2024 Best Walt Disney World Tips For First Timers

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Hooray, you’re going to Disney World! But now what? Your first trip to Walt Disney World can be overwhelming, but with a few tips and tricks, you will be able to have a magical vacation.

As a Disneyland regular, going to Disney World for the first time was overwhelming. It is so much bigger, and I didn’t know the parks like the back of my hand. 

Now that I have been several times, I am here to help you with your first trip to Walt Disney World so you can avoid mistakes I made, and enjoy the things I got right in my planning. You invest a lot (time, money, planning) into your Disney World Vacation, so you want it to be an amazing experience.

First Time at Walt Disney World? Here’s What You Need To Know!

If you have never been to either Disneyland or Walt Disney World, planning your first Disney vacation can be extremely overwhelming.

Beyond that, if you are a Disneyland regular, I think sometimes it is even more overwhelming to plan a Disney World vacation because you feel like you should know everything, but you don’t.

Whether you have never visited a Disney park before, or you are a Disneyland regular heading to the East Coast park for the first time, we got you covered! These tips for first-time visitors are the things I wish I had known for my maiden voyage to Walt Disney World.

Were you looking for Disneyland Tips? I got you covered! Read my top Disneyland Tips Article.

When Is The Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World?

The best time to visit Walt Disney World is a question that you would think has a simple answer, but it doesn’t. Different people mean different things when they ask the best time to visit Walt Disney World.

When Are Disney World Crowds The Lowest

Walt Disney World is a popular destination so there will always be some crowds at the parks. With that said, here are some of the times of year when you might find crowds to be lower and more manageable. These are usually the least busy times at Walt Disney World.

• January 10 – March 1 (Save Presidents Day week)
• April 20 –  May 15
• September 8 – 30
• November 1 – 9
• December 1 – 15

While you can find various crowd calendars online, it is important to remember that those calendars are best guesses based on previous trends. After the reopening of the pandemic, attendance has been all over the place. 

In 2024, date-based tickets for Walt Disney World will no longer need park reservations and parkhopping restrictions will be removed. This change will add even more uncertainty to the crowd levels moving forward. 

If you must use a crowd calendar, my top pick is TouringPlans.com While it does have a free option, most days are saved for the paid option. I am not an affiliate and make no money from suggesting them. I have just found them to be the most accurate crowd calendar.

When Is The Weather The Best at Walt Disney World

The weather in Florida can be a big factor in your vacation. In December – February you can expect pretty mild temperatures, with some cold and rainy days thrown in. When we went in January we had a day that was beautiful and spent at Universal’s Volcano Bay Waterpark, and then later that week we were in pants and coats with extremely chilly winds.

I loved my visit in late April. While the humidity was starting to get up there, the temperatures were nice and we only had light sprinkles for about an hour each day.

Summer in Walt Disney World is extremely hot and humid. You can also expect a daily rainstorm and let me tell you, it can be a lot of rain. This weather will last through September, and sometimes into October.

Hurricane Season is something to be aware of. While Walt Disney World Resort is far enough inland that it usually avoids a direct hit, the winds, and rain can be enough to close the parks as well as the airport. If you are traveling during that time, just be prepared to be flexible and don’t be heading home the day before a big meeting, wedding, etc that you cannot miss… just in case.

Best Times To Visit Based On Special Events at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World almost always has special events going on. From After Dark Events to special parties, to festivals inside a park, you will almost always have something happening during your visit.

I prefer to visit during times when there are no RunDisney events, but to visit when an EPCOT Festival is happening. As for the other After Hours events and parties, I do not let those dictate if I will go, but I do let them play into how I plan my park days.

EPCOT Festivals

EPCOT usually has a food festival going on. Those festivals are Food and Wine Festival, Festival of the Arts, Flower and Garden Festival, and Festival of Holidays. All of these include special food festivals, performances, and activities.

After Hours Events

Throughout the year Walt Disney World may offer late-night events called Disney After Hours events. These take place in different parks or even the waterparks, and are usually held throughout the year from January – August. 

