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Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

20 Insanely Useful Tips For Your First Time At Disney World

March 3, 2021 //  by  Kimberly Jones //   Leave a Comment

If it’s your first time traveling to Disney World, it might feel a little overwhelming! There seems to be so much that you have to do, pack, plan, reserve….the list goes on and on. However, your first time at Disney doesn’t have to be stressful! We have 20 Insanely Useful Tips For Your First Time At Disney World.

This is a list of tips that we think first time Disney goers should know! It goes over what you should bring, how you could be making money by declining housekeeping, freebies, magic bands, and much, much more! Read on to learn all the tips every Disney vacationer should be aware of!

Get Familiar with My Disney Experience

The My Disney Experience app is the best free tool Disney has to offer! You will definitely want to download and take a look at this app before your first time at Disney. It’s helpful to get familiar with it before you even leave for vacation.

This app allows you to hold your Disney vacation plans at your fingertips. You are able to do so many things on this app such as make park and dining reservations, check wait times , look up park hours, see digital maps, look at PhotoPass photos, and so much more! 

The first thing you will want to do when you download the My Disney Experience app is to link your tickets, your resort room, and all of the friends and family you will be traveling with. Linking up with the people you are traveling with will make it easier to book dining reservations. You will also need to be linked if you want to all ride Rise of the Resistance together! 

This app is a MUST for your first time at Disney. Check out our 16 Best Disney Apps to Download Before Your Vacation for even more helpful apps!

Consider Renting DVC Points

Disney resorts can get expensive, so we want to help you find the best ways to stay at Disney for cheap! DVC is the acronym for the Disney Vacation Club . This is Disney’s timeshare system that operates by using points to stay at Deluxe resorts. People pay a premium to be a part of the Disney Vacation Club, and they are able to buy points to use.

Sometimes Disney Vacation Club members aren’t able to use up all of their points, so they rent them out to others. That’s where you come in! Renting DVC points is a great option if you were planning on staying at a Deluxe Resort. These resorts can get very pricey, but renting points can make staying at a Deluxe Resort more cost effective!

Our favorite place to rent DVC points is David’s DVC Rental ! You’ll be able to see how much you’d be paying by renting out points. Compare these prices to Disney’s Deluxe Resort prices, and you will realize what a steal this is! 

Staying at a Deluxe Resort is super special because these are the best resorts Disney has to offer. Make your first Disney vacation extra special by staying at one of these resorts!

Don’t Forget to Make Park and Dining Reservations in Advance

Some people don’t realize that a Disney vacation involves lots and lots of planning beforehand! You have to buy your tickets and book a room, but you can’t forget to make advance park and dining reservations! 

Disney now operates on a park pass reservation system . This means you have to book a park pass for the park you want to visit on a specific day. For example, if you are vacationing at Disney for 4 days, but you are only going to the parks for 3 of those days, you will need to choose what dates you want to go to the parks and which park for that certain date. 

I know it may seem confusing, but it is super simple to do! Just go on My Disney Experience and go to the “Make Theme Park Reservations” section. From here you can select your dates and parks, and then you’re done! 

After you have your park days booked, now it’s time to think about where you want to eat! There are lots of Quick Service locations to choose from, but if you want to eat at a Table Service restaurant, you will need to book those reservations in advance. Sometimes you are able to walk up to a restaurant and get a table, but it’s safer to book a reservation, especially for those more popular restaurants.

You can also book your dining reservations in the My Disney Experience app. Click the “+” button at the bottom of the screen and then click “Check Dining Availability”. Make sure that you are booking restaurants for the dates and locations of the park you are visiting that day!

There Are Fun Things to do on Arrival Day

Some people choose to hit the parks as soon as they check into their resort, but there are also other fun things to do on your arrival day! Even if your room isn’t ready when you get there, you can still explore the resort! You can leave your bags with bell services, and they will hold onto your bags until your room is ready. This way you can go do fun things without worrying about lugging your bags around! 

Arrival day is a great day for swimming! Change into those swimsuits and hit the resort pool while you wait for your room to be ready. If you don’t feel like swimming, you can also travel to other neighboring resorts and explore them as well. 

One of my favorite things to do on arrival day is visit Disney Springs ! It’s super relaxing and fun to walk around and shop without worrying about which ride to run to next. There are so many tasty restaurants and fun shops to explore. It’s a great way to start off the trip, and you can find some great souvenirs to use throughout your vacation! 

It can also be fun to book a dining reservation the night of your arrival. Disney resorts and Disney Springs have lots of great restaurants, you can’t go wrong with whichever you choose!

Check out our 12 Things To Do On Your Disney Arrival Day for even more fun ideas!

Make Money by Declining Housekeeping

Did you know you can make money by saying “no” to housekeeping ? Crazy, right?! This is a great perk some people don’t know about, but we definitely want you to know before your first time at Disney! 

Service Your Way is part of Disney’s green initiative to cut back on electricity, laundry, and waste. They reward guests who opt out of housekeeping with a gift card! The gift card amount varies depending on how many nights you are staying. You get $10 per night minus one night. So if you are staying 5 nights, you will get a $40 gift card.

Now you can use this extra money for souvenirs and snacks! If you don’t plan on being in your room a lot and don’t make much of a mess, opting out of housekeeping is a great idea. You can feel good about helping Disney with their green initiative and you get money at the same time! It’s a win-win!

Resorts Charge for Parking But Theme Park Parking is Free for Resort Guests

There are pros and cons to staying at a Disney resort. One of the cons is that Disney resorts charge for parking per night. The cost varies depending on which category of resort you stay at. Value resort parking costs $15 per night. Moderate resort parking costs $20 per night. Deluxe resort parking is $25 per night. These nights can add up to a significant amount if you’re planning on staying for a while.

The pro for staying at a Disney resort in regards to parking is that parking at the theme parks is free. Guests staying off property have to pay $25 per day for standard parking and $45-50 per day for preferred parking. 

Overall, if you drive to Disney, you’re going to pay for parking whether or not you are staying at a Disney resort. Do be aware though that Disney offers free transportation from your resort to the parks, Disney Springs, and the water parks, so you don’t need to rely on a car to get around.

Prepare to Walk A LOT and Bring Comfy Shoes

Going to Disney is no joke. You will be walking around A LOT (seriously a lot)! It can get pretty exhausting, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. Know how much walking you can handle before you go to Disney. This way you can plan out your day to minimize the amount of walking you will have to do.

When we go to Magic Kingdom , we like to plan any reservations in the order we’ll be walking through the park. We’ll start in one land and work our way to the opposite side through all the other lands. This way we don’t miss out on anything while decreasing the amount of walking we will have to do. 

Another great way to be prepared for all that walking is to bring comfy shoes! We can’t stress enough how important it is to wear shoes you are comfortable walking around in at the parks. This will save your feet so much unnecessary pain or blisters! Make sure to break in any new shoes before you wear them during your first time at Disney. We have a list of the Best Shoes for Disney to help you find the perfect pair! 

It’s also important to give yourself plenty of time to get from place to place. Disney is huge, so it can take a while to get from your resort to a park or to another resort. If you have a reservation planned, make sure to schedule extra time for any mishaps. Sometimes a bus can be running late or there will be crowds. Don’t stress yourself out by waiting until the last minute to get somewhere!

Check the Weather Before Your Trip and Be Prepared for it to Change

Florida is super unpredictable when it comes to weather. It could be raining at one moment and then the sun could be shining in the next. It can be helpful to check the weather all the way up until you leave for your trip, but you should still be prepared for it to change. 

The summer months are the worst when it comes to rain in Florida . Even though Florida is in the south, it can still get a little chilly at night during the winter months. Depending on when you are vacationing to Disney, it’s important to have a few essentials for any unpredictable weather.

The most important item you will need in the summer months is a poncho or rain jacket! Always be carrying one in your bag for any unexpected rain. It literally comes out of nowhere in some instances. No one wants to walk around in the parks soaking wet! But we also know you don’t want to spend lots of money on Disney brand ponchos.

Prepare before your trip by purchasing cheap ponchos. These can easily be reused during your whole vacation and discarded at the end. They are definitely a life saver! 

During the winter months, it’s a great idea to bring a jacket. The day time outside will feel nice, but those nights can get cold. Having a light jacket on hand will ensure you’re never uncomfortable!

Don’t Miss Out On Freebies!

Before your first trip to Disney World, you’ll want to know about all of the freebies you can score! One of the best freebies, especially for your first Disney vacation, is a “First Visit” button. Ask any retail or resort cast member for a free button. They have different buttons for different occasions! You’re going to want that “First Visit” button for sure. When cast members see you wearing this button, they make sure to make your first Disney visit extra special! 

Another freebie most people don’t know about is that you can get free ice water. At any quick service location with a soda fountain, you can ask the cast members for a cup of water. No one at Disney wants you getting dehydrated! 

The Play Dinsey app is a free app that makes your Disney vacation even more immersive. The app tracks your location and gives you access to fun games themed to the ride or area you are located in. There is also trivia and you can earn achievements. The app turns into a data pad as soon as you enter Galaxy’s Edge ! Once here, you can complete missions, translate languages, hack into droids, and more! 

If apps aren’t your thing, trying going on a Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt! There are tons of hidden Mickeys all around the parks and resorts. You could spend a whole day just looking for them! 

Another fun free thing to do at Disney is to watch free movies ! Most Disney resorts have “Movie Under the Stars”, where you are able to watch a Disney movie outside on a big screen at night. Check with your resort to find out when and what movie will be playing while you are there! 

There are so many other awesome free things to do at Disney World, we made our own article for them! Check out our 17 Totally Free Things To Do At Disney World ! (Some things might be temporarily unavailable due to the current pandemic.)

Magic Bands Aren’t Required, But They Are Helpful

Back in 2020, Disney used to provide Magic Bands to every resort guest for free. Starting at the beginning of January 2021, Disney now charges $5 for the basic magic bands when you order them before your trip. If you wait to buy them in the parks, it costs $15 for the basic bands. They also have a lot of specialty designed bands for a higher price.

Magic Bands are insanely useful ! They are your park tickets , your room key, and your credit card (if you choose to link it)! These can make traveling around super convenient because everything is right on your wrist. 

