Summary of Instructions for Your First Visit to Walt Disney World
Follow these instructions for your first family visit to Walt Disney World to save thousands of dollars, and avoid dozens of hours waiting in line, while seeing all the best of Walt Disney World!
1. When to Go to Walt Disney World:
If you can, arrive at Walt Disney World one of the first three Saturdays after Thanksgiving. More… Next best dates to go…
2. How Long to Stay:
You can have a wonderful trip spending as few as 5 days. However, if you can, be in Orlando for 9 days–a Saturday through a Sunday. More… Going for a shorter trip…
3. How Old/Tall Your Children Should be:
Kids of any age can have a wonderful time at Disney World. However, if this may be your kids’ only childhood visit, consider going when your youngest child is at least 8 or 9, and your shortest child at least 48 inches tall. More… Planning for going with younger/shorter kids…
4. Where to Stay at Walt Disney World:
Stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort if you can afford it, or at Disney’s Pop Century Resort if you can’t. More… Next best resort options…
5. How Much to Budget:
You can have a wonderful first visit for $2,000 or less. However, to see all the best of Walt Disney World, budget if you can $6,700 if you are staying at the Polynesian, or $4,300 if at Pop Century. More… Developing a much lower or a different budget…
6. When Your Plans Need to be Firm:
Your plans should be firm at least 181 days before your arrival date. More… Planning if it’s already later than that…
7. How to Eat at Walt Disney World:
Sign up for the “Magic Your Way Plus Dining” package. More… Planning if you can’t do this package…
8. Where to Eat:
The Basic Itinerary tells you exactly where to eat (as do the Other Itineraries). More… Next best dining choices…
9. How to Spend Your Time at Walt Disney World:
The Basic Itinerary tells you exactly how to spend your time in Orlando (as do the Other Itineraries). More… Other Itineraries…
10. What to do When:
See the To-Do List for an exact list of what to do when to prepare for your trip. More… To-Do Lists for Other Itineraries…
11. Families with Special Circumstances
Large families, families with difficult travel challenges, families on tight budgets, and military families can find their concerns addressed here.
12. More Resources
This site is designed so that everything you need is here. That said, if you want even more, for recommended books see this, and for recommended websites see this.
161 comments
What a great site. Love all the information you have here. We are looking to take our first trip in November and this is a terrific find.
Carolyn
Carolyn, thanks for the kind words!
What a wonderful site!
I’ve spent so much time browsing through all the information.
useful information. It’s the best
We just replanned our entire trip thanks to this site. I lived in Fl for many years just never went to Disney because I just cannot stand the crowds. After moving up to NH was the first time I ever went, been going back every year since. I thought I had a pretty good plan, but this site lays it all out for you. I can now take a larger portion of my family (instead of just my wife and 2 kids) and still spend about the same amount. And…. LESS CROWD! Thanks Dave!
Thanks Steve!! And PS my wife would love it if we moved to NH!!
Great site, great information. Thank you and congratulations!
I am truly impressed by the advice given on this site. Every page I read seems to print from the experience I gained from my 10+ trips. This is a must-go, must-read site especially for newbies, or anyone planning a trip on their own.
One thing I would add is that we went twice during the last full week before Thanksgiving (Choice #9 on the Recommended List) and found it to be practically walk-on, especially Sunday through Thursday so I would rank it higher than #9.
Thanks for all your effort!
Thanks for the kind words! And I agree with you that week 9 is a great week. There’s different ways to sort weeks 4-9, and some ways would certainly rank 9 higher! See this for the logic I used…
I just saw that the Princess 1.5 Marathon is the weekend we are suppose to go to Disney (Wed-Sun). I saw that the race route actually goes through the park. Any advice on if I should change my dates? will any attractions be affected by the race route? Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Chuck! The main effect is a little difficulty getting around–no attractions are closed.
To miss these effects completely, avoid Epcot the 26th, and avoid both Epcot and the Magic Kingdom the 27th.
For more, see this post on touringplans.com: http://blog.touringplans.com/2011/02/10/2011-princess-half-marathon-weekend/
Oustanding!!! thanks Dave!!
How can I plan ahead when I don’t know when the parades, fireworks etc. are going to happen. I will be going early October and will be going to “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party” which we can’t make reservations for until late April. But in order to make reservations for restaurants and shows I need to know all the scedules so I don’t double book our schedule. What do you advise?
Hi Karena!
The October schedules wil be out by early April, so I’d just wait til then.
Each year we try to plan on going for the food and wine festival. The extra events such
as Champagne in France and Saturday nights schedule come out to late. Why don’t
they give out there schedule earlier and the first date you can call for reservations.
Hi Doug!
I agree–you run into the same problem with the Halloween and Christmas parties…very frustrating!
Could you give me some suggestions on an itinerary? We arrive in Orlando on Dec 17. Last week Disney posted that the last MVMCP would be Dec. 18th but have since taken the dates off the site. We will leave Dec. 23rd and will not go to a park that day. We want to go to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Universal. We also want to eat at Chef Mickeys. We definitely want to attend Magic Kingdom on multiple days.
Hi Allison!
MVMCP dates won’t be official for a while. Touringplans.com has on its crowd calendar forecasts for when they might be. I’ll be publishing an opinion on December MVMCP dates (and updated December itineraries) in late May.