Annual Extra Ticketed Events

Beginning in August and going through the end of the holiday season, Walt Disney World hosts seasonal parties in Magic Kingdom. 

In the fall it is the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party which includes Trick or Treating, the Boo To You parade as well as various entertainment options.

Over the Christmas and Holiday Season, you have Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. The event includes the Christmas parade and fireworks as well as other exclusive entertainment and activities.

New in 2023 – Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In 2023, Walt Disney World is offering a new holiday after-hours party called Disney Jollywood Nights. The party offers unique entertainment and food options. Since this party is new, there are no reviews of it at this time.

runDisney Events 

Disney fans who are also runners probably know about the runDisney events, but a casual first-time guest may not. RunDisney events are usually held over weekends and have multiple days where there are early morning (pre-park opening) races that runDisney participants register for months up months in advance. 

While I don’t feel runDisney is a huge factor for your vacation, it can affect hotel availability as well as transportation around the Walt Disney World Property. 

You can check the dates on the runDisney website for race dates.

How Many Days Should I Spend at Walt Disney World – Tips For First-Time Guests

Walt Disney World is a massive resort that is bigger than the city of San Francisco (land area wise). It includes four theme parks, two waterparks, a large shopping district named Disney Springs, as well as dozens of resorts with their own dining and activities available.

With that said, you most likely won’t be able to do EVERYTHING at Walt Disney World on your first visit. From my experience, four days is a great number of days to spend in the parks, but I would also add one more day to either enjoy your resort or explore Disney Springs, or one of the waterparks.

I have found five days gives you a day in every park with enough time to do your preferred attractions and activities. 

How Much Does a Walt Disney World Vacation Cost?

The cost of a Walt Disney World Vacation can vary greatly. I have been able to go for less than $1000/person for a week-long girls’ trip. I have also been planning the first trip for my entire family, including my mother-in-law. For our group of six, we are looking at anywhere between six to ten thousand (total) depending on where we stay, our ticket options, and more.

Let’s break down what will affect your costs, and then I will give you some sample pricing for packages as well.

Don’t Overpay On Your Walt Disney World Vacation – Discount Park Tickets

All magic comes with a price, and Walt Disney World is no different. It is one of the reasons it took me so long to head to the East Coast park. That said, there are a lot of ways to save on Walt Disney World Vacations. My biggest tip for saving on Walt Disney World is by booking through my partners at Get Away Today. 

Not only do they offer discount Walt Disney World tickets, but they also have great discounts on Disney Resort hotels, other Disney property hotels (like Swan and Dolphin, or the B), and more. I was able to tour some of the hotels they partner with, and they are amazing.

I have used Get Away Today for over 13 years for my personal travel to Disneyland, and I am excited to also have them help with my Walt Disney World travel now. Their service is top rate, whether I choose to stay at a Disney hotel, or a resort hotel at Universal Orlando, or somewhere in-between.

Should You Stay On-Site?

At Walt Disney World Resort, first-timers often wonder if they should spend the extra money to stay on-site, or save money and stay at an area hotel. 

The answer is – it depends.

Walt Disney World Resort hotels do have extra perks that make it convenient for guests. Free transportation around the resort (more on that in a moment), thirty-minute early entry, and the Deluxe Properties offer Extended Evening Hours at select parks on select nights. 

That said, if you will not utilize the early entry or extended evening hours, or if you also plan to visit other area attractions, you may find it better to stay off-site. The truth is, there is no wrong or right answer here. Some Disney writers are firmly in team “on-site only” but honestly, it depends on what you want out of your vacation.

What Are The Best Disney Resorts To Stay At?

While most Walt Disney World Resorts will work well for families, I am listing my favorite two properties in each price range with reasons why I love them. 

Best Value Hotels At Walt Disney World

• Art of Animation – This resort makes the list for the newly updated rooms, family suites that have two bathrooms, and proximity to the skyline. The cons of this location are that it is the priciest value resort and can often cost as much or more than moderate resorts.
• Pop Century – This resort makes the list because it is close to the skyline, well-priced, and has fun retro-themed areas for the hotel and pools. Rooms have been newly updated as well. The downside to this resort is that the pools are small, and there are no family suites.