Disney started charging for Magic Bands because they are planning on enabling a digital version of the bands on My Disney Experience. This would allow you to do everything from your phone instead. Fun fact: You can actually unlock your resort room with your My Disney Experience app! 

If the Magic Bands aren’t for you, that’s okay! Disney has other options. They also have the Key to the World card which can do the same things a Magic Band can, but in card form. You can get these for free at your front desk.  You can also just use a standard ticket to get into the parks and use your own credit card to purchase things. 

Deciding on which route you choose depends on what you’re comfortable with! Magic Bands are super useful because you don’t have to worry about carrying anything around. You can also reuse your Magic Bands for future vacations!

Make Sure to Have a Break and Don’t Worry About Doing Everything!

Contrary to what you might believe, Disney vacations can be exhausting! You’re getting up early every day to run around the parks from morning to night and trying to fit everything in! But please don’t push yourself too hard, especially during your first time at Disney! That’s the worst way to turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.

Make sure to schedule breaks either during the middle of the day or have a full break day in between your park days. This will ensure you and your family don’t get burnt out during your trip. Use these breaks to take a nap or relax at the pool. It will feel good to get off your feet for a little bit and not be constantly moving. You’ll thank us later! 

Also, don’t worry about doing absolutely everything at Disney World. Disney really has so much to offer, it would be impossible to fit it all into one trip. Instead, plan your must-do attractions and food ahead of time. Figure out what rides you have to do and the ones you could live with missing. This way you get to do everything you want to do, and then you might have some extra time for the other things! 

I have been going to Disney for years, and I still haven’t even done everything! Don’t sweat it and just enjoy your time at the most magical place on earth!

You Don’t Need to Go to the Parks to Have Fun

Some people think that Disney is only about the parks, but this is not true! There are so many wonderful things to experience away from Disney’s theme parks. 

Disney has water parks , resorts, mini golf, excursions, dining, shopping, and more! You could spend a whole day (or multiple) doing things outside of the parks.

There are lots of different resorts that Disney has to offer, and you can go visit them all! Even if you’re staying at a Value resort doesn’t mean you can’t go explore a Deluxe resort! Each resort has its own unique theming, shopping, and dining. You can even go see live animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! 

A lot of the resorts also have their own excursions or activities you can do! Fort Wilderness has horseback riding, you can rent a boat at the Grand Floridian , you can go fishing at the Yacht and Beach Club , etc. Each resort is unique in the kinds of activities they offer, but you don’t have to be staying at that specific resort to do them! 

Disney Springs is another great place to find fun things to do! You can go bowling at Splitsville, catch a movie at AMC Theaters, build a dinosaur at T-Rex Cafe, and much more. There are also a ton of fun shops, dining, and snacks to try! You don’t want to miss out on Disney Springs during your first time at Disney! 

The list goes on and on for what you can do for fun away from the parks! Use your break day to try some new adventures!

Some Splurges Are Worth It!

We know, we know, Disney is already expensive enough! But we are here to tell you that there are some splurgers at Disney World that are actually worth it! Like we had mentioned earlier, you can rent DVC points to stay at Deluxe Resorts, and this is a splurge that is worth it! 

Deluxe Resorts have nicer and bigger pools, immersive theming, more restaurant and lounge options, better rooms, and are just overall nicer. This isn’t to say that Value or Moderate Resorts aren’t nice! Deluxe Resorts are just a fun splurge that will let you enjoy the full Disney package! 

Another fun splurge is the Memory Maker . Memory Maker gives you access to all of the photos taken of you by the Photopass photographers at the parks. It even gives you access to your ride photos! Memory Maker costs $199 if you buy it at Disney or $169 if you buy it before your vacation. Memory Maker helps you capture all of your memories without you even having to pull out your camera! 

It’s some people’s dream to make their very own lightsaber, and now you can actually do that! At Savi’s Workshop in Galaxy’s Edge, you can build your very own lightsaber! It costs $200 per person, but it is well worth it. This is an experience you and your family won’t forget! 

If you’re looking for a cheaper splurge, buying a popcorn bucket is a great option! A regular popcorn at Disney costs $5 while a Disney popcorn bucket costs $12. Now you might think it’s crazy to spend an extra $7 on a bucket, but we’ll tell you why it’s worth it! Disney’s popcorn buckets are refillable for only $2 per refill! If you plan on eating a lot of popcorn during your vacation, buying a popcorn bucket will actually save you money ! 

Check out our 16 Best Splurges At Disney Worth The Spend for even more ideas! (Some things might be temporarily unavailable due to the current pandemic.)

A Guaranteed Way to See Characters is to Book Character Dining

Currently, the only way to see characters around the parks is during a character cavalcade parade or spotting a character just standing about at a safe distance. The only thing is there is no way to know when these small parades might be happening or when characters might be out. If you want to guarantee a way to see characters, we recommend booking a character dining reservation .

Here is a list of the current character dining locations that are open with modified character experiences and the characters you might see:

Garden Grill :

Toppolino’s Terrace Breakfast:

Hollywood and Vine Breakfast:

• Doc Mcstuffins
• Sofia the First
• Jake from the Neverland Pirates

Hollywood and Vine Lunch/Dinner:

Chef Mickey’s :

You won’t be able to get any autographs or hugs from your favorite characters, but you will be able to take socially distanced photos when they pass by your table!

Disney Offers Lots of Dietary and Vegan Options

You might be surprised to find out that Disney World isn’t all just hamburgers and chicken nuggets. They actually have some really tasty and unique options at both table service and quick service restaurants!

Just because you’re going to Disney doesn’t mean you need to forgo any of your special dietary needs. Disney is very accommodating to any allergies or dietary restrictions guests might have. If you have any dietary restrictions, just let the cast member or server know, and they will be able to help you modify your meal! 

If you have an allergy, ask the cast member for an allergy friendly menu! It will let you know what is and isn’t safe to eat. 

Disney even offers Halal meals at select restaurants. You have to make a request for a Halal meal 24 hours in advance or when you book your dining reservation. 

If you are vegan, you can still find delicious meals at Disney! Most restaurants have some sort of vegan option, but if they don’t for some reason, you can request to make them vegan! Disney wants everyone to be able to enjoy their food! 

Fun fact: Disney’s popcorn is actually vegan! Snack away! 

If you’re vegan or have dietary restrictions, check out our 20+ Best Places to Eat Vegan at Disney World for our favorites!

You Can Have Groceries Delivered to Your Resort

It might surprise you to know that you can actually get groceries delivered right to your resort ! That way you don’t have to try to fit a bunch of snacks and food in your luggage! 

There are lots of different ways you can get groceries delivered to your resort. You can use Instacart, Walmart Grocery Delivery, Garden Grocer, Amazon Prime Now, or whatever you prefer. This makes it super convenient for you to get all of the snacks/food you need without having to leave your resort.

Disney resorts have small convenience sections in the gift shops. Don’t waste all your money on those snacks though! They are overpriced, and you can get your food for much cheaper with a grocery delivery service.

You Are Able to Bring Your Own Food Into the Parks

After ordering all of those groceries, you don’t have to leave them at the resort! You can actually bring your own snacks and meals into the parks ! This is actually a really great way to save money during your first time at Disney. Especially if you have hungry kids that are constantly asking for snacks.

The only restrictions are:

• No glass, except for small baby food jars
• Loose ice must be in a sealed bag

Besides these restrictions, you can bring whatever food you’d like into the parks! I like to bring little ziploc bags full of snacks such as pretzels, goldfish, fruit snacks, and protein bars. This will help you avoid spending lots of money on Disney’s overpriced snacks. However, some are actually worth it! 

Tip: Gum is not sold anywhere on Disney property. Make sure to buy some before your vacation if you need it!

Prepare a Park Bag With All of the Necessities

It can be helpful to prepare what you will be bringing in your park bag before you get to Disney World! There are several things you might not have thought of to bring. It’ll be much cheaper to buy these items at home from places like Amazon or the Dollar Tree rather than when you get to Disney World. 

As mentioned above, you are able to bring snacks into the parks with you! Snacks are a great addition to any park bag to curb hunger while you wait for your next meal. 

An external battery charger and phone charging cord are another must for your bag. You’ll be using My Disney Experience a lot to keep up with your plans, so it’s important to have something to keep that phone charged!

Bringing your own water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated in the Florida heat. Cast Members do not want you passing out during your vacation! 

A poncho or umbrella is another great addition to your park bag. You will definitely need one of these if you are traveling to Disney in the summer! 

It’s also a great idea to bring some form of entertainment for long lines! Either download some fun apps on your phone or bring toys for your children to keep them occupied. 

There are lots of other things that might be necessary for you to bring to the parks. Read our What To Bring In Your Disney Park Bag for a full list of what we think you might need!

Utilize Rider Switch

If for your first time at Disney you are traveling with small children, you should know what rider switch is! If you’re bringing a child that doesn’t meet the height requirement of certain rides, don’t worry! Everyone in your family (minus the child that doesn’t meet the requirement) will still be able to ride.

Rider switch (also known as rider swap or child swap) is Disney’s service for rides with height requirements that will help you ride those rides without having to wait in line twice. You go up to the cast member of the attraction you want to ride and let them know you want to use rider switch. They will scan everyone’s magic bands to get you set up. 

Then, one part of the family can get in the normal line to ride the attraction while an adult stays with the child who can’t ride. After that part of the family is done riding, the adult waiting with the child can use the FastPass line to skip the regular line and bring two others to ride with them. This means that some people could ride the attraction twice! 

Now no one has to miss out on any attractions, and you don’t have to wait in the regular line two times for everyone to ride! Make sure to use rider switch if you have small children with you to save time. 

There are some rides at Disney that have no height requirements. This means anyone, even babies, can ride! It is possible to visit Disney with toddlers and still have fun !

Know Your Stroller Options

Another thing to consider when bringing children to Disney World is what kind of stroller to use. You can bring your own stroller or you can rent one, either from Disney or from a third party service. 

The only rules against strollers are that you can’t bring in wagons and the strollers cannot exceed 31” (79cm) wide x 52” (132cm) long. Keep these restrictions in mind if you are bringing your own stroller or renting any place else that isn’t Disney. 

