8 Things Smart Disney World Visitors Always Do
How the pros do Disney World - 8 insider tips.
As an Orlando local, I get to experience Disney World at its best… and its most chaotic. And I have learned that the difference between a trip you’ll remember for a lifetime—and one you’ll want to forget—often comes down to just a few smart decisions. Many of them need to be made before you even set foot in Walt Disney World.
Let’s begin with the one decision that shapes everything else.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over time—one thing I didn’t fully appreciate on my first few trips—it’s this:
#8 Where you stay… matters.
Not just the name of the resort. Not just the price tag. But the actual location, layout, and room category. All of it.
See this content on my YouTube channel now:
Disney World is massive. And your resort experience can either make your trip feel effortless, or leave you constantly trying to catch up.
In the beginning, I made the same mistake a lot of people make: I booked the cheapest room I could find. I figured I wouldn’t be in the room much anyway.
But here’s what I didn’t realize. the pros know that the resort is part of the magic. And the right room—at the right resort—completely changes how a day at Disney feels.
Let’s talk location.
One of my subscribers mentioned in a video I posted that he books his hotel closest to where he will be spending most of his time. So if that’s Magic Kingdom for a holiday party, that might mean a Monorail resort—like the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, or Contemporary. Waking up, grabbing coffee, and gliding into the park in under 15 minutes? Theres nothing like it.
Same goes for EPCOT, maybe for the Food and Wine and Festival. Within walking distance are Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, yacht and Beach Club or the the Skyliner Resorts like—Caribbean Beach and Pop Century.
But it’s not just about which resort—it’s where in that resort.
Room category makes a difference.
Garden view vs. theme park view. Standard location vs. preferred.
A room closer to the lobby or transportation might save me 15 to 20 minutes of walking multiple times a day. That adds up. And when you’ve got strollers or tired legs, that shorter walk feels like a gift.
Theme park views are more than just a splurge—they're an experience.
Watching fireworks from my balcony, hearing the distant music of Happily Ever After while in pajamas, sipping coffee as the sun rises over the castle in the distance… it’s surreal. It stays with you.
Even at moderate and value resorts, the right room location matters.
At places like Caribbean Beach or Coronado Springs, where things are more spread out, choosing a preferred room can save serious steps—and serious time. I have several videos on the best room locations at the Disney Moderate resorts, I linked them below.
And here’s a little tip I’ve learned:
If you're staying somewhere like Disney Springs or Flamingo Crossings, those spots might not have monorail access or in-park views… but they can still be magical. Some of them offer spacious rooms, and free breakfast.They’re especially great for longer stays, or when I want more amenities for the same price as a Disney Value Resort.
But whatever the choice, smart disney world travelers do not to treat the hotel as an afterthought.
#7 Arrive Early. Earlier than you think.
If there’s one decision that shapes the entire arc of my Disney day… it’s this one. I arrive early. Earlier than I think I need to. And then I plan for delays on top of that.
Because if you want a smooth, high-impact, low-stress Disney day—especially during peak seasons—early arrival is the golden ticket.
Let me break it down.
Staying at a Disney resort? Great. That gives you Early Theme Park Entry—30 minutes before the official park opening. But here’s the thing: if you show up right at that 30-minute mark, you’re already late.
I aim to arrive at the park gates at least 45 minutes before Early Entry even begins. So if Early Entry is at 8 a.m.? I’m walking through security by 7:15. It sounds extreme, but that head start lets me walk onto one or two of the biggest rides before the crowds pour in.
And here’s where most people get tripped up: transportation. Disney buses, boats, and Skyliner all say they start running 45 minutes before park open—but those first buses can be full, delayed, or randomly spaced. So I budget 45 to 60 extra minutes just for transit, even if I’m staying onsite.
Most longer bus rides are around 15 minutes but you also need to factor in waiting for the bus to arrive, which can add 20 minutes. Need to know how to get around Disney World? I have a great video for that too - i posted the link below.
Once I’m inside the park, it’s like being in another world. The walkways are calm. The music sounds great. Cast members are greeting guests. This is when I get those empty park photos, walk onto a headliner attraction, and sometimes, squeeze in two rides while novices are having a big breakfast.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Dining reservations? Smart travelers know to check in 15 minutes early—always. It allows you to request a window seat or to just get seated faster.
