You may not have won the lottery, but you plan to travel to Walt Disney World with your mates, which equates to about the same thing. There’s nothing like a trip to the happiest place on Earth with your closest friends, and if it’s something you’re doing, you better start planning.
To ensure a fun and stress-free holiday, and it can get pretty stressful when travelling with friends, you should start ticking off the big stuff from the to-do list. For a successful time away where lasting memories can be made, planning is inevitable and can often be overwhelming, so get everyone involved. Divide and conquer the to-dos beforehand so you can take in all the fun this massive theme park offers. Below are some tips to get you started on your trip.
The best time to visit
When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, one of the things to think about is the best time to visit, which happens to be in September, as there are fewer crowds. It’s when the summer holidays are over and kids are back to school, so you won’t have to fight through throngs of people.
Of course, September isn’t the only perfect time to visit Walt Disney World. If you’re looking to visit when the weather is perfect, time your travels anytime between March and May. April is the month that Florida receives the least amount of rain on average, so it’s an ideal month to visit. At this time, the temperatures can range between 25°C to 28°C, which makes walking around a pleasant experience.
If you and your friends prefer to travel on a budget and want to visit when prices are more affordable, schedule your trip in January or February, except during public holidays. Since tourists have cleared out, you can find hotels offering great deals, allowing you to save some coin on accommodation.
Where to stay
With so many excellent places to stay when enjoying any Walt Disney World Florida package holidays, deciding can be overwhelming. But it’s worth noting that you don’t necessarily need to choose an accommodation within the resort if you find it expensive. Many hotels outside Walt Disney World are way cheaper. However, if you want to avoid the hassle of travelling to the park and are okay with paying more, consider booking a hotel within the magic kingdom itself.
Staying at Walt Disney World’s official resort has its perks, so for us, it’s worth the splurge. Some of the said perks include having access to extra time at the park every morning, allowing you to get low-wait access to popular rides. You can also enjoy complimentary transportation within the park at certain hours.
Some of the best hotels to book within the resort include the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, and Walt Disney World Swan. If you prefer to stay at off-site hotels within a short distance of the theme park, check out Wyndham Buena Vista, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, and Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs.
The best things to do
Walt Disney World is a sprawling resort offering numerous things to do. Of course, visiting the park means enjoying the fun attractions and rides, but to make the most of your visit, you should plan what to do before heading in.
While many assume it is geared towards kids, adults will find plenty of fun things to do. You can visit Epcot, offering a fun and educational approach to entertainment. It has two sections, the Future World and the World Showcase. Future World demonstrates human endeavour and existence, while World Showcase is a permanent fair representing 11 nations.
Exploring Disney’s Hollywood Studios is another fun activity; a section at Walt Disney World dedicated to Disney’s films from the 1930s to the 1940s. It occupies almost a quarter of the entire complex and features famous Disney films like Toy Story and Star Wars.
Eating is undoubtedly another one of the best things to do here in Walt Disney World, given the fantastic options for restaurants and cafes. So, if you’ve worked up an appetite after a day of exploring the massive park, check out some of the resort’s best restaurants, from themed cafes to fancy eateries; there is something for every family.
What to pack
Part of getting your trip together includes a plan on what to pack, which will depend on several factors, such as the weather. So, before flying off, research the weather a little more to ensure you’re prepared. For instance, if the weather forecast shows it will rain, don’t forget to pack a raincoat or windbreaker.
The top essentials to pack for a trip to Walt Disney World are a pair of comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, a backpack, sunglasses, compact chargers, and a reusable water bottle. Be sure your outfits are suitable for the weather and comfortable to wear, and remember to bring enough for your trip. If you visit in the cold season, a jacket is a must.
How to budget
There’s no denying that a visit to Walt Disney World doesn’t come cheap. But with the right tips and tricks, you can have a successful trip even with a limited budget. First, schedule your visit outside peak travel time for affordable airfare and accommodation. Next, take advantage of complimentary stuff and other privileges; the trick is to look for special offers and deals online. It pays to be frugal!
Another way you can travel to Walt Disney World on a budget is to bring your meals and snacks. While the resort has many great restaurants, they do cost a lot. So, pack a nice lunch to keep you fuelled and avoid unnecessary cravings with your own snacks. That way, you can splurge on a nice dinner instead to culminate the day.
Another must-do to stay within budget is skipping the souvenir items if possible. As you stroll through the park, you’ll find plenty of shops selling mementoes, and you’ll be tempted to buy them because they’re all so cute and nostalgic! But avoid them at all costs if you’re travelling tight. If you do want to bring a memento home, keep an eye out for discounted items.
