New Mid-Day Ticket Option for Walt Disney World

Beginning Aug. 15, 2019, guest can “fall into fun” like never before at Walt Disney World Resort with a new ticket offer. With the “Mid-Day Magic Ticket,” Guests can enjoy admission after 12 p.m. to one theme park per day. 2-, 3- and 4-day Mid-Day Magic tickets are available for start dates on or before Dec. 15, 2019.

2-Day Mid-Day Magic Ticket: Valid for admission after 12 p.m. 2-day Mid-Day Magic Tickets are available from $88 per day plus tax (from $176 total plus tax) and expire four (4) days after the selected start date.

3-Day Mid-Day Magic Ticket: Valid for admission to after 12 p.m. 3-day Mid-Day Magic tickets are available from $84 per day plus tax (from $252 total plus tax) and expire five (5) days after the selected start date.

4-Day Mid-Day Magic Ticket: Valid for admission after 12 p.m. 4-day Mid-Day Magic tickets are available from $79 per day plus tax (from $316 total plus tax) and expire seven (7) days after the selected start date.



This is the first time Disney is offering a late-entry ticket with special pricing that allows Guests to enter the theme parks starting at noon and enjoy the day and evening. This option works best for Guests who are looking for an opportunity to start their morning at a leisurely pace, to enjoy other early-morning activities (golf, pool, etc.), or to travel from their accommodations.

With these tickets, the magic starts at noon as Guests will receive admission to one theme park per day after 12 p.m. Additionally, Guests can secure afternoon and evening FastPass+ to select attractions, entertainment and Character Greets up to 30 days in advance. Guests can enjoy new seasonal excitement, including new sips and savors at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and the holiday Hoopla Dance Party in DinoLand U.S.A at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park starting Nov. 8.

For guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Disney's date-based ticket product is still the best option, giving Guests the flexibility and opportunity to experience all the magic that the theme parks have to offer, including the morning Extra Magic Hour benefit.

Rainy Day Fun at Walt Disney World

A little rain should never put a damper on a full day of magic at Walt Disney World® Resort, where the fun always shines! There are always exciting activities, attractions and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Here are just a few favourite picks!

Magic Kingdom® Park

When the afternoon parades at Magic Kingdom Park can’t be performed as planned, Disney friends come out to play in the “Rainy Day Cavalcade.”* This cheery procession brings Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals down the street in antique vehicles, accompanied by a special musical soundtrack and parade performers in colorful rain slickers and galoshes!

Guests can hop on a rip-roaring rocket into the furthest reaches of outer space on Space Mountain attraction, set sail on a swashbuckling voyage on Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, and climb aboard a gloomy Doom Buggy on the Haunted Mansion attraction.

Epcot

You can take flight on Soarin’ Around the World. This indoor attraction allows guests to experience a breezy, airborne adventure as they hang glide above the breathtaking marvels of the world.

You can also go under the sea—without getting wet—on The Seas with Nemo & Friends attraction before getting close up with clownfish, sharks and more in a massive 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium.

Guests can also catch popular Disney and Pixar short films—in amazing 4D at the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

You can check into the infamous Hollywood Tower Hotel on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction. Inside you'll be hurtled up and down aboard an elevator-style lift and brought into…the Twilight Zone.

Guests can also make their way over to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith attraction and race along the darkened freeways of Los Angeles in a super-stretch limo to the rockin’ tunes of Aerosmith. Guests can sing along with Anna & Elsa in For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Singalong Celebration.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

In Africa, you can head over to “The Festival of the Lion King,” a high-energy show filled with songs, pageantry and puppetry celebrating the classic movie, “The Lion King.”

Guests can also venture over to Pandora – The World of Avatar area where you'll take a mystical journey into Pandora’s glowing bioluminescent rainforest on Na’vi River Journey attraction. This indoor boat ride will take them on a visually stunning adventure!

Character Dining

Character dining is a great way for you to meet some of your favorite Disney characters while avoiding the rain. Some favorite rainy day restaurants include:

• The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom Park where you can relish in an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet with some of your favorite friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood.
• Guests can dine like royalty at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot. This enchanting experience invites you to feast inside a medieval castle while interacting with some beloved Disney Princesses. 
• You can also join Safari Donald Duck and friends at Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This Harambe marketplace eatery allows guests to enjoy African inspired dishes alongside some of their favorite Disney characters.
• Guests can also take a step back in time as you dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to meet some Disney Junior Characters during a memorable breakfast buffet or Minnie Mouse and friends at seasonal dining parties!

The weather may not always cooperate, but being prepared can help make your visit to Walt Disney World Resort a success! Disney has a new range of umbrellas and raincoats which can be found in the World of Disney at Disney Springs, Once Upon A Time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Future World kiosk and Mouse Gear at Epcot and the Emporium at Magic Kingdom Park, that are perfect for a rainy day in the parks.

