Walt Disney World
Everything you need to start dreaming about your trip: the parks, the timing, where to stay, and how to make the most of your days.
People always ask me which park they can skip, and that answer isn't simple. If you can see them all, you should!
But if your time is limited, let this overview help you decide what to prioritize and which park to save for next time.
The Four Parks
Magic Kingdom
When you picture Disney World, this is the park you're picturing. It's home to Cinderella Castle, and I suggest spending two days here. You'll explore Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland and more, meet princesses, ride coasters, and end the night with fireworks over the castle.
It's home to the most nostalgic rides, with plenty of options for little ones with no height requirement. Big Thunder Mountain recently reopened with a little extra magic, and Tiana's Bayou Adventure (the reimagined Splash Mountain) is a must. There's even a brand-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, and a new Cars-themed land is on the way. This park truly is for everyone.
EPCOT
The best ride in all of Disney World lives here: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. If you love thrill rides, you have to come to EPCOT. Test Track also reopened fully reimagined, so it's better than ever.
Frozen fans, this is your park. You'll find Frozen Ever After, plus Anna & Elsa. Some people think EPCOT isn't great for little kids; they haven't been in a while. There's Moana's Journey of Water, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Finding Nemo, and Turtle Talk with Crush. World Showcase is my personal favorite, so skip the sit-down meal and snack your way around the world.
Animal Kingdom
Pandora. Please don't miss Pandora. It's a breathtaking land with one of the best rides at Disney World, Avatar Flight of Passage.
Animal Kingdom is part theme park, part safari. Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris, wander the gorgeous trails, and take in some of the most immersive theming Disney has ever built. It's calmer and greener than the other parks, which makes it a lovely change of pace.
Hollywood Studios
A must for Star Wars fans. Galaxy's Edge is an entire immersive land with two incredible rides, including Rise of the Resistance.
You'll also find Toy Story Land, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. It's a high-energy park packed with some of the most popular attractions on property.
Plan Your Days
You'll want to visit all four parks, with two days at Magic Kingdom. Four big park days in a row is tough on your body, so I really suggest a rest day. (It's hard, but totally possible to skip if you're a hardcore parkgoer like I was in my twenties 😉.)
Just remember, Disney World is the size of San Francisco, so you will not see and do everything in one trip. I'll help you prioritize and build a plan that makes the very best use of your time.
When to Visit
"When's the best time to go?" is my most-asked question. There are three things to weigh, and I'm happy to help you balance them.
Crowds
Pricing
Weather
My favorite times to go are early May, the week after Labor Day in September, and early December. Ask me about the festivals and events happening during your travel dates, since they can shape the perfect time to go.
Disney Resorts
Resorts fall into three categories. Prices vary quite a bit by season, so these are general nightly ranges.
Value
Motel-style with doors that open to the outside, and big, playful theming with larger-than-life Disney icons everywhere. Family suites run $350 to $450. A great choice for first trips and budget-minded families.
Moderate
A step up from value, with beautiful grounds and more refined theming. Rooms are still exterior-entry, and the pools have waterslides. A sweet spot of comfort and value.
Deluxe
Top-tier resorts with extra amenities like spas and character dining. Many sit right on the monorail line, which makes getting to Magic Kingdom incredibly easy.
Why Stay On-Site
Park Refurbishments
Rides and attractions close for refurbishment throughout the year, so it's worth checking before you lock in your dates. You don't want your must-do attraction to be down during your trip, so I keep an eye on the refurbishment calendar for every client.
See the Refurbishment CalendarReady to start planning?
I'd love to help you build your Disney trip, from picking the right park days to finding the resort that fits your family.
Let's Start Planning