Are you planning a trip to Disney World and overwhelmed with what to know before going to this magical place?
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can seem daunting at times, from what the weather is going to be, what to pack, and how the heck to get a spot on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Things are always changing at the Disney theme parks but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a plan before taking your first step down Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom.
We’ve rounded up fifteen of the top things you need to know before going to Walt Disney World this year so you can plan your vacation with ease and get the most out of your time in the parks.
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1. Beware the Weather at Walt Disney World
No matter what time of year you go to Walt Disney World the weather can be unpredictable.
In trips past we’ve thought the weather was going to be warm and sunny the entire trip, only to arrive at Walt Disney World to damp and dreary days.
Don’t be discouraged though.
Just pack a little of everything from shorts and t-shirts to jeans and sweatshirts and you’ll be set to go, especially in spring and fall.
And if it is raining just throw a few disposable ponchos into your backpack and off to the parks you can go.
Hipster Power Tip: You can buy a bulk of disposable ponchos from the Dollar Tree for only $1 each!
2. There is No Genie+ at Any of the Parks
If you’re going to Walt Disney World thinking you’ll be able to get the prized FastPass+ or Genie+reservations for the top-tier attractions, think again.
We loved the short period when there was no FastPass+ at Disney. The lines move faster, you were fully immersed in the story of the ride, and you could often do more attractions at the parks without FastPass+ than with it.
However, as of July 24th, the new highly anticipated Lightning Lane passes arrive that let you bypass the stand-by queue and join the shorter line.
This won’t be available for all attractions and experiences but it will be an option for some select.
What to Know About the New Skip the Line Program
You will have the option of buying either the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, (up to 3 multipass experiences) or a Lightning Lane Single Pass (used for one of the most in-demand popular attractions or even both.
They can be purchased up to 7 days in advance for those staying at Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels.
While those who are just visiting the park can purchase them up to 3 days in advance.
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3. Dining at Disney World
Dining at Disney has changed through the years and can be confusing to understand. However, their current Disney Dining Plan has been simplified to two different options.
Disney has two tiers for the Dining Plan:
- Disney Quick Service Dining Plan
- “Regular” Disney Dining Plan
Each of them comes with a different level of service at different rates and depending on your Disney budget can be a pricey add-on to any solo theme park hopper or a family vacation.
This prepaid meal plan for restaurants on the Walt Disney World Resort property is only available for guests staying at Disney-owned and operated resorts.
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These are the 5 Best Places to Eat at Disney World
There are so many great options when considering where to dine at Walt Disney World but I have narrowed it down to my top 5 Disney restaurants you simply can’t miss.
#1 Morimoto Asia (Disney Springs)
Hands down my favorite place to eat and if you are a true sushi extraordinaire then you must eat at this Disney restaurant.
Morimoto guests can choose from 5 different sushi/sashimi platters for larger parties (ranging from $55 – $110), or 8 different sushi rolls ($16 – $19), dim sum, a selection of soups, noodles, fried rice, and unique nightly dessert specials and so much more.
Must Try Dish on this Disney Menu – Spicy Tuna Roll and Spider Roll
#2 Sanaa (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge- Kidani Village)
Sanaa is Disney’s BEST Kept Secret at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
African-inspired vibes with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the gorgeous Savanna at the resort and their exotic animals, this place is an incredible break from the hustle and bustle of the park.
The menu has a wide range of selections whether you are looking for something adventurous and new from their African cooking with Indian flavor options to a spin on some of your mainstream favorites.
Must Try Dish on this Disney Menu – Indian-style bread service
#3 La Cantina De San Angel (EPCOT)
This Disney dining restaurant is actually a quick-service restaurant but it will blow your mind.
Over at the Mexico Pavillion in EPCOT, the vibrant and bold flavors of authentic Mexican fare are served up in some seriously generous portion sizes.
So you will want to bring your appetites for this one!
