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Walt Disney World Park Tickets

Tickets will include admission to a Disney Water Park †

Includes admission to Disney's Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, whichever is open.

A World of Magic at our Amazing Parks

With 4 amazing theme parks and 2 splashtastic water parks there's a host of unforgettable experiences to be had at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. We offer a range of ticket options so you can experience the magic your way, whether you prefer to experience one theme park per day with our base ticket or opt for the ultimate in flexibility with our Park Hopper Plus option!

Theme Park Ticket

Our base ticket offers you admission to one of our 4 magical theme parks per day .

Choose between:

• Magic Kingdom Park
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Learn more about our Disney Parks

Ticket With Park Hopper Option

Visit more than one theme park on the same day and enjoy more magic! When adding our Park Hopper option, you'll enjoy access to our multiple Walt Disney World Theme Parks for the duration of your ticket!

Check the Park Hours calendar and My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date opening hours.

Learn more about Park Hopper

Ticket With Park Hopper Plus Option

Make the most of your time at Walt Disney World with our Park Hopper Plus option which gives you access to all 4 theme parks and our 2 water parks ! You'll enjoy unlimited daily admission to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, plus enjoy one of the following experiences per day of your ticket:

One visit to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park ; enjoy one of the world's tallest, fastest free-falling waterslides plus more chilled out experiences for the whole family.

One visit to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park ; where you can enjoy fast-paced slides, laid-back rides and 6-foot waves!

One visit to ESPN Wide World of Sports (excludes ticketed events); the ultimate destination for any sports fan where you can enjoy the excitement of sporting events all year round.

Greens fees at Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course (tee times required); a 2,913 yard, par 36, 9-hole walking course suitable for beginners and experienced golfers alike.

One round of mini golf at Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (prior to 4pm); a fun-filled course inspired by the classic Disney film Fantasia.

One round of mini golf at Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (prior to 4pm); choose from 2 Santa Claus-inspired courses.

How to Purchase Disney Theme Park Tickets

1. select the number of days you would like to visit walt disney world.

Tickets include admission to one Disney Theme Park per day unless the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option is purchased.

2. Select the start date of your ticket

Multi-day tickets are valid for admission on the start date selected and must be used within a limited number of days depending on your ticket length and type:

Other Ticket Types:

• Base ticket with Park Hopper Option: Same as the base ticket, a 3-Day Ticket includes three days of admission to be used across a five day window
• Base ticket with Park Hopper Plus Option: A 3-Day Ticket includes three days of admission to be used across a six day window (usage window incremented by one day with Park Hopper Plus)

3. Purchase and Get Planning

To enter one of the parks, both a valid ticket and a date-specific theme park reservation via the Disney Park Pass system are required †

Buying your tickets in advance allows you to reserve select attractions with Disney FastPass+, book dining reservations, tours, entertainment and recreation, plus special events all before you arrive!

Find out more about FastPass+

Purchase Your Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets

Multi-day tickets are valid for one theme park per day for each day of the ticket.

Disney Theme Park Tickets and any options purchased are valid for admission beginning on your selected start date and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on ticket length and type. The first day of use must be on your selected start date. For additional details visit our Disney Theme Park Ticket FAQ's .

Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus Options include same-day admission to all 4 theme parks on each day of your ticket. In addition, the Park Hopper Plus Option includes a certain number of visits to a water park or other Walt Disney World fun. Water Parks subject to rehabilitation, season and weather closures. Tee times are required for Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course and are subject to availability.

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• Last Updated On
• July 1, 2023

Disney World Itinerary: The Perfect Plan for Your Family Trip

Imagine the perfect Disney World itinerary for your family vacation at Walt Disney World, where every day offers a new adventure and unforgettable memories.

What if I told you that it’s possible to experience the best of Disney World in just 5 days?

Well, I’m an Orlando local with a lot of Disney World experience under my belt. And I’m here to help you out.

My meticulously crafted itinerary will guide you through the magic of all four Disney World parks, plus a relaxing day at a water park, ensuring that you and your family make the most of every enchanting moment.

Ready to embark on the ultimate Disney World adventure?

Let’s dive in!

Short Summary

• Embark on a magical Disney World adventure with thrilling attractions, character meet-and-greets and unforgettable memories!
• Explore Future World, the African Safari at Animal Kingdom and classic Hollywood Studios attractions for an incredible experience.
• Relaxation spots, delicious dining options & transportation tips help make your family’s vacation perfect!

Day 1: Magic Kingdom Adventure

There’s no better place to start your Disney World adventure than at the iconic Magic Kingdom. Filled with classic Disney attractions, mouth-watering snacks, and loads of character meet-and-greets, Magic Kingdom offers a magical experience for all ages.

Begin your day with a visit to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, one of the most popular attractions in the park. As the day unfolds, make sure to check the wait times in the My Disney Experience app and take advantage of Disney Genie+ for the optimal experience.

Morning Attractions

As you step through the entrance gate of Magic Kingdom, the excitement begins! Head straight to Discovery Island and marvel at the park’s iconic Tree of Life. With the morning sun shining bright, take a spin on Tomorrowland classics like the PeopleMover and Astro Orbiter.

When you’re ready for a break from the heat, explore the incredible indoor shows at Magic Kingdom, such as Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Jamboree, and Carousel of Progress.

Remember, planning is key to making the most of your time at Magic Kingdom, so use Genie+ to buy Lightning Lanes and maximize your morning fun.

Afternoon Thrills

As the afternoon unfolds, don’t miss out on Magic Kingdom’s thrilling attractions like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Experience the spine-tingling adventures of Haunted Mansion, soar away to Neverland on Peter Pan’s Flight, take a flight on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and take a thrilling mine car ride on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Remember to stay cool and hydrated, and don’t forget to capture those magical moments with your favorite Disney pals.

Evening Entertainment

As the sun sets on your first day at Magic Kingdom, prepare to be dazzled by the evening entertainment. Character meet-and-greets, the spectacular Festival of Fantasy parade, the awe-inspiring Happily Ever After fireworks, and the magical Cinderella’s Royal Table are all waiting to enchant you.

Indulge in savory spring rolls, regular and specialty Dole whips, and corn dog nuggets with plastic cheese as you explore the park at night. The magic of Disney World comes alive at night, so be sure to soak in every unforgettable moment.

Day 2: Exploring Epcot

On Day 2, it’s time to journey into the realms of imagination and innovation at Epcot. With Future World’s exhilarating attractions and the World Showcase’s cultural experiences, Epcot offers a unique blend of entertainment and education for visitors of all ages.

From the breathtaking Soarin’ to the exhilarating Test Track, you’ll discover a world of excitement at every turn.

Future World Adventures

Epcot’s Future World is home to some of Disney World’s most thrilling attractions. Experience the adrenaline rush of Soarin’ Around the World, the high-speed action of Test Track, and the captivating journey of Spaceship Earth.

For the more daring, take on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – a thrilling backwards launch with 360-degree vehicle turns and a unique soundtrack that’s random every time you ride.

Be sure to make the most of your time in Future World by utilizing Genie+ to access Lightning Lanes for popular attractions.

World Showcase Exploration

The World Showcase at Epcot invites you to embark on a fascinating exploration of 11 pavilions representing different countries around the world. Be sure to experience Frozen Ever After in the Norway Pavilion, a thrilling family boat ride featuring your favorite characters from Frozen.

As you wander from pavilion to pavilion, take time to uncover the unique side exhibits and galleries that act as a mini self-guided tour through each country’s history and current culture. Don’t forget to indulge in a variety of delectable dining options, including the Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom, La Crêperie de Paris in France, and Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in Italy.

Nighttime Spectacular

Finish your day at Epcot with the mesmerizing nighttime show, Harmonious. This awe-inspiring performance combines global influences, incredible special effects, and breathtaking fireworks to create a truly unforgettable experience.

For the best views, head to the front of the World Showcase, between the Mexico and Canada Pavilions. As the night sky lights up with dazzling colors and classic Disney songs, you’ll be reminded of the magic that only Disney World can create.

Day 3: Animal Kingdom Safari

Day 3 takes you on an African safari adventure at Animal Kingdom, where you’ll encounter exotic animals, lush landscapes, and thrilling attractions. Start your day with a visit to Pandora – The World of Avatar, and then head to Kilimanjaro Safaris for an up-close encounter with the wildlife of the African savanna.

Experience the sights and sounds of the African savanna, and get a chance to see some of the most iconic animals in the world, including giraffes, elephants, zebras, and more. Enjoy the thrill of the thrill.

Pandora – The World of Avatar

Step into the breathtaking world of Pandora – The World of Avatar, where you’ll find two awe-inspiring attractions: the tranquil Na’vi River Journey and the exhilarating Flight of Passage. Be sure to take advantage of the a la carte selections for a Lightning Lane for Flight of Passage, as they’re not available with the regular Genie+ choices.

As you explore the bioluminescent landscape, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to another world.

African Safari

Next, embark on an unforgettable African Safari at Kilimanjaro Safaris. This 20-minute adventure takes you across an expansive savanna, where you’ll encounter a variety of incredible animals. The best time to experience Kilimanjaro Safaris is during a light rain, when many animals are most active.

After your safari, explore the walking trails such as the Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail to see even more amazing animals up close.

Asia and Dinoland U.S.A.

Continue your adventure in Asia, where you’ll find thrilling rides like Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids. Be prepared to get soaked on the exhilarating Kali River Rapids, or take on the heart-pounding Expedition Everest roller coaster for a different kind of thrill.

In Dinoland U.S.A., step back in time to experience the prehistoric world on the exciting Dinosaur ride. Animal Kingdom offers a unique blend of excitement and exploration that you won’t find in any other Disney park.

Day 4: Hollywood Studios Action

On Day 4, it’s time for some Hollywood Studios action. This action-packed park is home to Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and classic attractions like the Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

Get ready for a day filled with excitement, adventure, and a touch of Hollywood magic.

Toy Story Land

Venture into the world of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and all your favorite Toy Story characters at Toy Story Land. Here, you’ll find two exciting rides: Toy Story Mania and the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster. Be sure to arrive early and head straight for Slinky Dog Dash, as wait times can get quite intense.

Toy Story Land is a fantastic place for both kids and kids-at-heart, with larger-than-life decorations and plenty of photo opportunities.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Next, step into a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Here, you can pilot the Millennium Falcon on Smugglers Run, join the Resistance on the thrilling Rise of the Resistance ride, and immerse yourself in the intergalactic world of Star Wars.

Be sure to plan ahead and aim for the best ride-throughs, as this immersive land is incredibly popular.

Classic Attractions

Don’t forget to experience the classic attractions that make Hollywood Studios a must-visit park. Plunge into the Twilight Zone on the Tower of Terror, race through the streets of Los Angeles on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and journey to a galaxy far, far away on Star Tours.

With so much action and adventure, Hollywood Studios is sure to leave you starstruck.

Day 5: Water Park Fun

After four action-packed days, it’s time to unwind and enjoy a day of relaxation at one of Disney World’s water parks. With thrilling attractions, serene relaxation spots, and delicious dining options, a day at a water park is the perfect way to recharge before continuing your Disney World adventure.

Attractions and Slides

Whether you’re visiting Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, you’ll find a variety of attractions and slides that cater to all ages and thrill levels. From family-style raft rides to adrenaline-pumping waterslides and wave pools, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Remember to follow safety guidelines and keep an eye on little ones, as water park attractions can sometimes be intense.

Relaxation Spots

When you’re ready for some downtime, Disney’s water parks offer a range of relaxation spots, such as hot tubs and spas. Find a comfortable lounge chair on a sandy beach or float along a lazy river, soaking in the sun and the soothing sounds of the water.

These serene spots provide the perfect opportunity to recharge and reflect on your Disney World adventure so far.

Dining Options

A day at a water park wouldn’t be complete without some delicious dining options. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach offer a range of quick-service restaurants, snack stands, and even full-service dining options.

From classic theme park fare like burgers and hot dogs to more unique options like tropical-inspired dishes, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Transportation Tips

Navigating the vast expanse of Disney World can be a little overwhelming, but with the right transportation tips, you’ll be able to move between parks and resorts with ease. From buses and monorails to boats and the Skyliner gondola ride, Disney World offers a variety of transportation options to help you make the most of your vacation.

