I am still floating on cloud nine after returning from the MOST magical trip! Yes you guessed it – to Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida! I mean, where else right? My boyfriend and I had waaay too much fun there from dining at the Be Our Guest restaurant, to riding Space Mountain, and then watching a spectacular fireworks show! So follow me to the happiest place on earth as I share some Walt Disney World tips and advice to make the most out of your trip (btw, Daniel Wellington featured this photo on IG eeekkk! See it here)!
Arrive early! Walt Disney World officially opens at 9 am but you can enter even earlier! I hear that you get special guest privileges if you stay at any of the Disney resorts nearby, which are typically pretty expensive. BUT if you don’t want to pay that premium hotel rate, make early morning reservations at the Be Our Guest (BOG) restaurant! It’s the beautiful Belle and Beast restaurant that features three themed rooms you can dine in. Make reservations ASAP since it gets booked up REAL fast. We made reservations at 9:20 am (wish we got the 8 am one) and, at the Disney park entrance, go to the Reservations line and they will check you in. We didn’t arrive until 8:40 am with parking and riding the ferry but it was still exciting that we got in before the “regular” crowd. Look at how empty the park is in this photo (trust me it gets very packed later)!
P.S. Most families want to go to BOG for dinner to meet the Beast and have a more formal dining experience. However, being older, I didn’t mind not meeting the Beast and enjoyed jump starting my day with the complimentary juices, coffee, and pastries with my meal. I recommend pre-ordering (another time-saving tip) the Croque Madame and Open-Faced Bacon and Egg Sandwich yummm! Just remember, you are still paying Disney prices so each entree is $20+.
Get Fast Passes and the My Disney Experience phone app! You can reserve Fast Passes using the My Disney Experience phone app 30 days in advance of when you go to Walt Disney World. Fast Passes are free and allow you to skip long attraction lines during allotted one-hour time periods. You only get three (so use them wisely), and you can get an additional pass after you use all three at any of the Fast Pass kiosks at the park. I recommend getting them for major attractions with super long lines like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder. The My Disney Experience app is also awesome since you can constantly refresh it to see current waiting times for each ride.
P.S. There are some rides that we waited in the normal line for that are known for having long lines. I don’t recommend using Fast Passes on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight since those rides are more kiddish and not worth it. The lines can get insane, though, over 120 minutes at times!
What to wear. First off, wear tennis shoes! Trust me, you’ll want that extra foot cushion after a very long and tiring day of walking and standing in lines. I love these sneakers since they’re both comfortable and stylish! I also recommend wearing shorts or jeans so you don’t have to worry about your skirt or dress flying/flipping. I wore these Topshop skinny jeans and this adorable striped peplum top! Don’t also forget to wear your favorite sunnies, sunscreen and lip balm to protect your skin from the sun!
What to bring.
- Backpack or drawstring bag to carry your items, including the ones I’ve listed below. We were able to bring our drawstring bag on every ride. For the more thriller rides, just loop your leg through the bag strap so it doesn’t fly out.
- A water bottle since Disney gives you free water and there are drinking fountains everywhere. This is an easy way to save money on buying water while keeping you hydrated!
- Camera to take photos! We brought our Sony A6000 which was used to take a few of these photos you see here and it was never a hassle. Just be sure it’s stored safely in your bag when you go on rides.
- Portable phone charger. You’re going to want to take a lot of photos and videos so use a charger to keep those cell phone batteries going! I brought this one along and it was a life saver!
- Hand sanitizer and/or baby wipes. There are so many kids and people, you don’t know where their hands have been. Keep the germs away!
Watch the fireworks show! I was exhausted around 8:30 pm and wanted to return to our hotel. However, I am SO glad I powered through til 10 pm since the Disney fireworks show was the most stunning and incredible one I’ve ever seen (and I’m usually not into fireworks)! I still cannot get over how beautiful it was. I don’t want to ruin anything but just know that it will be worth it to stay!
Where we stayed. We stayed at the Marriott Grande Vista and it was conveniently located 15 minutes away from both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios (which we went the following day). The hotel rate was very reasonable with free parking. I also recommend renting a car so that you can easily get to and from the theme park. Shuttles can take an hour each way with limited hours.