Must Try Dish on this Disney Menu: Tacos de Barbacoa – Shredded Beef on homemade Corn Tortillas topped with Red Salsa and Cilantro. Served with Rice and Black Beans with Queso Fresco
#4 Space 220 (EPCOT)
Serving up mixed cuisine The Space 220 is one of the restaurants at Epcot that you have to visit because this is one dining experience unlike any other you have ever encountered.
It is a gastronomic journey with intergalactic cocktails, celestial desserts, and epicurean dishes it is all out of this world delicious.
You can expect to pay a fixed price of $55 per adult ($29 for a child) at lunch and $79 per adult at dinner but with a thrilling simulation of entering a futuristic space, and panoramic views of Earth it is one stellar of a price.
Must Try Dish on this Disney Menu – Slow Roasted Crystal Valley Chicken of 48-hour Brined Chicken, Spanish Chorizo Plantain Ragout, Roasted Garlic, Heirloom Tomato
#5 Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Disney Springs)
This is the place to be for a fresh, mouth-watering farmhouse brunch and authentic southern flavors with a modern twist.
Fixing up brunch, lunch, and dinner Chef Art’s kitchen pulls together many recipes that are based on Chef Art’s mother with the fresh ingredients from the farms of Florida.
Must Try Dish on this Disney Menu – Art’s Famous Fried Chicken of Buttermilk-brined for 24 hours then perfectly fried and served with creamy mashed potatoes, a cheddar drop biscuit, and love
They are some lick-your-plate-clean, finger-licking good dishes!
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4. Disney Park Hopping is Different Than it Was in the Past
We love park hopping from park-to-park throughout our stay at Walt Disney World.
Like many Disney fans, we were excited when Disney announced that park hopping would return, but look a little different.
There is no set time now that you can swap parks. You can switch over to another theme park at whatever time you want.
Well, that is during the park hours of course, and with a ticket the benefits of Park Hopper or your Annual Pass.
5. Hotels are Being Very Strict About Visiting for the Day
One thing guests at Walt Disney World often love to do is resort hop to check out all of the resorts around the property with their different themes and restaurants.
This is especially true during the holiday season when each of the resorts are decorated for Christmas with lights, trees, and gingerbread displays.
This year Disney is making it harder to resort hop by saying only Guests staying at the resort or with a confirmed dining reservation can park at a resort, and the security guards at each resort are taking this seriously.
If you still want to resort hop consider a few options:
#1. Make a dining reservation then leave your car at that resort and use Disney transportation to check out nearby resorts.
This works best on the monorail loop where Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa are.
You can also add in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort by getting off the monorail at Magic Kingdom and getting on the boat to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
#2. The other option for resort hopping is the Skyliner loop
This route will take you to:
- Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club,
- The Boardwalk
- Epcot
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Pop Century Resort
This is our favorite loop since there are so many places to get off and explore, have a snack or a drink, and hang out for the day.
6. New Rides and Shows at Walt Disney World for 2024
Disney never ceases to amaze us Disney fans!
They are always creating an array of thrilling new rides and shows to entertain us Disney enthusiasts.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
One of the most anticipated magical new attractions is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and it was well worth the wait.
The journey through the heart of New Orleans features 48 Audio-Animatronics figures, new music, a detailed queue, and a 50-foot drop height diving you deep into the middle of Louisiana.
¡Celebración Encanto!” at Epcot
The Encanto Show at Epcot is a limited-time show so don’t put it off or you may miss out.
This 20-minute interactive show has young ones coming up on stage throughout various parts of the performance getting in on all the fun, character appearance, and family-friendly participation from the audience.
With a grand dance party at the end adding on another 10 minutes of fun, the Encanto Show at Epcot is colorful and uplifting filled with family bonding and magic just like the film.
Country Bears Jamboree Upgrade
This Disney classic in Frontierland has returned for their country sensational performances but with a newly reimagined upgrade in their brand-new fixins and songs.
Still a a rootin’ tootin’ good time with your favorite Disney songs Country Bears Jamboree Upgrade is bringing the southern comfort back to Magic Kingdom Park.