In the meantime, see http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/basic-itinerary/ as a starting point, and then http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/how-long-to-stay/other-trip-lengths/designing-your-own-walt-disney-world-itinerary/ and http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/06/itineraries-for-walt-disney-world/ for more
Cool:)
We are planning to stay at a Disney resort. We have family in the Florida area that are planning to meet us at the parks. Will Disney allow our family to ride the bus with us to the resort to take a break mid day?
Yes Allison, they can. Officially the WDW buses are only for hotel guests, but this is never enforced, as pretty much everyone riding one has a good reason to do so.
I signed up on “request a quote” and was redirected to the site? What’s up with that? Please don’t call me! And if you have a instant chat person. Bring them on. Otherwise, it may be next year before I chack my e-mail again!
? Sandra I am not following you…
Two senior grandmas planning disney world w/o the kids. who can help plan for grandma to enjoy what old folks like to do with relax built in w/budget???
Christian non drinkers
Can you help???
Hi–my niche is first time young families, so this site won’t be perfect for you. A lot of the guidance is the same, but your hotel and attraction choices might be different.
Suggest you check out http://www.leaveittogenie.com/
Hope this helps! Dave
Anyone looking for another fun Orlando adventure should visit Medieval Times Castle – minutes away from WDW and Universal! Medieval Times is offering FREE knight training for kids 5- 12 – fun for the entire family! More info is here http://bit.ly/mho37h
Thanks Kristin–looks like fun!
Hi Dave,
Kind of bummed now because I picked week Dec 3-10 which I know is a highly recommended week, but then after booking all the events, found comments on here that that week is almost never discounted in December. You should put an asterisk next to that week for that reason in your picks. Just a suggestion. I am not sure now if I can change it because I booked several events like Hoop Dee Do and A Very Merry Xmas Party that required full payment. Have you ever seen any discounts for this week?
Hi Jessica–if I had it to do over I’d rank that week 3 partly for the reason you note. It’s still a great week, though, whether 1 or 3!. The dining reservations you’ve made a re fully refundable (so long as you don’t wait to change them til the last minute!) Recent discount patterns have not included that week–though it is already during one of the lowest priced times of the year.
I use a travel agency Mickey’s Travel and they have a dicount for the week of Xmas. We’re toying around with going but the latest arrival date they can offer is 12/22 so we’d have to take our son out of school a day early. We always wanted to go and spend Xmas at Disney but it is expensive but the rates they have are great. Very tempting but I know it’s going to be super crowded.
Hi Vic!
You probably already know this–but I wanted to make sure…all the special christmas stuff is fully in place by the Friday after Thanksgiving, so you can get everything except the day itself during much less crowded weeks…
Hi Dave,
You have a great site!
Your comments are very helpful.
I work in the Board of Ed as a teacher and i can only go to orlando christmas break.
I have two children (a 6 yr old and 4 yr old) who are dying to go.
My husband and i managed to save enough money to go.
Do you feel i should just cancel the whole idea?
or is there any way around it?
I read a bit on fastpasses etc.
also what bracelet is there that we can get so we can go on rides and switch off with my older daughter (being that my younger daughter wont be allowed on everything)
Thanks!
Hi Melissa, and thanks!
Give me the exact dates in December you could go, and also the beginning and ending of your 2012 summer break (if you know them–if you omly know the beignning of your summer 2012 break, but can give a guess at the end based on past practice that helps too), and based on those I’ll advise you!
Because of our school district’s calendar, we are looking to go to Disney World January 18-23, Wednesday thru Monday. We visited 5 years ago and enjoyed Coronado Springs and were glad we purchased the dining plan. We may stay at Coronado again, or if there is a really good deal my favorite would be, Wilderness Lodge. Our girls will be 11 and 7. Do you think there may be a dining plan deal in January, and if so, how do we find about it? Should we make make reservations now or wait? Any other suggestions? Thanks for all your research and sharing!
Hi Eileen!
No way to guess if there will be a deal or not. If one is announced, I’ll have the details up within a few days here: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/03/29/walt-disney-worlds-latest-spring-and-summer-deal/
You can often convert a booking to a deal if a deal gets announced after you book. This is easiest to do if you book with a travel agent and tell them that’s your goal–they can set you up then in resorts more likely to be eligible, with the right package that makes changes easier.
If you do so thru the form on the lower right side of this site, that travel agent will share with me a bit of the pixie dust Disney sends them which helps compensate for the time I put into this site!
Hi Dave,
I am responding to your response
we wanted to leave on Saturday Dec.24 and leave Dec.31
summer will be way to hot for us to go
but im off at the end of june till the end of august!!
What is your advice??
Melissa it’s hard to describe how crowded it will be 12/24-12/31…the bathroom lines then will be longer than most ride lines will be at the end of August! I would go as late in August as you can, in a heartbeat,,,
I am really torn on when to take my family for the first time to WDW. I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 6 year old. Should we go in early/mid-November (? Or should I wait until early May 2012? What is Jersey week in November and why is it busy then? Thanks for all your insights and help.
Hi Robin!
If you can fit between Jersey Week and Thanksgiving, that aprt of November is a great time to go. See this for more on Jersey Week: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/02/jersey-week-at-walt-disney-world/
Early May/late April 2012 is a little more expensvie, and a little more crowded, but has more reliably warm weather.
We are planning to take our 10 and 8 year old children to Disney 4/2/12 to 4/9/12…..is this a bad time to go. The kids are on Spring Break and we are trying to avoid having to take them out of school to go. We would liek to go with less crowds and cooler weather but school is an issue.
thanks.
