Are you heading to Disney World for the first time? For many people, that first Disney trip is filled with anticipation and also a bit of trepidation. A Disney World vacation isn’t cheap, so you want to be sure to get the most out of it and enjoy every minute, right? Here are five tips on how to have the BEST first vacation to Walt Disney World.
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Ready for the tips?
Don’t try to do too much. You will feel a lot of pressure to “do it all” and “see it all.” Especially if you don’t plan on going back to Disney anytime soon. Please, please, please resist that pressure. Yes, you want to experience everything Disney has to offer, but trying to do it all in one trip is a recipe for disaster. Plus, the wonderful thing about Disney is that many of the magical moments happen when you slow down and just enjoy being there. I promise, you won’t regret missing a ride or two or not spending ALL day at the parks, but you WILL regret losing your temper or having everyone leave the park feeling cranky because they are tired, overstimulated, or hangry.
Drink lots of water. It’s so easy to get dehydrated in the Florida sun, and often when you (or your kiddos) start feeling bad, you really just need more water. It’s easy to get a free glass of water at any counter service location – just ask. If you don’t mind the effort, you can also consider carrying a water bottle around. This one is my favorite for park days.
Buy into the hype. There is no place like Disney and if you go in with a grumpy attitude or (and this is especially true for teens) an “I’m too cool” attitude you won’t have nearly as much fun. Be willing to be silly. If there is a situation where a volunteer is needed, raise your hand – your kids will love it and you’ll make family memories you’ll be talking about for years!
Don’t overspend. It’s really easy to get caught up in the “I’m on vacation” mode and spend way more than you need. And Disney is expensive. So, plan ahead how much you want to spend on souvenirs, food, entertainment, etc. and do your best to stick to your budget. You don’t want to enjoy that one week at Disney but end up spending the next few months paying for it!
Be flexible. If your kids (or you) decide you want to forgo the parks for a day and lay by the pool, do it. Maybe that ride you wanted to go on has a 2-hour wait – how about trying another ride instead? If you aren’t up for yet another long sit-down meal, order carryout or pizza and eat in your room. Sometimes being flexible will lead to the best memories of the trip!
I hope you find these tips helpful! If you’d like additional advice on planning your first trip to Walt Disney World, check out this post: Planning Disney
Looking for more Disney Insider tips?
- Is the Disney Dining Plan Right for You?
- 5 Must-Do’s Before Your Next Disney Trip
- What to Bring to Disney World
- 5 FREE Things to do at Disney World
- The Best Table Service Restaurant at Each Disney Park
- A Perfect Non-Park Day at Disney
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These are GREAT tips! My 14-year-old can’t wait to get to Disney to see Star Wars – Galaxy’s Edge! We went many years ago, but she was little (maybe 6).
It’s so cool! We’ve been a few times and loved it!
Good tips! It is DO easy to get overwhelmed and subsequently upset – and ruin your day. More water is KEY! And of course, pivot to have fun!
Thanks!
Great tips! I like to schedule a few things each day, and then just see where the wind takes us for the rest. I’ve found that it works best for us to have one meal reservation each day because we are too indecisive to figure it out. Ha! But one is enough. The rest of the time, we’re pretty flexible.
I agree! We’ve started to make a few meal reservations – but not every day yet 🙂
Such great tips to ensure Disney is indeed the happiest place on Earth! You are so right when it’s okay to miss a ride or two (or even take a down day at the resort pool). Not fun to be overwhelmed and overstimulated.
Exactly! We’ve learned that the hard way.
Great tips! Disney is one of my favorite places.
Mine too!
These are some fabulous tips and great for first-timers as well as seasoned Disney guests. It’s so true that you have to be flexible and drink lots of water. We always carry refillable ones along with us too. Makes hydrating much easier.
Yes it does!
I definitely agree with your “Buy into the Hype” tip! Disney is so much more fun when you just embrace the magic and everything Disney!
Isn’t it? Some of our best memories are when we are being silly.
Perfect tips for the newbie!
Thanks!
Don’t try to do too much – is a great tip. That is why we like to spend a few days there. We also take naps in the afternoon. LOL
We always took naps when the kids were little – made for MUCH better days.
Great tips. I can’t wait to get back there!
Thanks – me too – tentatively planning to go in October. Fingers crossed.
Great tips. I love Disney World! Time for a return visit.
I agree!
These are so good to remember! I went to Disney as a kid, but planning to go as a parent is a whole different ball game. Thanks for the tips!
Hope they help!