For a veteran of Walt Disney World, planning a vacation is a great deal easier than for someone planning his or her first trip. This article will provide some preliminary information for the Walt Disney World rookie who needs help planning his or her first trip. If you consider yourself a Disney veteran this article might be a tad bit elementary for you but I suggest you share it with someone you believe could find it useful.
1) FastPass+ Is Free
For those who don’t know, FastPass is a way to for you and your family to avoid the long lines. When you arrive at the attraction with a FastPass you will bypass the stand-by queue and enter the FastPass line, which is much faster. While working in the Magic Kingdom in 2013, I had guests on their last day of vacation just realizing that FastPasses come at no additional cost. The Disney parks have provided free FastPasses from the time the program was implemented in 1999. I believe the confusion lies in the fact that some other theme parks like Universal Studios do charge for similar services.
With FastPass+ and the My Magic Plus system now implemented you will now reserve your three FastPasses 60 days in advance online if you are staying on Walt Disney World property, or 30 days in advance online for guests not staying on Walt Disney World property.
2) Ticketing Options
When planning your vacation to Walt Disney World it is important to understand the difference between a base ticket or a park hopper ticket. For a 1-day ticket for an adult the park hopper will cost $25.00 more per day than a base ticket. The base ticket will get you into one park for the full day. You can leave the park, but you can only return to the same park that you were at earlier that day. A park hopper ticket is the more expensive option, but this ticket allows you to explore each of the four Walt Disney World parks in one day. Some research as to what you are planning on doing during your vacation will help you decide whether or not you and your family need the park hopper ticket option.
(Photo credit: Kathy Werling)
3) It Will Most Likely Rain While You Are In Orlando
It seems like it rains almost every day in Orlando, Florida. Most of the rainstorms are short, but even these short storms pack a punch. It is crucial that you pack a rain coat, or prepare yourself to purchase a rain poncho while you are in the parks. When packing, remember to pack extra dry clothes, and rain protection for strollers because most stroller areas are not protected from the rain.
4) Dining Reservations Are A Must
One of the best luxuries of Walt Disney World is the dining options. The food at table service dining is something some guests enjoy more than the rides and shows. This massive popularity means that you should book your dining reservation as soon as you can. While you can wait for a table at some restaurants be prepared to wait over an hour at some locations and at certain times of the year. That’s why the easiest solution is to just book a reservation ahead of time.
