So, you’re planning your first grown-up trip to Disney World - Congratulations! Visiting the most magical place on earth is always a good time, but there are a few things you’ll need to know to ensure your trip is…well…magical.
From planning where to stay and what to eat to figuring out how to maximize your ride time
in the parks, consider this your ultimate beginner's guide to visiting Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
In This Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Disney World:
Your Disney World Guide
Know Before You Go
There's An App
First thing's first: You'll definitely want to download the My Disney Experience App. This will be your home base during your Disney vacation. Everything you need can be found here, including hotel reservations and ride wait times at all four parks. Go ahead and create an account to get started.
Magic Bands
For your very first trip to Disney World, Magic Bands aren't a necessity but they're fun to have. These customizable smart bands serve not just as a cute souvenir but your park ticket, Lightning Lane pass (more on that later), and, if you're staying at a Disney Resort hotel, your room key.
Hot tip: If you're staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can purchase a Magic Band ahead of your trip for a discount.
Park Logistics
Park Hopping
Park hopping is a great way to experience the highlights of each park during your Disney trip. As of January 9, 2024, you no longer have to wait until 2 PM to take advantage of your park hopper benefits. This flexible ticket option costs a little more but leaves you free to bop around between parks as frequently as you like.
Genie+ and Lightning Lane
In 2022, Disney World replaced the free FastPass with paid Genie+ and Lightning Lane skip-the-line options. So, what's the difference?
Genie+
Genie+ is a one-time payment (per day) that lets you reserve a return time slot for most rides, similar to the old FastPass system. Prices fluctuate depending on crowd levels and slots can often fill up for the day before you get the chance to reserve your spot, both of which are major frustrations for Disney World visitors.
That being said, Genie+ is still a great option for those looking to maximize their ride time in the park. It's definitely possible to ride everything you want to without opting for Genie+, so the choice ultimately comes down to what you want to accomplish on your Disney trip.
Individual Lightning Lane
Individual Lightning Lane is a paid option for "premium rides" at each park. In other words, you can pay to skip the line at the most popular rides at each park. This option is pricy at up to $20 per person per ride but if there are must-do attractions on your list that only offer a virtual queue, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot or Tron: Lightcycle/Run at Magic Kingdom, Lightning Lane access can be a way to guarantee that you can cross that experience off your Disney bucket list.
Virtual Queues
Virtual queues are a now-standard system employed by Disney for its newest and most popular attractions. Currently, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot and Tron Lightcycle/Run at Magic Kingdom are the only rides using this system.
How to Join a Virtual Queue
To join a virtual queue, you'll need a park ticket for the appropriate park. Before 7 AM on the day of your visit, log into the My Disney Experience app and pull up your desired ride. At exactly 7 AM, hit the "join virtual queue" button and, if you're lucky, you'll get a boarding group number and an estimated time to get in line.
If you don't get a spot at 7 AM, you can try again at 1 PM. However, you have to be in the same park as the ride for which you want to join the virtual queue. If you can't grab a spot during the second round, you'll have to purchase Individual Lightning Lane access in order to ride.
Mobile Ordering
Mobile ordering is one of the best ways to save time and skip the line at quick-service restaurants. Simply log into the My Disney Experience app, select your preferred dining location, place your order and you'll be given a time window in which to pick up your food. When that window opens, simply head to the restaurant, click "I'm Here," and you'll be alerted as soon as your food is ready.
Obviously, typical meal times like noon and 6 to 7 PM see the highest volume of orders. It's best to plan ahead with your ordering (order lunch around 11 AM for a noon pickup, for example) or plan to eat at off-peak times.
What to Pack For Your Disney Trip
If you've never been to Central Florida, be prepared to sweat. Orlando is humid on a good day and downright muggy most of the year with weather that can change on a dime. Shorts are usually the go-to almost anytime you plan to visit but winter months can be a bit chilly and may require a light jacket or pants.
At the end of the day, it's best to just be prepared for any scenario. This Disney packing list should give you a good idea of where to start:
What to Wear to Disney World
Shorts, leggings, or joggers made of breathable material
T-shirt or tank top
Good socks - Don't skimp here. Hiking socks with extra padding can make all the difference in avoiding blistered feet.
Supportive shoes - Ideally, sneakers. A day at Disney is a LOT of walking.
