- Start planning early! I would suggest booking at least 6 to 9 months ahead. You don't want to miss the 180 day ahead mark to reserve some amazing dining experiences, or the 30 or 60 day mark to make Fastpass selections. You can always take advantage of new and better deals that will come around.
- There are so many options to stay both on and off site. But you should seriously consider staying in a Disney Resort. There are plenty of price points, and so many bonuses that add extra value to your stay. These include the Magical Express, Disney Transportation, package delivery and Extra Magic Hours. Not to mention the great pools and fun and interesting themes.
- The Disney Dining Plan or Free Dining Promotion is not always worth it. And the promotion is not "free" as you have to pay full price and add park hoppers. It also does not include tips. You have to do the math to see whether it is worth to you or not. It depends on your family's eating habits.
- There are plenty of ways to save on food while in Walt Disney World, and they are listed in a previous blog post. They include packing snacks, eating breakfast in the room, sharing huge main courses, and avoiding or limiting expensive character dining.
- Deciding whether to fly or drive is a personal decision based on a variety of factors. But if you do fly, consider all your airport options with a few hours drive, because you could save hundreds on air fares by doing so. We flew out of Buffalo instead of Toronto, and saved a bundle. Keep in mind that the Magical Express only runs in and out of Orlando International, and not the smaller Orlando area airports.
- Bring your own refillable water bottles into the parks. We prefer Brita ones with filters to improve the taste. Then refill them with complimentary ice water at any Disney quick service location.
- Taking breaks is very important, in order to both extend your day, and survive the Florida heat. Staying onsite allows you to go back to your resort or hotel to swim or rest. But air conditioned rides and shows also can provide the needed respite. Even a park free day can be nice, especially if you spend it at your resort and / or Disney Springs.
- Be sure to select your Fastpasses at either 60 days (If staying in a Disney Resort) or 30 days with your purchased park tickets connected to the My Disney Experience app or website. Hollywood Studios and Epcot have tiered selections, so please read my blog post for info on how the system works, and some tips for making your selections. You can select youe first three at one park to start. Then once those are used up, you can continue to pick one at a time. Not everyone in your family has to have the same Fastpasses, and you switch them as well as the times providing there is availability.
- Before making dining reservations at 180 days ahead (for your entire stay if booked at a Disney Resort), plan out which parks you are going to be at each day first. You can use one of several crowd calendars to help you, and then you can use your location to help plan out your dining reservations. My one recommendation is to splurge for dinner at the California Grill at the top of the Contemporary Resort before or during Happily Ever After fireworks!
- Consider avoiding parks with early Extra Magic Hours, as they tend to be the most crowded, and the advantage is only for that first hour or two. By avoiding the EMH parks, we have rarely faced heavy crowds in the parks, even during March break or mid summer.
To read more about these tips and blog posts with help to plan a trip to Disney World, click here.
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