Walt Disney World Planning

Updated October 17, 2023

Let’s talk about Walt Disney World!

I didn’t grow up going to WDW, but I’ve learned A LOT about it during quarterly trips since 2018. My intention with sharing what I know is so that you can see what Disney World planning looks like compared to Disneyland.

Furthermore, knowing how WDW works helps me guide WDW vets when planning Disneyland.

Ok, lets get started.

Who to Book Your Trip With and Why It Matters

This is an important part.

Park reservations, MagicBands, dining reservation challenges, etc, etc are just a few of the key issues right now at Disney Parks. There’s a lot to know.

I highly recommend using an experienced agency to book your trip. Disney includes commission in everything they sell, so booking with an agency doesn’t cost you anymore than going directly through Disney. Literally.

Love of the Magic books all my trips. Get a quote request for yours here.

This link explains why I use and recommend Love of the Magic Vacations (LOTMV).

My First Visit

I was CLUELESS during my first visit. It’s really intimidating to visit Disney World after Disneyland. The two resorts are so different and the sheer size of WDW is monstrous compared to Disneyland.

This post shares all about that trip. It was crazy, magical fun. But, I have learned a lot since then. 

Disneyland vs Walt Disney World

There’s so much to know.

For a general overview, start with this:

Disneyland consists of 500 acres. Within those acres, we have 2 theme parks and 3 Disney Resort Hotels. Because Disneyland is immersed in the city of Anaheim, good neighbor hotels play an important role. Many guests stay off-site at Disneyland, unlike Disney World. The two parks here face each other and just about everything at the Disneyland Resort is in walking distance. Disneyland has Downtown Disney with shops and restaurants nearby.

This link takes you to Disneyland’s official website.

Disney World consists of almost 30,000 acres. Within what is essentially the size of San Francisco, Disney World has 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and dozens of Disney Resort Hotels. It’s a city all its own. The majority of guests stay on-site at WDW, unlike Disneyland. WDW has several pricing tiers within their hotels that allow almost everyone to experience staying on-site. Disney World has Disney Springs and Disney’s Boardwalk, with shops and restaurants in both.

This link takes you to Disney World’s official website.

When to Visit Disney World & How Many Days to Include

When to Go

Just like Disneyland, Disney World is truly crowded year round now.

Disney Parks – on both coasts – are more popular than ever. And, they require a lot of income to keep them running as they do and in their pristine condition.

So, if Disney predicts a lull in attendance, it will find a reason for guests to visit, be it via discounts, Free Dining, or added entertainment. Be prepared for the crowds and then pleasantly surprised if you encounter a slow day.

With that in mind, here is a rundown of what you can expect throughout the year. I’ve shared notes on each month with the high/low average temperatures listed first.

January – 72/52 – the first week is busy as Holidays at WDW wraps up; after Holidays, kids are in school, so crowds are a bit more tame; shorter park hours

February – 74/53 – similar to January; President’s Day weekend is busy; kids are in school, so crowds are a bit more tame; shorter park hours

March – 78/57 – crowds are more present for spring break travelers from around the country; check the calendar for Mardi Gras week, too, as it brings in crowds; mild-ish temperatures; longer park hours

April – 83/63 – crowds are more present for spring break travelers from around the country; mild-ish temperatures; longer park hours

May – 88/69 – crowds dip at bit between spring break and summer break; Memorial Day weekend is busy; temperatures are rising; long park hours

June – 90/73 – crowds are high; temperatures are high; park hours are longest during June, July and August

July – 92/75 – crowds are high; temperatures are high; park hours are longest during June, July and August

August – 91/75 – crowds are high; temperatures are high; park hours are longest during June, July and August; Halloween Parties start this month

September – 89/74 – slightly lower crowds; Labor Day weekend is busy; kids are back in school; temperatures are still high; park hours are shorter than summer; Halloween Parties continue this month

October – 84/68 – crowds are back for Halloween; temperatures are still high; park hours are extended again; Halloween Parties continue this month

November – 78/59 – crowds are high; kids are out of school for Veterans Day weekend, fall break and Thanksgiving; park hours are long; Christmas Parties start this month

December – 73/54 – crowds are high; kids are out of school for winter break; park hours are long; Christmas Parties continue this month

How Many Days to Include in Your Trip

A 7 day trip is ideal for Disney World. This would include a travel day to start with, 5 days at Disney World, and then a final travel day. Within the 5 days not traveling, visit 2 parks, take a break day at the hotel, and then visit 2 more parks.

