My love to Disney was invigorated with my recently trip to the Disney Parks in Florida. It truly is the happiest place on earth, well at least my happiest place. The characters, the rides, shopping, food, it was all amazing and went above and beyond my expectations.

I did a lot of planning before we visited the Disney parks. I’m so happy that I did take this time since I didn’t do this when I visited Disney Sea in Tokyo. Besides the language barrier, we were very confused seeing people go ahead of the line, didn’t get good positions for performances and waited so long for a table in a restaurant. We also lined up for 2.5 hours for a ride that we weren’t really sure was a ride.

So if you’re planning a trip here are some of my tips. Do as much research as you can to maximize your time and less stress on the day. If your budget allows I really recommend the Disney restaurants. Each is really unique and I enjoyed the food at most of the restaurants. Some of which were the best food memories from our entire trip. We also had some bonus Character time we wouldn’t have had otherwise.

For Guides to each Theme Park view links at bottom of this post

Before you get there:

• Do you ride and restaurant research
  • Demand will be high for the best and you don’t want to be waiting all day
  • Age and Height requirements
  • Make a list for recommended and time permitting
• Consider staying at a Disney Resort
  • Extra ‘magic time’ means arriving and leaving before crowds
  • Easier commute to hotel
  • May save you money in car hire and tipping hotel bus driver
  • Hotel’s that offer free trip to Park may do many stops before arriving
  • You receive a ‘MagicBand‘
• Book-in everything as soon as you buy your tickets ei. FastPasses, Restaurants
• Fastpass for busiest rides
  • Eg.The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had no FastPass available closer to visit and was 70 min+ wait times
  • Book in three FastPasses as early and close together as possible
  • You can’t book another until you have used all three passes first
• Research most recommended rides and Average wait times
• Restaurants are not a must, but nice to get away from crowds (aircon), experience themes, cuisines and try the best food Disney has to offer
  • Some Restaurants have 6-month wait ei. Cinderella’s Table
  • Booking times should be adequately spaced between meals times
  • Consider a meal plan, might save you money
  • Look at menus and consider your budget
  • Look up Restaurant ratings
  • Beware of cancellation policies for each restaurant
• Keep checking your Disney account to alter FastPass and bookings as new times become available.
• Bring a pram with shade cloth
  • Disney hire prams are made of plastic = hot
• Allow two days for the Magic Kingdom and one day for each of other Parks
• Get to know the map, long walk between areas
• Factor in Live Shows, Parades and Night performance in your schedule
• Download My Disney Experience app on your Smartphone
  • Easily view and alter Fast Passes and Restaurant bookings
  • View wait times

When you arrive:

• Get up early to get in quicker and get on as many rides
• Be aware once you arrive to drop off you will still need to take a Disney boat, tram or tourist road train to the Disney parks = Get up early
• Bring a pen and get your map
• Go directly to FastPass or best rides if wait times are minimal this early
• Don’t get too caught up in taking photos when you arrive, you will have plenty of time
• As you are using your FastPasses, see if you can alter for early times
• As soon as all FastPasses are used book next pass
• Visit Characters when wait times are low or you have space before next FastPass
  • May need to prioritise on a busy day
• Restaurants may still require waiting even with your booking
• Each shop will have items that aren’t anywhere else
  • Most character items available at World of Disney (Disney Springs)
  • Convenience stores near parks will have old Disney merchandise for much lower price eg. T-shirts, keyrings
• You can’t see it all, but then you just might if you plan well!

Wow I didn’t realise I had so much to say. I will share some more posts of my photos.

For a more detailed information on each Theme park check out my guides:

Guide to the Magic Kingdom

Guide to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Guide to Epcot