’d like to do. You can make an Advance Dining Reservation 180 days in advance! It’s important to do it as soon as you can do you get the ones you want! Reservations are generally made for table service restaurants.
#4 – Book FastPass+
- Once you’ve sorted your dining reservations out the next thing to be ready to plan is fast passes. You can do it 60 days in advance for up to 10 days and each day after that the best day and so on if you stay on property. It’s 30 days in advance for everyone else and has to be done 30 days in advance of each day of your holiday (so logging on every day to book them throughout your holiday) It can feel quite complicated as you’re allowed to book up to 3 a day in one park and apart from Magic Kingdom all of the parks have a tier system. So be sure to familiarise yourself with the system!
#5 – Dining Plan
- A dining plan is only available if your staying on property (another perk) and is a great way to organise your meals and can be a great way to save money. Again it can seem complicated at first so make sure you read up on what’s best for you. There are different dining plans to choose from, breakfast, quick service and table service.
#6 – Use a Magic Band
- There’s a common theme of perks to staying on property here as if you do you can choose your magic band colour and it will have your name on! If you’re from the UK you receive it at check in. It’s such a handy way to make it a more enjoyable experience. It has your park tickets, PhotoPass, dining plan, room key (when staying on property) and there’s the option to load a card for payment. Otherwise your tickets are on a card and would have to buy a magic band and set it up yourself.
#7 – Plan a rough itinerary
- This already happens naturally due to where you’re dining and fast passes you’ve chose as to where you’ll be when. The important thing to note is you’ll never get everything done so prioritise things you really want to do. This being said allow room for plans to change as you never know what will happen when you’re over there!
#8 – Have clothing prepared for all weather
- Florida is known for its unpredictable weather at all times of the year. Hurricane season is also something to consider for when you book your trip. It can change very quickly, so with that in mind take spare suitable clothes in case you get soaked and have options for both hot and cooler weather.
#9 – Mark the occasion with a badge
- Disney Parks offer badges to celebrate occasions and Walt Disney World has plenty to chose from. You can get 1st Visit, Happy Birthday, Happily Ever After and I’m Celebrating which you can write whatever you like on. It’s a nice way to add a celebration to your trip and can make great character and cast member interactions.
#10 – Have the best time ever!
- This one goes without saying but you’re in the happiest place on Earth so enjoy every moment and make the most of everything you want to do. Before you know it you’ll already want to be planning you’re next visit!
There’s so many things to cover I could go on forever but I think these are the most essential needed for beginning to plan your trip!
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