So don't despair, there are tons of things to do at Walt Disney World when the weather is less than ideal.

New My First Disney Getaway Package

If you have little ones and are looking to visit Walt Disney World, you are in luck. Disney has announced the My First Disney Getaway Package. The first memories are the ones you will cherish forever. Experience these magical moments together at Walt Disney World Resort with this kid-sized vacation package.

The package offers a 2 Park Magic TIcket valid for one-day admission to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks and includes attractions like the Mad Tea Party Tea Cups, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Kilimanjaro Safaris and Triceratop Spin.  You'll also have the opportunity to meet Disney character friends such as the Disney Princesses and Mickey Mouse and friends from beloved movies and TV shows.

The package includes a 2 night stay at a Disney Resort hotel, immersing you in the magic and giving you access to complimentary benefits like Extra Magic Hours, access to Disney FastPass+ and complimentary transportation.

At this time, the package, which is $999 for 2 adults and 1 child, is only available by calling the Disney Reservation Center and is valid for arrivals most Sunday to Wednesday nights between August 11 and September 25, 2019.

Lyft Becomes Official Rideshare at Disney Parks

The popular Minnie Van transportation service at the Walt Disney World® Resort is celebrating a major milestone – 1 MILLION GUESTS MAGICALLY TRANSPORTED!

And the best is yet to come for Minnie Vans connected by the ridesharing service Lyft. It was just announced that Lyft is now the official rideshare of Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort and new enhancements will be added to the Walt Disney World® Resort service as early as this fall.

Disney and Lyft are collaborating in exciting ways for guests. This fall, Lyft and Disney will be enhancing the app experience at the Walt Disney World® Resort. The update will make it easier to request a Minnie Van ride, find the most convenient pickup location, and even select a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Since 2017, the Minnie Van fleet has been taking guests everywhere they want to go at the Walt Disney World® Resort in a magical way that only Disney can do.

Eating Healthy Meals & Snacks at Walt Disney World

Are you someone who tries to eat balanced, healthy meals, even on vacation? I’m trying to make improvements in my eating choices, and I must admit that thinking about “dieting” on vacation is a bit stressful- but so is the thought of gaining those extra pounds. The good news? Eating healthy food at Walt Disney World is actually easier than you may expect. Disney fare goes well beyond traditional “theme park food” in its offerings- it’s not all hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and burgers. There are plenty of healthy options all around if you look for them!

Follow the same common-sense rules you would at home


Hydrate! Especially if you’re traveling to Walt Disney World in the hotter months, you’ll be thankful for hydration! Skip the sugary drinks and focus on water intake. Remember- you can grab a FREE cup of ice water at any counter service location- just ask. You can also bring your own bottles into the park.  


Another good tip is to watch your portions. Consider sharing meals, or just ordering an entree at a quick service location without sides (you may even save a few dollars). Adults may also order smaller kids entrees, but be aware that if you are using the Dining Plan, you’ll still be charged an adult meal credit. You can also share entrees- it is not discouraged! 
Make smart substitutions. You can always ask for fruit or a side salad instead of fries. If you’re not sure what’s available, just ask!

Snack smarter
Eating around the “World” might be tempting, but those snacks you grab during the day can add up. One of the most popular treats, the Dole Whip, is actually not terrible for you at all. Coming in at under 100 calories, it’s a great alternative to an ice cream sundae, and it’s a favourite of many guests! Skip the Dole Whip Float, though- all the added juice is higher in calories than the actual non-dairy soft serve. You can also find some fantastic snack spots that will offer fresh fruit, like Hollywood Studios’ Anaheim Produce or Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Market.  


Did you know you can also bring your own snacks into the parks? You may want to stash some protein bars or trail mix in your bag to help keep you sustained between meals. I wouldn’t advise you to “ban” a coveted snack; just be mindful in your eating, and make sure the calories you are consuming are worth it!

Make your dietary needs known
Know where to go for some delicious meals and snacks.  Regardless of where your party has reserved a meal, you’re likely to find a healthy option or two on the menu. The less planned, on-the-go dining is more of a challenge if you haven’t looked in advance. Here’s a list of a few particularly delicious Quick Service options for your healthy- eating needs!

In the Magic Kingdom:
A favorite quick-service location of many is Columbia Harbor House. While they have plenty of not-as-healthy (but yummy) seafood options, they also have a delicious tuna sandwich and a Lighthouse sandwich (hummus and broccoli slaw on multigrain bread); the tuna is also available for kids as a Disney Check item.