Hi Chris!
That week, the week before Easter, is one of the two or three busiest and most expensive weeks at WDW. I consider it a very bad time to go. For more, see http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/11/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-spring-break-2012/
See this for my recommended weeks: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Because your comment was on an image, it’s not showing up in the “Most Recent Comments” list. My reply is here: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/special-circumstances/special-circumstances-large-families/more-on-large-families-at-walt-disney-world/large-families-looking-for-value-pricing-at-walt-disney-world/attachment/792/ Thanks Dave
I was wondering why you think the week of 2/12/12 is low on the list for best weeks? Can you give me a little more info. Thanks.
Hi Michelle!
It’s because of ride closures…see the para near the top of the page that begins “For visitors on a return trip…”
Hi Dave,
Love the site, good articles and info everywhere! We are planning a week at Disney December 10th through the 16th…looks like your charts and info says that is a great time to visit…what are your thoughts on the best Disney resort hotel to stay at that could accomodate three adult couples and two kids aged 2 and 5?
Thanks
Rob
Hi I have never been to disney… I have a large family… 4 adults and 4 children ages… 12, 11, 9, and 3. I ahev planned a trip many years in a row only to have something happen and had to cancel… I have never got past putting the down payment down .. ugh ! So I really need help… Is it better to book during a disney free dining special..or go when rates are lower for a room. and pay for dining?? I have to watch what I am spending money is tight.. but this has been my dream for years now… before my kids leave and get married I want to spend a week with them in disney… By the way 2 of the adults in my party are my older children..lol Please help… tell me where to stay and how to do this cheaply…
Thanks Tami
Hi Rob, and thanks!
Key for you guys will be deciding if you want three private spaces or not, and the trade-off between living space and coveninece/kid appeal.
See in general the material for large families that starts here: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/special-circumstances/special-circumstances-large-families/
If two private spaces and one shared sleeping space will work, then I’d recommend a two-bedroom villa at Old Key West, http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/01/17/review-disneys-old-key-west-resort/ or one of the Treehouses: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2009/08/16/review-the-treehouses-at-disneys-saratoga-springs-resort-and-spa/
There’s negatives to both, but they fit large groups best of the options.
Hi Tami!
Regarding free dining vs low prices—you don’t have to choose! There’s several weeks in Jan and Feb 2012 that offer both! See http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/08/03/new-free-disney-world-dining-deal-through-march-2012/ All the Jan and Feb weeks that are eligible for free dining are also at the lowest prices of the year!
There’s no Disney accomodation that will sleep 8 that’s also inexpensive. The least expensive way to get space for 8 is to reserve two rooms at a value resort. They may be far apart, however. For more, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/12/15/lower-priced-options-for-large-families-at-walt-disney-world/ and also this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/08/04/the-value-resorts-at-walt-disney-world/
Hope this helps and have a great trip!! Dave
Hi Dave!! loooove the site!
we are planning on going to WDW 26 nov- 3 des 2012 . kids 7, 9.
i have seen the temperature readings, but want to know, will it be so cold that we won’t be able to swim? we also want to go on a carribean cruise afterwords. but don’t want to waste money if it is cold.
and finally, please give advice on the whole ticket thing, what option is best….park hopper basic?..wich one is it even possible to see 2 parks in one day?
thank you. this is our first and probaly last visit to WDW (we are from south africa) so i really enjoy all the tips on your site!
Hi Mary, and thanks for the love!
It’s the park hopper ticket that allows you to go to two different parks in a day. My advice is to skip it for now, and then add it at WDW if you discover you need it–doing it this way costs no more, but defers the cost until it’s proven that you need it.
Weather at that time of year is all over the place.
There’s a 20% chance the high will be below 70F, and a 20% chance it will be over 80F.
Personally, I would not plan a trip at this time of the year around either swimming or cruising…it may well work out, but with so much variability its a crap shoot… for mor eon temps variability see this http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/high-temperatures-year-round/
We have two small kids we are thinking of taking May 2012. They will be 3 and 5 years old then. We plan on taking them again when they are older. Would there be much for them to see and do at this age? We would like to go when the crowds are small so if there are only a few things for them to do, they could do multiple times w/o having to wait too long in line. Are there shows, activities, etc for little ones? We don’t want to go when it’s too hot or during hurricane season. My daughter, who will be 5, just wants “to go and see the princessess” and ride “the teacups”.
Karla, what a sweet idea. There’s tona little one can do–see the vertical side of this page: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/09/the-comprehensive-guide-to-walt-disney-world-rides-and-attractions/
Any way I can see what special events are happening during our possible trip – either April 15-21 or April 22-28 (both 2012, of course)
And do you think 6 1/2 and 4 almost 5 are good ages to take to Disney?
The main special event is the Epcot Flower and Garden show–see this: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/ It begins in March and goes into May.
As the dates get closer, Mouseplanet.com will have anything else that’s going on then on its WDW Resort Update page, which comes out weekly, usually on Mondays
If this will be their ONLY trip I’d say they are too young; if it’s their FIRST trip, those are great ages!
Hi Dave! Great site!
We are coming for a once- in-a- lifetime trip to WDW all the way from south africa.
Just a few quistions.. we are planning on coming on the 29 Nov 2012 staying for 10 days. I know summer season is over, bit will we see fireworks? And then will it be hot enough for us to swim, and lastley, the park-hopper thing… is it worth it? is it even possible to see and do all in one park a day? Or will it sometimes be neccisary to hop from one park to the next?
