first visit to disney world button

How To Get a First Visit Pin at Disney World

Disney World is a magical place that captures the hearts of millions of visitors each year. If you’re preparing for your first visit, you’re likely excited, and perhaps a little overwhelmed, by the prospect of experiencing everything the park has to offer. One way to commemorate this special occasion is by wearing a First Visit Pin. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the steps to getting your very own First Visit Pin at Disney World.

To get a First Visit Pin at Disney World, you can either ask for one at the front desk of your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, visit any of the Guest Relations locations within the parks and other Disney locations, or ask for one at any of the shops within the theme parks. These pins are free and available to all guests visiting the park for the first time.

What is a First Visit Pin?

A First Visit Pin at Disney World is a special button given to guests who are visiting the park for the first time. These pins are provided for free, and wearing one allows cast members and other guests to recognize that you are experiencing Disney World for the first time. While there are no guaranteed perks or special treatment associated with wearing a First Visit Pin, it serves as a fun and memorable keepsake from your first trip to Disney World.

How to Get Your First Visit Pin

Obtaining a First Visit Pin at Disney World is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps:

• Check-In at Your Disney Resort: If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, you can pick up a First Visit Pin at the Front Desk in your hotel lobby.
• Visit Guest Relations: You can also visit any of the Guest Relations locations at the four Walt Disney World theme parks, both water parks, Disney Springs, and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
• Stop by Park Shops: Another option is to stop by any of the shops in the theme parks and ask if they have any First Visit buttons available.

Please note that if you weren’t able to get a pin while at the parks, there isn’t a way to receive one once you return home. However, you can find First Visit Pins for sale on websites like Amazon and Etsy, but these may not be the same as the complimentary pins provided by Disney World.

Eligibility for the First Visit Pin

Anyone can avail of the First Visit Pin at Disney parks, as there are no specific eligibility criteria. These complimentary buttons are a way to let cast members know that you are visiting for the first time, and they love to welcome first-time visitors.

Making Your First Visit Special

In addition to getting your First Visit Pin, there are many other ways to make your first visit to Disney World special:

• Book a Disney Vacation Club Resort: Enjoy an immersive Disney experience with themed rooms, extra amenities, and convenient park entry.
• Buy the Memory Maker Photo Package: Have unlimited digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos taken during your trip.
• Partake in Character Dining: Enjoy a meal with your favorite Disney characters at select restaurants throughout the parks and resorts.
• Get a Special Souvenir: Purchase a unique keepsake to remember your first visit, such as a personalized ornament or a custom-made Mickey ears hat.
• Use the My Disney Experience App: This app helps you plan your trip, make reservations, and access wait times, maps, and other useful information.

Remember, every Disney trip is unique, so tailor these suggestions to your family’s preferences and interests to create a truly memorable first visit.

Your first visit to Disney World is bound to be an unforgettable experience. Make it even more special by getting a First Visit Pin. Not only does it serve as a wonderful keepsake, but it also allows you to celebrate and commemorate your first trip to the magical world of Disney. Enjoy your visit and have a magical time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i get more than one first visit pin.

Yes, each member of your party is eligible to receive their own First Visit Pin. However, it’s important to note that these are meant to commemorate your first visit, so it’s not customary to collect multiple pins during the same trip.

Is the First Visit Pin available at Disneyland as well?

Yes, Disneyland also offers First Visit Pins. You can pick them up at the City Hall in Disneyland Park or at the Chamber of Commerce in Disney California Adventure Park.

Do I need to provide any proof that it’s my first visit to get the First Visit Pin?

No, you do not need to provide any proof that it’s your first visit. Disney operates on the honor system, and these pins are given out freely to enhance the magic of your visit.

Can I get the First Visit Pin if I’m not staying at a Disney Resort?

Absolutely, you can get a First Visit Pin even if you’re not staying at a Disney Resort. Simply visit any of the Guest Relations locations or park shops to request your pin.

Is the First Visit Pin transferable?

The First Visit Pin is a keepsake item and does not have any attached privileges, so there’s no official policy on transferring it. However, it’s intended to commemorate your personal first visit to Disney World, so it’s typically not transferred to others.

Related Posts

How To Get Discounts at Disney World

What Can’t You Wear at Disney World?

Top 4 Water Rides at Walt Disney World

What Is the Scariest Ride at Animal Kingdom?

What Time Is the Christmas Parade at Magic Kingdom?

What Are the Requirements to Work at Disney World?

About the author, ashley clayton, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Ashley is a true theme park veteran, with insights gleaned from multiple visits to every park in the US. Her goal is to provide an insider's guide to making the most of your visit to any theme park.

How Far is Epcot from Magic Kingdom?

How To Reserve Disney Park Hopper

When Was Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration Filmed?

What Are Disney Vacation Club Points?

What Was the First Roller Coaster at Disney World?

What Places Are in Epcot?

First Time Beginner’s Guide to Disney World (15 minute crash course)

Save this post for later

With so many Rides, Shows, and Attractions, it can be hard to know where to start at Disney World in Orlando Florida (Disneyland is in California, and offers different things!).

This is a comprehensive guide that covers all the basics about Disney World. If you’re familiar with Walt Disney World, this information is probably unnecessary. If your new to Disney, then this is the place to be.

Disney is a vacation packed full of so many options, from great rides at the four Theme Parks, to water fun at the Water Parks and Resorts, to Character Memories, fun Entertainment and Nighttime Fireworks Celebrations.

Refer to the Table of Contents below to jump around to areas you’d like to learn more about.

Does Disney World do anything Special for First Time Visitors?

Yes! Disney World offers a ‘1st Visit’ button that you can wear to celebrate that occasion and let Cast Members (the Disney Employees) know that it’s your first time.

So let’s jump into some quick tips for first time Disney World visitors and then you can pick where you want to get started with all this information! If this is too much, simply save or share this page for later.

This post may contain affiliate links, read my full disclosure here.

Table of Contents for Disney World Guide

• Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered

The Best Times to go to Disney World

• How many days do you need at Disney
• What do you need to bring to your Disney World Vacation?
• Overview of the Parks
• Overview of Entertainment in the Parks
• All about Disney Resorts

Quick FAQs for Disney World

What should you do on your first visit to disney world.

You should make a Bucket List/ Cant Miss list!

Disney World is intense… there’s so much more to do and see (maybe that’s why we have so many websites and vlogs and content creators sharing the Disney fun!)

Creating a list of things you want to do will make planning much easier and make the vacation more fun . Here’s a list of Can’t Miss fun for most families , and a Can’t Miss list for little kids !

How Much does it cost to go to Disney World?

The average vacation in 2024 is going to cost around $5000 dollars for a Family of Four to go for 5 days (this includes tickets, lodging, a food budget and souvenirs but not travel costs to get to the parks) See the full breakdown for the costs (with examples!) on how to do Disney World on a tight (yet realistic!) budget.

Having a dollar sign in mind is a good way to make sure that you stay on track with your Disney World Vacation. This is such an exciting time and you want to make sure that you make the most of it. There are many money saving tips that can help with your magical vacation.

The Best Time to go to Disney World is the time that fits with your schedule!

Disney World is ‘always’ busy now on the weekends and many times throughout the week. There is no ‘slow’ season, though the months of January and September are typically slower months than others.

Walt Disney World is such a popular resort that it can get a little crowded.  

I’ve been on some of the busiest days of the year, and while it is still magical, it’s not very fun waiting in a two hour line ! What you can do is check the best weeks to go and pick the week that works best for your family! 

Some of the Best Months to go for lower crowds are:

• The beginning of May
• The second week in December

Some of the best times to enjoy the Parks for lower crowds are:

• In the Evenings- especially if they park is closing in a few hours or staying open very late
• In the Early Morning- especially if you have early morning hours available to you when you stay on Disney World property
• During the Week Days- it helps to look at the MyDisneyExperience App and check the wait times. While these are often inflated, they are a good predictor of crowd levels during your vacation.
• Magic Kingdom on days that a party is planned, and the regular park closes at 6. Many people skip this day because it doesn’t include fireworks, but it’s a great option if you have a park hopper or want to get up early and spend a good 10 hours at Magic Kingdom.

⭐ What is a Touring Plan, and why is it recommended to know the crowd level when planning a touring plan?

Touring Plans are detailed lists that tell you where to go for rides and attractions at what time. These rely heavily on park hours, expected crowd levels, and what rides/attractions your party wants to do. A common Touring Plan example is to rope drop Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom as the wait time is high during the day (or to make it your last ride of the night).

What do you need to pack for your Disney vacation?

Whether it’s your first time to Disney World or your hundredth, it pays to be prepared.

But what you need for your Disney vacation really depends on each person and family (and reason for the trip!) I do recommend getting a packing list together- at least a month ahead of time, so that way you can get everything you need.

This should include the following items:

• Number of Outfits x your vacation days + one opposite weather outfit (so a sweater if you come in the summer, or shorts if you come in the winter)
• Two pairs of Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Sun Protection including Hat, Sunglasses and Sunscreen
• A Park Bag or Park FannyPack, for you to bring into the parks with you
• Comfort Care items like lotion, lip balm, and first aid kits
• Toiletries and Cosmetics
• Disney Items like Mouse Ears, Signature Books, Pin Collections, Penny Collections

⭐ Does Disney World offer personal care items, clothing, or other commonly forgot items? Yes. Lots of these items are found inside the Parks. But for a full selection, head to the resorts. If you are at a Value resort and can’t find what you are looking for (And have talked to a Cast Member to confirm it’s not hiding somewhere), head to one of the Deluxe Resorts to check out there selections.

The top 3 items I recommend to everyone:

1. Portable Phone Charger – you phone WILL go dead using the MyDisney App, and some of the rides will drain your battery as your phone looks for signal. The alternative is good ole pencil and paper- just make sure you can access your plans and reservations for the day! You can also use the swappable batteries, see more about where to find those swappable battery locations at Disney here .

2. Insulated Water Bottle – It gets HOT at Disney. Even in the winter you are dealing with the sun, the wind and way too much walking. Animal Kingdom also doesn’t do straws or lids- so you need a water bottle to prevent spillage. 

3. Body Glide- This stuff is phenomenal. I use it for anywhere my skin might get irritation (like shoes in sneakers or thighs in shorts). Its only a few bucks, so better to have it and not need it- then need it and not have it!

And if your headed to Disney World for a Birthday Celebration , consider what you want to pack, versus what you want to buy when you get there.

How many days should you plan for your Disney World Trip?

Most people will find that a First Time Disney Vacation is exciting and exhausting! There’s so much to see and do, and you cannot possibly get it all done in one trip (or even two!)

Most families will benefit from 3-5 days inside the Parks.

But there’s a lot of ways to do Disney! You could do two days inside Magic Kingdom, and one day at EPCOT. You could just do two days at Magic Kingdom and make it a long weekend. You could hit up all four parks, or two days at Disney and two days at Universal.

Tips for Disney World Tickets

If you are visiting for the first time, a standard ticket would be the most appropriate versus an annual pass- you can pick how many base days you’d like to have.

Recommended time at the resort is 6 days 5 nights . This gives you 4 days in the parks, and then your arrival and departure day. Some families will benefit from a ‘no park’ day in the middle of their week to relax, and take in the amenities at the hotel (and possibly recover from sunburn or dehydration that is so prone to Disney trips!)

There are some pros and cons to only doing Magic Kingdom in one day , but most people will find that with a bucket list, their one day trip is enough!

➡️ You will need a Park Reservation for some tickets and passes. To schedule a park ticket, head over to Disney World here and secure your dates (its better to have a date/park secured and change later than not have one at all!)

What’s not recommended:

-Having a Ticket for Arrival or Departure day (there is plenty to do that doesn’t require a ticket!) Unless you are going for something specific. Most people will benefit from resting on Arrival and Departure day.

-Park Hopper Tickets if you are staying for more than 4 days. If you plan to go to all the parks anyways, there’s no need to add the Park Hopper. I would recommend this if you are doing less than 3 days. Keep in mind that hopping parks can take some time (between 45-90 minutes) that may be better spent in the parks.

-Not getting the Park Hopper if you can only come for 1-3 days. The Park Hopper here will help you take advantage of all the staggered opening and closing times to get the most out of your ticket.

-Purchasing from somewhere like eBay- I would hate for your ticket not to work when you arrived

Overview of the Disney Parks

There’s no Harry Potter, Charizard or Daffy Ducks at Disney World my friends. But we do have 6 Theme Parks (4 Main Ones and 2 Water Parks). Disney World is the size of San Francisco, or double the size of Manhattan. And its also located in Florida, in Orlando. There’s a lot going on here!

Disney also has an amazing amount of themed resorts and restaurants that I also recommend you check out! You can peek around the resorts as a guest and eat at any of the locations on property – most require a reservation but they aren’t hard to get. 

Quick Note about Transportation at Disney World

Or said better, How to get where you need to go on Vacation!

⭐ Is Disney Transportation available to all guests, including those not staying on property? Yes! Respectfully of course, but you can hop on the Skyliner, or take the Monorail, or catch a boat without needing to stay on property. This is a fun option on your ‘no-park-ticket’ day, and here’s everything you can do at Disney World without a Park Ticket.

⭐How long does Disney Transportation take? Maybe the most important question of this entire post! Transportation can be quick, kinda slow, or completely closed. You might miss reservations or get stuck for an hour waiting for a bus. While most of it is free to use, it’s a gamble on the time requirements, so plan to give yourself extra time.

Complimentary Transportation Options:

• The Buses (available at most Disney Resorts, and will pop up if there is severe weather and you can’t take the Skyliner, Boats or Monorail)
• The Monorail. Three lines operate at Disney World. One takes you to and from EPCOT to the Ticket and Transportation Center. One takes you straight from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom and back again. The Last Line makes 5 stops. The Transportation and Ticket Center, The Contemporary Resort, Magic Kingdom, The Grand Floridian Resort, The Polynesian Resort.
• The Ferry Boat takes you from Magic Kingdom to the Transportation and Ticket Center and back.
• The Friendship Boats operate for the Hollywood Studios/EPCOT water front resorts, Between Disney Springs and Port Orleans Resort, and for the Magic Kingdom Seven Seas Lagoon Resorts.
• The Skyliner has three lines. One line goes from the Depot to Hollywood Studios and back (Caribbean Beach is where the depot is located). One line goes from the EPCOT Boardwalk (it’s the second EPCOT entrance called the International Gateway), to Riveria Resort to the Depot. The third line runs from Art of Animation/POP Century Resort to the Skyliner Depot.
• Parking at Disney Springs or the Water Parks and Mini Golf locations.

Paid Transportation Options:

• Parking at Disney World Parks. This is included if you have paid to park at a Disney World resort. There is a tram at several of the parking lots that takes you to the front.
• Minnie Vans, which are a partnership between Lyft Rideshare and Disney World. These are Disney employees who pick you up in a red and black polka dot ‘van’.

The Parks at Disney World

Disney World has four Major Parks, two Water Parks, and then Disney Springs.

Magic Kingdom

The Iconic Cinderella Castle and Main Street U.S.A. are just two of the notable landmarks at Magic Kingdom. This is the Number One Park at Disney World and at full capacity (so really busy with lots of long lines!) it can take a Visitor almost 20 hours to complete the rides and attractions.

Magic Kingdom hosts lots of other amazing attractions like Space Mountain, Fantasy Land and Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Not to mention, Magic Kingdom is also home to lots of character meet and greets and the amazing fireworks display at the end of the night. Seeing the Castle lit up is a magical experience that the whole family can enjoy, and one of the highlights of any Disney trip. 

Hollywood Studios 

Hollywood studios used to be considered among us Disney Goers as the ‘one day park’ because it was something that we could just hit up our favorite attractions and then catch dinner somewhere else on the resort. This is certainly not the case anymore though! 

If you follow Disney news at all, you’ll see that Hollywood Studios has been revamped lately to include Star Wars, Toy Story Land, Beauty and the Beast and the Disney Junior Characters.

This is exciting news because it takes this park and gives it a much needed update. If you’ve never been (or it’s been a reallyyyyy long time) don’t bypass Hollywood Studios because of old reviews. This is definitely a park you want to visit for all your movie and TV needs!

Epcot is the infamous park that houses all the other countries. The park actually has two sections, Worlds Celebration, Nature and Discovery at the Front of the Park and World Showcase around the lake (it’s a giant circle). 

The World Showcase is where you’ll find many scenic views, easy going rides and of course, the eleven countries with authentic gifts and cuisine. I love to go on Date nights to “Britain” or “Japan”-  it’s so amazing that we can step into another country without leaving Disney! 

With few exceptions, the World Showcase doesn’t open up till 11 for shops and drinks, but you can catch the Shops, Attractions and Food at the front of the park when the park opens. Options like the Soarin’ ride, Finding Nemo, Mission: Space and Test Track are great ways to start the day (and Frozen in Norway plus Ratatouille in France open when the park does!)

Epcot is also home to Festivals throughout the year. We have the Festival of the Arts to start the year, followed by the Flower and Garden Festival in the Spring and Early Summer. Then Food and Wine Festival in the Fall and The Festival of the Holidays to round out the year.

Animal Kingdom 

Animal Kingdom is where the animals are, seriously. With more than 500 acres and 1700 animals, it’s considered to be the largest theme park in the world! This makes for quite the adventure when it comes to planning your day as you won’t be able to see everything in one go. 

There’s several sections to Animal Kingdom, the newest of which is the Pandora land based off the movie Avatar. Some of the other sections, which are called ‘lands’ include Asia, Africa, Dinoland, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Discovery Island.

Since Animal Kingdom is so large, it’s good to plan for exactly one day here and still pick your ‘must see’ items! The Thrill rides here tend to fill up quickly, just like at the other parks (namely Avatar Flight of Passage and Everest, plus sometimes slower Family Fun rides like Navi River Journey and the Animal Safari)

Animal Kingdom generally opens earlier than most of the parks, and it’s a great park to ‘Rope Drop’ (or show up before it opens!). Then you can leave around Dinner time to another park, Disney Springs or eat at the Resort.

The Water Parks

Disney has two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both of these have lots of fun water activities with their own unique themes. 

Typhoon Lagoon is a tropical getaway filled with water rides the whole family can enjoy! It also features a kiddy play area and thrill rides for the older kids! 

Blizzard Beach takes a different spin on theming, think ski resort that has melted into summer water fun! Blizzard beach also has several options for everyone in the family, from kid sized water slides to one of the world’s tallest and fastest water rides!

Disney Springs 

Disney Springs was previously called Downtown Disney and if you look at old reviews or message boards it’s easy to get confused about where Downtown Disney went! 

It did get a major facelift and a new name. Most notably, it received lots of new parking, a slew of new stores (many of which are designer names) and several new restaurants.

Disney Springs is:

• Free to Park at
• Free to Enter
• Normally low crowd, but crowded on Weekends, Holidays and High Crowd Park Days

Notable Entertainment Offerings at Disney World

I get this question from Disney Vacationers all the time- “What is there to do at Disney?”

There is SO MUCH to do at Disney World that you simply can’t do it all! What I wanted to do was break down the basics for you!

There’s lots of Characters at Disney

You can meet the characters a few different ways. 

• 1.By going to the Character Meet and Greets inside the Parks, these are marked on the Map
• 2.By Scheduling a Character Dining Experience.
• 3. By purchasing a Special Event Ticket
• 4. By stumbling upon an unmarked Character Meet and Greet
• 5. By meeting Characters at the Resorts as they tour around to different locations daily

Some of the Characters you can meet in the parks are:

• Mickey Mouse
• Joy (Inside Out)
• Donald Duck
• Winnie the Pooh and Tiger
• Tinker Bell
• And SOOOO many more!

Character Dining is a great way to meet your favorite Pals! If you’re interested in how to meet characters without a ticket check out this helpful guide! 

Disney LOVES parades. They have a parade for everything it seems like! They even have one when it RAINS!

Don’t forget that Disney World also has seasonal parades for Halloween and Christmas. They go all out with these, as typically they are only shown for a separate ticketed event (like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas)

Here’s some of the memorable ones you can expect at Magic Kingdom:

Main Street Trolley Show

This happens in the mornings at Magic Kingdom, kind of like their welcoming act to bring you into the park! It’s a very “Mary Poppins” themed show, and oh so cute! 

Disney Festival Of Fantasy Parade

Featured so many Favorites, catch this show on Main Street USA during the day. Typically you’ll find this show at 12 pm and 3 pm, but check the app for updated times during your trip.

FireWork and Nighttime Shows

You can find FireWorks Displays at three Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT!

At Magic Kingdom, you’ll get to see Happily Ever After, typically at 9pm. You can best see this is you can see the Castle, but I also enjoy the Fireworks without the Castle Display by hanging out in FantasyLand.

At Hollywood Studios, line up for Fantasmic, with shows typically starting at 9pm nightly. This is in a Theater, so you’ll need to head down Sunset Blvd and join the crowd to see this performance. There’s minor Fireworks during the Visual Display broadcasted on the Chinese Theater.

At EPCOT, gather around World Showcase for a fun Visual and Auditory Show that you can see all around the lake. It’s an easy watch, and generally low crowd.

Nightlife and Nighttime Activities at Disney

Some would say that I saved the best for last- and that is probably the case! If we were going to cover ALL of the options for entertainment after dark at Disney we would be here awhile. Let’s look at some of the favorites! 

Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs)

Disney is not just for kids! Especially Downtown Disney, which was built more with the adult in mind. You can shop and enjoy Dinner, then grab drinks on the water. 

You’ve got several options to choose from. One of the newest additions is The Edison, which has flapper style dancers, a DJ and music floor. The Hangar Bar has lots of games to play over drinks, and Paradiso 37 will have you dancing to Latin Music all night long! Bar hopping is another favorite, with almost 10 places to choose from it can be a fun weekend night! 

The BoardWalk

If you want to stay near the resorts, definitely check out the Disney BoardWalk. Not only is it absolutely picturesque in the evenings with live musicians and plenty of restaurants, but it also hosts some 21 and up venues. 

Jellyrolls is famous for their dueling piano competitions- truly a must see experience. Then you have a Dance Venue featuring hits from the 80s and 90s. 

Disney World Resorts

Now, let’s talk about the resorts. Disney World has 36 resort hotels on the grounds, 26 of which are owned and operated by Disney.

The Resorts are set up in a tier system. What this means is that each resort falls under one of three categories. The categories for the Walt Disney World Resorts are Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Deluxe. These tiers are based on the resorts sizes, amenities, transportation options and price. 