A few steps farther into Fantasyland, try a the Caprese flatbread at Pinocchio Village Haus - I think it’s just as satisfying as a slice of pizza, and definitely healthier. On the opposite side of the park, enjoy a southwest salad or chicken fajitas at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe. They have a full toppings bar, complete with several salsas, veggie fixings, and guacamole- so fill up on healthy toppings (you can practically make those fajitas into a salad)!

At Epcot:
Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion is a fantastic choice for eating a balanced, fresh meal. They offer tons of variety, from soups and salads, to fresh chicken and fish, hearty homestyle choices, and Asian dishes. Kids can even enjoy Disney Check salmon or chicken drumstick options.

If you’re looking to grab a bite in the World Showcase (and really, who isn’t?) try Tangierine Cafe in Morocco - they have some great vegetable and chicken options, as well as sides like couscous salad, tabbouleh, and hummus.

At Animal Kingdom:
My go-to choices are Flame Tree BBQ (check out the watermelon salad) and my newest favorite, Satu’li Canteen. Located in Pandora, Satu’li Canteen offers a variety of “bowls” that include a protein (chicken, beef, fish, or tofu) as well as a base (quinoa and sweet potato hash, to name a few) and a sauce. Depending on the combination you choose, you can certainly build a light and nutritious meal.


This guide certainly only scratches the very, very delicious surface of the world of Disney dining. Eating healthy foods on vacation will help with energy and stamina, but remember to strike a balance in your travels- stressing about food shouldn’t be on your agenda! Menus at Walt Disney World do change, so also be sure to keep any eye out for new options. This guide is by no means exhaustive of all the great healthy options available- we would love to hear what your favorite healthy snacking and dining choices are!

Ten Misconceptions About Walt Disney World

We hear a lot of misconceptions about Disney. Here are some things we thought we should clear up!

1. I’ll be eating burgers and hot dogs the whole trip
Well… if you want to you’re welcome to. But Disney offers a huge variety of meals now for every taste. Want to try Asian cuisine? Yak and Yeti at Animal Kingdom is great! What about some seafood? Grab some crab at Cape May Cafe. Up for a steak dinner? Le Cellier in Epcot it is. No matter what your tastes, you’ll find something at Disney you love.

2. The only snacks are popcorn and ice cream
This closely ties in with the food in general. Yes, ice cream and popcorn are available. So are cinnamon rolls and zebra domes and cream brulee and the infamous Dole Whip. There are so many snacks available that we’ve often toyed with simply snacking our way through our time at Disney Parks. You won’t be disappointed by the assortment.

3. You only need one day per park
Maybe on your second visit. On your first visit, we definitely recommend at least two days at Magic Kingdom if possible. The other parks it really depends on your interest level. Do you want to see all the shows at Hollywood Studios? You might need two days. Want to take your time touring and dining at Epcot? Maybe a day and a half (more if you plan on taking in one of the festivals like Food and Wine). But at any of these parks, you could easily spend multiple days if you wanted.

4. There aren’t any attractions for toddlers, grandparents, etc.
The vast majority of rides can be enjoyed by everyone. Peter Pan comes to mind as one of the quintessential Disney rides that’s gentle enough for everyone in your party to ride. All the boat rides are also fair game as well as many others. Everyone can also enjoy the shows, parades, and fireworks. Disney was designed to be a family experience, and that includes everyone.

5. I need to be super rich to go to Disney
Disney isn’t cheap, but it’s not as expensive as most people imagine either. When you price things out via the Disney website it automatically defaults you to the more expensive options. Disney wants you to purchase those options because then they make more money. Here’s where a good travel agent can help you. I'd be happy to advise you on how to save some money and get the best bang for your buck (you can visit my website for a free no-obligation quote). Many times a Disney trip can be less expensive than a comparable trip to other tourist destinations.

6. Characters are only for kids
Everyone can stop to see their favorite character, no matter their age. Want a picture with Mickey Mouse? Get your photo. Want to get a hug from Chewbacca? Go for it! Characters are there for everyone to enjoy, no matter how old you are.

7. You need to stay in the park from open until close
You don’t need sunscreen or to prepare for the Florida heat.  Guests often underestimate the Florida sun and heat (just ask my husband). It can get very hot and the sun is extremely powerful. Even in the winter months, guests should plan ahead with sunscreen, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Guests should also be sure to hydrate very well and drink water throughout the day while in the parks.

8. The dining plan definitely saves you a lot of money
While the dining plan is a fantastic value for some, it’s not always a money saver. If you are likely to have an entree, drink, and dessert at every meal, it might be worth it to you. However, if you don’t often order dessert, and sometimes drink water instead of ordering fountain drinks, you may be spending more money on the dining plan than you would be paying as you go. Of course, if there’s a “free dining” promo, go for it (but remember, you would be paying full price for your resort room).