Best Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World

• Caribbean Beach – This resort wins our vote for the best moderate resort on property. It includes themed village areas, has rooms that can sleep up to 5, includes multiple pools (and the best ones of the moderate resorts), Caribbean dining, and more. It is also right on the Skyliner with a direct line to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT (the EPCOT line has a stop at the Riviera Resort). The downside to this resort is that it tends to be limited on promotions that it is included in. 
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness – Many lists would probably place one of the Port Orleans properties in this spot but we have opted to include the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. One reason is simply the atmosphere of this area. You will feel like you are in the forest, with a small community of others camping, RVing, and staying in cabins. We love the activities available at this resort. But we especially love that the cabins include a bedroom, and a living area with a kitchen, and can sleep up to 6. Some cabins are even “dog friendly.” We also love that since you are in cabins, you won’t be sharing walls with other guests. The downside to this resort is its location and the fact that the cabins are dated.

Best Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World

• Polynesian Resort – This resort is on the Monorail Loop and along the water of the Seven Seas Lagoon, boasting views of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks. The Polynesian atmosphere will transport you to a tropical island as will the many dining options. (Dole Whips are also on site!) The Polynesian has a great pool and water play area. This property, as well as the other Deluxe Properties, are also Disney Vacation Club properties offering villas that can be booked (even if you aren’t a DVC member).
• Animal Kingdom Lodge – Savannah View Room – Okay, this one may be controversial to some, but I absolutely loved staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge with a Savannah view. The resort is near Animal Kingdom, and in my opinion has some of the best theming in all of Walt Disney World. The dining options are amazing, especially Boma. The resort has multiple pools and hot tubs for guests to enjoy. For first timers, one thing I liked about this resort for my first visit was that all transportation to the parks is the bus. It was less confusing as a first-timer to simply ride the bus everywhere. The downside to this resort is that the Animal Kingdom resorts are quite a ways from every park besides Animal Kingdom.

Sample Pricing for Walt Disney World Vacation Packages

Note: Top 2 photos courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

Large Group Looking For A Vacation Rental?

If you have a large group, and are looking for a vacation rental, but the Disney vacation villas are not a good fit, don’t worry. I have you covered!

I had friends staying at amazing vacation rentals that were all decked out in Disney-theming, had their own private pools, and more. After searching, I finally found the best place to book these vacation rentals. Top Villas is a premier Vacation Villa Rental Company and they have amazing options. Just check out this Tron Bedroom in one of their vacation villas in the Orlando area! 

Find a Disney Area Hotel Off-Site

What Are The Differences Between the Four Parks?

Four Parks, One World is the tagline most people are familiar with for Walt Disney World. But what are the differences between the four theme parks, let alone the water parks that you can visit? This quick overview will help you decide which parks you want to plan the most time in during your Disney trip. 

Magic Kingdom is Classic Disney mixed with new thrills

When you think classic Disney, you think Magic Kingdom. This is the original Florida park and is most closely related to Disneyland Park. But bigger… 

Magic Kingdom is home to many of the same lands and attractions that you will find at Disneyland Resort, but many things are on a much grander scale. For those Disneyland regulars visiting Magic Kingdom, I suggest focusing on rides that are not available at Disneyland, and the one (or two depending on who you ask) rides that are better at Walt Disney World than Disneyland.

What Are The Must-Do Attractions in Magic Kingdom?

At Magic Kingdom, a first-timer should focus on doing the following attractions:

• Top Thrill Ride – Tron Lightcycle Run – currently using a virtual queue or Individual Lightning Lane, this is a high-speed coaster with flashing lights
• Top Ride Unique To Magic Kingdom – Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train – Individual Lightning Lane or standby line, this is a beginner coaster
• Top Ride That Is Better Than The Disneyland Version – The Jungle Cruise – A longer and more entertaining attraction than the Disneyland version
• Rides With Better Queues Than Disneyland Version – Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and The Little Mermaid – while I don’t feel the rides themselves are better, the standby queues are amazing.