If this is your first trip, I recommend visiting each park. I certainly have my favorites, but I think guests should see all the parks to determine their own.

Have more time? Awesome. Try to schedule one or two park days….then a break day…..and then resume park days. Three days in the heat and busyness of Disney World can feel really overwhelming for a lot of guests.

Park Hopper tickets are ideal and go on sale more often than one-park-per-day tickets. Visit this link for discounted WDW tickets.

Which Parks to Choose Each Day for Your Reservations

I like to begin each trip at Magic Kingdom. I recommend doing the same unless you’re starting on a Monday. If that’s the case, choose another park to start with, as MK is often busier on Mondays.

Avoid Epcot Friday through Sunday unless you came to party.

Animal Kingdom is good for any time. You’ll likely need only a half day in this park, so consider choosing it for a day when you plan to dine in Disney Springs or want to enjoy your resort.

Disney Hollywood Studios? There is actually no good day to visit this park in all of the 365 available each year. I kid. I kid. But, it’s the most challenging in regards to avoiding lines. Put DHS on any day and pack your rosary.

Where to Stay at Walt Disney World

This post shares all about resorts at Walt Disney World.

Check it out for:

  • Perks of staying On-Site
  • Where I have stayed with thorough reviews (with LOTS of photos) of each resort
  • My favorite properties and why

MagicBands

Walt Disney World uses MagicBands and I love them! Unlock your hotel room door, scan for entrance to the park, make purchases and more with your MagicBand.

Guests who stay at a WDW Resort Hotel no longer receive these bands with their vacation package. But, you are welcome to use an old MagicBand or purchase a new one.

MagicBand+ arrived summer of 2022 at Walt Disney World. Here’s the scoop on it.

Dining at Walt Disney World

Head on over to this dedicated post detailing dining at Walt Disney World.

Find info on reservations, dining plans, mobile ordering, character meals, and dining packages.

I also link up to MANY dining reviews from my visits. Go see!

How to Avoid Waiting in Line for Attractions

Since FastPass+ was retired recently, you have two options for how to enjoy each of the 4 parks with minimal wait times:

  • Use Genie+. I share about it here. And, this post shows you how to put Genie+ to use in the parks.
  • Don’t use Genie+. Use my strategies that include no additional purchases beyond your park ticket. When Walt Disney World reopened on July 11, 2020, the parks operated with standby lines only until Disney Genie debuted on October 19, 2022. I visited Walt Disney World 8 times while they were using standby lines only and created, tested, and perfected strategies using standby lines only. Find those here.

Single Rider Lines

Unlike the Disneyland Resort with many (!!!!) Single Rider lines, Walt Disney World has four. Find those here:

  • Epcot – Test Track
  • Animal Kingdom – Expedition Everest
  • Hollywood Studios – Rock’n’ Roller Coaster
  • Hollywood Studios – Millennium Falcon

Here’s an easy way to remember them – With one exception, they all have double letters in their titles. TT, EE, and RR. Plus Millennium Falcon!

Seasons at Walt Disney World

Halloween and Christmas are busy times at WDW, just like Disneyland. What’s different? WDW hosts both a Halloween Party and a Christmas Party, where as Disneyland only hosts a Halloween Party.

Both parties require each guest to pay an additional ticket price to attend the party. The events include entertainment and perks that you won’t find during non-party days such as parades, themed fireworks, lower attraction wait times, trick-or-treating or hot cocoa/cookies, etc. While the Halloween Parties at Disneyland throw guests into a panic to plan around, the parties on the calendar at WDW seem less critical since there are 3 other parks to visit on nights that Magic Kingdom closes early for the parties.

More on each season:

Halloween – Dates and tickets for the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party are typically announced in March of each year. Book them asap, as they do sell out. WDW Halloween parties run from August – October and have a significant impact on the calendar. (There were 34 party nights in 2018.)