Fireworks viewing? The pros scout thier spot an hour in advance if they want a good one—especially if they’re aiming for Main Street or in front of the castle. People start camping out early, and it fills up fast.
Knowing your park hours also matters.
Magic Kingdom usually closes at 9 or 10 p.m., but there are nights—especially with events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party—when it shuts down as early as 6 p.m.
If you didn’t plan ahead, that can be a big surprise. Years ago the parks were opens late, often midnight, or even 1am but those days are long gone.
I prefer longer even hours because it’s so hot in th summer months. We would go in after the sun went down and have several hours of cooler park time. But now the parks close shortly after sunset in the summer.
So smart Disney World travelers start looking for park hours about 6 weeks in advance that’s about the tim Disney posts them.
Here’s the bottom line:
I’d rather start early, ride what I love, and take a midday break… than sleep in and spend the whole day in lines, frustrated, and chasing the clock.
And by the way, I make videos about Orlando vacations. Subscribe to my channel now so you can have more fun.
#6 Plan a Resort Day
This is the tip I used to ignore—and honestly, I regret it.
In the early days, every trip was a full-speed sprint. Rope drop to fireworks, park after park, day after day. I thought if I wasn’t going full throttle, I was wasting the trip. But all that did was wear me down. And worse? I missed out on one of the most underrated experiences Disney has to offer.
The resorts.
See, smart travelers build in one full resort day every trip. No park reservations. No plans beyond sleeping in a little, grabbing breakfast at a relaxed pace, and then… just seeing where the day takes them.
Because Disney resorts aren’t just places to sleep. They’re destinations.
Whether I’m at a sprawling deluxe like Animal Kingdom Lodge—with savannah views and fire pits—or a charming moderate like Port Orleans French Quarter with its lantern-lit pathways and boat rides to Disney Springs… the atmosphere alone is worth savoring.
Themed pools are often better than the ones at water parks.
Seriously. At the Yacht and Beach Club, there’s a full-on sand-bottom pool with a lazy river and a slide built into a shipwreck. At Art of Animation, there’s the massive Big Blue Pool with underwater music—yes, music under the water.
Then there are the activities. I’ve stumbled upon poolside trivia, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts… even marshmallow roasting. And at night? Movies Under the Stars.
It’s this magical, low-key moment where kids curl up in beach chairs or on blankets under the sky, watching Disney classics while parents sip something cold and just breathe.
You start to realize: this is Disney too. Not just the rides. Not just the parades. But this quiet joy. This slower pace. This space to just exist inside the magic.
And here’s the bonus: a resort day gives your legs a break, your energy a reset, and your mind a chance to fall back in love with where you are.
It’s the breath between the chapters. The pause that makes the next park day even better.
So yeah… the smartest Disney visitors I know? They plan a day to do “nothing.” And it turns out… it’s everything.
#5 Use the My Disney Experience App
This one’s a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many guests don’t download the mobile app, or worse, don’t use it to its fullest potential.
The My Disney Experience app is a game-changer. It’s the Swiss Army knife of Disney park planning. And I use it for almost everything.
First thing’s first: mobile ordering. I skip the lines at quick-service spots by ordering meals, snacks, and drinks ahead of time. Just tap on the app, customize my order, and set a pick-up window. When I walk up, it’s ready. No waiting. No “I’m hungry” meltdowns.
Then there’s the app’s integration with Lightning Lanes. I’ve got all my reservations in the app. I can adjust, cancel, or add new selections with a tap of my finger. And if there’s a ride I really want to do, I can adjust my plans on the fly to work it in.
It’s also where I track my Memory Maker photos. If I’m taking ride photos, character meet-and-greets, or candid shots—bam, they’re saved to my account.
And don’t even get me started on tickets. I no longer need to buy expensive magic bands. I just pull my phone out of my pocket, tap it on the scanner, and I’m in. And I can manage everyone’ tickets and lightning lane passes from one phone.
Honestly, I don’t know how people do Disney without the app. It’s like having a personal assistant in your pocket.
#4 Buy Lightning Lane!
At some point, you’ll have to make a choice: Stand in long lines all day, or spend a little more to make the wait times disappear.
Look, I get it. I used to be skeptical of the Lightning Lane. But trust me—after one trip where I skipped it? I regretted it. Big time.