EPCOT – Travel The World & More

EPCOT has a long history that if you are a Disney history buff is worth looking into, but for the sake of planning your first trip, you mostly need to know that EPCOT has two different parts to it.

The World Showcase is one of the most well-known parts of EPCOT and includes different themed pavilions for various countries. Most contain some form of entertainment and dining. A few of them also have rides in them. 

One fun part about the World Showcase is that Cast Members in each country’s pavilion are natives of that country. Talking to a cast member in each country is a great way to learn more about it. 

The second area is what used to be called Future World. However, EPCOT is currently in a transformation stage to become four distinct areas with World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Nature joining World Showcase.

What Are The Must-Do Attractions in EPCOT?

I honestly feel that EPCOT is worth exploring every part. This is probably the most unique park at Walt Disney World (with Animal Kingdom as a close second) but here are the top attractions I think first-timers should take time to do in EPCOT:

• Top Thrill Ride – Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind – This is one that those prone to motion sickness may want to avoid. But if you still want to check out the queue, you can go through, and when they ask “how many?” in the loading area say “X riding, X exiting” This is what I did when I went with other creators. This ride utilizes a Virtual Queue or Individual Lightning Lane.
• Unique Attraction – The Journey of Water Featuring Moana – this is a walk-through attraction that lets you interact with water and learn about the water cycle. It is not a ride, but is a must-do in my book.
• Kids Favorite in World Showcase – Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – This ride is a trackless system ride with 3-D screens, dark ride elements, and minor thrills.  

Of course, as mentioned earlier, EPCOT is also home to many festivals throughout the year at Walt Disney World. You will want to check those out if you are visiting during one.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park – Is It Just a Zoo?

Some people think Animal Kingdom is just a glorified zoo, but this is my second favorite park at Walt Disney World because it is unique from anything found at Disneyland. Yes, Animal Kingdom has a lot of animals, but it also has shows, rides, and more.

A few important things to know about Animal Kingdom Park:

Balloons are not allowed in the park, but they do offer balloon check near the gate.

Animal Kingdom offers a FREE activity – The Wilderness Explorers, a self-paced experience with different locations where you can earn patches (stickers). 

Animal Kingdom closes earlier than the other parks because… animals. For this reason, you will want to make sure to check the schedule and plan on being at this park early in the morning. If you have a park hopper ticket, you might decide to head to another park after your time in Animal Kingdom. 

Early morning hours also help you see more activity with the animals.

What Are The Must-Do Attractions in Animal Kingdom?

This list was extremely hard for me to narrow down because I love Animal Kingdom’s attractions, but here are my top picks:

• Top Thrill Ride – Expedition Everest – A coaster with drops, a Yeti, and high speeds (including going backward for a bit) INSIDER TIP: If you head to this attraction about an hour before closing you usually can walk right on.
• Most Unique Ride – Flight of Passage – if you have seen the movie Avatar, and even if you haven’t, this ride allows you to feel like you are flying on the back of a banshee. This ride involves motion simulation and screens. Note: This ride may not fit some plus-size guests.
• Best Family Ride – Killamanjaro Safaris – Go on a safari-style ride (in a large jeep) that takes you through habitats of various animals, including giraffes, elephants, lions, and more. You may even have animals cross in front of the vehicle and get up close. Insider Tip: Animals are most active in the mornings or after it has had a light rain.

I also highly recommend taking in the Festival of the Lion King during your time in Animal Kingdom as well as some of the other entertainment options in the Africa area. 

​Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This is my least favorite park in Walt Disney World. Mostly because we have many of the same or similar rides at Disneyland. Alien Swirling Saucers = Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree for example. Their Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge (nearly identical to the Disneyland version) is located in this park, etc.

I skipped this park on my most recent visit. I have never felt the need to spend a full day there as a Disneyland regular, but if you have never been to any Disney parks, you may find this park enjoyable.

