While magical and fun, visiting Walt Disney World can also be entirely overwhelming and stressful (especially if you’re a first-timer!) Whether you’re going with your family, a large group, or just one other person, committing to a Disney trip signs you up for quite a bit of planning.
Where will you stay? What are the best restaurants within the amusement park? What rides should you prioritize? How many days should you visit? The list goes on and on.
When it comes to planning a Disney trip, things can start to feel all over the place if you aren’t sure where to start. Luckily, that’s why I put together this Disney World guide — to help you and your fellow travelers plan more smoothly (so there’s more time to think about the fun stuff!)
My family and I love to frequent the park as often as we can. Our kids are at such fun ages and can really appreciate and soak up the fun (I have a tween and a teen.) Of course Disney is a dreamy place to visit regardless of age, but over the years, I have found our trips to become more and more special.
From the best places to eat at Disney World (including the best coffee) to where to stay during your visit, I hope you like these tips for planning a Disney vacation.
Disney World Guide
Where to Stay Near Disney World
There is a plethora of hotels near and within Disney World, so I know firsthand how intimidating it can be to sort through lists and lists of all the options. To keep things simple, I’m highlighting just a handful of choices that I truly think are worth a stay.
Drury Resort in Disney Springs
We stayed here a couple of times during our Orlando trips and I highly recommended it! You get some of the same perks, like early entry to the parks, without the price tag of the on-property Disney resorts. They have complimentary happy hour every day, breakfast and bites in the evening (my kids loved loading up on popcorn at night and watching the Disney fireworks from the room!) They also have a great pool, pool bar, bar/kitchen, arcade, and a shuttle to and from the parks. Oh, and they were recently named as a TripAdvisor 2024 Travelers’ Choice Winner
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
If you want to be more so in on the action (and you aren’t worried about spending), I’ve heard amazing things about the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. It boasts all the same luxuries as any Four Seasons would, and the proximity to all the attractions is the icing on the cake. The property is located alongside a Disney lake and offers guests a handful of exclusive perks, like in-room celebrations, a water park, and an adults-only pool.
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Another well-liked hotel near Disney is the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort. It’s set on a 62-acre property and features a lake surrounding by walking paths, five pools, two lazy rivers, a mini golf course, and more. It has tons of positive reviews and guests note that they appreciate that even though it’s close to the amusement park, you still feel like you get some space.
Hotels in Disney World
The Four Seasons property I mentioned above is located within the park grounds, but if you truly want to immerse yourself in the magic and you need more recommendations, here’s a list of hotels in Disney World…
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
- Disney’s Colorado Springs Resort (French Quarter and Riverside)
- The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
In addition to all of these listed above, there are campgrounds and villas that you can book. Like I said, things can get very overwhelming when you realize just how many options there are, but if you want to browse them all, start here.
Where to Eat in and Around Disney World
Is there anything better than Disney food?! I look forward to indulging in allll the treats just as much as I look forward to the rides, parades, and shows. While I really don’t think you can go too wrong when eating at and around Disney World, here are some of my favorite spots…
Joffrey’s
If you follow me on Instagram then you might know I have an obsession with Joffrey’s coffee. It is SO good and I crave it on a daily basis. They do sell their coffee beans on Amazon and I always look forward to brewing a cup at home, but it just hits different when you can order one and enjoy it within the park.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
If you’re looking for a decadent dining experience that you (or your kids) won’t forget, this is the place to head. I will warn you that this is a fine dining restaurant and it is very, very pricey. I would reserve it for special occasions, like a birthday or milestone event. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the atmosphere is stunning (complete with character visits.) There’s truly no place like this and the food is also exquisite.
Sleepy Hollow
Craving some carnival-style treats? Don’t miss Sleepy Hollow! It’s located in a cute brick cottage in Liberty Square (within Magic Kingdom Park) and serves up the best funnel cakes and waffle sandwiches. Quick, easy, and delicious.
Mia’s Italian Kitchen
While this Italian restaurant is not located within Disney World, it is completely worth going to while you’re in Orlando. We had dinner here during our most recent visit and it did not disappoint. Everything from the flavors in each dish to the service was wonderful — and we will definitely go back. It’s also just a quick drive from Disney and the surrounding hotels/resort (and I find that it’s nice to sneak away during your trip!)
Columbia Harbour House
For New England-inspired fare and a cozy ambiance, head to Columbia Harbour House. The price per meal is very reasonable, making it a good spot for families or larger groups. Try the lobster roll, clam chowder, or shrimp skewers. They also offer mobile orders, but even if you don’t order ahead of time, I have found the food and service to be really fast.
Jungle Navigation
Traveling with a picky crew? In my experience, Jungle Navigation has a dish for everyone. Multiple cuisine types satisfy even the most difficult of crowds (African, Asian, and Latin options.) The tropical vibes make the dining experience unique and fun, and another perk is that each plate averages about $35 or less.
Tip: When you can, book reservations at any of the restaurants you plan to visit. This can help you schedule out your day and will ensure that you stay well-fed (without long wait times!)
Disney World Tips
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or you haven’t been to the park in years, there’s always something new and exciting going on at Walt Disney World. It truly is one of the most special places to visit, and that doesn’t change when you become an adult.
Over years of taking our kids, we have learned a lot about what we love and what we feel like we can skip (ex: not staying in Disney World but rather staying nearby the park.) If you’re looking for some quick tips on visiting, I’m sharing my top recommendations below.
- Book your tickets ASAP so you can make dining and entertainment reservations. You can book these reservations with valid park admission up to 60 days in advance. The good stuff, like character meals and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique go first, so keep that in mind if either of those are on your “must-do” list.
- If you can’t get a reservation for a restaurant you wanted to scope out or an experience you were set on, try signing up for Mouse Dining. It watches the reservations you want and emails or texts you the minute one becomes available. I’ve gotten really good character meals last minute with it!
- Map out the rides and parks you most want to visit. While you might end up skipping some of the rides because of long lines (or cranky kids), it’s still nice to go in with a general plan of what you want to accomplish.
- After you sort your bucket-list items out, decide how many days you want to spend in Orlando/at Disney. This will ensure that you allot the proper amount of time to get what you want done.
- A lot of people make the mistake of not getting the Lighting Lane pass and then they’re disappointed because they can’t get on any rides. It’s as good as the fast passes that Disney used to offer and is a must when visiting!
- Bring water bottles and plenty of snacks into the park. We tend to skip the snack part now that our kids are older, but if you have little ones, this is crucial.
- Don’t miss out on the parades! This is one of my favorite parts about visiting Disney World, and I feel like so many visitors overlook just how much fun they are. Even if you just check one of them out for a few minutes, you’ll be in awe.
- Consider spending a day or two away from the park, especially if you’re visiting with young kids. Everyone knows that Disney is the happiest place on earth, but honestly, it can be exhausting. Schedule in some activities around Orlando that aren’t theme park related so you can catch your breath and fully enjoy it all. You can even have a lazy day at your hotel (maybe lounge by the pool or head to the spa.)
- Leave some wiggle room in your itinerary. While you certainly want to head out on a well-planned trip, things always come up. You might find that you love one area of Disney World more than another, and maybe you’ll choose to adjust how you spend your time. Be open to being flexible — that’s how you’ll have the most fun.
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