You’ll see the wait times—sometimes over an hour or two—and that’s not even counting the ride breakdowns or the “technical difficulties.” Meanwhile, Lightning Lane guests? They’re zooming past you with a smile on their faces.
Yes it is an extra expense and yes it used to be free, but if you care about your time and the overall vibe of your trip—just buy it.
Because after all, there’s only so much time in a Disney day. And I’d rather not spend it standing still. Not when I can be riding more, enjoying more, and doing more.
#3 Book Everything Early
I can’t stress this enough: book early. Smart travelers want the best prices, the best options, and the best availability—so they book in advance.
They start by making their hotel reservations the moment they can. If you’re familiar with cruising, this is the same idea. As far as I’m concerned, staying onsite at Disney is a huge part of the experience.
Then comes dining reservations.
The smart ones lock those in 60 days before they arrive. Disney restaurants can get full fast, and the popular ones—like Beaches and Cream or Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? They’re gone before you can blink. So, I make my list early and get everything set before it’s time to log in and make the reservations.
But it’s not just dining.
I also make my Lightning Lane reservations 7 days before my visit. Disney gives you a 7-day window to secure your top picks, and I take full advantage of it. Fast passes are a thing of the past—Lightning Lanes are the way to keep your day flowing smoothly.
And here’s a bonus: any discounts? I apply them as soon as they become available. That way, I get the best price without sacrificing the experience. And if you use a travel agent, like the ones at Magical Vacations Travel, they will do this for you automatically, so you don’t have to pay attention to offers yourself.
Here’s the truth about Disney world discounts and offers. They are usually very limited. While they seem like these big broad offers that span several months, there are really a limited number of offers earmarked for each hotel and room category per night. And when they reach capacity - that’s it. You’re back to paying full price or having to change hotels.
#2 Stay On Disney World Property and Explore More than Just the Parks
A lot of people think staying at Disney resorts is just for the proximity to the parks—and that’s definitely part of it. But the resorts offer a whole lot more.
From the theming to the convenience, staying onsite gives you access to everything that makes Disney special. Whether it’s shopping at Disney Springs, grabbing a bite at a resort restaurant, or catching a movie under the stars, there’s so much to do beyond the theme parks.
People who travel to Orlando often, know that disney world property is beautiful, but once you leave Disney, you’re facing an incredible amount of traffic. Sometimes the traffic to leave Disney after the parks close backs up for several miles. It can easily take an extra 60-90 minutes to leave property - especially if you’re headed to Davenport or Kissimmee.
Then there’s the shady businesses that surround disney, the tourist traps and chain restaurants.
Smart travelers stay on site because they are immersed in teh Disney magic 24/7. For more budget friendly options you can check out Flamingo Crossings, a new hotel and dining district - located on Disney property near Animal Kingdom, and of course all the hotels in Disney Springs.
#1 When to Go to Walt Disney World
Smart travelers choose the best times time visit Walt Disney World. But when is that?
Alright, let’s talk about one of the biggest questions people have when planning a Disney World trip—when should you go? And honestly, the answer totally depends on what matters most to you: low crowds, good weather, or special events. If you’re looking to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, aim for mid-January through early February or late August into September—those are the sweet spots when most kids are in school and the parks feel way more relaxed.
But keep in mind, Florida weather can be wild. Summer brings the heat and those classic afternoon thunderstorms, while winter might surprise you with a chilly morning or two. So, do a little research, check crowd calendars, and decide what trade-offs you’re comfortable with. Trust me, a little planning here goes a long way in making your trip way more magical. Have you ever tried going during a “low crowd” week? It’s a total game changer.
So that’s it—eight things smart people always do on a Walt Disney World trip. Do you have a good tip for Walt Disney World? Share it with us in the comments below!
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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10 Ways to Save Money On Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Priced out of a Disney World vacation? Here are 10 money saving tips.
Disney World is a premium vacation destination and it’s priced accordingly. And this isn’t unique to Disney. I hear the same things about Universal Orlando and Royal Caribbean Cruises which are also premium vacation brands. The demand is there, even from international travelers, so it’s unlikely Disney is going to drop prices any time soon.
This is all fine and good, but if you’re priced out, you’re priced out. I'm Darren from OrlandoParksGuy.com and I have 10 tips that will help reduce the cost of a Disney World vacation including tickets, hotels and dining.
