Decide when to go and how long to stay
Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida, has four theme parks, two water parks and many resorts. A first visit often works best with at least four or five days so you are not rushing, though a shorter trip is possible if you pick priorities.
Crowds, prices and weather vary through the year:
- Holidays, school breaks and summer are typically busier and hotter.
- Late summer into early fall brings heat and humidity, plus hurricane season, so consider travel insurance.
- Some January, early fall and early December periods are often quieter, but this varies, and special events can change things.
Check Disney’s official site for current ticket types, prices and rules, as they change.
Plan with the official app
The My Disney Experience app is central to a modern Disney trip. You typically use it to link tickets, check wait times, make dining reservations and book some attractions. Download it and set up your account before you travel. Have your phone charged, and bring a portable battery.
Dining reservations at popular restaurants may open well in advance, so check the booking window if sit-down meals matter to you.
Choose parks and an order
The four parks each suit different interests:
- Magic Kingdom: classic castle, family rides and parades, often the first choice for first-timers
- EPCOT: festivals, world showcase and some thrill rides
- Hollywood Studios: Star Wars and Toy Story areas, and popular headline attractions
- Animal Kingdom: animals, a Pandora area and shows
Give each park its own day. Park hopper options let you visit more than one park in a day, but they add cost, and hopping back and forth uses time you could spend in line.
Rides, queues and skip-the-line options
Wait times are usually shortest right at opening and later in the evening. Many experienced visitors do the most popular rides first, then shift to shows, snacks and slower attractions during busy afternoons.
Disney offers paid and free ways to shorten waits, including Lightning Lane options and, for some rides, virtual queues. These systems and prices have changed repeatedly, so read the current rules on the official site before you buy. Decide what you truly want to ride, because even paid options are limited.
Check height requirements for rides so children are not disappointed at the entrance. For other kid-friendly trips, see our top family travel destinations.
Handle crowds
- Arrive before the park opens, ideally at the gate before official opening time.
- Use a mid-day break at your hotel or in an air-conditioned spot if you can.
- Look at wait times on the app and move to a different area when lines are long.
- Expect to wait for transport at closing time, or leave a little early.
Things to do besides the rides
Some of the best parts of Disney are not rides. You could try:
- Live shows, parades and fireworks
- Character meet-and-greets (check times in the app)
- Themed snacks, restaurants and bars
- Walking through detailed themed areas, shops and gardens
- Resort hopping to see the themed hotels, especially if you travel by monorail or boat
Food, breaks and heat
Orlando can be hot and humid. Drink water regularly, wear sun protection and take breaks. Free water is typically available at counter-service restaurants. Snacks and meals can be expensive, and Disney generally allows you to bring in some food and drinks, but check the current policy for restrictions on coolers and glass.
What to pack
- Comfortable, well worn-in shoes and moisture-wicking socks
- Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
- Lightweight ponchos for rain
- A portable phone charger and a small day bag
- Blister bandages and any medication you need
- Reusable water bottle
Mistakes to avoid
- Not planning anything and arriving without the app set up.
- Trying to do every ride and park in two days.
- Skipping breaks, then wearing out the family by early afternoon.
- Buying unofficial tickets from resellers.
- Leaving dining reservations until the last minute.
- Not budgeting for extras such as paid queue options, food and souvenirs (see how to save up for travel).
If Orlando is part of a bigger American trip, our overview of visiting the USA covers entry rules, tipping and health insurance.