Whether you’re looking for a quick way to get from one park to another or a leisurely ride to your resort, there’s a transportation option that’s perfect for you. With a little planning, you can make the most of your time in Disney World.

The Disney bus service is a convenient and efficient way to travel between the parks, Disney Resort hotels , and the Disney Springs area. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes, ensuring that you’ll never have to wait too long to get to your destination.

Be sure to allow for some extra travel time, especially during peak hours, and remember to check the bus schedules in the Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information.

The monorail system is another fantastic transportation option at Disney World, providing a unique and scenic way to travel between the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and select Disney Resort hotels. With three different routes to choose from, the monorail offers a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the resort.

Be sure to take advantage of this iconic mode of transportation during your Disney World vacation.

Boats and Skyliner

For a more leisurely journey, consider taking a boat ride between select Disney parks and resorts. The water taxis offer a relaxing and scenic way to travel, providing a unique perspective on the resort’s beautiful landscapes.

In addition, the Skyliner gondola ride offers a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the resort as you soar between Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and several Disney Resort hotels. No matter which mode of transportation you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Accommodations and Dining

With so many exciting experiences to be had at Disney World, it’s important to choose the right accommodations and dining options for your family. From luxurious Disney Resort hotels to memorable character dining experiences , there’s something to suit every budget and preference .

Choosing a Resort

When planning your Disney World vacation , consider the three tiers of resorts available: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Each tier offers a range of accommodations , from standard rooms and suites to extravagant villas and cozy cabins.

Choosing a Disney Resort hotel allows you to take advantage of the many exciting amenities and services offered, such as convenient transportation, delicious dining, and thrilling entertainment.

Character Dining

For a truly unforgettable dining experience, consider booking a character dining experience at one of Disney World’s many restaurants. Character dining allows you to come face-to-face with some of your beloved Disney characters while savoring a delectable meal. Options include Chef Mickey’s, Tusker House, Hollywood and Vine, and the Garden Grill, to name just a few.

Be sure to book dining reservations well in advance, as character dining experiences are extremely popular and can fill up quickly.

Quick Service and Snack Options

In addition to table service restaurants and character dining, Disney World offers a wide range of quick service and snack options to satisfy your cravings throughout the day. From classic theme park fare like burgers and hot dogs to more unique options like cultural cuisine and specialty treats, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Be sure to try some of the must-have snacks at Disney World, such as Dole Whip, Mickey-shaped pretzels, and churros.

Additional Experiences

Beyond the four main theme parks and water parks, Disney World offers even more exciting experiences for you to discover. From the vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment complex of Disney Springs to special events and festivals throughout the year, there’s always something new and exciting to explore at Disney World.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a must-visit destination during your Disney World vacation. This bustling shopping, dining, and entertainment area offers a unique experience away from the parks, with no admission fee required. Browse an array of shops, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants, or catch a live performance at one of the entertainment venues.

Don’t forget to stop by World of Disney, the largest Disney merchandise store in the world, for the perfect souvenir to remember your trip.

Special Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Disney World hosts a variety of special events and festivals that offer unique experiences for guests. From the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival to the Food and Wine Classic, there’s always something new and exciting happening at Disney World.

Be sure to check the event calendars when planning your trip to see what special events might be taking place during your visit.

Disney World Itinerary for 2024: My Parting Words

My Disney World itinerary has taken you on a magical journey through the four theme parks, a relaxing day at a water park, and a variety of additional experiences at Disney Springs and special events. By following this carefully crafted plan, you’ll be able to make the most of your time at Disney World, ensuring that you and your family create memories that will last a lifetime.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your perfect Disney World vacation today and get ready to experience the magic, adventure, and unforgettable moments that only Disney World can offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 7 days at disney world too much.

Disney World is the ultimate vacation destination, so going for 7 days will ensure you don’t miss out on any of its exciting activities. You’ll get enough time to explore all the rides and attractions and make magical memories that will last a lifetime.

Spending 7 days at Disney World will certainly be an unforgettable experience!

Is 10 days at Disney World too much?

It really depends on what you want to do at Disney World. Ten days is plenty of time to experience the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, but if you want to truly immerse yourself in all that Disney has to offer, it may not be enough.

Enjoy your time and create magical moments!

How to do all 4 Disney parks in one day?

Experience all four Disney parks in one day by making a park reservation and utilizing the 2:00 pm park hopping time. Take full advantage of your ‘home’ park before you move on to exploring the other three.

With careful planning, you can conquer all of them in a single day!

It’s a changed world after all: 9 things you must know if you’re heading to Disney World

Editor's note : This post has been updated with the latest information.

Once you have enough Walt Disney World vacations under your belt, you start to understand the rules of the game. Ride strategy: check. Avoid crazy peak weeks: check. Make dining reservations months in advance: check.

Or, at least, that all used to be true.

Since the parks reopened following the COVID-19 closure in 2020, Walt Disney World trips have evolved … a lot. There are new rules and new ways your trip can fall apart before it even begins. Not only that, but if you don't want to spend the majority of your day in line, there are new strategies you have to learn or end up languishing.

Some elements of the Disney World vacation are back to the old "normal." However, some details have become forever-changed realities you absolutely must understand if you want to ensure your trip is a magical success — and not a frustratingly expensive mess.

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You must have a reservation, or you won't get in

If you don't have a Disney Park Pass reservation , you can't get into the parks. This remains true even if you have a ticket.

We've covered this in previous stories, but we've seen enough social media posts from people unaware of the new ticketing procedures that it bears repeating.

This isn't just a theoretical problem that could bite you; it's a very real problem, as the parks have been selling out days — and sometimes weeks — in advance.

Prior to the pandemic, you could purchase a ticket and just show up at the gates of whichever Disney World park you planned to visit that day. In the old days, the parks didn't sell out, with the exception of a small handful of holidays like New Year's Eve.

Now, sellouts are a very regular occurrence. In April, many dates were sold out at all the parks. Looking ahead to summer, at least half the dates in June already have at least one sold-out park.

Now, the No. 1 rule is to make a Park Pass reservation as soon as you know your travel dates and have your tickets. Do not wait until a week or two before your trip to do this step, as it may be too late.

Additionally, park-hopping doesn't begin until 2 p.m. now, so you are set with the park you select to start at until midafternoon. This is important to note as you plan your days.

Related: Having a Disney World ticket isn't enough to get in

There is no slow season

A few years ago, you could visit Disney World during the "slow season" and enjoy relatively wide-open spaces and short wait times. Late winter after the holidays, spring (minus spring break weeks) and late summer were fairly quiet most of the time, especially on weekdays when most kids were in school.

Now, it's hard to find a day when the parks aren't jam-packed with guests. The two seasons are now "busy" and "really busy."

This pent-up demand means that even if you're visiting at a time that historically wasn't that busy, you probably still need a strategy to manage the crowds and prioritize the attractions that matter most to you. Even if you decide you don't need a particular plan to avoid lines — such as the Genie+ system which we will discuss in detail below — you at least need to have patience and an open mind to deal with crowds.

Related: These are the best hotels at Disney World

You need to plan ahead

Thanks to the lack of a slow season and the need for theme park reservations, planning ahead is essential. If you are planning to visit Disney in the next month or two, you may already be falling behind.

Bookings for theme park tickets, resort hotel stays and vacation packages for 2023 open on June 8, 2022, and the earlier you book, the better the chance you'll get the dates and resort you are looking for.

If a Disney hotel discount pops up between the time you book and the time of your visit, you can contact Disney (or your travel agent) and they will apply any applicable discounts, so there is really no reason to wait as long as you have the funds available for the down payment.

You have to pay to play

Several things that used to be free (or covered) are no longer complimentary.

You need to plan and pay for your transportation from Orlando International Airport (MCO) since the Magical Express bus is gone. MagicBands are not free anymore when you stay at a Walt Disney World resort. The old included dining plan options have yet to return, and the free FastPass system is a relic for the history books.

Now, you must make a budget in advance to account for all the things that were once free.

Additionally, like at many other destinations, prices for everything from Mickey-shaped ice cream bars to hotel rooms have increased.

The odds are very high that your next Disney vacation will cost more than your last one, even if no other details about your trip change. There are ways to keep the costs down and look for discounts, but you'll have to work a bit for those savings.

Related: How to reduce the cost of a Disney vacation

Lightning Lanes are the new FastPass

Gone are the days of the FastPass. Instead, you'll now find Lightning Lanes .

Many have a love-hate relationship with the Genie+ system that goes with the Lightning Lanes. Yes, it's an alternative to spending a day in regular lines, but it comes with costs — both financial and mental.

As noted, this is a pay-to-play system at Disney World that will set you back $15 per person per day. Genie+ allows you to make reservations to skip the traditional line using Lightning Lanes throughout the day. The Lightning Lanes themselves are virtually identical to how the old FastPass lines worked, meaning you'll typically still have some sort of wait, though it'll likely be shorter than those in the regular queues.

The Genie+ system technically gives you access to almost all the Lightning Lanes in the park (with one or two exceptions per park) for that set $15 price.

However, Disney has recently added verbiage to its website indicating Genie+ users generally get to use it for only two or three attractions per day, depending on if the first attraction is booked early in the day. This implies that many guests are getting less than a handful of uses out of the system.

When Genie+ launched, you could purchase it ahead of time as an add-on to your vacation package, but, much to the chagrin of Type A planners everywhere, that option will soon disappear.

As of June 8, guests who want to use Genie+ must purchase it on the day of their visit, one day at a time, subject to availability. Disney stated it is doing this to " manage the incredibly strong demand " for Genie+, which we assume to mean Genie+ could sell out.

While it hasn't been a problem thus far, there is theoretically no guarantee that Genie+ will be available on the day of your visit; you can book it starting at 12 a.m. on your park day. Because you can begin booking Lightning Lanes via Genie+ at 7 a.m. on the day of your visit, this means the most continuous sleep you can hope to get is under seven hours if you acted at both of those starting times.

Once you book your first Lightning Lane, you can then book a new attraction as you use your current one. You can also book a new attraction once two hours have passed since your last selection or once two hours have passed since the park opened, whichever is later (in the event you booked your first attraction before the park opened). It is possible to stack and hold multiple Lightning Lanes at once.

The system saved us nearly three hours waiting in line during a recent visit. It was also instrumental in helping us enjoy 38 rides in a quest to see how many we could do in a day .

There's no denying you can get more done with Genie+ than without. However, you need to be ready to learn the system and smartphone app pretty quickly if you want to beat the stated average of just two or three rides per day.

Some rides are not included in Genie+

Unsurprisingly, there are a couple of rides in each park that are excluded from Genie+. if you want to board these rides using the Lightning Lane, you'll have to pay extra.

While this list can and will change over time (such as when the "Guardians of the Galaxy"-themed ride officially opens in late May ), the currently available pay-per-attraction Lightning Lanes are for:

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (beginning May 27) and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (until May 31) at Epcot.
• Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at the Magic Kingdom.
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

These Lightning Lanes generally cost between $8 and $20 per person, and you can select a maximum of two of these attractions per day.

You do not have to purchase Genie+ in order to book these individual attractions. You can purchase these Lightning Lanes starting at 7 a.m. if you're staying at a Disney resort (or the Swan, Dolphin or Swan Reserve ) or at the time the park officially opens if you are not a Disney resort guest.

Be aware that these typically sell out very quickly in the morning — sometimes, in just a minute or two — but availability is occasionally replenished at some point before noon.

You may be on your phone … a lot

Since the introduction of Genie+, one of the top items on our Disney World packing list is an external phone charger.

Checking wait times and securing Lightning Lane reservations mean spending extra time on your phone. This is especially true when you are still learning how it all works or are trying to really maximize what you do throughout the day.

Bring an external charger, and make sure you fully charge it before your trip. Also, remember to look up from your phone while you are walking between rides — and honestly, during rides, too — as it can be tempting to start working on that next Lightning Lane before you're even off the ride you just used a Lightning Lane to get on.

Related: Best restaurants for outdoor dining at Disney World

Popular dining reservations are still tough to get

While dining reservations are now accepted 60 days out instead of 180 like before the pandemic, the popular spots are still difficult to nab.