#10 Disney World Tickets
I’ll begin with the one that we have very little control over - Disney World ticket prices. Tickets for the 4 theme parks are expensive, there’s no way to put a pretty face on it. But Disney isn’t Six Flags after all. And while you could purchase tickets from a wholesaler, they have confusing cancellation policies and you’ll need to pay for them upfront. Whereas if you book a Disney vacation package, the tickets are refundable up to 30 days before your check-in date and are covered under one $200 refundable deposit. I typically recommend buying them directly from Disney just for the convenience.
Disney uses a variable ticket pricing system, so every day of the calendar year has a different price. So, why not use this to your advantage? You will save money on tickets if you can visit Disney during January, August, and September. You could save as much as $100 per person and you’ll also have fewer people in the parks during this time.
For example, a 4-day ticket in August is $514 per person. But a 4-day ticket starting on February 16 is $685. A saving of $171 per ticket. A family of 4 would save $684. That’s a decent saving.
And if you’re wondering, some of the most expensive ticket prices are seen in March for Spring Break, November because of Jersey Week and Thanksgiving, and December because of all the Christmas events.
#9 Disney Gift Card Hack for Disney World
While Disney World often has room discounts available for most nights of the year, there is a travel hack that gets you an extra 4 to 5% off. Disney Gift Cards sold at Target, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale usually sell for less than the value of the card. For example, a $50 Disney Gift Card might sell for $48 and a $500 Disney Gift Card might sell for $584. I’ve seen e-gift cards sold online with more of a discount than in-store gift cards. So you may want to check both. If your vacation is $3,000, you’ll save another $187 just by paying with gift cards.
Another travel hack I have is to buy additional gift cards to take with me so I can purchase food while at Disney. Nearly every restaurant at Disney World accepts Disney Gift Cards.
See my article on Disney Gift Card Scams
If you’re not a member of BJ’s, check their website, they often have free membership trials available. And if you have the store’s credit or debit card, you may even get reward points for purchases. Disney World and most Disney Travel agents will accept gift cards for payment. But there is one downside.
If you need to cancel your Disney World reservation, Disney will only refund back to the original form of payment. They will not issue a refund check or place the refund on a different card. It’s important to hold on to your gift cards until travel is completed.
#8 Consider your length of stay
When I was a kid, my parents would take me to Disney for nearly a week. we’d stay at the Polynesian, sometimes at a Moderate Resort, and sometimes even off-property in Kissimmee. But today, Disney has outpaced inflation so a week at Disney World will cost considerably more than it did 5 to 10 years ago. If my parents had to pay today’s prices, adjusted for inflation, I’m not sure we’d be going as often as we did back in the day.
So, we may have to come to terms with the fact that 1 week in Disney might now be a long weekend or a 3 to 4-night stay.
Another thing I recommend is to take time off during your vacation. Plan a pool day, go resort hopping, take a ride on Skyliner or the Monodail, and visit Disney Springs. This means fewer ticket days - which is one of your biggest expenses. It’s fun to walk around and explore. And Disney Springs has plenty of complimentary live entertainment. Most packages include complimentary minigolf and 2025 packages include free water park admission on your arrival day.
This is a popular strategy that many European visitors use. They often come to Orlando for an extended vacation, or holiday as it were, but they’re not in the theme parks each day. This means less money on tickets, less money on expensive theme park food, and less money on merch. And you’re still on vacation - at Disney!
#7 Mid-Week vs. Weekends
One of the tips i see a lot online is to book your trip during the week. Disney World hotels follow the hotel industry where Friday and Saturday night stays cost more than weeknights. So, a great way to save a little money is to book your vacation Sunday through Thursday. Disney doesn’t charge a lot more on the weekends, so if that’s when it makes the most sense to go, I don’t think it should hold you back.
And if you’re flying into Orlando, you should also consider airfare costs, which might outweigh the higher cost of a Saturday night stay. I find that the cheapest days to fly are typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. So check airfares first. And it’s widely believed that the best time to purchase airfare is on Tuesady afternoon.
#6 Affordable Ground Transfer to Disney World
At one time Disney used to offer complimentary airport transportation on Disney’s Magical Express. It was free but it was slow - often taking over 90 minutes to get to your resort, as it made multiple stops along the way. And it would take 2-3 hours to bring you back to the airport.