And there you have it – my Walt Disney World tips and advice! Thanks for reading this super long post and I hope this helps with your future trip! I know you’ll also have the most fun and magical day!!!!!
Looks like you had an amazing time! Disney World can be overwhelming for first timers and these are all great tips! I’d also recommend packing sunscreen as the sun is always out in Florida and you’re often exposed to harsh UV rays while waiting in line.
Absolutely love all of your photos and I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip to my home state! xx
Audrey Adair | http://www.happilyaudrey.com
Disneyland is such a dreamy place!! Your pics are stunning, I’m sure you must have a had a magical experience there!! Great post <3
http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/
Eeek it looks so fun! I am actually going there on Saturday for a girls trip with my mom, sister, and niece. It’s her first time, and we are all thrilled. Loved your Instas!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Great pictures. I still have yet to visit the happiest place on earth but hoping to visit soon. Post more pictures of your vacation!
http://the-party-dress.com
OMG! I would so love to go to Disney World – it’s just a tad to far away for me 😉 But it’s so beautiful. Hope you had the best time.
http://tealattewithstyle.com/
this looks like it was such a great trip–you took amazing photos! It’s like you’re in a beautiful fantasy world!
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
I LOVE this! I’ve only been to Disneyland (I was 13!), so I would really like to go to Disney World 🙂 You must have had the best time! Love the top pic especially!
Hailey
http://www.themiddlecloset.com
Great tips and these are great shots. Sounds like you had a ball.
http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk
Great tips !! Thanks for sharing!
I have never been to a Walt Disney World, but that one in Orlando looks delightful, especially since it’s freezing outside right now where I live. I had never heard or read about the fast passes before – what a wonderful thing to have for three well-chosen rides! I wouldn’t have thought about a number of your tips, but they’re excellent! All of them will be an immense help if I do go to Walt Disney World sometime. It looks like you had a lot of fun!
This is very helpful and insightful too Tina! I’ve never imagined meeting the Beast so next time I’m there I definitely have to check BOG. I remember going to the Anaheim one at 9AM and didn’t make it to the fireworks because I was so tired from running around like a little kid haha. Definitely have to check it out next time. Thanks for sharing this!! Ah the happiest place on earth! 🙂 xo~ Lena
http://www.felinecreatures.com
That looks like an amazing trip! Wow, your photos are amazing! Thanks for the tips, Tina! Next time I go with my family I will keep your tips in mind!
-Lily from With Love Lily Rose
I haven’t been there since I was a teenager! So fun!
http://www.tusksandtails.com
definitly Need to go there again, amazing pics
http://carrieslifestyle.com
Posts online about Rio, Australia, Positano…
ooh I’m visiting the Tokyo Disneyland in a few months, this makes me so excited! beautiful pictures and thanks for your tips, definitely bringing wet wipes! 🙂
Metallic Paws
I love Disneyland! I heard the fireworks are spectacular. Thanks for the tips, I’m hoping to visit Disneyland real soon!
-Mei
http://www.piecesofmei.com
I’m so happy you had such a wonderful time there, I can’t wait to visit it one day!!! These photos are beautiful!!
xo, Esther
http://bubblesther.com
I love the first photo…it is amazing! Also thanks for sharing the tips…Disney World is such a fun place!
http://roadesque.com
http://ourruins.com
Love is beautiful
http://www.christianulouboutin.com
Looks like you had loads of fun!!
Adi xx
http://www.fancycorrectitude.com
Looks like a fun trip. I love your cute peplum striped tee and your photo is adorable. Congrats on the Daniel Wellington feature. That’s amazing! 😁
Thank you so much for sharing these gorgeous photos and offering tips on what would otherwise be an overwhelming trip for someone like me. I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog. You have lovely style and take most excellent pics! I’m looking forward to reading your next adventure.
It sounds like you are pretty much an expert at making the most out of Disney World! I loved this guide and I loved looking through your photos! I hope you have a great weekend!