Value Resorts 

We’ll start with the Value Resorts. These are the least expensive of the Walt Disney Resorts but they don’t lack in magical experience!

They all have a dining area, stocked with various goodies (and yes, they accommodate allergies!) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the gift area sections they have the standard souvenirs like coffee cups and towels while they also have snacks and drinks. 

All of the Disney Value resorts have the usual conveniences you would expect at a Disney hotel. Mail, laundry, dry-cleaning, complimentary wi-fi, airline check-in, designated smoking areas, and ATMs. 

The Value Resorts also have some other amenities like the pools and a jogging trail. While the pools don’t have slides, they do have poolside activities that happen throughout the day. Other cool options for the value resorts are the indoor arcades and the playgrounds.

The two best perks of the Walt Disney World Resorts are the free transportation and the Extra Magic Hours. 

The transportation and extra magic hours are the main reason we stay at Disney so often even though we live right up the road! Because you really can’t go wrong with the list of amenities, the adorable themes and the perks of transportation and extra magic hours that you get by staying on-site at  the Disney World Value Resort hotels.

Moderate Resorts 

The next tier up is the Moderate Resorts and these are some of my favorites! The moderate resorts at Walt Disney World Resort provide some of the best options for the price. Plus the blend of affordability and amenities make Moderate Resorts a great options for most families.

While the Value Resorts focus more on cartoonish theming- The Moderate Resorts focus more on cultural themes. They offer all the amenities of the Value resorts with some nice additions! 

Disney’s Port Orleans offers horse-drawn carriage rides, bike rentals and catch-and-release fishing. Disney’s Caribbean Beach offers a pirates adventure cruise, bike rentals, sand volleyball and catch-and-release fishing. Disney’s Coronado Springs offers bike rentals and sand volleyball. They also have nicer themed room with queen sized beds (value resorts have the full sized beds). 

Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas

Staying at a Deluxe Resort is similar to the name, its where Disney goes above and beyond! These rooms tend to be a little bigger than most other rooms on the grounds, and they have more amenities. 

So you get all of the perks of the other tiers, with some nice additions like valet parking, higher quality dining on site and more recreation choices at the resort. This takes your Disney vacation from regular to extraordinary! 

My favorite part about staying at the Deluxe resorts is how much closer they are to the parks, and transportation also seems to move a lot faster from these resorts (maybe its in my head… but I do feel that way!). We tend to save the Deluxe Resorts for special occasions, like honeymoons, but we’ve taken the kids before and their were lots of other kids there too! 

The Deluxe Villas are similar to the resorts, but they sleep way more people! Most of these are also at a different location than the other Deluxe properties, but still full of the same amenities. 

Disney Resort Features 

So now that you have a general understanding of the what and where, let’s compare some of the basic features of all the resorts. 

The value resorts have double beds that sleep four, whereas the Moderate and Deluxe resorts have queen beds. King Sized beds can be found sprinkled throughout the resorts, you just have to hunt to find them! 

Food Options

The value and moderate resorts have food court style options- which is great for a large family of picky eaters, but the Deluxe resorts only have one quick service option that can be limiting on food choices. Both the Moderate and Deluxe have Table Dining options that help to add to the ambience of finer vacationing. Deluxe resorts also offer Signature and Character dining as part of their 5 star service.

Transportation 

For the most part, the value and moderate resorts only options are the buses. There are three moderate resorts that have the Water Taxi boat service and those are Ports Orleans Riverside, French Quarter and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. The Deluxe Resorts have several more transportation options, like the monorail, boat taxis and walking. You can also call a ‘Minnie Van’ from any of the resorts (and they come with two car seats!) You’ve got options! 

Every resort on Disney property has a pool (thank goodness, because Florida is hot!) but the types of pools differ across the tiers. 

The value pools are, well, value based (but your kids won’t mind, I promise!). They don’t have anything fancy besides some theming and poolside activities that Disney Cast members run. 

The moderate pools are absolutely a step up. Here the theming is top quality and you’ve got water slides!! 

So how can the Deluxe pools beat water slides? With even bigger water slides, of course! They also have more pool options to choose from, which limits the amount of loud rowdy teenagers you might run into on your afternoon swim. 

How far in advance should you book a Disney World trip?

As soon as possible! Disney Rooms can normally be book over a year in advance, and park reservations can be book 365 days in advance!

Is it cheaper to stay on Disney Property?

Honestly, most of the time, not really–though you can get some good deals with the value resorts, what you’re really paying for is convenience and the experience. There are definite perks, the biggest of which is being so close to the parks. You’ll have to decide what’s right for you and your family!

How much money should I bring to Disney World?

It kinda depends on your budget and how much you plan on eating at the Parks. A single person can easily spend 100 dollars on food and drink for one day at Disney World. Budgeting 150+ per person, per day for food, drinks plus a souvenir budget (like 100 per person for the trip) is reasonable.

So there you have it, folks, just about everything a beginner needs to know (and then some!) about planning their first trip to Disney World!

If you’re a first time Disney World visitor, I know it can be a little overwhelming, but remember that priority number one is to have fun! You’re not going to be able to do and see everything, so make a plan and let the good times roll!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Join Our Mailing List

• Date Calculator
• Annual Events
• Vacation Planning
• Vacation Packages
• Money Saving Tips
• Disney Genie
• Magic Kingdom
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Blizzard Beach
• Typhoon Lagoon
• Disney Springs
• Restaurants
• Dining Packages
• Dining Tips
• Resort Guides
• Resort Tips
• Planning Tips
• Ship Guides
• Things to Do
• Cruise destinations
• Dining Options
• Disneyland Park
• Disney California Adventure
• Downtown Disney
• Universal Studios
• Islands of Adventure
• Epic Universe
• Volcano Bay
• Theme Parks

Disney Celebration Buttons

Button Options    Where To Pick Up Your Celebration Buttons

Celebrating something special ? Make sure to pick up your complementary celebration buttons! These magical accessories are perfect for anyone celebrating their vacation for a multitude of occasions. Wear your Celebration Button proudly so that everyone knows what you are celebrating while visiting Walt Disney World.

Disney Celebration Button Options

Happy birthday.

Feel the full extent of your special and magical day , as cast members and characters wish you best on your special day! You will feel like a true Prince or Princess when everyone wants to help you celebrate your birthday.

Happily Ever After

Engaged? Just married ? “Ear” marking an anniversary ? Let the world know of your loving commitment, as you and your partner continue living Happily Ever After!

Is it your first time in the park? Help let everyone know that you are celebrating your first magical experience! This is a momentous occasion for you and your fellow travelers, so let the word go out that you made it for your first visit!

I’m Celebrating

Graduating? Family reunion? Are you just happy to be in the happiest place on Earth? Pick up an “I’m Celebrating” button and a cast member will write in your special reason!

Where To Pick Up Your Disney Celebration Buttons

These buttons can be found at multiple locations. Guest Relations at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts and any of the parks on both coasts will have these accessories upon request. See our maps pages for Walt Disney World and Disneyland for specific Guest Relations locations. Also, cast members in the front of any park around the time of rope drop may be walking around with baskets full of the various buttons. Occasionally, cast members at larger merchandise locations, such as World of Disney or the Emporium on Main Street, may have a stash of buttons behind the counter. Buttons can also be found around Disney Springs. The cast member who gives you your button will happily personalize to your pleasing by writing what you are celebrating on the button.

TheMouseForLess Tip: Get your celebration button at the beginning of your trip or day so that you can wear it as long as possible! If you are staying at a Disney resort let a cast member at the front desk know you are celebrating and they can help you get a button before you head to the parks.

Walt Disney World Resort Free Quote

Start planning your Walt Disney World Resort Vacation with The Magic For Less Travel . Use the form below to request a free no-obligation quote, and one of their counselors will get in touch with you to begin planning. The Mouse For Less recommends the Walt Disney World vacation planning services provided by our sponsor, The Magic For Less Travel. Their expert planning advice will help you make the most of your vacation time and money. The Magic For Less Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and provides service free of charge.

Privacy Overview

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

20 Insanely Useful Tips For Your First Time At Disney World

March 3, 2021 //  by  Kimberly Jones //   Leave a Comment

If it’s your first time traveling to Disney World, it might feel a little overwhelming! There seems to be so much that you have to do, pack, plan, reserve….the list goes on and on. However, your first time at Disney doesn’t have to be stressful! We have 20 Insanely Useful Tips For Your First Time At Disney World.

This is a list of tips that we think first time Disney goers should know! It goes over what you should bring, how you could be making money by declining housekeeping, freebies, magic bands, and much, much more! Read on to learn all the tips every Disney vacationer should be aware of!

Get Familiar with My Disney Experience

The My Disney Experience app is the best free tool Disney has to offer! You will definitely want to download and take a look at this app before your first time at Disney. It’s helpful to get familiar with it before you even leave for vacation.

This app allows you to hold your Disney vacation plans at your fingertips. You are able to do so many things on this app such as make park and dining reservations, check wait times , look up park hours, see digital maps, look at PhotoPass photos, and so much more! 

The first thing you will want to do when you download the My Disney Experience app is to link your tickets, your resort room, and all of the friends and family you will be traveling with. Linking up with the people you are traveling with will make it easier to book dining reservations. You will also need to be linked if you want to all ride Rise of the Resistance together! 

This app is a MUST for your first time at Disney. Check out our 16 Best Disney Apps to Download Before Your Vacation for even more helpful apps!

Consider Renting DVC Points

Disney resorts can get expensive, so we want to help you find the best ways to stay at Disney for cheap! DVC is the acronym for the Disney Vacation Club . This is Disney’s timeshare system that operates by using points to stay at Deluxe resorts. People pay a premium to be a part of the Disney Vacation Club, and they are able to buy points to use.

Sometimes Disney Vacation Club members aren’t able to use up all of their points, so they rent them out to others. That’s where you come in! Renting DVC points is a great option if you were planning on staying at a Deluxe Resort. These resorts can get very pricey, but renting points can make staying at a Deluxe Resort more cost effective!

Our favorite place to rent DVC points is David’s DVC Rental ! You’ll be able to see how much you’d be paying by renting out points. Compare these prices to Disney’s Deluxe Resort prices, and you will realize what a steal this is! 

Staying at a Deluxe Resort is super special because these are the best resorts Disney has to offer. Make your first Disney vacation extra special by staying at one of these resorts!

Don’t Forget to Make Park and Dining Reservations in Advance

Some people don’t realize that a Disney vacation involves lots and lots of planning beforehand! You have to buy your tickets and book a room, but you can’t forget to make advance park and dining reservations! 

Disney now operates on a park pass reservation system . This means you have to book a park pass for the park you want to visit on a specific day. For example, if you are vacationing at Disney for 4 days, but you are only going to the parks for 3 of those days, you will need to choose what dates you want to go to the parks and which park for that certain date. 

I know it may seem confusing, but it is super simple to do! Just go on My Disney Experience and go to the “Make Theme Park Reservations” section. From here you can select your dates and parks, and then you’re done! 

After you have your park days booked, now it’s time to think about where you want to eat! There are lots of Quick Service locations to choose from, but if you want to eat at a Table Service restaurant, you will need to book those reservations in advance. Sometimes you are able to walk up to a restaurant and get a table, but it’s safer to book a reservation, especially for those more popular restaurants.

You can also book your dining reservations in the My Disney Experience app. Click the “+” button at the bottom of the screen and then click “Check Dining Availability”. Make sure that you are booking restaurants for the dates and locations of the park you are visiting that day!

There Are Fun Things to do on Arrival Day

Some people choose to hit the parks as soon as they check into their resort, but there are also other fun things to do on your arrival day! Even if your room isn’t ready when you get there, you can still explore the resort! You can leave your bags with bell services, and they will hold onto your bags until your room is ready. This way you can go do fun things without worrying about lugging your bags around! 

Arrival day is a great day for swimming! Change into those swimsuits and hit the resort pool while you wait for your room to be ready. If you don’t feel like swimming, you can also travel to other neighboring resorts and explore them as well. 

One of my favorite things to do on arrival day is visit Disney Springs ! It’s super relaxing and fun to walk around and shop without worrying about which ride to run to next. There are so many tasty restaurants and fun shops to explore. It’s a great way to start off the trip, and you can find some great souvenirs to use throughout your vacation! 

It can also be fun to book a dining reservation the night of your arrival. Disney resorts and Disney Springs have lots of great restaurants, you can’t go wrong with whichever you choose!

Check out our 12 Things To Do On Your Disney Arrival Day for even more fun ideas!

Make Money by Declining Housekeeping

Did you know you can make money by saying “no” to housekeeping ? Crazy, right?! This is a great perk some people don’t know about, but we definitely want you to know before your first time at Disney! 

Service Your Way is part of Disney’s green initiative to cut back on electricity, laundry, and waste. They reward guests who opt out of housekeeping with a gift card! The gift card amount varies depending on how many nights you are staying. You get $10 per night minus one night. So if you are staying 5 nights, you will get a $40 gift card.

Now you can use this extra money for souvenirs and snacks! If you don’t plan on being in your room a lot and don’t make much of a mess, opting out of housekeeping is a great idea. You can feel good about helping Disney with their green initiative and you get money at the same time! It’s a win-win!

Resorts Charge for Parking But Theme Park Parking is Free for Resort Guests

There are pros and cons to staying at a Disney resort. One of the cons is that Disney resorts charge for parking per night. The cost varies depending on which category of resort you stay at. Value resort parking costs $15 per night. Moderate resort parking costs $20 per night. Deluxe resort parking is $25 per night. These nights can add up to a significant amount if you’re planning on staying for a while.

The pro for staying at a Disney resort in regards to parking is that parking at the theme parks is free. Guests staying off property have to pay $25 per day for standard parking and $45-50 per day for preferred parking. 

Overall, if you drive to Disney, you’re going to pay for parking whether or not you are staying at a Disney resort. Do be aware though that Disney offers free transportation from your resort to the parks, Disney Springs, and the water parks, so you don’t need to rely on a car to get around.

Prepare to Walk A LOT and Bring Comfy Shoes

Going to Disney is no joke. You will be walking around A LOT (seriously a lot)! It can get pretty exhausting, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. Know how much walking you can handle before you go to Disney. This way you can plan out your day to minimize the amount of walking you will have to do.

When we go to Magic Kingdom , we like to plan any reservations in the order we’ll be walking through the park. We’ll start in one land and work our way to the opposite side through all the other lands. This way we don’t miss out on anything while decreasing the amount of walking we will have to do. 

Another great way to be prepared for all that walking is to bring comfy shoes! We can’t stress enough how important it is to wear shoes you are comfortable walking around in at the parks. This will save your feet so much unnecessary pain or blisters! Make sure to break in any new shoes before you wear them during your first time at Disney. We have a list of the Best Shoes for Disney to help you find the perfect pair! 

It’s also important to give yourself plenty of time to get from place to place. Disney is huge, so it can take a while to get from your resort to a park or to another resort. If you have a reservation planned, make sure to schedule extra time for any mishaps. Sometimes a bus can be running late or there will be crowds. Don’t stress yourself out by waiting until the last minute to get somewhere!

Check the Weather Before Your Trip and Be Prepared for it to Change

Florida is super unpredictable when it comes to weather. It could be raining at one moment and then the sun could be shining in the next. It can be helpful to check the weather all the way up until you leave for your trip, but you should still be prepared for it to change. 

The summer months are the worst when it comes to rain in Florida . Even though Florida is in the south, it can still get a little chilly at night during the winter months. Depending on when you are vacationing to Disney, it’s important to have a few essentials for any unpredictable weather.

The most important item you will need in the summer months is a poncho or rain jacket! Always be carrying one in your bag for any unexpected rain. It literally comes out of nowhere in some instances. No one wants to walk around in the parks soaking wet! But we also know you don’t want to spend lots of money on Disney brand ponchos.

Prepare before your trip by purchasing cheap ponchos. These can easily be reused during your whole vacation and discarded at the end. They are definitely a life saver! 

During the winter months, it’s a great idea to bring a jacket. The day time outside will feel nice, but those nights can get cold. Having a light jacket on hand will ensure you’re never uncomfortable!

Don’t Miss Out On Freebies!

Before your first trip to Disney World, you’ll want to know about all of the freebies you can score! One of the best freebies, especially for your first Disney vacation, is a “First Visit” button. Ask any retail or resort cast member for a free button. They have different buttons for different occasions! You’re going to want that “First Visit” button for sure. When cast members see you wearing this button, they make sure to make your first Disney visit extra special! 

Another freebie most people don’t know about is that you can get free ice water. At any quick service location with a soda fountain, you can ask the cast members for a cup of water. No one at Disney wants you getting dehydrated! 

The Play Dinsey app is a free app that makes your Disney vacation even more immersive. The app tracks your location and gives you access to fun games themed to the ride or area you are located in. There is also trivia and you can earn achievements. The app turns into a data pad as soon as you enter Galaxy’s Edge ! Once here, you can complete missions, translate languages, hack into droids, and more! 

If apps aren’t your thing, trying going on a Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt! There are tons of hidden Mickeys all around the parks and resorts. You could spend a whole day just looking for them! 

Another fun free thing to do at Disney is to watch free movies ! Most Disney resorts have “Movie Under the Stars”, where you are able to watch a Disney movie outside on a big screen at night. Check with your resort to find out when and what movie will be playing while you are there! 

There are so many other awesome free things to do at Disney World, we made our own article for them! Check out our 17 Totally Free Things To Do At Disney World ! (Some things might be temporarily unavailable due to the current pandemic.)

Magic Bands Aren’t Required, But They Are Helpful

Back in 2020, Disney used to provide Magic Bands to every resort guest for free. Starting at the beginning of January 2021, Disney now charges $5 for the basic magic bands when you order them before your trip. If you wait to buy them in the parks, it costs $15 for the basic bands. They also have a lot of specialty designed bands for a higher price.

Magic Bands are insanely useful ! They are your park tickets , your room key, and your credit card (if you choose to link it)! These can make traveling around super convenient because everything is right on your wrist. 

Disney started charging for Magic Bands because they are planning on enabling a digital version of the bands on My Disney Experience. This would allow you to do everything from your phone instead. Fun fact: You can actually unlock your resort room with your My Disney Experience app! 

If the Magic Bands aren’t for you, that’s okay! Disney has other options. They also have the Key to the World card which can do the same things a Magic Band can, but in card form. You can get these for free at your front desk.  You can also just use a standard ticket to get into the parks and use your own credit card to purchase things. 

Deciding on which route you choose depends on what you’re comfortable with! Magic Bands are super useful because you don’t have to worry about carrying anything around. You can also reuse your Magic Bands for future vacations!

Make Sure to Have a Break and Don’t Worry About Doing Everything!

Contrary to what you might believe, Disney vacations can be exhausting! You’re getting up early every day to run around the parks from morning to night and trying to fit everything in! But please don’t push yourself too hard, especially during your first time at Disney! That’s the worst way to turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.

Make sure to schedule breaks either during the middle of the day or have a full break day in between your park days. This will ensure you and your family don’t get burnt out during your trip. Use these breaks to take a nap or relax at the pool. It will feel good to get off your feet for a little bit and not be constantly moving. You’ll thank us later! 

Also, don’t worry about doing absolutely everything at Disney World. Disney really has so much to offer, it would be impossible to fit it all into one trip. Instead, plan your must-do attractions and food ahead of time. Figure out what rides you have to do and the ones you could live with missing. This way you get to do everything you want to do, and then you might have some extra time for the other things! 

I have been going to Disney for years, and I still haven’t even done everything! Don’t sweat it and just enjoy your time at the most magical place on earth!

You Don’t Need to Go to the Parks to Have Fun

Some people think that Disney is only about the parks, but this is not true! There are so many wonderful things to experience away from Disney’s theme parks. 

Disney has water parks , resorts, mini golf, excursions, dining, shopping, and more! You could spend a whole day (or multiple) doing things outside of the parks.

There are lots of different resorts that Disney has to offer, and you can go visit them all! Even if you’re staying at a Value resort doesn’t mean you can’t go explore a Deluxe resort! Each resort has its own unique theming, shopping, and dining. You can even go see live animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! 

A lot of the resorts also have their own excursions or activities you can do! Fort Wilderness has horseback riding, you can rent a boat at the Grand Floridian , you can go fishing at the Yacht and Beach Club , etc. Each resort is unique in the kinds of activities they offer, but you don’t have to be staying at that specific resort to do them! 

Disney Springs is another great place to find fun things to do! You can go bowling at Splitsville, catch a movie at AMC Theaters, build a dinosaur at T-Rex Cafe, and much more. There are also a ton of fun shops, dining, and snacks to try! You don’t want to miss out on Disney Springs during your first time at Disney! 

The list goes on and on for what you can do for fun away from the parks! Use your break day to try some new adventures!

Some Splurges Are Worth It!

We know, we know, Disney is already expensive enough! But we are here to tell you that there are some splurgers at Disney World that are actually worth it! Like we had mentioned earlier, you can rent DVC points to stay at Deluxe Resorts, and this is a splurge that is worth it! 

Deluxe Resorts have nicer and bigger pools, immersive theming, more restaurant and lounge options, better rooms, and are just overall nicer. This isn’t to say that Value or Moderate Resorts aren’t nice! Deluxe Resorts are just a fun splurge that will let you enjoy the full Disney package! 

Another fun splurge is the Memory Maker . Memory Maker gives you access to all of the photos taken of you by the Photopass photographers at the parks. It even gives you access to your ride photos! Memory Maker costs $199 if you buy it at Disney or $169 if you buy it before your vacation. Memory Maker helps you capture all of your memories without you even having to pull out your camera! 

It’s some people’s dream to make their very own lightsaber, and now you can actually do that! At Savi’s Workshop in Galaxy’s Edge, you can build your very own lightsaber! It costs $200 per person, but it is well worth it. This is an experience you and your family won’t forget! 

If you’re looking for a cheaper splurge, buying a popcorn bucket is a great option! A regular popcorn at Disney costs $5 while a Disney popcorn bucket costs $12. Now you might think it’s crazy to spend an extra $7 on a bucket, but we’ll tell you why it’s worth it! Disney’s popcorn buckets are refillable for only $2 per refill! If you plan on eating a lot of popcorn during your vacation, buying a popcorn bucket will actually save you money ! 

Check out our 16 Best Splurges At Disney Worth The Spend for even more ideas! (Some things might be temporarily unavailable due to the current pandemic.)