Christmas – Dates and tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are typically announced in March of each year. Book them asap, as they do sell out. WDW Christmas parties run during November and December. (There were 22 party nights in 2018.)

Seasonal Notes

  • I’ve attended a few Christmas Parties at Magic Kingdom. They’re fun! After hours parties are a great way to see seasonal entertainment and enjoy significantly lower attraction lines.
  • Disneyland vets might feel short changed when attending a Christmas party at WDW. At Disneyland, we are lucky enough to enjoy almost everything WDW has at their parties during a regular park day at no additional cost. This includes the Christmas Fantasy Parade, seasonal fireworks, seasonal World of Color, etc. 

Transportation at Walt Disney World

While Disneyland Resort is small enough for guests to walk to nearly every destination, Walt Disney World requires different forms of transportation.

The following can be found at WDW:

Monorails – There are three monorail loops. Anyone visiting WDW can use the monorail system. The Magic Kingdom resort loop stops at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). There is an express monorail that only goes between Magic Kingdom and the TTC and another express monorail that goes between the TTC and Epcot. The Epcot monorail gives you some lovely views of that park.

Buses – For anyone staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, you may choose to use the extensive bus system on property. Buses go to/from all Disney Resort Hotels to all parks and water parks, plus Disney Springs. You can also take buses between the parks or from the parks to/from Disney Springs. Buses do not run between resorts. Generally, you shouldn’t have to wait more than 20 minutes for a bus. Bus service from resort hotels begins 45 minutes prior to that park opening and runs until 2 hours after that park’s closing time. Bus service from Disney Springs runs until 2:00 am.

Boats – There are several boat options at WDW. It’s a fun change! You can take a ferry boat from the TTC to Magic Kingdom and back, which is a nice ride if you don’t want to use the monorail. Water taxis to Magic Kingdom are available from the following resorts: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. There is a separate water taxi system that runs from the Boardwalk area resorts to/from both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Those boats stop at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and the Swan and Dolphin Hotels. Disney Springs is accessible by boat from Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside hotels, Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Minnie Vans – The Minnie Van service is run through the Lyft app and is available to anyone, anywhere on WDW property. They also now provide service to and from the Orlando Airport. It can be more pricey, but is a fun option and often much quicker than waiting for a bus if you’re on a time crunch. Each Minnie Van can seat up to 6 people and has 2 car seats available. This service runs from 6:30 am to 12:30 am daily. Visit this link for my review from WDW.

The Disney Skyliner – I’m nothing short of obsessed with it and actually now choose resorts based on who is close to this new transportation option. I. Love. It. From a few areas around WDW, you can essentially access three parks via the Skyliner. I share all about this with tips on how to use the new transportation option to your advantage in this post. Also included: a Skyliner Bar Crawl itinerary!

Uber/Lyft – Regular Uber and Lyft services are also available on WDW property. Usually a bit cheaper than Minnie Van, and can be a convenient option if you need to get somewhere quicker than waiting for a bus or boat.

Some tips on Transportation:

  • Remember that Walt Disney World is HUGE. Plan on an hour to get anywhere, just to be safe.
  • If you’re low on time, Minnie Van/Lyft or Uber is a great option. I often use them if I’m going from one resort to another, usually for a dining reservation. It’s much easier than taking a bus to a park and transferring to another mode of transportation.
  • Sometimes Uber or Lyft also makes sense when going from park to park. For instance, I’ve used it to go from Magic Kingdom to Epcot because I wanted to be at the back of Epcot, rather than enter through the front. I took Uber from the Contemporary Resort to the Beach Club Resort and walked to Epcot through the International Gateway. It comes in right near the France Pavilion.
  • If using Uber or Lyft at Magic Kingdom, they must drop off and pick up at the TTC. However, the Minnie Vans can go right up to to the bus area at the front of the park because they are run by Disney. All other parks have a passenger drop off near the entrance to the park.
  • Note that no luggage or alcohol of any kind are allowed on Disney buses or boats.

How to Take Your Baby to Walt Disney World

Visit this link to find all of the accommodations at WDW to meet your baby’s needs. Each of the four theme parks has a fantastic Baby Care Center that will help so much with your trip.