WATCH: 13 Beginner Tips for Going to Disney World This Year!
7. Ride Heights
Disney theme parks and water parks do enforce minimum height requirements for safety reasons. But no need to fear, save that for the coasters my ThemeParkHipsters!
They do try to be pretty accommodating with many of their attractions for riders of all heights so that most people can come out and safely have fun.
Generally speaking, the Disney ride height requirements are between 36 inches and 48 inches tall.
For more specific ride height requirements we have put together this quick and easy cheat sheet on every ride height minimum at Walt Disney World, so, you can know which rides you can and cannot experience.
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8. What to Pack for Disney
First and foremost, you want to ensure you have a good pair of sneakers.
This is not the time to be breaking in your new footwear or going comfy with Crocs and flip-flops. Remember, you most likely will be walking miles all day long for close to 8 hours.
Comfortable, casual, and stylish should be the theme of your Disney packing.
You want to feel good and be able to move in what you are wearing, days at Disney are long. So, think about active wear or a mix of activewear with casual favorites.
Minimal is also best when it comes to packing for Disney. Try not to overpack, since you will most likely be filling up your suitcase with souvenirs to bring home.
Essentials to Pack in Your Suitcase for Disney are:
- Active, stylish yet comfortable clothing
- Underwear/socks that can withstand the heat and humidity
- Pajamas
- Bathing suits
- Your favorite, comfortable sneakers
- Poncho
- Flip-flops and water shoes
- Formal shoes and clothing if planning to go out for some of Disney’s fine dining
- Sunglasses/Regular eye-wear
- Hat
- Sunscreen and sanitizer
- Small bag for the theme park
- Portable charger
Are you planning a Disney vacation soon? Read the Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!
9. My Disney Experience App
I absolutely love the My Disney Experience App, it is a one-stop shop for accessing all things Disney!
I highly recommend you download this Disney App right away and familiarize yourself with it.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Know Before Going to Disney World
Do not and I repeat, DO NOT wait until you get to the park to download it.
You will lose so much valuable time when you can have so much fun taking control and organizing your Disney vacation before you arrive.
The My Disney Experience App lets you:
- Make, modify, and cancel dining reservations
- Check Ride and Attraction Wait Times
- Make Lightning Lane Reservations
- Connect your Magic Bands/park tickets before your trip
- Add a guest to My Disney Experience
- Get your tickets for Special Events and Tours Information
- PhotoPass Purchasing and Photo Preview
- Shows you where you are in the park in real time and the location
- Entertainment, Shop, Restroom, Guest Services, and Attraction Locations and Schedules
- All Things related to Resort Hotels
- Transportation information and so much more!
Are you planning a Disney vacation soon? Read the Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!
10. Mobile Ordering
Disney mobile ordering is the solution for hungry theme park travelers that allows you to place a food order and pay for it ahead of time.
It is one of the super cool features of the My Disney Experience app.
But my favorite part is that it is a huge way to save time when visiting Disney!
It lets you skip the regular line and you can pick up your food from the counter right away.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Know Before Going to Disney World
Skipping the regular line and picking up your food from the counter right away is a huge time saver, especially for restaurants that are really busy during peak hours.
Just don’t get caught up in all the Disney fun and forget you that you placed a Disney mobile order!
You will still be charged for your Disney mobile order purchase even if you do forget to pick it up by the end of the park day.
11. Parking
Parking at Disney is relatively reasonable since Disney guests only have to pay a one-time parking fee that can be applied to all 4 theme parks.
Standard parking for a car or motorcycle costs $30 per day.
Preferred parking for a car or motorcycle will range from $45, $50, or $55 per day depending on the day and season of your day at Disney.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Know Before Going to Disney World
But for those that are staying guests at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel then you don’t have to worry about theme park parking.
You can take advantage of the complimentary transportation that they offer whether you travel by Disney bus, monorail, or even boat.
