Walt Disney World - Travel Guide
This one’s for the Disney Geeks. Non-believers- avert your eyes…
If you’ve been here a while, you know we are unapologetic Disney Adults over here. Disney has been a special place for me and my sisters since we were kids- we’d go every year, sometimes more than once. And while I have so many incredible memories there from my childhood, nothing compares to being able to experience it as an adult with a family of my own- that’s the real magic.
So as we gear up for a big family trip at the Happiest Place on Earth, here are some tips from a lifetime Disney fan:
STAY
Staying on property is key- It's the easiest way to get to and from the parks, and your best bet at getting your full dose of all the characters. I recommend a room with a view of the park fireworks- especially if you’re traveling with littles that are sensitive to sounds, but still want to enjoy the show; plus you don't have to deal with the crowds leaving the park right after the show. We’ve been partial to the Four Seasons lately, but if you’re traveling with little littles, you might want to pick a resort with monorail access- the Grand Floridian is our fave. If you’re going with older kids or adults, The Yacht and Beach clubs and the Swan and Dolphin are all within walking distance to Epcot, as well as the Boardwalk which can be a lot of fun at night.
Top Picks: Four Seasons Orlando / Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort / Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa / Disney’s Yacht Club
EAT
Nothing hits like a Disney dish. The food is just too good. Yes, the park snack and all the Mickey-shaped treats are great- I love a pretzel the size of my head and all the mouse shaped rice krispie treats- but there are also some amazing sit-down restaurants on property and at the parks. Definitely make reservations in advance- those things fill up fast. You’re able to book all Disney dining reservations on the app starting at 6:00am, 60 days from the first day of your hotel reservation- this means that you can book farther out than 60 days, depending on the length of stay. Make sure your hotel and park reservations are all linked on the app to gain early access to dining booking- this include park dining, too!
Magic Kingdom
The Lunching Pad - Our preference for MK as we typically like to grab and go- the hot dogs are comically huge, but equally delicious
Be Our Guest - a high-end sit down option with decent food and signature cocktails
Cinderella's Royal Table- Great option for character dining, especially if you have a princess-lover
Hollywood Studios
Sci Fi Dine In Theater - One of our very favorite. Great “snack bar” quality food, but you’re really there for the nostalgia
Mama Melrose - Sit down Italian option for families and larger parties
EPCOT
I’d say the majority of Epcot’s appeal stems from their food and beverage options as you “travel around the world.” I don’t have a favorite grab and go, per se, but there are a few sit down places we’ve returned to time and time again-
San Angel Inn Restaurante - Love this Mexican option, especially for the ambience on a hot park day. You can also grab margaritas to-go in this complex
Biergarten Restaurant- The food here is just OK, but the show is fun and entertaining, and the beer is superb
Via Napoli - Delicious pizza and great Italian option overall
Animal Kingdom
I don’t love the food options at AK, although I have enjoyed a cocktail or two at Nomad Lounge in the past. There is a Rainforest Café near the side entrance to the park, which can be a good option if you want to sit down and need some respite, although I’d schedule a sit down meal for a different park if you’re hopping around.
Hotel Dining
Shula's Steakhouse - A quintessential steakhouse located at the Dolphin Hotel
Cítricos - A beautiful, elevated dining option located at the Grand Floridian
STK Orlando - We’ve dined here many times for dinner, and have even enjoyed their boozy DJ brunch before. Great food and vibes located at Disney Springs
Il Mulino - One of our favorites, located at the Swan Hotel. They have several private dining areas available, which has been great for when we are there with larger parties {plus kiddos} in the past
Character Dining
Character dining is filed under my “must-do” list when traveling to Disney with littles. The food isn't my favorite- aside from the FS option, which is delicious- so I like to do this during breakfast where you can still get something simple like fruit or oatmeal. But the kids just love a meal with Mickey, so it's a definitely must in my book.
Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy + His Pals {FS Orlando} / Cinderella's Royal Table / Chef Mickey's / 1900 Park Fare
TIPS
Invest in a VIP Tour: If you're traveling with the impatient, I highly recommend. Disney's amazing guides will shuttle your party from park to park- entering through back entrances and offering yummy snacks and waters upon arrival. The guide essentially acts as your "personal Fast Pass," allowing you to cut all the lines. Tour rates vary based on when you visit the park- but I admit, they are consistently pretty pricy, and it doesn’t include the price of park tickets. However, with a guide its totally doable to get through all four parks in one day, and a tour can fit up to ten guests, so it could be a good option if you’re traveling with another family, too… This service can be arranged here or via the concierge at Disney resorts.
Bippity Boppity Boutique: We did this a few times in the past when Maddie was younger, and I can confirm that the mems were worth every penny. BBB boasts a few locations, but appointments fill up fast, so definitely book in advance. Choose from a variety of pampering packages, and leave with a princess costume exclusive to the boutique. Ahh, I miss those days!
Watch the Daytime Parades: Especially if you have littles. It's a great way to get your fix of a show without having to keep them up late at night. There are times when the girls almost preferred them to the rides, and they are a great way to regroup and plan your next move for the day.
Pamper at the Spa: Some of the best facials and massages I've had have been at Disney resorts. Each resort has their own, unique spa- so research in advance which one has products you prefer. I love that the Grand Floridian spa uses Eminence products for their facials; and I fell in love with the Elemis products they use at the Swan and Dolphin Resort's Mandala Spa after a particularly amazing treatment.
Head to Disney Springs: Formerly Downtown Disney, Disney Springs is still a great place for adults and kids alike to have a blast. They have amazing restaurants, great shopping, a few shows and even a bowling alley. We love heading there for a day to enjoy an adult brunch followed by some shopping. If you're there on a weekend, definitely try the STK brunch for some good tunes and delicious food.
Pencil in a Pool Day {or two}: A pool day is a definite must, because heading to the parks every day can be a bit much for mom, dad and littles.
Don't Try to Do it All: I've been going to Disney nearly every year for most my life, and there are still things I'm just learning about. But that's part of the fun. Definitely don't try to do it all each trip, you'll go crazy. Plus, its such a happy surprise when you discover new things to do on your next trip!