13 Things You Need to Know Before Planning Your First Trip to Disney World

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When planning a Disney World trip things can get overwhelming. These 13 things will help you to plan your first trip.

• Information Overload
  There’s a TON of information out there about Disney World. Before your first trip, you will likely scroll Pinterest and Facebook groups and read every article you can get your hands on. Put all that information through a filter and try to only take in what you need. Don’t anticipate you will remember all or even half of it, and that’s okay.
• Decide on a Park
  There are pros and cons to each Disney Park. Look at the attractions each park offers, and decide what will work best for your group. If you’re going for multiple days, it really is advantageous to just get a Park Hopper pass. If it’s your first trip, Magic Kingdom is probably where you need to start.
• Know the Crowds
  Utilize an online calendar to see how crowded the park is during the dates you want to go. This may change when you plan your trip, or the time of year you want to go. Even when Disney is crowded, it’s still really enjoyable. It’s such a big place that even when it’s crawling with people, you can still have a blast!
• Free Dining
  Starting in 2018 Disney has brought back free Dining Plans as a part of booked packages. Make sure that you get your free dining plan if you’re booking a package, as some dates aren’t included. This will save you a ton of money on your trip!
• Fast Passes
  These need to be booked IN ADVANCE. Don’t show up the day of and try to book them because it will waste valuable minutes while you’re in the park. It’s easy to find information on which rides are the busiest and most popular, and those are the ones you need to use your Fast Passes on.

• • Disney with Babies
    Disney is totally doable if you have an infant. Not only are there several rides you can take an infant on safely, BUT there’s plenty of air-conditioned places you can go to cool off and get away from the crowds and noise. Additionally, there are nursing rooms for mom and baby that you can use. They are quiet, air-conditioned and a perfect place to feed and change baby outside of the public restrooms. Strollers are also welcome.
  • Prioritize
    You will not be able to do and see everything, no matter how many days you will be there. Pick the top things you want to see/do/experience while you’re there and try to make those happen first, instead of trying to fit every fun experience in your first trip.
  • Stay Until Close
    Every park has a closing ceremony that’s amazing. The one in Magic Kingdom is by far my favorite and will bring you to tears every single time. If you have a park hopper pass, you can take the train to Magic Kingdom at the end of the night to see the closing ceremony there. Get a good place to watch (ask a crew member specifically for each park) about thirty minutes before it’s set to start, and plan for the program to last about 15 minutes or so.
  • Dining Plan
    Dining Plans do not roll over, so don’t waste your points! Snack points can be redeemed at candy shops etc for good treats to take home with you. You paid for them, so you may as well redeem them!
  • Bring Sunscreen
    No matter what time of year you go, Florida is hot. Bring sunscreen and do not forget to stop and apply it, even on rainy days, every hour or so. Your day will get miserable fast if you skip this step.
  • Use a Map
    Use a park map to plan your rides in order. Most people start up front, so start from the back and work your way from the back of the park to the front for the shortest ride times.
  • Leave Space in Your Schedule
    Do not plan every single minute of every day. Leave room for plan changes, and leave breaks in the schedule for free time or a chance to just sit and cool off for a few minutes.
  • Don’t Aim for Perfection
    Remember that at the end of the day, you’re going to DISNEY WORLD! Do not get caught up in making sure you DO and SEE every little thing, but that you make memories with the people you’re there with. Keep an open mind and just have fun. Even if everything blows up, despite your planning, you’re still at the most magical place on Earth – enjoy yourself and smile.