As Uber became more popular in Orlando, more people began using that to travel direct. Often is less than 30 minutes from point A to point B. Likewise, the operator of Magical Express began negotiating for more money when its contract with Disney was up for renewal. Fewer riders + more money - equals why we don’t have this service today.
But you can still use an airport shuttle - you just need to book it directly with Mears Transportation. They were the ones who operated Magical Express by the way. The cost is around $18 per person, each way. I still think you should research the cost of using Uber, especially if you have a larger family. I find that Uber rides between Orlando International and Disney cost around $80 each way. A ride on Mears which will be the slow boat to China, will be in the area of $72 each way for a family of 4.
#5 Do you Need a Disney Dining Plan? Probably not.
Disney offers 2 dining plans and while I do think they are a good value, if you’re budget-minded, I think you should skip it. See, the Dining Plan is a great tool, but it’s not really about saving money. It’s a convenience - really - designed to give your vacation a more all-inclusive feel. I have an entire video that explains the Disney Plans in full. I’ll link to it in the description.
See my video on how the Disney Dining Plans Work
If you plan on a lot of character meals, or eating most of your meals in the parks, for example, the dining plan is the way to go. But you can save money without the plan if you prefer to do it yourself.
#4 Save on food and meals at Disney World
And speaking of doing it yourself, food, beverages, and snacks at Disney are expensive. This should be no surprise because you’re a captive audience here. But the good news is that Disney World is surrounded by grocery stores that deliver. Instacart is my favorite service because you can choose from a variety of stores in Orlando. And if you want to buy from Costco, you don’t even need to be a Costco member with Instacart.
One of my favorite examples to give is that a bottle of water at Disney World costs about $5. But if you use INstacart, you can purchase a case of 50 bottles of water from Costco, for $4. So 50 bottles of water for less than the price of one bottle of water in the Disney parks. Most hotel rooms have a mini fridge that will hold small items, and microwaves can be requested from housekeeping once you arrive, free of charge.
Disney allows you to bring your own beverages and snacks into the parks - that’s perfectly fine. Just remember that you cannot bring glass, alcohol or loose ice into the parks. The loose ice is because it creates a slip hazard if it spills on the ground.
I’ll link to an article I have on my website OrlandoParksGuy.com that provides tips for grocery delivery at Walt Disney World. Instacart, Amazon, Publix, and Walmart all have delivery fees and of course you’ll need to tip the driver, but you can still save money
See my article on Grocery Delivery Services at Walt Disney World
#3 Do you need Park Hopper?
Park Hopping is a ticket add-on that allows you to visit multiple Disney parks on the same day. Generally speaking, it’s a one-time cost of about $100 per person and it will be valid for each day you have a ticket. It’s not possible to purchase a park hopper for just some of your days.
Now this feature can offer great savings, or it can be totally unnecessary. I like to recommend Park Hopper for those who are planning on a short stay. This will allow you to make the most of your days. For example, if you only have a few days at Disney, maybe you want a half day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and a half day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With Park Hopper, you can do that. Or, maybe you just want to experience your favorite attractions, and then hop to the next park.
On the other hand, if you plan a longer stay, you can skip Park Hopper. I also recommend skipping Park Hopper if you have young children. I remember when my son was small, we were lucky to get through one full day at a park, let alone hopping to other parks. The little ones move at a snail's pace, they want to see everything and don’t forget to leave time for a good meltdown or two. This all takes a lot of time. Park Hopping would be a rather ambitious goal with little ones.
#2 Is Lightning Lane at Disney World Worth it?
Lightening Lane, formally Disney Genie+, formally FastPass, allows you to bypass the lines at many of the attractions at Disney. This service used to be free but I can’t think of any theme park in the country that doesn’t charge for this. I know this is a highly debated topic and full disclosure, I still think it should be free. As a Passholder, I’m in the parks all the time, but my only choice is to shell out a lot of money for Lighting Lane each time I go, or wait in a long line for an attraction that I probably experienced a few days ago.
But it’s here to stay and we just need to accept it. But I don’t think you need to purchase every day and for every park. Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood studios offer a lot of value with the purchase of Lightening Lane. This is because there are many opportunities to use it at Magic Kingdom, and there are so few rides at Hollywood Studios.