If you bring your own stroller or rent from around Florida, you will be able to bring that stroller with you to resorts, Disney Springs, the parks, and pretty much anywhere you go. If you rent a stroller from the Disney parks, those strollers are not able to leave the parks! 

All in all, it really depends on what you need for your children. If you just need strollers in the parks, it might be easier to rent from Disney. If you need a stroller all the time, bring your own or rent from around Florida.

For more information on finding the right stroller, read our How To Choose the Best Disney Stroller Option For You !

We hope you have found these tips as useful as we did! Our goal here at Disney Trippers is for you to have the best Disney trip possible! What was your favorite tip? What was something new that you learned? Let us know and have fun at your first time at Disney!

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The Ultimate Disney World Guide for First Timers (2024)

Disney World for first timers can be…well…overwhelming! And there’s no way I want you to feel that way. So, I created the ultimate Disney World guide for first timers (and I’m so excited to share it with you!). 

I’ve been lucky enough to go to Disney World anywhere from 1-3 times per year my whole life. I’ve done Disney as a kid, teenager, adult…and now as a mom myself (which has been awesome, by the way! So if you’re going to Disney with kids, no need to stress…I got you!). 

No, I’m not a local, so I can’t just pop in and see the latest and greatest thing going on there any time I want. I have to plan for each Disney trip we take to make sure we make the most out of it, while still making it feel like a vacation. 

Believe it or not, planning a first Disney trip can be almost as fun as actually going on the trip. In this Disney World guide, I’ll cover it all thoroughly enough to give a great head start on this planning extravaganza, but also concise enough so that you’re not sitting here for hours reading it. 

Now, let’s get planning for your first time at Disney World!

Disclosure: You may see affiliate links throughout this post, which means these are the things I handpicked! If you purchase something through these links, I will get a small commission at absolutely no extra charge to you. And that sure means a lot to me, so thank you in advance! See the privacy policy for more information.

Walt Disney World is the size of the city San Francisco. And that’s probably one of the reasons it feels like such a big task to plan your first Disney vacation. 

So, needless to say, there’s zero chance you’ll do it all on your first trip to Disney (heck, I haven’t even done it all, and I’ve been more times than I can count!). And that’s okay . Please remember that as you’re planning!

But just to get started, let’s review some of what makes up Walt Disney World:

Four Theme Parks 

Magic kingdom.

Think quintessential Disney. A mix of classic attractions and new favorites, TONS of rides that everyone can enjoy , and a pretty epic fireworks show. Magic Kingdom is a must-do during a first-time visit to Walt Disney World in my opinion! 

At Epcot, you’ll find some amazing food and drink options. And this is absolutely the best park if meeting princesses is a priority. But my favorite part about it as a mom? There are a bunch of fun play areas around the park that my kids LOVE. 

Hollywood Studios

This park is the place to be if you’re a Stars Wars, Toy Story, or Disney Junior lover. While there are only a couple rides with no height restrictions, there are lots of shows and character meet and greets to keep even the littlest ones in your party entertained. 

Animal Kingdom

An animal lover’s dream, but so much more than a zoo.  In fact, I wouldn’t even put Animal Kingdom in the category of a zoo at all. You can learn so much about animal conservation here, enjoy unique attractions, and see my personal favorite show on property – Festival of the Lion King. 

Can’t decide which park(s) might be best for your family? Here’s a good review of what each park offers .

Two Water Parks

Typhoon lagoon.

Disney legend has it that this tropical paradise was hit by a huge typhoon, and now you get to enjoy all the fun that came from the aftermath. 

Blizzard Beach

This water park doesn’t have a tropical feel at all. In fact, you’re transported to a winter wonderland in the middle of Florida. 

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a massive shopping and dining area. So, if you’re really into those things, this area might end up being on your must-do list for your first trip to Disney.

There’s also plenty of entertainment options and fun experiences there, as well, such as Cirque du Soleil, bowling, a movie theater, driving a car (that turns into a boat) right into the water, and taking a “hot air balloon” ride.  

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex 

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a large sports facility that hosts thousands of athletes in over 60 sports throughout the year. (Fun fact: I actually competed in dance team nationals there in high school!). 

Over 30 Resort Hotels

The resorts can honestly be attractions of their own.  Whether you’re staying on property or not, you can still enjoy all that the resorts have to offer including dining and resort activities. 

Now that you have a general idea of what Disney offers, let’s jump into the details of the planning stage. 

Setting Up a My Disney Experience Account

The very first thing you should do when planning a trip to Disney World for the first time is set up your My Disney Experience account. Head over to Disney’s website or download the My Disney Experience app on your phone to get started.

My Disney Experience will be your hub for basically EVERYTHING while planning your trip and enjoying your time at Disney. Your travel party and all of your plans, tickets, dining reservations, and resort information will be linked to this account as you plan everything.

This is also where you will access Disney Genie (as well as Genie+ if you decide to purchase this), virtual queues, mobile food ordering, and photos that are taken throughout your vacation. 

You’ll be able to find the park hours, park maps, ride wait times, character meet and greet locations, and SO much more.

If you’re staying on Walt Disney World property, you will even be able to check into your resort and open the door to your room through the app. 

So, the moral of the story? Go get this set up ASAP. And once you do, click around just for fun to get yourself familiar with it all. 

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Once you have your dates on the calendar, it’s time to choose where you’ll stay. There are two general options–staying on Disney World property and off Disney World property. 

Both have their pros and cons (the main con of staying on property being the price), but there really is something extra special about staying on property and being in the “Disney bubble.” Not only that, but there are also perks that come along with staying on property. 

On-property perks include:

• Extra park hours. All Disney Resort Hotel guests get to enter the parks 30 minutes early each day. And those staying at deluxe resorts get extended evening hours on select nights (I promise I’ll get into the different levels of resorts in a second).
• The ability to book your dining reservations for your entire trip 60 days prior to your check-in date (yep, I’ll get to this soon, too!). 
• Free transportation around property.
• Getting first dibs on Individual Lightning Lane selections (again, I’ll get to this later). 
• Free parking at the resorts and theme parks. 
• The ability to purchase the Disney Dining Plan (if you book a vacation package).
• Discounts on MagicBand or MagicBand+. And if you do decide to purchase those, you can set up the ability to charge your room for purchases made during your vacation.  

Ok, now let’s get into the deets about your on-property vs off-property accommodation options. 

On-Property Resort Hotel Options

Disney World has Resort Hotel options at various price points, with the value resorts being the cheapest option and the deluxe resorts being the most expensive option. Obviously, as the price goes up, the more amenities or better location you get. But here’s a quick overview of it all:

Value Resort Hotels

In general, you can expect the Value Resort Hotels to have motel-like outdoor entrances to your room, a food court, fun theming, and large pools with no water slides. 

Value Resort Hotels have the smallest rooms overall and usually sleep 4. But All-Star Music and Art of Animation offer family suites that sleep 6 for a higher price. 

List of Value Resort Hotels at Disney World + Transportation Options Around Property

• Art of Animation : Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks. 
• All-Star Movies : Bus transportation only.
• All-Star Music : Bus transportation only.
• All-Star Sports : Bus transportation only.
• Pop Century : Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks.

Moderate Resort Hotels

You can expect a little bump up in the quality and amenities at Moderate Resort Hotels compared to Value Resort Hotels.  The rooms will be a bit bigger, some of the studios have 5th sleeper options, pools will have water slides, and you’ll have table service restaurant options in addition to a food court.

List of Moderate Resort Hotels at Disney World + Transportation Options Around Property

• Caribbean Beach : Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks.
• Coronado Springs :  Bus transportation only. 
• Fort Wilderness Cabins : Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Port Orleans French Quarter : Bus transportation to all theme parks and water parks. Boat transportation to Disney Springs. 
• Port Orleans Riverside : Bus transportation to all theme parks and water parks. Boat transportation to Disney Springs. 

Deluxe Resort Hotels

The Deluxe Resort Hotels are the cream of the crop when it comes to Disney resorts (and the prices reflect that).  These resorts will have the most square footage in the rooms with a balcony/patio, more elaborate pools and waterslides, and table service and quick service dining options (no food court style dining). 

These resorts *usually* have interior entry to your room, multiple transportation options to get you around property, and a location close to the theme parks or Disney Springs (sometimes within walking distance!). 

List of Deluxe Resort Hotels at Disney World + Transportation Options Around Property

• Animal Kingdom Lodge : Bus transportation only. 
• Beach Club : Boat transportation and walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Walking distance to Skyliner transportation (which connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Boardwalk : Boat transportation and walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Walking distance to Skyliner transportation (which connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Contemporary : Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Walking path to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Grand Floridian : Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Walking path and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Old Key West : Bus transportation to all theme parks and water parks. Boat transportation to Disney Springs. 
• Polynesian : Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Riviera : Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks.
• Saratoga Springs : Bus transportation to all theme parks and water parks. Walking path and boat transportation to Disney Springs. 
• Wilderness Lodge : Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Yacht Club : Boat transportation and walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Walking distance to Skyliner transportation (which connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 

Fort Wilderness Campground

Yep, there’s even a campground at Disney World! The campground is located at Fort Wilderness, and guests can enjoy the same perks and resort amenities as those staying in the cabins (except for the fact that you have to have a camper or tent with you!). 

Guests have access to boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. And bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks. 

Disney Vacation Club Villas

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is basically Disney’s version of a timeshare and has villas at all the deluxe resorts. One major thing that sets the villas apart from the regular resort rooms is that the villas have a bit more of a home away from home feel. In the studios, there are kitchenettes and in 1-bedroom villas or bigger, there are full kitchens and laundry facilities in the room. 

Now, this may sound like something that doesn’t pertain to you since it’s your first time at Disney World, BUT you can actually rent DVC points to enjoy the perks of staying in a DVC villa (and staying in a deluxe resort in general). This usually ends up being cheaper than booking a regular room at the same deluxe resort. In fact, at times, you may even find prices that are similar to stays at moderate resorts!