Sunglasses and/or a hat
Sunscreen - Florida sun is no joke.
Mickey Ears (optional but highly recommended)
What to Bring to the Park
I highly recommend bringing a small backpack or cross-body bag -- something that's comfortable to wear for long periods of time -- and packing it with the following:
Reusable water bottle - Yes, you can bring a full water bottle into the park.
Extra sunscreen
Extra socks
Bandaids
Sanitizer wipes and/or hand sanitizer
Tums (just in case)
Dramamine (also just in case)
Phone charger and portable power bank
Poncho - Florida weather is notoriously unpredictable. Umbrellas aren't allowed into the parks, but a good poncho can make a huge difference if you find yourself caught in a surprise afternoon shower.
Where to Stay
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Benefits of Staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel
Transportation
Dedicated buses shuttle hotel guests to the parks, between parks, and even to Disney Springs, which makes visiting without a car a breeze. As an added bonus, you can easily go back to your hotel in the middle of the day for a quick shower or nap.
Hot tip: The best time to take a break from the parks is roughly between 11 AM and 2 PM. Parks tend to reach capacity during this window, resulting in longer wait times for just about everything.
Early Park Access
Disney resort guests can enter the parks 30 minutes before regular guests. While it's not a ton of time, this is still a nice perk. Deluxe resorts enjoy the added benefit of enjoying extra time in certain parks after closing time on select nights. Check with your hotel or the My Disney Experience app for details.
Staying in the Magic
All Walt Disney World Resort hotels are themed, which helps to keep the magic alive from the minute you check in until you leave. Even if you can't afford a higher-tier resort, I highly recommend hotel hopping to experience the magic for yourself. More on that below.
Value Resorts
All-Star Resorts
A three-resort complex themed to movies, sports, or music, the All-Star Resorts are the cheapest option for on-property accommodations. While the buildings themselves feel dated, recently renovated rooms and free parking make it an attractive place to stay on a budget.
Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts
Also boasting recently renovated rooms, Pop Century and Art of Animation are slightly more expensive than the All-Star Resorts. The biggest perk of a stay at these value resorts is access to the Disney Skyliner with direct service to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. A ride in a serene gondola over Orlando is a much more pleasant way to start a day at the parks than riding an over-crowded bus.
Moderate Resorts
A pretty large jump in price from the Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts boast more cohesive theming and updated amenities like water slide-clad pools and sit-down dining options. Moderate resort options at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando include:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Port Orleans Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Deluxe Resorts
Deluxe resorts take the Disney magic to the next level with over-the-top theming and top-notch amenities including sprawling, manicured grounds and signature dining experiences. Even if you can't afford to stay at a Deluxe resort, many (especially those along the monorail route) are worth a special visit. Among the Deluxe resorts are:
Disney's Contemporary Resort - The original Disney World resort and a spectacular spot to catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Disney's Polynesian Resort - Enjoying a Dole Whip on the beach is a must here. Overwater villas are available for those looking to splurge.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - If you've ever dreamed of waking up to giraffes grazing outside your window, this is your spot.
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort - Disney's only golf-centric resort.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort - A classic retreat with a spa and a magical wedding pavilion.
Disney's Wilderness Lodge - A nature-lover's hideaway.
Disney's Yacht Club Resort - A Martha's Vineyard-inspired retreat with a nautical theme within walking distance to Epcot.
Disney's Beach Club Resort - Perched next door to Disney's Yacht Club Resort, this spot boasts the property's largest pool and is also within walking distance to Epcot.
Disney's Boardwalk Inn - An Atlantic City-themed property on an actual boardwalk perched between Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Disney's Old Key West Resort - A taste of vintage Florida with a Disney twist.
The Parks
Now for the good stuff. Here, you'll find an introductory guide to each park with terminology, tips, and general things to know before you go.
General Tips and Tricks
Rope Dropping: Even though the posted park opening time is usually around 9AM, guests are allowed to enter the parks as early as 7:45 AM. This is really only worth it at Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios, where you can shop before the park opens. This is also a great time to snap photos before you get sweaty.
Note: Don't plan to rope drop if the park is offering early entry for resort guests on the day of your visit.
