Tips for Your Disney World Vacation

Did Someone Say, "Walt Disney World"?

My fiancée and I were lucky.  We were able to visit Walt Disney World (WDW) twice in a relatively short amount of time.  Although it will be awhile before we return, we are already putting what we learned into planning for future excursions.  Hopefully some of these tips will help you plan your perfect, magical experience.  I’ll have all of the tips listed at the bottom, in case you don’t want to read the details.    

The first time we were there, hurricane Matthew decided to show us some love.  It was a VERY last-minute plan, and we booked through a AAA travel agent.  In hind-sight, we should have just booked directly through the Disney Travel Agency, as our agent gave us some misinformation.  More on the drama later.  

The Weather and Clothing

We didn’t even think about it being hurricane season, so Tip #1:  Know the seasons.  This leads us into Tip #2:  Know the typical weather for the time of year you’re going.  We went in October, and while we expected humidity, it was far more intense than we could have ever imagined.  It reminded me of Texas in the summer—you could cut the air with a knife.  .  .  figuratively.  Tip #3:  Get some duo-dry clothes (we bought ours at Target), especially if you’re traveling while it’s humid.  We bought some at Target just before leaving, and they were life-saving!  Duo-dry, by Champion, helps pull sweat away, keeping you cooler than regular clothes.  The downside, especially if you sweat a lot, is that by the end of the day your clothes (shirt especially) will be heavy, and sweat tends to gather mostly towards the bottom.  And of course, you will want shoes you can walk in for miles.  We prefer shoes with foam insoles.  Tip #4:  Bring a couple of pairs of walking shoes.  You can also bring a pair of dressier shoes if you plan on having a fancy meal, but the alternate trainers will give you a fresh pair should the first pair get wet.  What else?  Oh, you may want to pack a hat, headband, or something else that will help keep you cool, particularly if you’re going in warmer months.  The biggest thing is to not be self-conscious.  I know what you’re thinking, but honestly, everyone looks the same in that heat/humidity.  Nobody cares.  My fiancée sweats a lot in the heat, and it was 10x worse with the humidity.  The first few minutes he was self-conscious, but once he saw everyone else, and how people were just concerned with having a good time, he no longer worried about it.  I was also a hot mess, but it really didn’t matter.  Everyone was a hot mess together.        

Hotels

There are several hotels to choose from.  Our AAA agent booked us in the Port Orleans Riverside, which is where we now prefer to stay because of its location.  We have yet to stay at the other hotels, but it would be nice to, to see how the others compare.  There are cheaper (and more expensive) options available to fit most budgets.  I love the various themes.  If you have an open day, I recommend taking the shuttle to the other hotels, getting out, and taking a walk around.  Each one has its own set of activities, restaurants, etc. to experience.  Port Orleans has movies under the stars.  Others have campfires and s’mores, or games, sports.  .  .  you name it!    So, Tip #5:  Pick the hotel that fits your needs; and Tip #6:  Check out the activities for the week.  If you just want to relax, you can do that, too.          

 

Tickets and PhotoPass

You can add tickets if they are not included in your WDW package.  You can click here to see the current ticket prices.  Just pick the number of days and number of people in your party.  I highly recommend adding the park-hopper option.  If one park closes earlier than another, or you want a change of scenery, you can go to any of the four parks with that option.  Depending on the time of year, you may also want to get tickets to the water parks.  For pricing, click here.  If it’s your first time, you may want to take advantage of the Memory Maker, which allows unlimited downloads of all of your PhotoPass pictures, Magic Shots, and more!  There is also an option for a special pickup and drop-off that can be added, but I can’t remember what it is called.  It can be added once you are at the resort.  Tip #7:  Research the ticket and PhotoPass options.            

Dining

We found that the best thing EVER is the Deluxe Dining Plan.  Yes, it is pricey up front, but when you factor in the cost of food, beverages, and snacks, you can get so much value out of the dining plan.  If you’re lucky, you may even get your dining plan for free.  Included in the dining plan is a refillable cup (also available for purchase without the dining plan).  It is only refillable in resort hotels, but still a wonderful thing to have.   

There are three plans to choose from:  Quick-Service, Dining, and Deluxe Dining.  The plans also note which food service locations are included.  You can use all of your credits at one go, or space them out.  There is no time limit between uses, and with the Deluxe plan, you can eat virtually anywhere.  We ate at Narcoosee’s, Rainforest Café, Biergarten, and several other places with amazing meals.  We definitely got our money out of it, as each restaurant meal was three courses (including drinks; no alcohol), and most only used one credit.  On the Deluxe plan you are given three meals per day, quick-service or sit-down, and two snacks.  Some places, especially character dining, will take two credits instead of one, but you will still have plenty of credits.  If you have credits remaining, you can use them to purchase snack items (yes, the meal credits can also be used on snacks).  We ended up bringing snacks back for everyone.  Quick-Service provides you with two quick-service meals and two snacks.  The Dining Plan offers each guest one table-service and one quick-service meal, plus two snacks.  It is important to note that gratuity is not included for most dining locations, so be sure to bring some money.  To learn more about the dining options, I have included the links above.

You can also pick a date and time for one of the character dining or table service locations.  They do sell out fast, and you will need a credit/debit card number to hold the reservation.  If you are a no-show, they will charge you, but I am not sure how much.  Everything can be done on the Disney World app, making the experience a breeze.  Tip #8:  Don’t forget to download the Disney World app!          