9. You only need to go once
Unless you are planning a month-long trip or do not care about experiencing most of what Disney World has to offer, you will surely want to visit Disney more than once. There’s much more to Disney than just rides. We have been to WDW more than 20 times over the past 16 years and we have not yet seen everything. Disney is constantly changing.

10. You can buy super cheap park tickets
Visiting Walt Disney World is expensive, and one of the most frequent questions I get is whether there’s a way to save on park tickets. The short answer is yes, there is — but those discounts tend to be pretty modest, a few percentage points at best.

What then, of the tickets you find on the internet or in the Orlando area that purport to be free or steeply discounted from the gate price? One of two things is happening. Unless you are a Florida resident, the only way to legitimately get really cheap or even free Disney tickets is by agreeing to sit through a timeshare presentation. Invariably, the presentation will be high pressure, far longer than advertised, and unless you’re actually in the market for a timeshare, probably a bad use of your time.

The other possibility is that the tickets are bogus. Deeply discounted Disney tickets sold at less established locations to the public at large are likely fake or have already been partially used by someone else and should be viewed with caution. Craigslist, eBay, random convenience stores around Orlando — you might see Disney World tickets advertised at any of these places, and chances are good that you’ll be buying tickets that have no value at all.


What misconceptions have you heard about Disney World? Do you agree with our list? Do you try to talk people out of their misconceptions? Let us know!

Start planning your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. They’ll help you get the best price for your vacation, share their expert advice and their services are totally FREE!

Best Walt Disney World Restaurants for Adults

I know that just being at Walt Disney World is quite a celebration itself, but if you're looking for a specific restaurant to celebrate a special day whether it's a birthday, anniversary or something else you want to celebrate, the following are my personal favourite locations to celebrate (keep in mind this list was made with adults in mind, so if you have a seven-year-old who wants to celebrate their birthday I would recommend Chef Mickey's or a different restaurant).


California Grill, Contemporary Resort
I personally recommend the brunch at California grill - it is fantastic with all-you-can-eat sushi. The dinner service is also fantastic - I've also had some amazing steak there and there's even a create your own Bloody Mary bar. Like most of the restaurants on this list it is a bit more expensive but it's for a special occasion so I feel like it's definitely worth it.

Victoria & Albert’s, Grand Floridian Resort
This is Disney’s best restaurant by a wide margin. The difference between Victoria & Albert’s and a restaurant that’s merely “very good” is that a “very good” restaurant is probably known for a few signature dishes it does well. At Victoria & Albert’s, every single menu item is exceptional. Each course — and there are 7 to 10 of them on the tasting menus — is prepared by accomplished chefs, using the best ingredients available regardless of cost, presented in innovative ways, by servers whose knowledge is frankly astounding. Also astounding is the price, which starts at $185 per person for the 7-course tasting menu, and goes to $235 per person for the 10-course menu. Add in a wine pairing ($65 to $150 per person), caviar, and gratuity, and dinner for two people will top $1,000. Formal attire is required to dine at Victoria & Albert's.

Boma – Flavors of Africa, Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Boma buffet has been one of our favourites since it opened more than fifteen years ago. The buffet is enormous — stretching down almost the entire length of the restaurant and continuing along one side. If the food at Jiko is a tempered introduction to African, Asian, and Indian cuisine, the food at Boma is even more so. For every pot of mulligatawny (a curry-flavored stew with meats and vegetables) there’s a tray of chicken nuggets and fries. My favorite here is the carving station with roasted meat and sauces. The dessert options are wonderful too. Both breakfast and dinner are buffet style.

Artist Point, Wilderness Lodge
Artist Point features food from the Pacific Northwest. Its house specialty for years has been salmon roasted on a cedar plank, which won’t steer you wrong. We've eaten at Artist Point many time and really enjoy the Braised Short Rib Bolognese, with thick egg noodles and mushrooms. If you’ve got a large group, the charcuterie board is stocked with boar, venison, and pork is a good option. Pair that with the cheese board of five samples, and you’re off to a good start. Another yummy entree is the buffalo strip loin, two perfect pieces of meat with just salt and pepper on top. The most popular side dish is a truffle macaroni and cheese.

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, Beach Club Resort
Beaches & Cream serves old-fashioned hamburgers and fries, plus traditional American diner food, milkshakes, and sundaes. It’s not a fancy menu, but the burgers are cooked fresh and at $16 each are considerably better (and a few dollars cheaper) than many other table service places in Walt Disney World. Reservations are exceptionally difficult to get at Beaches & Cream because of its small size — it might hold a few dozen people, tops. If you can get your family in, try the Kitchen Sink sundae: scoop after scoop of ice cream served with every topping on the menu — it serves four people.