Some of the hardest-to-snag reservations are for Cinderella's Royal Table, Space 220 Restaurant, Topolino's Terrace, Oga's Cantina, and Ohana. Keep in mind that it's difficult to reserve a spot at virtually any restaurant on short notice, especially if you're visiting during a busy period like the winter holidays.

Related: These are the best Disney World restaurants

So, just like you need to book your Park Pass well in advance, the same is true for your restaurant meals. In fact, it's not a bad idea to use a Disney vacation planner who can take care of some of this work for you.

Extra Magic Hours have changed

The pre-pandemic Extra Magic Hours perk — a time when those staying at a Disney hotel could enter one designated park early each day — has also been reimagined.

In its place is a system that lets resort guests staying on property or in select off-property hotels (like the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve ) into any of the four theme parks 30 minutes early to begin enjoying select attractions.

Additionally, on select nights, those in deluxe Disney resorts (and again including those at the Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve and Shades of Green) can stay two hours after the parks close to enjoy select attractions with relatively minimal waits.

Usually, Epcot and Magic Kingdom alternate staying open late on select nights. On nights that Epcot is the park open late, this means an extra chance to get a virtual queue boarding pass to ride the new "Guardians" ride for those staying in eligible resorts.

Related: What's new at Disney World in 2022

Be patient and flexible

Parks continue to trend toward a more normal type of operation, especially now that character hugs have returned , parades are back in action and nighttime shows have begun to appear. However, they're still not the same as they were before.

The last two years have introduced new challenges stemming from a lack of adequate staffing, customers misbehaving and more. It can be difficult to practice patience and flexibility when you are spending thousands of dollars on a vacation. You're more likely to have a magical day, though, if you go with the flow and don't compare the experience to how things used to be.

Your bed may not get made daily, housekeeping may start knocking on your door the last day of your stay quite early, your restaurant may not be ready at the time of your reservation, the ride you have a Lightning Lane for may be down and, odds are, it'll be much more crowded than you expected.

In fact, during a recent visit, we showed up at Disney's Hollywood Studios to find hundreds of people waiting at the gates to enter the park. Outside of a special event or new ride opening, we'd never seen the entrance so crowded.

It was so packed that we asked a Disney cast member if something special was going on. The answer was no — the parks are just like that now.

After we realized the wait times at Epcot were much shorter, we made the last-minute decision to hop in the car and head that way instead of staying and rubbing elbows with hordes of parkgoers. Luckily, a Park Pass reservation was available for us to make the switch.

If we had stuck with our original plan, we would have spent most of our day in line. By staying flexible, we were able to get a lot more accomplished and still had time to let the kids run around in some of the fun play areas.

It's much better to go in with a loose plan of just a few must-do attractions than to plot your entire day out only to have your plains derailed. Even with less on the agenda, you'll need to be willing to "let it go" and make adjustments on the fly.

Related: Epcot was becoming the park of yesterday — here's how Disney is making it the hot park of tomorrow

Bottom line

At Disney, it really is a changed world after all.

The ragtime tunes from the turn of the century and scents of cookies and waffle cones will still meet you as you walk down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.

However, there are some other things that didn't stay the same as the world kept turning.

The old FastPass system has been replaced by the fee-based Genie+ option which requires a bit more action during your trip. Plus, crowds have ramped up to high levels and reservations must be secured as soon as they're released.

Only time will tell if all of these changes remain in a post-pandemic world. No matter what happens, one thing is certain: If you're visiting soon, learn all the current rules of the game to avoid getting all the way to Orlando only to be left outside the gates, looking in.

First Time Beginner’s Guide to Disney World (15 minute crash course)

Save this post for later

With so many Rides, Shows, and Attractions, it can be hard to know where to start at Disney World in Orlando Florida (Disneyland is in California, and offers different things!).

This is a comprehensive guide that covers all the basics about Disney World. If you’re familiar with Walt Disney World, this information is probably unnecessary. If your new to Disney, then this is the place to be.

Disney is a vacation packed full of so many options, from great rides at the four Theme Parks, to water fun at the Water Parks and Resorts, to Character Memories, fun Entertainment and Nighttime Fireworks Celebrations.

Refer to the Table of Contents below to jump around to areas you’d like to learn more about.

Does Disney World do anything Special for First Time Visitors?

Yes! Disney World offers a ‘1st Visit’ button that you can wear to celebrate that occasion and let Cast Members (the Disney Employees) know that it’s your first time.

So let’s jump into some quick tips for first time Disney World visitors and then you can pick where you want to get started with all this information! If this is too much, simply save or share this page for later.

This post may contain affiliate links, read my full disclosure here.

Table of Contents for Disney World Guide

• Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered

The Best Times to go to Disney World

• How many days do you need at Disney
• What do you need to bring to your Disney World Vacation?
• Overview of the Parks
• Overview of Entertainment in the Parks
• All about Disney Resorts

Quick FAQs for Disney World

What should you do on your first visit to disney world.

You should make a Bucket List/ Cant Miss list!

Disney World is intense… there’s so much more to do and see (maybe that’s why we have so many websites and vlogs and content creators sharing the Disney fun!)

Creating a list of things you want to do will make planning much easier and make the vacation more fun . Here’s a list of Can’t Miss fun for most families , and a Can’t Miss list for little kids !

How Much does it cost to go to Disney World?

The average vacation in 2024 is going to cost around $5000 dollars for a Family of Four to go for 5 days (this includes tickets, lodging, a food budget and souvenirs but not travel costs to get to the parks) See the full breakdown for the costs (with examples!) on how to do Disney World on a tight (yet realistic!) budget.

Having a dollar sign in mind is a good way to make sure that you stay on track with your Disney World Vacation. This is such an exciting time and you want to make sure that you make the most of it. There are many money saving tips that can help with your magical vacation.

The Best Time to go to Disney World is the time that fits with your schedule!

Disney World is ‘always’ busy now on the weekends and many times throughout the week. There is no ‘slow’ season, though the months of January and September are typically slower months than others.

Walt Disney World is such a popular resort that it can get a little crowded.  

I’ve been on some of the busiest days of the year, and while it is still magical, it’s not very fun waiting in a two hour line ! What you can do is check the best weeks to go and pick the week that works best for your family! 

Some of the Best Months to go for lower crowds are:

• The beginning of May
• The second week in December

Some of the best times to enjoy the Parks for lower crowds are:

• In the Evenings- especially if they park is closing in a few hours or staying open very late
• In the Early Morning- especially if you have early morning hours available to you when you stay on Disney World property
• During the Week Days- it helps to look at the MyDisneyExperience App and check the wait times. While these are often inflated, they are a good predictor of crowd levels during your vacation.
• Magic Kingdom on days that a party is planned, and the regular park closes at 6. Many people skip this day because it doesn’t include fireworks, but it’s a great option if you have a park hopper or want to get up early and spend a good 10 hours at Magic Kingdom.

⭐ What is a Touring Plan, and why is it recommended to know the crowd level when planning a touring plan?

Touring Plans are detailed lists that tell you where to go for rides and attractions at what time. These rely heavily on park hours, expected crowd levels, and what rides/attractions your party wants to do. A common Touring Plan example is to rope drop Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom as the wait time is high during the day (or to make it your last ride of the night).

What do you need to pack for your Disney vacation?

Whether it’s your first time to Disney World or your hundredth, it pays to be prepared.

But what you need for your Disney vacation really depends on each person and family (and reason for the trip!) I do recommend getting a packing list together- at least a month ahead of time, so that way you can get everything you need.

This should include the following items:

• Number of Outfits x your vacation days + one opposite weather outfit (so a sweater if you come in the summer, or shorts if you come in the winter)
• Two pairs of Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Sun Protection including Hat, Sunglasses and Sunscreen
• A Park Bag or Park FannyPack, for you to bring into the parks with you
• Comfort Care items like lotion, lip balm, and first aid kits
• Toiletries and Cosmetics
• Disney Items like Mouse Ears, Signature Books, Pin Collections, Penny Collections

⭐ Does Disney World offer personal care items, clothing, or other commonly forgot items? Yes. Lots of these items are found inside the Parks. But for a full selection, head to the resorts. If you are at a Value resort and can’t find what you are looking for (And have talked to a Cast Member to confirm it’s not hiding somewhere), head to one of the Deluxe Resorts to check out there selections.

The top 3 items I recommend to everyone:

1. Portable Phone Charger – you phone WILL go dead using the MyDisney App, and some of the rides will drain your battery as your phone looks for signal. The alternative is good ole pencil and paper- just make sure you can access your plans and reservations for the day! You can also use the swappable batteries, see more about where to find those swappable battery locations at Disney here .

2. Insulated Water Bottle – It gets HOT at Disney. Even in the winter you are dealing with the sun, the wind and way too much walking. Animal Kingdom also doesn’t do straws or lids- so you need a water bottle to prevent spillage. 

3. Body Glide- This stuff is phenomenal. I use it for anywhere my skin might get irritation (like shoes in sneakers or thighs in shorts). Its only a few bucks, so better to have it and not need it- then need it and not have it!

And if your headed to Disney World for a Birthday Celebration , consider what you want to pack, versus what you want to buy when you get there.

How many days should you plan for your Disney World Trip?

Most people will find that a First Time Disney Vacation is exciting and exhausting! There’s so much to see and do, and you cannot possibly get it all done in one trip (or even two!)

Most families will benefit from 3-5 days inside the Parks.

But there’s a lot of ways to do Disney! You could do two days inside Magic Kingdom, and one day at EPCOT. You could just do two days at Magic Kingdom and make it a long weekend. You could hit up all four parks, or two days at Disney and two days at Universal.

Tips for Disney World Tickets

If you are visiting for the first time, a standard ticket would be the most appropriate versus an annual pass- you can pick how many base days you’d like to have.

Recommended time at the resort is 6 days 5 nights . This gives you 4 days in the parks, and then your arrival and departure day. Some families will benefit from a ‘no park’ day in the middle of their week to relax, and take in the amenities at the hotel (and possibly recover from sunburn or dehydration that is so prone to Disney trips!)

There are some pros and cons to only doing Magic Kingdom in one day , but most people will find that with a bucket list, their one day trip is enough!

➡️ You will need a Park Reservation for some tickets and passes. To schedule a park ticket, head over to Disney World here and secure your dates (its better to have a date/park secured and change later than not have one at all!)

What’s not recommended:

-Having a Ticket for Arrival or Departure day (there is plenty to do that doesn’t require a ticket!) Unless you are going for something specific. Most people will benefit from resting on Arrival and Departure day.

-Park Hopper Tickets if you are staying for more than 4 days. If you plan to go to all the parks anyways, there’s no need to add the Park Hopper. I would recommend this if you are doing less than 3 days. Keep in mind that hopping parks can take some time (between 45-90 minutes) that may be better spent in the parks.

-Not getting the Park Hopper if you can only come for 1-3 days. The Park Hopper here will help you take advantage of all the staggered opening and closing times to get the most out of your ticket.

-Purchasing from somewhere like eBay- I would hate for your ticket not to work when you arrived

Overview of the Disney Parks

There’s no Harry Potter, Charizard or Daffy Ducks at Disney World my friends. But we do have 6 Theme Parks (4 Main Ones and 2 Water Parks). Disney World is the size of San Francisco, or double the size of Manhattan. And its also located in Florida, in Orlando. There’s a lot going on here!

Disney also has an amazing amount of themed resorts and restaurants that I also recommend you check out! You can peek around the resorts as a guest and eat at any of the locations on property – most require a reservation but they aren’t hard to get. 

Quick Note about Transportation at Disney World

Or said better, How to get where you need to go on Vacation!

⭐ Is Disney Transportation available to all guests, including those not staying on property? Yes! Respectfully of course, but you can hop on the Skyliner, or take the Monorail, or catch a boat without needing to stay on property. This is a fun option on your ‘no-park-ticket’ day, and here’s everything you can do at Disney World without a Park Ticket.

⭐How long does Disney Transportation take? Maybe the most important question of this entire post! Transportation can be quick, kinda slow, or completely closed. You might miss reservations or get stuck for an hour waiting for a bus. While most of it is free to use, it’s a gamble on the time requirements, so plan to give yourself extra time.

