Sometimes, the perfect escape from the mundane is an exciting family trip. After you’ve scheduled your time off from work and made the hotel reservations, start creating the ultimate Disney World itinerary that includes your family’s favorite rides, attractions, and restaurants in one vacation. Whether you’re staying for a couple of days or weeks, pack your schedule so that you won’t miss out on Disney magic!
Getting Acquainted with the Four Disney Parks
Before you head to the first park you see, explore what each of Disney World’s four parks has to offer, including its own magic, atmosphere, and attractions. This will help you divide your days across each location for a grand adventure.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is the heart of Disney World and home to Cinderella’s Castle. Whether it’s your family’s first or tenth time, this park is always an iconic location to start your adventure. With notable attractions, such as Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, it brings classic Disney magic to life.
Make sure to pick up a park map upon entering to spot family-friendly rides, including “It’s a Small World” or thrilling coasters like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Don’t forget to find a spot for a view of the fireworks at night!
Epcot
Epcot splits its magic between futuristic rides and a celebration of global cultures. Even if your kids aren’t the biggest science nerds, rides like Spaceship Earth or Test Track provide interactive and thrilling experiences for all ages. The World Showcase allows you to experience different countries and cultures as you taste signature foods, enjoy cultural performances, and shop for global Disney souvenirs exclusive to certain pavilions.
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom immerses visitors in the wonders of nature and the magic of Disney. From the thrilling Expedition Everest roller coaster to the incredible Pandora – The World of Avatar, there’s adventure around every corner! As you stroll through the scenic paths, check out the Kilimanjaro Safaris or the Festival of the Lion King live shows that bring classic Disney tales to life with music and acrobatics.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios transports guests into the heart of cinematic adventures and behind-the-scenes magic. From the action-packed Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to the nostalgic Toy Story Land, this park lets visitors step into their favorite movie worlds. Send your kids through this cinematic world filled with thrilling rides, such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and captivating shows such as Beauty and the Beast.
Sorting Out Ticketing and Park Reservations
To minimize foot traffic and congestion, Disney World now requires park pass reservations for all attendees. Once you pick out the parks you want to explore, the next step is setting up your tickets and making park reservations.
Getting Multi-Day Tickets
The more days you stay, the cheaper the per-day ticket price becomes. If you plan to visit all four parks, a four-day base ticket gives you plenty of time to explore the ride opportunities. On the other hand, Park Hopper tickets allow you to visit multiple parks in a single day, but it adds to the cost.
Decide whether your family wants a laid-back vacation with one park per day or the flexibility to hop between parks. This will help you create a budget and schedule for your vacation.
Reserving Your Passes Early
Disney’s reservation system fills up quickly, especially during popular travel months. To reserve a spot for specific days, book your ticket immediately on the booking site. Don’t miss out on your favorite parks when the spots fill up!
Creating a Game Plan for Rides and Attractions
Even within an entire day at your disposal, it can be difficult to stop by all your favorite rides without a plan. Utilize your time wisely, and create a priority list for attractions.
Prioritize Must-See Attractions
Start by listing family-favorite rides that everyone wants to visit. This will help you determine what rides you’ll prioritize and the attractions your family could check out when you have free time. For the more notable and popular rides, pick out a time in the schedule when the lines are the shortest to spend less time waiting.
Use Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
To save time, invest in Disney Genie+, which provides access to select Lightning Lanes for your favorite rides. This allows you to skip regular lines for key attractions. Book your Lightning Lane passes in advance because slots fill up fast!
Scheduling Meals and Snack Breaks
Between all the excitement, it can be easy to forget food and water breaks. Luckily, Disney offers a range of dining options, from quick snacks to sit-down restaurants with magical themes.
Make Dining Reservations
You and your family can explore plenty of eateries during your Disney trip. Popular events, such as Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom or the character breakfast at Chef Mickey’s, require reservations months in advance. As part of your ultimate Disney World itinerary, schedule reservations ahead of time.
Stop by the Food Stalls
Churros, Dole Whip, Mickey-shaped pretzels are just a few exclusive treats you can find at food stalls around the parks. Disney is famous for its snacks, so leave room in your day to indulge in a few! These quick snacks are perfect to enjoy as you’re waiting for the next ride.
Planning Relaxation Time
Exploring Disney World can be exhausting, especially with kids in tow. Before you and your family feel overwhelmed, build downtime into your itinerary to re-energize for the rest of the day.
Take Breaks
Schedule free time and breaks during the day to avoid overcrowding your schedule. This will also give you a chance to sit down and find out if there are any shows or rides you’ll want to explore for the remainder of the day. Whether it’s a mid-afternoon stop for ice cream or chilling in the air-conditioned Epcot’s American Adventure, these small moments will refresh you and your kiddos.
Pool and Hotel Fun
Returning to your hotel mid-day is a great way to recharge. If you made a reservation at the resort, enjoy some poolside relaxation before heading back to the parks for nighttime entertainment.
As you build your itinerary, keep in mind that plans can change once you arrive in the parks. While these itineraries will guide you through your journey, they’re not set in stone! If you need to take additional breaks or if rides undergo maintenance, adjust your schedule accordingly and be flexible.
Once you’re ready to start packing, check out our Disney collection at FloridaGifts! Pack Disney shirts for your family and snap some cute pictures while you’re there. You can also find extra souvenirs you may need during your travels. From our selection of clothing to rainy-day essentials, you’ll have everything you’ll need for a magical adventure.