Plus, if you plan on visiting Disney Springs, then FREE standard self-parking is NOW available.
12. Finding Cheap Tickets
I know, I know, you may not think the words cheap and Disney go together but you may be surprised. There are savings to be found when it comes to planning your Disney vacation.
Spend some time browsing the web exploring and comparing various sources, it is not time wasted.
Consider timing your visit strategically and visiting Disney World during off-peak times, and also think of different ticket options.
Best Places to Find discounted theme park tickets:
- Orlando Vacation
- The Park Prodigy
- Undercover Tourist
- CityPASS Orlando
- Tripadvisor
- Attraction Tickets
- Sign up for email alerts from Disney and buy Directly from Walt Disney World
- Use an Authorized Walt Disney World Vacation Planner (THEY’RE FREE!)
13. Rider Switch Program (Child Swap)
Many first-time visitors to Disney World don’t know about this great Disney tip.
For those traveling with children who don’t want to ride the attraction or meet the height requirement, they have created a program where the adults don’t have to miss out on all the fun.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Know Before Going to Disney World
The Rider Switch Program works just as it sounds.
After connecting with the Cast Member and receiving your Ride Switch entitlement one adult will stay back with the non-rider in the designated area.
The rest of the party will go out and enjoy the attraction.
Then it is time to switch and the adult that had stayed back will now go take their turn on the attraction while the one coming off the attraction will go be with the child.
But this is what makes it so great, you don’t have to go wait in the regular queue.
Find the cast member, get your The Rider Switch entitlement validated and you are all set to go with no waiting around.
At this time these are the attractions at Disney World that offer the Rider Switch Program:
Magic Kingdom Park
- The Barnstormer
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- TRON Lightcycle / Run
EPCOT
- Frozen Ever After
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Mission: SPACE
- Soarin’
- Test Track
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Tours® – The Adventures Continue
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- DINOSAUR
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Kali River Rapids
- Na’vi River Journey
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14. Single Rider Line
Okay, solo travelers, this one is for you!
Being a solo theme park traveler does come with its perks, like the Disney World Single Rider Line.
This is a special queue dedicated to people who are traveling alone or for those that are okay with being split up from their group and riding alone doesn’t bother you.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Know Before Going to Disney World
The purpose of these dedicated spaces is to help maximize the ride’s capacity and to fill in all the empty seats.
I love them as a solo traveler because I generally save time by walking through a shorter queue.
Plus I get on an attraction faster because I am not standing around paired up with someone.
There is no extra charge to use the Single Rider Line at Disney and I should note that it is not always the best option. Take a look at the posted wait times to help you decide.
Here is the current list of the Disney World Single Rider Lines:
- Test Track (Epcot)
- Rock’n’Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios)
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Hollywood Studios)
- Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom)
15. Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours
Previously Disney World offered Disney Magic Hours which has now become known as Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours.
This is where Disney Resort Hotel Guests and those staying at other select resorts and hotels can enjoy the benefit of 30-minute early entry into Walt Disney World theme parks.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Know Before Going to Disney World
Whether it is check-in day or check out and every day of your stay you can get an early start to your Disney day getting ahead of the crowd.
Meanwhile, the Extended Evening Hours run on select nights in select theme parks with the perk of having lower wait times in queues.
This is because it only applies to registered guests at Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, and other select hotels.
Wrapping Up…
These are just a few Walt Disney World tips you should know when planning your vacation to one of the most magical places in the world.
With these 15 tips for Disney World, you’re sure to do Disney the right way and have the time of your life!
For more theme park tips and tricks follow ThemeParkHipster on social media.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Contributors
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
About the Author
Megan is a theme park expert and frequent traveler to magical places. She covers all things Disney and Universal and runs marathons for fun.
She thinks you can tell a lot about someone by the name of their signature lipstick, and hers is NARS Dragon Girl.
Planning a trip soon? If so, read the Disney Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!
(Original Article Date: April 14, 2021/Updated by Editor on July 30, 2024)