The very best tip for your Disney vacation can be summed up in one phrase: "plan ahead." With careful planning, you can save money, make time for all the experiences you want to enjoy and all the attractions you want to see, and head off any unexpected expenses or problems. Planning is the key to making your Disney World vacation a magical experience for your entire family.
Plan ahead for crowds when scheduling your trip: Be sure you know what the crowd levels will be when you go to Disney World. If you don't like large crowds, you should plan your trip in the off season instead of peak travel dates like the Fourth of July or Christmas. Check the Disney World website or talk with your travel agent to determine which dates are "peak" season, and plan accordingly.
If you have never been to Florida before, be aware that temperatures will be high — maybe too high — throughout the summer months. If heat or sun exposure is a concern, plan your trip in the fall or winter to be sure you get the most out of each day. Planning your Disney vacation in the off season is a great way to save money as well, so be sure to look for special discounts in the fall and winter months.
Plan ahead for dining: If you are taking advantage of one of the Disney Dining Plans, be sure you make your ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) as early as possible. Some locations like Cinderella’s Royal Table (in the Magic Kingdom) and Le Cellier (in Epcot) book up almost six months in advance — so if you want to dine with a princess, you need to plan ahead! Guests staying at a Disney resort can book dining reservations up to 180 days in advance, and there is no charge for booking your reservation. Book dining reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE or online.
Plan ahead when packing: Pack comfortable clothing and shoes for every member of your party and don't forget your swimsuit! Disney resort pools are heated to 80 degrees in the off season, so you may be able to swim during your fall or winter vacation.
While Disney theme parks and resorts stock an array of over-the-counter medications and baby items, you will pay a premium for these things. If you plan ahead and bring along painkillers, cold medicines and any other items you may need, you can save money and time.
Tip: If you forget to pack aspirin or other over-the-counter medicines, most Disney theme park shops carry a small selection of essentials. Just ask at the cash wrap desk; these items are usually under the counter.
Plan ahead each day: You don't have to micromanage every second of your trip, but you should have a good idea of where you want to go each day. You can ask for a list of park openings at your hotel desk when you check in and take advantage of early and late "Magic Hours" for Disney resort guests. You should also know what attractions your family is most looking forward to, so you can head to those locations early in the day. Showing up at Splash Mountain at noon will result in a long wait, but if you get there first thing in the morning, you may be able to ride twice before the line builds up.