In order to rent DVC points, there are quite a few companies you could use. DVC Rental Store and David’s Vacation Club Rentals are a couple of options, but if you google “renting DVC points,” you’ll be able to see various options. 

It’s good to note that you’re not able to book a Disney vacation package when renting DVC points, so you’ll have to purchase your tickets separately. 

List of Resorts with Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney World + Transportation Options Around Property

• Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary : Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Walking path to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge : Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 
• Copper Creek at Wilderness Lodge : Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Bus transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. 

Off-Property Accommodations 

There are plenty of off-property accommodations nearby, including vacation rentals (like on VRBO ) and nearby hotels. 

These are great if you’re looking for more budget-friendly or pet-friendly options, you need accommodations with lots of extra space, you want to use hotel points that you’ve been saving up, or you just don’t want to be *totally* immersed in Disney. 

It’s good to note that there are “good neighbor hotels” at Disney World, in which you can book a Disney vacation package (resort + tickets) at a non-Disney resort and get some perks as if you were staying on property. Check out a full list of good neighbor hotels here . 

Theme Park Ticket Options and Park Reservations

Next up on this Disney World beginners guide? Purchasing your park tickets. You can do so on Disney’s website , as part of a Disney vacation package, or on a discount ticket site (like Undercover Tourist ). My workplace even offers discounted tickets, so it’s something to look into!

IMPORTANT: Kids under 3 are FREE and will *not* need a park ticket. Kids ages 3-9 will have slightly discounted ticket prices. 

Check out this post if you’re trying to figure out which park(s) to visit , especially if you’re going with young kids.

Disney World Ticket Options

Standard theme park ticket.

The Standard Theme Park Ticket is also known as the 1 Park Per Day ticket. This is the least expensive option.

With this ticket type, you will receive admission to ONE of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks each day. You may leave the park and re-enter the same park later that day. But you will not be able to enter a different theme park that day.

My Disney World advice for first timers who are overwhelmed with all the options Disney offers? Get the 1 Park Per Day ticket to help streamline your decision-making. 

1 Park Per Day with Water and Sports Option

With this ticket type, you will receive admission to one theme park per day as described above.  Plus, you will be able to enjoy a certain number of visits to some fun extras. 

The number of visits you receive will depend on the number of days worth of theme park tickets purchased. For example, a 1-day theme park ticket allows one visit to one of the extras listed below, a 3-day ticket allows 3 visits, etc. These visits will be in addition to your theme park tickets, so you can choose to use them on the same day you go to a theme park or a different day. 

For each visit, you can choose one of the following:

• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course – FootGolf
• Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (before 4 PM)
• Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (before 4 PM)

Park Hopper Option

Adding on the Park Hopper Option to your Standard Theme Park Ticket will allow you to visit more than one park on the same day. This is my favorite ticket type because it allows for SO much flexibility. 

Park Hopper Plus Option

The Park Hopper Plus Option is almost identical to the 1 Park Per Day with Water and Sports Option described above, so check out that section for more details. 

The only difference is that instead of only being able to visit one theme park per day, you will be able to visit more than one park on the same day, as described in the Park Hopper Option section. 

Annual Passes

Annual passes are most useful when you live close by or when you will be taking at least 2-3 separate trips to Walt Disney World throughout the year.

There are different types of Disney annual passes that consist of different benefits. Make sure to read through all the benefits of each pass on Disney’s website before purchasing, so you know exactly what it entails. 

Park Reservations

As of January 9, 2024, park reservations are a thing of the past IF you have a date-based park ticket! (Can I get a whoop whoop?!)

There’s a bit of a caveat, though. If you have a different ticket type (like an annual pass, military ticket, conference ticket, etc.), you will still need to make a park reservation. Don’t forget that important step if you don’t have a date-based ticket!

Special Ticketed Events

Throughout the year, Disney World offers special ticketed events, including After Hours Parties, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party , and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 

If an event is offered during your Disney trip and you’d like to go, you will need to purchase a separate ticket for that event specifically. 

Disney World Transportation 

Airport transportation.

If you’re flying into Orlando International Airport (the easiest and most common airport to fly into when visiting Disney World), you’ll have several options for how you’ll get from the airport to your resort. 

Here’s a quick overview:

• Shuttle bus (such as Mears Connect ) : these shuttle buses tend to be one of the most affordable options and you don’t need to have a car seat. But with a decrease in price comes some things to consider. You’ll have to wait in a (potentially long) line to get onto the bus. Then you’ll have to wait for the bus to fill up. Then you’ll likely have multiple stops along the bus route (I’m not sure why, but we’re somehow always one of the last dang stops!). For your return trip at the end of your vacation, you’ll be given a pickup time that’s usually about 3 hours prior to your departure time. 
• Private transportation (my favorite is Away We Go ) : the great thing about this option is that they’re ready right when you get off the plane to take your family directly to your resort. A lot of them even provide car seats. With any sort of private transportation, the cost goes up though.
• Car rental : if you want more flexibility during your trip or if you’ll be traveling to the surrounding areas off Disney property, this will be the way to go. I highly recommend reserving your car in advance . 
• Uber/Lyft : a rideshare service might be the cheapest option of all (although you will see price surges during busy times). But of course, there are certain things to consider, such as the car seat situation if you’re traveling with your kiddos. We have personally never done this option with our kids.

On-Property Transportation

There are SO many fun Disney World transportation options (honestly, we take rides on the Monorail or Skyliner just for the fun of it sometimes!). Almost all transportation options on property are FREE for anyone. 

So, let’s say you’re staying off property, but you’re at the Magic Kingdom and want to take a ride on the Monorail to go grab lunch at the Polynesian resort. You can do that!

Here are the on-property transportation options you might come by during your trip:

• Monorail : the Monorail travels to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and select resorts. It also makes a stop at the Transportation and Ticket Center, which is important to know if you’ll be driving, taking an Uber, or using the shuttle from an off-property resort to get to the Magic Kingdom. *You do not need to collapse your strollers on the Monorail.  
• Skyliner : the Skyliner travels to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and select resorts. *You do not need to collapse your strollers on the Skyliner IF it’s a single stroller or tandem double stroller (you will need to collapse it if it’s a side-by-side stroller).
• Bus : if you’re staying on Disney property, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll take a bus to get somewhere on property. *You will need to collapse your strollers on bus transportation.
• Boat/Ferry : you’ll find boats or a ferry in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot resort areas. *You do not need to collapse your strollers on the boats or ferry.
• Minnie Van : this is a paid service offered through Lyft, picking you up when you’d like and taking you directly to your destination (often making it the quickest option to get anywhere on property). You can book a Minnie Van in your My Disney Experience app. Up to two car seats will be provided if needed.  
• Driving : if you have a car, you can drive anywhere on property. If you’re staying at a Disney World resort, parking at your resort and at the theme parks will be free (although you can pay a fee for premium parking if you’d like). It’s good to note that when driving to Magic Kingdom, you will not park at Magic Kingdom. Instead, you will park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and take the Monorail or a Ferry to the park. 

Dining at Disney World

Dining options at Disney World seem endless. So, let’s just stick with the basics in this guide.

Quick Service Restaurants at Disney World

Quick service restaurants are spread out all over the theme parks and resorts. You do not need reservations for these restaurants.

These restaurants will have large seating areas, you will get your food on trays, and you’ll be responsible for throwing your trash away at the end of your meal. 

As the name implies, this will be your quickest dining option. 

Table Service Restaurants at Disney World

These are sit-down meals, whether that’s family-style, table service, or buffets. All character dining is included in this category. 

It’s highly recommended that you make advanced reservations for table service restaurants at Disney World. However, at times, there is a walk-up list you can join at the last minute.

Some reservations are harder to get than others (there are some SUPER popular themed restaurants or character dining spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table, for example). 

I always try to make my reservations 60 days in advance. But if I don’t get the reservation I want, I check back every now and then leading up to our trip. I’ve even had luck getting popular dining reservations on the day of!

Advanced Dining Reservations

What’s this you say about making reservations 60 days in advance? Well, let’s talk about it. Because this is a very important part of the planning timeline for Disney World.

If you’re staying at a Disney World resort , your advanced dining reservation booking window will open at 6:00 AM Eastern 60 days prior to your check-in date for your entire trip. 

If you’re staying off property , your advanced dining reservation booking window will open at 6:00 AM Eastern 60 days prior to the day you want to make each specific reservation.

You can make dining reservations on your My Disney Experience account online or on the My Disney Experience app. (I personally like to have both options open in case one glitches!)

If you decide you no longer want or need the reservation, you can cancel it up to two hours prior to the reservation without penalty (you’ll have to put a credit card down when booking the reservation that can be charged if you no show your reservation).

Mobile Ordering 

There are lots of restaurants that offer mobile ordering using the My Disney Experience app. Most of the restaurants that offer mobile ordering are quick service restaurants, but there are some table service restaurants that offer it for to-go orders. 

To mobile order food, open up your My Disney Experience app, click the “+” button on the bottom, then click “Order Food.” Once you’re ready for them to start putting your meal together, click the button stating that you’ve arrived. 

This is a great way to save time waiting in lines at restaurants! 

Food Allergies at Disney World

Disney World is amazing at accommodating food allergies. All quick service and table service restaurants at Disney have allergy-friendly menus. And you are encouraged to ask to speak to the chef to discuss all allergies before ordering. 

Disney recommends contacting them in advance if you have 4 or more food allergies. Their website states they would like you to contact them by emailing [email protected] after making your dining reservations AND no more than 14 days before your trip.

Bringing Your Own Food into the Parks

You’re more than welcome to bring your own food into the parks (I always have snacks with me for the boys!). However, Cast Members will not be able to store, cook, or reheat any food you bring in.

Coolers are allowed as long as they’re smaller than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high. Loose and dry ice are not allowed, so bring along ice packs. 

Here’s a full list of what you can bring into the Disney World theme parks . 

Moving right along, now we get into the stuff that you don’t necessarily need, buuut may just make your trip a little more magical.  

First up, Genie+.  This is a paid service that allows you to skip the standby line at an attraction by booking a Lightning Lane reservation on the My Disney Experience app.

