Main Street Dreamers

We have been immensely lucky to grow up with the joy of holidaying in Disney World. Growing up in the magic has been the biggest gift, and now in our late 20’s / early 30’s, the Disney magic is far from fading. With this knowledge in mind, here are 6 things we feel are must do’s for your first trip to Disney World.

1. Don’t feel pressure to do everything.

Many videos or blogs you see online show you the wonderful Disney day of rope drop to the fireworks. Yes, that can be great, but can also be incredibly tiring. Don’t be afraid to take a break during your park day, to return to the pool or to relax at your resort. I usually visit during the summer months and doing this is not just a good idea… it’s a necessity! Come back later in the evening and catch Fantasmic or the fireworks when it has cooled down and that typical Florida summer storm has passed by. Also, following a storm many people will have left the parks which means lower wait times and a quieter park to explore.

2. Don’t rule out a Disney resort

Yes, Disney resorts are well known for being on the pricier side of things. Many of our holidays growing up consisted of stays on International drive in Orlando, which are some of our favourite memories. However, keep an eye out for those deals, especially if you are booking a year or more in advance. Dining plans and deals on your 14 day ticket do pop up for those of us travelling from the UK. If you will spend a lot of your time eating in Disney World especially, it might just be worth it if you’re eligible for that free dining plan deal.

There also may be other perks that you or your family may feel are worth it when staying at a Disney resort. All Disney resort guests are able to enter a Disney park 30 minutes before official park opening. That means that you may be able to ride that popular attraction before the general public are able to enter the park. If you are staying at a Deluxe Disney resort, you are also eligible to 2 hours extra park hours in the evening on selected nights in selected parks. 

3. Make use of the My Disney experience app

Your first holiday to Disney World can be incredibly overwhelming, with so much information to take in. Your My Disney experience app can become your best friend in this situation. Your tip board for your park day can help you tackle your day in the most efficient way, avoiding those peak wait times for your favourite rides.

Also, the food mobile order function can help you get your food as soon as possible when you or your family are feeling ready for your breakfast, lunch or dinner. However, something to consider is that it isn’t always possible to customise your meal on the mobile order if you would prefer a meal without a certain ingredient so just be aware of that. Don’t forget also, if you have a memory maker as part of your Disney world tickets, all your photopass pictures will show on your app very quickly after scanning your magicband. These can be photos taken by photopass photographers and on ride photos. 

Another great addition to the My Disney experience app is the mobile checkout. We used this twice during our holiday this year. This meant we were able to scan the merchandise we wanted and paid with our phone. All you need to do then is present the mobile receipt to the cast member by the exit and you will receive a bag for your items to take away. Much quicker than the usual Disney shop queue.

Another way it really helps is if you’re staying at a Disney resort. Bus times, food menus and your room charges are available straight from the app. Also,  if you already have your magic band you will be able to bypass the front desk and go straight to your room by receiving your room number on the Disney app. I did this in July and it was such an efficient way of checking in.

4. Book your dining options quickly.

Dining options will be available for you to reserve from 60 days out of your Disney world stay. However, it does differ a little if you are staying on Disney property. 

If you are staying off- site, you will be able to book one day at a time 60 days out from your trip.

If you are staying at a Disney resort, you will be able to book your dining reservations for your check in day and the following 10 days from 60 days out, which gives you a real head start compared to those staying off site. 

Many Disney world restaurants are incredibly popular, and booking them 60 days out ensures that you have the best possible chance of snagging that reservation. 

TOP TIPS 

1. Some restaurants you may find in Disney springs are operated by companies other than Disney. Because of this, some places such as The Boathouse or Wine bar George may be available to book on open table up to a year in advance.
2. If you find the reservation you want is unavailable, there are many websites such as mousewatcher, mousedining and others that you can sign up to which will keep an eye out on any cancellations closer to your check in date and alert you of any openings.

You can find some of these Disney Springs restaurants available to book by following this link: The Best 72 Restaurants Near Disney World | OpenTable

5. Dress appropriately for the parks

It can be incredibly tempting to dress up in your favourite Disney outfit for your day at the parks. However, Orlando is incredibly warm and humid most of the year. Because of this, a light and breathable outfit is not only a good idea, it’s essential to be able to enjoy your park day. Also, on my Disney holiday this year, I walked an average of 22,000 steps each day. Make sure you invest in appropriate footwear for your day. Comfortable trainers or sandals would be your best choice, and can ensure that you will be able to walk all those steps around your favourite Disney world park. 

6. Don’t try to do it all

My parents will tell you, our first Disney World holiday as children, they tried to do it all within a 14 day holiday. By the time we arrived back in the UK, it almost felt like they needed to get back on another plane for a week to relax before getting back to work. 

Disney world is a massive resort. It covers around 25,000 acres! Because of this, it would be impossible to see and do everything in one holiday. Make sure you prioritise your must-do’s for Disney world and don’t worry about those things that you don’t have a chance to do – you can always do those on your next visit! 

We hope that these tips allow you to have the most out of your Disney days and that you have the most wonderful time in the magic when you find yourself at Walt Disney World.

– The sisters behind Main Street Dreamers