A Guaranteed Way to See Characters is to Book Character Dining

Currently, the only way to see characters around the parks is during a character cavalcade parade or spotting a character just standing about at a safe distance. The only thing is there is no way to know when these small parades might be happening or when characters might be out. If you want to guarantee a way to see characters, we recommend booking a character dining reservation .

Here is a list of the current character dining locations that are open with modified character experiences and the characters you might see:

Garden Grill :

Toppolino’s Terrace Breakfast:

Hollywood and Vine Breakfast:

• Doc Mcstuffins
• Sofia the First
• Jake from the Neverland Pirates

Hollywood and Vine Lunch/Dinner:

Chef Mickey’s :

You won’t be able to get any autographs or hugs from your favorite characters, but you will be able to take socially distanced photos when they pass by your table!

Disney Offers Lots of Dietary and Vegan Options

You might be surprised to find out that Disney World isn’t all just hamburgers and chicken nuggets. They actually have some really tasty and unique options at both table service and quick service restaurants!

Just because you’re going to Disney doesn’t mean you need to forgo any of your special dietary needs. Disney is very accommodating to any allergies or dietary restrictions guests might have. If you have any dietary restrictions, just let the cast member or server know, and they will be able to help you modify your meal! 

If you have an allergy, ask the cast member for an allergy friendly menu! It will let you know what is and isn’t safe to eat. 

Disney even offers Halal meals at select restaurants. You have to make a request for a Halal meal 24 hours in advance or when you book your dining reservation. 

If you are vegan, you can still find delicious meals at Disney! Most restaurants have some sort of vegan option, but if they don’t for some reason, you can request to make them vegan! Disney wants everyone to be able to enjoy their food! 

Fun fact: Disney’s popcorn is actually vegan! Snack away! 

If you’re vegan or have dietary restrictions, check out our 20+ Best Places to Eat Vegan at Disney World for our favorites!

You Can Have Groceries Delivered to Your Resort

It might surprise you to know that you can actually get groceries delivered right to your resort ! That way you don’t have to try to fit a bunch of snacks and food in your luggage! 

There are lots of different ways you can get groceries delivered to your resort. You can use Instacart, Walmart Grocery Delivery, Garden Grocer, Amazon Prime Now, or whatever you prefer. This makes it super convenient for you to get all of the snacks/food you need without having to leave your resort.

Disney resorts have small convenience sections in the gift shops. Don’t waste all your money on those snacks though! They are overpriced, and you can get your food for much cheaper with a grocery delivery service.

You Are Able to Bring Your Own Food Into the Parks

After ordering all of those groceries, you don’t have to leave them at the resort! You can actually bring your own snacks and meals into the parks ! This is actually a really great way to save money during your first time at Disney. Especially if you have hungry kids that are constantly asking for snacks.

The only restrictions are:

• No glass, except for small baby food jars
• Loose ice must be in a sealed bag

Besides these restrictions, you can bring whatever food you’d like into the parks! I like to bring little ziploc bags full of snacks such as pretzels, goldfish, fruit snacks, and protein bars. This will help you avoid spending lots of money on Disney’s overpriced snacks. However, some are actually worth it! 

Tip: Gum is not sold anywhere on Disney property. Make sure to buy some before your vacation if you need it!

Prepare a Park Bag With All of the Necessities

It can be helpful to prepare what you will be bringing in your park bag before you get to Disney World! There are several things you might not have thought of to bring. It’ll be much cheaper to buy these items at home from places like Amazon or the Dollar Tree rather than when you get to Disney World. 

As mentioned above, you are able to bring snacks into the parks with you! Snacks are a great addition to any park bag to curb hunger while you wait for your next meal. 

An external battery charger and phone charging cord are another must for your bag. You’ll be using My Disney Experience a lot to keep up with your plans, so it’s important to have something to keep that phone charged!

Bringing your own water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated in the Florida heat. Cast Members do not want you passing out during your vacation! 

A poncho or umbrella is another great addition to your park bag. You will definitely need one of these if you are traveling to Disney in the summer! 

It’s also a great idea to bring some form of entertainment for long lines! Either download some fun apps on your phone or bring toys for your children to keep them occupied. 

There are lots of other things that might be necessary for you to bring to the parks. Read our What To Bring In Your Disney Park Bag for a full list of what we think you might need!

Utilize Rider Switch

If for your first time at Disney you are traveling with small children, you should know what rider switch is! If you’re bringing a child that doesn’t meet the height requirement of certain rides, don’t worry! Everyone in your family (minus the child that doesn’t meet the requirement) will still be able to ride.

Rider switch (also known as rider swap or child swap) is Disney’s service for rides with height requirements that will help you ride those rides without having to wait in line twice. You go up to the cast member of the attraction you want to ride and let them know you want to use rider switch. They will scan everyone’s magic bands to get you set up. 

Then, one part of the family can get in the normal line to ride the attraction while an adult stays with the child who can’t ride. After that part of the family is done riding, the adult waiting with the child can use the FastPass line to skip the regular line and bring two others to ride with them. This means that some people could ride the attraction twice! 

Now no one has to miss out on any attractions, and you don’t have to wait in the regular line two times for everyone to ride! Make sure to use rider switch if you have small children with you to save time. 

There are some rides at Disney that have no height requirements. This means anyone, even babies, can ride! It is possible to visit Disney with toddlers and still have fun !

Know Your Stroller Options

Another thing to consider when bringing children to Disney World is what kind of stroller to use. You can bring your own stroller or you can rent one, either from Disney or from a third party service. 

The only rules against strollers are that you can’t bring in wagons and the strollers cannot exceed 31” (79cm) wide x 52” (132cm) long. Keep these restrictions in mind if you are bringing your own stroller or renting any place else that isn’t Disney. 

If you bring your own stroller or rent from around Florida, you will be able to bring that stroller with you to resorts, Disney Springs, the parks, and pretty much anywhere you go. If you rent a stroller from the Disney parks, those strollers are not able to leave the parks! 

All in all, it really depends on what you need for your children. If you just need strollers in the parks, it might be easier to rent from Disney. If you need a stroller all the time, bring your own or rent from around Florida.

For more information on finding the right stroller, read our How To Choose the Best Disney Stroller Option For You !

We hope you have found these tips as useful as we did! Our goal here at Disney Trippers is for you to have the best Disney trip possible! What was your favorite tip? What was something new that you learned? Let us know and have fun at your first time at Disney!

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Planning Guides
• Hotels and Resorts
• Planning Tips
• Transportation
• Magic Kingdom
• Hollywood Studios
• Animal Kingdom
• Disney Springs
• Disney World Characters
• Rides and Attractions
• Disney Genie Plus
• Food & Dining
• Florida and Orlando
• Disney Characters
• Disney Movies
• Packing and Accessories

30 Disney World Tips For First Timers

Starting your very first Disney World vacation can be a little daunting. You need to work out how you are going to get around, where exactly you need to be for any lightning lane or dining reservations plus you are dealing with the fact you are actually in Disney World. It’s all very exciting and I thought I would share some Disney World tips for First Timers.

Related Posts:

• Arriving at Disney World Before Check In
• 15 Line Hacks and Tips for the Disney Parks
• How to Save Money at Disney World
• How to Get Groceries Delivered to Your Resort
• Tipping at Disney World

30 Tips for Disney World First Timers

I can remember the very first day of our first Disney World vacation. As most families do, we headed straight to Magic Kingdom and once inside the park the size and scale of the resort amazed me. But I had planned though. I knew the layout of the Disney Parks and our reservation times. I was organised as I could be.

But what would I say to someone is about to take their first Disney World vacation? I would say read these essential Disney World Tips For First Timers

1. You Need to Plan For Your First Time in Disney World

Long before you get to Disney World you should have planned quite a bit. Dining reservations need to be made 60 days before your vacation if you are staying at a Disney World resort .

I have been asked by friends in the past that have booked a Disney World vacation is it necessary to book dining reservations so early? My answer is simple, yes book as much as you can straight away. If you don’t you won’t get that restaurant reservation you really wanted for Cinderella’s Royal Table or another popular restaurant. Don’t gamble and take a chance not booking anything as soon as you possibly can. Remember there are people all over the world making reservations for the same time as you don’t lose out.

You can read our Disney World Planning Guide here.

2. Use the My Disney Experience App

The My Disney Experience App for your smartphone is such a great tool. With the app you can track all your Lightning Lane and Dining Reservations on the App and amend them too if needed. Also you can also check wait times on the App as well as use it for it’s park maps, mobile food ordering and taking a look at your Memory Maker photos.

You can find out more about about the My Disney Experience on the Disney World Website here.

You can also find out more about Memory Maker at Disney World Here.

3. Disney World is Huge

Just before I booked our first Disney World vacation, I was speaking to a work colleague who had been quite a few times and I asked the very silly question ‘can you walk to each park’? Now years later I know all about Disney World but at the time I really didn’t understand the actual scale of the resort and it’s huge. So be prepared for the scale and size of the resort and no you probably won’t be walking from one park to another (although you could walk from Hollywood Studios to Epcot) .

4. Be Prepared for Jet Lag at Disney World

If you are travelling from overseas, especially from the UK or Europe do be prepared for the Jet Lag. It will take a couple of days to get used to the Eastern time zone. On our first Disney World trip the first few days we found ourselves getting tired from around 3 pm in the afternoon.

Try not to push yourself too hard on the first few days of your vacation like we did during our first time at Disney World. You tend to find that on your first day you will be awake really early in the morning as you are still adjusting to the new time zone, this is great for getting to the parks really early but you will find it catches up with you later in the day.

5. Younger Children Will Get Tired

Be aware that younger children will get tired during your Disney World Vacation. This might be obvious but sometimes you can forget about this especially when planning your first trip to Disney World.

We have written an article called “30 Tips for a Disney World Vacation with Kids” which you can find here or by clicking the image below.

6. Adults Get Tired Too

You will get tired too whether it’s your first time at Disney World or your tenth time! You will walk a lot during any given day, especially if you are in the Disney parks all day and the heat in Florida can be tiring too. 

My advice would be not to be too over ambitious when planning what you can fit into one day and make sure you allow for some time where you can stop if needed.

7. Take Some Pool Breaks

As I have been talking about getting tired one thing that we didn’t take advantage of during our first Disney World Vacation was the pools at our resort . You can really benefit from taking a little time out and heading back to your resort and spending some time at the pool. Our kids love messing about in the pool and it gives everyone the chance to cool down and rest a little.

We will often head back to our resort during an afternoon grab our refillable mugs get some drinks and head to the pool and then hit the parks again after a couple of hours. It really does recharge the batteries.

8. Being Overwhelmed by the Scale of Disney World

Disney World can be a little overwhelming the first time you visit. I can remember this feeling on our very first full day when we had just got inside Magic Kingdom . I don’t think the jet lag helped or the fact we were all awake at 4.30 am the same morning but being inside the park and the reality of actually being there at Disney World did overwhelm me a little. If this happens to you don’t worry you will soon get the hang of everything and within a few days, you will feel right at home.

9. Not Stopping for a Drink or Snack

If you are feeling hungry or thirsty make sure you stop to do so. A short break where you can sit down for a few minutes whilst enjoying a drink or a snack (maybe both) can really help you get through a long day in the Disney Parks.

You are on vacation so enjoy a few treats for yourself and your family too. Taking a short break can really make your day a little easier and there are so many quick service kiosks located around all four of the Disney Parks and the Water Parks too that you should never be too far away from one.

10. Make Sure You Park Hop

Our first time at Disney World was very different from all our Disney World trips that followed because on our first trip we spent most days just in one park . This is fine if that is what you want to do but with so many transportation options to move around the resort you can really mix your days up.

Nowadays we will visit one park early, have a dining reservation and then move on to another park later in the day and possibly go somewhere else in the evening. I really wish we would have done this more during our first trip, but we were playing it safe, but we still had fun.

11. Don’t Take a Whole Day Off

Something else that we did on our first Disney World Vacation was to take a whole day off from the parks. Looking back, I see this as a mistake as we lost out on a day inside the parks that we had paid for. What we tend to do now is pick a few days where we have Fast Passes and dining reservations booked for later in the day so that if we feel the need to we can sleep in a bit and have a slower start to the day.

Also, as I mentioned earlier on in this post if needed, we will head back to our resort for a pool

12. You Will Do A Lot of Walking at Disney World

Be prepared for lots of walking. Make sure your shoes are worn in a bit if you have shiny new trainers for your vacation as you really don’t want any blisters during your first time at Disney World. Do think about how comfortable your footwear is before your vacation as you will be covering some miles when exploring Disney World. I like to check on my smartphone whilst on vacation how much walking we have undertaken and on quite a few days we have covered 7, 8 and even 9 miles in a day so be prepared.

If you are planning for your first time at Disney World take a look at our article on the best shoes for Disney World here.

13. There Will Be Crowds at Disney World

Walt Disney World is a huge tourist destination attracting visitors from all around the world, so it is highly likely at some point during your vacation you will have to deal with crowds. Disney over the last few years has become very good at attracting visitors consistently throughout the year by adding new festivals at Epcot,offering various deals throughout the year and adding new attractions so even if you are visiting at a quieter time of year don’t expect to have the parks to yourself.

Just be prepared to have to deal with some crowds and you’ll be fine. Some areas maybe busier than others for example Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios and Pandora at Animal Kingdom.

You can find our Disney World Line Hacks and Tips here.

14. It Can Be Easy to Spend a lot of Money

On our first trip we also got a little carried away with buying souvenirs, toys and gifts . This wasn’t just stuff for the kids either it was me! I am a big Star Wars fan and as you can imagine there is a lot of Star Wars merchandise available at Disney World. You can easily get carried away buying things using your magic band (they can be linked to your credit card) and my advice would be to think before you buy and perhaps leave any shopping until the end of the day.

You can read more about Saving Money at Disney World here or just click the image below.

15. Be Prepared to Tip (For Visitors Who Aren’t American)

If you are from the USA, the tipping is standard practice and part of your culture. If you are from outside of the United States you might not tip very much at home. At Disney World you need to be prepared to tip your server at a table service restaurant (tips aren’t included on the dining plan other than at a few selected locations) with the norm being 18-20%.

If somebody handles your luggage it is polite to tip along with housekeeping in your room and if you happen to use a Minnie Van Taxi service on the resort. Also, be aware that at bars in and around the parks you should consider a tip too. This can be a bit daunting for Disney World first timers, so it is best to have dollars in your wallet and be a little prepared before your first Disney World Holiday.  I always budget and have the cash allocated for dining and housekeeping (I should say Mouse Keeping).

16. Take As Many Break s As You Need

If you need to take a break,then definitely do so. Kids can definitely do with a good few breaks during along day at the parks and us adults can too. A little five-minute sit down in the shade somewhere can work wonders or even a little snack break somewhere like Sleepy Hollow in the Magic Kingdom can do your party the world of good. It can be a long day if you are out in the parks all day so definitely factor in time for some breaks. Yes, you will stop for meals, but you will benefit from the odd break now and again too.

You can even leave the parks and return later on in the day and take a break at your resort. Maybe enjoy the pool or take a short nap.

17. You Will Have to Wait in Line

At some point as during your first time at Disney World you will have to wait in a line. It could be to meet a certain character, more obviously for an attraction or perhaps even for the bus back to your resort. You won’t escape from the lines completely even with your fast passes so don’t expect to. To do everything to the fullest at Disney World will involve some time standing in a line. But don’t panic as so many of the attraction standby lines are so well themed that there will be some nice distractions whilst you are waiting inline.

18. Get A Feel for the Layouts of All the Parks Ready For Your First Time in Disney World

When we were Disney World first timers, I really made an effort to get an understanding of the layouts of all the parks. My wife had a work colleague who was at Disney World about six months before we went so,  they got us copies of all the park maps that you find in the parks. This was really helpful as was the My Disney Experience App.

I also watched quite a few Disney World YouTube channels like Tim Tracker (who is very good at explaining where things are located). I have a fairly good sense of direction too so very quickly I was able to guide my family around all the park fairly well. Definitely do some homework before your holiday.

19. Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Get Between Parks

This is a little similar to the earlier ‘Disney World is Massive’ section but you do need to give yourself plenty of time to get between the parks especially if you have a dinner reservation. You need to give yourself time to get out of the park, wait for which ever form of transport you will be using and then time to get into your next park along with getting where ever you need to be in that park.

For instance, to get from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom you have quite a bit of distance to cover on the bus ride (in relation to distance between the other parks) so you need to give yourself plenty of time. Also, if you are planning to get to say Magic Kingdom for the fireworks in the evening then you need to consider that possibly a lot of other people are thinking the same too.

On our first vacation we were late for breakfast at the Wave restaurant located inside the Contemporary resort. Our bus to Magic kingdom to a lot longer to arrive at our resort than we anticipated, and it made us late.

I had to call ahead to advise them that we were running late which wasn’t a problem but that little period early in the day was a little too stressful for my liking. Give yourself plenty of time to get wherever you need to be at Disney World. Sometimes you can get to places quickly and easily and other times you have to wait so play it safe every time.

20. Keep an Eye on Your Magic Bands in the Water Parks

You can wear your Magic Bands in the Water Parks (you’ll need them to get in) but do keep an eye on them when you are on the various water slides. On our first trip Claire lost hers and we didn’t realize until we were about to leave. We checked at the slides and were advised to check at guest services, but it never turned up and we ended up having to spend some time at the reception of our resort organizing a replacement. Keep an eye on those magic bands.

21. Research the Dining Options at Walt Disney World

You will probably have researched you table service restaurants and probably some quick service restaurants too and that good. Make sure you take a look at the variety of snacks on offer too, especially if you are on the Dining Plan as you will want to get the best value on offer from your snack credits. A little research beforehand can work wonders and it can be annoying having just had a snack only to see someone else enjoying something you didn’t even know existed!

22. Stop and Take it All in

Do remember where you are! You are at Disney World so stop and take it all in. Look at some of the finer details in the parks. Stop and have a good look at the Tree of Life, read some of the signs in the windows along Main Street USA and take a good look at Cinderella Castle. You can get so involved with what you have planned and where you should be heading that you can easily miss what is around you.

23. Try Not to Over Plan

Disney World does involve a lot of planning but try not to over plan. You will need to know where you will be eating , what your fast passes are and where you need to be to make these. Beyond that try to slow it down a little if you can so that you enjoy where you. You will never do everything at Disney World during one vacation so don’t even try and make having fun a priority. 

24. Don’t Leave the Disney World Parks at the Wrong Time

I have written about this a few times in other articles, but I will mention it again. Try not to leave any of the parks straight after the fireworks in the evening as it will be very busy. It is best to give it at least an hour before thinking about heading back to your resort. If you have already seen the fireworks, then leave when they are happening or just before.

25. Research Crowd Levels and Events at Disney World

Do try to look at what crowd levels should be like for when you are planning to visit. If you can aim to go for a quieter time of year . Also remember to take a look at when national holidays fall in the US as well as dates for other special events at Disney World. The RunDisney marathons and half marathons are very popular and can really bring the crowds into the parks over a weekend.

Take a look at the RunDisney website for a full list of event dates for Disney World.

You can also read more about The Best Times of Year to go to Disney World here.

26. Things Can Go Wrong During Your First Time in Disney World

Just be aware that although you are at Disney World things can go wrong. There could be quite a heavy rain storm , a ride might breakdown and there could be a delay in waiting for your resort bus at the end of the day.

I have been stuck on Rock n Roller Coaster in the past when it has gone down and had to wait for a cast member to guide us safely to the exit. I’ve also rushed from rope drop to Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom to find they are having technical issues and it will have a delayed opening. I have also experienced the monorail being closed temporarily at Epcot meaning loads of people were trying to get buses to Magic Kingdom for the fireworks. Something has probably happened on every one of my Disney World vacations, but I have still loved each one.

Nothing can quite be perfect and as hard as Disney try to provide the perfect vacation at Disney World sometimes things just go wrong. If you’ve read this and then you have your holiday, and everything is perfect well all the better!

27. You Can Take Food and Drink into the Parks

If you want to take some snacks and drinks into the Disney World Park, it is absolutely fine to do so. Your bags or backpacks will be checked by security before you enter the park and food and drink is allowed to be taken into all the Disney World parks, This can be a helpful way to save a little money.

28. Get Your Free Button on Your First Disney World Vacation

You can ask for a free button when you arrive at Disney World to celebrate your first time at Disney World. You might even find that you are asked if it is your first time when you check in at your Disney World resort and are given your first visit buttons without having to ask for them. If you are celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary or Birthday you can ask for a button at Guest Services in the parks too.

29. You Will Probably Get Disney World Withdrawal

Disney World Withdrawal is real and you will probably miss Disney World when you have to return home. It is such a magical resort that it very likely you will want to return as soon as possible. Make sure you focus on the memories yo made during your first time at Disney World and get ready to plan your next Disney vacation.

You can read more about Disney World Withdrawal Here.

30. Make Sure You Read All of Our Helpful Articles

When planning for your first time at Disney World be sure to check out all of our different articles on everything Disney World related.

My Disney World Planning Guide

Try My Disney World Dining Calculator

Disney Vacation Shirt Ideas

Disney Genie Plus Guides

When Does Disney World Decorate for Halloween

Share Our Disney World Tips for First Timers

So, these are some helpful Disney World Tips For First Timers to help you prepare for your first trip to Disney World. I’m sure you will have a magical vacation.

If you enjoyed this post for Disney World first timers tips then please consider sharing the article by pinning the pin image at the top of the post.

Get Our Free Disney World Parks Guide

To keep up to date with all our latest content, Disney World news and get our 10-page Parks Guide you can sign up to our  Newsletter Here .

Thanks for stopping by.

About the Author

Darren Cater

I’m Darren, the editor of nextstopwdw.com. With years of Disney World adventures and countless memories made, I’ve mastered the art of planning a Disney World vacation. My articles are fueled by experience and a love for Disney World, aiming to turn your dream trip into a magical reality.

See author's posts

11 Things You Need To Know – Your First Disney World Vacation

First disney world vacation.

Around the world, visiting Walt Disney World or any Disney Park is synonymous with childhood. Many people are fortunate enough to have their first Disney World trip as a child but some wait and visit Disney World for the first time as adults. Experiencing Disney World the first time as a child or an adult are different but they are both magical experiences you’ll remember for the rest of your life! 

Disney World trips are a lot of work so make sure to DO these 11 things on your first Disney World vacation! 

PIN ME for later! 

