Make Your Next Trip Extraordinary
Disney World: Insider’s Guide to Making It Truly Fun for All
See Minnie in topiary at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Photo: Matt Stroshane/Disney
The insider advice on this page is from one of Wendy’s Trusted Travel Experts for Orlando and Disney World: Michelle Allen of Travel Magic.
The seemingly infinite array of hotel, activity, and dining options that Walt Disney World offers can overwhelm anyone—and don’t get us started on the Genie+ system. Michelle will design the perfect Disney vacation by learning the details of your group (which characters you want to meet, how scary a ride your kids can handle), sorting through the veritable banquet of choices, and helping you decide what to put on your plate. She continuously checks all rates to make sure you pay the lowest possible prices—even if a discount appears after you’ve booked—and maximizes your time at the parks by strategically planning your Park Pass reservations to align with requested meals, character meet and greets, and fireworks shows, all while minimizing hassle. Michelle arms travelers with customized itineraries that include tips and tricks for everything from the best places to view parades and fireworks to where to meet a favorite character. And it’s all accessible as an app on your phone, where you can also instant-message her with any questions or concerns. Whether your plans involve Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Adventures by Disney, Universal Orlando, Aulani (the Disney resort in Hawaii), or Disney Cruise Line, Michelle’s the ticket.
The Polynesian Village Resort has a retro tiki vibe—and beloved ‘Ohana bread pudding. Photo: Disney
Where to Stay and Eat
Best bang-for-your–buck hotels
The Garden Wing rooms at the Contemporary Resort allow you to stay in the most expensive neighborhood at Disney, with access to the monorail line or walking path to Magic Kingdom, without having the most expensive house on the block. By not paying the premium to have a lake view or a theme-park view in the main Tower building, you can enjoy a deluxe resort at a lower cost.
For tropical atmosphere, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a deluxe option with lush grounds and easy monorail access to the Magic Kingdom, while the Caribbean Beach Resort lands in the moderate category and offers the convenience of the Skyliner/Gondola system to get to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort and the Art of Animation Resort are in the theme park’s most affordable “value” category; both are also on the Skyliner system. The Pop Century has a whimsical feel with nostalgic pop-culture themes through the decades, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The Art of Animation’s Family Suites sleep up to six people with two bathrooms and a separate main bedroom, and themed suites make it an immersive experience.
Lion King–themed family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are a good value. Photo: Kent Phillips/Disney
Dishes to try
Head to Aloha Isle, in the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, for Dole Whip, a pineapple soft-serve that evokes pure Disney nostalgia.
In the Animal Kingdom, Satu’li Canteen at Pandora serves cheeseburger pods: bao buns filled with ground beef and all the cheeseburger fixings.
Pick up “blue milk”—non-dairy, fruit-flavored frozen drinks—at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. Love it or hate it…you decide!
If you’re staying at the Polynesian Village Resort, the ‘Ohana bread pudding with caramel sauce and ice cream is a must.
Restaurants insiders love
Known for sophisticated cuisine, excellent sushi, and impeccable service, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a special night out with sweeping views of Magic Kingdom.
Dine in the Beast’s enchanted castle on French-inspired cuisine at Be Our Guest, in the Magic Kingdom. Advance reservations are essential, but the experience is worth every penny.
Sanaa, in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, has African- and Indian-inspired dishes with views of the savanna.
Topolino’s Terrace, at Disney’s Riviera Resort, has stunning rooftop views, European-inspired cuisine, and character breakfast options.
The new GEO-82 is an adults-only lounge serving cocktails and small plates in the iconic geodesic sphere at EPCOT. Want a night off kid duty? Michelle can secure a trusted babysitter.
What to See and Do
Gaston shows the art of the flex to Magic Kingdom guests. Photo: Matt Stroshane/Disney
Don’t miss
In the Magic Kingdom, ride Tron—a high-tech coaster that speeds indoors and out based on the sci-fi film TRON: Legacy—then snap an iconic photo at the fireworks over Cinderella Castle.
Happily Ever After fireworks are an end-of-day ritual at Disney World. Photo: Disney
At Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an immersive storytelling experience using a trackless vehicle with motion simulation and cutting-edge technology.