Hi Mary, and what a great adventure you have planned!
Fireworks will happen, but not every night at the Magic Kingdom or at the Hollywood Studios. They will happen every night at Epcot.
Once Disney releases its December 2012 calendars (typically 6ish months before) you’ll want to check them for Wishes (MK) and Fantasmic (HS) dates and times. See this for more on the calendares: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/03/30/walt-disney-world-hours-of-operation/
It may be hot enuf to swim, but may not. Temps are all over the place at this time of the year.
For the distribution of historic high temps see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/high-temperatures-year-round/ and for a more complicated view see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/pool-days-november-through-february/
MK is worth two full days, Epcot a day and half, and each of the other parks a full day.
However, the hopper is a convenience at this time of year as it lets you start your day at a lower-crowd park but end your day at one of the fireworks shows. You can buy it on site for the same price as you would pay now, so I’d advise waiting to buy until you are sure it’s worth the money!
Hope this helps and have a great trip!!
Thank you so much for the notice about the shift in the dates for the Free Dining this fall. I called and saved $200.00! I saw the old offer a few weeks ago and it wouldn’t work for when we’re going. But because of your website I saw the changes and saved.
Karena, that’s great! Glad the site helped! Dave
Great site! I’m a Disney World veteran, but was poking around looking at different crowd calendars when trying to decide when to visit next year. I simply love your “ranked week” crowd calendar. So easy to understand at a glance, and it’s really made me look hard at middle October as opposed to early September like we were originally planning. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Aaron! Also see the week picker–that can be even more help for Disney veterans. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/08/09/the-2012-walt-disney-world-week-picker/ ANd if you do, let me know what you think! Dave
Our first visit to WDW we stayed off site. For the next visit I REALLY want to stay on site but need 2 rooms to accomodate us. Suites are too expensive. Would you recommend 2 rooms at Pop Century or paying more to be in 2 rooms at Port Orleans-Riverside. We have kids (7 & 13) but do not necessarily like to be around a lot of other children.
Hi Ellen!
Not knowing your family/group size and relationships, it’s hard for me to be specific.
See this page at the links on it: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/special-circumstances/special-circumstances-large-families/ If they don’t help, comment back and note your family/group size and relationships!
Sorry. There are just 4 of us, but my husband needs a separate room because of his medical equipment. That is why I am thinking 2 rooms and not the more expensive suites.
Would an inexpensive family suite at All-Star Music or the (new, opening next summer) Art of Animation Resort work?
They have a private space for 2, and a shared space for 4, and are just a tad more expensive than two room at Pop, and much less expensive than two rooms at a moderate…
For All-Star Music family suites (including floor plans), see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/07/27/review-disneys-all-star-music-resort/
For my guess at the Art of Animation resort floor plan, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/08/21/family-suite-floor-plans-for-disneys-art-of-animation-resort/
We have been to disney several times and stayed a various resorts. We are planning a trip WAY ahead and plan on staying at Animal Kingdom this time with tickets and dining. How far ahead can we plan, can we put it on a layaway plan , are there any discounts, and will it have an expiration date. Thanks.
Hi Robin!
You can book a hotel up to 500 days ahead. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/02/21/how-far-in-advance-can-you-book-a-walt-disney-world-vacation/
Hotel bookings require at least a night’s deposit, with the rest due either a few monbths in advance or at check out, depending on the reservation type.
Discounts are much more short term (usually) as they are focused on reacting to booking levels and filling beds that aren’t selling.
Have you ever evaluated the Disney Vacation Club? I would love to know what you have to say…
Hi Kim! If you mean whether one should become a DVC member or not–no, I haven’t. Since in theory this site is for first time visitors, it hasn’t raised itself high on my topic list yet! But I go off theory all the time so I may someday!
Terrific guide. I will bookmark your internet site and be positive to test back again often.
Hi!
Thanks for all the brilliant info on your site. We are planning to visit from the 9th April 2012 until the 23rd. Being British this whole Spring Break thing is a bit of a mystery to us. I was hoping that the dates we had chosen would mean that most Spring breaks had finished (mainly in March and early April?) and that Easter would also be over and done with. Am I reading it completely wrong? Is it going to be absolutely horrendous during our first week? My 8 and 5 year old will be wanting to hit the parks on our first day, the 10th, should we plan to do other quieter things for a few days instead? thanks for your advice
Thanks Jane!
I’m expecting the week after Easter 2012 to be quite crowded, but easy crowds beginning the 15th.
If I’m wrong–and it happens!–things will improve not the 15th but earlier, beginning April 11 or 12.
For more on why I make these predictions: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/11/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-spring-break-2012/
You can manage the busier days by arriving at the parks well before they open, using FASTPASSES, and not expecting much in terms of low lines after around 11a. Focus the busy day afternoons/evenings on naps, swimming, and on returning to parks for such things as evening fireworks, parades, and such…you can then return for what you missed on ther quieter days following the 15th.
Hope this helps and have a great trip!
Hi There,
My brother in-law contacted you before their visit to Disney World and highly recommended your site. Problem is, I’m headed to Disney Land, not World…any tips on the place that makes your dream come true in CA?