You MUST Plan Ahead 

If you’ve never been to Disney before, I would recommend you do some research on the theme parks, Disney resorts, Disney restaurants, and what you want to do on your vacation. At Walt Disney World, there are 6 theme parks, over 26 Disney World resorts, hundreds of rides, and over 100 restaurants. You will need to make a lot of decisions. 

The best way to plan for your first time at Disney World is to plan ahead. Create a list of all the things you want to do and see. Also make sure to review Disney World planning guides  for crowd calendars and tips to get you started! 

***Disclaimer***  This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn an affiliate commission if you click on an affiliate link. Full disclosure, I only post products that I have or recommend! 

Disney World is Physically Exhausting 

Most vacations are relaxing but Disney isn’t that type of vacation! On a typical Disney day, I walk approximately 20,000 steps. This equates to roughly 8 or 9 miles a day.  At Disney, you walk a ton and spend lots of time on your feet.  Additionally, the Florida heat adds to the exhausting nature of a Disney vacation.

I’ve heard some people actually “train” before their Disney vacation in preparation for the amount of walking. I would just recommend you be prepared and bring some comfy walking shoes! Below are some of my favorite comfy shoes!

I usually bring at least two pairs of comfy shoes to rotate. I wouldn’t bring brand new shoes to Disney though because you’ll most likely get blisters and those are painful! 

Visit the Magic Kingdom First

On your first trip to Disney World, you need to visit the Magic Kingdom first . Over the years, you see the iconic Disney castle on social media and TV so it’s an amazing feeling to see the castle for the first time. 

The Magic Kingdom is really what Disney World is known for so it’s a great starting place. It’s also home to the most famous rides, attractions, and snacks! The Magic Kingdom truly feels like the most magical place on earth. This magical feeling is something you need to experience first on your Disney World vacation! 

Get a Free Souvenir  

Everything at Disney Parks is expensive but you can get a free souvenir to commemorate your first Disney World trip. You can get a “First Visit” button. When arriving at your Disney resort or Town Hall in the Magic Kingdom, let a Disney cast member know it’s your first Disney World vacation. They will give you a “First Visit” button.

The key is to wear your “First Visit” button throughout your entire Disney World vacation. Disney cast members will go out of their way to make your visit extra magical.  I got engaged on a previous Disney trip and we wore our “Just Engaged” buttons all trip and cast members went out of their way to make our vacation even better! 

Watch “Happily Ever After” 

Many people think fireworks are overrated especially if they haven’t seen Disney World fireworks. Happily Ever After is the Magic Kingdom’s newest nighttime firework show.  Viewing Happily Ever After over the Magic Kingdom castle brings everyone back to their childhood and truly makes you believe your dreams can come true.

Disney World first timers must make time to view Happily Ever After. You come to Disney World for magic and relieving childhood memories and this nighttime show is Disney magic! 

Tip – If you want a good viewing spot in front of the castle, make sure to arrive to the Hub area at least 45 minutes before Happily Ever After. 

The Characters are Hard to Find 

After people visit Disney World, you often see pictures with different Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Peter Pan and many more. But what you don’t know is you actually have to wait in line to take a picture with these characters. 

If this is your first Disney World trip, you MUST get a picture with Mickey Mouse. It’s a Disney right of passage to meet the mouse himself. Mickey is located at all the theme parks and many of the Disney resorts so he shouldn’t be hard to track down. If you want to visit Mickey at the Magic Kingdom, he’s located in Town Hall right on Main Street U.S.A. 

If this is your kids first time to Disney World, you will probably want to visit many more characters. If you want to meet the princesses, visit Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom. The Fab Five are located at the Picture Spot in Epcot. If your family loves Star Wars, meet the Star Wars characters in Star Wars Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios. And if you like animals, meet Mickey, Minnie, and more in safari gear at Animal Kingdom. 

Book Dining Reservations ahead

If your like me, I hate having to plan ahead on vacation. Disney World has over a hundred dining locations so you’ll never go hungry but many of the most popular Disney restaurants require advanced reservations. In the past, you could make Disney dining reservations 180 days in advance but due to the COVID pandemic, you can only make reservations 60 days in advance right now. 

Many of the most popular restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Le Celliar, Be Our Guest, the California Grill, and Sci-Fi Dine In Theater book up months in advance. This is why I always recommend Disney World first timers do research ahead of time. Make a list of the Disney restaurants you want to visit and make sure to get a dining reservation ahead of time. 

You can reserve ride times ahead of time

Like dining reservations, you can usually book ride times ahead with Disney’s Fastpass System ! Due to the ongoing pandemic, Disney World currently isn’t using the Fastpass System but I’m sure it will be reinstated in the future. 

Disney’s Fastpass System allows you to book three Fastpasses ahead of time for each day of your vacation. For example, you can book ride times for Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Splash Mountain for your Magic Kingdom park day! 

You can book Disney Fastpasses 60 days ahead of time if your a Disney resort guest or 30 days ahead if you are staying elsewhere. 

Disney Fastpasses shouldn’t be used lightly and should be used for popular rides or rides with long wait times. For example, Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom typically has wait times over 2 hours. This would be an ideal ride to Fastpass. 

Like dining reservations, do your research ahead of time. Make of a list of Disney attractions you can’t miss! These would be ideal rides or attractions to Fastpass on your first time at Disney World! 

My Disney Experience App 

The My Disney Experience App  is a lifesaver for Disney veterans and first time Disney goers. On the My Disney Experience App, you will make Fastpasses, dining reservations and find important information like wait times, park maps, character locations, dining menus and more. 

Basically, My Disney Experience is your one stop shop for Disney World. Everything you need for your Disney vacation is located on this convenient app. Make sure to download this app before you visit Disney World for the first time and get familiar with the layout and functions. 

While your getting Fastpasses, dining reservations, and looking at park maps, your phone battery runs out much quicker than expected! Make sure to bring several portable phone chargers, I promise you’ll need them!  

Leave and come back later 

Like I mentioned earlier, a Disney World vacation is both physically and mentally exhausting. My family prefers to leave the park in the afternoon and take a pool or nap break. At Disney World, you can leave the park and re-enter later again that day. 

Taking breaks will make your first Disney World vacation more enjoyable and less exhausting. I suggest everyone take breaks while at Disney because it gives everyone a chance to recharge! 

While at the pool, make sure to bring some fun pool toys, life jackets, floaties, or inner tubes! Disney pools are fun but they don’t have all the extra’s your kids may want! 

Disney Discounts 

It’s a little known fact but Disney does offer some great Disney World park discounts. The Disney World website has a page dedicated specifically for deals, check here frequently for updates! For many Disney World first timers, the Disney price tag can be shocking so make sure to check out these discounts to help your wallet. 

Additionally, you can get Disney discounts by using the Disney Visa Card, using Disney gift cards, using military discounts, and using Expedia or Hotels.com for great hotel deals. There are also many less known options for saving a few bucks at Disney World. 

The first time you visit Walt Disney World can be overwhelming but the magic you’ll feel standing in the Magic Kingdom will make the planning worth while. 

Make sure to check out our tips for Disney World vacation planning and the best Magic Kingdom snacks ! 

Related Disney Posts

What’s It Like at Disney World Post COVID-19

How To Start Planning a Disney World Vacation

Top 5 Things To Do at The Magic Kingdom

Subscribe For Insider Disney Tips!

Sign up for insider Disney tips, tricks to make the most out of your vacation, and Disney news!

18 thoughts on “ 11 Things You Need To Know – Your First Disney World Vacation ”

I took my first trip to WDW at the age of 31 {!} It was just me and Hubby, and we were pretty much winging it the entire time. 🤣 Now that we have made dozens of Disney trips, I marvel at how little thought I actually put into that very first one. My kids are total planners, and so when we plan today, I have three helpers ready to organize everything from fast passes to meals to resorts to character meet and greets. ❤️

Great tips! Would love to visit Disney again, haven’t been since I was a kid!

Great tips! I think people are surprised by how physically exhausting it is to go to the parks all day!

Thanks a lot for all the tips! I have never been to a Disney Park before so sure I will need them for the day I will go!

I’ve been to disney 7 times now from ages 6-18! I love it, will take my kids when im older, this post brought back so many feelings <3

I second all of this, although we never left the parks until we were done. If you go in the summer, it will rain in the middle of the day and that usually clears out the crowds temporarily.

Yes, Disney can be exhausting! “Leave and come back later” is great advice.Especially on hot days, which there are a lot of in Florida, it can be so refreshing to leave, grab lunch away from the crowds, jump in the pool or take a nap!

As a self-confessed Disney addict, I’ve always wanted to go to Disney world! Now I may have to book that trip. Thanks for the great trips 😊

I wish I had read this last time I visited Disney – great post!

We were hoping to take our youngest here in the near future. These are great first timer tips as I’ve never been either.

Amazing savvy tips! Its been so long i have visited Disney … I will surely try to bring my childhood back by visiting them again someday.

These are great tips for a Disney trip! I’m used to week-long trips but next summer we’re doing a single day with my niece and nephews. Great things to keep in mind no matter how long your trip is!

• Pingback: Walt Disney World Park Pass System | A Little Bit of Pixie Dust
• Pingback: Disney World Fastpass Tips for Avoiding Lines | A Little Bit of Pixie Dust
• Pingback: Best Souvenirs To Buy on Amazon BEFORE Your Disney Vacation! | A Little Bit of Pixie Dust
• Pingback: Classic Disney Attractions Your Family Will Love | A Little Bit of Pixie Dust
• Pingback: How to Start Planning your Walt Disney World Vacation |
• Pingback: How to Survive Disney with Little Kids |

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

First-Time Visitors Walt Disney World Itinerary Plan: Your Essential Guide

Planning Your First Trip

An unforgettable vacation awaits as you embark on your first journey to Walt Disney World. Essential planning includes choosing ideal dates, understanding ticket options, picking the perfect Disney Resort, and setting up a My Disney Experience account to manage your trip with ease.

Choosing the Right Dates

Select dates that align with your preferences for crowd levels and weather. A visit during off-peak times typically ensures shorter lines and milder temperatures. For instance, late January through mid-February, or mid-April through early June (avoiding holidays) are considered ideal periods.

Understanding the Ticketing Options

Determine the type of park tickets that suit your vacation duration and interests. Single-day tickets are straightforward for a specific date and park, while Multi-day tickets offer flexibility and savings. If visiting multiple parks in one day appeals to you, consider the Park Hopper option.

Selecting Your Disney Resort

Choose a Disney Resort based on desired amenities and budget. Value resorts like Disney’s Pop Century offer themed experiences at a lower cost, whereas Deluxe resorts such as Disney’s Grand Floridian provide luxury services. Disney Vacation Club members may have additional resort options with timeshare points.

Creating a My Disney Experience Account

Create your My Disney Experience account to manage reservations, FastPass+ selections, and dining plans. Through this account, you can also check wait times for attractions and view park maps. This online tool serves as a central hub for your Disney vacation planning and experience.

Mastering the Parks

Crafting a strategic plan for Walt Disney World ensures you maximize your enjoyment. Each theme park offers unique experiences, so it’s key to prioritize and navigate effectively.

Prioritizing Must-See Attractions

Create a list of must-see attractions before visiting. Use the FastPass+ system to book rides and attractions in advance. For example, secure a slot for Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain or Epcot’s Frozen Ever After . Prioritize early morning or late evening to enjoy popular rides when queues are shorter.

• Magic Kingdom : Prioritize classics like Haunted Mansion and thrilling rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train .
• Epcot : Focus on Test Track and the World Showcase pavilions.
• Hollywood Studios : Ensure a visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land attractions.
• Animal Kingdom : Do not miss Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest .

Exploring Each Theme Park

Allocate a full day to explore each park thoroughly, starting with your top attractions. Consider special events or dining reservations that may affect your schedule.

• Magic Kingdom : Begin with the themed lands, such as Tomorrowland or Fantasyland .
• Epcot : Divide your time between Future World and the World Showcase .
• Hollywood Studios : Explore the park by show times for Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! or Fantasmic! .
• Animal Kingdom : Start with either Pandora – The World of Avatar or Africa for a Safari adventure.

Learning the Park Layouts and Transportation

Familiarize yourself with park layouts and transportation options between parks and resorts. Each park is serviced by Disney’s network of monorail, bus, boat, and Skyliner transportation.

• Monorail connects Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
• Buses are available to all theme parks from Disney resorts.
• Boats are typically found between Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and resorts.
• Skyliner connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios with select resorts.

Use the My Disney Experience app to check real-time transportation schedules or park maps. Consider park hopping to visit multiple parks in a day, but be mindful of travel time between locations.

Maximizing Park Experience

Strategically planning your time at Walt Disney World Resort can substantially enhance your experience. Familiarize yourself with the tools and services available to optimize your park visit.

Utilizing Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes

Disney Genie+ is a paid service offering prioritized access to select attractions through Lightning Lanes. Purchase Disney Genie+ via the Disney World app to skip regular lines at participating attractions. Schedule your first Lightning Lane as soon as you enter the park. Remember to make subsequent Lightning Lane selections throughout the day after you use one or two hours have passed since your last booking, whichever comes first.

Scheduling FastPass and Dining Reservations

Secure your FastPass selections up to 30 days in advance, or 60 days if staying at a Disney hotel. For table-service restaurants, make dining reservations —known as Advance Dining Reservations (ADR)—up to 60 days prior to your visit. Aim to book popular attractions and dining spots early to ensure availability. Use your My Disney Experience account for all reservations.

Taking Advantage of Extra Magic Hours

Guests of select hotels have exclusive access to Extra Magic Hours , providing additional time in the parks. Check the park schedule to see when these hours occur and plan to visit during these times for a more relaxed experience with fewer guests. Combine Extra Magic Hours with your Park Hopper option to visit multiple parks in one day and enjoy a variety of shows, characters, and entertainment.

Accommodation Insights

When planning a visit to Walt Disney World, where you stay is nearly as important as the parks themselves. From luxury offerings to budget-friendly options, each resort category offers unique perks and experiences.

Comparing Resort Categories

Resorts at Walt Disney World are categorized into three types: Deluxe, Moderate, and Value.

• Deluxe Resorts such as the Grand Floridian and Contemporary provide the most amenities, with easy access to the parks and superior dining options. These resorts are synonymous with top-tier service and often include additional recreational options.
• Moderate Resorts strike a balance between cost and comfort, offering nicer dining than value resorts and generally more intricate theming.
• Value Resorts , including Art of Animation and Pop Century Resort , prioritize affordability while still immersing you in Disney storytelling.

Each resort offers unique theming that can enhance your Disney experience. For example, the Grand Floridian boasts Victorian elegance while the Contemporary impresses with modern architecture.

Benefits of Staying On-Site

Staying at a Disney Hotel on-site at Walt Disney World unlocks several benefits that can substantially enhance your vacation.

• Proximity to the Parks : On-site lodgings like the Contemporary are often closer to the parks, sometimes within walking distance or a short Monorail ride away.
• Early Access : You receive Early Theme Park Entry, granting you entry before the parks officially open.
• Transportation : Resorts offer complementary transport such as buses, boats, or the Monorail.
• My Disney Experience App Integration: As a guest, you can manage your dining reservations, FastPass+ selections, and view your PhotoPass pictures all in one place.

The My Disney Experience App is particularly helpful, serving as your itinerary planner and digital key to your room. This seamless integration makes transitioning from park to resort both efficient and enjoyable.

Dining Options at Disney World

At Disney World, you have a broad variety of dining options ranging from quick bites to immersive table service experiences, including the necessity of advance reservations for some dining locations.

Discovering Table Service and Quick Service

Table service restaurants at Disney World offer full menus and waiter service. Popular ones, like ‘Be Our Guest’ and ‘Cinderella’s Royal Table’, often require Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) which can be made up to 60 days in advance. Start planning early to ensure a table at your preferred restaurants.

Quick service venues provide fast, casual dining options where you order at a counter. No ADRs are needed and you’ll find a wide assortment of foods, from classic American fare to ethnic cuisines. Places such as ‘Satu’li Canteen’ and ‘Sunshine Seasons’ exemplify the variety available.

Snacking Around the World

Epcot’s World Showcase is your go-to for snacking on diverse treats from around the globe. Sample everything from French pastries at ‘Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie’ to Japanese sushi at ‘Kabuki Café’. This is an ideal way to enjoy small portions and flavors from different nations without a reservation.

Additional Attractions & Entertainment

Walt Disney World offers a diverse array of additional attractions and entertainment options. These selections complement the main park experiences and are ideal for visitors looking to explore beyond the traditional rides and character meet-and-greets.

Enjoying Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. With no admission fee, you can explore an eclectic mix of unique boutiques, one-of-a-kind eateries, and lively entertainment venues. Catch a performance by world-class musicians or revel in the spectacle of the Cirque du Soleil show housed permanently at Disney Springs. Here, evening times are often illuminated by street performers adding a spark of magic to your night.

• Visit The LEGO Store to spark creativity with hands-on play.
• Indulge in gourmet delights at The Boathouse or Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ focusing on Florida’s rich culinary heritage.
• Encounter live music and entertainment dotted throughout the area, ensuring a festive atmosphere every night.

Experiencing Seasonal Events and Festivals

Walt Disney World becomes even more magical with seasonal events and festivals . These special times of the year offer themed entertainment, decorations, and activities that enhance your visit.

• During October, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party transforms the Magic Kingdom into a hauntingly joyous celebration.
• In summer , experience extended park hours and nighttime celebrations, including the dazzling fireworks display above Cinderella Castle.
• Fall ushers in the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival , a culinary adventure around the world showcase amidst the autumn foliage.
• Enjoy enchanting parades that change with the seasons, offering fresh entertainment experiences on each visit.

Practical Tips and Advice

As you plan your Walt Disney World vacation, remember that success lies in preparation and flexibility. Equip yourself with essentials and know-how to effortlessly enjoy the magic of the parks.

Packing Essentials

Pack weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot. Include:

• Ponchos or raincoats for sudden showers
• Sunscreen and hats for protection against the Florida sun
• Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated

Navigating Crowds and Managing Wait Times

To minimize waiting times, utilize the crowd calendar to plan your visit on less busy days. Follow these steps:

• Review the crowd calendar for predicted park attendance.
• Arrive early before the park opens to experience popular attractions with shorter queues.
• Consider height requirements for rides to avoid disappointments.

Convenient Transportation Options

Select transportation based on efficiency and personal comfort. Options include:

• Disney’s own transportation system (buses, monorail, and boats)
• Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft
• Minnie Vans for a Disney-themed private ride

For each park visit, choose transportation that aligns with your starting point and park hours. Use the My Disney Experience app for real-time updates and to book Minnie Vans directly.

Exclusive Opportunities

Walt Disney World offers unique benefits to its annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members. These exclusive opportunities elevate your park experience by providing special perks and privileges.

Investigating Annual Pass Benefits

Annual Passes grant you access to the parks throughout the year with fewer blackout dates. After obtaining an Annual Pass, you receive discounts on select merchandise, dining, and resort stays. Additionally, you can expect bonus reservations and invites to exclusive events.

• Reserve Parks in Advance : As an Annual Passholder, secure your park entry before others.
• Merchandise Savings : Enjoy up to 20% off on official Disney merchandise.
• Dining Discounts : Save on meals with up to 10% off at select Disney restaurants.
• Exclusive Events : Get invites to Passholder-only events and previews.

Exploring Disney Vacation Club Membership

Joining the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) means investing in a vacation ownership program. It allows you to enjoy a luxurious resort experience with some added flexibility.

• Points System : Use your allotted DVC points to book stays at various resorts, choosing from a multitude of options each year.
• Resort Amenities : Access fitness centers, recreational activities, and more, all within your home resort.
• Discounts and Perks : Members receive discounts on annual passes, dining, and activities.
• Exclusive Lounges : Relax in DVC Member-exclusive lounges across the resorts.

Remember, both these options require a significant financial commitment but offer a diverse range of benefits that can enrich your Disney World visits. Choose the one that best fits your travel frequency and desired vacation style.

Hollywood Studios Itinerary Plan: Your Guide to a Perfect Day

Animal Kingdom Itinerary Plan: Optimizing Your Adventure-packed Day

Typhoon lagoon water park itinerary plan: maximizing your visit with strategic planning, blizzard beach water park itinerary plan: your guide to a perfect day.

First Time Disney World Visit Tips

First time visitors to Walt Disney World make a lot of mistakes. There are many things that are simply impossible to know until you go, and due to many planning resources being written by seasoned Disney veterans, it can be easy for those sharing tips to completely gloss over something because they are so familiar with the parks and just take certain things for granted.

With that in mind, we’ve written this blog post with some important things that first time visitors ought to know. If you’ve been to Walt Disney World even one time, you will know most or all of this information. In that case, you might ‘pay it forward’ by sharing a basic bit of info about Walt Disney World that you didn’t know before your first trip, but that you consider important.

Okay, let’s dig into our list of some basic things first time Walt Disney World guests should know…

Walt Disney World is Huge

If you’ve done any amount of research, you probably know that Walt Disney World is the “big place” in Florida and Disneyland is the “little place” in California.

It bears reiterating: Walt Disney World is HUGE. It’s located on 25,000 acres, has 24 hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and more “other stuff” beyond the parks than you can shake a stick at. On the one hand, it’s awesome to have so many different great things to do.

You could easily visit for 2 weeks and not run out of things to do–the options beyond theme parks, from fishing to golfing to spas and more are staggering. On the other hand, because there is much, the distance between hotels and parks, parks and other entertainment, etc. can be fairly substantial. Walt Disney World is not a place that you can cover on foot.

The other consequence of this is in terms of time. Whether you rent a car or use Disney’s free transportation, you are going to spend a lot of time during your trip commuting. The best case scenario, if you only visit one park per day and rent a car, puts your total commute time at an hour.

If you park hop and use Disney transportation, you might spend 3 or more hours per day commuting. Yes, all of those options are great, but the time it takes to get from one of them to another is not. We have a post dedicated to Walt Disney World Transportation Tips that can help you take shortcuts (not literally) to save time with Disney’s transportation system.

Make Advance Dining Reservations

You can make Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) to Walt Disney World restaurants 180 days before your trip. Take advantage of this, because popular restaurants like Le Cellier, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest Restaurant, and Chef Mickey’s book up months in advance.

While the importance of ADRs isn’t as significant as it once was thanks to Disney putting in a new deposit system, if you want to dine at the most sought-after restaurants or you travel during busy times (or during the “Free Dining” promotion, the importance of ADRs for popular restaurants cannot be understated.