FastPass+

With FastPass+, you have the option of choosing up to three (3) attractions, the date and corresponding wait times, as long as they aren’t out.  Since we booked last-minute, there were few options to choose from.  Attractions like Frozen Ever After, Expedition Everest, and the Seven Dwarves Mine Train tend to sell out fast.  Click here for more information on FastPass+ and how to get the most from it.  The second time we went, we chose our FastPass+ based on our arrival time in Orland and which parks we were going to each day.  We always looked at the park closing times and magic hours, and if we chose to park hop, then we “flew by the seat of our pants”.  Tip #9:  Plan your FastPass+ in advance.        

Transportation:  Airport and Hotel

When you book your WDW vacation, your shuttle will be waiting.  Well, you might have a wait, but once you deplane, all you have to do is head to Disney’s Magical Express.  Depending on your hotel, you have boat and/or shuttle access to the various parks and Disney Springs.  If you booked early enough, you won’t have to worry about your luggage.  It will be in your hotel room either before or after you have checked in.  The first time, we didn’t have the Disney luggage tags in time, so we had to wait for our checked bags.  Celebrating something special?  Be sure to let the cast member know at check-in.  You may receive a button to commemorate the event.  I am waiting for the day when Disney has their own fleet, gate, and carousel at airports.  If it were Disney, from start to finish, wouldn’t it make the entire process even more simple?   

Packing

This one seems stupid, but it is vital.  DO NOT OVERPACK!  I know it’s tempting (unless, of course, you are a minimalist).  You sit there, looking at what you might need, or could need.  Instead, pack your essentials (i.e.  medications, toiletries, etc.), clothes, and minimal makeup.  The makeup is difficult for me, but remember that what you carry with you will have to come back.  Plus, once you’re there, will you actually use it?  For makeup, I recommend a small neutral palette, a couple of brushes, lip balm, one or two lipsticks, mascara, liner, and small eye primer.  Chances are, you won’t use more than that, and foundation/BB cream, etc. tends to just melt off.  Your carry-on should include an extra change of clothes, any medications you take regularly, your quart-sized liquids bag, sanitizing wipes, and electronic devices/accessories.  I also suggest taking a neck pillow as well, to avoid cramping on the plane.  If you are taking jewelry, also remember to put it in your carry-on.  You may be wondering about the change of clothes.  I will never forget coming home from Paris (this was years ago), and my mom mentioning to do so in case of an unexpected issue.  As it turns out, we had to stay overnight in Texas, and leave the next day.  I was so happy to have a fresh change of clothes to go home in.   

I also highly recommend checking a bag that has a Ziploc with cough medicine, Vitamin C gummies or tablets, DayQuil/NyQuil, mini emergency kit; things like that.  You never know what you might come down with, and should you get sick, it’s best to have medicines that (1) your doctor would allow you to take, and (2) will help get you better, faster.  Nothing is worse than being sick on vacation.      

Once you are packed, it is important to weigh your suitcase.  Tip #10:  Buy a luggage scale.  It may seem like a frivolous purchase, but it will save you, especially after you’ve checked out.  If you aren’t planning on bringing back more than a few keychains, then you’ll be fine.  But if you are like me, and like to get things for yourself and friends/family, you may end up being over the weight limit.  Because of the time of year, our clothes were drenched.  We didn’t want to pay for the cleaning, as having clothes laundered is incredibly overpriced, so we brought home our sweat-filled clothes.  Even hanging them to dry didn’t do much good, and it added a significant amount of weight.  Be sure to know your airline’s luggage/weight policies.  Bring the scale with you so you know how close you are to the weight limit.  You may need another suitcase or face a hefty fine.  Upon checkout, you take your luggage to the flight check-in desk, where each checked suitcase is weighed.  I can’t tell you how many people were over the limit, didn’t realize it, and ended up having to purchase another suitcase.  It will also hold up the line, which makes everything run less smoothly. 

Souvenirs

This tip comes from our friends who had gone a few years prior, and is one of the best tips we received.  Tip #11:  Purchase Disney gift cards, which you can use to buy souvenirs.  Do not link you debit/credit card to your magic band.  When your card is linked, it can be easy to forget how much is being charged.  You may be left wondering why your bill is so high, or why your debit account is so low.  Also, when you have a set amount to spend, you can be sure not to go overboard, and it gives you a limit.  Know how much you can, and are willing, to spend.  Add that to the gift card, and BOOM!  You are all set to go.   

A Few More Tidbits

You will not need your wallet.  It is far less of a hassle to leave your wallet in the safe provided in the room, or locked in your luggage (which isn’t as smart).  You may want to bring your ID, some cash, and a gift card, but you won’t need a whole wallet.  The security staff doesn’t mess around, and will look through every fold.  If you’re like me and have a rather large one, it can take up more time.  I also recommend getting a clear backpack so security can easily see what you are bringing.  Everything else is on your MagicBand, and who doesn’t want their vacation to be as hassle-free as possible?  And speaking of, don’t forget your MagicBands!  They are the key to your room, the theme parks, dining, and more.     

Helpful Tips:

·    Don’t forget your MagicBand(s). 

·    Download the Disney World app. 

·    Know the seasons. 

·    Know the weather for the time of year you will be traveling. 

·    Research your ticket and PhotoPass options. 

·    Take advantage of the FastPass+ attraction/dining features in advance. 

·    Invest in some duo-dry clothes. 

·    Bring a couple of pairs of walking shoes. 

·    Do not over pack. 

·    Have a mini emergency kit in your checked or carry-on bag. 

·    Get a luggage scale. 

·    Purchase gift cards to use for souvenirs in place of credit/debit cards. 

·    Book through a Disney Travel Agent.  [The agent we worked with for our second trip was amazing.  If you’d like his information, let me know.  We do not get any incentives for recommending him.  He was just that good.]   

·    Bring a clear backpack.