How To Plan Your First Disney Trip: Tips and Tricks for Visiting in 2023 and 2024.

How to Plan Your First Disney Trip

Hey there, mama! Are you thinking of planning a Disney vacation with your little ones? It’s going to be an adventure that you’ll never forget, but here at Sweatpants & Suitcases we know it can also feel a little overwhelming. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered! Here is a step by step guide to help make your first Disney vacation a success:

Consider using a Travel Planner that Specializes in Disney Vacations

Ok this is sort of a shameless plug since both of us Sweatpant Moms are travel planners, but honestly it makes the most sense! A travel agent that specializes in Disney destinations can help you plan your itinerary, book accommodations, purchase park tickets, and provide valuable advice on making the most of your vacation. Plus, it’s all FREE! Disney compensates us for helping you book so you truly don’t have to pay a dime! If you’d like to start chatting and see how we can help, CLICK HERE.

Step 1: Choose the Disney Destination that is Right for You

Disney has so many parks to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one is best for your family. But don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun! Take some time to research the different parks and figure out which one will have the most rides and attractions that your little ones will love. First, you’ll need to decide if you want to visit the Disneyland Resort (DLR) in California or Walt Disney World Resort (WDW) in Florida. DLR has two different parks and WDW has four. Check out this post about some key differences if you aren’t sure which one to choose!

Step 2: Choose your Dates

To get accurate pricing, you will need to know exactly when you will be going and how long you will stay. Pricing varies greatly from week to week so having exact dates will help you stick to a budget.

Pick the Right Time to Go

Crowds can be overwhelming, so it’s important to pick the right time to visit. If possible, avoid peak times and plan your trip during the off-season. If your kids are school age, consider taking them out of school even if it’s just for a couple of days; this can make a huge impact on the type of crowd levels you will have to deal with. Also, be aware of special events and holidays that may affect attendance and require additional planning. Some examples are runDisney events, Halloween parties, and Christmas parties. My favorite times to go to Disney World specifically are the end of January, the first part of May, and pretty much any time in September!

Know How Long you Should Stay

For DLR, 2-3 days is usually sufficient. The two parks are right across from each other and very compact. For WDW, I usually recommend 2 days for Magic Kingdom, and 1 day at each of the other three parks. This would be a total of 5 park days and then you should also strongly consider throwing a rest day in there. Your feet will thank you! If you aren’t planning on doing all four Disney World parks, choose which ones your family will enjoy the most and adjust your length of stay accordingly.

Step 3: Decide Where to Stay

There are so many amazing hotels in and around Disney property, but they can fill up fast! Book your trips as soon as possible to make sure you get the best rates and availability. Again, chat with a travel planner to help you decide which resort will work best for your family! You can read an overview of Disney World hotels HERE. If you’re looking for pros and cons of staying off site at Disney World, click here. If you want information on Disneyland hotels, check out this post. And remember, if a discount gets released later, it can still be applied to your reservation!

Step 4: Create an Itinerary

Make a list of all the rides, shows, and dining options that you and your family want to see and experience. Then, plan your schedule accordingly. Remember, don’t try to do everything! Prioritize your must-see attractions and shows and book dining reservations in advance (60 days before you check in). The My Disney Experience app and the Disneyland app are great tools to use to help plan your day and familiarize yourself with what will be offered ahead of time.

Get Comfortable with the App

The My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps have everything you need to know to help you have an effortless park day. Believe me when I say nothing will help you prep more for your trip than knowing how to navigate these apps!

Utilize Genie+

Genie+ is what gives you access to the Lightning Lanes that allow you to reserve a time to skip the line at popular attractions. This system can save you time and frustration waiting in long lines. Make sure to budget for this add-on during your planning. Genie+ can range from $15 to $35 per person per day. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it!

Step 5: Know What to Pack

Focus on the basics! Don’t overpack! It’s pretty much always warm in Florida and California so make sure you wear things that will be cool. Take sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, cooling towels, handheld fans, and anything else that might help you not get overheated.

Dress Comfortable and Appropriately

Disney theme parks require a lot of walking, so make sure you and your little ones are dressed comfortably and have supportive shoes. Check the weather forecast for the time of year you plan to visit and dress appropriately. Don’t forget rain ponchos! In addition, strollers are highly recommended even for the older kids.

Step 6: Know How to Get Around

At Disney World, it can be a little confusing trying to get around the expansive parks and resorts. When planning your first Disney trip, make sure you are familiar with the transportation options available to you. You might find this blog post helpful!

Take Advantage of Disney Transportation

Disney offers a variety of transportation options to get around the parks, including buses, monorails, gondolas, and boats. Utilize these transportation options to save time and energy getting from one place to another. Additionally, if you’re staying at a Disney resort, take advantage of the complimentary transportation to and from the parks.

Step 7: Prepare for the Unexpected

Sometimes, unexpected things can happen during your Disney vacation. Be prepared for changes in the weather, unexpected ride closures, or changes in park hours. Bring rain gear or ponchos just in case of a sudden downpour. Also, have a backup plan in case something doesn’t go according to plan. Remember, flexibility is key to having a stress-free vacation and the magic is always there if your perspective is right!

So…. ready to get your trip booked? Planning your first Disney vacation can feel daunting, but with a little bit of preparation, it can be the most magical experience for you and your little ones. So go ahead and get started – we promise you won’t regret it!

P.S. Check out our freebie page! You might find some more helpful trip planning info!