You're starting to plan your Disney vacation? Start here first.

In the United States, more than 58 million people visit Disney parks every single year. With such popularity, it's important to know the ins and outs of planning a trip to Disney World before you arrive.

For those looking for the best, be sure to consult this ultimate guide on how to plan a Disney vacation with these seven easy tips you need to know.

Read on to learn more.

1. Know What to Bring with You

Step one in the best Disney tricks is to know what to bring with you before you arrive. First things first, be sure to create an account on Disney World's website. Here, you'll be able to make any and all reservations.

Don't forget to download the My Disney Experience from the app store onto your phone or smart device. This is the best place to get updated information on the park, as well as a great place to look at maps, food menus, and show performance times.

Remember to make a budget. Consider the prices of the extra experiences offered at Disney World you may want to do in addition to the parks.

Look into a DVC rental ahead of time for a great opportunity to save on money. You'll be a lot less stressed if you go in with a plan! 

2. Pick the Best Dates to Go

One of the best Disney World travel tips is to pick the best dates to go ahead of time. Consider when you can take off from work and school. Think about special holiday festivities you may want to experience at the parks. 

There's always something new and exciting happening at the parks. From half marathons and garden shows to professional sports teams practicing and arts festivals - there's something to offer for everyone.

Consider special events such as:

  • Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

  • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

  • Epcot International Festival of Holidays

  • Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

The dates slightly alter every year, so be sure to check out the Disney World website for specific days and times of events. 

You'll want to give yourself at least five days and six nights at the park to truly experience all of the parks. After all, Disney World has four incredible theme parks, two extreme water parks, and endless entertainment, recreation, and shopping opportunities.

Don't miss the iconic locations like:

  • Magic Kingdom

  • Park, Epcot

  • Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Disney's Blizzard Beach

  • Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

If you can't stay for the full five days, plan ahead which parks you want to prioritize during your visit. 

If you're looking for the least busy times to visit, check out the park right after the New Year's holiday. Numbers are typically lower between early January and mid-February. 

3. Find the Greatest Lodging in the Area

One of the best tips for Disney World is to reserve your lodging before you arrive. Especially in peak seasons, hotels and resorts close to the parks tend to get booked and rooms are sold out. 

The on-site hotels tend to be more expensive, but they traditionally have a lot of extra perks with the park, like getting in early, park ticket discounts, and extended hours during your visit. 

Check out lodging such as:

  • Pop Century

  • Art of Animation

  • Port Orleans

  • Riverside

  • Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Animal Kingdom Lodge

On-site lodging also comes with complimentary MagicBands, which work as park tickets, room keys, and credit cards. You'll also receive free airport transportation, item delivery to your residence, and Disney Dining Plans.

4. Purchase the Right Tickets for You and Your Family

When planning a trip to Disney World, it's important to purchase the right tickets for you and your family. The parks offer three choices for tickets:

  • Base

  • Park Hopper

  • Park Hopper Plus

If you have small children traveling with you, the Base option is a great choice because it covers the least amount of ground. If you're looking to experience the parks in full, check out the Park Hopper tickets.

Be sure to wear good walking shoes, you will be going non-stop from sun up to sun down!

5. Plan Your Transportation

If you're traveling from a faraway place, it's vital to plan your transportation early. Be sure to purchase all airline tickets at least thirty days in advance. Double-check your travel checklist before you leave. 

If you don't have a car or rental car, consider booking a shuttle or consider using Uber or Lift to get from point A to point B.

6. Be Sure to Ride These Rides

One of the biggest reasons people travel to the parks is to ride the infamous rides the parks are notorious for. Consider purchasing a FastPass+ to get to the front of the line faster and have less wait time.

Be sure to check out rides such as:

  • Big Thunder Mountain Ride

  • Space Mountain

  • Expedition Everest

  • The Twilight Zone Tower

  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

  • Avatar Flight of Passage

  • Test Track

  • Toy Story Mania!

Disney World does a great job to offer a wide variety of rides from extreme rollercoasters to relaxing lazy rivers, so there's something for everyone in the family to try.

7. Get the Best Eats

In addition to all of the performances, rides, and recreational opportunities, Disney Word has some of the best food in the world. If you're looking to refine your pallet, be sure to head over to Epcot for cuisines from all over the world.

Some of the best table service restaurants include:

  • The Boathouse

  • Tiffins

  • Victoria & Albert's

Try a new restaurant every day of your visit!

How to Plan a Disney Vacation

If you're trying to figure out how to plan a Disney vacation, be sure to keep this guide handy to make sure you have the best trip possible. The parks are always popular, so be sure to get your tickets early.

What are you waiting for? Your Disney vacation awaits!

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