The Ultimate Guide on How To Plan a Trip to Disney World

How do you maximize your happiness when visiting the Happiest Place on Earth? Grab your pixie dust and spend a few minutes reading this guide to get tips for seeing the best shows, enjoying the best rides and finding the best spots to experience Disney’s theme parks.

Exploring Disney’s Theme Parks

Walt Disney World® has been entertaining families and kids of all ages since the park officially opened in Orlando in October 1971. The resort is home to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, as well as two waterparks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Each park has its signature rides, experiences and icons.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights at each theme park—and a few insider tips.

Edutainment at EPCOT

EPCOT (known by its acronym rather than its official name, Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) was created to be a mix of education and entertainment, or edutainment. The park showcases food, customs and culture of 11 countries: Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Morocco, Japan, the United States, Italy, Germany, China, Norway and Mexico. Visitors will spend their time celebrating science, technology, and world community and culture.

Must-experience rides at EPCOT include:

• Spaceship Earth: A slow-moving and dark ride through the park’s icon, a towering geosphere. This ride, narrated by the beloved actor Judi Dench, takes you through the evolution of human communication.
  • TIP: Avoid riding Spaceship Earth first thing in the morning—there’s usually a long line. Try riding it at midday instead.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: Experience Disney’s first reverse-launch coaster ride. Enjoy a space adventure with characters from the popular film, Guardians of the Galaxy.
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: A 4D ride featuring Chef Remy and characters from the movie Ratatouille.
• Frozen Ever After: A slow-moving boat ride for all ages, with animatronic characters from the movie Frozen.
• Journey of Water: This attraction, inspired by the movie Moana, is a walking path that invites visitors to interact with water.

EPCOT is also famous for its festivals, which means you’ll want to come hungry. Here, you’ll find cuisine at quick-serve and sit-down restaurants that reflects the food and drink of each country represented. Be sure to make reservations, when possible, to save time.

• • TIP: If you’re dining at one of the restaurants and you’ve got tickets for an upcoming show, let your server know and they’ll be happy to speed up your service.

Cinematic Theme at Hollywood Studios

The silver screen rose on Hollywood Studios in 1989. This cinema-inspired theme park is filled with popular rides and spectacular shows.

Must-experience rides at Hollywood Studios include:

• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™: This is a “haunted” elevator-style ride with big drops.
• Slinky Dog Dash: A cute, themed roller coaster with small drops.
• Toy Story Mania!: A 4D experience with the characters from the popular movie.
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: This area is home to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, an interactive experience, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a slow-moving thrill ride.
  • TIP: Rise of the Resistance uses a high-tech trackless system that can be prone to breaking down. If possible, ride this in the morning to ensure you get your chance.

Character meet-and-greet experiences include Star Wars favorites like Chewy, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and the Mandalorian. Also be sure to plan your day so you can catch one of the world-renowned shows, such as Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular, Beauty and the Beast, and A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. The can’t-miss experience in this park is the nighttime show, Fantasmic!, which brings visitors 29 minutes of incredible pyrotechnics, music and stunts.

Mickey and Minnie at Home in Magic Kingdom

Mickey and Minnie live in the busiest park in the Disney Resort. Because Magic Kingdom has more than 50 rides and attractions, planning what to do first is a smart way to make the most of your time.

Must-experience rides at Magic Kingdom include:

• TRON Lightcycle/Run: Hop on a motorcycle and speed through the dark in this thrilling race.
• Peter Pan’s Flight: Take a slow ride that has small drops and highlights scenes from the film.
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: Explore the dwarfs’ diamond mine on this roller coaster ride.
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: Formally known as Splash Mountain, this slow-moving water ride is slated to open in the summer.
• Haunted Mansion: Experience a maze of haunts and ghostly friends.
• Jungle Cruise: A slow-moving boat tour for all ages.
• Pirates of the Caribbean: This slow-moving boat ride will introduce you to your favorite swashbucklers.
  • TIP: Rides like Peter Pan’s Flight and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are always popular and have long lines, so it’s recommended that you prioritize these.

Character meet-and-greet moments are all around Magic Kingdom. Take photos and make memories with stars like Mickey, Princess Tiana, Belle, Ariel, Aladdin, Cinderella, Snow White, Dwarfs and other pals who are all waiting to meet you. Learn more about character experiences times and locations to plan your day.

When visiting Magic Kingdom, be sure to stay for the nighttime fireworks display, Happily Ever After. Find a spot along Main Street to enjoy lights, special effects and more.

• • TIP: If you want to watch the fireworks alongside some of the Disney princesses, they often congregate behind Cinderella Castle, located in Fantasyland. You may find this area is less crowded, too.

Where the Beasts Roam in Animal Kingdom

If there is one park designed to be more relaxed and low-key, it’s Animal Kingdom. This park is a study in serenity with its green spaces, slower vibe, and gorgeous plants and flowers.