Early Entry: As previously mentioned, guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels have the option to enter the parks 30 minutes before they open to the public, though this is sometimes restricted to certain areas of the park. At Magic Kingdom, for example, early entry only applies to attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
Magic Kingdom
Hours: 9AM to 11PM (Times may vary, double-check the app to verify)
Getting Around Magic Kingdom Park
Main Street: Shopping, scenery, and snacks
This is the main drag that leads you straight to Cinderella's Castle and into the park. Definitely take some time to appreciate the myriad details of this beautiful boulevard.
Window shopping (and actual shopping) are encouraged. I'd recommend waiting until midday (to escape the crowds and heat) or the end of the night to make your final purchases to avoid carrying shopping bags around all day.
There are lockers available for rent if you don't have room in your backpack to store all of your purchases.
There's a Starbucks here, though it's not labeled as such. Look for the sign for "Main Street Bakery." Once you're inside, you'll know that you're in the right place.
Be sure to return to Main Street during the day to catch spontaneous performances from the Dapper Dans (a whimsical barbershop quartet), a ragtime pianist outside of Casey's Corner, and even surprise character sightings.
The Hub: The middle of it all
Literally the central hub of the park. This is the name given to the roundabout in front of Cinderella's Castle. When in doubt, make your way back to the Hub and you'll easily be able to reorient yourself.
If parades and/or fireworks are a must for your Disney trip, you'll want to camp out here ahead of scheduled showtimes (check the app) to snag a perfect viewing spot.
Adventureland: Pirates, puns, and birds of paradise
Highlights: Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Enchanted Tiki Room, Aladdin's Magic Carpets, Dole Whip
Food Recommendations:
Table-Service Restaurant: Skipper's Canteen. An eclectic menu of African, Asian, and Latin-inspired fare.
Snacks: Orange Bird Terrace (I Lava You Float, orange Dole Whip) or Aloha Isle (Tropical Serenade, original Dole Whip)
Note: Personally, I like to start in Adventureland and make my way around the park clockwise from here.
Frontierland: Where things get wild
Highlights: Big Thunder Mountain
Food Recommendations:
Quick-Service Restaurant: Peco's Bills. Nachos, tacos, burrito bowls.
Note: Splash Mountain is permanently closed for a complete overhaul. It will be replaced by Tiania's Bayou Adventure in summer 2024. Country Bear Jamboree closed in January 2024 to make way for a new show that's also expected to debut this summer.
Liberty Square: History, charm, and ghoulish delights
Highlights: The Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents
Food Recommendations:
Quick-Service Restaurant: Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. Get the Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich for breakfast and the Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich for lunch or a quick dinner.
Quick-Service Restaurant: Columbia Harbor House. New England-style seafood and even a plant-based crab cake.
Fantasyland: Classic Disney nostalgia
Highlights: Peter Pan's Flight, It's a Small World, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Mickey's PhilharMagic, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mad Tea Party (aka, the teacup ride)
Food Recommendations:
Table-Service Restaurant: Be Our Guest. A prime special occasion restaurant inside the Beast's castle.
Quick-Service Restaurant: Gaston's Tavern. Try the Grey Stuff Cupcake. It's delicious. LaFou's Brew is a slightly more refreshing treat.
Tomorrowland: Enter the world of tomorrow
Highlights: Space Mountain, Tron: Lightcycle/Run, PeopleMover, Carousel of Progress
Note: If you need a pick-me-up but don't want to trek back to Main Street, hit up the Joffrey's Coffe & Tea Company pavilion just outside Space Mountain.
EPCOT
Hours: 9AM to 9PM (Times may vary, double-check the app to verify)
Getting Around EPCOT
Note: EPCOT is in the midst of a multi-year, full park renovation. Some major construction walls have recently come down, making the whole experience much more enjoyable than it has been in recent years, but you'll still see some work taking place across the park.
World Celebration: Front and center
Highlights: Spaceship Earth, Creations Shop
Food Recommendations:
Quick-Service Restaurant: Connections Cafe (Starbucks)
Quick-Service Restaurant: Connections Eatery. Plenty of indoor seating and a pleasantly eclectic menu of upscale park fare.