In Animal Kingdom, Avatar Flight of Passage is a 3D simulator where riders “fly” on the back of a winged mountain banshee over the landscape of Pandora, with sensory effects like wind and mist.
Located in Nature World at EPCOT, Soarin’ Around the World is a breezy, airborne adventure “hang-gliding” above the wonders of the world like the Great Wall of China, the Great Pyramids of Egypt, and the Taj Mahal in India.
Cheap thrills
For bang for the buck, you can’t do better than timing your dinner at Narcoossee’s so that it coincides with the spectacular fireworks in the Magic Kingdom (times vary depending on the season). The restaurant even dims the lights and pipes in music to heighten the spectacle. You’ll pay for your meal, of course, but the entertainment is free.
Having a sweet-tooth emergency? Check out the cupcake ATM at Sprinkles cupcake shop in Disney Springs!
Bragging rights
Disney is in the business of making dreams come true, and Michelle can work with its special-events department to design marriage proposals, birthdays, and other celebrations, complete with actors, props, music, and other surprises. The experience is limited only by your budget. Among her past hits: an intimate 50th-anniversary party in a private room at the Contemporary Resort with an elaborate (hand-chosen by the host) menu, personal photos and memoirs of the couple through the years, and a surprise visit from Mickey and Minnie. Price tag: $8,000.
Downtime
Play a round of golf at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, fish for bass on Bay Lake, or enjoy a massage at the Grand Floridian spa.
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Best Times to Go
September (post-Labor Day) and May for the fewest people and the shortest lines (more time for fun!). Both months have the added bonuses of great weather, and September sees the start of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Weekdays are always better than weekends because attendance tends to be lower.
For travelers seeking an extra dose of enchantment, mid-November through December brings holiday décor, seasonal shows, and special events—though it’s best to avoid the peak crowds around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Worst Times to Go
Avoid major holidays—Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas week, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Easter week, and Fourth of July weekend, Columbus Day weekend, Veterans Day weekend—unless you love crowds or have the patience of Job. It’s more expensive and less enjoyable to visit during these times because of the high-season hotel rates, long lines, and competition for prime viewing at the parade and fireworks. Get your holiday fix by visiting during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Biggest Rookie Mistake
Not having a game plan. Walt Disney World’s four theme parks spread across 40 square miles, so having a strategy is key. If you wait until you’re on-site to make decisions, you’ll miss out on coveted reservations, the best viewing spots, and time-saving opportunities.
Must-Have App
My Disney Experience is a free app that keeps track of your trip details and allows you to view confirmations for your hotel, meal reservations, and the Genie+ system. It also provides maps, real wait times for attractions, and, thanks to GPS, even tells you what characters and events are nearby. The only problem with this app is everyone is now looking down at their phone instead of at what’s going on around them!
Don’t Forget to Pack
Rain gear, especially from June through October. If you have to buy Disney rain ponchos, you’ll be out $12 a pop and you’ll have a hard time finding one another because everyone in the park will be wearing the same thing. Stop by your local dollar store before your vacation instead!
Some smaller children don’t enjoy (okay, are terrified by) the loud boom of fireworks and some other attractions. Bring along some earplugs, just in case.
A portable charger is a must. Given how much you’ll be consulting your phone while you’re there, you’ll be glad to have a charger in hand.
Instagram Moments
The Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle is the most iconic backdrop at any Disney park. Whether captured in the early morning light, framed by fireworks, or glowing at night, this image instantly tells everyone where you are.
The giant geodesic sphere of Spaceship Earth is unmistakably EPCOT. It’s especially stunning at dusk, when the sphere lights up with changing colors.
The Animal Kingdom’s towering Tree of Life, carved with over 300 intricate animal designs, makes for a breathtaking photo at sunset or during the evening projection show.
The Souvenirs
The classic Mickey ears, embroidered with your name in yellow along the back, are a Disney classic that never go out of style.
Pin collecting is hot! There are pins you can purchase (many are limited-edition) that represent attractions, characters, and resorts. Guests proudly display their pins on lanyards, hats, and anywhere else they can think to stick them. You can approach Disney cast members and trade to continuously upgrade your collection. For some, it is a sport. Pins are easy to pack and priced between $6 and $15 each.
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