Top 10 Must-Do's for First Timers at a Walt Disney World Resort
Did you know that Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park attracted a whopping 17.13 million visitors in 2022? While Disney World contains many different parks, shopping districts, and resorts, the Magic Kingdom is still by far the most popular place to visit.
Have you ever thought about planning your own Walt Disney World Resort vacation? Here are 10 things to consider so you can embark on your dream trip.
1. Start Your Day Early
To maximize your fun, plan to arrive right when the park opens. Depending on the park you choose, it may open at different times. It is important to check beforehand so you do not end up waiting for too long, or arrive after the morning crowds.
If you get to the parks early, you can get in line for rides and Disney World attractions that usually have a longer wait time. You also will not have to deal with as many people.
2. Visit all the Parks
During your first time at Disney World, you will want to explore as much as possible. Each of the parks has unique attractions, rides, and dining options.
The four main parks in Disney World are:
- Magic Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Hollywood Studios
Depending on your time and budget, you may be able to spend multiple days in each of the Disney parks, or even half a day with park hopping.
3. Make Reservations Ahead of Time
Since the parks can get crowded, you should try to reserve as many activities as you can. This way, you can feel less stressed and enjoy the experience more.
Some of the bigger rides require advanced reservation time slots. You can go on other rides and show up at the ride during your time slot. You may also need to make dining reservations if you want to visit a popular restaurant.
4. Participate in Seasonal Activities
Many Disney World parks have specific attractions for holidays and seasons. If you like to eat, for instance, consider attending the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival.
Halloween and Christmas lovers will enjoy the seasonal decor and events in the final months of the year. Some of the best Disney World shows and events occur during the holiday season.
5. Stock Up on Souvenirs
There is no place you can buy more Disney merchandise than at the Disney parks. Along with an abundance of souvenir shops within the parks, you can also browse the various shopping districts outside of the theme parks.
Try to set a budget ahead of time when it comes to souvenirs. Buying too many items can add up quickly and your bank account may suffer as a result.
Sometimes limited edition or popular souvenirs run out of stock quickly. If you want a specific souvenir, try to get it earlier in the day or look ahead of time for restock dates.
6. Connect With the Characters
There is no doubt that one of the biggest perks of the Disney parks is the cast of characters. Seeing all of your favorite Disney characters and meeting them in person can be a fun and memorable experience.
Luckily, technology can assist you if you want to find a specific Disney character. With the Disney app, you can easily locate characters and see where they are in the parks.
7. Try Nighttime Events
While it is beneficial to get to the parks early in the day, you should also try to stay as late as possible. Some of the parks have events that take place after hours or once the sun sets.
Some of the nighttime events require registration ahead of time. They may also affect the hours that the park is open to visitors with general admission.
It is a good rule of thumb to check the website and schedule for your park to see if there are any nighttime events that interest you. You can sign up ahead of time and get into the event without hassle.
8. Use Genie+
Although Genie+ is a relatively new innovation, it can completely change how you experience the parks. It is a paid add-on to the regular Genie app, which you can use to navigate your day.
Genie+ has many perks, such as Lightning Lane passes, downloading PhotoPass, and making reservations ahead of time. If you want to pack in a lot of experiences or you are on a time crunch, this extra service may be worth the fee.
In addition, Genie+ is also compatible with Magic Bands. This will allow you to easily access rides and other experiences.
9. Sample the Cuisine
With all of the unique rides and Disney World attractions, you can find no shortage of delicious food and drinks to sample while you are at the parks.
Some of the restaurants that are more in demand fill up quickly. To ensure you get the best chance, make reservations as early as possible. These are especially helpful for events like character dining.
If you want an around-the-world dining and drinking experience, try EPCOT. You can try customized cuisine and cocktails from a variety of different countries.
10. Book an On-Site Hotel
Hotels within the resort are a fantastic option if you want easy access and the full Disney experience. Many offer direct transportation into the parks through a shuttle service.
Although Disney resort hotels tend to be more expensive than their off-site counterparts, they have hotels for every price range. Even the basic hotels have many features that keep the magic of Disney once you leave the parks for the day.
In addition, the booking process for your Disney vacation will be easier if you combine your theme park admission and your hotel stay into one purchase.
Enjoy Your First Walt Disney World Resort Vacation
If it is your first time at Disney World, you shouldn’t have to feel intimated or overwhelmed. With this guide, you can conquer your Walt Disney World Resort vacation and have the best trip.
Want to learn more about all things related to Disney World? Take a look around our site or contact us today for answers to all of your questions.