A day at Walt Disney World, Florida is like no other. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another round of magical moments, there’s something about stepping into the world of Disney that fills you with excitement. From the thrilling rides to the incredible dining options, every second at Disney is filled with joy.
If you’re planning your perfect day at Disney, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.
1. Start early and arrive before the crowds
Your day at Disney Florida begins before the sun rises. To maximise your time, arrive early – ideally before the park opens. By getting there ahead of the crowds, you’ll be able to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times.
It’s a great chance to ride some of the must-see attractions, like Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom or Avatar Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom, without the long queues.
Don’t forget to check the park opening hours and schedule in advance, as Disney often has special early entry hours for resort guests, which can give you even more of a head start.
2. Use the My Disney Experience app
Disney’s My Disney Experience app is an essential tool for navigating your day. It helps you check live wait times, find dining options, locate characters for meet-and-greets, and even make Genie+ reservations to skip the regular queues. It also allows you to keep track of your FastPasses (Genie+ selections), ensuring you make the most of your time at the park.
It’s handy for checking up on showtimes for parades, fireworks, and character experiences. The app is your go-to for a stress-free, organised day at Disney.
3. Must-see attractions and rides
Each Disney park offers unique attractions, so it’s important to have a plan for the rides you don’t want to miss. Here are a few highlights from each park:
- Magic Kingdom: Ride the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean, experience the thrills of Space Mountain, and don’t forget about Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
- EPCOT: Explore futuristic Spaceship Earth, test your speed on Test Track, and immerse yourself in the stunning World Showcase with pavilions dedicated to 11 different countries.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for a journey on the Millennium Falcon or experience the thrilling Tower of Terror and Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land.
- Animal Kingdom: Take a wild ride on Expedition Everest, embark on an African safari in Kilimanjaro Safaris, and explore the world of Pandora – The World of Avatar.
If you’re looking to beat the lines, consider using Genie+, which allows you to skip the regular queues for certain rides, saving valuable time.
4. Dining and snacks
One of the highlights of any Disney day is the food! From quick bites to sit-down meals, Disney offers a variety of dining options that are almost as magical as the attractions themselves.
- Magic Kingdom: Grab a quick snack like Dole Whip or head to Be Our Guest Restaurant for a more elaborate sit-down experience inside Beast’s castle.
- EPCOT: EPCOT is a food lover’s dream, especially at the World Showcase, where you can sample dishes from around the world. Don’t miss Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada or grab a bite in one of the many pavilions showcasing international cuisine.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: For a unique experience, enjoy 50’s Prime Time Café, where you’re treated like family and can enjoy classic American comfort food.
- Animal Kingdom: For a more adventurous dining experience, try Tiffins, which offers world-inspired dishes, or grab a Flame Tree Barbecue for a more casual, outdoor dining experience.
Be sure to make reservations well in advance for any sit-down dining experiences, as they tend to book up quickly!
5. Stay hydrated and take breaks
While making most of the Florida heat, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day — Disney parks offer free cups of water at any counter-service restaurant, so don’t hesitate to ask for one.
Florida is known as the sunshine state, and because of that you will want to pack accordingly, the sun is typically warmest from 11-3, so you could duck into a shaded area or cool off with a quick ride like It’s a Small World in Magic Kingdom or Frozen Ever After in EPCOT. These attractions provide a nice rest while still offering that Disney magic!
6. Don’t miss the parades and fireworks
No Disney day is complete without experiencing the famous parades and fireworks. In Magic Kingdom, catch the Festival of Fantasy Parade, or, for something truly spectacular, the Happily Ever After fireworks show in front of Cinderella Castle. The EPCOT Forever show in EPCOT is another must-see, with fireworks, lights, and music showcasing EPCOT’s rich history.
Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot, especially for the fireworks, as these shows can get crowded. Use the app to check exact times for all the events happening during your visit.
7. Character meet-and-greets
Meeting your favourite Disney characters is one of the most magical parts of the day. From Mickey and Minnie to characters from Disney Pixar movies, you’ll find opportunities to meet them in all the parks.
Check the My Disney Experience app for scheduled meet-and-greets and character locations. Characters often appear in the most iconic parts of the parks, like in front of the Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom or near Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom. If you’re lucky, you might even bump into a surprise character walking through the park!
8. Getting around Disney Florida
Disney has made it incredibly easy to get around their parks and resorts, thanks to a well-organised and efficient transport system. Here’s how you can get around:
- Disney transportation: If you’re staying at a Disney resort, the Disney transportation system offers free buses, boats, and the Monorail to get to the parks and other resort hotels. The monorail is especially iconic, offering a fun ride and easy access to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and some resorts like Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
- Skyliner: Disney’s Skyliner is a fun and scenic way to travel between select resorts and EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s a great way to enjoy the views while avoiding long lines on buses.
- Disney park hopper: If you’re planning on visiting multiple parks in one day, consider using the Park Hopper option. It allows you to visit more than one park per day, with transportation provided to make it easy to travel between them.
- Ride share and car rentals: For more flexibility, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available throughout Disney. However, be aware that parking can be limited in certain areas, and there are parking fees at the theme parks.
9. End the day with Disney Springs or resort dining
After a busy day of attractions, head over to Disney Springs for some evening entertainment. You’ll find shopping, live music, and great food options. Enjoy dinner at The Boathouse, or try something unique at T-REX Café, where you can dine in the middle of a prehistoric jungle.
Alternatively, if you’re staying at a Disney resort, you can enjoy a more relaxed dinner at places like Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, both of which offer stunning views of the park and its fireworks.
10. Making the most of your day
To get the most out of your Disney experience, it’s essential to plan ahead. Use the My Disney Experience app to check wait times, dining availability, and entertainment schedules. And don’t forget to take lots of photos – Disney is a place where memories are made, and the magic is captured in every moment.
Make sure you’re prepared for a full day of adventure. Your day at Disney Florida starts with a comfy outfit and shoes. You’ll inevitably do a lot of walking around the parks, so wearing comfortable clothes and shoes is essential to ensure you stay energised and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
So, put on your Mickey ears, grab your family or friends, and get ready for a day of enchantment and fun – Disney Florida is waiting for you!
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