Yay! We did it! Now we can cross it off our list of places to go! Our trip to Walt Disney World was definitely a trip worth taking! However, the most magical place on earth can really be overwhelming if your not prepared!
Check out my quick tips for Disney World here!
This wasn’t my first time seeing the famous Mickey Mouse and his castle. Fortunately, I’ve visited a few times, once when I was a little girl and another for my radio gig which luckily was all organized in advance by Florida Tourism and Disney World Vacations.
This time I had booked last minute with only a few days notice as I was trying to take advantage of the March break. If you are planning a quick trip soon to Disney World here are a few tips to help you out as so much has changed since the last time I’ve been.
Where to stay for your trip to Disney World?
Disney World offers a vast variety of hotels on their property with pools and are kid friendly to stay during your visit which over spans 100 acres on their own private kingdom. They offer Free return shuttle service from any of their hotels to their theme parks with service every hour.
I would suggest to stay anywhere in Downtown Disney Springs as this is a great pedestrian area offering free, live entertainment in the evening and shopping which you can even enjoy after your trip to the theme parks.
They also, offer a variety of restaurants and cuisine from Italian dining, Sushi,The Rainforest Cafe, fast food restaurants to STK ( Yes! I said STK! ) Disney Springs covers all of it’s basis! The pedestrian area is about 5 kms of walking so make sure you have comfy shoes on as it is a perfect way to walk off some of the candy and chocolate you will buy at Goofy’s candy shop!
Magic Kingdom vs. Animal Kingdom
Depending on how old your children are and how many days you have to spend in Disney World I would recommend visiting Magic Kingdom 1st as it is the landmark of Disney World and an image which symbolizes the magic world of Disney. Let’s face it this is probably what you came to see!
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom was just as magical as when I was a little girl with the beautiful view of the castle as soon as you enter the park. When you enter stay close because at 3 pm Mickey Mouse and friends will visit in a celebratory parade which your little one will love!
There are rides for everyone and the majority of them are based on classic fairytales such as a Peter Pan’s flying ride, which was my little guy Shiloh’s favourite! Some of my favourite nostalgic rides were Space mountain, Winnie the Poo and It’s a small world after all. I still can’t get that song out of my head! lol
Magic Kingdom is an all day experience but don’t plan on leaving before 8 pm or you will miss the fireworks and special surprise visit in the sky! Heads up! And have your camera ready! 😉
Animal Kingdom
Surprisingly, Animal Kingdom was Shiloh’s absolute favourite! As soon as you walk in your met with a beautiful view of ‘The tree of life’. Watch out for the parrots swooping in over your head!
The park closes earlier than Magic Kingdom, around 6 pm so be sure to arrive early to experience all the rides and safari. Yes! I said Safari! It’s pretty similar to African Lion Safari here in Ontario with animals but instead with a guided drive thru tour so you can sit back relax and take pics of all the animals and beautiful scenery.
After the Safari make your way over to the magical and lush land of Pandora where you will find rides based on the movie Avatar. The rides are fun, beautiful and you feel like your in the actual movie flying your very own avatar! From there visit Asia and take a ride on Mount Everest but watch out for the Yeti! Haha that’s all i’m saying! 😉
Before we headed back to our hotel we had some asian dumplings, a Mickey Mouse Pretzel with cheese, a slushy for Shi and mama had to beat the heat with THE BEST bright Disney green Chilli lime Margarita ever!!!
Extra quick tips to help your trip to Disney World be a success!
Here are a few things I thought to be very helpful while visiting Disney World with kids:
- Stay at a Disney Hotel many perks including Free and fast shuttle service!
- Buy some cute Mouse ears for yourself and your little ones! They have a wide variety of pretty sparkly headbands with ears for women and hats for men.
- Buy your Disney theme park passes way in advance.
- Purchase a pack of Disney Pins at the park as soon as you enter. You can collect and trade them for free at any of the Pin Pad stations around the parks. And they are everywhere!
- Buy a refillable Timon character water bottle for your little one. It has a crossbody strap that makes life easier! 🙂
- Purchase a refillable popcorn container full of popcorn for about $12 US, but it’s refillable for only $3! You will need it for your wait in line and long line ups.
- Stop and Take a bathroom break before you go on rides.
- Upgrade to lightening pass so you don’t have to wait 1 hour for rides.
- Download the Disney Ride App! It tells you where and how long the line up is for each ride.
- Sunscreen, Hydrate and wear comfortable shoes as you will be getting in 20k steps a day!!!!!
- Listen to your little one. If he/she is tired or overwhelmed then honour that and that might even mean leaving early but remember this trip after all is for THEM! Can you tell I had the longest 2 days of my life?! lol
Planning and visiting Disney World is A LOT! A lot of walking, planning, spending and time but the experience and memories you will share together are PRICELESS!
It really is the most Magical place on earth, “Where dreams come true!”.
Book your Disney Trip today! https://www.disney.com/