Hi Emily! See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/11/17/suggestions-for-your-first-trip-to-the-disneyland-resort/
Hello Dave and thanks for the great site. I really like the itineraries and good/bad times to visit ranking. My family (Husband, MIL, FIL, 7 yo & 5 yo) are thinking of going to WDW in Sept 2012 but have not finalized anything yet. Oct & Nov are hunting season in the upstate NY area so they wouldn’t work. I would consider early Dec and from your recommedations it ranks higher since Sept is hurricane season. I worry Dec is busier due to having the Holiday decor up. Please help me weigh my options.
Thanks,
Joanne
Hi Joanne and thanks!
See this page: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Early December is low crowd. Septemebr is even lower, but is in the peak of the hurricane season–see http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/chance-of-cyclonic-storm-affecting-florida/
September also has among the lowest prices of the year, and often sees an additional free dining discount offer. See http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/chance-of-cyclonic-storm-affecting-florida/
If you don’t care about the holiday stuff or the hurricane risk, September is a terrific time to go…
This is an INSANE site. I have found all I need. I just spent so many hours that I should have been doing housework, hitting every link possible and trying to absorb as much info as I could. You are going to be the key reason why my family will have the most memorable and enjoyable first visit to Disney. I’m a seasoned veteran (born and raised in O-town) but I am so confident now having found you! THANK YOU!!!
Hi Emily! It’s comments like yours that help me get through all the work this site takes! Thank you! Dave
A very informative and helpful blog. Well done. As you mentioned at the top of this post, visiting right after Thanksgiving is a perfect time to go. Our first several trips many years ago was during the first or second weeks of December. Low crowds but already felt like Christmas.
Thanks!!
We’re going to Florida in april 2012, how do i buy a name plaque set in the sidewalk outside the entrance to the Magic Kingdom? I would love to get one for my family to commemorate our holiday. Have looked on all the official websites and through guide books, but found nothing. Are Disney still doing them?
Hi Alicia, they stopped doing them a while ago, I’m sorry to say.
Thanks for the prompt reply, you’ve saved me hours trawling for information. Your site is brilliant, particularly the crowd prediction table. I know you specialise in first trips, but I’ve used you for the last three years to plan our holiday. You’ve become part of the process, nothing happens until i’ve checked out your site. Thank you!
Alicia, thanks, what a kind comment! I’m glad the stuff helps!
Hi,
I have a question about President Day. You have predicted a level 10 attendance in week 8. My question is: do you think attendance will be on this level the whole week or will it drop to a lower level later in that week? And what about the weekend after President day?
This is the first – and probably last – time we go to WDW, so we really want to get the most out of our trip.
Hi Per Moe–it will be quite crowded through the Saturday after President’s Day. This is because a lot of NE schools take the whole week off…while crowds Tuesday and later will be better than those over the three day weekend, they will still be horrible…
Thanks a lot! Your site is most helpful
Per
Glad it helped!!
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble. You are amazing! Thanks!
Thanks Johnie!
After years of having to postpone a visit to WDW, I hope to take the family next year. We are shooting for sometime between Thanksgiving & Christmas. We have two teenagers (15 & 16), one girl & one boy. I don’t believe they will want to share a bed & we can not budget two separate rooms, so we are thinking of one of the Wilderness Lodge rooms with bunk beds. Do you have any other suggestions for our family?
Hi ALfred, my guess is that one or both will be too short for the bunk beds.
Some options to consider:
Family Suites at Art of Animation (which opens in mid-2012) http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/08/21/family-suite-floor-plans-for-disneys-art-of-animation-resort/
Cabins at Fort WIlderness: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2009/10/26/review-the-cabins-at-disneys-fort-wilderness-resort/
Both of these are cheaper than a bunk room at WL.
At WL itself, consider a Deluxe Room: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/29/review-deluxe-rooms-at-disneys-wilderness-lodge/
See also these two pages:
http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/12/22/bed-types-and-sleeping-space-layouts-at-walt-disney-world-resort-hotels/
http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/12/15/lower-priced-options-for-large-families-at-walt-disney-world/
I am booking a holiday to Disneyworld with my 2 grandsons (aged 10 and 15 on departure). I aim to go 5th May 2012 to 19th May 2012. I have also been considering spending 2-3 nights at Univesal Studios during this time but this would have to be at the beginning or end of my holiday. Do you have any idea which dates would be the best time to go there? Also, is the beginning of May a good time to go to Disneyworld?
Thank you
Hi Linda, yes early May is a great time to visit. Your 10 yearl old may be a little young for Universal. The best times to go to Universal are Sundays, Mondays, and Saturdays.
we are going to be in Florida over Christmas break have a 5 year old and an almost 3 year old who loves mickey. Do you think it is a waste to go with them the busiest time of the year and only for a day- we would spend all day and spend the night, but my husband doesn’t want to pay for two days! Cafe Mickey is already booked because I thought of doing that the second day.
Hi Amy! You know, it’s a hard call. My guess is that you can have fun just looking around for a a while, but that it won’t be worth cost of the tix and parking…I’d save the $300 for another, longer trip at a better time…
coming with whole family over xmas – want to avoid the parks on xmas day but looking for a nice place to eat ( with 3 under 6 children) on xmas day and suggestions of what to do that wont be too busy. Staying at the marriot world center – any suggestions / recommendations appreciated!
Hi Melissa!
This is one of the two busiest days of the year in all of Orlando. Not sure I can think of anything that won’t be mobbed…or any fun restaurants that won’t already be fully booked.
