Disney World Florida
Disney World Florida really is one of the most joyous and magical places for those looking for a little Disney sparkle. It’s a place to build memories, munch on fantastical foods, experience thrilling rides, and do something different every day. With four individual parks and two water parks, there’s always so much to choose from.
However… nobody can deny that a trip to Disney can be expensive and stressful if you’ve never done it before. That’s why I have compiled my top tips to make sure your Disney holiday is as smooth sailing with oodles of fun, just like it should be!
- Villas in Kissimmee
One of the things we get asked about most is accommodation. Where is the best place to stay? What are the benefits of self-catering accommodation?
Villas are a fantastic option for groups. If you are travelling as a family (perhaps parents, kids, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins) then staying in a villa is an incredibly affordable yet often luxurious choice. There are a number of great villa complexes in Kissimmee and Orlando with villas that have enough rooms for everyone, often a private pool, large kitchen area, living spaces, and sometimes even home cinemas! If you can’t wait to get into the parks but also crave that solo family time then a villa is the way to go. You don’t just have to be a large family, there are villas available for all party sizes. Villas are also a great choice if you want to split your time in Florida between Disney and something else. Perhaps Universal, perhaps a Miami beach stay, or even a twin centre with another US destination! The choice is yours.
The only downside to staying in a villa is that you will need to pay for parking at the Disney parks, the wait times to enter the parks are a little longer, and you don’t get access to the extra magic hours.
- Disney Hotels
If you’re looking to go all out Disney then their own hotels are the best way to go about it. Not only are they fantastically Disney themed for all tastes, there are some incredible added benefits to staying on a Disney property. There are currently over 25 hotels to choose between, from budget 3* options that I think are perfect for families with young children like the Art of Animation with its Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid and Lion King themed family suites.
Couples or families with older children might prefer one of the moderate resorts (4*) which aren’t quite so outspokenly Disney. You could stay at the Coronado Springs Resort with its Spanish/Mexican influences and Mayan pyramid themed pool, and many more!
One of the deluxe resorts – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – offers rooms with direct views to the savannahs where they keep their animals! Imagine waking up to that red Lion King sunset with the animals right outside your room???
Alternatively, if you’re looking to splash out and have the best of the best you could stay somewhere like the Grand Floridian, the beautiful Victorian styled 5* hotel with views of the fireworks over Cinderella’s castle. What more could you want?
But why stay at a Disney hotel? Firstly, you automatically get Disney Magic Hours. Every day one of the parks will open an hour early and one will close an hour late. This means that for an extra hour you get to experience the parks with only hotel guests inside. One of my favourite memories as a young child was riding ‘Goofy’s Barnstormer’ over and over again with my parents and sister in the evening as there was nobody else in the queue!
Secondly, your transportation to the parks is included. No need to queue for a space in the car parks, just jump on a bus/monorail/boat/skyliner depending on your hotel and arrive right by the entrance gates!
Those staying at the Disney hotels can access dining plans. Meals and snacks at Disney can add up so having the dining plan means you don’t have to worry about those extra costs. Different hotels give different dining benefits so make sure to ask on enquiry.
One of my favourite perks is that if you purchase any souvenirs in the parks and you’re staying in a Disney hotel, you don’t need to carry your bags around with you, you can simply tell the store clerk where you’re staying, scan your magic band, and your souvenirs will be dropped off at your room that evening! No more dragging bags and bags onto the rides with you and trying to keep hold of everything.
Lastly, get quicker entry to a couple of our most popular attractions! If you’re a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you’re eligible to make your first individual Lightning Lane purchase starting at 7:00 AM each day of your visit. You can select a one-hour arrival window, one at a time, for up to 2 different attractions per day.
- Make sure you have a plan
Disney is a busy place, and can have some long queue times for the more popular rides, especially at peak times of the year. Luckily, there are some really great planning tools online that can help you map out your time most efficiently. Set specific days to certain parks and make your way around the different sections one at a time rather than zigzagging back and forth to make the most of your time.
- Arrive at the parks a little early
If you’re staying in a Disney hotel it’s well worth making the most of the early magic hour. Even if you aren’t staying in one of the hotels, make sure to get there a little before opening as it gets busy quick and means you probably won’t have as long a queue for your first few rides!
- Get the Disney app
Disney have the most useful app for traversing their parks. It allows you to book lightning passes (previously fast pass), it tells you parade and firework times, live wait times at rides, and gives you maps to make your way around the parks easily. Wi-Fi is readily available at all parks. You can also order food, make restaurant reservations, monitor money spent, see your memory maker photos and also check details before you travel!
- Plan for the fireworks
The fireworks are a truly spectacular event that you have to do at least once while at Disney. Each park has their own fireworks shows that are rotated after so much time so if you visit
- Slow down!!!
It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush of Disney, mapping your day, checking ride times, finding all the characters, but don’t forget to stop and smell the roses! Take your time to really enjoy yourself and make those extra special memories.
- Character Dining
Do you have young children who are OBSESSED with a certain Disney Princess? Is there a movie that your child watches over and over again? Character dining is one of those fun filled experiences that your little one will never forget. Whether it’s a breakfast before reaching the parks, lunch or dinner, imagine the looks on their faces when you’re eating a yummy meal together and their absolute favourite Disney character stops at your table to chat, sign autographs, and give your child the biggest smile. Make sure you book your character dining far in advance to avoid disappointment. As you can imagine, it’s a VERY popular experience. For more information about the types of character dining available just ask upon enquiry!
- However, Disney isn’t just for kids!
So often we get told by families that they’re so sad their kids are too old to go to Disney now. There really is no such thing! Disney is for families of all shapes and sizes. Whether you are a family with young children, teenagers, or no children at all, there is so much to do at Walt Disney World Florida. There is an array of different rides to fit all heights and age ranges, the shows, events and parades are fun for all, and there are enough food options to suit the pickiest eaters.
- The little things
In the parks, the easiest way to pay for anything is by card. If you’re staying at a Disney hotel you can scan your magic band and your purchases whether in shop or restaurant, will be added to your account that you can keep track of on your mobile device.
Wi-Fi is readily available in all parks.
Dietary requirements are taken very seriously, just make sure your servers are aware of anything before placing your orders and they can ensure that your food will be suitable for you.
If you have any Disney Florida questions at all then please don’t hesitate to contact us! Millie has been 4 times at different ages and will be happy to answer any questions you have.
