Disney Tips from a Travel Expert

As a travel agent, I’ve had the privilege of working with families, couples, and individuals to create unforgettable Disney vacations. Some clients eagerly anticipate their visit, while others may feel apprehensive. As a Disney fan, I find it rewarding to help all clients plan their ideal vacations. Whether coordinating large family reunions or planning magical honeymoons, there is nothing more gratifying than receiving positive feedback from my clients.

Pro Planning Tip: We recommend using Jessica Lieb with ET Family Travel to book your Disney vacation!

Travel During Off-Peak Season

While you can always expect large crowds at Walt Disney World, there are certain times when the parks are less crowded. If you want to optimize your time at Disney World I recommend avoiding the parks during Christmas break and other major holidays. Most families take advantage of school holidays, which means everyone, including locals, will be at the parks. Additionally, check Disney events to avoid visiting during runDisney events or other major events.

The summer is actually one of the best times to visit Disney World. If you can deal with the Florida heat, consider traveling during the summer. During July and August, you’ll see some of the best promotional prices and lowest wait times of the year.

Stay in the Magic

Choosing the right place to stay during your Disney vacation can greatly enhance your experience. As a mom, I know that carrying tired, cranky kids long distances after a busy day can be exhausting. Fortunately, Disney offers a range of convenient resorts at various price points. Here are some key benefits of staying on property:

1. Extra Magic Hours: Enjoy select parks before or after regular hours, allowing for shorter wait times for attractions.
2. Convenient Transportation: Take advantage of complimentary buses, monorails, and boats for easy travel within the resort.
3. Early Access to Dining Reservations: Book dining 60 days in advance for your entire stay, increasing your chances of securing popular spots.
4. Themed Accommodations: Experience unique and immersive themes in Disney resorts.
5. Package Delivery: Have purchases from the parks delivered directly to your hotel room.
6. Priority Access to Attractions: On-property guests can book FastPass+ selections 60 days in advance for their favorite rides.
7. Proximity to the Parks: Stay close to the action, often within walking distance or a short ride from the parks.

These benefits can enhance your trip and make it more convenient.

Do Disney Like a Celebrity with VIP Tour

Enhance the magic of Disney World like a celebrity with tours that offers a unique experience.

Disney VIP Tour

Disney’s Private VIP Tours, provide the ultimate VIP treatment, complete with a personal guide who crafts the perfect itinerary for your day. Skip the lines with expedited access to your favorite attractions and move effortlessly between the parks with door-to-door transportation. Your VIP guide will share fascinating insights and stories, giving you an insider’s perspective on the enchanting world of Disney. Plus, you’ll enjoy reserved seating at shows and parades, ensuring you never miss a moment of the magic. It’s the perfect way to make your Disney adventure truly unforgettable, just like the stars do.

There are also other less expensive tours that give you a unique experience at Disney World.

Backstage Tours:

• Behind the Seeds: An up-close and personal walking tour of The Land Pavillion at Epcot.
• Wild Africa Trek: a VIP guided tour of exotic African wildlife.
• Caring for Giants: Get up-close with African Elephants and learn how they take care of them.
• Keys to the Kingdom Tour: A deep dive into Magic Kingdom with backstage access.

Resort Tours:

• Explore Disney resorts to learn about their unique themes and amenities.

Slow Down and Enjoy the Experience

You will never have enough time to do everything during your Disney trip. Walt Disney World is about the size of Manhattan and includes four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and dining district, and over thirty resorts. It can be stressful trying to fit activities into every minute of your day. The parks can be overwhelming for both parents and children, so it’s important to resist the urge to do too much.

In the excitement of visiting Walt Disney World, it’s easy to rush from ride to ride without taking the time to enjoy the atmosphere. Sometimes, the best Disney moments occur when you take a step back and savor your surroundings. Some of my favorite memories at Disney come from unscheduled moments of magic.

Plan a Rest Day

Don’t forget to include rest days in your itinerary. Set aside a day to relax and enjoy the amenities at your resort, especially the pool.

With so many options for enhancing your Walt Disney World vacation, it’s a good idea to work with a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations. An agent can guide you through the various options, helping you make informed decisions for your trip.