I strongly encourage you to consider the temperatures at WDW when you visit with your infant or toddler. The heat and humidity is significant, depending on when you visit, and can certainly affect your child. 3/4 of my WDW trips included temperatures in the 100s. Those 3 visits were in June (obviously), September, and November. It really can be super hot there any time of the year.

I recommend Traveling Baby for stroller rentals at WDW, just as I do for guests visiting Disneyland. They deliver to your hotel and have a huge selection of not only strollers, but also pack-n-plays, feeding essentials, humidifiers, etc, etc. Disney World visits are typically longer than Disneyland, so those baby/child essentials will be greatly needed in your hotel room. Use code DLR10 for 10% off your purchase. Find Traveling Baby at this link.

How to Take Your Prince and Princess to Disney World

First, find the outfit or dress. Disney World guests GO ALL OUT with their dresses. If you want to make a statement, I recommend renting a dress from Fairy Godmother Couture. These costumes are worth hundreds of dollars and are nothing short of amazing. I share all about how this system works at this link. (My daughter, Lainey, wore one of her dresses, so we tried out the process start to finish.) It’s so easy to do, as the cleaning is handled by Fairy Godmother. Reserve your dress (or costume – she has more than just dresses) at this link and use code DLR15 at checkout to save 15% off your rental.

If your child is more casual, grab a super comfy dress from Bitts and Pieces. We love these, too, as they’re made from soft t-shirts and don’t itch or cause kids to fuss. Unlike many princess dresses from Target and such, these dresses can be worn on their own, instead of over clothes, as I recommend with the others. This helps on hot days for sure. She carries adult dresses and embroidered shirts, too. Find Bitts and Pieces at this link.

Essential Princess Experiences

The following list includes popular options for princes and princesses at Disney World.

Cinderella’s Royal Table – Dine inside Cinderella Castle for this royal feast, which many consider to be the best of all princess experiences. Make a reservation for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Akershush Royal Banquet Hall – Located in Norway in the World Showcase section of Epcot, this princess character meal is a huge hit. Make a reservation for dinner.

Enchanted Tales with Belle – Reopening February 19, 2023, find this storytelling (and much more) experience in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – Similar to Disneyland’s BBB, this version is more elaborate and has a much larger boutique for makeovers. There are two locations – inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom and at the Once Upon a Toy store in Disney Springs. I recommend the castle option. Lainey, my daughter, has done makeovers at both Disneyland and WDW and was in awe of WDW’s version. That could have certainly been due to the newness of it after several experiences at Disneyland, but I think the sheer layout of the boutique and the fact that it was in the castle (so exotic for Disneyland vets) was thrilling for her. This experience is open to guests 3-12 years old. Make reservations for it by calling (407) WDW-STYLE or (407) 939-7895.

**As of February 2023, the Disney Springs BBB location is still temporarily closed.**

Magic Kingdom

The main idea:

This is the “Disneyland” of Disney World. It includes a similar layout to Disneyland, mostly parallel lands (with one exclusion and one change), and the overall feel of Disney magic.

Lands:

  • Main Street, U.S.A
  • Frontierland
  • Adventureland
  • Fantasyland (and “New” Fantasyland)
  • Tomorrowland
  • Liberty Square

Links to some previous visits:

My thoughts on this park: I enjoy it very much and love to compare what it has to offer to Disneyland. For most, this feels like the park to start and/or finish a trip at. I like that idea, too, although, I have grown to enjoy Epcot even more.

Epcot

The main idea: Epcot combines new and old in one park. Walk into Future World to start your visit and then make your way back to World Showcase. This park is the most culturally diverse and hosts a festival of some sort during nearly every month of the year.

Sections:

  • Future World covers the front of Epcot and includes 8 pavilions. Innovative uses for technology and science, this part of the park appeals to many. Not me! That’s for smart people. (Just kidding. I enjoy it and have a favorite attraction here, which is Living with the Land).
  • World Showcase covers the back of Epcot and includes 11 countries. Each country offers dining, entertainment, and shopping. Some have attractions. Cast members within each country are from that country, which brings a wonderful, authentic feel to this area.