Complimentary Transportation Options:

• The Buses (available at most Disney Resorts, and will pop up if there is severe weather and you can’t take the Skyliner, Boats or Monorail)
• The Monorail. Three lines operate at Disney World. One takes you to and from EPCOT to the Ticket and Transportation Center. One takes you straight from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom and back again. The Last Line makes 5 stops. The Transportation and Ticket Center, The Contemporary Resort, Magic Kingdom, The Grand Floridian Resort, The Polynesian Resort.
• The Ferry Boat takes you from Magic Kingdom to the Transportation and Ticket Center and back.
• The Friendship Boats operate for the Hollywood Studios/EPCOT water front resorts, Between Disney Springs and Port Orleans Resort, and for the Magic Kingdom Seven Seas Lagoon Resorts.
• The Skyliner has three lines. One line goes from the Depot to Hollywood Studios and back (Caribbean Beach is where the depot is located). One line goes from the EPCOT Boardwalk (it’s the second EPCOT entrance called the International Gateway), to Riveria Resort to the Depot. The third line runs from Art of Animation/POP Century Resort to the Skyliner Depot.
• Parking at Disney Springs or the Water Parks and Mini Golf locations.

Paid Transportation Options:

• Parking at Disney World Parks. This is included if you have paid to park at a Disney World resort. There is a tram at several of the parking lots that takes you to the front.
• Minnie Vans, which are a partnership between Lyft Rideshare and Disney World. These are Disney employees who pick you up in a red and black polka dot ‘van’.

The Parks at Disney World

Disney World has four Major Parks, two Water Parks, and then Disney Springs.

Magic Kingdom

The Iconic Cinderella Castle and Main Street U.S.A. are just two of the notable landmarks at Magic Kingdom. This is the Number One Park at Disney World and at full capacity (so really busy with lots of long lines!) it can take a Visitor almost 20 hours to complete the rides and attractions.

Magic Kingdom hosts lots of other amazing attractions like Space Mountain, Fantasy Land and Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Not to mention, Magic Kingdom is also home to lots of character meet and greets and the amazing fireworks display at the end of the night. Seeing the Castle lit up is a magical experience that the whole family can enjoy, and one of the highlights of any Disney trip. 

Hollywood Studios 

Hollywood studios used to be considered among us Disney Goers as the ‘one day park’ because it was something that we could just hit up our favorite attractions and then catch dinner somewhere else on the resort. This is certainly not the case anymore though! 

If you follow Disney news at all, you’ll see that Hollywood Studios has been revamped lately to include Star Wars, Toy Story Land, Beauty and the Beast and the Disney Junior Characters.

This is exciting news because it takes this park and gives it a much needed update. If you’ve never been (or it’s been a reallyyyyy long time) don’t bypass Hollywood Studios because of old reviews. This is definitely a park you want to visit for all your movie and TV needs!

Epcot is the infamous park that houses all the other countries. The park actually has two sections, Worlds Celebration, Nature and Discovery at the Front of the Park and World Showcase around the lake (it’s a giant circle). 

The World Showcase is where you’ll find many scenic views, easy going rides and of course, the eleven countries with authentic gifts and cuisine. I love to go on Date nights to “Britain” or “Japan”-  it’s so amazing that we can step into another country without leaving Disney! 

With few exceptions, the World Showcase doesn’t open up till 11 for shops and drinks, but you can catch the Shops, Attractions and Food at the front of the park when the park opens. Options like the Soarin’ ride, Finding Nemo, Mission: Space and Test Track are great ways to start the day (and Frozen in Norway plus Ratatouille in France open when the park does!)

Epcot is also home to Festivals throughout the year. We have the Festival of the Arts to start the year, followed by the Flower and Garden Festival in the Spring and Early Summer. Then Food and Wine Festival in the Fall and The Festival of the Holidays to round out the year.

Animal Kingdom 

Animal Kingdom is where the animals are, seriously. With more than 500 acres and 1700 animals, it’s considered to be the largest theme park in the world! This makes for quite the adventure when it comes to planning your day as you won’t be able to see everything in one go. 

There’s several sections to Animal Kingdom, the newest of which is the Pandora land based off the movie Avatar. Some of the other sections, which are called ‘lands’ include Asia, Africa, Dinoland, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Discovery Island.

Since Animal Kingdom is so large, it’s good to plan for exactly one day here and still pick your ‘must see’ items! The Thrill rides here tend to fill up quickly, just like at the other parks (namely Avatar Flight of Passage and Everest, plus sometimes slower Family Fun rides like Navi River Journey and the Animal Safari)

Animal Kingdom generally opens earlier than most of the parks, and it’s a great park to ‘Rope Drop’ (or show up before it opens!). Then you can leave around Dinner time to another park, Disney Springs or eat at the Resort.

The Water Parks

Disney has two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both of these have lots of fun water activities with their own unique themes. 

Typhoon Lagoon is a tropical getaway filled with water rides the whole family can enjoy! It also features a kiddy play area and thrill rides for the older kids! 

Blizzard Beach takes a different spin on theming, think ski resort that has melted into summer water fun! Blizzard beach also has several options for everyone in the family, from kid sized water slides to one of the world’s tallest and fastest water rides!

Disney Springs 

Disney Springs was previously called Downtown Disney and if you look at old reviews or message boards it’s easy to get confused about where Downtown Disney went! 

It did get a major facelift and a new name. Most notably, it received lots of new parking, a slew of new stores (many of which are designer names) and several new restaurants.

Disney Springs is:

• Free to Park at
• Free to Enter
• Normally low crowd, but crowded on Weekends, Holidays and High Crowd Park Days

Notable Entertainment Offerings at Disney World

I get this question from Disney Vacationers all the time- “What is there to do at Disney?”

There is SO MUCH to do at Disney World that you simply can’t do it all! What I wanted to do was break down the basics for you!

There’s lots of Characters at Disney

You can meet the characters a few different ways. 

• 1.By going to the Character Meet and Greets inside the Parks, these are marked on the Map
• 2.By Scheduling a Character Dining Experience.
• 3. By purchasing a Special Event Ticket
• 4. By stumbling upon an unmarked Character Meet and Greet
• 5. By meeting Characters at the Resorts as they tour around to different locations daily

Some of the Characters you can meet in the parks are:

• Mickey Mouse
• Joy (Inside Out)
• Donald Duck
• Winnie the Pooh and Tiger
• Tinker Bell
• And SOOOO many more!

Character Dining is a great way to meet your favorite Pals! If you’re interested in how to meet characters without a ticket check out this helpful guide! 

Disney LOVES parades. They have a parade for everything it seems like! They even have one when it RAINS!

Don’t forget that Disney World also has seasonal parades for Halloween and Christmas. They go all out with these, as typically they are only shown for a separate ticketed event (like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas)

Here’s some of the memorable ones you can expect at Magic Kingdom:

Main Street Trolley Show

This happens in the mornings at Magic Kingdom, kind of like their welcoming act to bring you into the park! It’s a very “Mary Poppins” themed show, and oh so cute! 

Disney Festival Of Fantasy Parade

Featured so many Favorites, catch this show on Main Street USA during the day. Typically you’ll find this show at 12 pm and 3 pm, but check the app for updated times during your trip.

FireWork and Nighttime Shows

You can find FireWorks Displays at three Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT!

At Magic Kingdom, you’ll get to see Happily Ever After, typically at 9pm. You can best see this is you can see the Castle, but I also enjoy the Fireworks without the Castle Display by hanging out in FantasyLand.

At Hollywood Studios, line up for Fantasmic, with shows typically starting at 9pm nightly. This is in a Theater, so you’ll need to head down Sunset Blvd and join the crowd to see this performance. There’s minor Fireworks during the Visual Display broadcasted on the Chinese Theater.

At EPCOT, gather around World Showcase for a fun Visual and Auditory Show that you can see all around the lake. It’s an easy watch, and generally low crowd.

Nightlife and Nighttime Activities at Disney

Some would say that I saved the best for last- and that is probably the case! If we were going to cover ALL of the options for entertainment after dark at Disney we would be here awhile. Let’s look at some of the favorites! 

Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs)

Disney is not just for kids! Especially Downtown Disney, which was built more with the adult in mind. You can shop and enjoy Dinner, then grab drinks on the water. 

You’ve got several options to choose from. One of the newest additions is The Edison, which has flapper style dancers, a DJ and music floor. The Hangar Bar has lots of games to play over drinks, and Paradiso 37 will have you dancing to Latin Music all night long! Bar hopping is another favorite, with almost 10 places to choose from it can be a fun weekend night! 

The BoardWalk

If you want to stay near the resorts, definitely check out the Disney BoardWalk. Not only is it absolutely picturesque in the evenings with live musicians and plenty of restaurants, but it also hosts some 21 and up venues. 

Jellyrolls is famous for their dueling piano competitions- truly a must see experience. Then you have a Dance Venue featuring hits from the 80s and 90s. 

Disney World Resorts

Now, let’s talk about the resorts. Disney World has 36 resort hotels on the grounds, 26 of which are owned and operated by Disney.

The Resorts are set up in a tier system. What this means is that each resort falls under one of three categories. The categories for the Walt Disney World Resorts are Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Deluxe. These tiers are based on the resorts sizes, amenities, transportation options and price. 

Value Resorts 

We’ll start with the Value Resorts. These are the least expensive of the Walt Disney Resorts but they don’t lack in magical experience!

They all have a dining area, stocked with various goodies (and yes, they accommodate allergies!) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the gift area sections they have the standard souvenirs like coffee cups and towels while they also have snacks and drinks. 

All of the Disney Value resorts have the usual conveniences you would expect at a Disney hotel. Mail, laundry, dry-cleaning, complimentary wi-fi, airline check-in, designated smoking areas, and ATMs. 

The Value Resorts also have some other amenities like the pools and a jogging trail. While the pools don’t have slides, they do have poolside activities that happen throughout the day. Other cool options for the value resorts are the indoor arcades and the playgrounds.

The two best perks of the Walt Disney World Resorts are the free transportation and the Extra Magic Hours. 

The transportation and extra magic hours are the main reason we stay at Disney so often even though we live right up the road! Because you really can’t go wrong with the list of amenities, the adorable themes and the perks of transportation and extra magic hours that you get by staying on-site at  the Disney World Value Resort hotels.

Moderate Resorts 

The next tier up is the Moderate Resorts and these are some of my favorites! The moderate resorts at Walt Disney World Resort provide some of the best options for the price. Plus the blend of affordability and amenities make Moderate Resorts a great options for most families.

While the Value Resorts focus more on cartoonish theming- The Moderate Resorts focus more on cultural themes. They offer all the amenities of the Value resorts with some nice additions! 

Disney’s Port Orleans offers horse-drawn carriage rides, bike rentals and catch-and-release fishing. Disney’s Caribbean Beach offers a pirates adventure cruise, bike rentals, sand volleyball and catch-and-release fishing. Disney’s Coronado Springs offers bike rentals and sand volleyball. They also have nicer themed room with queen sized beds (value resorts have the full sized beds). 

Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas

Staying at a Deluxe Resort is similar to the name, its where Disney goes above and beyond! These rooms tend to be a little bigger than most other rooms on the grounds, and they have more amenities. 

So you get all of the perks of the other tiers, with some nice additions like valet parking, higher quality dining on site and more recreation choices at the resort. This takes your Disney vacation from regular to extraordinary! 

My favorite part about staying at the Deluxe resorts is how much closer they are to the parks, and transportation also seems to move a lot faster from these resorts (maybe its in my head… but I do feel that way!). We tend to save the Deluxe Resorts for special occasions, like honeymoons, but we’ve taken the kids before and their were lots of other kids there too! 

The Deluxe Villas are similar to the resorts, but they sleep way more people! Most of these are also at a different location than the other Deluxe properties, but still full of the same amenities. 

Disney Resort Features 

So now that you have a general understanding of the what and where, let’s compare some of the basic features of all the resorts. 

The value resorts have double beds that sleep four, whereas the Moderate and Deluxe resorts have queen beds. King Sized beds can be found sprinkled throughout the resorts, you just have to hunt to find them! 