If you’re not quite sure what Genie+ is or if you’d need it, check out my full Genie+ review here . 

Long story, short…this can come in VERY handy if waiting in long lines doesn’t seem like something you’d like to do. But it’s super important to know how to use the service to get your money’s worth. 

I promise it’s not hard, but it can seem a little overwhelming initially. To learn all about it and prepare yourself in the best possible way, take a look at my full Genie+ guide . 

Memory Maker

Memory Maker is a photo service offered at Disney World. 

Around the parks, you’ll see PhotoPass photographers just about everywhere. If you purchase Memory Maker you’ll have access to download all the photos taken on your trip. And if you purchase it in advance, you’ll snag it at a discounted rate.

If you’re the picture taker in the family like me, this is a great way to ensure you get all the group photos you want during your first Disney trip (that aren’t selfies, of course). 

But my favorite reason to have it? Capturing my kids’ reactions during character meet and greets .  That way I just get to enjoy the moment instead of worrying about getting my phone out. 

Enchanting Extras

Finally, let’s talk about Enchanting Extras.  These are things like a fireworks dessert party, a cabana by the pool, getting a princess or knight makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, getting a haircut at Harmony Barber Shop, or building a lightsaber. There are a crazy amount of options!

To book an enchanting extra, you can do so online or by calling Disney World. The booking window is the same as the advanced dining reservations, BUT instead of opening at 6:00 AM Eastern, they often open at 12:00 AM Eastern (if you weren’t already tired enough thinking about booking advanced reservations…ha!). 

Disney World Tips for First Timers

Woohoo! You’ve made it through all the big decisions. But it’s one thing to just check boxes and another thing to make the most out of your time in the parks.  Here are some of my best tips for Disney World first timers. 

Get to know the My Disney Experience app ahead of time.

You’ll use the My Disney Experience every. single. day. of your trip. So click through it ahead of time to get an idea of where to find everything. 

Get to know how to use Genie+ ahead of time if you plan to purchase it.

This is a big one. To be blunt, if you don’t know how to use Genie+ before purchasing it, you’ll likely feel like you completely wasted your money on it. So do yourself the favor of getting to know how to use Genie+ before you even step foot in the parks. 

Looking for allll of my Disney tips? (Because there’s plenty more where this came from.)

Instagram is where it’s at! Check out @ThoseMagicalDays — an extension of Those Johnson Boys, where I let loose on everything Disney to help make your trip stress-free.

Check in at the front desk to get the lay of the land.

If you’re staying at a Disney World resort, you’ll be able to check into your resort in advance on your My Disney Experience app.  And you should definitely do that! (I usually do it anywhere from a month to a few days before our stay.)

BUT once you get to the resort, I still recommend heading to the lobby to check in there, too.

Why? They can go over all the resort details and give you a map. You can ask any questions you have. And SOMETIMES they can pull some strings to get your room ready a little earlier (this is not always the case, but it’s always worth a shot!). 

Prioritize your park days. 

Now, I’m not saying to plan your day down to the minute.  That’s the perfect recipe for a stressful day at Disney World. 

What I AM saying is to prioritize your day. Pick about 5 must-do attractions and experiences based on your family’s interests. Then get a nice-to-see list together to start knocking out once you’ve covered your priorities. 

This can include anything from rides, shows, playgrounds , character meet and greets, a special dining reservation or snack you want try, etc.

Planning a day at the Disney World parks can be overwhelming! But it doesn’t need to be.

Check out my FREE daily Disney World park planner to help prioritize and organize your day, so you can have the vacation you’re dreaming of.

Consider taking a day or two away from the parks. 

There is SO much more to Disney than just the parks. In fact, some of our favorite days (that actually feel like a vacation!) during our Disney World vacations are the days we don’t go to the parks. 

If the length of your first Disney trip allows, I’d highly recommend planning at least one non-park day. 

On those days you can relax, enjoy the pool, check out Disney Springs or a water park, go to a character meal without feeling rushed, explore the other resorts, participate in resort activities, go golfing or mini golfing…the list goes on!

Don’t over-plan…but also don’t wing it.

Like I stated earlier, there’s no way to see and do everything at Disney World.  So, don’t try to! Focus on what’s most important to your family, then let the little moments of magic in between fall into place. 

With that being said…please, please, PLEASE don’t wing it. I cringe a little whenever I hear someone say that’s what they’re going to do at Disney World.

The parks will get overwhelming QUICKLY if you go in without a plan at all, and you’ll waste too much time wandering around trying to figure out where to go and what to do. 

I like to have a basic plan each day. And I especially like to have a plan for what we’ll do at the start of our park days. That way we can start having fun right off the bat. 

Know that there are options for everyone to ride what they want.

If you’re going to Disney World with little ones, but you’re really looking forward to riding something your kiddo is scared of or way too small for, you can use Rider Switch. I explain it all in this Instagram post .

Review the Disney lingo.

Are terms like Rider Switch, Lightning Lane, and rope drop making you feel like you’re trying to learn a foreign language? Check out this quick vocab lesson to help things make a little more sense.

Know what to pack. 

Finally, what should you bring and what should you leave back at home? I cover it all in this article about what to pack for your entire family (complete with a printable checklist!). 

If you’re looking to learn what you need to bring just for your time at the parks, find out how I pack our stroller for Disney here .

If you want to just jump straight to the packing list, though…here you go.

Want to know EXACTLY what to pack for your upcoming Disney World trip?

Snag a free printable Disney World packing checklist by clicking the button below. (And how do I know it’s EXACTLY what you need? Well, it’s the list I personally use, so it’s been through plenty of trial and error.)

FAQ for Disney World First Timers

What do i need to know about disney world for the first time.

The most important thing to know about going to Disney World for the first time is that there’s something for everyone, which means there are a LOT of options to choose from. You won’t regret putting in some time before your trip to prioritize what you want to see and do to make your vacation individualized to your family’s interests. 

Which Disney park is best for first timers?

If I had to choose the best Disney park for first timers, it would have to be Magic Kingdom because of the nostalgia and quintessential Disney feel. But all four theme parks are so unique and fun in their own ways, so I would base which parks you’ll visit off of your family’s interests. 

How many days should I go to Disney World for the first time?

For a first time visit to Walt Disney World, I would recommend a 5-7 day vacation. 

Where should I stay in Disney World for the first time?

I highly recommend staying on Disney World property for your first Disney trip. The convenience of being close to the parks, the extra park hours, and having access to free transportation anywhere on property are huge perks. Plus being immersed in that Disney magic (and getting to experience the amazing customer service from the Cast Members) makes things extra special.  

Do I need a MagicBand at Disney World?

While having a MagicBand or MagicBand+ at Disney World makes things a bit easier, you don’t need to have one to enjoy your vacation. You’ll also have the option of using the MagicMobile service on your My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card (a physical card that you can get from Guest Services at the parks or the front desk of your resort) to perform similar tasks to the MagicBand. 

Does Disney World do anything special for first time visitors?

You can ask for a “first visit” button at the front desk of your resort or at any Guest Services location. Wear that button around the parks and the Cast Members just might take notice and sprinkle a little extra magic into your day! 

Wrap-Up: Disney World Guide for First Timers

I’m BEYOND excited for you that you’re going to Disney World for the first time… let the countdown begin ! While it can seem like a lot when you first start diving into planning a Disney vacation, I hope this guide gave you some good direction. 

Check out the Disney section of my blog for all sorts of Disney World tips and tricks. And if you want weekly tips and exclusive content sent straight to your email, subscribe to my newsletter here .

Counting down the days until Disney?

Well, let’s build that excitement even more.

Click the button to download a free Disney countdown printable. It’s FULL of fun Disney countdown ideas to choose from.

Wondering how I give my photos a bit of an oomph?

Well, let’s just say I’m a little obsessed with the Light & Airy Photographer photo editing presets.

In just one click, your photo goes from, “Aw, that’s cute,” to, “WOW!”

Jenn is the founder of Those Johnson Boys, a family travel blog on a mission to give parents the confidence to travel with their kids. As a mom to 3 young boys, she's learned all the tricks over the years to make family travel less stressful. Whether you're traveling to Disney World, the USA, or international destinations, Jenn loves sharing tips, itineraries, and travel inspiration to help you have the family vacation you've been dreaming of.

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11 Things You Need To Know – Your First Disney World Vacation

First disney world vacation.

Around the world, visiting Walt Disney World or any Disney Park is synonymous with childhood. Many people are fortunate enough to have their first Disney World trip as a child but some wait and visit Disney World for the first time as adults. Experiencing Disney World the first time as a child or an adult are different but they are both magical experiences you’ll remember for the rest of your life! 

Disney World trips are a lot of work so make sure to DO these 11 things on your first Disney World vacation! 

PIN ME for later! 

You MUST Plan Ahead 

If you’ve never been to Disney before, I would recommend you do some research on the theme parks, Disney resorts, Disney restaurants, and what you want to do on your vacation. At Walt Disney World, there are 6 theme parks, over 26 Disney World resorts, hundreds of rides, and over 100 restaurants. You will need to make a lot of decisions. 

The best way to plan for your first time at Disney World is to plan ahead. Create a list of all the things you want to do and see. Also make sure to review Disney World planning guides  for crowd calendars and tips to get you started! 

***Disclaimer***  This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn an affiliate commission if you click on an affiliate link. Full disclosure, I only post products that I have or recommend! 

Disney World is Physically Exhausting 

Most vacations are relaxing but Disney isn’t that type of vacation! On a typical Disney day, I walk approximately 20,000 steps. This equates to roughly 8 or 9 miles a day.  At Disney, you walk a ton and spend lots of time on your feet.  Additionally, the Florida heat adds to the exhausting nature of a Disney vacation.

I’ve heard some people actually “train” before their Disney vacation in preparation for the amount of walking. I would just recommend you be prepared and bring some comfy walking shoes! Below are some of my favorite comfy shoes!

I usually bring at least two pairs of comfy shoes to rotate. I wouldn’t bring brand new shoes to Disney though because you’ll most likely get blisters and those are painful! 

Visit the Magic Kingdom First

On your first trip to Disney World, you need to visit the Magic Kingdom first . Over the years, you see the iconic Disney castle on social media and TV so it’s an amazing feeling to see the castle for the first time. 

