Planning a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort soon? With more than 25 Disney vacations and several years of backstage magic under my belt, I’m confident I can help steer you in the right direction when it comes to what to do … and what to avoid.
Do! When possible, choose an earlier flight. It gives you breathing room if delays or cancellations pop up and it’s much harder to secure a shuttle later at night. Truly, this is solid advice for travel in general.
Do! Stay on Disney property. Whether you choose a value resort or a deluxe villa, being on-site makes your entire stay far more seamless. Transportation is a huge perk: if you’re flying, you can easily arrange shuttle service from the airport. If you’re driving or renting a car, you’ll enjoy complimentary hotel parking – which also means skipping theme park parking fees. You’ll have access to buses, boats, the monorail and the Skyliner to get around the resort. Plus, staying at a Disney hotel is the only way to add the Disney Dining Plan to your reservation.
Do! Check park hours and the events calendar ahead of time. Knowing the daily schedule helps you plan more thoughtfully. For example, if Animal Kingdom closes early on the day you visit, you can use that extra time for something special – maybe dinner at a nearby resort or a trip to Disney Springs for evening entertainment and souvenir shopping. Guests staying at Disney resort hotels also receive benefits like Early Theme Park Entry on select days. TIP: If you’re staying at a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort, take advantage of Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.
Don’t! Put off booking your dining reservations. Guests can secure reservations up to 60 days before arrival and tables disappear fast – especially for high-demand spots. Character meals, all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurants and signature dining experiences fill up quickly. While you can always find quick-service meals, I truly believe every Disney vacation deserves at least one or two memorable dining moments to add that extra touch of magic.
Do! Enjoy festivals and seasonal parties whenever you can. EPCOT hosts beloved limited-time celebrations like International Festival of the Arts, International Flower & Garden Festival and International Food & Wine Festival – each with its own unique offerings, stunning displays and creative food booths. Magic Kingdom, meanwhile, transforms for two of the most beloved events: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Do! Make time to explore beyond the parks. Spanning more than 40 square miles, Walt Disney World offers far more than attractions and parades. Many of my favorite experiences are found outside the theme parks. Each resort has its own themed pool area that’s perfect for downtime. You’ll also find two water parks, golf and mini-golf courses, Cirque du Soleil, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and countless unique dining options – many of them located at the hotels. The BoardWalk is another wonderful area for families, with restaurants, games, street performers and lively nighttime entertainment. TIP: Build a few park-free days or evenings into your trip so you can take it slower, enjoy resort amenities and a relaxed meal or two at places like ’Ohana at the Polynesian or Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club.
Don’t! Try to do everything in one trip. It’s simply not possible. Even if you purchase Lightning Lane access (which can be a great investment if it fits your budget), you’ll still encounter lines and crowds – especially during peak seasons like spring break, summer or the winter holidays. Trying to check every box will only wear you out. Instead, choose a handful of must-dos and focus on those. Once you have your priority list and dining reservations set, everything else becomes a bonus.
Don’t! Come unprepared. One of the best ways to ensure you have a great time is by setting yourself and your travel companions up for success. Check the forecast before you pack and bring clothing and accessories that make sense for the weather. For example, if you’re visiting in February, it could be 85 degrees the day you arrive and 50 degrees by the time you leave. Bring a refillable water bottle, sunblock, sunglasses, a raincoat and comfortable walking shoes. And remember, if you forget anything, there are shops throughout the resort with everything from souvenir sweatshirts and ponchos to first aid items and baby care essentials.
Do! Enjoy the things that make a Disney vacation truly special, especially if you’re traveling with children. Pack themed outfits for adorable photo ops, which can be found everywhere. Rock your favorite pair of ears and choose a MagicBand that matches your style. Pick up “I’m Celebrating” buttons from the concierge or Guest Services. Grab a starter pin set and trade with Cast Members. Purchase a World Showcase Passport for your kids and let them collect activity cards at Kidcot Fun Stops inside all 11 international pavilions. There’s enchantment waiting around every corner.
Do! Plan your trip with a AAA Travel Agent. You’ll get expert guidance, insider tips, personalized recommendations and help navigating anything from itinerary changes to package upgrades. Working with an Agent takes the stress out of planning – leaving you more time to focus on the fun.
This article was originally written for and published in the January – March 2026 issue of AAA Every Day Magazine.