-Helen
http://www.sweethelengrace.com
You received a good quality plate is also very good value
http://www.handbagsshows.com
We have to think about everything before going there! Thanks for sharing 🙂 Have a nice weekend x
V.
http://violettedaily.com
Omg, I love Disney World! I visited the one in Cali and it was the best experience ever! It truly is the happiest place on Earth! <3
http://www.simimaus.blogspot.com
I love your post & fotots!!!!♥
Amazing post!
Would you like to follow each other, let me know?
I hope you’re having a lovely day so far!
XOXO
http://nikolaknazikova.blogspot.sk/
Such a magical place!!!!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
What perfect timing reading this as we are heading to our plane to go! Thankfully I think I have everything you mentioned. My sister had planned out trip, and I’m just a log for the amazing ride. So glad you enjoyed it!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
So completely jealous of you right now, Tina! I’ve always wanted to go to Disney World and/or Disneyland, and it doesn’t even have to be with my boyfriend! I’d go with my mum. Just take me there, gah. I’ve heard that the fireworks display are a must see so it’s wonderful that you stayed on. These are such lovely photos, Tina! <3
May x | THEMAYDEN.COM | bloglovin’
ahhhh love the first photo so much as well as this post in general! Great tips! Really makes me want to take a trip back to Disney asap!
Rae | Love from Berlin
Great tips! I always wanted to go here!
Florals&Smiles
never been to Disneylan, my dear, but it’s on my bucket list,
great travel tips to remember
kisses
http://www.theitalianglam.com/
I love Disney so much!! Great post 🙂
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Love this post! Since I went to UCLA I’ve been to Disneyland a ton, but never Disney World! Water bottles are SO key!!
Chelsea
Chow Down USA
Disneyland is on my wish list.See you had an amazing time
New on http://www.makeartnotlove.blogspot.com
I would like to go to Walt Disney World! Great tips!
http://www.alessandrastyle.com
Lovely post. I love the photos, feels like I was there with you.
Have a magical day!
http://fashionradi.blogspot.com/
wow.. that is wonderful!! 😀
I’m sure to check back on this once i plan my trip to florida! : D
Have a great week!
Animated Confessions
This is awesome! I love Disney!!
Xo
Jeanie
http://www.thefashionlotus.com
I just came across your blog and I’m loving it! I really enjoyed this post, love the tips! Goin to Disney can be a little hectic. Hope you have a great week! xx
Ale | www,alemint.net
Amazing photos, you must have a nice time 🙂
i need to make a trip to disney! ahh– these photos are magical. (:
http://www.connect-the-cloths.com ♥ | xoxo
I’ve visited Disney Land in both Hong Kong and Paris, but have never managed to make it to the one in Orlando. Waiting for the day I visit. Your pictures capture the magic of it all so beautifully!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Tina, I’m in love with your photos! I want to go to Disneyworld soon. Looks like you had a blast! Have a wonderful Monday!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
Great tips 🙂
ARedLip&Love
Okay well first of all, DISNEYWORLD! AH! Secondly, how lovely to have your image featured on Daniel Wellington’s Instagram (and receive a ton of likes!), though it doesn’t at all surprise me for it’s such a perfect shot 🙂 You’ve really captured the place well in this post Tina, I’d love to be back there right this minute 🙂
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x
love the photos, i haven’t been in ages! really makes me want to go back 🙂
http://www.avecdanielle.com
These photos are the cutest (love the first)!! It’s been so long since I was at Disney, this makes me want to go back! Hope you enjoyed and so on point with the tips, especially that fast-past ticket haha x
http://www.bibigoeschic.com
wow a dream place Tina <3
BamBam Blog
xoxo
Fabulous and fun! Such a lovely post!
xo, Jane
http://www.fitfabfunmom.com
I LOVE the first pic, Tina! I’ve never been to Disney before, but I can imagine how crazy packed it can get, so thanks for sharing these tips. I’ll definitely keep this in mind, as we do plan on going soon! I hope you’re having a great start to your week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Disney World is on my list of places to go. I have a Disneyland pass and can only imagine how great it’d be to go to Disney World! Your pictures and your tips are so great Tina! It looks like you had such a lovely and magical time 🙂
be the plebeian
Amazing post and useful tips
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/