The studios have a lot of headliner rides like Rise of the Resistance, Rock n Roller Coaster, and Mickey’s Runaway Railway. Everyone is competing for these rides, so if you can use Lightning Lane on seven just or two of them, you’ll save about 2-3 hours in line. The downside to purchasing Ligtening Lane at Hollywood Studios is that there will be long waits in between your selections.
I think you can get by without it at Epcot, just be there for your rope drop. Same thing with Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Get there as soon as the park opens and you’ll have a major headstart that will last until about 10 am. So it’s a great time to the safar and the attractions in Pandora.
#1 Staying Off Disney World Property to Save Money
It’s often debated whether or not you should stay off-property. Now if you’re budget allows you to book a Deluxe hotel like the Polynesian or a moderate hotel like Caribbean Beach, it’s better to stay on Disney property.
But if you’re looking within the value hotel category, so between $120 - $150 per night, and if you’re trying to reduce costs as much as possible, you can get a lot more value at certain off-site hotels.
The new Flamingo Crossing Area located on Disney Property just behind Animal Kingdom is full of chain hotels, a small restaurant district, and a Target Store. These hotels are often under $130 per night and many of them have family suite accommodations.
They all offer free breakfast but the theme park shuttle isn’t free. And if you drive to the parks, you’ll need to pay the parking fee of around $30 per day.
I especially like the Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs. It’s an upscale tower hotel with rooms similar in square footage to the Disney Deluxe Hotels. Rates are usually between $150 and $180 per night, so right on par with Disney’s value resorts - which do not include free breakfast or snacks. The Drury also offers a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning, free snacks during the afternoon, and free evening appetizers. Plus the Drury operates its own Disney shuttle bus - which is provided free of charge.
I reviewed the Drury Plaza Hotel a short time ago, you can see more about this hotel including what makes their breakfast buffet extra special. To see if this is a good option for you, check out my video. I’ll see you over there.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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DISNEY WORLD OFFERS Winter and Spring 2025
Save money at Disney World with these discounted hotel rates for Winter and Spring 2025!
Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom
Orlando: Walt Disney World Resort Winter Promotion Package
Save up to $200 per night on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays:
January 1 - April 30, 2025 - most Sunday through Thursday nights
Free is always better. Book your Disney vacation with me now through February 10, 2025. My services are free to you. Disney pays me to ensure you have the best vacation plus enjoy special perks.
I’ll work with you to find the perfect Walt Disney World Resort Hotel for your vacation goals and budget. Experience legendary detail, service and storytelling found in Walt Disney World Theme Parks when booking a Disney Resort hotel stay with me. From unique accommodations to distinctive dining options, themed rooms, exclusive theme park benefits, theme park transportation, and more, I help make your trip more magical because you’ll have expert, insider advice.
Choose from Disney World value, moderate, deluxe and deluxe villa properties that exemplify the Disney Difference and suit every budget.
Disney World Vacation Package Extras
Included in your Disney package
Disney World hotel accommodations (minimum 3-night stay)
Disney World Theme Park Tickets
Professional guidance from me (my services are free to you)
Early Theme Park entry
Extended evening Theme Park hours (select Deluxe hotels)
Complimentary Disney Water Park admission on check-in day (starting 1/1/2025)
Transportation to the 4 Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Disney Springs
Free Overnight self-parking at most hotels
Free standard parking at all Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Disney Springs
Magical Extras Discount Card
Walt Disney World Luggage Tags
7-Day headstart on Lightning Lane purchase and selections
The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same package. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Theme park tickets are valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on length of stay and ticket.
Valid Travel Dates
For arrivals most nights from February 26 to June 30, 2025
Length of Stay Requirements
Minimum – 3 nights
Maximum – 14 nights
Package Includes
Room
Theme park ticket(s)
Important Details
The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited.
Savings based on the nondiscounted price of the same package.
Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
Theme park tickets are valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on length of stay and ticket.
Minimum 2-day theme park ticket required.
Minimum 3-night length of stay required.
Advance reservations required.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Offer excludes the following room types: Campsites; 3-Bedroom Villas; Deluxe Resort Suites; Club Level Rooms; Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort; and Bungalows and Island Tower 2-Bedroom Penthouses at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Unlock the Magic: Disney World Vacation Packages Explained
At its core, the Walt Disney World family vacation package consists of 2 main components: Hotel room and theme park tickets. But there are a re number of options that allow you to customize your package.