World Nature: Explore natural wonders
Highlights: Soarin' Around the World, Living with the Land, Moana's Journey of Water, The Seas with Nemo and Friends
World Discovery: To infinity and beyond
Highlights: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track
Food Recommendations:
Table-Service Restaurant: Space 220. An immersive restaurant that makes you feel as if you're dining on a space station. Reservations are highly recommended but you can add your name to the walk-up list to dine at the bar, which features a full menu of hearty bar snacks and intergalactic cocktails.
Note: If you experience motion sickness, do not ride Mission: Space. It's not worth it.
World Showcase: Eat (and drink) around the world
Tips:
The best way to experience World Showcase is to just wander around each pavilion, enjoying the details, savoring sips (yes, they serve alcohol here) and snacks, and riding rides.
Don't rush around looking for the bigger attractions or you'll miss the little things that make this park such a fan favorite.
The best time to ride major attractions like Frozen and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is towards the end of the night. Get in line while everyone else is waiting for the fireworks to enjoy a drastically shorter wait.
Festivals: Quarterly festivals invigorate the World Showcase with themed food, entertainment, and experiences (dates may vary).
January-February: Festival of the Arts
March-July: Flower & Garden Festival
August - early November: Food & Wine Festival
November - early January: Festival of the Holidays
Pavillions and Highlights
Mexico: Margaritas, La Cava del Tequila lounge, Gran Fiesta Tour
Norway: Frozen Ever After, Kringla Bakery
China: Reflections of China Circlevision show
Germany: Karamell-Kuche bakery, German beer
Italy: Gelato
America: The American Adventure show, live music, Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Japan: Sushi, shave ice, shopping, Violet Sake cocktail
Morocco: Spice Road Table, shopping
France: Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Les Vins des Chefs des France wine tasting experience, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, L'Artisan de Glaces (get the macaron ice cream sandwich)
UK: Fish and chips, live music, Rose & Crown Pub, shopping
Canada: Canada Far and Wide Circlevision show, maple popcorn
Hollywood Studios
Hours: 9AM to 9PM (Times may vary, double-check the app to verify)
Getting Around Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Boulevard
Highlights: Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Food Recommendations:
Quick-Service Restaurant: The Trolley Car Cafe. Starbucks staples and sweet treats.
Sunset Boulevard
Highlights: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Note: Don't rush to the rides. There's plenty of quick-service dining and shopping to explore on this star-studded boulevard.
Toy Story Land
Highlights: Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania
Food Recommendations:
Quick-Service Restaurant: Woody's Lunch Box. The brisket sandwich and lunchbox tarts are among the highlights.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Highlights: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, Star Tours
Food Recommendations:
Quick-Service Restaurant: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo. Flavorful Asian-inspired plates with a Star Wars twist.
Quick-Service Restaurant: Ronto Roasters. The sausage-filled Ronto Wrap is a fan favorite.
Bar: Oga's Cantina. Reservation or walk-up list only.
Notes:
Thanks to its theming around the magic of old-school movie-making, Hollywood Studios has a ton of live entertainment options. Check the app for listings and show times.
Animal Kingdom
Hours: 9AM to 7PM (Times may vary, double-check the app to verify)
Note: Animal Kingdom closes earliest due to its reliance on live animals. If you choose to park hop, I recommend hitting Animal Kingdom first.
Getting Around Animal Kingdom
Discovery Island
Highlights: Dining and shopping
Food Recommendations:
Nomad Lounge: Table-service spot for cocktails and small plates in scenic surroundings.
Tiffins Restaurant: Table-service spot serving African, Indian, and South American cuisine.
Flame Tree Barbecue: Quick-service dining on the river.
Pandora - The World of Avatar
Highlights: Avatar Flight of Passage, Na'vi River Journey
Food Recommendations:
Satu'li Canteen: Quick-service spot serving flavorful bowls. Don't miss the cheeseburger bao buns.
Africa
Highlights: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Festival of the Lion King (show)
Food Recommendations:
Harambe Market: Quick-service spot for hearty African-inspired mains.
Tamu Tamu Refreshments: Kiosk serving Dole whip desserts and cocktails.
Asia
Highlights: Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Food Recommendations:
Yak and Yeti: Table-service restaurant serving an eclectic (and massive) menu of Asian-inspired plates
Dinoland U.S.A.
Highlights: Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond (show), Dinosaur
Where to Eat: Disney Dining Outside of the Parks
Note: There are dozens of dining experiences available at Disney properties outside of the parks. This list is by no means comprehensive and represents only restaurants at which I or those I know have personally eaten and can recommend.