If I were you, I’d just stay in the hotel, hope for a nice day at the pool, and eat there too…
If that won’t work, you can check Disney’s website for reservations at hotels outside of the theme parks http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/search-results/?sid=47336828664-7684133-9963351-3484439&ts=1321476833 and relate it to the restaurant ratings here: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-eat/dining-alternatives/the-comprehensive-guide-to-walt-disney-world-dining/
Nice post. Its realy good information for me. Thanks a lot!
Hi everybody! Nice resource! Does anyone know more blogs on this topic?
Hi Dave! I scheduled out trip for December 15th through the morning of the 23rd. I’m mad at myself for not picking the previous week instead! Do you think the crowds will be terrible? This is our first time and I don’t want to spend the whole week standing
Hi Molly! You will be fine the 15th thru the 17th. Things will be very bad the 22nd and 23rd. Opinions on the 18th-21st differ. I think they’ll be OK, but others think it will be pretty bad those days too. Push your must-sees into the 15h ,16th and 17th…
Hi Dave,
Love your site! AS a visitor to Disney I remember years ago staying at the Grand Floridian a couple of weeks before Christmas. While there my family and I happened to be coming back from Hollywood and when we got back to the GF we were treated with hot chestnuts from a cm. Do they do anything like that @the Poly? My husband and will be there on the 14th thru the 17th of December. Thank you for offering this incredible site!!
Hi Deb and thanks! I hadn’t heard about the hot chestnut thing–at either GF or the Poly…I did a search and it seems GF is still doing it, but I can’t find any evidence that the Poly is. That said…GF is a short walk from the Poly if the chestnut and cider need strikes hard…
Hi Dave,
We have just come back from a week in Florida (chose the date based on your site) and had a fabulous time – the queues were non existent and it was worth the cooler weather for that! Thanks
(and I have recommended your site to others)
Hi Pam, I’m glad the site helped, and thanks a million for recommending it!
Hi Dave!
Question- When you schedule a special snack for Beaches and Cream or Sci-Fi, do you make reservations at these places or just walk up? We are leaving in a few days!
Thank you.
Hi Kathy! Just show up. Beaches and Cream does not take any reservations… Sci-Fi does not make reservations except for full meals…and if very busy, they may not let you in…
Thank you for the response Dave! This will be our third trip to WDW. I wish I had seen your site previously. It is just awesome. And I’m saying this after also subscribing to a couple of well known tour sites. Blessings.
Thanks Kathy, you’re the best!
Dave, this site is TERRIFIC! Our family returned two days ago from WDW. It was our sons (ages 9 & 11) First Time though my husband and I had been a few times before. However, this trip was lightyears better than our previous trips because of your wonderful advice!
Unlike prior trips (which were all short 2-3 days), this time we 1. stayed on-site, 2. stayed for 8 days, 3. bought the dining plan, 4. knew about and attended special events (like Hoop and Candlelight), 5. visited during the right season/week for us (December 3, 2011) and boy, did those changes make a HUGE difference in the quality of our experience. During prior trips, we always felt a little lost, like we were missing events or strategies that would make our day better, and the crowds were a huge bummer. Now, using your recommendations, we had much smoother days, experienced far less crowds and had a much more enjoyable time. Even my husband, a veteran traveler for work who hates to be scheduled and balked at your itinerary, by the end of the trip, he was singing your praises. We did modify the itinerary to meet our needs, the weather, etc but it all still worked. Our vacation was so Magical that we booked our return trip already for next December! Thank you so very much Dave! I’m recommending your site to everyone I know.
Katie, I’m so glad the site helped with your trip! And thanks for the kind words and recommendations!!
hello yourfirstvisit.net-ers iv just registered ,, tinas
Hiya Tina!
The “request a quote” is only allowing for 2011 dates
Kevin thanks for pointing this out!! It’s fixed now!
We are planning a trip to Disney this year and because of sporting commitments we won’t be able to go until after Thansgiving. We are going for two weeks and I wasn’t sure what two weeks would be better, weeks beginning 11/24/12 & 12/1/12 or weeks beginning 12/1/12 & 12/8/12? Any input you could provide would be greatly appreciated. I know about the Pop Warner Football and Cheer competition going on the week of 12/8 – we went in February and there were cheer nationals going on – it wasn’t too crowded but the hotel was a nightmare. We plan on visiting the parks Mon – Thurs only each week and staying away from the parks Fri – Sun. Thanks.
Hi Marie! I have a slight preference for the later dates, but either period will be great—see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Hi Dave.
I emailed you last night about the trip were taking with our9 year old son in feb. I stated we will be there 10 days, since we go to CA Disneyland so much could we see everything In 7 days without rushing? Also I forgot to mention. My son will have his birthday while we are there any suggestions? Any imput would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Sharon, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/about-2/recommended-books/recommended-links/comment-page-1/#comment-23329
I loved your site, and what a pleasure it was to gain valuable insight for free right on the web. I realize now that a Disney trip is very difficult to plan properly, even if you are one of those @#$%&@ with younger kids (4,5&8). That being said, I would rather not donate, but I am willing to use the travel agent as you suggest (since you get some dust). Well done, and thank you again! I’m a business analyst and this site quenched my thirst for details/options.
Thanks Ted! Can you tell I’m a strategy consultant in my real job?
No need to post this, but if you have a specific recommendation on a travel agent who understands the details to make a Disney trip excellent please let me know! Thanks in advance, Ted.
No specific person–just that firm. If you have any issues, let me know!