What Are The Must-Do Attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

While I did skip this park on my last trip, I still find that it is worth a visit for most guests. With that in mind, here are my top picks for must-do attractions in Hollywood Studios:

• Top Thrill Ride – Rockin Rollercoaster – A coaster in the dark, but way more intense than Space Mountain. Includes twists, turns, loops, and all to an Aerosmith soundtrack.
• Top Ride That Is Better Than Disneyland – Tower of Terror – Okay, so we technically don’t have Tower of Terror in Disney California Adventure anymore as it is now Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout!, but I still think the two are often compared to each other. This version of Tower of Terror is far superior to what the Disneyland version was, and even though it is similar to Guardians in California Adventure, there are some differences that guests visiting Walt Disney World for the first time will find enjoyable.
• Best Unique Attraction – Slinky Dog Dash – A beginner coaster set in Andy’s Backyard where you ride on Slinky dog through a coaster that looks like it was made from Tiddlywinks.

Planning Your Dining at Walt Disney World

There is no shortage of dining options at Walt Disney World. We will help make sure you know how to make dining reservations, our top picks for both sit-down dining and quick service options. Is the dining plan at Walt Disney World a good fit for you?

Don’t Overbook Dining

Booking dining at Walt Disney World is a big deal, and there are so many restaurants to choose from, it can be easy to try and book three dining reservations a day. STOP! Don’t do it. For your first trip, I think it is better to have two or three dining reservations made for your trip (up to five for longer trips), no more than one a day. 

Disney World has tons of quick service options that you can enjoy and not have to plan your entire park day around. You will want the freedom to do a ride because the wait times are low, instead of having to head off to a dining reservation.

Tips On Making Advance Dining Reservations

Advance dining reservations are available up to 60 days in advance and can be made via the “My Disney Experience” app. If you are staying at a Disney Resort, you can book 60 days from your first day + 10 days out. Off-site guests will have reservations available each day at the 60-day mark.

Reservations typically open around 6 am Eastern Time. 

I suggest setting a reminder the day before they open to make sure you have finalized what restaurants you hope to book and the dates and times. Then set an alarm for the morning to remember to book them when your reservation window opens. This is especially true if you are hoping to visit one of the more popular locations, like Space 220 in EPCOT. 

Remember if you are utilizing a dining plan that some reserved dining options will require 2 table dining credits per person.

Do I Count My Young Children in My Party Size?

When making dining reservations, always include your kids, including infants, in the party size. Even if they won’t be eating. The group size is not just for knowing how many paying guests will be in attendance but for seating and fire restrictions as well. 

I Didn’t Get The Reservations I Wanted!

If you aren’t able to snag the reservation you want, don’t lose hope. MouseDining is a service that will alert you if a reservation at your preferred location opens up. They offer a free version as well as an upgraded one.

My Favorite Advance Dining Reservation Options

If you are looking for some recommendations of what to book for your advance dining reservations, I do have some that I have loved and would totally recommend. Also, I have not done every dining option, so check in with the Disney World with Kids Facebook Group to ask others what restaurants they would recommend making reservations for.

In full disclosure, I am not a foodie, so this list is based off my taste and/or the experience of each location. I also polled the Disney World with Kids group for their favorite dining options and included some of those as well. 

My (and my Facebook group’s) favorite dining reservations for each park include:

Magic Kingdom – Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen – All the fun jokes, some great eats, and a great atmosphere

EPCOT – Space 220 – Leave planet Earth and enjoy international (or is it intergalactic) cuisine

Animal Kingdom – a tie between Tusker House or Yak and Yeti – full disclosure, I have not eaten at either, and everyone I polled was evenly split between the two.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Roundup Rodeo BBQ – a Toy Story-themed, family dining, BBQ restaurant.

Should You Purchase The Disney Dining Plan?

Being someone who likes to get the biggest bang for my buck, I have done a lot of math on the Disney Dining Plan. Honestly, it isn’t always a money saver, but if you want the peace of mind that your food costs are mostly taken care of for the trip (which can be nice for those making their first trip) it may be worth it. 

The dining plans have been paused since the closure, but are returning in 2024. There are two dining plan options, one that is for quick service only, and one that includes table service. If you choose the latter, just know that some table service options take 2 credits.