Disney World Packages are designed to help you make sense of seemingly countless options and add-ons. But the packages themselves are a little confusing. And then we have questions like how much do Disney World vacation packages cost? And How can Disney travel agents help?
At its core, the Walt Disney World vacation package consists of 2 main components
Hotel room
Theme park tickets.
But there’s a little more to it than that.
Things like travel dates, party mix, ticket type, and even dining plans all contribute to the cost of your vacation.
Let's break it down into smaller pieces and start with deciding when to go and for how long.
When to go to Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World hotel rates and ticket prices vary by the day. T
his means that hotel prices are different each night and ticket prices are different each and every day.
But we can simplify this. First, ticket prices do not vary too much, so don’t get too concerned with that right now. The variations are minimal in the big picture.
Nightly hotel rates for Disney World hotels can vary greatly.
Rates are higher during holidays like Christmas, Easter, and President’s Day.
Rates are also higher during spring break season - so February, March, and April.
Rates are lower in late spring, summer, and fall.
Some of the best months to visit Disney are May, September, October, and November for lower crowds, lower prices and lower temperatures - well September is still pretty hot but you will literally have the parks to yourself.
Party Mix
Your party size is another major factor in determining your Walt Disney World package price.
Everyone staying in the same room must have the same package type.
So, everyone must have the same type of ticket and stay the same number of nights. If you purchase a dining plan, everyone must have the same dining plan too.
Disney World Hotels
Disney World Packages provide a variety of on-site and off-site hotels to suit different budgets and preferences.
There are 30 Disney-owned hotels by the way, which not only provide convenient access to the parks but also immerse you in Disney's atmosphere 24/7.
And Disney hotels provide free theme park transportation and free parking.
Prices for the most common room types range from about $150 per night up to about $1,500 per night.
There are 6 Hotel categories to choose from so this is where using a travel agent is especially helpful.
Value hotels
Moderately priced hotels
Deluxe hotels
Deluxe Villa hotels
Disney Springs hotels
Flamingo Crossings hotels
Let’s face it, the reason you would stay at a value resort is to save money.
These are economy rooms that are safe, clean, and have a whimsical theme.
The rooms are tiny, that’s to be expected, but perfect if you just need a comfortable place to sleep and shower.
The issue with the value hotels is the long lines that form in the food court and at the bus stop.
Moderate resorts cost slightly more but with that additional cost, you get a larger room, water slides at the hotel pool, and possibly more onsite dining options depending on the resort. Some rooms sleep up to 5.
Deluxe hotels offer the largest rooms, most can sleep up to 5, offer a high level of theming throughout, have multiple onsite dining options, usually a character meal, and of course, luxury accommodations like upgraded softgoods, fitness centers, and some even have spa services.
Deluxe hotels also come with special perks like extended park hours in the evening on select nights and at select theme parks.
Deluxe Villas hotels primarily exist for those who are Disney Vacation Club Members, but a select number of villas are held for general bookings.
These rooms come in a variety of styles ranging from studios to 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments with kitchens and living rooms.
The Disney Springs Hotels and Flamingo Crossings Hotels are third-party but located on Disney property.
Look for hotels that offer complimentary theme park shuttles and complimentary breakfasts.
Again a travel agent is very helpful with this. I have a Top 3 list of best 3rd party hotels that I use when working with my clients.
The Flamingo Crossings hotels specialize in family suites while most of the Disney Springs hotels offer more traditional hotel rooms.
These Good Neighbor hotels are priced comparably with the Disney Value Hotels and in my opinion much better.
They are on par with Deluxe hotels because they have upscale lobby areas, spacious rooms, fitness centers, resort-style pools, and even onsite restaurants. And the Disney World hotels don’t offer free breakfast.
Here’s a tip, When you book one of these hotels as a Disney World package, there are no mysterious resort fees.
Disney World Package Tickets
Disney World packages include theme park tickets for 2-10 days.
With tickets, the longer you stay, the cheaper the tickets get. For example, a 7-day ticket costs less per day than a 4-day ticket.
If you want just a 1-day ticket, you can’t book a package.
Packages include admission to the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks including
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
You can choose the number of days and whether you want to add options like the Park Hopper and Water Parks and Sports option.
Base tickets allow you to enter one theme park per day.
You can of course leave and re-enter the same park on that day if you would like to take a break and head back to your hotel.