Hi Dave~
I am just starting to plan our visit to WDW for late fall of 2012. I have read in your comments to others to look for the box at the lower right corner of your site for a travel agency recommendation. I’m not seeing it–help! What is the firm? I feel like maybe I’m looking right at it but not seeing it.
Thank you!
Hi Jessica and thanks for asking! I’ve moved this around, and used links, an image, and a form, so I’ve probably confused EVERYONE….
What you are looking for on the right side is a form outlined in double blue lines, with a title that begins “Request a Disney or Universal…”
Where it shows up will vary a little based on your screen size and resolution, but if you go to the home page http://yourfirstvisit.net/ and scroll dpwn through the instructions in the center, it’ll be to the right starting around “Where to Eat…”
We are first time visitors to WDW!!! Our family of 5 is spending 9 days in Orlando @ POR Disney property – not a recommended moderate, but our options were limited due to size (I hope we made the right lodging choice). Our plan “was” to split the 9 days up between these parks: WDW 5 days, Universal 2 days, and Discovery Cove / Aquatica 2 days. Now… after some heavy thought, I’m reconsidering this jam-packed schedule. By adding extra days to our hopper at WDW we’d get to enjoy WDW more.. while spending a whole lot less $ (around $700 less if we cut universal). Considering this is our only trip to FL for the next 5 years, do you think we are cheating ourselves by omitting Universal? Our kids (10, 10, and
aren’t huge thrill seekers… well one is, and some of the recent reviews haven’t been so favorable towards Universal and children. What are your thoughts?
Also, I should have found your site 6 months ago. It would have told me to make dining reservations early. Even thought I got a late start, I’ve been pretty lucky so far: 1900 Park Fare, Boma, Teppan Edo, O’hanna, and maybe Hoopdee doo, (I’m happy, except Chef Mickey is full). My second question is: Why is the Tusker House listed so far down your list of Character dining meals? I was kind of figuring they are ALL the same(?).
Thanks again for all the useful information. Great site!!!!
Hi Lisa and thanks! Universal delivers the best value for money to families who love thrill rides. And a more rleaxed schedule may help keep you sane! Tusker House is fine, there’s just nothing special about it. These meals cost time and money, and if you are going so far down the list to get to it, it may be better to skip and enjoy the rides with that time instead, eating from counter service…
Someone told me that Disney World would allow you to bring in a small ice chest is this true?
Hi Angela, it varies a bit by park. See this for specifics: http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/coolers.htm
Thanks, We are planning our visit April 21-26, 2012 and I have looked at the port orleans french quarter resort and the pop century resort. What would you suggest? The deluxe resorts are not a option for us.
Angela, if you can afford POFQ, then I’d suggest something a little different–a split stay, wiht three nights at Pop, then three nights at the WIlderness Lodge. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-stay/next-best-resort-choices/where-not-to-stay/
I am planning a trip to WDW in early June but I can’t decide which dining plan I need for a family of 4. I was looking at the deluxe but unsure if it is really worth the price. Thanks
Hi Leslie. The deluxe dining plan is hard to get value out of–you have to eat more table-service meals than most families are willing to commit to (rides are more fun, and naps more valuable!) and so you end up with unused credits. The “regular” dining plan–with one table service credit a day–is the best choice for most.
We are coming on our first trip to WDW arriving sunday at 10am on 3-24 and leaving on thursday evening the 28th. kids ages are 2,10,15. Any tips on how to handle scheduling the parks to get the best out of our short trip?
Hi Kim, see this reply to Susana which covers your dates: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/best-and-worst-times-to-visit/comment-page-18/#comment-24167
Great post!
Thanks, Jerry!
My wife is a big NY Giants fan (but I love her anyway!). The NFC Championship game is this Sunday night and we will be at Disney with our 11 yearold daughter. Other than ESPN Club (which will be crowded and won’t take reservations for dinner) is there anywhere we can watch the game and eat, and have our daughter not completely bored?
Glenn, I can’t think of anything on property that will work…sorry…leave your wife in the room to watch and you and your daughter have Dad’s night out in the parks?
Hi-
I spent a vacation at Disney World from 11.30-12.5 (2011) and could not have asked for a better time (great weather, no crowds, loved staying at POR). I was worried about the Pop Warner scenario, but after we got home, turns out we worried for no reason at all! We avoided MK for the taping of the parade and plan to do so this trip as well. Looking to go back around the same time this year, expanding to a full week (wanted to build in some relaxing time to do nothing as we went nonstop on our initial trip). After looking at your chart, I was thinking of either going from 11.26 to 12.3 OR 11.28 to 12.5, staying again @ POR. Which set of dates would you suggest?
Thanks,
Keith
Hi Keith! I’d go for 11-26 to 12-3…not much difference between the two, but crowds should be a bit lighter…
Dave-
We are heading to Disney from 2/12-2/17 for the first time with our 5 year old daughter! We should arrive at our resort around 10:30am that Sunday and wanted to know your recommendation for the best park to go visit that 1/2 day. Thank you!
Jill see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/comment-page-5/#comment-24686
Our family (two young girls) are heading to Disney March 26 th – April 1. When would be the best time to attend….Magic Kingdom? Busch Gardens? Sea World?
Thanks!!
Hi Nicole, you are going at a pretty rough time of the year so far as crowds go. I don’t have a point of view on Busch Gardens or Sea World, but for MK try the 27th or 28th…
Hi Dave,
I was wondering if you have any comments about crowds when the expansion opens up? Did you take that into consideration when you did your weeks for 2013? Just curious, I am going to skip that year because of the opening and probably go 2014, we are going in April 2012.