Links to some previous visits:

My thoughts on this park: This is my favorite. I absolutely love to explore the countries in World Showcase and could wander for days taking photos and noticing all the details. I don’t spend too much time at the front of the park, but instead focus on the countries.

Animal Kingdom

The main idea: Animal Kingdom takes two favorites for many guests and combines them into one. Zoo + Theme Park = Animal Kingdom. See animals in gorgeous habitats, enjoy attractions, see shows, dine, shop and more.

Lands:

  • Pandora – The World of Avatar
  • Oasis
  • Discovery Island
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Rafiki’s Planet Watch
  • DinoLand U.S.A.

Links to some previous visits:

My thoughts on this park: After a tough visit on our first trip to Disney World, Animal Kingdom has grown on me. It’s soooooo different from what we have in California. And, it’s the most gorgeous park I’ve ever seen. Although it always feels hotter than the others, this park’s theming is so lovely. Like Epcot, I could wander here for days taking photos.

Disney Hollywood Studios

The main idea: Does anyone know?

Another joke! I kid, I kid!

This park has seen a lot of transition over the years and feels like it’s still working on finding its identity. Similar to what California Adventure used to feel like, Hollywood Studios combines several different themes into one park.

Lands:

  • Hollywood Blvd
  • Echo Lake
  • Grand Avenue
  • Animation Courtyard
  • Sunset Blvd
  • Toy Story Land
  • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Links to some previous visits:

My thoughts on this park: My least favorite of the four, but there’s some tough competition here. I’m learning to like it more and really enjoyed my most recent visit.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a shopping and dining district at Disney World. This area includes lots to do on your first or last day or any break days you might have. Or maybe dinner after the parks.

Check out this post for general info on Disney Springs, when to visit, and more. I include my never-fail favorite restaurants, too. I’ve changed my opinion on Disney Springs since my first few visits. I’ve found so many things I like about it now.

Disney’s BoardWalk

Consider checking out Disney’s BoardWalk. I love this little area that holds similar options to Disney Springs, but on a MUCH smaller scale.

Visit this link to see photos from one of my visits for all you can find at Disney’s Boardwalk.

Disneyland vs Walt Disney World

Let’s cover some basics when comparing the two parks.

  • Disney World – book dining 180 days out; Disneyland – book dining 60 days out (These are pre-Covid numbers. Currently, it’s 60 days for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.)
  • Disney World – both now use Disney Genie
  • Disney World hosts a Halloween Party and a Christmas Party; Disneyland only has a Halloween Party called Oogie Boogie Bash. (Disneyland hosted the new Merriest Nites event in 2021. Anxious to see if it returns.)
  • Disney World typically has much higher temperatures and lots of humidity; Disneyland has more moderate temperatures and less humidity
  • Disney World sees rain (usually at least an afternoon shower) often daily; Disneyland rarely has rain
  • Disney World characters are mostly set up in designated areas and stick to a predictable schedule and routine; Disneyland characters often roam the parks – with or without cast members attending them and have schedules that change daily
  • Disney World publishes park hours at least 6 months out; Disneyland publishes them the day before you arrive (Kidding! Disneyland aims for 60 days out, but we typically see hours on the calendar around 6 weeks out.)
  • Disney World grad nites come and go; Disneyland hosts grad nites yearly and they’re a big hit (Here’s what you need to know about Disneyland grad nites.)
  • Disney World guests are generally a bit more casually dressed in comparison to Disneyland; Disneyland guests are more into Dapper Day and often dress up for random park visits
  • Disney World has a smaller amount of Annual Passholders; Disneyland has a significant amount of Magic Key Holders, who are a big part of the Disneyland culture

Here are a few differences that aren’t essential for planning, but will likely get you corrected if unknown when speaking to Disney-fluent people:

  • Disney World is two words; Disneyland is one
  • Disney World was completed after Walt Disney passed away; Disneyland is the only Disney park that Walt ever walked through
  • Disney World hosts the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP); Disneyland hosts Oogie Boogie’s Bash at California Adventure

Tours

Walt Disney World offers several tours at an additional cost to your theme park ticket.

This link shares a list of options.

Go here to see photos from my experience at the Behind the Seeds Tour in February 2019. Recommend!

Go here for a review of the Caring for Giants Tour at Animal Kingdom in April 2019.