The Magic Kingdom is really what Disney World is known for so it’s a great starting place. It’s also home to the most famous rides, attractions, and snacks! The Magic Kingdom truly feels like the most magical place on earth. This magical feeling is something you need to experience first on your Disney World vacation! 

Get a Free Souvenir  

Everything at Disney Parks is expensive but you can get a free souvenir to commemorate your first Disney World trip. You can get a “First Visit” button. When arriving at your Disney resort or Town Hall in the Magic Kingdom, let a Disney cast member know it’s your first Disney World vacation. They will give you a “First Visit” button.

The key is to wear your “First Visit” button throughout your entire Disney World vacation. Disney cast members will go out of their way to make your visit extra magical.  I got engaged on a previous Disney trip and we wore our “Just Engaged” buttons all trip and cast members went out of their way to make our vacation even better! 

Watch “Happily Ever After” 

Many people think fireworks are overrated especially if they haven’t seen Disney World fireworks. Happily Ever After is the Magic Kingdom’s newest nighttime firework show.  Viewing Happily Ever After over the Magic Kingdom castle brings everyone back to their childhood and truly makes you believe your dreams can come true.

Disney World first timers must make time to view Happily Ever After. You come to Disney World for magic and relieving childhood memories and this nighttime show is Disney magic! 

Tip – If you want a good viewing spot in front of the castle, make sure to arrive to the Hub area at least 45 minutes before Happily Ever After. 

The Characters are Hard to Find 

After people visit Disney World, you often see pictures with different Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Peter Pan and many more. But what you don’t know is you actually have to wait in line to take a picture with these characters. 

If this is your first Disney World trip, you MUST get a picture with Mickey Mouse. It’s a Disney right of passage to meet the mouse himself. Mickey is located at all the theme parks and many of the Disney resorts so he shouldn’t be hard to track down. If you want to visit Mickey at the Magic Kingdom, he’s located in Town Hall right on Main Street U.S.A. 

If this is your kids first time to Disney World, you will probably want to visit many more characters. If you want to meet the princesses, visit Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom. The Fab Five are located at the Picture Spot in Epcot. If your family loves Star Wars, meet the Star Wars characters in Star Wars Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios. And if you like animals, meet Mickey, Minnie, and more in safari gear at Animal Kingdom. 

Book Dining Reservations ahead

If your like me, I hate having to plan ahead on vacation. Disney World has over a hundred dining locations so you’ll never go hungry but many of the most popular Disney restaurants require advanced reservations. In the past, you could make Disney dining reservations 180 days in advance but due to the COVID pandemic, you can only make reservations 60 days in advance right now. 

Many of the most popular restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Le Celliar, Be Our Guest, the California Grill, and Sci-Fi Dine In Theater book up months in advance. This is why I always recommend Disney World first timers do research ahead of time. Make a list of the Disney restaurants you want to visit and make sure to get a dining reservation ahead of time. 

You can reserve ride times ahead of time

Like dining reservations, you can usually book ride times ahead with Disney’s Fastpass System ! Due to the ongoing pandemic, Disney World currently isn’t using the Fastpass System but I’m sure it will be reinstated in the future. 

Disney’s Fastpass System allows you to book three Fastpasses ahead of time for each day of your vacation. For example, you can book ride times for Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Splash Mountain for your Magic Kingdom park day! 

You can book Disney Fastpasses 60 days ahead of time if your a Disney resort guest or 30 days ahead if you are staying elsewhere. 

Disney Fastpasses shouldn’t be used lightly and should be used for popular rides or rides with long wait times. For example, Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom typically has wait times over 2 hours. This would be an ideal ride to Fastpass. 

Like dining reservations, do your research ahead of time. Make of a list of Disney attractions you can’t miss! These would be ideal rides or attractions to Fastpass on your first time at Disney World! 

My Disney Experience App 

The My Disney Experience App  is a lifesaver for Disney veterans and first time Disney goers. On the My Disney Experience App, you will make Fastpasses, dining reservations and find important information like wait times, park maps, character locations, dining menus and more. 

Basically, My Disney Experience is your one stop shop for Disney World. Everything you need for your Disney vacation is located on this convenient app. Make sure to download this app before you visit Disney World for the first time and get familiar with the layout and functions. 

While your getting Fastpasses, dining reservations, and looking at park maps, your phone battery runs out much quicker than expected! Make sure to bring several portable phone chargers, I promise you’ll need them!  

Leave and come back later 

Like I mentioned earlier, a Disney World vacation is both physically and mentally exhausting. My family prefers to leave the park in the afternoon and take a pool or nap break. At Disney World, you can leave the park and re-enter later again that day. 

Taking breaks will make your first Disney World vacation more enjoyable and less exhausting. I suggest everyone take breaks while at Disney because it gives everyone a chance to recharge! 

While at the pool, make sure to bring some fun pool toys, life jackets, floaties, or inner tubes! Disney pools are fun but they don’t have all the extra’s your kids may want! 

Disney Discounts 

It’s a little known fact but Disney does offer some great Disney World park discounts. The Disney World website has a page dedicated specifically for deals, check here frequently for updates! For many Disney World first timers, the Disney price tag can be shocking so make sure to check out these discounts to help your wallet. 

Additionally, you can get Disney discounts by using the Disney Visa Card, using Disney gift cards, using military discounts, and using Expedia or Hotels.com for great hotel deals. There are also many less known options for saving a few bucks at Disney World. 

The first time you visit Walt Disney World can be overwhelming but the magic you’ll feel standing in the Magic Kingdom will make the planning worth while. 

Make sure to check out our tips for Disney World vacation planning and the best Magic Kingdom snacks ! 

Related Disney Posts

What’s It Like at Disney World Post COVID-19

How To Start Planning a Disney World Vacation

Top 5 Things To Do at The Magic Kingdom

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18 thoughts on “ 11 Things You Need To Know – Your First Disney World Vacation ”

I took my first trip to WDW at the age of 31 {!} It was just me and Hubby, and we were pretty much winging it the entire time. 🤣 Now that we have made dozens of Disney trips, I marvel at how little thought I actually put into that very first one. My kids are total planners, and so when we plan today, I have three helpers ready to organize everything from fast passes to meals to resorts to character meet and greets. ❤️

Great tips! Would love to visit Disney again, haven’t been since I was a kid!

Great tips! I think people are surprised by how physically exhausting it is to go to the parks all day!

Thanks a lot for all the tips! I have never been to a Disney Park before so sure I will need them for the day I will go!

I’ve been to disney 7 times now from ages 6-18! I love it, will take my kids when im older, this post brought back so many feelings <3

I second all of this, although we never left the parks until we were done. If you go in the summer, it will rain in the middle of the day and that usually clears out the crowds temporarily.

Yes, Disney can be exhausting! “Leave and come back later” is great advice.Especially on hot days, which there are a lot of in Florida, it can be so refreshing to leave, grab lunch away from the crowds, jump in the pool or take a nap!

As a self-confessed Disney addict, I’ve always wanted to go to Disney world! Now I may have to book that trip. Thanks for the great trips 😊

I wish I had read this last time I visited Disney – great post!

We were hoping to take our youngest here in the near future. These are great first timer tips as I’ve never been either.

Amazing savvy tips! Its been so long i have visited Disney … I will surely try to bring my childhood back by visiting them again someday.

These are great tips for a Disney trip! I’m used to week-long trips but next summer we’re doing a single day with my niece and nephews. Great things to keep in mind no matter how long your trip is!

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The Ultimate Guide to Your First Time at Disney World (2023)

Welcome, fellow Disney lovers, to the possibilities of planning your very first time at Disney World!

Our best tips for first timers are: (1) travel when the crowds are light (January), (2) watch Youtube videos of rides and attractions and compile a “must-do” list, and (3) stay in a on-site resort so that you don’t have to worry about transportation and parking.

We understand that planning your first trip to the parks can be an overwhelming task. But no worries!

We’re here to help make your inaugural visit a great one.

The Travel Fam Knows Disney World

Beth from The Travel Fam has visited Disney World more times than she can count.

Adam went on his very first trip to Disney after he started dating Beth with her family for her high school graduation trip.

(Adam was pretty overwhelmed when visiting the super crowded Disney World for the first time) .

Between Beth’s decades of experience visiting Disney World and Adam’s knowledge of what it feels like to visit for the first time as a young adult, we’ve written this article to help you prep for your first time at Disney, too.

Preparing for Your First Trip to Disney World

Preparing for your first trip to Disney World is an exciting and crucial part of the experience.

It’s important to start by asking yourself some foundational questions.

﹖When should I visit?

﹖How long should I stay?

﹖What shows do I want to attend?

﹖What rides do I want to do?

﹖What parks do I want to visit?

﹖What is my budget?

Doing a little research on the parks and attractions on Youtube is a fun and un-stressful way to prepare yourself for your trip.

Tips for a Positive Experience

Your first time at Disney World can be pure joy and excitement, or, you can let the stress get to you and tank your fun 🙁

To make sure your Disney experience is positive, here are a few tips that will guarantee a pleasant experience.

✔️ Wear practical shoes so that you can walk further and longer without hurting your feet, ankles, or back

✔️ Over-budget so that feeling tight on cash doesn’t wreck your vibe

✔️ Prioritize rest: go back to your hotel room in the afternoons for a nap or swim

✔️ Communicate clearly with your travel buddies so that no one goes home feeling like they missed out

Things to do the First Time at Disney World

There’s so much to do at Disney World Orlando that it can be super overwhelming to plan your trip.

Here are few iconic things that are on most people’s “must do at Disney” list.

🪄 Snap a selfie in front of Cinderella Castle’s in the Magic Kingdom

🪄 Explore the edge of the galaxy in Hollywood Studios

🪄 Chase down your favorite Disney characters and get their autographs

🪄 Indulge in a couple of delectable treats and put those pics on your Instagram grid

With so much to see and do, your first time at Disney World promises to be a magical and unforgettable experience.

Overview of Walt Disney World for First Timers

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is a mega resort that covers over 27k acres and has tons of entertainment to offer.

