When we first started our Disney Adventures we would attempt to do the entire park in the day. It is possible, however you're so exhausted at the end of the night, that half the time you forget what you saw. Therefore we came up with a game plan to make sure we don't miss a thing. We broke down each park by sections and explored every ride, show, store, restaurant, and have found that on every trip we always discover something new. Of course this is a bit easier for us as we are annual pass holders but if you are currently pass holders or plan to spend your next vacation with Mickey and the Gang, and you want to get in as much as possible, create a plan ahead of time.
Since there are 4 Disney Theme Parks I'm going to break down each park into different blog posts so if you're only going to visit a specific park you don't have to read through a whole bible to get to where you're going.
Planning your trip:
If you're a planning NUT like me...Here are some tips to get you started.
Florida is ALWAYS HOT! I've tested out the weather different times of the year and have found that October-March is a lot cooler in the mornings to early evenings. However, make sure to bundle up in the evenings cause with a blink of an eye temperatures drop drastically. If you're not a huge fan of large crowds then I recommend you plan your trip for February to early April and the first 2 weeks in October. Keep in mind, the closer to the holidays the busier the parks get.
If you're traveling in the summer, get ready to sweat your tushy off, cause it gets HOT. Make sure to wear lots of sunscreen, bring a hat, sunglasses, dress to keep cool and stay hydrated.
If you're traveling in the colder months, I recommend you reserve a locker at the entrance of the park where you can leave your sweaters, jackets, coats, etc. In the colder months, during the day temperatures are really nice, usually in the low 70's to mid 60's however in the early evening temperatures will drop drastically and you're going to want to be able to dress warm for the parade and firework show which all happens at the entrance of the park.
Where to stay:
Disney World has more than handful of beautiful resorts you can choose from. Make sure you book a few months in advance to get better pricing. All Disney Resorts offer free shuttles to and from the park, I'd take advantage of this as parking per vehicle is approx $15 at each park. As Disney Resort guest you get to enjoy EXTRA MAGIC HOURS at selected theme parks. And any purchases you make, you can have delivered to your room. so you don't have to carry bags all day long.
Here's a list of the all Disney Resorts.
| Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort |
| Disney's All Star Movies Resort |
| Disney's All Star Music Resort |
| Disney's All Star Sports Resort |
| Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge |
| Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas- Jambo House |
| Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas- Kidani Village |
| Disney's Art of Animation Resort |
| Disney's Beach Club Resort |
| Disney's Beach Club Villas |
| Disney's Boardwalk Inn |
| Disney's Boardwalk Villas |
| Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort |
| Disney's Contemporary Resort |
| Disney's Coronado Springs Resort |
| Disney's Grand Floridian Resort |
| Disney's Old Key West Resort |
| Disney's Polynesian Resort |
| Disney's Pop Century Resort |
| Disney's Port Orleans Resort |
| Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort |
| Disney's Wilderness Lodge |
| Disney's Yacht Club Resort |
| The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort |
| The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort |
| The Villas at Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge |
| The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort |
| Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel |
| Walt Disney World Swan Hotel |
There are also lots of other hotels not owned by Disney within the vicinity. I usually look to stay in the Downtown Disney Area as it's close to the parks, dining, entertainment, and shopping.
Parking is paid at each park you go to:
If you are a Disney Resort Guest, Parking is complimentary during the length of your stay.
If you're a Premium Annual Pass Holder or have an Annual Pass Parking is complimentary.
Otherwise here are the prices. Parking fee is paid at your arrival to every park. (ex: Visit 2 parks total for parking is $30)
*-Automobile, Taxi, Limo or Motorcycle: $15 USD
*-Camper, Trailer or RV: $16 USD
*-Bus or Tractor Trailer: $19 USD
Admission:
Single Day- Visit One Theme Park Ticket:
1- Day Adult (10+)- $95.00
1- Day Child (3-9)- $89.00
Disney offers Multi Day/Multi Park Theme Park Tickets.
For more information on theme park tickets you can go here: Disney Theme Park Tickets
Be sure to SELECT whether or not you're a Florida Resident from the drop box menu.
Maps:
Although all Disney Theme Parks have free Guides and Maps I recommend that you download a copy prior to your trip, you'll want to do as much as you can in each section of the park rather than going back and forth to do different attractions. If you arrive by the time the park opens and leave at park's closing you'll have time to do just about everything including the parade and firework show.
Autograph books:
You'll definitely want to get one of these if it's your first time visiting the parks.
Disney has a selection of different types of autograph books. If you're not crafty I recommend you purchase the Autograph and Photograph book. There are Autograph books where your favorite Disney Characters will sign and above their signature you can insert the picture you've taken with them.
Character Greetings:
Throughout each theme park there are different ways to find all your favorite characters.
I will get into more detail on my theme park posts where you can find all your favorites.
In the meantime you'll find a symbol of Mickey's hand on all the theme park maps marking the locations where you can meet the characters.
Parades and Firework Shows:
Be sure to pick up a show time guide when you grab your map at the entrance of each park.
Magic Kingdom:
A Dream Come True Parade
Mickey's Electrical Parade
Spectro Magic Show
Wishes Firework Show
Epcot: IllumiNations: Reflection of Earth Firework Show
Hollywood Studios:Fantasmic Firework Show
Animal Kingdom:
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade
Lines/Fast Pass
Depending on the time of the year expect to wait in line for at least 15 minutes before getting on any attraction. Disney offers a Fast Pass service, FREE of charge, where you can return back to the attraction within the hour, this way you can move on to another attraction without having to wait in the longer lines. To receive a fast pass for an attraction, simply slide your admission ticket into the fast pass machine and your fast passes are printed. You can request fast passes to 2 attractions at a time.
Souvenirs
No matter how many times I go to the parks, I always have to bring something back with me. Keep in mind you enter and exit the park in the same place. You can always stop by the shops on your way out and not have to carry a bunch of bags all day. If you're a guest at one of the Disney Resorts you can even have packages delivered to your room. Pretty cool, huh?
Well there you have it my friend...Be sure to check back periodically as I will share with you more tips on each theme park, places to eat, where to meet your favorite characters, and how to make your trip Magical.
Ta ta for now!