Monsieur Paul, France Pavilion, Epcot
Monsieur Paul is definitely one of the most grown-up of all Epcot restaurants. It’s a true fine-dining experience tucked away upstairs in the France Pavilion. It’s quite expensive, but is perfect for date night without kids. The menu is unique and the food is always excellent. Dinner is the only meal served at Monsieur Paul, so you can always expect a special experience. The prix fixe meal is the restaurant’s signature offering. The menu changes often, but always has a variety of top-notch choices. Appetizers range from fancy soups to crab legs. For entrees, you can always expect a good mix of beef, chicken, and fish. The Beef Tenderloin is my personal go-to. Also, the restaurant is known for commonly having a great Sea Bass dish on the menu. Dessert is a big highlight for Monsieur Paul, so don’t leave without it. There are a handful of the usual suspects- cake, ice cream, meringue, but I recommend the “La Sphere”. The La Sphere is a chocolate sphere filled with chocolate almond cake, chocolate cream, pralines, hazelnut biscuit, chocolate ice cream, and cognac sauce. The presentation is beautiful and the dessert itself is delicious.

Jiko - The Cooking Place, Animal Kingdom Lodge
Jiko is one of Disney World’s overall best restaurants. Jiko’s food is outstanding. It’s a mix of African and Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are unique, but not so out of the ordinary that a picky eater can’t enjoy a meal here. My personal favorite item on the menu is the Botswana Short Rib. You hear “fall-off-the-bone-tender” a lot at restaurants, but Jiko’s short rib is deserving of that claim. Lamb, steak, chicken, seafood- all of it is top quality and incorporates just enough African flair. Lots of imported wines to choose from too.


Did your favorite restaurant make the list? Are there any restaurants that you feel I missed? Let me know in the comments.

MyMagic+ & MyDisneyExperience Explained

Walt Disney World Magic Bands Explained

Using Disney's Magical Express at Orlando International Airport

Booking Airfare and Transportation to Walt Disney World

The main airport that most visitors fly into is Orlando International Airport (MCO) which is located about 20 miles from Disney World. MCO is designed in a way that the gates are in 1 of 4 "satellite" buildings and visitors ride the tram to get to and from the main terminal.

Another airport option is Orlando Sanford International (SFB) which just serves a few airlines. It is located about 35 miles from Disney World. Rental cars, Ubers, taxis and limos are available to travel from Sanford to Disney World but Magical Express isn't an option.

For finding cheap airfare, I recommend checking Kayak.com and then booking your flight with the airline directly. Another great site is ITA Software by Google.   You can’t book through ITA, but it gives you more options in choosing multiple airports to see if nearby airports might offer better pricing, and allows you to check out a calendar of dates for travel, among other things.

There isn't an airfare research tool that can search the low airfare airlines like Southwest or Allegiant so you need to research those separately. Go to those airlines' websites to look up their pricing.

If you’re not booking a trip for set dates but are willing to travel whenever a deal pops up, another great option is Airfarewatchdog. You can signup for their deal alerts for trips between two cities. We opt for their daily email, which provides listings for the cheapest future airfare to numerous destinations departing out of our home airport.

When visiting Walt Disney World, you’ll also need to determine whether to rent a car. If you’re not visiting other destinations outside of Walt Disney World, you might not need to waste the money on one. Walt Disney World provides complimentary transportation to the parks from your Disney resort and even to and from the airport via Disney's Magical Express, however, keep in mind Disney transportation can take a lot of time.

If you are looking to venture off property once or twice during your stay, an alternative to renting a car is a taxi or an Uber, which would definitely be cheaper than renting a car.

If you are not staying at one of the Disney resorts, your hotel may offer shuttle services to and from the different parks (Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, etc).  Historically our experience has been that these shuttles are very limited in schedule so you may want to look into renting a car.

Where to Stay When Visiting Walt Disney World

One important decision you will make as you plan your trip to Walt Disney World, is whether to stay on-site at a Disney resort or off-site at one of the many hotels in the surrounding area. The purpose of this page is to offer some suggestions as to what criteria might be considered when making such a decision and to summarize the main advantages and disadvantages of each choice.

Things to Consider When Making Your Choice

When attempting to make the choice of staying on-site or off-site, it is helpful to know the answers to the following questions:
- What is my budget?
- How far in advance am I planning?
- How many people are in my party and what are their ages?
- Do we want to all stay together in one room or suite or villa?
- What hotel amenities are important to me?
- Will I have my car/rental car?
- Will I be spending most of my time visiting Disney attractions, or will I be visiting non-Disney attractions too?

Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Choice

Off-site Advantages:
- Generally better/larger accommodations for the same or a lower price.
- More likely to find rooms in your desired price range at the last minute.
- Better access to restaurants, shopping and other non-Disney attractions.
- NOT immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.
- Some hotels offer scheduled shuttle service to the parks.
- Some hotels offer free breakfasts.
- Many off-site hotels offer discounts to non-Disney attractions and restaurants.

Off-site Disadvantages:
- Getting to and from the parks may be more difficult. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks from the parks.
- On peak holidays parking lot(s) at WDW might be closed.
- Quality of the rooms varies; as does service.
- Off-site guests must pay for parking at Disney theme parks if they drive unless they have an Annual Passport.
- Shuttle service is limited at many hotels, some hotels share shuttles making the service very slow and/or crowded, and some hotels charge for using their shuttle service.
- Hotel staff may be less familiar with Disney property.

On-site Advantages:
- Getting to and from the parks is generally easier. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks.
- Immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.
- Disney resorts offer wonderful theming.
- Disney staff provides excellent service.
- Properties are always clean and well-maintained.
- Priority on tee times on Disney golf courses.
- Room-charge privileges throughout WDW.
- Ability to purchase Magic Your Way tickets.
- Merchandise delivery to your Disney hotel.
- Access to WDW's closed circuit TV information channels.
- Unlimited use of WDW transportation system.
- Magical Express transportation to/from airport to WDW Resort at no charge
- Able to purchase Disney Dining Plan.

On-site Disadvantages:
- Rooms are more expensive.
- Availability of budget-priced rooms is limited, especially at the last minute.
- Dining is generally more expensive.
- Getting to and from area's non-Disney attractions may be more difficult.
- Going from resort to resort relying on Disney Transportation can be long and/or a hassle.

Ultimately the choice to stay onsite at a Disney resort or off-site all depends on what is right for you and your family.

How to Plan Your Walt Disney World Vacation

Planning a Disney World vacation requires some research. Walt Disney World is a huge place (47 square miles — that’s almost twice as large as Manhattan!) with so many things to do and see that even after more than 30 visits, we have not begun to do it all.

Just a quick summary of SOME of what’s available at Disney World:
• 4 major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• 2 water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
• Over 25 resort hotels
• 5 golf courses
• 2 mini-golf courses
• numerous lakes offering water sports, boating and fishing
• 2 dinner shows
• BoardWalk entertainment district
• Disney Springs shopping and dining district

So it’s not surprising that you’re a little confused about where to begin.

You’ll need to decide the following, in roughly this order:

1. When you’re going

See when is the best time to go to Disney World for hints on the best and worst times of year for planning a Disney World vacation.  Obviously your budget, kids’ school schedules and other factors will influence your decision as well.

2. What you’re going to do when you get there

Seems kind of early in the planning process, doesn’t it? I mean, you haven’t even decided on a hotel yet! Well, trust me, you need to do some research before you go any further. There is so much to do, and everyone does something slightly different. Depending on the parks and attractions you want to visit, you may find certain hotels and resorts are much more convenient.

If you need some help with planning, I offer a planning service through Fiverr where I provide you with the perfect personalized 4 park itinerary for your trip to WDW and can customize it with shows, entertainment and dining suggestions based on the dates of your trip.

3. How long you’re staying

You probably thought that was part of #1 above, didn’t you? But after you learn how much there is to do, you may re-think your plans.

If you want to visit all four theme parks and actually experience the majority of the attractions, parades and shows, you will need at least 5 full days! (Epcot can easily take 2 days all by itself, because in a sense it’s the equivalent of 2 theme parks: Future World and World Showcase).

If you would like to do the major attractions at the theme parks without racing around like a maniac, or you want to try some of the “extras,” like water parks or golf, allow more days. In fact, I believe a one-week trip is optimum for a first-timer who wants to enjoy the full experience. Tickets are the most expensive part of most people’s Disney World vacations, and Disney has set up its ticket pricing to encourage trips longer than 4 days: 7-day tickets don’t cost that much more than 4-day tickets.

4. How you’re getting there

Whether you plan to go on your Disney vacation by plane, train or automobile, it can be challenging to find the most economical way to get to your destination — and then you need to figure out how you’re going to get around while you are there!

If you will be flying to Florida, it is a good idea to start checking out airfares right away, and keep checking them. The fares fluctuate wildly and if you catch a good one, you’ll need to grab it quickly.

5. What kind of theme park tickets to buy

Because Walt Disney World tickets are so expensive (you’ll probably spend more on tickets than you will on your hotel room) this is a critical decision. Look over your itinerary, get out your calculator, take a look at the prices and figure out which tickets make sense for your situation.