We’ve heard horror stories from guests who book Free Dining, then just show up, expecting to eat anywhere…and unable to find a table at even the most unpopular restaurants. Make your reservations as early as possible. When we have used the Disney Dining Plan in the past, we’ve made reservations months in advance. Sometimes, even at 170+ days, we still didn’t get what we wanted.

Rental Cars Are Expensive in Orlando (But Don’t Have To Be)

We normally use Disney’s Magical Express, which is a complimentary transportation service from the Orlando International Airport to Disney-owned hotels, and that’s partly because renting a car at the airport can be prohibitively expensive. In fact, when we’ve priced it out in the past, the prices have often been substantially more than we’re used to paying whenever traveling elsewhere.

There are two ways to avoid this. The first is renting a car at an off-airport location, and taking a shuttle to get it. Likewise, you can use Disney’s Magical Express (if you’re staying at a Disney-owned hotel) and then take a bus to the Swan & Dolphin to pick up a car when you need one. An Alamo/National rental desk is located near guest services at the Dolphin. This can be a real money saver if you only need a rental car for a day visit to SeaWorld, Universal, or another theme park.

Another option is using Uber or Lyft. We started using these services instead of rental cars a few years ago (see our Uber v. Rental Cars at Disney World post for more), and we haven’t looked back. Uber and Lyft are inexpensive and drivers are abundant so waits are minimal. In our view, these services mixed with using free Disney transportation is the best of both worlds–and better than having a rental car.

Visiting Walt Disney World is Physically Exhausting

Walking around the parks for a day will tire you out. Walking around for an entire week can leave you downright exhausted. Seriously.

This is not to say that you need to do some sort of marathon training regime prior to visiting Walt Disney World. However, if you plan on lasting the entire day in the parks without fatigue and blisters, you should physically prepare yourself for the trip.

How you prepare is ultimately your call, but you’ve been warned. (This could explain why moleskin is one of the top recommendations from commenters on our Unique Disney Packing List post.)

Everything Takes Longer Than Expected

What’s that saying about the best laid plans of mice and men? That might as well have been written about you and Mickey. Once you’ve developed a daily itinerary for your trip (and you absolutely should make at least a loose one), take a red pen and randomly cross off about half the things on that list. That’s how much you should actually expect to get done–if you end up finishing more, consider it a pleasant surprise.

Everything takes longer than you’ll expect at Walt Disney World. The odd thing here is that this is usually not a result of waiting in lines longer than you expect (in fact, usually posted wait times are higher than actual wait times). Instead, you’ll find that transportation, walking between attractions, dining, and various other things all take longer than you plan.

In some cases, this is a good thing. There will be times in the parks when you’ll stumble upon roaming entertainment or a fun detail that will preoccupy you for a bit, and these diversions are a pleasant surprise. Other times, this is a not so good thing. You plan for 30 minutes to get from your room to a park, but due to bus delays or parking time, it might actually take an hour.

Disney Springs Is Better Than Ever

The heading on this one used to be “Downtown Disney is Not for Everyone.” However, a lot has changed since this post was written a few years ago. At that time, Downtown Disney was basically just a mix of stores selling the same merchandise and a bunch of stores selling virtually identical merchandise to what was sold in the parks, plus a few third party options that were uninspired.

Since then, the area has transformed into Disney Springs, adding a slew of new dining and retail options in the process. Now, Disney Springs features some of the absolute best restaurants at Walt Disney World, and plenty of interesting retailers that are worthwhile. It’s a mix of Disney-owned and third-party options, and a lot of things you can’t find inside the parks or in most cities in the United States.

In addition to a better mix of shopping and dining options, the layout has been improved, transportation and parking are now significantly better, and the ambiance of Disney Springs is significantly better than what you would’ve found only a few years ago at the previous incarnation of this area.

Basically, if you’ve read criticism of Walt Disney World’s shopping and entertainment district (here or elsewhere), that is probably outdated, as Disney Springs is better than ever, and now definitely worthy of your time. We do several meals at Disney Springs each trip, and find visiting this area well worth our time.

Long Wait Times Do Not Equal Popularity or Quality

“If there’s a long line, it must be for something good.” While this sounds a bit silly, this describes Disney guest behavior to a degree.

Just because an attraction has a long line doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy it, and just because it has no line doesn’t mean it’s no good. There are a lot of factors affecting wait times, including an attraction’s hourly guest capacity, its location in the park, the type of attraction it is v. other attractions in the park, etc.

Some of our favorite attractions at Walt Disney World rarely have waits, and that’s often because they have highly hourly capacity or aren’t thrill rides (as a general rule, thrill rides have the longest waits–even though they’re typically the shortest and least-detailed).

Rider Switch Allows Both Parents To Do Rides Their Kids Can’t

Beyond Disney’s free FastPass+ system, another similar time-saving option is the Rider Switch Pass (more commonly known as a “Child Swap”), which can be obtained from Cast Members outside attractions with height limits. This pass allows one parent to stay with the kids who don’t meet the height requirement for an attraction while the other parent (or group of above-height people) waits with the kids.

When the riding parent/group is done, the waiting parent/group (up to 3 per pass) can use the pass by going to the FastPass+ return line. Since three people can use the pass, your kids or other party members who are tall enough to ride the attraction can conceivably go twice: once in line with the first parent, and the second time by using the pass with the parent who did the watching the first time!

You Can Schedule Attraction Times in Advance

As part of a system called MyMagic+, guests can now schedule time windows for bypassing the lines at attractions via something called FastPass+. FastPass+ can be obtained via the My Disney Experience app or via in-park kiosks and are stored on the MagicBand. Guests then “redeem” their FastPass+ by swiping it against an RFID reader outside applicable attractions. Guests are able to book 3 FastPass+ tickets in advance of their vacation (so, from home) 60 days in advance.

This can be a confusing and convoluted system for the first time guest to understand. For further information about FastPass+, check out our Guide to FastPass+ at Walt Disney World . To figure out where you should use your initial 3 FastPass+ selections per day, check out our Disney Ride Guides .

Suffice to say, you’ll definitely want FastPass+ for Slinky Dog Dash, Frozen Ever After, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and other popular attractions. Having FastPass+ for these attractions can save you hours in line per day and be the difference between experiencing only a handful of attractions per day and well over a dozen.

Lines to Meet Characters Are Often Long

A lot of Disney commercials show kids and Disney characters romping around the parks hand-in-hand, as carefree as can be. While there are some spontaneous character interactions, most of the time you will need to wait in line in order to meet Disney characters. In some cases, these wait times are longer than what you’ll encounter for popular attractions.

While Frozen is a bit of an anomaly due to its incredible popularity right now, it’s not uncommon to wait 30 minutes or more to meet “ordinary” characters. That can be less or considerably more depending on the time of year you visit, and the character’s popularity. To make matters worse, many of these lines are outdoors and do not offer shade.

If you must meet characters, doing a character meal is a good way to save time by having the characters come to you while you eat. Of course, there is an additional charge for these meals, and most of them are not cheap. ( Here are our recommendations if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan .) Still, it can be worth your time, money, and sanity if your kids are really into characters.

Disney Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

In pop culture, Disney trips are portrayed as expensive, highly commercialized affairs. This sentiment has become so commonplace that Jungle Cruise skippers often joke that everything leads to a gift shop. While much of this is deserved, visiting Walt Disney World doesn’t have to be ridiculously expensive .

Guests can stay in cheap, off-site hotels that are in abundance around Orlando. (We far prefer staying on-site; click here to read our article weighing the pros and cons of off-site v. on-site.) Disney allows guests to bring their own food to the park (a rare policy among theme parks), but even if you don’t do this, prices are still significantly lower than what you’ll find at a movie theater or ball park.

You can buy discounted souvenirs at nearby outlets or online, or have freebies offered in-park substitute as souvenirs. About the only thing significant aspect of a Walt Disney World vacation that can be done significantly cheaper with an alternative approach is theme park tickets. Then then, though, you can save money by purchasing them from a third party .

Walt Disney World will never be as cheap as visiting a state or National Park, but compared to a lot of other entertainment and vacation options, it can be a better deal. It’s just a matter of perspective and being willing to do things a certain way to save money.

PhotoPass Photographers Will Take Free Photos

PhotoPass is a free service where Disney photographers around the park will take photos of you in front of park icons and other photogenic scenery. Normally, the catch is that while the taking of the photos is free, downloading and printing them costs money (as does the Memory Maker package).

This would render that “free” tag illusory, but for the fact that PhotoPass photographers (and any Cast Member, for that matter) will also take photos for you with your camera.

Given the fact that PhotoPass will take photos of you with your own camera, I have always had a really hard time recommending guests purchase Memory Maker. Granted, there are benefits if your camera isn’t very nice, and the PhotoPass photographers are more “aggressive” in getting good photos with their own cameras than with yours, but to me, that’s not enough to justify spending a lot of money on Memory Maker.

Most guests would come out ahead buying a camera (or even having PhotoPass photographers use their phones to take photos), having PhotoPass photographers use that to take their photos, and then purchasing photo books through reputable online services.

Advance Planning is Necessary

One theme of this post is that planning is important. This really cannot be understated. While it’s true that every destination you visit is best experienced with advance planning, this seems especially true at Walt Disney World. There is so much to do, and so many of the things that exist at Walt Disney World involve waiting or lines, making it seriously advantageous for anyone who is knowledgeable or has an efficient plan of attack.

Some guests go all out, planning every detail of their trip, making binders full of color-coded stuff, and all sorts of other craziness. This type of thing is best reserved for those who actually enjoy doing those things–more power to you if that fits your personality. That degree of planning is not necessary, and the amount of time you’ll expend on those efforts will be grossly disproportionate to the amount of time you’ll save over someone who is moderately prepared. (Moreover, you’ll put pressure on yourself to have an unattainably ‘perfect’ vacation.)

To avoid first-timer pitfalls, read a variety of blogs and find some planning tips on Pinterest or Facebook . We also recommend reading a comprehensive book, like The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2018 or The Easy Guide to Walt Disney World . You’ll spend anywhere from a few hours to several days doing this, but you will poise yourself to have a great vacation.

Planning, or a lack thereof, is ultimately the key difference between those who visit Walt Disney World for the first time and have a great time, and those who have an awful time. As with all things, you get out of it what you put into it.

That’s it for our list of first timer tips. If you are planning your first trip to Walt Disney World, make sure to check out our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for comprehensive planning ideas, our dining reviews to find the best restaurants, and our 101 Great Walt Disney World Tips posts.

Your Thoughts…

If you are a Walt Disney World veteran, what other ‘overlooked’ things to know would you add to this? Which would you emphasize, and with which do you disagree? If you’re a first-timer, is there anything else you’d like to know? Chances are if you have questions still, so does someone else! We love hearing from readers, so please share your thoughts in the comments.

Written by Tom Bricker

I have terminal cancer and will be visiting DisneyWorld in February as one of my bucket list items. Biggest issue is energy levels, so I need to pick and choose what I will do carefully. Don’t care about thrill rides – just want to experience Disney. Money is an issue, so staying any closer than Value isn’t an option. What do you recommend as a must do? I’m 51, and most looking forward to seeing Cinderella’s Castle!

Hope you were able to really enjoy your trip! I’ve never been to Disney and taking my daughter for the first time in May and I’m feeling overwhelmed lol

Try Beauty and the Beast’s place! definitely recommend ‘It’s a Small World’ and ‘Peter Pan’s Flight.’ I hopr you have a good time!

Try Beauty and the Beast’s place! definitely recommend ‘It’s a Small World’ and ‘Peter Pan’s Flight.’ I hope you have a good time!

I have never planned a trip to Disney ever and I am 56 years old. For one, it seems very complicated to me with all the different parks and passes and pass +. It sounds like it is just to crowded to have any fun. From what I have read, you have to buy tickets to each park which are VERY EXPENSIVE, and it also seems like there are lines everywhere you go, and you can’t just go into a restaurant and expect to sit down and eat unless you have reservations. I read there is a lot of walking and even the free travel buses there are lines to wait in. To me, you spend all your time walking, waiting in the heat for everything. It just does not seem like much fun to me. If that many people go to Disney, it seems to me that Disney would have more than enough money without being so expensive. Seems like you would take some of that money and work on making it easier to get to do things without all the waiting and walking and lower the prices so families that do not make a lot of money could afford to take the little children that would love to go too. Come on Disney, are you that stingy and greedy that you have to KEEP RAISING PRICES and making things at the park so expensive??? What a shame, I think it is pathetic that food, drinks, keepsakes are priced so high as well, when it already cost a family fortune just to get in the place. I wish people would quit saving their money to give it all to you people. So, so sad you have to be that GREEDY!!!!

Everything you said after “I have never planned a trip to Disney ever” is null and void!

Gwen, you’re projecting and guessing a lot here. You’ve never planned a trip to Disney and then you go on to make a lot of assumptions. You mention that you’ve heard how crowded things and lines are everywhere. What do you think would happen if they lowered ticket prices? Do you think they’d have more or fewer people that would make a trip to Disney? So, maybe you think they should charge less and spend more on upgrading the park? I’m guessing, in addition to never planning a trip to Disney, you’ve also never run your own business. I don’t really care for some of the prices at Disney either, but I also realize Disney has a right to charge whatever they want. I’m not entitled to a trip at Disney just because it’s there. If enough consumers decided they can’t afford it, their revenue will slump and Disney will have to make adjustments. Maybe Disney just isn’t for you. And that’s ok. I just don’t understand someone taking the time to bellyache about a business when she’s never been a customer. There is most certainly a ceiling in the price for Disney, but it’s just as obvious they haven’t hit it yet because people keep going and keep paying. Don’t like it? Don’t go. Very simple.

What would be the first park to visit on a 7 day trip to Disney? There’s just so much to do I don’t know where to begin…

This is our first time to Dis we world and we are so excited and a bit overwhelmed with all the things to do. We have 5 one day park passes and will be there for 8 days. Which parks would you recommend we go to first and in which order? Also, are there any must get fast passes and restaurant reservations you recommend? TIA

One of the best tips I ever got was from “The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World” (sorry, Tom). Schedule a mid-day pool/nap break!!! Granted, it is geared towards family with kids (that would be me), but still, getting out of the hot Florida heat and humidity at the middle of the day (say, 1-4 PM) for a pool break, or to just relax in a room with AC, can be so relaxing and refreshing. It also can help prevent little ones (and grown ups) from having a meltdown and becoming miserable.

Interestingly, although this tip is common, I don’t get it. Walking all the way out to the buses or parking lot, wasting time driving back, and then doing it in reverse never made sense to me. We always preger to either start early and leave by 4 or 5 to go to dinner or start late and stay until close to eliminate multiple travel trips.

Tom, you may want to consider updating this First Time Disney World Visit Tips blog. Lots of the nomenclature and information is outdated. Especially the Downtown Disney information. I was going to send it to friends for them to review for their first visit but found that they would be confused by some of the info. Thanks for all the great posts. My family and I find that your thinking is spot on with ours.

Thanks for the heads up on this. I just updated all of that Downtown Disney information…and basically rewrote that section entirely since what was there was no longer good advice!

Hi! So it’s going to be me and my boyfriends first time to Disney world is in a few months! Was wondering which park you recommend when we only have a day or two vacation time? I’m the Disney fanatic end he likes more thrill rides! Thanks!

Hi! I would highly recommend magic kingdom. Magic kingdom is a mixture of all four parks meaning it has tones of rides, shows, stores, characters and so many things to look at. If u wanted to see more shows I would recommend Hollywood studios, Hollywood studios also has a few thrill rides. Epcot has a lot of rides and also has the world showcase where u can experience so many cool new cultures, however Epcot doesn’t have many shows. Animal kingdom has a lot of cool things to look at such as animals or the overall decor, not many rides though. The water parks are really great as well and u can do all of the things in the water parks at least once, maybe even twice. Downtown Disney just has stores but all the stores they have are scattered all around the parks! Hope I helped and have a great Disney trip!

The Dine with an Imagineer option was a fantastic experience! It was a small group (I think its limited to about 15) and he talked with us for about 2 hours, so there was plenty of time for anecdotes and to answer everyone’s questions. I believe it cost about $60 (so, pretty much the same as most character dining options), and was at the Brown Derby.

We just returned from our Disney vacation. One advise for first time visitors is to get to the park early. We took a Uber directly from our hotel to the Disney Ticket and Transportation center which was free. Then hopped on the Ferry to the Magic Kingdom, total travel time less when 20 minutes.

We got to the park right as it opened for public at 9am and went directly to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride. Almost no wait time. Be advised that the fastpass+ for this ride has been booked 60 days in advance so there is no fastpass+ available. The normal wait time for this ride is about 60-90 minutes. So getting to the park early really helped us avoid the long lines. Most of the rides during the morning hours have short wait lines which increase as the day goes on. So plan ahead. I am glad we did and we had a fabulous day at the Park.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.

15 Essential Tips for Your First Time at Disney World: Harness the Magic Now

DISCLAIMER: Our posts may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive commission. You won't pay more, but you will be providing us with a small commission, which helps to keep the lights on. All recommendations are based on our own opinions and preferences. You can read our complete disclaimer here . Thanks!

• Pinterest 2.5K
• Facebook 1.6K
• Flipboard 0

Last updated Sept. 25, 2024

After our first time at Disney World, I lamented to a friend who lived in Utah that a four-day trip hadn’t been nearly long enough.

As a long-time veteran of Disneyland in California, she was puzzled by this. How could I possibly spend more than four days at Disney parks?

Her first misconception was that Disney World is only the Magic Kingdom. In fact, Disney World is a vast campus featuring 4 theme parks, 2 water parks and multiple additional activities that range from golf to horseback riding.

In addition to the wide array of fun things to do , Disney World is home to numerous hotels , a staggering array of restaurants , and even some world-class shopping at Disney Springs. Navigating this vast new world will require some planning if you want to capture everything that’s special about a first trip to Disney World.

Follow these 15 essential Walt Disney World vacation planning tips, and you’ll be able to capture all of the magic of your first trip to Disney World .

Table of Contents

1. first step, set up your my disney experience account.

Before setting out to plan your first trip to Disney World, you should take some time to set up a My Disney Experience account. This can be done through the Disney World website or after downloading the My Disney Experience app to your smartphone, iPad or tablet.

Your My Disney Experience account is essential to planning, particularly for your first trip to Disney. This is where you will book advanced dining and Lightning Lane reservations and where all of your plans will be displayed.

Beyond being a valuable tool for the planning process, the My Disney Experience app will be vital during your trip, allowing you to change certain reservations and other travel arrangements on the fly.

You can learn the step-by-step process for setting up your account and connecting your friends and family who will be traveling with you, through our My Disney Experience blog . We also have some tips for signing into your My Disney Experience account .

My Disney Experience Help

If you need help setting up your My Disney Experience account, and many people do, we can help. Check out the articles below for step-by-step instructions.

2. Make Your First Time at Disney World Special – Stay Onsite

One of the most crucial decisions you will make regarding your first time at Disney World is where you will stay. You have two choices: a hotel located on Disney property or an offsite hotel .

While the latter may seem to save you money up front, it’s important to consider all of the costs associated with your Disney World visit. By staying offsite, you will likely need to rent a car and will then need to drive to the parks. Once there, you’ll pay for parking. While some resorts, namely Good Neighbor Hotels , offer shuttles, some do assess a fee.

By staying at a Disney World resort, you will have the luxury of using Disney’s complimentary transportation , a system of buses , watercraft , monorails and skyliner , all designed to get you from your hotel to the parks as quickly and efficiently as possible. Best of all, the use of this service is included in your resort room rate, so you won’t pay extra.

Offsite resorts may also assess a resort fee and charge for parking. You will have none of these charges when staying at an onsite Disney World hotel.

More importantly, you’ll remain in the “Disney bubble”, the hidden world of magic that makes your first time at Disney World so special. Acting as an extension of the theme parks, each Disney World resort is specially themed, allowing you to enter a new and unique world every time you leave the park.

Find the Right Resort and Book Your First Trip to Disney World the Easy Way!

As travel agents and experienced Disney vacation planners, we can help you find the right resort for your trip. Use the form to the right to receive a no-obligation quote for 3 Disney resorts. If you don’t find what you like, we’ll work with you from there to narrow in on the perfect resort for your trip. Most importantly, there is never an additional charge for booking your Disney World resort or package reservation with us. You’ll pay Disney prices and receive all available discounts.

Look for Disney World Discounts

A Disney World resort stay is a sure-fire way to bring the magic home each night, but many guests choose offsite resorts to take advantage of cost savings or the opportunity to book with travel rewards points. However, a Disney resort stay may be more affordable than you think.

Every year, Disney publishes rack rates for each of its resorts. This is the typical booking rate that someone will pay when booking a room. These rates vary by season and even day of the week, so you can often reduce the cost of your stay just by switching dates or traveling during the week.

Another way to cut the rack rate by as much as 30 percent is to find a discounted rate for your first time at Disney World. This isn’t hard to do as they are published on the Disney World website. We also keep a running tally of all available discounts, including booking tips on our Disney World Discounts blog .

If you’re wondering how to score the best deal on your Disney World vacation, you may want to work with an authorized Disney World vacation planner . They can help you book your reservation and will even keep track of any discounts that may be released after you make your reservations. If you’re eligible, they’ll even rebook you to take advantage of the better rate.

3. Decide if You Want the Disney Dining Plan

The Disney dining plan is a great way to enhance your vacation experience and simplify your vacation budgeting. For a flat per-person per-day charge, each guest on your Disney World resort or package reservation will receive 2 meals per day, one snack and resort refillable mug.

The dining plan is offered in 2 variations. The Disney World Quick Service dining plan will allow you to dine at most Disney quick service restaurants, whether located within the parks, resorts or Disney Springs.

The Disney Dining Plan, on the other hand, allows you to eat one of your two meals at a table service restaurant. This is the plan to select if you have character meals on your dining wish list.

To learn more about the Disney World dining plans, take a look at our dining plan guide .

4. Should You Purchase a Disney World Vacation Package

As a travel advisor, I always encourage guests to purchase a Disney World vacation package over booking their hotel and tickets separately. For one thing, you’ll put far less down to hold your vacation. Disney only asks for a $200 deposit with the balance not due until 30 days before arrival. This is a great way for travelers to book Disney and make payments over time.

Better yet, guests who book a Disney vacation package have up until 30 days prior to arrival to cancel. This generous cancellation policy allows you to book early, pay your vacation over time, and still receive a full refund if you circumstances should change, as long as you cancel before the thirty day mark.