Food Options

The value and moderate resorts have food court style options- which is great for a large family of picky eaters, but the Deluxe resorts only have one quick service option that can be limiting on food choices. Both the Moderate and Deluxe have Table Dining options that help to add to the ambience of finer vacationing. Deluxe resorts also offer Signature and Character dining as part of their 5 star service.

Transportation 

For the most part, the value and moderate resorts only options are the buses. There are three moderate resorts that have the Water Taxi boat service and those are Ports Orleans Riverside, French Quarter and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. The Deluxe Resorts have several more transportation options, like the monorail, boat taxis and walking. You can also call a ‘Minnie Van’ from any of the resorts (and they come with two car seats!) You’ve got options! 

Every resort on Disney property has a pool (thank goodness, because Florida is hot!) but the types of pools differ across the tiers. 

The value pools are, well, value based (but your kids won’t mind, I promise!). They don’t have anything fancy besides some theming and poolside activities that Disney Cast members run. 

The moderate pools are absolutely a step up. Here the theming is top quality and you’ve got water slides!! 

So how can the Deluxe pools beat water slides? With even bigger water slides, of course! They also have more pool options to choose from, which limits the amount of loud rowdy teenagers you might run into on your afternoon swim. 

How far in advance should you book a Disney World trip?

As soon as possible! Disney Rooms can normally be book over a year in advance, and park reservations can be book 365 days in advance!

Is it cheaper to stay on Disney Property?

Honestly, most of the time, not really–though you can get some good deals with the value resorts, what you’re really paying for is convenience and the experience. There are definite perks, the biggest of which is being so close to the parks. You’ll have to decide what’s right for you and your family!

How much money should I bring to Disney World?

It kinda depends on your budget and how much you plan on eating at the Parks. A single person can easily spend 100 dollars on food and drink for one day at Disney World. Budgeting 150+ per person, per day for food, drinks plus a souvenir budget (like 100 per person for the trip) is reasonable.

So there you have it, folks, just about everything a beginner needs to know (and then some!) about planning their first trip to Disney World!

If you’re a first time Disney World visitor, I know it can be a little overwhelming, but remember that priority number one is to have fun! You’re not going to be able to do and see everything, so make a plan and let the good times roll!

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Want to make the most out of a visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Don’t slap on your Mickey ears just yet--there are a few things you need to know…

I’ve loved Walt Disney World for over 30 years. Over that time I’ve noticed a common thread: planning a Walt Disney World vacation isn’t as straightforward as people think. The common image of Walt Disney World usually surrounds Cinderella Castle. We expect family fun, rides, characters, fireworks, churros, and most of all, magic. While those are all parts of the experience of visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth, it’s not the whole story.

Maybe you’re considering planning your first Walt Disney World vacation (or the first in a while). Alternatively, maybe you’re a longtime Disney parks fan who has friends and family wanting to visit, and you wish there were some way you could quickly sum-up the key “need-to-knows” for an amazing Disney vacation.

This guide is the first in a series starting here on Theme Park Tourist to fulfill that need—sharing the basic facts you need to know to make the most of a Walt Disney World vacation. Our goal is to prepare you for what to expect, as well as help you avoid the snags that spoil too many potentially great vacations.

For this first part, let’s start with taking a look at Walt Disney World as a whole. In the coming weeks, we’ll dive into the basics for each park, as well as the “wider world” of possibilities available at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

1. It’s more than one park with a magic castle

Let’s start with an easy but important one: Walt Disney World is BIG.

Walt Disney World isn’t like any other theme park resort—it is a massive place, so much so that it resides in its own municipal district. Unlike Disneyland Resort in California, it isn’t squished into the center of a bustling city. Walt Disney World covers over 40 square miles—an area larger than the city of San Francisco.

What sort of theme park takes up that much space?

Walt Disney World resort actually includes four theme parks. The one most people associate with the phrase “Disney World” is the Magic Kingdom (the one with the castle). However, the resort also has three other parks: Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Far too often, people limit Disney vacations to Magic Kingdom alone. While Magic Kingdom is a great park, Disney’s other three parks offer incredible experiences you can’t find anywhere else—to the point that many longtime visitors actually prefer the other three parks.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom houses one of the world’s most beautifully themed animal parks, as well as some of the resorts most beloved rides (like Avatar: Flight of Passage and Expedition: Everest). Epcot is a wholly unique celebration of the human experience with a large number of interactive and exploratory attractions like World Showcase, Test Track, Soarin’, and The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to some of the resort’s top thrill rides, as well as both Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

And that’s just the parks…

Walt Disney World also includes two water parks, a sports complex, a campground, four world-class golf courses, three mini-golf courses, an expansive shopping district, and over thirty resorts. Yup, it’s a lot.

2. You’re going to need more time than you think (and to plan ahead)

Considering all Walt Disney World has to offer, you’re going to need time to properly enjoy it all.

Many Disney guests don’t allot enough time to take in the full experience of visiting The Most Magical Place on Earth. Four days is the minimum (so you can at least experience all four parks), but 5-8 days is usually better. This gives you freedom to take more than one day at the larger parks, as well as provide space to explore Disney activities outside of the parks.

At the time of this writing, we are still in the midst of Disney slowly rolling back policies related to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll chat more about that shortly, but the important thing you need to know is that at this time, guests must have a Disney Parks Pass reservation in order to enter any Disney park . A ticket by itself won’t get you in—you need a reservation too.

You’re going to want to do some planning ahead for your Walt Disney World vacation. While there is still room for some spontaneity and flexibility (particularly if you get a park hopper option on your ticket—a nice addition if you would like to visit more than one park every day), you’ll want to know which parks you’ll be visiting on which days, as well as to buy your tickets ahead of time so you can make those all-important Parks Pass reservations. The parks are still currently operating at limited capacity at this time (somewhere between 40-50%), and reservations do fill up frequently. You can check reservation availability online at Disney’s website .

Another important thing:  when you go  is important! We're still in the midst of an odd season at Disney parks due to limited capacity, but certain times of year are inevitably busier at Walt Disney World. If you want to enjoy shorter lines, less stress, and avoid major crowds, do not visit on major holidays (particularly from Christmas Day to New Years Day and on 4th of July) or during Spring Break. Summers also tend to be busy at Walt Disney World, though that has been shifting over the years (also it's hot and humid as the inside of a tea kettle!). In normal seasons, you can expect lower crowds at Walt Disney World on weekdays, while school is in session, and in the lulls surrounding holidays.

3. Don’t buy tickets at the gate

The usual temptation when visiting Walt Disney World is to simply wait until you arrive and buy tickets at the gate. In truth, buying tickets at the gate wasn’t a good idea before the pandemic—with the current reservation requirement, it could prove a potential trip-wrecker.

You have to have a ticket in order to make a Disney Parks Pass reservation. Buying a ticket at the gate is a guarantee to lose time on your trip day, and it could result in you not being able to get into the park. Buying directly from Disney will also result in you spending top dollar. While Disney does occasionally offer uniquely lucrative deals for Florida Residents (particularly Passholders), the majority of their prices can’t compete with other vendors.

The best place to get discounted Disney tickets is usually UndercoverTourist.com . They’ve been around a long time, and they have a good reputation as the go-to place for good prices on Disney tickets. Wholesale clubs like Sam’s and Costco also occasionally offer decently priced tickets. If you have access to discounts via an employee benefits program, or travel clubs like AAA, those are good options too. Members of the U.S. Military also get access to special discounts, and they can also book reservations to stay at Shades of Green, a Disney-owned resort specifically for members of the Armed Forces.

4. It’s not just for kids

Another common assumption about Walt Disney World is that it is only for kids (or families with kids).

There’s no question that Walt Disney World has a lot for kids—they’re the stars of the show in many ways. Both kids and kids-at-heart will have a blast at Walt Disney World. However, that’s not to say adults and teens don’t get to have any fun.

There are tons of things for adults to do at Walt Disney World—so much so that many adults visit without kids on a regular basis. Many of Disney’s most popular attractions are geared for all ages, and many of their richest experiences are made to appeal specifically to adults. Some of these include touring World Showcase and the walking paths of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, nostalgic experiences like exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and especially dining experiences like the resort's many restaurants and the Epcot Food and Wine Festival (more on that later).

Teens also have plenty to enjoy at Walt Disney World. We wrote a feature on bringing teens to the parks some time back, but the short version is that most teens tend to enjoy Magic Kingdom the least. It’s the Disney park that feels the most like a “kid” park—unless they have the nostalgia bug, they may not get as excited as you and younger kids. In contrast, we’ve seen teens have a great time at Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and especially Disney’s Hollywood Studios thanks to the “older” experiences available at these parks, as well as thrill rides.  

By the way, for families visiting with small children, don’t feel like you have to tailor your whole vacation only around the things little ones like. While making sure your kids have a good time should be a key focus of your vacation, if you want to try a ride they aren’t interested in, Disney has protocols in place to help parents do that, like child-swapping, where one adult rides a ride while the other stays with the kids. When adult A gets off the ride, they take over watching the kids. Adult B is immediately allowed to ride instead of having to wait in line all over again. Just let Disney cast members at the attraction know you’d like to do a child swap when you arrive.

5. The experience is about more than just rides

Walt Disney World parks aren’t necessarily like other amusement or theme parks—specifically because rides aren’t always the primary focus.

Don’t get me wrong—Disney has some outstanding rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Avatar: Flight of Passage, Test Track, Space Mountain, and more… but rides are just part of the fun.

In Disney parks, guests are invited to immerse themselves completely in another world. Everything from the sounds, the setting, the foods, and the scents all play into this. Many of Disney’s best attractions aren’t rides at all—some are hands-on exploratory experiences like large portions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Some are entertainment experiences like shows and character encounters.

Magic Kingdom has the most rides of any Disney park, but don’t let the fact other parks don’t have as many rides dissuade you—you’ll find plenty for your family to enjoy in any of Disney’s four parks.

Jett is a writer and lifelong Disney addict based in Florida. She loves  vacation hacks and exploring Disney parks through lenses less-explored, especially with humor. When she and her husband aren't messing with stormtroopers in Galaxy's Edge, you'll most likely find her in Epcot, her favorite park.

If you enjoyed this article, you can follow Jett on YouTube  (My Kingdom for a Mouse - Glimpses of Disney), Instagram (@mykingdomforamouse), Facebook , or Twitter (@invadervega).

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Disney World Crowd Calendar

Our Disney World Crowd Calendar helps you find the best times to visit Disney’s theme parks in 2024 and 2025. Lower crowd levels mean less time waiting in line and more time enjoying your vacation. Walt Disney World crowds fluctuate throughout the year, so it’s really important to choose your dates carefully.

We’ve designed our crowd calendar to show you just how crowded Disney’s theme parks will be each day of the calendar year.  We predict Disney’s theme park attendance for the next 12 months so that you’ll be able to narrow down the months, weeks, and days of your next vacation. Our Disney crowd calendar updates on a monthly basis and currently features all of 2024 and portions of 2025. Check back frequently!

How do we forecast the crowds at Disney World? Our methodology tracks past attendance data in order to predict future crowds at Disney’s four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. Hopefully, these estimates will help you focus on the dates that best suit your Disney vacation goals in the coming year. So let’s begin!

Want Free Help Deciding When To Travel? Get Personalized advice from Our Favorite Disney Travel Agency!

• Magic Kingdom » [2]
• Epcot » [3]
• Hollywood Studios » [3]
• Animal Kingdom » [3]
• Magic Kingdom » [3]

Calendar updated through March 2025

* Guests ages three and up with certain ticket types may be required to have a park reservation in addition to valid admission for the same park.

** Advance Dining Reservations become available to book starting at 6 AM on the date indicated.

***  COVID-19: Disney has taken enhanced health and safety measures during the pandemic. Reservations may be required to enter a theme park (depending on ticket type), and hotel resorts, restaurants, and other features may be subject to modification and capacity limitations. Face coverings are optional for Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations and on Disney transportation. Face coverings are not allowed while Guests are in the water or on water slides.

