What to Do in Disney World, Florida: A Guide to Making the Most of Your Vacation
Itinerary:
Before we dive into the details, here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary for a Disney World vacation in Florida. This itinerary includes popular attractions, character meet-and-greets, and special events.
| Day | Theme Park | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Kingdom | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | |
| 2 | Epcot | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | |
| 3 | Hollywood Studios | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | |
| 4 | Animal Kingdom | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | |
| 5 | Water Park Day | Epcot | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| 6 | Animal Kingdom | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | |
| 7 | Epcot | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | |
| 8 | Water Park Day | Magic Kingdom | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP)
- When: Typically starts in late August and runs through early November
- Where: Magic Kingdom
- Tickets: Standard admission ticket
- Special Events: Trick-or-treating, costume parties, and character meet-and-greets
- Tips: Arrive early, wear costume, and don’t miss the nighttime parade and fireworks display
Weekend Getaways
For an extra dose of Disney magic, consider weekend getaways to nearby hotels or resorts. Here are a few options:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: A luxurious resort located on the monorail line, offering upscale accommodations and exclusive benefits
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort: A beach-themed resort with a fun pool area and character meet-and-greets
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn: A waterfront resort with a boardwalk-style promenade and great dining options
Special Events and Seasonal Celebrations
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: A culinary celebration with food, wine, and live music (late August to mid-November)
- Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: A Halloween-themed party with trick-or-treating, costume parties, and character meet-and-greets (late August to early November)
- Disney’s Holiday Seasons: A festive celebration with holiday decorations, parades, and special events (late November to early January)
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: A Christmas-themed party with decorations, parades, and character meet-and-greets (late November to early January)
Character Meet-and-Greets
- Character Dining: Meet Disney characters while enjoying a meal at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, BoardWalk Inn, or Yacht Club Resort
- Character Meet-and-Greets: Meet Disney characters at designated locations throughout the parks, such as the Character Spot in Magic Kingdom
Immersive Dining Experiences
- Be Our Guest Restaurant: A grand French-inspired restaurant in Magic Kingdom with a twist: the meal is served in a garden setting with characters as servers
- Stanley’s Steakhouse: A high-end steakhouse in Animal Kingdom with a rooftop patio and great views
- Cinderella’s Royal Table: A character-led table-service dinner in Magic Kingdom with Cinderella and friends as waitstaff
Outdoor Fun
- Mickey’s Toontown: A colorful area in Magic Kingdom with cartoon-themed rides and attractions
- Fantasyland: A classic area in Magic Kingdom with iconic rides and attractions, including It’s a Small World
- Future World: An area in Epcot with interactive exhibits and attractions, including Soarin’ and Test Track
Water Park Fun
- Typhoon Lagoon: A tropical-themed water park in Animal Kingdom with a lazy river, water slides, and a wave pool
- Blizzard Beach: A winter-themed water park in Epcot with a lazy river, water slides, and a wave pool
- Winterfest: A holiday-themed water park in Epcot with a wave pool, water slides, and a holiday celebration
Tips and Tricks
- Make Dining Reservations: Book character dining and special events well in advance to ensure availability
- Use the My Disney Experience App: Plan your day, check wait times, and reserve FastPass+ experiences with the app
- Pack a Snack Bag: Bring refillable water bottles and snacks to keep you energized throughout the day
- Take Breaks: Take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours (EMH) to explore the parks without the crowds
Best Times to Visit
- Less Crowded During Weekdays: Visit during the week for smaller crowds and shorter lines
- Avoid Peak Season: Summer and holidays are peak seasons, with long wait times and high prices
- Weekday Afternoons: Visit during the afternoon for shorter lines and a more relaxed experience
Budgeting
- Accommodations: Book a hotel or resort within the Disney property to save on food and transportation costs
- FastPass+: Reserve FastPass+ experiences to skip long lines and prioritize popular attractions
- Food: Pack snacks and sandwiches for lunch, or use a meal plan to save on dining costs
- Souvenirs: Buy souvenirs during the day or during a special event to avoid buying at the end of the day
Conclusion
Disney World, Florida, is a dream destination for many. With its unique attractions, character meet-and-greets, and special events, there’s something for everyone. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of your Disney World vacation. Remember to plan ahead, pack wisely, and take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours to make the most of your time at the Happiest Place on Earth.