Resort Dining
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Steakhouse 71: Old-school steakhouse serving up classic cocktails, juicy steaks, and classic sides like mac and cheese. Reservations required.
California Grill: Rooftop restaurant offering gorgeous views and seafood specialties in a three-course pre-fix menu. Excellent spot to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Disney's Polynesian Resort
'Ohana: Polynesian-themed eatery serving up a bountiful character buffet breakfast with Lilo and Stitch by day and an indulgent Hawaiian feast by night. 'Ohana noodles are a cult favorite.
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto: A must-visit tiki lounge for those who want to be transported to the tropics without leaving the Disney bubble.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Boma: Perhaps the most underrated brunch spot on Disney property. African specialties are served alongside tropical fruits and classic breakfast fare. Don't skip the praline bread pudding. After brunch, you can stroll the grounds to see some of the animals that live on the adjacent reserve.
Disney's Boardwalk (Behind the Boardwalk Inn)
BoardWalk Deli: Casual spot for New York-style deli favorites.
Trattoria al Forno: Red sauce joint serving Italian-American staples like lasagna and chicken parm.
Disney's Old Key West Resort
Olivia's Cafe: Breezy Key West-inspired eatery best loved for brunch. Staples here include banana bread French toast and crab cake benedict.
Guide to Disney Springs
My favorite way to kick off a Disney trip is with an evening at Disney Springs. Parking is free and the restaurants and bars stay open late, especially on weekends. Here are just some of the highlights.
Note: This list comprises restaurants I recommend based on personal experience and research/reputation. Just because a venue isn't included below doesn't mean that it's not worth trying!
Where to Eat at Disney Springs
Table-Service Restaurants at Disney Springs
Chef Art Smith's Homecomin': Casual table-service spot for Southern fare and delicious moonshine cocktails. The thigh drop chicken biscuits are a particular highlight.
Morimoto Asia: A surprisingly good spot for sushi. Upscale atmosphere with prices to match, but the fish is flown in multiple times each week from Japan so it's incredibly fresh. A huge array of sake and Japanese whisky is available, too. You can nab a seat at the bar without a reservation.
Wine Bar George: Large wine selection with tasty bites. I haven't personally eaten here, but I have yet to hear a bad review.
Enzo's Hideaway: 1920s-inspired restaurant and speakeasy serving great cocktails.
House of Blues: Solid barbecue spot with live music.
Quick-Service Restaurants at Disney Springs
The Polite Pig: An order-at-the-counter barbecue joint with a circular indoor-outdoor bar serving up whiskey cocktails (among other, sweeter spirits).
Disney Food Trucks: A rotating round-up of food trucks stationed outside the Star Wars store. Recent vehicular staples have included tacos, Cuban sandwiches, arepas, and smoothies.
YeSake Kiosk: A Japanese-inspired spot offering build-your-own poke bowls, sake cocktails, and boba tea.
Chicken Guy: A casual eatery specializing in crispy chicken tenders served with a wide array of sauces. Shakes, fries, sandwiches, and a tender-topped salad are also on offer.
eet by Maneet Chauhan: New celebrity chef-opened spot featuring Indian flavors in a casual atmosphere.
Restaurant Tips at Disney Springs
Most restaurants offer a walk-up version of their menu if you want to grab a quick bite instead of a full meal.
Waits can be long at Disney Springs restaurants if you don't have a reservation. Luckily, most venues offer a full menu at the bar, which is typically first come-first served.
Where to Find Dessert at Disney Springs
Gideon's Bakehouse: Mammoth cookies with a whimsical and spooky vibe. Monthly rotating specialty cookies, giant cake slices, and cold brew coffees keep things fresh, though the classics (pistachio and toffee, anyone?) are always a good choice. There's always a line, but it's worth the wait.
Ghiradelli's: Classic ice cream sundaes and chocolate goodies. What more could you want?
Everglazed Donuts and Cold Brew: Instagrammable donuts for those who love a sweet treat with their coffee.
Salt & Straw: Creamy scoops in inventive flavors like salted malted chocolate chip cookie dough or strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper.
Amorette's Patisserie: For something a little more upscale, head to this French-inspired bakery for Disney-themed treats that are as pretty as they are palate-pleasing.
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