The Happiest Place on Earth, aka : Disney World, is something that should be on everybody’s bucket list. However, the happiest place on Earth, is also one of the most hectic places on Earth. Not only are there so many other tourists, but there is just so much to do at Disney World, it’s almost impossible to accomplish it all in only a short week. But have no fear, these tips and tricks will help you maneuver your way through the crowds to make the most out of your trip!
Tip Number 1: Get the app “My Disney Experience -Walt Disney World”
This app tells you where all the characters are, so you don’t have to wonder around aimlessly. It also lets you know real-time wait times for attractions and parade showtimes. You can also purchase theme park tickets right from the app and browse restaurant menus and make reservations. Seriously, this app was a life saver, it helped me get around quicker and made eating selections easier. Best of all: the app is free!
Tip Number 2: Accept the fact you won’t get to ride EVERY ride
While you might eventually get to every single ride after several trips, it is nearly impossible to ride every ride in a one week visit. Besides, if you try to do this, you will miss out on so many other attractions that are just as cool.
Tip Number 3: Know the parks and what they include
When I got to Disney World, I had no clue that there were so many parks and I honestly felt overwhelmed. On top of that, I didn’t know what I was walking into when I decided on a park for the day. Disney World, in Florida, has 9 destinations, including Magic Kingdom (has Cinderella’s Castle, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean), Epcot -explore 11 countries in one day AND go to the future, Hollywood Studios (has Rock n Roller Coaster, Star Wars, Tower of Terror), Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park–has the Crush n Gusher, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park (has Toboggan Racers), Disney Springs (mainly boutiques), ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and Disney’s Boardwalk — quarter mile walk of shops, dining, and nightlife.
Tip Number 4: Don’t forget about Universal Studios
Although, not technically part of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios is in the Orlando area close to Disney World and offers amazing rides and attractions for fans of Harry Potter, E.T., Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black, and many more!
Tip Number 5: Eat at a different restaurant every day
Ah, my favorite topic: food! (Keep in mind eating at Disney World can add up very quick!) And while you might come across a really good restaurant, it’s important to remember that there are HUNDREDS of places to eat at Disney World and everyplace is just as unique as the last. If you wanted to, you could eat at “Gaston’s Tavern” from “Beauty and the Beast” for breakfast (a person favorite of mine, since “Beauty and the Beast” was a childhood favorite), stop by Tomorrowland for lunch, and then eat a classic Hollywood burger and shake from Hollywood Studios for dinner. However, it is much cheaper to pick one meal to eat and then snack throughout the day.
Tip Number 6: Stop and Stare
While you’re probably excited about being at Disney World and want to see everything on your to-do list, remember that you are surround by magical things 🙂 and that exciting things are happening all around you. If you need proof of this, just stop and look at the bushes, or the details on the sidewalks and bridges.
One of the most memorable attractions I saw on my trip was when my and my friends stopped for an unexpected rest and saw these amazing acrobats. Seriously, this family was like nothing I had every seen before, doing flips and stunts that seemed impossible. We would have missed it completely if we wouldn’t have stopped for a minute.
**What experiences can you share about Disney World?
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These are such great tips! My nieces just visited and could have really used these to better navigate the chaos!
thank you so much 🙂 and yes, it can be quite chaotic there!
Thanks for the great tips 🙂 Experiences like these really do require a lot of planning…
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading 🙂 and yes, some trips really do require more planning than others
I am heading to Florida next month and honestly have been debating whether I’ll visiting Disney in Orlando… thanks for this post because you’ve totally inspired me to go. I’ve never been before! Thanks for these insightful tips, they will be helpful for me.
Oh my gosh that’s so good to hear! Have a GREAT time 🙂
I’ve never been to Disney World, but we use the Disney app when going to Disneyland – it really is such a lifesaver! I think my favorite tip you gave though was #6. We really do miss so much when we don’t take the time to slow down and breath!
I’ve never been to Disneyland but that’s great you can use the app for both! And thanks for reading 🙂
Great tips, the app seems like it would be very useful. Also, yes – managing expectations while traveling anywhere is so important. Arriving at Disney World and expecting to see everything will just make you upset if you can’t achieve that (unrealistic) goal.
Thank you! And yes, that tip can apply to ANYWHERE you go