The most common add-on is the Park Hopper.
This feature allows you to visit multiple Disney theme parks on the same day.
For example, you can start your day at Magic Kingdom, and then head over to Epcot for dinner later in the evening.
The park hopper option is a one-time cost and is valid for all days. You cannot purchase Park Hopper for just some of your days.
The cost can vary depending on the day.
If I had to ballpark it, I’d say Park Hopper costs about $100 per ticket but this is just an estimate.
The Park Hopper option is especially useful for those who are coming to Disney for a quick visit and need to get a lot done in a short amount of time.
You can also add the Disney Water Parks to your package. Even if you plan on visiting a Disney Water Park only once - it’s cheaper to add it to your package rather than buy a single-day admission ticket.
You can also visit Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course and the 2 mini-golf courses as well.
Disney Dining Plans
Disney offers 2 types of dining plans as a way to help make your vacation package feel more inclusive.
Over the years other theme parks copied Disney and began offer dining plans of their own, but most are a poor value because they include food that you would not have otherwise purchased.
And they tell you how much money you’re saving.
Well yeah, you might be saving money but if you wouldn’t have purchased all the food to begin with, it’s not really a value.
See the thing they’re missing is that Disney isn’t offering the dining plan as an upsell.
Disney offers dining plans to compete with all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and cruises.
Now you can really save a ton of money with the Disney Disney Plans if you book a character meal or two but otherwise, you’ll probably break even compared to paying out of pocket.
Choose from either the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan as part of your Walt Disney World Package.
Both plans provide everyone in the party (ages 3 and over) with a specific number of meals and snacks based on the number of nights of your Disney Resort stay.
You get to pick the plan that works best with your vacation style and dining needs!
The Regular Disney Dining Plan includes (based on the number of package nights)
1 Quick-Service Meal
1 Table-Service Meal
1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink
1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug
For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Dining Plan, each Guest in your party would receive 4 Table-Service meals, 4 Quick-Service meals, and 4 snacks or beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.
The Quick Service Dining Plan
2 Quick-Service Meals (per night of stay)
1 Snack/beverage (per night of stay)
1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug
For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, each Guest in your party would receive 8 Quick-Service meals and 4 Snacks or Beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.
Memory Maker and Travel Protection
Two more options you can add on to your package are the Memory Maker and Travel Protection.
Memory Maker is a photo package that includes professional and on-ride photos throughout the theme parks.
The cost is $169. Be sure to add this on prior to checking in. Once you check in the price goes up to $200.
Travel Protection is a great value because it protects you from weather delays, mysteriously canceled flights, and illness. Kids age 17 and under are included for free.
Travel protection may not feel like a good investment unless you need it. Then you’ll say it’s the best thing you ever bought.
The cost is $95 per adult. Seriously, Disney isn’t cheap, you should protect your vacation especially if you’re flying to Orlando.
So let's review the key components we covered today:
Packages start at 2 nights or more at a Disney hotel or Good Neighbor hotel
Must include at least 2-days of theme park tickets
Ticket add-ons include Park hopping and or water parks
Dining Plans offer flexibility and convenience and help make your vacation feel all-inclusive.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Walt Disney World Hotel Discounts 2023
Save up to 30% on select Disney World hotels when you travel between July 11 and September 28, 2023.
Disney World has released new hotel discounts for select on-property resorts. Travel must take place between July 11 and September 28, 2023. The amount of the discount varies by date and by hotel category. Theme park tickets can be included in this offer to make a vacation package.
Tron LightCycle Run at Magic Kingdom | Walt Disney World Resort
When you book your stay at a Disney Resort hotel, you’ll enjoy:
Complimentary early entry to every theme park—every day!
Complimentary Extended Evening Hours on select nights when you stay at Disney World Deluxe Resort.
Exclusive early access to select Disney Genie+ features.
Disney World Resorts with the biggest savings
While there are a number of participating resorts, I pulled out the hotels that have the biggest discounts (and simplified a confusing spreadsheet of dates and resorts).
Save 25-30% off the nightly rate
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Save 20-25% off the nightly rate
Save 15-20% off the nightly rate
Save 10% off the nightly rate
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is back with festive food, joyful entertainment, and cultural traditions from around the world. Here's everything you need to know—dates, Candlelight Processional info, Holiday Kitchens, and more.