While there are discounted tickets available from authorized ticket resellers like AAA/CAA, Undercover Tourist, and Maple Leaf Tickets in Canada, keep in mind that discounts are small for the most part; you’re probably going to have to pay 80%-95% of full price in most cases.

6. Where you will be staying

First you’ll have to decide whether to stay at an official Disney resort, or at a nearby “off-property” resort. This is a complex decision for many people, to say the least. Keep in mind that while we use the term “off-property” to describe the non-Disney hotels, many of them are quite close and some are actually physically located on Disney-owned land. They just aren’t owned and run by Disney.

Each of the official Disney resorts is unique and special, and the ability to leave the real world behind and experience the Disney magic 24/7 is part of the fun for many people. The Deluxe Disney resorts are especially stunning. When you stay at a Disney resort hotel, you get FREE transfers to and from the airport via Disney’s Magical Express, access to Extra Magic Hours and some other perks. Staying at a Disney resort gives you direct access to the Disney buses, boats and monorails so you can take a break from driving. The Disney resorts have much larger pools and more recreation options than most off-site hotels.

If you are trying to save as much money as possible, an off-property resort is usually going to be the best value. Families of 5 or more usually find that off-property resorts are an especially good deal, because most of the 5-person options at Disney’s resorts are quite pricey. Good off-property hotels often have larger rooms with more amenities than the official Disney hotels (especially compared to the Value and Moderate resorts, which have standard rooms that feel a bit motel-like). A quality off-property hotel will have service at least as good as a Disney resort, and a “luxury” hotel like the Waldorf Astoria Orlando will typically have better service. If you stay off-property, you will probably want to rent a car, which is an additional expense, but it is generally a faster and better way to get around than the Disney transportation system.

The bottom line is that you can have an excellent vacation staying either on or off property. I have done it both ways multiple times, and can assure you there are no right or wrong answers.  I recommend exploring both options and figuring the bottom-line price and what you get with each. If you can afford to stay more days with one option, we recommend going that way; we’ll always advocate for staying longer if you can swing it. If neither one jumps out as being obviously better for you and this is your “once in a lifetime” trip, we’d go with a Disney resort just to get the full experience. If you think you’ll come back, just pick one option at random; you can always try it the other way on your next visit.

If you’re considering an on-site resort stay, you will want to see some photos and details about Disney’s resorts. Disney’s own disneyworld.com website is a good basic resource.

If you decide to stay on-site, there are discounts available at certain times of year for Disney’s resorts as well as discounts on Disney’s vacation packages. If you will be staying for 5 nights or more at a Disney resort, that’s a big investment and we hope you’ll seriously consider contacting a Disney Specialist travel agent such as myself. It costs you nothing to have someone else keep track of all the resort discounts and find you the best deal. They will even rebook your resort reservations if a better discount becomes available.

If you’re considering non-Disney/off-site hotels — and it’s worth considering, especially if you are on a tight budget and/or have a family of 5 or more — we have visited dozens around Walt Disney World and can help you choose the perfect hotel for your family.

7. How you’re getting from the airport to your hotel (if you’re flying)

There are lots of options.

If you are staying at a Disney resort, Walt Disney World Resort offers a FREE airport shuttle service called Disney’s Magical Express that includes a complimentary airport shuttle bus to and from the Disney resorts*, and luggage delivery from your home airport directly to your Disney resort hotel room (as long as you arrive between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm).

If you are staying at a non-Disney/off-site hotel, one option is to use an airport shuttle — a shared van or bus service that runs at scheduled times between the airport and your hotel. You will need to check if this is offered by your hotel as not all hotels offer this service.

Another option if you will not be staying at a Disney-owned and -operated hotel, is booking Mears Shuttle. When arriving, you don’t really need to make a reservation (though it still may be helpful during peak season). There’s a Mears desk in the airport and you can walk up and arrange to go on the next shuttle. When going back to the airport, you will need to arrange a pickup time with Mears. You tell Mears when your flight leaves, and they assign you a pickup time. They’re generally pretty good about arriving close to that time and getting you to the airport in time for your flight. Transfers between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Disney World-area resorts are $37 roundtrip for adults (12 and older) and $28 for kids ages 4-11, plus tip. Kids 3 and under are free.

Unfortunately, Mears can be slow, since you will have to wait for the shuttle (which is often a big bus) to pick up numerous passengers and take them to their individual hotels. Allow about 90 minutes from the time you get off the plane until you arrive at your hotel. (Direct driving time is 20-30 minutes.)

Other options include a shared shuttle van service or towncar/limo transfer


That’s it!

Seriously, everything else is “gravy.” You can make reservations for your meals, book special events and do all kinds of other planning, but these are the basics. Enjoy your planning!