Must-experience rides include:

• Kilimanjaro Safaris: Hop aboard an open-air bus and take a guided tour to see giraffes, rhinos, elephants and more.
• Avatar Flight of Passage: Enjoy a 3D ride to explore the world of Avatar.
• DINOSAUR: Ride along a thrilling trail to rescue a dinosaur.
• Expedition Everest: Experience twists and turns on this thrilling roller coaster.
• Kali River Rapids: Hold on and experience the refreshing excitement of a whitewater ride.
  • TIP: Most people start their Disney adventure at Animal Kingdom, which typically opens earlier than the other three parks. To avoid crowds, try going to the park later in the day.

One of the most breathtaking things to see at Animal Kingdom is the Tree of Life, a 145-foot tree that features animal shapes carved into the trunk and branches. Also be sure to take a walk through Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and check out the primates.

Shows taking place in Animal Kingdom include Festival of the Lion King, which celebrates the beloved film, and Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe, which features the rhythm of the Congo.

Tips for Saving Money When Park-Hopping

Refreshments and souvenirs are usually the biggest expenses inside the Disney parks. Disney allows guests to bring in their own drinks and snacks, but leave the coolers at home because they aren’t allowed in the parks. (Backpacks and totes are fine.)

Some things you can do to save money include:

• Purchase bottled water and other snacks from a nearby convenience store and bring them into the park.
• Ask for a cup of free ice water at quick-serve restaurants.
• Buy T-shirts, bubble wands, and other small toys or trinkets ahead of time.

When you purchase a multipark and park-hopping pass, you’ll have the freedom to move seamlessly from park to park. Park-hopping also makes it easier to find rides and experiences for everyone in your family, and it allows you to plan your trip based on the best times to see shows, ride rides and meet characters. But if you want to save money on park passes, the more park days you book, the more you’ll typically save.

The key to optimizing the logistics around saving time and money lies in the planning. This is where the free My Disney Experience app (available in both the Apple and Google app stores) can be a super-valuable tool.

The app allows you to organize your plans, make reservations and enjoy extra content like videos and stories. Within the app is the Disney Genie, which you can use to get personalized itineraries and recommendations, view estimated wait times, order food, and make dining reservations.

If you’re looking for more features and benefits than what’s available in the free version, consider purchasing Disney Genie+ service, which is also nested in the My Disney Experience app. Disney Genie+ provides access to Lightning Lane entrances (where you move to the front of the line) for certain rides and experiences.

• • TIP: AAA Members can save on Disney ticket prices and accommodations. Visit AAA.com/Disney to see just how far your savings can go.

Character Dining Options at Disney

It’s more fun to eat with friends, and many parks also offer character dining options. Some locations require reservations, so check online to verify times, dining options and price ranges.

Examples include:

• Cinderella’s Royal Table, located in Magic Kingdom
• Chef Mickey’s, located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, located in EPCOT
• Garden Grill Restaurant, located in EPCOT
• Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, located in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Topolino’s Terrace—Flavors of the Riviera, located in Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Tusker House Restaurant, located in Animal Kingdom

Tips for Saving Money When Dining at Disney World

Savvy travelers to Disney World know that meals can be pricey, so for those who prefer to prepay for food, purchasing a dining plan can make financial sense—especially since the savings can be up to 20% for kids meals. Dining plans are available for quick-serve restaurants as well as dine-in establishments. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can add a dining plan. Even if you have a dining plan, be sure to make reservations for sit-down restaurants to ensure you’ll have a table.

• • TIP: Save time by placing mobile food orders through the My Disney Experience app.

Disney World Hotels

There’s no shortage of accommodations on and off Disney property. Some of your resort options include:

• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

• • TIP: Booking in advance, staying for five days or more and having travel date flexibility could lead to savings. Check online for hotel specials.

Other Ways To Save Money When You Plan a Trip to Disney World

When you stay at a Disney property, parking at any Disney park is free. (Disney properties also offer free bus or shuttle service to the parks.) However, if you stay off property, you can expect to spend $35 a day on parking.

Park-hopping without a car is easy because any park guest can use the monorail, skyliner, bus, boat or ferry. Here are some additional money-saving and planning tips for families and solo travelers.

For Families

In addition to bringing in your own snacks and drinks and getting souvenirs ahead of your visit, families can save at Disney parks by purchasing vacation packages and dining plans. AAA Members should check online to see the current specials, such as an adult ticket for the price of a child ticket, discounts for Florida residents and more.

For Solo Travelers

Two of the biggest benefits of experiencing Disney as a solo traveler are shorter wait times and more options for dining. Many rides and attractions offer a single-rider line, which means you’ll move through the queue at rocket speed. And it’s much easier to find a seat for one at a popular show or restaurant than it is to find space for a family.

Travelers can also purchase Individual Lighting Lane entrances (and so can anyone, even if you’re traveling with a family or group). With Lightning Lane entry, you can move to the front of the line on one or two attractions each day. Check out the experiences that accept Lightning Lane entry passes here.

• • TIP: You can purchase Individual Lightning Lane entrances with or without purchasing Disney Genie+.

Plan a Trip to Disney World With AAA

Visiting Walt Disney World can be the adventure of a lifetime. AAA Members can save on travel packages, park deals and more. Connect with a AAA Travel Agent to discover the right itinerary for solo travelers, family fun, friend trips and even work events.