You can learn more about the Disney Dining Plan from the Disney Tourist Blog.

Walt Disney World Tips To Make Your Visit Better

Here are a few more tips to make sure you are ready for your Walt Disney World Vacation.

Learn About The Free Transportation Options at Walt Disney World

When I went on my first Walt Disney World trip, I was so grateful to stay at a Disney Resort that just had one mode of transportation to the parks. I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House) and you rode a bus everywhere. It was simple and easy. As someone who regularly visits Disneyland, I was grateful that it was so simple.

On my next visit, I stayed at The Contemporary and had activities at other resorts. So I felt like I became a pro at utilizing other free transportation options, but I know there is a ton more to learn.

Once you pick your Disney Resort (if staying onsite) or plan out your days, be sure to look into all the free options for transportation. My friend Leslie shared all her best info and tips on Walt Disney World Transportation, and I found it super helpful!

My top tip is to make sure you plan plenty of time to use the transportation options. If you are trying to make a 7:30 Early Entry, be at the bus pickup at 6:30, etc. Of course, there are a few exceptions but know that it takes a lot more time to get places than at Disneyland.

Download and Learn The My Disney Experience App

The My Disney Experience app is the app for Walt Disney World Resort that allows you to see wait times, mobile order food, utilize Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, and so much more. If you have a Disney account either via Disney+, shopDisney, or the Disneyland App, you will utilize the same login for the My Disney Experience app.

Learn About Genie+ at Walt Disney World

After the closures of the parks, Disneyland and Walt Disney World both introduced a new, updated system called Disney Genie. To start, the free version of Disney Genie gives “tips” to help you plan your day. However, most people have found the tool to be of no help, making strange itinerary decisions that actually make it so you get less done during the day. This is the circumstance at both Disney World and Disneyland.

That said, the paid upgrade – Disney Genie+ – is beneficial. Disney Parks previously offered FastPass as a “skip the line” system to help guests save time and get on more rides.

Disney Genie+ works similarly to FastPass in that it lets guests access shorter wait times via the Lightning Lane. Guests utilize the My Disney Experience app to make selections and are assigned return times for rides. 

Important Differences At Walt Disney World from Disneyland

One important thing for guests to know about Disney Genie+ is that it is different between the two US parks. While at Disneyland you can pre-purchase tickets that include Genie+, at Walt Disney World, you cannot purchase them until the day of your visit.

At Disneyland, you cannot make any ride selections until you have scanned into the park, but at Walt Disney World, you can make your first selection at 7 am the day of your visit. To learn more about either resort’s Genie+, you can choose one of the links below.

READ MORE: Disney Genie+ Tips at Walt Disney World

READ MORE: Disney Genie+ at Disneyland

Other Skip-The-Line Options At Walt Disney World

A few other important skip-the-line options to learn about at Walt Disney World are Single Rider and Mobile Ordering.

Single Rider 

Single Rider is offered on select attractions and allows those who are willing to ride alone, separated from their party, a shorter line. The line is used to fill in empty seats when needed.

Mobile-Ordering

Mobile ordering allows you to mobile order food from select quick service restaurants ahead of time and choose your return time. When your arrival window starts, you simply head to the dining location and hit “I’m Here Prepare my Order” and then when it is ready, head to the window indicated to pick up your food.

Take Time To Enjoy Your Resort

If you are staying on-site, definitely take time to enjoy your resort, and perhaps explore other resorts. The theming at the Disney World Resort Hotels is amazing, and honestly, I know several people who go on vacations and do not step foot in the parks… they just explore the Disney hotels.

Of course, they have been multiple times, so as a first-timer, you won’t want to make that your entire vacation, but maybe something to do on a down day. 

Utilize Disney’s Memory Maker To Capture Magical moments

​Walt Disney World offers the Memory Maker, a photo package that allows you to download photos taken by Disney Photopass Photographers and attraction photos and videos. This includes their Magic Shots with added fun in the photo. You can purchase Memory Maker in advance to get the best deal on your photos.