The Disney World Crowd Calendar provides information on crowd sizes, updated information regarding the average daily temperature ranges for Orlando, and when you are eligible to make your Advance Dining Reservations. Let’s review some background information so that you understand how our crowd calendar is organized.

We trust the Travel Agents at  The Vacationeer  for all of our Disney travel planning needs. 

We hope you’ll consider working with them too, what is a crowd calendar.

The best time to go to Disney World depends on many factors, including the weather, which time period fits into your busy schedule, and, of course, how crowded the theme parks will be. After all, who likes waiting in long lines when you could be enjoying the rides?

Crowd calendars predict how busy a theme park will be on any given day of the year. By using data compiled from recent years, Disney crowd calendars help us determine which theme parks will have the shortest lines and which parks will have the longest lines.  While not every traveler has the flexibility to plan their trip around the least-crowded dates, this can still be a valuable tool. Knowing what to expect will allow you to plan accordingly and help you to maximize your Disney experience.

Rating System for the Disney World Crowd Calendar

Our Disney World Crowd Calendar uses a rating system from 1 to 5 for each of the Walt Disney World theme parks. We compile this information using historical data from the past several years. Our rating system also takes variable factors (like seasonal events and new in-park openings ) into account.

Please note that past attendance figures are not always reflective of future attendance, and there may be slight differences between our prediction and the actual crowd sizes. We do our best to give you the most up-to-date and accurate predictions so that you may know what to expect when you arrive at Disney World.

Ratings based on Park Attendance:

1 = Light Crowds ( minimal lines ) 2 = Below Average Crowds 3 = Average Crowds 4 = Above Average Crowds 5 = Heavy Crowds (long lines)

How the Disney Crowd Calendar is Organized

Let’s look at how we’ve set up this valuable trip planning tool.

Crowds at each Disney Theme Park

Our Disney World Crowd Calendar predicts the crowds at Walt Disney World for every day in the next 12 months. Our estimates are broken down by Disney World theme park: Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom.

Weather at Disney World

Orlando, Florida is known for its nice weather . That said, there are some seasonal differences that you may want to take into consideration when booking your Disney vacation.  For example, August is historically the warmest month while January is the coldest. July is typically the wettest month and June has the most sunshine hours.

We list the average temperature range for each day of the calendar year. This will give you an idea of what to expect (and what clothes to pack) when you vacation at Walt Disney World.

Dining Reservations

Our Disney Crowd Calendar lists the specific date you will be eligible to make your Advance Disney Reservations.

Guests can book their dining reservations up to 60 days in advance (starting at 6 AM on the date indicated in the calendar).  The Disney Crowd Calendar lists the specific date you should start booking your Walt Disney World dining reservations.

Newbies are often surprised by the lack of dining availability once they get to Disney World. You shouldn’t expect to just walk into a full-service restaurant at Walt Disney World and get seated right away. It usually won’t happen.

It’s why it’s imperative to book your reservations well in advance to ensure your spot at some of Disney’s outstanding dining establishments. Certain restaurants are more difficult to book, and traveling at peak times means there will be more demand for full-dining options. We recommend that you book your Advance Dining Reservations as soon as you are able (60 days out).

The Disney Reservation Calculator is another tool you can use to find the dates you will be eligible to make your dining reservations.

Do you need help booking your Advance Dining Reservations? How about some advice on where to eat? Contact the Disney travel agents at The Vacationeer today.  There’s no charge to use their planning services!

Get Free One-On-One Help Planning Your Trip

When is Disney World Least Crowded ?

Walt Disney World’s parks are typically least crowded:

• January 2 nd until just prior to Presidents’ Day week (third Monday in February)
• The week after Labor Day until just prior to Thanksgiving week
• The week following Thanksgiving weekend until the week prior to Christmas .

The reasons for this are that parents typically plan Disney World vacations around two major factors, school schedules, and Summer heat.

Labor day is typically around the time U.S. schools get their year started, so the month or so after that is the least crowded time of year.

July and August can also be good times to go if you don’t mind the typically higher heat and humidity.

When is Disney World Most Crowded ?

Walt Disney World parks generally experience their highest attendance around:

• Presidents’ Day week (third week in February)
• the Spring Break period from mid-March through late April
• Memorial Day weekend, Summer (mid-June through Labor Day)
• Thanksgiving week
• Christmas week through January 1 st
• Weekends are typically more crowded than weekdays
• When it comes to weekdays, Mondays and Fridays tend to be slightly more crowded than Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

How bad are the crowds at Disney on a “most crowded” day versus a “least crowded” day?

The difference between a “least crowded” day and a “most crowded” day can be significant.

What are crowds like on Least Crowded days?

On the least crowded days at the parks, you might find that you’re able to walk straight through the line for at least a few of the rapidly-loading rides in the parks.  Many middle-tier rides will have waits around 10-15 minutes, with the most popular attractions like roller coasters having waits of around 30 minutes.  Dining is usually easy to obtain, with short waits for quick service dining and even the ability to get same-day reservations at some table service locations.

What are crowds like on Most Crowded days?

During the parks’ most crowded days, even quickly loading rides routinely show wait times of 15-45 minutes.  60+ minute waits for the most popular rides are not unheard of.  Fortunately, the implementation of theme park reservations and other entry restrictions has eliminated many of the nightmare scenarios we used to see, such as 3-5 hour waits on Christmas Day or New Years Eve.   Dining can also be a bit more challenging on crowded days, with longer waits (and occasionally having to “hover” to snag an empty table) at some quick service restaurants during peak lunch and dinner hours.  Same-day reservations at table service restaurants may not be available.

Should I avoid the parks on Most Crowded days?

All of the scenarios listed above are just representative samples.  Individual days have their own individual quirks; you might have shorter than expected waits on a “most crowded” day or longer than expected waits on a “least crowded” day.

It’s obviously best to plan your trips during less crowded times whenever possible, but we all know that it’s not necessarily possible due to work and school schedules.  If you do find yourself traveling during a more crowded time, you’ll still have a good time on vacation.   You’ll just want to plan ahead and take advantage of all the tools at your disposal – extended park hours, advance Park Pass reservations (when required), advance dining reservations, Genie/Genie+, our Disney World Crowd Calendar, and the like – to make the most out of your time in the parks.

If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, then please contact the Disney Travel Agents at  The Vacationeer . Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge. Call 833-4MY-TRIP  (833-469-8747) or click HERE for a free, no-obligation price quote today!

When are the best days to visit Walt Disney World?

Our Disney travel planning experts regularly analyze past park attendance data, special events, attraction openings/closures, travel trends, weather, and many other elements in order to forecast and predict future crowds at Disney World’s four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.

Below, we’ve taken some of this data and compared the average temperature predicted on each day to the predicted crowd level. The best days to visit each park between August 2023 – June 2024 were determined based on the combined score.

The best time to visit Disney World depends on many factors, including the weather, each traveler’s busy schedule, and, of course, how crowded the theme parks will be.

According to the crowds-to-weather score, there are a few particular days to visit each park at Walt Disney World over the a 12-month period of August 2023 – June 2024. The data revealed that Magic Kingdom, for example, has three days to visit for the best crowds-to-weather ratio: October 26th, 31st, and November 1st. In comparison, Epcot has six perfect days, Hollywood Studios has 6, and Animal Kingdom has the most, with 12. Interestingly, the dates are similar for each park, highlighting that the last week of October 2023 is the best week to visit Disney World.

The study ranked the following days as the best to visit each park:

Note: Temperature range (F) and average crowd levels were converted to scores between 1-5. Temperature and crowd scores were then weighted and converted to a total score out of 100 to reveal the best days to visit each park.

Magic Kingdom

Hollywood studios, animal kingdom.

Why pay attention to these scores? MagicGuides Editor Jaimie Michaels explains:

“By using data compiled from recent years, Disney crowd calendars help us determine which theme parks will have the shortest and longest lines, to discover the best times to visit the parks for fewer crowds and beautiful weather. While not every traveler has the flexibility to plan their trip around the least-crowded dates, this can still be a valuable tool for all, as knowing what to expect will allow you to plan accordingly and help you to maximize your Disney experience.”

Wondering How Much a Disney Vacation Costs? Find Out For Free!

The MagicGuides Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar keeps you updated on all the special events happening at Disney. Check back often so you won’t miss out!

If you enjoyed our Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar page, be sure to check out our other articles like our Disney World Cost Calculator , Disney Dining Plan Calculator ,  Disney Dining Plans , Disney World Free Dining , Disney World Planning Timeline , Disney World Map ,  Tips and Tricks , Disney Travel Planners , How To Become a Disney Travel Agent , and our Secrets and Reviews pages. Also check out our in-depth article on the Best Days to Visit Magic Kingdom .

Thank you for reading our page, and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World vacation!

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Morning Rundown: Biden razzes Trump on everything but his trial, Boeing whistleblower says he wouldn't put his family in a 787, athletes criticize skimpy Olympics uniform

Disney revamping park policy that helps visitors with disabilities avoid waiting in line

Disney is revamping its policy for park visitors with disabilities, limiting how many people are eligible for the program that helps guests avoid lines because it says too many people are exploiting it.

Disney’s Disability Access Service program, or DAS, was launched in 2013, according to a Disney spokesperson.

The free program is intended for guests with a “developmental disability such as autism or similar” and who are unable to wait in line for an extended period of time, according to the policy posted on the company’s DAS websites.

The free program allows guests to obtain a return time for attractions at its Florida and California parks rather than wait in line.

Disney on Tuesday announced that starting May 20 at Disney World, and June 18 at Disneyland, the parks will limit the number of eligible family members to four. It had previously been six. The change will also address how often eligible guests can enroll in the program: It will now be every 120 days instead of 60, Disney said.

A Disney spokesperson on Friday said DAS is the most popular service requested at Disney World and Disneyland. Use of the program has tripled during the past five years, including by guests for whom the service is not intended, the spokesperson said.

That has meant longer waits for the guests who need the service, which is why Disney is taking steps to preserve the program, the spokesperson said.

Disney does not require proof of disabilities from guests and won’t do so, the spokesperson said.

On the DAS websites, Disney says guests can be banned from the parks if they lie about having a disability.

“If it is determined that any of the statements a Guest made in the process of obtaining DAS are not true, the Guest will be permanently barred from entering Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, and any previously purchased Annual Passes, Magic Key passes, tickets and other park products and services will be forfeited and not refunded,” Disney says.

That practice is not new, the Disney spokesperson said.

Disney said it’s adding staff to help guests navigate the program. It is also partnering with a health management company to help cast members “determine eligibility for appropriate accommodations and ensure that these accommodations are provided only for the guests for whom they are intended.”

Disney is urging guests who have questions about the disability program to visit the park’s websites to plan accordingly.

“Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all Guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our Guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks,” Disney officials said.

Antonio Planas is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

Stay in the Magic… and Play!

Customize a walt disney world resort vacation package to suit your style and budget., start planning your disney vacation, what’s exciting and new, finding nemo: the big blue… and beyond.

Witness a stirring spectacle of puppetry, music and more during this reimagined stage show set in Nemo’s vibrant underwater world.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Bring the whole family to zip, dash and scurry through Gusteau’s kitchen as you take in the sights, sounds and even smells from Remy’s world.

TRON Lightcycle / Run

Leave the real world behind in this high-stakes race across the Grid—the dark, computerized world from TRON .

Watch in awe as Mickey Mouse’s dreams come alive in a nighttime musical with stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and more.

4 Enchanting Theme Parks

Magic kingdom park.

During your visit, you can:

• Be dazzled by music, dancing and vivid pageantry during the Festival of Fantasy Parade —a grand tribute to the tales and inhabitants of Fantasyland.
• Enjoy iconic attractions and experiences across incredible lands—including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train , a swaying family coaster ride that will have you racing through a diamond mine.
• Rediscover beloved classic Disney attractions such as Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world.”
• Delight in family-friendly thrills on ever-popular coasters like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad .
• Leave the real world behind for a high-stakes race across the Grid—the dark, computerized world from TRON —on TRON Lightcycle / Run .