The Florida Keys

Most people flock to Clearwater or other nearby beaches to relax after a trip to WDW.

Not us! On our first family trip, we decided to visit the Florida Keys. At that time, it was to be our “one and only trip to Disney World”, so we chose to take advantage of being across the country. I’m a huge Hemingway fan, so off we went.

It’s about 7 hours south of Orlando and worth every mile it takes to drive to it. We loved it so much that we returned on our second family trip in 2018. After renting a car in Orlando, we set off for a stop first in Key Largo to snorkel and then finished on Key West Island.

Key West is all my tropical dreams come true. The island is only 3 miles x 4 miles, leaving everything only a bike ride away. I love its rich history and quirky residents. If San Diego were not so perfect, I would be tempted with settling in Key West.

The following posts share lots of info from our most recent trip:

  • Key Largo – Hampton Inn with huge iguanas and dinner by the water
  • Bike tour – Key West Island from my bike
  • Casa Marina – arrival
  • Casa Marina – A continued tour of our favorite Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Mallory Square, and the 4th of July
  • Hemingway! – A tour of the Hemingway House, the Key West Lighthouse, and my favorite brunch on the island – Blue Haven

Companies I Recommend for Your Trip

I’m proud to partner with many fantastic companies committed to making Disney trips more magical. Most of the companies I include on my list serve both Disneyland and Disney World.

Visit this link for info on everyone else that can help with your visit. Shop for the cutest t-shirts, princess dresses, clever see-through interior pouches for your park bag, Disney inspired candles, and super discounted gear for kids, including ponchos. Also! My recommendation for stroller rentals is included. Several of these companies have shared discount codes with Disneyland Daily readers, so look for those, too.

Notes

  • As mentioned above, this post will be updated often, so check back for lots of info from my upcoming visits.
  • If you’re totally overwhelmed with Disney World, know that you’re not alone. It pretty much terrified me for the first couple of visits.
  • Comment or email me if I can help you plan. My email is Casey@DisneylandDaily.com.
Take a look at how Get Away Today can help with your vacation

20 thoughts on “Walt Disney World Planning

  1. Hello, a lot of these links aren’t working for me. They are directing me to Facebook but not taking me to an actual page 🙁 trying to built out a WDW itinerary or at least “must do”s… thanks!!

  2. Hi Casey, first time at your blog… which very impressive… I just don’t know where to start…
    We were thinking of visiting Disneyland for the first time.. We live northern California.
    My daughter is 5 years old and she loves the princess and all the characters… She will love the makeover with them. But the time that we have in mind is the week of thanksgiving.. Monday through Saturday- November 25th through the 30th – which I don’t know if are good days to visit Disneyland.. and I don’t know where to start.. Please advise.. thanks

  3. Hi Casey! We cannot wait to visit wdw again! It’s been 19 years! I’ve looked but I cannot find your hotel (offsite and on) recommendations. We are using Marriot rewards and there are many options!
    Thanks and keep up the great work!

  4. Hi Casey!
    I follow you on Facebook, I’m sure you have already mentioned this before but I cannot find it….. so I’m going to ask you here 🙂
    What schedule/plan would you suggest for WDW for little ones?
    Would your DisneyLand one work for Magic Kingdom, I guess the layout might be different so I don’t want to chance it.
    They are young, almost 4 years old (boy) and 2 years old (Girl).
    Would you think Animal Kingdom would be good for them, more interactive?
    Can’t wait to hear from you!
    Rebecca

    1. Hi, Rebecca.

      My plans won’t work for WDW, unfortunately. Magic Kingdom has several variations and the FastPass+ system is totally different compared to Disneyland. Definitely read up on that prior to visiting. I have a section for it in this post.

      Animal Kingdom is lovely! There’s plenty for kids to do there, too.

      Scroll down to where I detail each park and click on the links that take you to my Facebook posts, which share even more. Hopefully that can help you decide on parks.

      You have such fun ahead! Please let me know what other questions come up.

  5. What did you think of staying off site versus on site? Did it make it more difficult or take longer to get to the parks? We are first timers going end of March/beginning of April 2019.