It’s comprised of four main theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios , and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

(Not to mention the two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach).

“Bonus” Areas Near Disney World

You can’t forget about Disney Springs and the Boardwalk.

They’re the premier shopping areas and they don’t require a ticket!

We usually visit Disney Springs and the Boardwalk at least once each on our Orlando trips.

Both areas free to enter and offer a lot more shops, restaurants, and experiences to explore.

(We love Gideon’s Bakery at Disney Springs!)

Ticket Options

Disney World offers various ticket options to cater to different needs and preferences.

👉 Single Day Tickets

👉 Multi-day Tickets

👉 Park Hopper Tickets

👉 Park Hopper Plus Tickets (includes water parks)

Multi-day tickets are cheaper if you plan on staying multiple days. (You should!)

Don’t bother with park hopper tickets for your first time and instead, just immerse yourself into one park per day. There’s plenty to do, trust me.

Disney Genie+ Pass

Disney Genie+ is the new digital skip-the-line feature that replaced FastPass a couple years back.

The Genie+ Pass gives you access to expedited lines, called “Lightning Lanes” for certain attractions.

We were disappointed to find that Genie+ Pass doesn’t give you skip-the-line privileges for ALL rides…

But there are enough rides included to make the pricey add-on worth the money.

I highly recommend purchasing the Genie+ Pass if you are visiting the park during peak times!

We visited two parks over Christmas break and didn’t buy the Genie+ Pass.

IT WAS HORRIBLE. There were so many rides we missed out on because it was so crowded!

We missed the new Star Wars ride because we didn’t have a Genie+ Pass :*(

I highly recommend biting the bullet and purchasing the Genie+ Pass for your first trip unless you are traveling during the off-season and you KNOW that crowds will be super slim.

When packing for Disney World, it’s essential to strike a balance between comfort and practicality.

👉 See my full packing list for Disney here .

✔️ Comfortable footwear

✔️ Layer-able clothing

✔️ Weather dependent essentials (sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, possibly a poncho depending on the time of year)

👉 Visiting during the hottest part of the year? See what to wear here.

✔️ Backpack or bag for carrying water bottles, snacks, and any personal items you may need throughout the day.

Best Dining for First Time Disney World

On a budget.

The best way to save money on dining (because trust us, it will add up) is to pack your own water, snacks, and meals.

You can bring a cooler, but just know that you will not be able to heat up your food anywhere.

👉 Read more tips for dining on a budget here.

Quick-service restaurants throughout the Disney World are fairly cost-effective meals, giving you a chance to savor the Disney dining experience without breaking the bank.

Order To-Go from the App

When we went to Disney over the holidays, it was CRAY CRAY BUSY.. . and the restaurant employees tipped us off.

“Order to-go instead of attempting to get in to a restaurant!” they said.

We ate in a matter of minutes instead of waiting hours for a table.

You can use the My Disney Experience mobile app to conveniently order and pay for your meals from select restaurants throughout the parks.

Make Advance Dining Reservations

No matter the time of year you’re traveling, if you want to eat at a sit-down restaurant, you should definitely make advance dining reservations!

Use the My Disney Experience app or Disney World website to make a reservation up to 60 days before to your visit.

Popular dining locations will book up quickly!

Resorts and Transportation at Disney World

If you are flying into Orlando and don’t have your own car, we highly recommend staying on in a Disney resort on site.

Unless you’re going to spend a substantial amount of time exploring outside of the parks, renting a car for Disney is a waste of money .

Why You Shouldn’t Rent a Car for Disney

Your rental car will be parked pretty much the whole time… And you’ll have to pay to park it!

Instead of renting a car… Stay on site and use the resort’s free transportation options.

This saves you commuting time, parking fees, and the hassle of renting a car (my most hated part of any trip).

Resort Hotels

From luxurious themed resorts to value-priced accommodations, there’s something for everyone.

We have stayed at several of the “value” resorts (like Disney’s All-Star Movies and Sports Resorts and the Art of Animation) over the years and have never been disappointed with the experience.

If I had the choice, I’d prefer to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Wilderness Lodge. These resorts will take a higher tole on your budget, however.

Transportation

Disney makes it easy to get from your resort hotel to the parks with convenient transportation options.

Depending on which resort you’re staying at, you’ll either take a bus, monorail, boat, or shuttle between the resorts and theme parks. (And sometimes a combination of them!)

It’s super easy to navigate getting from the resort to the park for the day and back, which is why we recommend staying on property (at least for your first visit).

Staying on Walt Disney World Property is Usually the Easiest (and the Cheapest) Option

Staying on Walt Disney World property often proves to be the easiest and most cost-effective choice.

Don’t think that just because you’re staying off park that you’ll pay less for lodging. (Not to mention, you’ll need a rental car).

Disney Value Resorts are often much cheaper than other branded hotels in Orlando!

Staying in a resort has perks like free transportation to the parks, Extra Magic Hours, and the convenience of being immersed in the Disney magic throughout your vacation.

What is the Best Disney World Park for First Time Visitors?

Choosing the best Disney World park for first-time visitors is a personal decision that will set the stage for an unforgettable adventure.

Most people you ask will say that the Magic Kingdom is the best park for first timers, and I’ll have to concede that you should make it your top choice.

🪄 If you can only go to one park on your trip, you should go to the Magic Kingdom.

The Magic Kingdom is the most iconic park.

With the most rides, attractions, and bonus street entertainment like fireworks and parades, it really is THE park to visit.

Your favorite park is really a matter of opinion.

Personally, my favorite park is the Animal Kingdom.

I love the Finding Nemo musical, the Tree of Life, and seeing the animals. The Dinosaur Ride is my long-time favorite “thrill” ride.

However…

Many people say that EPCOT is the best park for adults because of all the food and beverage options.

And Star Wars fans will always encourage you to visit Hollywood Studios.

Try to fit in all four parks your first time to Disney if you can.

But if you can’t, don’t sweat it! Remember, you can always go back.

We chose not to go to EPCOT on our last trip, but we will prioritize it for our next trip!

Overview of the Disney Parks

Magic kingdom.

The Magic Kingdom is where you’ll feel the most like a little kid again.

As the heart and soul of Disney World, the Magic Kingdom has it all.

✔️ 23 Rides

✔️ 10 Character Experiences

✔️ 6 Restaurants with Table Service

✔️ 22 Quick Service Restaurants

✔️ Festival of Fantasy Parade (daily)

✔️ Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade (daily)

This park is THE foodie queen of the Disney parks.

Although personally my least favorite park, for many, it’s the best park for adults because of all the drinking and eating options.

I didn’t realize how many opportunities to meet characters there are at EPCOT! This exponentially levels up this park, in my opinion.

✔️ 10 Rides

✔️ 13 “Character Experiences”

✔️ 27 Restaurants with Table Service

✔️ 27 Quick Service Restaurants

❌ No parades

❌ No character cavalcades

Hollywood Studios

If you love Star Wars (like us!) you can’t miss Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

We spent Christmas Day at Hollywood Studios because the other parks were booked up… and we would’ve had a great time except we didn’t buy Genie+ passes!

We ended up having to skip the newest Star Wars rides because we couldn’t wait for more than 2 hours in line with the kids.

Take it from someone who is generally too cheap to upgrade ANYTHING – you have to buy a Genie+ Pass if you’re visiting on a special event day (like Christmas!) and don’t want to miss out on rides!

✔️ 9 “Character Experiences”

🧜🏽‍♀️ Now, you can meet Ariel at Hollywood Studios!! See her schedule here.

✔️ 7 Restaurants with Table Service

✔️ 18 Quick Service Restaurants

Animal Kingdom

Welcome to my personal favorite Disney park, where Disney magic meets safari zoo!

Christmas was amazing at the Animal Kingdom thanks to the Magical Menagerie puppets and festive Tree of Life projector shows.

One of the reasons I love the Animal Kingdom is because of the show, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

I’ve seen it twice and it was spectacular both times. (I particularly love Crush’s song).

✔️ 3 “Character Experiences”

✔️ 25 Quick Service Restaurants

✔️ Character flotillas & river cruises

Overview of the Disney Water Parks

I’ll be honest… I’ve never gone to the water parks at Disney. I’ve just never felt the draw.

I just feel like… You can go to waterparks pretty much every where, right? Why go when Disney World is right there?

Disney has two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Blizzard Beach is currently closed for refurbishment… You can check for updates here.

Where Should I go First in Disney World?

Deciding where to go first at Disney World can be a big decision.

Here’s some advice I have for planning your first visit.

👉 Only have 1 day at Disney? Go to the Magic Kingdom to get the most bang for your buck

👉 Head to the most popular rides at rope drop (first thing) so you don’t miss out

👉 Get the Genie+ pass so that you can be sure to make ALL the rides and attractions you want to do throughout the day

Rookie Mistake: We didn’t get the Genie+ pass on literal Christmas Day. BIG MISTAKE !!

It was so crowded we were only able to do 1 ride at Hollywood Studios. (We sat in line for 2 hours for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance before leaving). It felt like a waste of a day.

Pick your Top Park Choices

When choosing where next to after the Magic Kingdom, consider YOUR top to-do list… And collaborate with your travel buddies, too.

👉 Have more days, but can’t fit in all the parks? Eliminate which one that has the least amount of attractions and rides that you’re interested in doing

👉 Narrow down what you want to do by watching ride and entertainment videos on Youtube.

👉 Make a list of absolute MUST dos

Do we have to visit ALL the parks?

The last time we visited Disney, we could only go to the parks 3 days.

It was our kids’ first time at the park, so we prioritized and went to the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom.

Should I buy the Park Hopper option?

When I was a teen, we bought park hopper tickets every time. (It was cheaper back then, though, too!)

We don’t like doing Park Hopper tickets because our kids are little and get tired easily.

Should I skip one of the parks?

This last time, we chose not to go to Epcot because it was a kid-focused trip.

Epcot, although not my favorite park, is loved by many and considered the best park for adults and foodies.

If you’re considering skipping a park because it doesn’t sound interesting to you, do it!

Your money will go further when you spend more time doing what YOU want to do – not what you think you “have” to do.