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Celebrate the magic of nature at Pandora – The World of Avatar . Here, you can fly on the back of a banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage, hike amid floating mountains in the Valley of Mo’Ara and take a mystical boat ride into a bioluminescent rainforest on the Na’vi River Journey.
• Set off in an open-air vehicle across a lush African savanna teeming with exotic animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris .
• Speed through the Himalayas on a runaway train while avoiding the Yeti as you conquer Expedition Everest .
• Wave to beloved Disney Characters as they sail along the Discovery River on fabulous flotillas.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Pack your imagination, switch tracks and take a ride on the cartoon side like never before when you hop aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway .
• Live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge ! Experience 2 thrilling attractions, build your own droid or lightsaber, savor Batuu’s tasty food and beverages, shop for Star Wars -themed merchandise and more!
• Discover big fun for kids and grown-ups alike at Toy Story Land . Take a wild ride on Slinky Dog Dash and go for a whirl on Alien Swirling Saucers.
• Watch in wonder as Mickey Mouse’s dreams come alive in Fantasmic! —an extravagant nighttime musical with stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and more.
• Celebrate every season at themed festivals featuring fantastic food, live entertainment and more—select dates throughout the year.
• Blast off on an intergalactic chase with Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Star-Lord on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind —a coaster inspired by the rockin’ movies.
• Board an ancient Norwegian vessel and be whisked away to the kingdom of Arendelle during a Frozen Ever After adventure.
• Journey around World Showcase , where you can explore the culture, arts, food and beverages of 11 different countries.

Save Up to 30% When You Stay 5 Nights or Longer

Stay in the magic with disney resorts collection, enjoy more time in the parks.

Early Theme Park Entry Guests of Disney Resort hotels can get a 30-minute jump on their Disney day with early theme park entry —available at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks. This popular benefit will continue through 2025!

Early theme park entry gives you a head start in the parks, so you’ll have access to select attractions, shops and dining before regular hours. And you can enjoy this benefit on each day of your stay—in any park, subject to capacity.

For early theme park entry, you'll need valid admission and a MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World Card. Theme park reservations may be required based on admission type.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels or Disney Deluxe Villas can enjoy extended evening hours —experiencing select attractions, shops and dining after regular park hours—in select theme parks on select nights. This popular benefit will continue through 2025!

Together with early theme park entry—available to all Disney Resort hotel Guests—you’ll get to arrive earlier and stay later so you can maximize your time in the parks!

Review our calendar for extended evening hours and dates .

If using a ticket with the Park Hopper option that requires a theme park reservation, please remember that you must enter the park where you made your reservation before you can visit other theme parks.

Start Your Stay with a Water Park Day in 2025

With this water park benefit, it’s easy to unwind on the day you arrive. Get ready to zip down thrilling water slides, relax on sandy beaches, float along a lazy river... and let your cares drift away. Learn more about the Walt Disney World water parks .

More details about this benefit will be available in late 2024, and will be shared with you before your stay.

Important Information About This Benefit

• This benefit is exclusive to registered Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel with a check-in date from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. All Guests must be on the Resort reservation. View eligible Disney Resort hotels .
• This benefit is only on the day of check-in, and is valid for admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. Check the park calendar and operating hours closer to your 2025 arrival to plan your check-in day.
• Usage of this benefit is subject to availability.
• At this time, a park reservation is not required to visit a water park; however, reservation requirements are subject to change.
• Water parks are subject to extended rehabilitation, seasonal, capacity and weather closures, or may close for other reasons.
• Each of our water parks is refurbished annually. These routine maintenance periods are staggered, so our Guests should be able to enjoy at least one water park experience year-round.
• Water park admission is nontransferable, nonrefundable and has no cash value, and excludes activities/events separately priced or not open to the general public.
• Parks, attractions and other offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice or liability. No refund or credit given for any such changes or cancellation. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.

Savor a World of Flavor

With tasty meals and snacks moments away, it’s easy to make the most of the magic during your stay.

Explore dining experiences available for booking during your vacation.

View a full list of the dining options at Walt Disney World Resort.

Add a Dining Plan

Now you can add a dining plan to Disney Resort Hotel Packages.

Dining plans can add the convenience and flexibility of prepaid meals and snacks to your vacation—and give you peace of mind.

Highlights include:

• Savings: Save up to 20% on dining for kids ages 3 to 9 when you purchase a dining plan for your family as part of a Disney Resort Hotel Package! Savings compared to the nondiscounted price of menu items available to kids ages 3 to 9 at participating locations when purchased without a dining plan. Actual savings vary based on menu items ordered.
• Convenience & Peace of Mind: With 2 dining plans to choose from, you can spend more time with your family enjoying the Disney magic (and less time on meal budgeting). And this gives you the opportunity to say that magic word to your kids... "Yes."
• Flexibility: There are more than 200 locations to dine at throughout our Disney Resort hotels, theme parks and select locations at Disney Springs. So there’s something to delight nearly every taste!

Learn more about dining plans .

Immerse Yourself in the Magic

From unique accommodations to distinctive dining options, themed rooms and more, the Disney Resorts Collection offers Guests a variety of options that exemplify the Disney difference.

Proximity Staying at a Disney Resort hotel keeps you in the magic—close to the theme parks, water parks and shopping at the Disney Springs area.

Activities and Amenities Disney Resort hotels feature amenities that immerse Guests in the worlds of classic Disney tales—including themed pools with slides, poolside activities, Character Dining experiences, unique recreation, delightful surprises and so much more.

Endless Possibilities With all of the great options in the Disney Resorts Collection, you’re sure to find one—or more than one—that fits you. From theme to budget, you have a world of amazing options to consider. You’re not just choosing a place to sleep at night—you’re choosing your home for the duration of your Walt Disney World vacation.

Want to wake up, look out your window, and say good morning to a giraffe? You can when you stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge . Ever stayed on the shores of the South Pacific? Drift away to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort . Or come home to larger-than-life recreations of scenes from favorite Disney and Pixar classics at Disney's Art of Animation Resort !

These are just a few of the Disney Resort hotels that await you at Walt Disney World Resort !

Make the Most of Your Visit

Get around with ease.

Resort Transportation

Our complimentary bus , boat and monorail services are available to take you to popular destinations throughout Walt Disney World Resort—some Disney Resort hotels even offer convenient walking paths to nearby parks.

Plus, the most recent addition to our fantastic world on the go, Disney Skyliner lets Guests glide across the sky while traveling between:

• EPCOT (International Gateway)
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels enjoy complimentary standard parking at Disney theme parks, Disney water parks and the Disney Springs area.

Add More Magic

As a Disney Resort hotel Guest, you can purchase a MagicBand+ at a special pre-arrival price.

MagicBand+ includes all of the features you’ve come to love with MagicBand—and more! Your MagicBand+ can be used to:

• Unlock your Disney Resort hotel room
• Enter theme parks and water parks (with valid admission)
• Check in at Lightning Lane entrances and virtual queues
• Charge food and merchandise purchases**
• Discover enchanting surprises and interactions across Walt Disney World Resort
• Connect Disney PhotoPass images to your Disney account

Learn more about MagicBand+ .

Early Access to Purchase Individual Lightning Lane Entry

Get quicker entry to a couple of our most popular attractions! If you’re a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you’re eligible to make your first individual Lightning Lane purchase starting at 7:00 AM each day of your visit. You can select a one-hour arrival window, one at a time, for up to 2 different attractions per day. Guests of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green may also enjoy this early-access benefit. All other Guests are eligible to make their first purchase when the park opens.

Learn more about our Lightning Lane entrances .

Note: Attractions with Lightning Lane entrances are limited in availability, subject to change or closure, may vary by date, and are not guaranteed. To enter a theme park, valid admission is required. A theme park reservation may also be required. Price, terms and entitlements are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice.

Make Reservations for Dining and More Get ready to dine or unwind! Here’s when you can make reservations for dining and Enchanting Extras Collection experiences :

• Guests with a Valid Disney Resort Hotel Reservation: Make reservations for your entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay) up to 60 days in advance of your arrival! This can help you enjoy streamlined vacation planning , since you can make all your reservations on the same day—rather than checking availability day after day.
• All Other Guests: Make reservations up to 60 days in advance.

To dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant, a confirmed dining reservation for the total number of Guests—regardless of age—is highly recommended. You will also need valid admission for the same park on that same date for each Guest ages 3 and up. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type. Learn more.

Dining reservations do not guarantee access to a park, and Park Hopper availability may change daily.

** Credit card must be presented at Disney Resort hotel check-in for purchases with MagicBand. Purchases are charged to your Disney Resort hotel account.

Enjoy Magical Extras with Your Package

More fun for everyone, disney water parks.

Zip down some of the world's tallest and fastest waterslides, plunge into fun on a family raft ride, feel your cares drift away on a lazy river or unwind on a sandy beach. Plus, your little ones can splash around in kid-sized areas!

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – Closed for Refurbishment Chill out in a winter wonderland at a one-time ski resort that melted into warm water.

Here, you can:

• Conquer the slopes of Mount Gushmore on Summit Plummet —one of the world’s tallest and fastest free-fall waterslides.
• Zoom down other thrilling waterslides, like the Downhill Double Dipper and Slush Gusher .
• Float along Cross Country Creek , a 3,000-foot-long lazy river.
• Let your little ones explore Tike’s Peak , a water play area with a snow castle fountain and kid-sized waterslides.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Now Open! Delight in this tropical paradise that’s been transformed by a legendary storm into an oasis of pure excitement.

• Ride a wave at Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool —North America’s largest wave pool.
• Grab a friend and take the plunge down Crush ‘n’ Gusher , featuring thrilling dips and turns.
• Watch your little ones enjoy a whimsical water playground with pint-sized slides, water cannons and other fun features at Ketchakiddee Creek .
• Relax as you float along Castaway Creek and take in lush, tropical surroundings.

Important Information Valid water park admission required. Water parks subject to seasonal and weather closures. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for refurbishment.

Disney Springs

Find happily whatever you’re after at Disney Springs:

• Delectable dining options to please almost every palate
• Shopping galore , from unique boutiques to whimsical Disney-themed stores
• Fun for all ages , with bowling, a movie theater, a carousel and more
• Live entertainment , including Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil® and Disney—a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration between 2 iconic memory-makers

Delectable Dining

• Character dining (with modifications) at Garden Grill Restaurant, Hollywood & Vine, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Chef Mickey’s and more
• Signature dining where you can celebrate a special occasion in style
• Counter-service restaurants —ideal for grabbing a quick bite on-the-go
• Mobile Order at select quick-service restaurants, which enables you to save time by ordering ahead via the My Disney Experience app
• Spectacular rooftop dining at California Grill, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera and Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

When to Make Dining Reservations Get ready to dine! Make advance reservations at select Walt Disney World restaurants.

Enchanting Extras Collection

• Hands-on Star Wars experiences at Droid Depot and Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (with valid park admission)
• In-Room Floral & Gifts , featuring beautiful gift and snack baskets, themed balloon bouquets and enchanting floral arrangements—all designed to celebrate your special moments
• Capture Your Moment , a personalized photo session with Disney PhotoPass photographers in a Walt Disney World theme park
• Fascinating tours that take you to special locations at Walt Disney World Resort—including Savor the Savanna and Behind the Seeds

Explore the Enchanting Extras Collection .

Design Your Disney Vacation

Explore places to stay.

Choose from uniquely themed Disney Resort hotels—with options to suit your style and budget.

4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket

Enjoy 4 days of theme park fun from $99 per day, plus tax (total price from $396, plus tax). One admission per theme park. One theme park per day.

Disney is changing its DAS program: What guests with disabilities should know

Walt Disney World and Disneyland are changing their policies for guests with disabilities .

The Florida and California resorts will keep their popular Disability Access Service (DAS), but adjust qualifications, registration procedures, and length of validity to help ensure guests receive the accommodations they need.

“Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement.

Here’s what travelers with disabilities should know:

What is DAS? 

Disney World and Disneyland previously described their Disability Access Service as a program “to assist guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability.”

Guests who qualify for and enroll in DAS wait just as long as guests in the standby line, sometimes a little longer, but they don’t have to physically stay in the queue. Instead, they can join the line virtually, wait out the designated time elsewhere in the park, and then return to the attraction for a shorter in-person wait.