Hi Deb! I’m not expecting the 2012 fantasyland expansion to have a big crowd impact. While it remains to be seen how Disney will market it, once the dates are set, it’s basically not much. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/11/29/preview-ariels-undersea-adventure-at-the-magic-kingdom/
Hi Dave
We are a family of 4 with 2 kids aged 8 and 5 and coming from the UK
Having used your when to go guide we have decided to come to Disney on the 25th feb and return on the 10th March.
This will be our first visit and we want to get the best out of Disney whilst still having some downtime. At the moment we are considering booking the Pop Century resort for the first week and the Hard Rock resort in Universal for the second week. The reason for this is that we probably wont use the hotel too much for the first week and want to get the best value for our money. The second week we will probably take a few days out and relax more around the pool. Maybe a few trips to Seaworld and Discovery cove etc. Then go to the the 2 Universal studios resorts at the end of the week. I feel this way we will get the best out of the extra hrs at both WDW and Universal as well.
Do you think this is a good idea or should we spend maybe 10 days at Pop century and only 4 days at the Hardrock. Also what tickets would be best.
Finally would you recommend the dining plan?
thanks.
HI Ian, first your plan sounds fine. Second, there are often special ticket and dining deals available to UK visitors that I don’t know about…I would check with a Uk based travel agent or thedibb.com for guidance on these!
dave just found your site, cant take in all information , Im taking my family 25 in total to orlando 26th june till 10th july, we want to visit wdw and universal with fast passes
magic kingdom,epcot,movie studio,and a water park for disney,and 2 universal what ticket option would be best in your opinion, no hopper needed
also any ideas on how to keep a large crowd together at rides would be appricated
Thanks
Hi Tony! First, that’s a really lousy time to go–very crowded hot and humid. I’m guessing, though, with a party of 25 you don’t have much flexibility with your dates.
Second, with a group that size I strongly suggest working with a travel agent. Travel agents are free to you (they are paid a commission by Disney etc) get prices as low as you could get yourself, and save some problems. Destinations in Florida is the agency I partner with, and its boss would welcome your contact. She’s Allison Jones at allison@destinationsinflorida.com
If you’d rather not, get back to me with your questions!!
Hi Dave, Great info for large families. We are planning to stay at the cabins at Fort Wilderness as we have years earlier. We would also like to get a tent site nearby. Any recommendations on cabin locations and tentsite loops that are convenient to one another? Thanks for your guidance.
Glenn
Thanks Glenn! See this for a previous answer to almost the same question: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2009/12/21/the-tightwads-guide-to-when-to-go-to-walt-disney-world/comment-page-1/#comment-25095
Great site! Am a little concerned about the dates of 11/18/12 – 11/23/12 Thanksgiving week that we are going to be at WDW. I know there will be crowds, but it was either this week or spring break. We have two teachers going. Is the first of the week less crowded than after mid week (Wednesday)? Should we visit Magic Kingdom maybe on Monday or will it be just as crowded all week? We’re staying at POR in the new Royal Guest Rooms. This is my grandkids first trip. They are 7 and 8.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Hi Karen, and thanks!
Thanksgiving week is better than spring break–but better for teachers than either is early June or late August, depending on which fits their academic calendar.
The first part of Thanksgiving week is a little less crowded than Wednesday and after, but not much. Since people arriving over the weekend tend to go to MK first, Monday will be very busy at MK. I’d target Tuesday for MK instead…
Hope this helps and have a great trip!
Previous inquiry Sunday but I have “lost it”–it was too long anyway and now I have specifically made sure I know where I am so I know where to watch for reply(home of the site). Answered some of my previous questions w more maneuvering thru the site. 11/21/12-late arrival, 11/22, 11/23, and 11/24 staying at Grand Floridian(yuck for kids but good for wallet since work paying for conference and the reduced rate of 255/night). After it is over, based on your recs, will not stay offsite but will promptly move to Pop century. Expecting terrible crowds thru midday Sun but don’t want to write these days off. Class over at noon 11/22-11/24–can you make recs as to what to do these 3 days as far as scheduled events/reservations{ie when to do la nouba, supper reservations,parades, fireworks, etc? } Then as crowds thin 11/25(evening)thru 11/29(2nd best week to go 2012), I am trying to focus on the 5 day itinerary as far as parks and actually seeing attractions, but do not know how to adjust it based on what we might get out of the way the first 3-4 days. Thanks so much-Mary Beth
Hi Mary Beth, here’s some thoughts to start.
On the 21-24th, focus on afternoon and evening events for which there are not lines–these include the afternoon parades at HS, MK, and AK, the evening parade at MK, and the evening fireworks at Epcot, MK, and HS. This also means that on the less busy days you can skip these, and ride rides during them instead.
For return all day visits, spend the 25th at Epcot, the 26th at HS, the 27th and 28th at MK, and the 29th at AK.
Does this help?
Thanks for your reply. I am so Disney ignorant, I cannot imagine how we would have botched this up w/o this site and your help. I am getting so lost in links…..I could send 20 more inquiries but gonna work on it a bit more with the above recs first and try to send you questions after I am more informed. Time is on my side…..but goes by quickly!!!!
Hi Mary Beth, glad to help, and feel free to send more questions…
Leave a Comment | Ask a Question | Note a Problem