Planning a Trip to Disney World Orlando
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World™ Orlando? Walt Disney World is the size of Greater Manchester and features six theme parks, shopping and dining areas, golf courses, hotel resorts and sports arenas, so having a plan is vital.
Our Personal Travel Planners have some great advice to share with you to help you to get the most from your Disney World holiday.
Staying at a Disney Hotel
When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, one of the most important things to consider is where you’ll stay, and the good news is, there are fantastic options to suit every type of holiday. Staying in a Disney Hotel is ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the magic, with added convenience and exclusive guest benefits from the moment you check in.
Disney Resort guests enjoy special perks such as Early Theme Park Entry, letting you get into any of the four main theme parks 30 minutes before official opening. Perfect for beating the crowds and enjoying popular rides with shorter wait times. Plus, on selected nights, you can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours at certain parks, giving you more time to soak up the magic after regular closing.
Getting around is easy when you stay at a Disney hotel, with complimentary transport options including buses, monorails and boats that connect you directly to the parks, Disney Springs and other resorts. If you’re looking to drive, parking is complimentary for Disney Hotel guests, which is a great perk.
To make your stay even smoother, you can use Disney’s package delivery service, which means any merchandise you buy in the parks can be sent straight to your hotel, so you don’t have to carry bags all day.
Another big benefit of staying at a Disney Hotel is the option to add a Disney Dining Plan to your booking. These prepaid packages make meal times a breeze, with a choice of quick service or table service dining across the parks, resorts and Disney Springs. It’s a great way to enjoy the wide variety of dining experiences Walt Disney World has to offer, from family favourites to character meals and fine dining.
Villas for families and groups
If you’re travelling as a family or a larger group, staying in a villa can be the perfect choice. Villas offer more space, privacy, and flexibility, with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and private pools. They’re ideal for relaxing after a long day at the parks and make mealtimes easier if you want a break from eating out. Many villas are located just a short drive from Walt Disney World, and staying off-site also gives you the freedom to explore more of what Orlando has to offer. Villas are a great value option for families or friends travelling together who want home comforts in addition to having theme parks close by.
Alternatively, many resort hotels also offer family suites or connecting rooms that are well-suited for larger families. These options often come with added perks such as on-site dining, themed décor, complimentary transportation to the parks, and early park entry.
Twin-centre holiday options
Why not combine your Disney trip with another exciting destination for the ultimate Orlando holiday? A twin-centre break is a great way to mix the thrill of the parks with some well-earned downtime. Many families choose to extend the magic with a Disney Cruise. It’s the perfect way to unwind after the parks, offering world-class entertainment, themed dining, and unforgettable experiences at sea, all with the Disney touch.
Alternatively, you can pair Walt Disney World with a few days at Universal Orlando Resort, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, thrilling coasters, and top attractions for teens and adults alike. You could also unwind on the beautiful beaches of Florida, such as Clearwater, South Beach or Daytona, or head to International Drive (I-Drive) for unbeatable shopping, dining and attractions like ICON Park.
Our Personal Travel Planners can help you create an itinerary that combines the best of both worlds and makes the most of your Florida adventure.
Tips and tricks if you are not staying at a Disney Hotel
If staying at a Disney Hotel is not your preference, we still have some tips for making the most out of your visit to Walt Disney World:
- Get to park as early as you can.
- Know what parks you want to go to in advance – Walt Disney World is the size of Greater Manchester!
- Download a resort map and an up-to-date schedule and plan a route.
- Know the time and location of the shows you want to see.
- Don’t wander around aimlessly, have a plan.
- Speak to one of our American Holidays travel experts about our recommended Walt Disney World Resort tickets.
Disney World, Your Way
To get great advice on your holiday to Walt Disney World Orlando, speak to an American Holidays travel expert. Our Personal Travel Planners have all stayed at Walt Disney World and are ready to give you the benefit of their first-hand experience of the resort, theme parks and hotels.