Who qualifies for DAS at Disney?

Not all disabilities impact the ability to tolerate long waits in traditional queues. For example, guests in wheelchairs or electric conveyance vehicles may still be able to wait in many lines in their mobility devices. 

New updates to the resorts’ accessibility webpages further clarify DAS’ intended audience: “Guests, who due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”

How do you qualify for a Disney disability pass?

Registering for DAS involves meeting with a specially trained cast member, who can determine if DAS is the right fit.

In the past, that could be done in advance online or in person at both resorts. The conversation lasts just minutes, though online waits have historically taken longer.

Need accomodations? Travelers with disabilities will need this card at some theme parks

How is DAS changing?

Starting May 20 for Disney World, guests may only enroll in DAS with a virtual video meeting, not in person at the parks. It’s highly recommended to do so in the planning stages of the trip, but virtual chats will also be available on the day of visits. Again, they will no longer be available in person at Disney World.

Disneyland guests may continue to register for DAS with a virtual video call ahead of their trip, which is strongly encouraged, or in person on the day of visits, but starting June 18, the location for registration will move from Guests Services inside the parks to the outside esplanade area between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

Virtual video calls will be similar to what existing and past DAS enrollees are used to having with cast members, but Disney is also partnering with Inspire Health Alliance , whose experts may be brought in.

DAS may be used by the enrollee and up to four companions (or more if there are more than four immediate family members who all want to experience an attraction together).

How long is DAS at Disney good for?

Guests who have already enrolled in DAS may use it for 60 days from their date of registration, with no changes required.

New enrollees registering between now and May 19 at Disney World or June 17 at Disneyland will have up to 30 days to use the service, starting from their date of registration.

Beginning May 20 at Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland, new DAS enrollments will be valid for 120 days, double the previous 60.

Why is Disney making these changes?

DAS has become the most requested service at Disneyland and Disney World in recent years, with the volume of users eclipsing the program’s intended audience and numbers only expected to grow. That in turn impacts waits and experiences for those who need the accommodations. 

The changes are designed to help ensure DAS reaches its intended audience. Meanwhile, Disney is also increasing the number of specially trained cast members to help guests with other access needs find the right accommodations. 

Those may include American Sign Language interpretation, Disney Handheld Devices that provide captions and visual descriptions for guests with hearing impairment, braille guidebooks and maps, sensory guides for attractions, and at Disneyland, Location Return Times for guests with mobility devices or other physical needs that can’t be accommodated by older, non-wheelchair accessible attraction queues.

What does Disney consider a disability? 

Disney recognizes all kinds of disabilities and access needs, many of which are invisible.

While guests won’t find an exhaustive list of disabilities on Disney’s websites, their newly updated accessibility pages serve as a first stop in navigating accommodations.

Cast members are also available to answer questions in staffed virtual chats. 

Does Disney request proof of disability?

Disney does not require documentation proving disability or access needs, nor will they be required with these upcoming changes.

Walt Disney World ® Resort Dining Offer for Cardmembers

A delicious dining offer awaits at walt disney world ® resort.

Get a FREE dining plan when you use your Disney® Visa® Card to purchase a non-discounted 4-night/4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package on select dates that includes a room at select Disney Resort hotels and tickets with a Park Hopper ® Option. 1

With this offer, you can discover the convenience and flexibility of dining plans—which include a certain number of meals and snacks during your stay. And with more than 200 participating dining locations, there’s something to delight nearly every taste!

For the Disney Quick-Service dining plan, everyone in the party ages 3 and up receives 2 Quick-Service Meals and 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay), plus 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug. For the Disney dining plan, everyone in the party ages 3 and up receives 1 Quick-Service Meal, 1 Table-Service Meal and 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay), plus 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug. 1 Learn more about the dining plans.

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Disney Has Revamped Its Accessibility Services and Line-Skipping Policy Due to Misuse

The changes go into effect this spring.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Christian Thompson/Courtesy of Disneyland Resort

Disney just announced some major changes to its Disability Access Service (DAS) and unveiled new planning resources to help guests with disabilities prepare for a magical vacation.

On Tuesday, Disney updated its Accessibility Planning Guide and Recommendations for Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort with a variety of tools for guests to use when planning their next Disney trip. The new-and-improved guide provides greater clarity about the types of accessibility options (and which guests they were created for), with helpful tips like quiet locations where guests can take a break, a list of companion restrooms, guidelines for service animals, transportation around the resort, sensory details for various experiences, and more.

“Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks,” a spokesperson for Walt Disney World Resort said in a statement to Travel + Leisure.  

Related: 42 Disney World and Disneyland Tips for a Magical Vacation

Christine Burroni/Travel + Leisure

The DAS revamp also comes the goal to manage the misuse of the line-skipping program and ensure that the guests it is intended for can access it. Effective May 20 at Walt Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland, DAS enrollment for the program will extend to last 120 days instead of 60, and DAS party size will be limited to include only immediate family members, or no more than four guests. 

DAS works by providing those enrolled in the program a return time for attractions, eliminating the need for those those guests and their parties to wait in the standby queue. The return time typically equals the current wait time for the attraction so guests can wait elsewhere and return to enter the attraction via the Lightning Lane at the assigned time. Disney reported to T+L that DAS use has more than tripled over the last five years. Disney will also be adding more trained cast members (in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance’s health professionals) to help guests understand the best tools and accommodations for their needs while also making sure that only the guests for whom those accommodations were intended receive them.

Related: Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World — Everything You Need to Know About Both Theme Park Resorts

In the wake of these new changes, Disney is strongly encouraging guests to check out the updated websites to view the host of services for guests with disabilities to see which best match what they need.

To acquaint guests with the new resource, visitors can have a virtual video chat with the Accessibility Services team anytime from 30 to 2 days prior to their visit to determine a guest’s eligibility for DAS based on their individual needs. Disney recommends that guests start planning as soon as the window opens (or sooner). Alternatively, guests at Disneyland can have the conversation in-person at a designated window on the esplanade between the theme park main entrances (if they cannot before their arrival), but visitors to Walt Disney World will need to connect with a cast member via a virtual chat if they do not complete this before their arrival.

Per Disney, the goal of this new process is ensuring only the guests who require the DAS receive it. Cast members may also direct guests to other accessibility services (besides DAS) that are a better fit, including line-return options for guests who may need to visit the restroom with greater frequency, ASL interpreting services, service animal relief areas, or wheelchair access for guests using mobility devices.

Some Disney fans abused disability access to skip lines. Now rules are changing.

After use tripled, disney is restricting who can use the service at its florida and california theme parks.

Disney will soon change its policies for theme park visitors with disabilities, restricting eligibility for services that help some people avoid waiting in line for rides.

The updates, which the company posted on park websites this week, have created a wave of uncertainty among fans, who are left wondering whether they’ll be able to continue using the disability access service known as DAS. The shift comes as Disney acknowledges that some customers have misused the program; the company has already taken some steps to crack down on abuse.

According to Disney, disability access has become the most widely requested service at the parks, with use more than tripling over the past five years.

“The system has always had some level of questionable use, if not abuse,” Len Testa, president of the planning site Touring Plans and co-author of the Unofficial Guides to Walt Disney World and Disneyland , said in an email.

The changes at the Florida and California theme parks include updates on who is allowed to use DAS, how many people can join them in receiving benefits, how to apply for it and ways they can use it.

The free service lets guests reserve a time to show up for a ride with a comparable wait to the in-person queue at the time they request it. For example, if someone wants to ride Space Mountain and the wait is 45 minutes long, they can request a slot 45 minutes later. They don’t have to stay in line while they wait, and they can use an expedited lane when they show up.

Under the new guidelines posted online this week, the disability access program is “intended to accommodate a small percentage of Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period or time.” The changes go into effect on May 20 at Walt Disney World and on June 18 at Disneyland.

The service has always been meant for those visitors described in the new policy, Disney told The Washington Post, but the program did not use such specific language in the past and was granted to users with other needs.

Disney did not answer specific questions about what options would be available for people with disabilities other than those laid out in the new policy. The company said visitors should check the updated websites to explore the “suite of services for guests with disabilities that match their needs” and follow up with employees for an individual conversation if needed.

Disney is also adding options for people who might have difficulty with lines, including a “return to queue” process that has not yet been fully detailed for people who need frequent restroom access. Disney will have more workers, called cast members, available and trained to help direct guests to the options they need; health professionals from Inspire Health Alliance will help Disney employees determine eligibility as needed. They will not require documentation, unlike the services at other theme park companies including Universal and Six Flags .

That recent growth in DAS users coincides with the 2021 introduction of Genie Plus, a paid service that lets people skip long lines. On Thursday, the add-on cost was between $17 and $27 a person at Walt Disney World, depending on which of the four parks people were visiting.

“We knew that the system was under more stress than it could handle,” Testa said.

On forums for Disney fans, social media and blogs, people who said they or family members have used the service in the past for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, anxiety, breathing issues and Crohn’s disease expressed concern about what the changes would mean for them. Some said they saw the update as a way to force people to purchase Genie Plus if they wanted to avoid long lines. Many said they felt disappointed that a formerly safe and accommodating vacation spot suddenly seemed like it would be more difficult to navigate.

At Disneyland, visitors will be able to use a virtual video chat ahead of a trip or talk to someone in person at the parks. In Florida, visitors will only have the option of a virtual video chat, but it will be available ahead of time or on-site.

“Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all Guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our Guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks,” the company said in a statement.

Stacey Crane, a frequent Disney visitor from Kentucky who posts Disney content on YouTube , said she has qualified for the disability service because of stomach issues. She’s not sure how her next trip in July will go, and wondered how the “return to queue” system would work.

“There’s so many other health issues that may be affected by this,” she said. “I’m just nervous to see how it’s going to pan out.”

She said that on a recent trip, even with the disability service, she needed to leave an expedited lane quickly and found it difficult.

“If I need to leave, I need to leave; I don’t need to take my time, I need to go,” she said. “It makes it a lot easier for us right now.”

The current system has been in place since 2013, when it replaced a previous version that granted visitors with disabilities a card that let them skip lines for rides. The New York Post reported that year that some wealthy New York City families were hiring guides with disabilities to usher them to the front of lines.

In recent years, some have called out social media users for allegedly promoting misuse of the disability access service. When Disney abruptly banned third-party tour guides from operating in its parks last year, the company said it was in part because of inappropriate use of the program for disabled visitors.

Testa said he was recently at Epcot in Florida with family members and overheard one man recommend the DAS program to another, explaining that it let his family maximize the number of rides they could get on. When the other man said his child didn’t really have a disability, the first one assured him that no one asked many questions.

“I’m looking at this like, ‘This is why we don’t have nice things,’” Testa said. “It took every fiber of my being not to jump into the conversation and say ‘Just don’t do that.’” When guests in the park are telling other guests how to game the system, something has to change.”

The company said that in part because of misuse, the program has become unwieldy and that changes were needed to preserve it for the people for whom it was intended. The new policy says the service will be available for the individual who needs it and immediate family only, or no more than four people total if they aren’t immediate family members. Under the program that’s changing, it is good for a party of six.

Disney warns — as it did before — that there are steep consequences for making false statements to get the disability service.

“The Guest will be permanently barred from entering Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, and any previously purchased Annual Passes, Magic Key passes, tickets and other park products and services will be forfeited and not refunded,” the website says.

More about Disney

Outsiders banned: Disney theme park trips cost a lot — more every year — and take heaps of planning to pull off. But the company has recently banned some independent tour guides from helping visitors navigate the parks, citing “unauthorized commercial activities.”

Next-level fandom: For some Disney fans, donning a pair of Mickey ears isn’t enough. In a practice called “ Disneybounding ,” they create entire character-inspired outfits that don’t run afoul of rules that ban costumes for adults. Disney food fans had a reason to celebrate when a beloved snack, Dole Whip , came to grocery stores. How does it stack up to the parks version?

Political crossfire: The most magical place on earth has gotten political , thanks to a battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). While several observers have suggested Disney World move out of the Sunshine State, experts say it’s a goofy proposition. Fan sites have been forced to add coverage of lawsuits to their standard lineup about rides, churros and characters.