When purchasing your tickets and hotel separately, you’ll be asked for a one night deposit at the time of booking your room. This may exceed the $200 required to hold a package. In addition, you’ll need to pay for your tickets at the time of purchase.

5. Will Special-Ticketed Events Enhance Your First Time at Disney World?

Throughout the year, Disney World offers a number of ticketed events that guests may attend for an additional fee. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are two of the more popular.

In addition to exclusive food, shows, parades and attractions, capacity is limited at these events, making it a good way to experience not only a little bit of special magic, but regular attractions with shorter queues.

Special events like these are particularly well worth the cost if your visit is short, extending your time within the parks and allowing you to get more done in less time.

6. Think About Airport Transfers Before Your First Visit to Disney World

If you are flying into Orlando for your first trip, you’ll need to give some thought to how you will get from the airport to your hotel. Disney has discontinued the popular Magical Express, a complimentary service that formerly whisked passengers from hotel to resort, (and even magically retrieved luggage), so you will have to come up with an alternative way to handle airport transfers .

Fortunately, you have a few different options. For under $50 one-way, you can usually get an Uber or Lyft. Both services operate in and around Orlando. Just be careful if you do use ride sharing, and make sure the driver and vehicle both match the description that the app is supplying. If either are different, refuse the ride and report it to the service provider.

The second option is to book a seat on a motorcoach. Mears operates a shuttle service to and from the airport. If you don’t care for the ride-sharing service or the crowded confines of a bus, you can always hire a private car service.

When using a car service, you will be met at baggage check by the driver who will be holding a sign with your name on it. Drivers will help you with your luggage both at the airport and at your resort, so it is customary to tip them the going rate of 15 percent, or more for exceptional service.

The last option is to rent a car at the airpor t. By searching out discounts and comparing rates, you can usually find an economical rental.

For more complete information on airport transfers, be sure to read our ground transportation blog .

When it comes to airport transfers, we have you covered. Take a look at our guide to Magical Express alternatives .

7. Be Sure to Make Advanced Dining Reservations

Disney offers many exceptional restaurants, including character experiences and dinner shows. Fitting a few into your first time at Disney World is definitely part of the magic, but don’t expect to walk up and get a seat. You will need to book a spot in the restaurant in advance by placing an Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR) .

ADRs are a bit of a misnomer, as a table will not be held for your arrival. Instead, you will book a time slot, check-in 10 minutes before, and then be placed in a queue for the next available table fitting your party size.

If it sounds pointless to make a reservation to wait for a table, consider the alternative. Many restaurants, particularly those offering character experiences, fill up with ADRs. When this happens, you will be turned away at the podium without ever having the chance to enter the restaurant.

Quick-service dining , on the other hand, requires no reservations and can be accessed any time during open hours.

8. Consider Skipping the Online Resort Check-in

If you decide to stay at a Disney World resort, you’ll be offered the option of online check-in. This handy feature of the My Disney Experience app allows you to complete all of the requirements for getting into your room online. On the day of check-in, your hotel will text you with your room number when it is cleaned and ready. You can then go directly to your room, bypassing the front desk.

While it sounds easy and convenient, we strongly recommend that first-timers skip online check-in and take time to visit the front desk. This is crucial if you are staying at a larger resort as cast members will provide you with a map and let you know exactly where to find your room.

Beyond logistics, you’ll be treated to a bit of Disney cast member magic as they make you feel special for visiting their resort and provide some otherwise unknown tips about your stay. It’s also a great time to get your questions answered and maybe even request a room change if your location is less than satisfactory. There is no guarantee that the front desk can accommodate your request, but they will try hard to meet your expectations.

9. Trip Essentials You’ll Need to Pack

Once you’ve booked your magical vacation, the planning is just getting started. One big things that first time visitors often forget to think about is their packing list. We’re not talking about planning the perfect outfits for your trip, but the things that could seriously dampen the magic if you don’t have them. Here is a list of a few of the must-have items for your first time at Disney World, including some nice to have items

• Portable phone charger: The My Disney Experience app is essential to your day in the parks, but it does tend to drain battery life on your mobile device. That’s why we always carry a portable phone charger to juice up our phones when they start running low on power.
• Pack Snacks and Water : You’re allowed to bring snacks and bottled water into the parks. It can save you money and keep you energized during the day. You can pack these items in zip lock bags in a separate suitcase or purchase them once you arrive. If you’re renting a car or using Uber or Lyft to get to your hotel, stopping at the grocery store is easy to do and could save you some serious cash.
• Moleskin or Blister Bandages : Long days of walking can lead to blisters, even with comfortable shoes. Moleskin or blister bandages are lifesavers if your feet start hurting.
• Rain Poncho or Compact Umbrella : Florida weather is unpredictable, and rain showers can happen unexpectedly. A lightweight rain poncho or compact umbrella will keep you dry without taking up much space in your bag.
• Chafing Stick or Powder : Long hours of walking in the heat can lead to uncomfortable chafing. Anti-chafing sticks or powder can help prevent irritation.
• Facial Sunscreen Stick or Powder: Regular sunscreen is a must, but a sunscreen stick or powder is especially handy for quick touch-ups on your face, ears, and neck without the mess. For the latter, we love Colorscience brand Supergroup SPF 35 resetting powder . Powder is a great way to reapply sunscreen when you’re a little dewey from sweating.

10. A Thought About MagicBands for Your First Time at Disney World

MagicBands hold the world of magic on your wrist, providing you access to everything from your Disney resort room to entering the park and Disney Lightning Lane reservations. They also act as a payment device, allowing you to pay at stores and restaurants with a simple tap of your wrist.

Prior to 2021, Disney included magic bands with every resort stay. In fact, if you split your stay across two resorts, you would even get two sets of magic bands. As a result, we’ve accumulated several in various colors over the years.

Disney no longer includes magic bands in the price of your resort stay, so you will need to purchase them separately if you wish to use them. The good news is you can do so through your My Disney Experience account before you leave for your trip. Disney will even mail them to your home, so you’ll have them when you arrive. Just make sure you use the desktop version of the Disney World website to order.

Alternatively, you can access many of the same features on your smartphone through Disney MagicMobile .

11. Think About Your First Day – Should You Go Right to The Parks Upon Arrival?

Your first time in Disney World will certainly be filled with magical moments, so there is no wrong way to start your vacation. However, unless your trip is short, don’t feel inclined to rush right out to the theme parks when you arrive.

If you land at your resort late morning to mid-day, you’ll likely find the parks crowded, and since you’ve been traveling since early morning, it might be a great time to have a leisurely bite to eat or relax at your resort pool. Crowds often thin out later in the day or around dinner time, giving you some freedom to hit a few attractions with shorter lines.

You’ll also want to consider park hours in relation to your arrival time. If you plan to arrive at your hotel in the evening, is it worth the cost of an extra day on your ticket if the parks will only be open for a few hours?

If you do decide to venture out, consider hitting the park that will be open the latest. This will give you more time to enjoy your first visit.

12. Decide if You’ll Use Disney Lightning Lane and How to Do so Wisely

While the FastPass+ system was discontinued in 2020, an all-new Lightning Lane Multi Pass was introduced in 2024. Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows you to skip the regular queue by booking a time slot to visit attractions. Since the number of bookings are limited during each time slot, you’ll generally wait less in line by using the Lightning Lane.

Since Multi Pass reservations can reduce the time you spend in line, thereby allowing you to accomplish more, it’s a great service to utilize for your first time at Disney World. However, it’s important to use Multi Pass reservations wisely.

For instance, some rides or attractions will never have enough of a wait to make it worth using the Lightning Lane. This includes many less popular rides or shows with high capacity. That means you may not need to use the Lightning Lane on It’s a Small World, depending on when you’re traveling. Instead, save Multi Pass reservations for rides that typically garner higher waits.

For more details on making Multi Pass reservations during your first trip at Disney World, be sure to read our complete guide to Multi Pass , to learn all of the ins and outs, including which rides are available and the associated cost.

Need to Know Where to Use Multi Pass During Your First Trip at Disney World?

Download our handy Ride Guide to Multi Pass (formerly Genie+ ). Here, we list not only the best bets, but also the order in which you should book them.

13. Consider Arriving Early to the Parks and Using an Itinerary

During our first time in Disney World, we were free spirits, moving from one attraction to another at will. This was a different time when there was still an off-season at Disney World with walk-on wait times.

You’ll be hard pressed to find that atmosphere these days. At times, popular attractions realize extended wait times of an hour or more, so planning your day can help you get more done in the time that you have.

The key is to arrive early, probably an hour before park opening, and to schedule the most popular attractions for early in the morning. Generally, the more popular the attraction, the earlier you will want to ride it.

That advice, however, is not always the best approach to visiting ultra-popular or brand-new attractions, such as Slinky Dog Dash and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We’ve observed that both of these rides have higher wait times first thing in the morning than they do right before closing.

It’s a good idea to monitor wait times on the My Disney Experience app for a week or two before you go. This will give you an idea of trends and when wait times are highest. You can then plan your day accordingly.

One last tip for Disney World first timers is to utlize Early Theme Park Entry . This perk is reserved for guests staying at a Disney World resort, and allows you to enter the parks a half an hour before scheduled opening. It’s enough time to whiz through the lines at one or two headliner attractions, opening a big chunk of time later in your day.

For detailed advice on creating an itinerary, as well as a planning sheet, you can visit our Disney World itinerary blog .

14. Don’t Be Afraid to Use Disney World’s Complimentary Transportation on Your First Trip at Disney World

With the rise of Uber and Lyft , many guests now forego the Disney World transportation system in favor of a ride-sharing service. Most assume that this will allow them to get where they are going much faster. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true.

We performed a comprehensive analysis of ridesharing vs. Disney World transportation and found that both had similar transit times. The only exception to this rule was mid-day when using Disney World buses. Fewer vehicles often run during these hours, so you might wait longer to be picked up.

Also, keep in mind that if you’re using Uber or Lyft to travel to the Magic Kingdom , you’ll be dropped off at the Transportation Ticket Center . From there, you’ll have to jump on the Disney World monorail or steamship to get to the park gates. Disney buses transport you from your hotel and drop you off right in front of the park.

Seconds to Go New Merch Line Is Here

15. Have Young Kids? Know the Height Requirements and Use Disney Rider Switch

Some attractions at Disney World aren’t suitable for younger visitors. For that reason, you’ll want to know which rides are subject to height restrictions . There are few things worse than a child who finds out they can’t ride the most anticipated ride on their list when they are standing at the ride entrance.

Fortunately, parents don’t have to miss out if one or more of your youngsters are too short to ride, or simply don’t want to. You can take advantage of Disney Rider Switch.

The way it works is simple. Just let a cast member know that you would like to use the rider switch option when you enter the queue.

They will then give you a pass for coming back. One parent then enters the ride using the regular queue while the other stays back with the non-riders. When they are done and ready to make the swap, the second parent then uses the pass to skip the regular queue and go to the front of the line. Usually, this parent is welcome to take one child with them when they ride.

16. Memory Maker is Nice but Is It Necessary?

Saving those precious photo moments from your first time at Disney is essential, so Disney positions photographers with professional-looking cameras to take guest pictures at strategic locations, such as in front of Cinderella Castle. These photos are part of Disney’s PhotoPass program and can be purchased for a fee online.

However, individual shots are costly, and quickly add up if you want more than a few. For that reason, the Memory Maker Package may be worth the expense if you think you’ll want a lot of these images and especially ride photos. Currently, ride photos are included with the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass, but this may be a limited time offer. So, if you’ll want all of those images, it’s worth it to get Memory Maker.

All shots snapped by PhotoPass photographers, as well as those taken on rides, are included in the $169 advanced purchase price of the Memory Maker Package. However, if you wait until after your arrival, you’ll end up paying $199 for the same privilege.

To help you decide whether to purchase the Memory Maker package for your first time at Disney World, we’ve put together a comprehensive blog post on the Memory Maker package .

Enjoying Your First Time at Disney World

By following these tips, as well as the step-by-step guide to Disney World vacation planning , you’re sure to have the magical vacation of your dreams. Just remember to relax and soak it all in. After all, you’ll never have a second chance to have a first time at Disney World.

Other Articles You Might Enjoy

Planning your Disney World Trip Budget: 7 Unexpected Expenses You Can’t Afford to Miss

Are You Asking the RIGHT Disney World Questions? Critical Things to Know When Planning a Trip

Narrow in on the 43 Must-Sees in Disney World: The Very Best Experiences You CANNOT Miss

Financing Your Disney Dream: Plan Now, Pay Later Disney World Vacation Payment Plan

Turning Every Day Life Into Fantasy: Disney World Magic Kingdom Park

Thrills and Chills Await at Disney World Halloween 2023

Follow Us on Social

Disney channels.

Travel Channels

We're Kat and Ali, a pair of mother-daughter travel bloggers exploring the U.S. We're sharing our experiences, tips and insights to help you more easily get out and explore the beautiful landscapes and places of this nation.

EXPLORE WITH US

Why We Love Walt Disney World Vacation Packages (and You Should Too)

Magical Holidays at Disney World: Upcoming Festivities and Events

Where’s the Real Fairy Tale? Staying Onsite at Disney World or at an Offsite Hotel?

Explore Some of EPCOT’s Best-Kept Dining Secrets: Best Restaurants in EPCOT Ranked and Reviewed!

Disney World Boma Review: Why This Might Be Orlando’s Top Restaurant

Disney World Hotels: Hilton Lake Buena Vista Palace Review

Kathleen Hesketh

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Essential Tips for Disney World First-Timers

Planning your first trip to Walt Disney World can be confusing. When is the best time of year to go? How many parks are there? Is a park hopper ticket essential? Do not let the questions overwhelm you! You can have a good time on your vacation if you follow these expert recommendations and tips for Disney World first-timers.

First Visit Important Facts

Walt Disney World is a vast and expansive property. Unlike Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, the two closest Walt Disney World parks are a 20-minute walk from one another (Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios) . The entire property spans 43 square miles. Traveling from park to park, or from your resort to a park, can take time. Be prepared to walk a lot, and plan more time for travel than you need. First-timers cannot truly fathom how big the Walt Disney World resort is until they actually visit.

The names of the different areas of Walt Disney World property are just as important as knowing where they are in relation to your hotel room. Four main parks have popular rides and attractions. Magic Kingdom , Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are known as “the big four.”

Additionally, there are two water parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach, located near the popular shopping and dining district known as Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). Knowing these distinctions is a good idea so you don’t get turned around driving on property or take the wrong Disney bus to a location you didn’t mean to go to.

Vacation Planning Tips for Disney World First-Timers

First-time visitors absolutely MUST research while in the planning process of their Walt Disney World vacation. Gone are the days of just “showing up” and winging it. This is especially true if you or a family member has not visited the parks in several years.

Disney World can be a full day of fun or headaches if you are unprepared. A travel agent is a crucial part of this process. Travel agents are experts with the knowledge to navigate the My Disney Experience app, get popular dining reservations, and know which Disney hotel is best for your group.

One of the best ways to have an amazing Disney vacation is to work WITH your travel agent instead of depending on them for everything. They usually cannot vacation with you, so it will be imperative for you to know how to use your MagicBand or how to make the most out of Disney Genie, or how to mobile order food and skip the line at restaurants.

Only you and your group can decide the most important things to accomplish on your Disney vacation. Do you have favorite attractions you must do? Would you rather spend a lot of time enjoying your hotel amenities? Deciding on these plans sets expectations for a vacation with so much fun potential.

Tips for Disney Theme Park Tickets

Another consideration for Disney vacation planning is travel time. Extra time needs to be built into park days to accommodate the spaciousness of the Walt Disney World property. As such, decide if add-ons to your tickets are the best deal for your group.

Park Hopper tickets allow guests to visit more than one Disney park during the course of one day, but they are an extra cost on top of regular ticket prices. Also, park hopping is not allowed until after 2 pm each day as of this article’s publishing.

A crowd calendar is typically helpful in assessing how busy the parks will be when determining a great time for your family to visit and whether or not you can realistically park hop. In recent years, crowd calendars have not been as helpful as they used to be due to all the changes to procedures and protocols brought on in 2020.

Timing is Everything

Time is the most important factor in a first-timer’s Disney vacation. No one wants to spend their vacation in long lines or wait on Disney transportation to take you across Walt Disney World property. One of the biggest time wasters is forgetting to make park reservations. Tickets are no longer a guarantee for park admittance. Guests must make a reservation for the park they wish to visit ahead of their visit. This is done through your My Disney Experience account on the Disney World website, not the app.

During peak times, some parks may not be available. Resort guests receive preference over ticket-only guests. If the park you want to visit is unavailable, don’t despair! Keep checking back, even on the morning of your visit. Cancellations happen, and you’ll want to secure your park pass reservations before you plan your day.

Disney Hotels vs. Good Neighbor Hotels

While on-property hotels used to have many perks, there are not as many anymore. However, the remaining perks may benefit you depending on your vacation situation.

Current resort guest perks are discounted prices on solid-colored or specially designed MagicBands, room charging privileges, and complimentary merchandise delivery to your hotel. Additionally, there is now free parking at the resorts on the Disney property and free parking at Disney parks for resort guests. Parking is always free at Disney’s water parks and at Disney Springs .

As of this article’s publishing, Early Theme Park Entry replaced Extra Magic Hours on October 1, 2021. Early Theme Park Entry happens 30 minutes before each theme park opens for the day, including every Disney resort guest and other select hotel guests. Additionally, guests of Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort hotels can enjoy extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks.

While Good Neighbor Hotels occasionally offer significant monetary savings, their distance from the parks might mean you’ll spend too much time using their free transportation or driving around the property instead of on the popular attractions you’ve wanted to try.

Transportation Options

Unfortunately, Disney’s Magical Express is no longer a free transportation option from Orlando International Airport to Disney property. However, there are cost-effective options to get you to and from the airport or just around the property in general.

Rideshares and Shuttles

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are allowed to operate on property. They may not be able to get you right to the park entrance, but they are one of the cheapest options for transportation if you don’t have your own vehicle.

Minnie Vans, official Disney transportation reserved through the Lyft app, has returned, but it will cost you. However, this cost may be worth it to avoid the crowded bus, monorail, or boat transportation lines.

Transportation with Kids

Young children need special accommodation considerations in most vehicles. Ensure you have an appropriate car seat or booster for small children through the transportation company or on your person. The good news is that once you are on Disney property, car and/or booster seats are unnecessary on Disney buses and the monorail system.

Most families I share tips with don’t really want to drive to or around Disney World . If you have a special advanced dining reservation or a desire to “rope drop” a park (i.e. be there for the opening), being in charge of your transportation from the first day of vacation might be the right choice.

Tips for Rides and Attractions

When deciding which park to visit and when this is where a general knowledge of the parks comes in handy. First-time visitors may not know that “it’s a small world” is located in the Fantasyland section of Magic Kingdom or that the best place to watch the parades and cavalcades is not always Main Street U.S.A. Below is a basic overview of what you can expect in each park:

• Magic Kingdom : the “original” Walt Disney World park that opened in 1971; contains the most family-friendly attractions such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Peter Pan’s Flight.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios : where Star Wars fans can get their fix; also home to favorite rides such as Tower of Terror, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Slinky Dog Dash.

• Epcot : more hands-on activities than rides, especially in the World Showcase area; home to rides like Mission: Space, Soarin’, Frozen Ever After, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom : see wild animals up close and in person; Pandora: The World of Avatar is part of this park, as is Dinosaur, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safari.

Utilize Rider Switch or Child Swap

One way to minimize wait times is to take advantage of rider switch. Traveling with small children means they may not always meet the height requirement or be afraid to ride. At Disney World, up to 2 guests can utilize the rider switch function. This allows one adult and participating children to go through the line, or Lightning Lane, while the other adult waits with the younger child.

Note: Each guest who wants to ride using Lightning Lane must pay for Disney Genie+ or the Individual Lightning Lane attraction. While the children will get to ride more than once, each paying adult may only use their Lightning Lane entitlement once.

First-Time Character Meeting Tips

Character hugs are back, and I could not be happier. My biggest tip for first-timers is to book at least one character meal during your vacation.

This is a great way to enjoy good food, and a quick character meet without spending precious park time in yet another long line.

Disney Dining Plan Options

Finally, the Disney Disney Plan has not yet returned for guests to utilize. Coming up with your own Disney Dining Plan may sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Mobile ordering is one of my favorite things to save money and time at Disney Parks. Restaurants, and some snack locations, that accept mobile orders do not require reservations, which keeps dining from taking up too much of those precious, sometimes limited park hours.

Looking for a way to save since you’ve splurged on other aspects of your vacation? Consider bringing your own food to the parks (yes, that is allowed) or cooking in your hotel room if you have a kitchen. You paid for the larger accommodations, so take advantage of access to more than just a mini-fridge!

My family does not think the previous version of the dining plan was worth the cost. The portions at Walt Disney World are very generous, and we often found we got a better deal by splitting meals, especially if we had enjoyed individual snacks during the day.

FAQs for First-Time Visits

I wanted to end this article with some tidbits of help that may be a little random and, thus, don’t really fit anywhere else in the article.

Pin trading is a fun activity that guests can participate in with other guests or Cast Members. First, you must purchase your own “starter” set to trade with others. Find pin-trading starter sets online or at official Disney Stores. You can also purchase individual pins. It is not a make-or-break part of a Disney vacation but simply a fun extra that some guests enjoy experiencing.

Guest Services is the place to go if you have any issues in the park. They are located at the front of every park, and they now have blue umbrella stands set up throughout each park to assist guests. Cast Members working in these positions can help with app issues, ticket issues, dining questions, and even praise for their fellow Cast Members (referred to on social media as a “Cast Compliment”).

Disney World can be an exhausting vacation. Plan a rest or hotel day and enjoy your hotel pool or other fun activities.

The best time of year to visit is whenever you can go. There are no longer “slow” times at Walt Disney World . Manage expectations before you arrive, and everyone will leave the happiest place a little happier than when they arrived.

More About Sarah

Previous Post Disneyland Hotels Ranked by Best Value

Next post mickey's not so scary halloween party expert guide, recommended for you, what to know about disney d23: the ultimate fan event, lightning lane multi pass and single pass: your faq guide, these two florida theme parks may not be high on your vacation itinerary, but they should be.

© 2024 On the Road with Sarah.

• Theme Parks
• Travel Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Your First Time at Disney World (2023)

Welcome, fellow Disney lovers, to the possibilities of planning your very first time at Disney World!