Start planning your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. They’ll help you get the best price for your vacation, share their expert advice and their services are totally FREE!

Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World During Peak Times

Although Walt Disney World commercials can make you believe that crowds, lines, and not-so-magical people are non-existent, they are a reality of visiting Disney during “peak seasons.” Don’t fear though, it is possible to still enjoy the parks during popular vacations times with these tips.

1. Patience 
This is probably the most important thing to bring (besides clothing) when visiting the parks. Lines will be plenty, and attractions that may usually not have a line could surprise you.

2. Arrive early, or stay late 
For events like Christmas, New Year’s and the Fourth of July where specialty nighttime fireworks are the main draw, you should plan to arrive early (think park opening) and stay until the end of the day. On days like New Year’s, plan to arrive shortly at the Magic Kingdom early (think 7 am) that way you can hopefully be able to experience quite a few attractions before crowds are noticeably heavier at around 10 am. On other crowded days, typically crowds can thin out towards the end of the day, especially after the first parade and fireworks (if the nighttime parade runs twice).

3. Have (somewhat) of a plan 
This can be something as simple as scheduling FastPass+ selections ahead of time, or as complex as a step-by-step plan that maps out your entire day. It doesn’t take much for walkways to become congested, and you don’t want to be that party stopped in the middle of the sidewalk wondering “what now?”

4. Manage Your Expectations 
Going in, know that the parks are going to be a little…cozy.  Remember that pretty much every attraction is going to have a considerable line, and people will be everywhere.  Enjoy the day for what it is – eg: spending New Year’s Eve at the Magic Kingdom. And even though you will spend that day with tens of thousands of your “closest” friends, there was still plenty of “Disney Magic” to be found in the park.

5. HAVE FUN!
It's not uncommon for parks like the Magic Kingdom to reach some stages of crowd closure during peak time. Your day is what you make of it – even though the crowds may be big, knowing you may not experience everything will keep smiles on your faces.

6. Stay On Property 
There are many benefits for staying at a Walt Disney World resort. Not only do you get to stay at a uniquely themed hotel, but you are also eligible for several great Disney perks. Free transportation is provided to nearly anywhere you would want to go on Disney property. As a Walt Disney World hotel guests, you can also take advantage of extra time in the parks through Extra Magic Hours.

7. Eat At Off-Hours 
The lines at quick service restaurants around Walt Disney World can get quite long at common dining times. To avoid these long lines and get the most out of your time at Disney, I recommend eating at unusual times. This trick also works great if you’re having trouble getting the ADR you want. Since most people will eat at the normal times, you may have more luck requesting an ADR at an off-hour. If you do get hungry prior to lunch or dinner, just grab a snack to tide you over until meal time.

8. Find Your Parade Viewing Location Early 
The parades at Walt Disney World are popular. In order to get a great viewing location, you will need to arrive early (about an hour to 1/2 hour ahead of time).

9. Character Dining 
The lines to meet characters in the parks can get quite long, especially for characters from newer films. Waiting in these lines can take up a good bit of time which could be spent visiting attractions. A great way to avoid these long lines but still get to meet your favorite characters is to make ADRs for character dining.

10. Go To Popular Attractions First 
When you arrive at the parks in the morning, be sure to visit some of the more popular attractions first. For the first hour or two the parks are open, many of the popular attractions will have a much shorter wait than they will later in the day.

11. Take advantage of FastPass+
Disney World's FastPass+ service lets you pre-book attractions up to 60 days or 30 days in advance, depending on whether you are staying onsite or not. You only get a certain number of ride or entertainment selections per day from any one park. If you will be visiting Disney World during spring break, you definitely want to book those rides as soon as you can! And make sure to buy your tickets far enough in advance so that you can book your FastPass+ selections when your reservation window opens.

12. Think about Renting a Car
While Disney World offers complimentary transportation, wait times can be long during peak times. Buses (or boats, or monorail cars) can fill quickly, and you may find yourself waiting for a second or third bus before you can board. Having a rental or driving your own car gives you the convenience of going anywhere at any time.

13. Watch Fireworks from Outside the Parks
Magic Kingdom fireworks shows are viewable from the Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the beaches at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the Ticket and Transportation Center, and on the boat ride between Magic Kingdom and Fort Wilderness. Epcot fireworks can be seen from the bridge that connects Disney’s BoardWalk Entertainment District and Disney's Yacht & Beach Club. You don't have to be staying at the hotels to watch the fireworks from them.

14. Be flexible
While I love when a great plan comes together, I know when it’s OK to alter that plan and change course. Take occasional “temperature” checks of everyone’s energy levels and attitudes. If you have to cut something short or go to a different park than you planned, don’t sweat it. It’s about quality not quantity.