  6. Patiently waiting for the transportation section to be filled out……

    Family trip in January and we are staying off site (HGVC Orlando at Tuscany) and renting a car. We’ll have 8 adults, 4 toddlers (under the age of 5).

    Enjoy everything you write!

  7. Love your DL posts, and loved your FB posts from WDW! This post hits home for me, as I grew up on the east coast going to WDW from infancy. My family even relocated to Florida when I was a pre-teen, which meant we visited even more frequently. But since I graduated college more than 20 years ago, the west coast—and now DLR—are home. Comparing WDW to DLR is like choosing between my children! I go to DLR quite often (at least once a season) and have an annual pass, but only make it to WDW every few years. My parents still live in Florida, so we try to squeeze in some magic whenever we can, even if it’s just the water parks or Disney Springs—there’s so much to do!

    We’re going for a quick and dirty two-day WDW trip in early June for the fist time since 2014 when FP+ was new, and I had to do the 4am PDT fastpass pull during the week. Brutal. Makes me appreciate MaxPass so much! As we have only two days, we’re focusing on Animal Kingdom and Epcot, those being the two more unique parks to WDW. Epcot has always been my favorite, and I remember so well our first visit when that park opened, as well as learning about Walt’s original vision for the “experimental prototype community of tomorrow.” I still mourn the loss of Horizons!

    I agree with everything you say about Hollywood Studios, and I tend to bristle when people coming to DLR remark that DCA is just like it, as DCA has really come into its own and is a vastly superior, much more cohesive park than HS (though I do love lots of things at HS; just not the park as a whole experience). But Animal Kingdom has grown on me. Upon my first visit after opening, I thought, “In your face, Busch Gardens? There’s Mickey in a safari hat!” But on our last visit we discovered that Expedition Everest is an amazing coaster ( ! ), Festival of the Lion King is not to be missed and we came to appreciate AK more for its wildlife awareness and environmental messages. This trip, we’re really looking forward to Pandora and the new nighttime entertainment. I’m glad to see it’s becoming more of a fuller day park.

    To make this long story longer, I always sum up for people who ask me that I feel DLR is just “easier.” You can’t go wrong with Walt’s original Magic Kingdom and two parks across the street from each other! I get a bit nostalgic for the spontaneity that WDW allowed before the FP+ system, and am grateful it still exists at DLR. But WDW does provide an incredible, all-encompassing and unique experience, and the planner in me gets so much satisfaction from the process of a WDW trip. Both resorts are magical and I won’t ever turn down a chance to visit either of them! And really, the basics are still the same no matter which resort you choose. Do your research, know what you want to do, arrive early and have fun! Oh, and eat all the food!

    Keep up the great work, Casey! Enjoy your upcoming WDW (and DLR) adventures!

  8. “Disney World publishes park hours at least 6 months out; Disneyland publishes them the day before you arrive” Bahaha. This is so true. When I first made Disneyland my home park after years of WDW, I felt like they would never post the calendar. Now that I’m planning a return trip to WDW after 6 years, all I can think is, “Why do they have to do everything so early? Who can plan this far in advance?” Thanks so much for all this info. So much has changed since I’ve been there, and it’s nice to have a starting point for planning.

  9. you did a fantastic job my friend! 🙂 I love that you recommend Test Trak as a fast pass as so many people don’t realize the crazy amount of time that ride is out of operation – mechanical, rain, you name it! So by having a fast pass you are insured a ride vs. running there first thing in the morning and finding it down. So frustrating!
    And if you mentioned this already and I missed it, I apologize, but I just wanted to point out with Fast Passes if you can’t find the ride you want – try booking it one person at a time. I have a lot of luck this way.

    Your return time will overlap at some point and that is the time to ride as a group.
    And I am surprised your group didn’t like the Via Napoli pizza! To us that is our FAVORITE!!!!I am eating there twice next week and I am also the lunatic responsible for someone not being able to get a Be Our Guest REseration b/c I eat ALL THREE MEALS there on Magic Kingdom Day! LOL !

    1. Good tip! Thanks, Melissa. And thank you or the kind words.

      My kids think Little Caesar’s is fine dining. Via Napoli was totally lost on them. :/

      So glad we now know who to blame for the lack of Be Our Guest reservations.

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