Our best tips for first timers are: (1) travel when the crowds are light (January), (2) watch Youtube videos of rides and attractions and compile a “must-do” list, and (3) stay in a on-site resort so that you don’t have to worry about transportation and parking.

We understand that planning your first trip to the parks can be an overwhelming task. But no worries!

We’re here to help make your inaugural visit a great one.

The Travel Fam Knows Disney World

Beth from The Travel Fam has visited Disney World more times than she can count.

Adam went on his very first trip to Disney after he started dating Beth with her family for her high school graduation trip.

(Adam was pretty overwhelmed when visiting the super crowded Disney World for the first time) .

Between Beth’s decades of experience visiting Disney World and Adam’s knowledge of what it feels like to visit for the first time as a young adult, we’ve written this article to help you prep for your first time at Disney, too.

Preparing for Your First Trip to Disney World

Preparing for your first trip to Disney World is an exciting and crucial part of the experience.

It’s important to start by asking yourself some foundational questions.

﹖When should I visit?

﹖How long should I stay?

﹖What shows do I want to attend?

﹖What rides do I want to do?

﹖What parks do I want to visit?

﹖What is my budget?

Doing a little research on the parks and attractions on Youtube is a fun and un-stressful way to prepare yourself for your trip.

Tips for a Positive Experience

Your first time at Disney World can be pure joy and excitement, or, you can let the stress get to you and tank your fun 🙁

To make sure your Disney experience is positive, here are a few tips that will guarantee a pleasant experience.

✔️ Wear practical shoes so that you can walk further and longer without hurting your feet, ankles, or back

✔️ Over-budget so that feeling tight on cash doesn’t wreck your vibe

✔️ Prioritize rest: go back to your hotel room in the afternoons for a nap or swim

✔️ Communicate clearly with your travel buddies so that no one goes home feeling like they missed out

Things to do the First Time at Disney World

There’s so much to do at Disney World Orlando that it can be super overwhelming to plan your trip.

Here are few iconic things that are on most people’s “must do at Disney” list.

🪄 Snap a selfie in front of Cinderella Castle’s in the Magic Kingdom

🪄 Explore the edge of the galaxy in Hollywood Studios

🪄 Chase down your favorite Disney characters and get their autographs

🪄 Indulge in a couple of delectable treats and put those pics on your Instagram grid

With so much to see and do, your first time at Disney World promises to be a magical and unforgettable experience.

Overview of Walt Disney World for First Timers

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is a mega resort that covers over 27k acres and has tons of entertainment to offer.

It’s comprised of four main theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios , and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

(Not to mention the two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach).

“Bonus” Areas Near Disney World

You can’t forget about Disney Springs and the Boardwalk.

They’re the premier shopping areas and they don’t require a ticket!

We usually visit Disney Springs and the Boardwalk at least once each on our Orlando trips.

Both areas free to enter and offer a lot more shops, restaurants, and experiences to explore.

(We love Gideon’s Bakery at Disney Springs!)

Ticket Options

Disney World offers various ticket options to cater to different needs and preferences.

👉 Single Day Tickets

👉 Multi-day Tickets

👉 Park Hopper Tickets

👉 Park Hopper Plus Tickets (includes water parks)

Multi-day tickets are cheaper if you plan on staying multiple days. (You should!)

Don’t bother with park hopper tickets for your first time and instead, just immerse yourself into one park per day. There’s plenty to do, trust me.

Disney Genie+ Pass

Disney Genie+ is the new digital skip-the-line feature that replaced FastPass a couple years back.

The Genie+ Pass gives you access to expedited lines, called “Lightning Lanes” for certain attractions.

We were disappointed to find that Genie+ Pass doesn’t give you skip-the-line privileges for ALL rides…

But there are enough rides included to make the pricey add-on worth the money.

I highly recommend purchasing the Genie+ Pass if you are visiting the park during peak times!

We visited two parks over Christmas break and didn’t buy the Genie+ Pass.

IT WAS HORRIBLE. There were so many rides we missed out on because it was so crowded!

We missed the new Star Wars ride because we didn’t have a Genie+ Pass :*(

I highly recommend biting the bullet and purchasing the Genie+ Pass for your first trip unless you are traveling during the off-season and you KNOW that crowds will be super slim.

When packing for Disney World, it’s essential to strike a balance between comfort and practicality.

👉 See my full packing list for Disney here .

✔️ Comfortable footwear

✔️ Layer-able clothing

✔️ Weather dependent essentials (sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, possibly a poncho depending on the time of year)

👉 Visiting during the hottest part of the year? See what to wear here.

✔️ Backpack or bag for carrying water bottles, snacks, and any personal items you may need throughout the day.

Best Dining for First Time Disney World

On a budget.

The best way to save money on dining (because trust us, it will add up) is to pack your own water, snacks, and meals.

You can bring a cooler, but just know that you will not be able to heat up your food anywhere.

👉 Read more tips for dining on a budget here.

Quick-service restaurants throughout the Disney World are fairly cost-effective meals, giving you a chance to savor the Disney dining experience without breaking the bank.

Order To-Go from the App

When we went to Disney over the holidays, it was CRAY CRAY BUSY.. . and the restaurant employees tipped us off.

“Order to-go instead of attempting to get in to a restaurant!” they said.

We ate in a matter of minutes instead of waiting hours for a table.

You can use the My Disney Experience mobile app to conveniently order and pay for your meals from select restaurants throughout the parks.

Make Advance Dining Reservations

No matter the time of year you’re traveling, if you want to eat at a sit-down restaurant, you should definitely make advance dining reservations!

Use the My Disney Experience app or Disney World website to make a reservation up to 60 days before to your visit.

Popular dining locations will book up quickly!

Resorts and Transportation at Disney World

If you are flying into Orlando and don’t have your own car, we highly recommend staying on in a Disney resort on site.

Unless you’re going to spend a substantial amount of time exploring outside of the parks, renting a car for Disney is a waste of money .

Why You Shouldn’t Rent a Car for Disney

Your rental car will be parked pretty much the whole time… And you’ll have to pay to park it!

Instead of renting a car… Stay on site and use the resort’s free transportation options.

This saves you commuting time, parking fees, and the hassle of renting a car (my most hated part of any trip).

Resort Hotels

From luxurious themed resorts to value-priced accommodations, there’s something for everyone.

We have stayed at several of the “value” resorts (like Disney’s All-Star Movies and Sports Resorts and the Art of Animation) over the years and have never been disappointed with the experience.

If I had the choice, I’d prefer to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Wilderness Lodge. These resorts will take a higher tole on your budget, however.

Transportation

Disney makes it easy to get from your resort hotel to the parks with convenient transportation options.

Depending on which resort you’re staying at, you’ll either take a bus, monorail, boat, or shuttle between the resorts and theme parks. (And sometimes a combination of them!)

It’s super easy to navigate getting from the resort to the park for the day and back, which is why we recommend staying on property (at least for your first visit).

Staying on Walt Disney World Property is Usually the Easiest (and the Cheapest) Option

Staying on Walt Disney World property often proves to be the easiest and most cost-effective choice.

Don’t think that just because you’re staying off park that you’ll pay less for lodging. (Not to mention, you’ll need a rental car).

Disney Value Resorts are often much cheaper than other branded hotels in Orlando!

Staying in a resort has perks like free transportation to the parks, Extra Magic Hours, and the convenience of being immersed in the Disney magic throughout your vacation.

What is the Best Disney World Park for First Time Visitors?

Choosing the best Disney World park for first-time visitors is a personal decision that will set the stage for an unforgettable adventure.

Most people you ask will say that the Magic Kingdom is the best park for first timers, and I’ll have to concede that you should make it your top choice.

🪄 If you can only go to one park on your trip, you should go to the Magic Kingdom.

The Magic Kingdom is the most iconic park.

With the most rides, attractions, and bonus street entertainment like fireworks and parades, it really is THE park to visit.

Your favorite park is really a matter of opinion.

Personally, my favorite park is the Animal Kingdom.

I love the Finding Nemo musical, the Tree of Life, and seeing the animals. The Dinosaur Ride is my long-time favorite “thrill” ride.

However…

Many people say that EPCOT is the best park for adults because of all the food and beverage options.

And Star Wars fans will always encourage you to visit Hollywood Studios.

Try to fit in all four parks your first time to Disney if you can.

But if you can’t, don’t sweat it! Remember, you can always go back.

We chose not to go to EPCOT on our last trip, but we will prioritize it for our next trip!

Overview of the Disney Parks

Magic kingdom.

The Magic Kingdom is where you’ll feel the most like a little kid again.

As the heart and soul of Disney World, the Magic Kingdom has it all.

✔️ 23 Rides

✔️ 10 Character Experiences

✔️ 6 Restaurants with Table Service

✔️ 22 Quick Service Restaurants

✔️ Festival of Fantasy Parade (daily)

✔️ Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade (daily)

This park is THE foodie queen of the Disney parks.

Although personally my least favorite park, for many, it’s the best park for adults because of all the drinking and eating options.

I didn’t realize how many opportunities to meet characters there are at EPCOT! This exponentially levels up this park, in my opinion.

✔️ 10 Rides

✔️ 13 “Character Experiences”

✔️ 27 Restaurants with Table Service

✔️ 27 Quick Service Restaurants

❌ No parades

❌ No character cavalcades

Hollywood Studios

If you love Star Wars (like us!) you can’t miss Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

We spent Christmas Day at Hollywood Studios because the other parks were booked up… and we would’ve had a great time except we didn’t buy Genie+ passes!

We ended up having to skip the newest Star Wars rides because we couldn’t wait for more than 2 hours in line with the kids.

Take it from someone who is generally too cheap to upgrade ANYTHING – you have to buy a Genie+ Pass if you’re visiting on a special event day (like Christmas!) and don’t want to miss out on rides!

✔️ 9 “Character Experiences”

🧜🏽‍♀️ Now, you can meet Ariel at Hollywood Studios!! See her schedule here.

✔️ 7 Restaurants with Table Service

✔️ 18 Quick Service Restaurants

Animal Kingdom

Welcome to my personal favorite Disney park, where Disney magic meets safari zoo!

Christmas was amazing at the Animal Kingdom thanks to the Magical Menagerie puppets and festive Tree of Life projector shows.

One of the reasons I love the Animal Kingdom is because of the show, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

I’ve seen it twice and it was spectacular both times. (I particularly love Crush’s song).

✔️ 3 “Character Experiences”

✔️ 25 Quick Service Restaurants

✔️ Character flotillas & river cruises

Overview of the Disney Water Parks

I’ll be honest… I’ve never gone to the water parks at Disney. I’ve just never felt the draw.

I just feel like… You can go to waterparks pretty much every where, right? Why go when Disney World is right there?

Disney has two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Blizzard Beach is currently closed for refurbishment… You can check for updates here.

Where Should I go First in Disney World?

Deciding where to go first at Disney World can be a big decision.

Here’s some advice I have for planning your first visit.

👉 Only have 1 day at Disney? Go to the Magic Kingdom to get the most bang for your buck

👉 Head to the most popular rides at rope drop (first thing) so you don’t miss out

👉 Get the Genie+ pass so that you can be sure to make ALL the rides and attractions you want to do throughout the day

Rookie Mistake: We didn’t get the Genie+ pass on literal Christmas Day. BIG MISTAKE !!

It was so crowded we were only able to do 1 ride at Hollywood Studios. (We sat in line for 2 hours for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance before leaving). It felt like a waste of a day.

Pick your Top Park Choices

When choosing where next to after the Magic Kingdom, consider YOUR top to-do list… And collaborate with your travel buddies, too.

👉 Have more days, but can’t fit in all the parks? Eliminate which one that has the least amount of attractions and rides that you’re interested in doing

👉 Narrow down what you want to do by watching ride and entertainment videos on Youtube.

👉 Make a list of absolute MUST dos

Do we have to visit ALL the parks?

The last time we visited Disney, we could only go to the parks 3 days.

It was our kids’ first time at the park, so we prioritized and went to the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom.

Should I buy the Park Hopper option?

When I was a teen, we bought park hopper tickets every time. (It was cheaper back then, though, too!)

We don’t like doing Park Hopper tickets because our kids are little and get tired easily.

Should I skip one of the parks?

This last time, we chose not to go to Epcot because it was a kid-focused trip.

Epcot, although not my favorite park, is loved by many and considered the best park for adults and foodies.

If you’re considering skipping a park because it doesn’t sound interesting to you, do it!

Your money will go further when you spend more time doing what YOU want to do – not what you think you “have” to do.

How to Enter a Theme Park

To enter a Disney theme park, follow these steps:

✔️ Purchase your ticket in advance online

Link it to your My Disney Experience account (it will cut down on the time it takes to enter the park if it’s on your phone or smart watch).

A couple of times, we got behind families who HADN’T downloaded the app to their phone… They took forever to enter the park!

The My Disney Experience app is THE best way to show your tickets when you enter the parks.

✔️ Go through security checks, which includes bag inspection, walk-through metal detector, and wand detectors.

Pro Tip: to enter the Animal Kingdom without the lines, go through the Rainforest Cafe!

(You won’t skip through security, though, which is a good thing for everyone!)

There are gates in the restaurant that will scan you through to the park.

Get Your “First Visit” Button

To commemorate your inaugural visit, be sure to pick up your free “First Visit” button from Guest Services.

If the line at guest services is too long, you can ask a cashier at any gift shop for the badge.

They’ll fill it and hand it over!

What Entertainment Does Disney World Offer?

Disney World is THE place for magical entertainment.

From thrill rides, immersive themed lands, character meet-and-greets, and interactive experiences, to spectacular parades, fireworks displays, and live stage shows, there is a TON to offer.

Here are the links to ALL of the things to do at Disney.

🔗 List of ALL thrill rides

🔗 List of ALL firework shows

🔗 List of ALL stage shows

🔗 List of ALL character experiences

🔗 List of ALL parades (there’s… one)

🔗 List of all interactive ‘play’ Disney activities

Street Performers/Entertainment: “Streetmosphere”

In addition to “planned” activities, Disney World is home to some up-close interactions with entertainers , as well.

They call these acts “Streetmosphere”, and they provide a great deal of added entertainment value to your visit.

Musicians, acrobats, magicians, and improv actors add an extra layer of magic and surprise to your park experience as they perform throughout the day and interact with guests.

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade features classic representations of beloved characters, elaborate floats, and impressive choreography, creating memorable spectacles that enchant visitors of all ages.

The Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party parade is a modern rendition of Disney’s favorites and emphasizes catchy music, bright colors, and Minnie’s dots are an overarching theme of the decor.

Nightlife at Disney

After dark is really when Disney comes to life.

The star of the evening are hands down the stunning fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom.

If you or your child has a Sensory Processing Disorder (like both my daughter and me), then you may want to consider skipping the fireworks. We dove into the Pirates of the Caribbean ride during the fireworks show to prevent auditory overstimulation. They get LOUD!

If you have a kid-free evening, do some bar hopping. Oga’s Cantina in Hollywood Studios is a great place for Star Wars fans. Disney Springs is another great place to grab a drink.

You have a couple of options for additional nighttime magic with special After Hours events at Disney.

After Hours Events at Disney

There are couple of ‘After Hours’ nights offered throughout the year that let you enter the park later and stay later.

See all After Hours tickets here.

After Hours tickets are about the same price (or more!) than a regular day entry ticket… and you get less time at the park.

What?! Why would I spend the same amount OR MORE for less time at the parks?

Well… some people love the idea of exploring Disney after dark.

After Hours events have the added benefit of being slightly cooler without the burning summer sun!

After Hours at Hollywood Studios 2023

👉 Tickets start at $149 for adults, $99 for kids

👉 Enter the park at 7pm

👉 Parks is open until 12:30 AM (March-April) or 1:00 AM (May-June)

After Hours at Epcot 2023

👉 Tickets start at $129 for adults, $99 for kids over 3 yo

👉 Parks is open until 1:00 AM

Seasonal Events at Disney

Check out all the seasonal events at Disney here.

Disney’s seasonal events are not-to-be-missed.

And by that we mean… EVERYBODY goes to them.

It gets fricken crowded!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

This is on the top of my Disney bucket list. You can trick-or-treat, see characters dressed in costume and watch the Halloween fireworks show directed by Jack Skellington.

There’s also a special Hocus Pocus feature!

✔️ Tickets start at $109 for adults, $99 for kids

✔️ Select nights from August through October

✔️ Takes place at the Magic Kingdom

✔️ 7:00 PM – Midnight

✔️ You can enter the park as early as 4pm with your special ticket

Disney World Resorts for First Time Visitors

Value resorts.

For budget-conscious travelers, Disney’s Value Resorts are a great buy.

Pop Century, All-Star Movies, and Art of Animation all provide an affordable and comfortable stay with great amenities and convenient access to all Disney World parks.

Higher-End Resorts

For a more luxurious stay, Disney’s Deluxe Resorts are where you need to be.

The Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, and Contemporary Resort are considered some of the best Disney resorts your money can buy.

They offer upscale accommodations, exceptional dining, and premium amenities, often with direct transportation to the parks.

Extra Tips for Visiting Disney World for the First Time

Walt disney world is huge.

Spanning over 40 square miles—roughly the size of San Francisco—Walt Disney World is an immense resort with four theme parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, golf courses, and two shopping districts. Dang!

You Can’t Just Wing It When It Comes to a Disney World Vacation

Given the vast array of attractions at Disney World, you can’t just wing it when it comes to a planning your first time at the parks.

It requires careful and thoughtful preparation.

Advance Planning is Necessary

When I’m planning a trip to Disney, I like to head to Youtube to watch videos on live shows, behind-the-scenes, tips, and ride walkthroughs.

Then, I get out a piece of paper and write a list of things that I HAVE to do while I’m there.

After I’ve got my “must-do” list, I start narrowing down my itinerary to include 2-3 parks. (We usually don’t visit every park on every visit).

Whatever you do, be sure to put a little thought into your vacation before you get there. (I’ve done Disney on the fly and felt like I wasted my trip…)

Tips for Getting the Most out of Your First Trip to Disney World

Rider switch allows both parents to do rides their kids can’t.

Disney’s Rider Switch service allows parents with young children or others who can’t ride a particular attraction to take turns riding without having to wait in line twice.

That way everyone gets to enjoy their favorite rides.

Watch Youtube Videos of Rides

Watching YouTube videos of Disney World rides before your visit can help you decide which attractions are must-dos, give you a sense of what to expect, and enhance your anticipation and planning experience.

You Can Schedule Attraction Times in Advance

Through Disney’s Genie+ and Lightning Lane services, you can schedule times to ride select attractions in advance, reducing wait times and enabling you to make the most of your visit to the parks.

I highly recommend getting the Genie+ Pass add on if you’re visiting during peak times.

Lines to Meet Characters are Often Long

Lines to meet Disney characters are often super long.

You can use the My Disney Experience app to check character appearance times and locations, too!

Disney Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

While Disney World can be a significant investment, it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Careful planning, budgeting, and taking advantage of value options for dining, accommodations, and tickets can make your dream Disney vacation more affordable.

👉 Check out my post here on budgeting for Disney World.

Photopass Photographers Will Take Free Photos

Disney’s Photopass photographers are available throughout the parks to capture your magical moments at iconic locations.

By using this free service, you can have professional-quality photos taken for free.

But if you want to keep any of the pictures, you’ll of course have to pay for them.

(But this way you have a choice if you don’t LOVE your pictures… and you don’t have to pay for the entire photopass package up front!)

More Tips for Visiting Disney World Orlando for the First Time

Know the best times to go to disney world.

Visit on weekdays, off-peak seasons, and of course avoid major holidays.

Check out the least busy time of the year to visit Disney here.

Booking around these dates will help you avoid crowds, minimize wait times, and reduce the stress of visiting when everyone else is there.

Rental Cars Can Be Expensive in Orlando

When planning your trip to Disney World in Orlando, be aware that rental cars can be expensive :/

We usually road trip from Texas to Florida , so we have our own car. But if we fly into Orlando, we stay in the park so we don’t have to rent a car.

Consider alternative transportation options like Disney’s Magical Express, shuttles, or ridesharing services to help manage your budget.

Visiting Walt Disney World is Physically Exhausting

A visit to Walt Disney World can be physically exhausting!

Extensive walking, long days, and high heat and humidity will take a toll on your body, so remember to pace yourself.

Take breaks and stay hydrated to make the most of your magical adventure.

Disney Springs is Better than Ever

Disney Springs is super fun ! We visited for the first time in 2023 and had a blast.

It has TONS of dining (and drinking!) options, unique shopping experiences, captivating entertainment, and vibrant atmosphere.

We love visiting Gideon’s Bakery. Be sure to reserve your spot in line on the app!

First time visitors shouldn’t miss a trip to Disney Springs.

Quick FAQs for First Time at Disney World

Does disney world do anything special for first time visitors.

Disney World offers a “First Visit” button.

Our kids got their “first visit” buttons this year. So cute!

How Do I Prepare for My First Trip to Disney World?

To prepare for your first trip to Disney World you will want to research the parks and attractions.

I like to research the parks on Youtube, and Tiktok has tons of fun tips, too.

You’ll definitely want to make dining and Genie+ reservations as well.

Create a flexible itinerary, pack essentials like comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen and you’re bound to have a great time!

What Free Things Can I Get at Disney?

Here are a couple of free things you can get at Disney World.

🆓 Celebration buttons

🆓 Character autographs

🆓 Street entertainment (“Streetmosphere”)

🆓 Fireworks shows

What is the Cheapest Month to go to Disney?

The cheapest months to visit Disney World are January, February, and September.

Anytime you visit outside major holidays and school vacations you’ll experience lower crowds and potentially more affordable rates for accommodations and tickets.

How Much Does it Cost to go to Disney World?

The cost of a trip to Disney World can vary widely depending on factors, but you could easily spend $1000+ a day at the parks.

We always visit Disney on a tight budget (around $120 spent on a single day at the park… not including tickets and lodging!) and we still have a great time.

👉 Read my tips for visiting Disney on a budget here.

Here are a couple of factors that will impact how much you spend at Disney.

✔️ The number of days you visit (more days, cheaper tickets)

✔️ Price of park tickets (cheaper during off-season)

✔️ Accommodations (value versus luxury)

✔️ Dining choices (quick meals vs. sit down)

✔️ Transportation (free vs. rental cars)

✔️ Additional experiences (ticket add ons, etc)

What Do You Need for Your Disney Vacation?

For a successful Disney vacation, you’ll need the essentials.

Walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle are MUST HAVES in the warmer months.

Don’t forget your plan or itinerary. We store ours on our phone note app.

Most importantly? Bring patience! The crowds are frustrating as hell!

In Conclusion, Your First Time at Disney World…

Your first time at Disney World is bound to be a magical and unforgettable experience.

Make sure you prioritize the attractions and characters you want to see the most and check those items off first.

With proper planning, a sense of adventure, and a sprinkle of pixie dust, you’ll have a great trip that will leave you excited to come back.

Beth McCarter is the lead writer and CEO of The Travel Fam. Her first trip to Disney was spent in a double stroller next to her baby brother. She’s been to Disney too many times to count; her favorite ride is the Haunted Mansion and she loves the Animal Kingdom.  She enjoys planning holiday trips to Disney with her husband and two children.

15 BEST Disney World Tips for First Timers

Posted on Last updated: July 26, 2024

Planning your first trip to Disney World can leave you feeling like this… overwhelmed and confused.

That’s why I’m sharing the best Disney World tips for first timers from a bunch of Disney World pros in this post!

Read on to get the inside scoop on planning an incredible first visit to the Mouse House…

Disney World Tips For First Timers #1: Don’t Try To Do It All

Disney World is twice the size of Manhattan, contains four huge theme parks, two water parks, 25 resorts, and a gargantuan shopping and dining venue. There is no way humanly possible to see it all in a one or even two-week vacation.

I hope I’m driving the point home that since there is no way to see it all, please don’t try. Trying to do too much is the #1 way people ruin their Disney vacation. 

But rest assured – almost everything is amazing at Disney World. You will have to make choices during your vacation about what is most important for your family, but no matter what you choose, you will be surprised and delighted.

I hope that takes some of the pressure off and helps you to not try to cram too much in on your trip. 

Tip #2: Avoid Disney Sticker Shock

I think the #2 thing that ruins many Disney vacations is when expectations don’t match up with the reality at Disney World. This disconnect happens mainly in regards to prices!

Be prepared for costs comparable to what you will pay at any major sporting event or tourist attraction. Here are some examples: 

• Bottle of water or fountain drink – $4.50 – $5.00
• Mickey ice cream bar – $5.75
• Popcorn – $4.50
• Cheeseburger with fries – $13.50
• Kid’s Macaroni & cheese with side and drink – $7.50
• Typical character buffet dinner – $50 adult, $25 child under 9

You can also plan to avoid some of these expenses by bringing your own drinks and snacks into the parks (which is totally allowed at Disney) and planning your meals carefully.

The portions are quite large at Disney so many people find they are even able to share meals between two people!

Disney World Tips For First Timers #3: Dodge The Crowds

To be ready for the crowds, use a crowd calendar such as this one from Undercover Tourist .

A crowd calendar can help you plan your trip around less-crowded times of year and help you know which theme park will be less crowded than the others on a certain day. 

Click here for my picks for the best time to go to Disney World to avoid the crowds. 

Tip #4: Know How To Get Around Disney World

The fourth of my Disney World tips for first timers is to be prepared for getting around at Disney World. Knowing the realities of transportation at Disney World can help you make a decision about where to stay. 

Click here for your FREE guide to mastering the new Lightning Lane system at Disney World!

If you stay at a hotel on Disney World property , you can take the complimentary Disney transportation (in the form of buses, boats, and the monorail) to get to and from the theme parks and Disney Springs. 

If you stay off of Disney property, be prepared for a 10-30 minute drive to the parks each morning. You’ll also have to pay $30 each day to park at the theme parks. At Magic Kingdom, you’ll have to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) lot and either take the ferry or monorail to get to the entrance to the park ( learn all about parking at Disney World in this post ). 

Knowing what to expect in terms of transportation time can help you enjoy your trip and plan accordingly. It can also be the deciding factor related to my next tip, which is about deciding where to stay. 

Tip #5: Know The Difference Between On and Off Property Hotels

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

More people stay at off-property hotels than on-property Disney owned resorts. There are more options off-property and some Disney hotels are VERY expensive. 

That said, it is a misconception that it is always cheaper to stay off-property than at a Disney resort. You need to factor in any additional costs when deciding what’s the best deal. 

Here’s an example:

Off-property hotel near Disney World: $90/night Disney Value Resorts : $150/night

At first glance, the off-property hotel appears to be the better deal. But if you are flying into Orlando, you’ll also need to consider these average additional costs:

• Rental car: $25/day
• Parking at theme parks: $30/day
• Hotel parking fee: $15/day
• Resort fee: $15/night

Disney resorts also don’t charge a nightly resort fee. 

So when you add in these additional costs, here is how the two hotels compare:

Off-property hotel near Disney World: $175/night Disney Value Resort : $150/night

That off-property hotel doesn’t seem so cheap anymore, right? So be sure to consider ALL of these costs when you are comparing hotel prices at Disney World area hotels.

A HUGE perk of staying on property is the ability to make advance Lightning Lane reservations at 7 am seven days before your trip. Click here for my detailed guide to using the new Lighting Lane system at Disney World!

Tip #6: Research Your Dining Options

The Polite Pig, Disney Springs

There are literally HUNDREDS of restaurants in Walt Disney. Some are incredible and others are definitely lacking. 

You don’t want to end up eating at the worst restaurant in Disney World when there’s an excellent option right down the path!

Even if you aren’t making any dining reservations, spend a little time learning about the best quick service (i.e. order at a counter and pick up your food/it is brought to you) restaurants. 

You can view the menus for all of the restaurants in Disney World here .

You can also check out my dining reviews of the best Quick Service restaurants in Disney World here!

Disney World Tips For First Timers #7: Know What To Pack

Tammi from My Organized Chaos shared an incredible packing list for Disney World . It includes things you would never think of for your first trip to Disney World, such as:

• Ponchos for the Florida afternoon thundershowers
• Autograph book to have characters sign
• Mouse ears or kids’ costumes for the parks

You can get the full Disney Word packing list as a handy printable here . 

Tip #8: Know Where To Meet The Mouse

Your little ones are likely envisioning a meeting with Mickey Mouse as part of their Disney World vacation. I think meeting Mickey is the highlight of many folks’ first trip to Disney!

Luckily, Janine from Confessions of a Disneyholic Mom shared her picks for the top 10 places to meet Mickey Mouse in Disney World in this post. With a little planning, you’ll be able to meet Mickey without waiting in any long lines.

Tip #9: Print Disney Parks Maps Before You Leave Home

The ninth of my Disney World tips for first timers is to print off maps of the parks before you leave home. The maps will be fun for you and your kiddos to study. Plus it will help you navigate once you arrive!

Here are links to printable maps of each park straight from Disney:

Magic Kingdom Park Epcot Disney’s Hollywood Studios Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

You can also play around with the maps in the My Disney Experience App. Which leads us to the next tip…

Tip #10: Download The My Disney Experience App Before You Go

The tenth of my Disney World tips for first timers is to embrace Disney tech. Technology is going to play a big part in your Disney vacation. The key to using most of the tech at Disney is the My Disney Experience app for your phone or tablet. 

You can make FastPasses on the go, switch up your dining reservations, check for bus times, and even find the closest bathroom using the app! I suggest you get familiar with how it works before you leave for your trip. Then you will be a pro with it once you are there!

Tip #11: Have A Stroller Plan

To stroller or not to stroller? That is the question that MANY people ask before their first Disney trip!

You will easily walk up to 10 miles per day in the Disney World theme parks, which can be a lot for almost anyone. Little ones tire quickly so you may want a stroller for kids who have outgrown one in all other instances. 

Cat from Mary Martha Mama tackles the popular question in this post on how to decide if you need a stroller at Disney World or not .

We opt to bring a light-weight stroller from home for our six-year-old daughter for those long park days. We think it helps everyone have a more magical time. 

#12: Become a Lightning Lane Master

Disney Genie Plus and the Lightning Lanes allow you to skip the wait on attractions during your trip.

It will feel so nice to walk past people waiting 2 hours for a ride and go right to the front of the line, all thanks to some advance planning. 

Check out my ultimate guide to the Lightning Lanes here!

Tip #13: Bring Home Ways To Remember Your Trip

Before you know it you will be home from your Disney World trip and the magic will begin to fade. But if you plan ahead you can hold on to the wonderful memories from your trip for years to come!

Patty from My No-Guilt Life shares seven unique souvenirs and way to remember your Disney World vacation in this post .

I love her idea to buy items you’ll use often to help you remember your vacation. My favorites are my Disney coffee mugs and umbrellas. 

Tip #14: Decide if a Dining Plan is right for you

Flame Tree Barbecue, Animal Kingdom

Food is a subject unto itself at Disney World. There are hundreds of places to eat, from churro carts to 5-star fine dining. 

If you are staying at a Disney World resort, one option is to get a Disney Dining Plan as part of a package.

I get asked about the dining plans almost daily. First, it helps to understand who benefits most from a dining plan and who probably won’t get their money’s worth in this post.

Also check out this post on Free Dining at Disney World , the most popular discount at Disney World. 

Disney World Tips For First Timers #15: Don’t Overplan

Ok, so it might seem like I am giving contrary advice (since I just told you about all of the planning you should do), but it is easy to go overboard with planning your Disney vacation. 

Don’t try to plan out every minute of your trip, or you are bound to be disappointed. Rides sometimes close unexpectedly, you might have to wait longer than you want for a bus, or your little princess might have a meltdown right before your character meet and greet. 

The key to having fun at Disney World is to embrace the adventure each day brings and to be ready to go with the flow. I see lots of grumpy (and tired) families at Disney who I expect have overplanned and didn’t leave much unstructured time during their trip. 

I like to have a loose plan and be ready to pivot if needed. Then I can soak up the most Disney magic possible!

I hope these Disney World tips for first timers help you have an incredible vacation experience that you will cherish for years to come. You can get a free quote from my recommended Disney travel agent Siera with Destinations in Florida here. 

If you want to get help planning your trip, please join my free private Facebook group for my Disney site, The Budget Mouse . Or feel free to ask a question in a comment below. Have a magical day!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 18th of January 2022

This is good advice. I am planning a trip to Disney with a mobility issue person. Have any tips?

Also we were going to stay at a Disney hotel. I see discount tickets everywhere. Is it better to get tickets from Disney or buy somewhere else?

I am getting confused with everything.

Saturday 7th of August 2021

Touring plans and undercover tourist crowd calendars differ quite a bit. Which do you think I should use? I keep changing my park reservations and want to make best use of time. Thanks

Friday 14th of January 2022

@Tina, although I use both I would say Touringplans. They are more detailed. I have relied on TouringPlans for all of my trips for more accurate and detailed crowd calendars.

Sunday 8th of August 2021

Oooh that's a tough question! The crowd patterns are pretty unpredictable right now due to changing park hours and what is available. HS and MK are going to be the most crowded parks, followed by Epcot after lots of stuff opens on October 1st. So those should be your priorities. I'd avoid MK and HS on Saturdays and Mondays. Avoid Epcot on Fridays and Saturdays during Food & Wine festival. Hope those general guidelines help a bit.

Sunday 22nd of September 2019

Big tip, I haven’t seen on any site, bring Dishsoap and Sponge. Only way to really clean your reusable mug other than a quick rinse near the soda fountain

Monday 23rd of September 2019

That's great advice - thanks, Marian!

Sunday 11th of August 2019

Thank you for all of your advice! My family of five are heading to Disney next September for the first time ever. I am trying to keep the planning to a minimum knowing tat we are going to go back. My kids are going to be 2,3 and 6 when we go so I know we can't do much. One thing we were not sure about is the stroller situation. We know we need one for our two little ones but our son is 6 and hasn't used a stroller in years. Now I'm considering renting one of the double strollers so that when he gets tired, we can switch it up! My kids know about the trip and have helped make decisions. My son is even putting all of his allowance on a Disney gift card so he can buy his own toys when we are there!! Can't wait, Thanks again!!

Tuesday 13th of August 2019

Sounds like a fantastic trip, Lana! I would definitely get the double stroller for your sanity. Tired kids at Disney World is rough and there is SO much walking involved - easily 6-10 miles per day.

Sunday 4th of August 2019

My grandkids found out they were going to Disney the 2nd time when they were handed “This Kid Is Going To Disney” t-shirts. They thought it was a great idea and actually had said before that they would love that to happen to them. There was nothing they wanted to do that they didn’t get to do. Their 4th trip is planned for November and they still don’t know about it.

• Close 

How do I get a first visit pin for my children? ”

• Useful 5 Useful Please Log In to mark this question useful.
• Save Answer Please Log In to view your saved answers.
•  Pinterest
•  Facebook
•  Email

Meet the Panelist: Diane, Georgia

Related links.

Visit Walt Disney World Resort to explore the magic.

• My Disney Experience
• Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation
• Planning your first Walt Disney World Vacation

Thank a Panelist

Share a message of thanks with the knowledgeable panelist who provided a personalized answer to your disney vacation question..

256 Characters Remaining

Please do not include personal information such as full names and reservation numbers in your message.

• Whom do you want to thank?
• Close Submit

Thanks for submitting your comment!

Didn't find what you were looking for click the ask a question button to open the ask a question dialogue box. if you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question., to submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so., ask plandisney, discover the magic of a disney parks family vacation from one of our knowledgeable online panelists..

Please do not include personal information such as full names and reservation numbers in your question.

• Relevant Tags Please select at least one tag related to your question from the choices below.

The menu below has been automatically set to the panelist you were reviewing, however, you can ask anyone on our panel.

• Close Ask a Question Opens the Ask a Question dialog box.

Thanks for submitting your question!

You'll receive an email if your question is answered., please note.

Email communication is the only way we can notify you when your question has been answered. If you choose to opt-out of receiving emails, you will need to return to the site to check if your question has been answered.

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer .

Or you can continue browsing without updating.

By the co-author of The easy Guide to Your Walt Disney World Visit 2020 , the best-reviewed Disney World guidebook series  ever.

Available on Amazon here.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Celebrating Your First Visit to Walt Disney World

By Dave Shute

CELEBRATIONS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

Magical Blogorail Teal is writing this month about Disney Celebrations: anniversaries, birthdays, and such.

Welcome to those of you joining me from The World of Deej and those of you who have just hopped aboard. I am the final stop on our Magical Blogorail .

My Disney Celebration topic–you guessed it– is celebrating your first visit !

FIRST VISIT CELEBRATIONS AT DISNEY WORLD

Disney offers buttons that highlight many occasions–first visits being one of them.

You can get these buttons at your resort ‘s front desk, or at any of the Guest Services areas of the parks.

Disney cast members pay attention to buttons, and wearing one will get you even more friendliness than you’d usually get! …and you never know what else may happen.

It is seeing the Magic Kingdom fireworks show “Wishes” on your last night at Disneyy World.

There’s a couple of different reasons why all of this site’s itineraries end with your family spending its final Saturday evening at the Magic Kingdom, and one of them is so that you can celebrate your trip by seeing Wishes,

Wishes is a wonderful show and a spectacular way to celebrate your trip…and even more wonderful in memory .

If you are like most people, at some point you’ll return to Walt Disney World, and at some point your kids will return with their kids.

Its name may change, but there will always be an evening fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom.

And when you see it again, you will remember the first time you saw it with your kids when they were little, and when you are old, your kids will remember seeing it with you when you were young.

Seeing it again someday will bring back wonderful memories of seeing it for the first time.

MORE ON DISNEY CELEBRATIONS FROM MAGICAL BLOGORAIL TEAL

Thank you for joining Magical Blogorail Teal this month. We will be back October 25th with an all new theme.

Keep checking in with our blogs in between loops to keep up to date with our Disney info, photos and stories.

If you are looking for more Disney magic, you can make your way over to the Magical Blogorail website to see all our members and their blogs, as well as all our previous loops.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail loop should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

• 1st Stop ~  The Disney FAITHful
• 2nd Stop ~ Disney-Lovin’ Spectrum Mom
• 3rd Stop ~ Capturing Magical Memories
• 4th Stop ~  The World of Deej
• Final Stop ~ yourfirstvisit.net

RELATED STUFF

• w. Most Recent Stuff

Comment by typing in the form below.

E-mail (seen only by me; leave blank if you wish)

My response to questions and comments will be on the same page as the original comment, likely within 24-36 hours . . . I reserve the right to edit and delete comments as I choose . . . All rights reserved. Copyright 2008-2024 . . . Unless otherwise noted, all photos are by me--even the ones in focus--except for half a dozen from my niecelets . . . This site is entirely unofficial and not authorized by any organizations written about in it . . . All references to Disney and other copyrighted characters, trademarks, marks, etc., are made solely for editorial purposes. The author makes no commercial claim to their use . . . Nobody's perfect, so follow any advice here at your own risk.

• Privacy Policy
• Current Disney World Deals

• Key 2024 Stuff:
• Disney World in 2024
• 2024 Weeks to Visit Rankings
• 2024 Crowd Calendar
• 2024 Resort Hotel Price Seasons
• 2024 Ticket Price Calendar

Key Disney World Topics

• (Hey, everything in blue is a link, even--especially--the bold items!)
• The Basics: When to Go
• When first-timers should go
• When returning visitors should go
• Crowds and when to go
• Weather and when to go
• Hotel prices and when to go
• Ticket prices and when to go
• The Basics: Where to Stay
• Where first-timers should stay
• Resort hotel reviews for returning visitors
• The value resorts
• The moderate resorts
• The deluxe resorts
• The Disney Vacation Club resorts
• Fort Wilderness campground
• The non-Disney hotels at Disney World
• The Basics: The Theme Parks and Genie+
• How long to stay
• How old and tall your kids should be for an "only" visit
• Disney World itineraries
• Park tickets
• The Basics: Dining at Disney World
• Dining for first-timers
• Guide to Dining
• The Disney Dining Plan
• Free Dining
• The Basics: Key Milestone Dates and Deadlines
• When your plans need to be firm
• My Disney Experience and MagicBands
• To-Do Lists
• The Basics: What to Budget
• The Basics: Deals and Discounts
• Testimonials
• "This site is astonishingly helpful ...Highly recommended!" --Lee Cockerell, Former Executive Vice President, Operations, Walt Disney World® Resort, and author of Creating Magic
• " Great site! Keep up the good work!" --Len Testa, co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2024
• “The premier website for first time visitors to Walt Disney World!” --Steve Bell, webmaster, MilitaryDisneyTips.com

Most Recent Stuff!

• Next Week (September 28, 2024 through October 6, 2024) at Walt Disney World
• Next Week (September 21, 2024 through September 29, 2024) at Walt Disney World
• Next Week (September 14, 2024 through September 22, 2024) at Walt Disney World
• Next Week (September 7, 2024 through September 15, 2024) at Walt Disney World
• Next Week (August 31, 2024 through September 8, 2024) at Walt Disney World
• Next Week (August 24, 2024 through September 1, 2024) at Walt Disney World
• Next Week (August 17, 2024 through August 25, 2024) at Walt Disney World

Recent Comments!

• Dave on 2024 Disney World Week Rankings
• Susie on 2024 Disney World Week Rankings
• Dave on Disney World 2022 Ticket Prices in a Color-Coded Calendar
• Simon on Disney World 2022 Ticket Prices in a Color-Coded Calendar
• BostonEd on 2024 Disney World Week Rankings
• Dave on Disney World Itineraries
• Marina on Disney World Itineraries
• Dave on The Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Walt Disney World
• Dave Trax on The Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Walt Disney World

Dedicated to my mom and dad, Evelyn Shute and Howard Shute, and to Josh Humphrey

Build your own Disney theme park-style buttons

By: Author Shannon Albert

Posted on Published: September 13, 2013  - Last updated: June 24, 2019

When you go to a Disney theme park, you can get a few buttons for free from the resorts and guest services.

There are options for people on their 1st visit, celebrating a birthday, just married, etc.

But what if you’re celebrating something else?

I’ve got templates in Microsoft Word, Photoshop and Gimp to help you build your own.

Let’s take a look…

Available at the theme parks:

And now you can use the ones that I’ve designed to build your own.

Here are the components of each design. You’ll use each piece to build your own button. I’ve provided some images of each of these elements and you can also make your own.

Piece #1 – the background circle

The background of the button is a texture or pattern that shows behind the “window” at the top of each button. Here are the ones I’ve included:

Piece #2 – the outer ring

Now let’s layer a ring on top of our circle to form the outer boundary of the button.

Piece #3 – the character, symbol or sign

This is the layer that appears at the top of the button. Most of my examples are characters but it could be whatever you want. Insert this layer and have it overlap the outer ring a bit to give a bit of a 3D effect.

Piece #4 – the bottom button section

Now it’s time to lay the bottom button on top of the other layers (it’ll often overlap the character or symbol as well).

Piece #5 – add some text

The last piece is the text layer which says what you’re celebrating.

The final product

Programs to use

Now that you know the pieces that go into each button, I’ve provided files in 3 formats – Microsoft Word, Gimp and Photoshop.

Microsoft Word This version has the Word document with all of the buttons already created for a 2 1/2 inch button. You may have to adjust according to whatever button size you’re using.

Included in this zip file: Word document, Mouser font (install before opening the Word document), folder of circle images, folder of outer rings and a folder of the bottom button sections.

Download the Word version

Photoshop This version has the Photoshop file which contains all of the elements in layers, plus the Mouser font which you should install.

Download the Photoshop version

Gimp This has the Gimp file and Mouser font. Be sure to install the font before using the file. (Note: the text doesn’t work along a path in this document because I couldn’t get it to work for some reason. If you can figure it out, let me know and I’ll update this file with the text working along a path.)

Download the Gimp version

The buttons

You can pick up button kits at craft stores like Michael’s and online on Amazon.com . I’ve seen them in 2.25 inch, 2.5 inch and 2.75 inch sizes.

Thursday 12th of April 2018

oh my these are so useful! thank you for the fab help! i is there anymore colour rings available on the net id love a pink

Friday 16th of June 2017

I love these and have an upcoming trip and would love to make some!! But I am wondering how people get the mickey head icons in the outer ring?? Can anybody help me?

Sunday 18th of September 2016

My daughter is competing in a soccer tournament at WDW over Thanksgiving. Any chance you could add a soccer Mickey?

Wednesday 27th of July 2016

I don't understand how to do it. I'm sorry I'm not very tech-savy but we are going to Disney in Sept and I'd love to be able to make these for our trip! Can you possibly help me?

Saturday 7th of May 2016

You're a life saver! Love this post! What font for the buttons!!!