Planning a Walt Disney World vacation is overwhelming 

With 25+ hotels in 3 unique categories, 4 theme parks, plus 2 water parks, a shopping district and all in an area the size of Manhattan, it is totally understandable to not know where to start first. 

From my 10+ years of experience visiting Walt Disney World property, I have a few recommendations up my sleeve. 

My perfect Disney trip is a combination of excitement and relaxation. I like to be in the center of it all and close to transportation but I also like my vacation to still feel like a vacation – sipping pineapple drinks on the beach. 

Let’s start with getting there.  

Driving Down 

Living in Ontario, many Walt Disney World visitors choose to drive down to Orlando. I have often been one of those people. If travelling with a family it can be the more affordable option. But in saving a bit of money you do sacrifice vacation days just transiting when you could have been soaking in the Florida sunshine.  

I would recommend driving down not as a money saving option but as a way to explore other places along the way. A few of my favourite stops are: 

• Hershey, Pennsylvania 

• Chattanooga, Tennessee 

• Charleston, South Carolina 

• Savannah, Georgia 

• St. Augustine, Florida 

If you can extend your trip by a few days to explore one or more of these cities, then driving down can be a wonderful option. 

I do recommend flying if you are short on time, especially if you are travelling during the winter months. My favourite airline to fly with is Porter airlines. They have direct flights from both Toronto and Ottawa airports. And what I really love about them is there is no middle seat which works out great for our family of four. 

I recommend arranging the Mears Connect Shuttle service that will take you and the family right to your Disney hotel from the airport for less cost than renting a car. Once on Disney property, you will find very little need for a vehicle thanks to their easy to use free transportation network. 

Where to Stay 

As for where to stay when you are visiting Walt Disney World, I have a little gem of a tip.  

If your trip is one week or longer, I recommend a split stay.  

Well, it’s exactly as it sounds. You split your stay between 2 hotels. That way you can experience a different resort and if you choose to split your stay between a less expensive resort and a more expensive one, you can save a bit of money and still get to experience the best of both worlds. 

I recommend staying for 3-4 days at a Value Resort such as Pop Century at the beginning of your trip. You will be spending most of your days at the parks and with the easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios via the Skyliner system (Disney’s sky gondola that transports you through the air and above the traffic) you can easily make it back to the resort for mid-day naps or pool time.  

During these first few days, ease yourself and your family into the action of Walt Disney World by hitting up Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Depending on your family’s interests and energy levels, I think you can see a lot of these parks and still have time for mid-day breaks at the hotel if needed.  

Interested in learning more about my recommendations on what to see first? Contact me and I would love to chat about it. 

For the second half of your stay, the more leisurely half, I recommend splurging on a stay at my favourite resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  

While staying at this resort, the Magic Kingdom is a quick monorail ride away. And you can view the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach of the resort in the evenings – a perfect option to take part in the nighttime spectacular while avoiding the crowds with tired kiddos.  

During your stay here, you will want to take more time at the resort by scheduling a rest day or 2 to enjoy the pools, restaurants, and just soak in the tropical vibes of the resort.  

I like to use 2 park days at Magic Kingdom. It can be a lot, especially if it’s your first time and it is the most engaging park for young families. This allows for nap times, etc. while still getting to see a lot of what the park has to offer. 

I have to be honest with you, these tips are just the beginning. There is so much to see and do at Walt Disney World that I could probably write a whole book on lessons I have learned from all my trips.  

My final tip is not to try to see it all. I am telling you, I have not seen or done (or snacked) everything on my bucket list yet, and I have been visiting Walt Disney World annually for over 10 years. You will exhaust yourself trying this impossible feat, and that is not the kind of memory you want from this wonderful vacation.  

If you want more recommendations and someone to guide you to the most magical of vactations, give me a call. I would love to chat with you about my favourite place.