How to Enter a Theme Park

To enter a Disney theme park, follow these steps:

✔️ Purchase your ticket in advance online

Link it to your My Disney Experience account (it will cut down on the time it takes to enter the park if it’s on your phone or smart watch).

A couple of times, we got behind families who HADN’T downloaded the app to their phone… They took forever to enter the park!

The My Disney Experience app is THE best way to show your tickets when you enter the parks.

✔️ Go through security checks, which includes bag inspection, walk-through metal detector, and wand detectors.

Pro Tip: to enter the Animal Kingdom without the lines, go through the Rainforest Cafe!

(You won’t skip through security, though, which is a good thing for everyone!)

There are gates in the restaurant that will scan you through to the park.

Get Your “First Visit” Button

To commemorate your inaugural visit, be sure to pick up your free “First Visit” button from Guest Services.

If the line at guest services is too long, you can ask a cashier at any gift shop for the badge.

They’ll fill it and hand it over!

What Entertainment Does Disney World Offer?

Disney World is THE place for magical entertainment.

From thrill rides, immersive themed lands, character meet-and-greets, and interactive experiences, to spectacular parades, fireworks displays, and live stage shows, there is a TON to offer.

Here are the links to ALL of the things to do at Disney.

🔗 List of ALL thrill rides

🔗 List of ALL firework shows

🔗 List of ALL stage shows

🔗 List of ALL character experiences

🔗 List of ALL parades (there’s… one)

🔗 List of all interactive ‘play’ Disney activities

Street Performers/Entertainment: “Streetmosphere”

In addition to “planned” activities, Disney World is home to some up-close interactions with entertainers , as well.

They call these acts “Streetmosphere”, and they provide a great deal of added entertainment value to your visit.

Musicians, acrobats, magicians, and improv actors add an extra layer of magic and surprise to your park experience as they perform throughout the day and interact with guests.

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade features classic representations of beloved characters, elaborate floats, and impressive choreography, creating memorable spectacles that enchant visitors of all ages.

The Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party parade is a modern rendition of Disney’s favorites and emphasizes catchy music, bright colors, and Minnie’s dots are an overarching theme of the decor.

Nightlife at Disney

After dark is really when Disney comes to life.

The star of the evening are hands down the stunning fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom.

If you or your child has a Sensory Processing Disorder (like both my daughter and me), then you may want to consider skipping the fireworks. We dove into the Pirates of the Caribbean ride during the fireworks show to prevent auditory overstimulation. They get LOUD!

If you have a kid-free evening, do some bar hopping. Oga’s Cantina in Hollywood Studios is a great place for Star Wars fans. Disney Springs is another great place to grab a drink.

You have a couple of options for additional nighttime magic with special After Hours events at Disney.

After Hours Events at Disney

There are couple of ‘After Hours’ nights offered throughout the year that let you enter the park later and stay later.

See all After Hours tickets here.

After Hours tickets are about the same price (or more!) than a regular day entry ticket… and you get less time at the park.

What?! Why would I spend the same amount OR MORE for less time at the parks?

Well… some people love the idea of exploring Disney after dark.

After Hours events have the added benefit of being slightly cooler without the burning summer sun!

After Hours at Hollywood Studios 2023

👉 Tickets start at $149 for adults, $99 for kids

👉 Enter the park at 7pm

👉 Parks is open until 12:30 AM (March-April) or 1:00 AM (May-June)

After Hours at Epcot 2023

👉 Tickets start at $129 for adults, $99 for kids over 3 yo

👉 Parks is open until 1:00 AM

Seasonal Events at Disney

Check out all the seasonal events at Disney here.

Disney’s seasonal events are not-to-be-missed.

And by that we mean… EVERYBODY goes to them.

It gets fricken crowded!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

This is on the top of my Disney bucket list. You can trick-or-treat, see characters dressed in costume and watch the Halloween fireworks show directed by Jack Skellington.

There’s also a special Hocus Pocus feature!

✔️ Tickets start at $109 for adults, $99 for kids

✔️ Select nights from August through October

✔️ Takes place at the Magic Kingdom

✔️ 7:00 PM – Midnight

✔️ You can enter the park as early as 4pm with your special ticket

Disney World Resorts for First Time Visitors

Value resorts.

For budget-conscious travelers, Disney’s Value Resorts are a great buy.

Pop Century, All-Star Movies, and Art of Animation all provide an affordable and comfortable stay with great amenities and convenient access to all Disney World parks.

Higher-End Resorts

For a more luxurious stay, Disney’s Deluxe Resorts are where you need to be.

The Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, and Contemporary Resort are considered some of the best Disney resorts your money can buy.

They offer upscale accommodations, exceptional dining, and premium amenities, often with direct transportation to the parks.

Extra Tips for Visiting Disney World for the First Time

Walt disney world is huge.

Spanning over 40 square miles—roughly the size of San Francisco—Walt Disney World is an immense resort with four theme parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, golf courses, and two shopping districts. Dang!

You Can’t Just Wing It When It Comes to a Disney World Vacation

Given the vast array of attractions at Disney World, you can’t just wing it when it comes to a planning your first time at the parks.

It requires careful and thoughtful preparation.

Advance Planning is Necessary

When I’m planning a trip to Disney, I like to head to Youtube to watch videos on live shows, behind-the-scenes, tips, and ride walkthroughs.

Then, I get out a piece of paper and write a list of things that I HAVE to do while I’m there.

After I’ve got my “must-do” list, I start narrowing down my itinerary to include 2-3 parks. (We usually don’t visit every park on every visit).

Whatever you do, be sure to put a little thought into your vacation before you get there. (I’ve done Disney on the fly and felt like I wasted my trip…)

Tips for Getting the Most out of Your First Trip to Disney World

Rider switch allows both parents to do rides their kids can’t.

Disney’s Rider Switch service allows parents with young children or others who can’t ride a particular attraction to take turns riding without having to wait in line twice.

That way everyone gets to enjoy their favorite rides.

Watch Youtube Videos of Rides

Watching YouTube videos of Disney World rides before your visit can help you decide which attractions are must-dos, give you a sense of what to expect, and enhance your anticipation and planning experience.

You Can Schedule Attraction Times in Advance

Through Disney’s Genie+ and Lightning Lane services, you can schedule times to ride select attractions in advance, reducing wait times and enabling you to make the most of your visit to the parks.

I highly recommend getting the Genie+ Pass add on if you’re visiting during peak times.

Lines to Meet Characters are Often Long

Lines to meet Disney characters are often super long.

You can use the My Disney Experience app to check character appearance times and locations, too!

Disney Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

While Disney World can be a significant investment, it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Careful planning, budgeting, and taking advantage of value options for dining, accommodations, and tickets can make your dream Disney vacation more affordable.

👉 Check out my post here on budgeting for Disney World.

Photopass Photographers Will Take Free Photos

Disney’s Photopass photographers are available throughout the parks to capture your magical moments at iconic locations.

By using this free service, you can have professional-quality photos taken for free.

But if you want to keep any of the pictures, you’ll of course have to pay for them.

(But this way you have a choice if you don’t LOVE your pictures… and you don’t have to pay for the entire photopass package up front!)

More Tips for Visiting Disney World Orlando for the First Time

Know the best times to go to disney world.

Visit on weekdays, off-peak seasons, and of course avoid major holidays.

Check out the least busy time of the year to visit Disney here.

Booking around these dates will help you avoid crowds, minimize wait times, and reduce the stress of visiting when everyone else is there.

Rental Cars Can Be Expensive in Orlando

When planning your trip to Disney World in Orlando, be aware that rental cars can be expensive :/

We usually road trip from Texas to Florida , so we have our own car. But if we fly into Orlando, we stay in the park so we don’t have to rent a car.

Consider alternative transportation options like Disney’s Magical Express, shuttles, or ridesharing services to help manage your budget.

Visiting Walt Disney World is Physically Exhausting

A visit to Walt Disney World can be physically exhausting!

Extensive walking, long days, and high heat and humidity will take a toll on your body, so remember to pace yourself.

Take breaks and stay hydrated to make the most of your magical adventure.

Disney Springs is Better than Ever

Disney Springs is super fun ! We visited for the first time in 2023 and had a blast.

It has TONS of dining (and drinking!) options, unique shopping experiences, captivating entertainment, and vibrant atmosphere.

We love visiting Gideon’s Bakery. Be sure to reserve your spot in line on the app!

First time visitors shouldn’t miss a trip to Disney Springs.

Quick FAQs for First Time at Disney World

Does disney world do anything special for first time visitors.

Disney World offers a “First Visit” button.

Our kids got their “first visit” buttons this year. So cute!

How Do I Prepare for My First Trip to Disney World?

To prepare for your first trip to Disney World you will want to research the parks and attractions.

I like to research the parks on Youtube, and Tiktok has tons of fun tips, too.

You’ll definitely want to make dining and Genie+ reservations as well.

Create a flexible itinerary, pack essentials like comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen and you’re bound to have a great time!

What Free Things Can I Get at Disney?

Here are a couple of free things you can get at Disney World.

🆓 Celebration buttons

🆓 Character autographs

🆓 Street entertainment (“Streetmosphere”)

🆓 Fireworks shows

What is the Cheapest Month to go to Disney?

The cheapest months to visit Disney World are January, February, and September.

Anytime you visit outside major holidays and school vacations you’ll experience lower crowds and potentially more affordable rates for accommodations and tickets.

How Much Does it Cost to go to Disney World?

The cost of a trip to Disney World can vary widely depending on factors, but you could easily spend $1000+ a day at the parks.

We always visit Disney on a tight budget (around $120 spent on a single day at the park… not including tickets and lodging!) and we still have a great time.

👉 Read my tips for visiting Disney on a budget here.

Here are a couple of factors that will impact how much you spend at Disney.

✔️ The number of days you visit (more days, cheaper tickets)

✔️ Price of park tickets (cheaper during off-season)

✔️ Accommodations (value versus luxury)

✔️ Dining choices (quick meals vs. sit down)

✔️ Transportation (free vs. rental cars)

✔️ Additional experiences (ticket add ons, etc)

What Do You Need for Your Disney Vacation?

For a successful Disney vacation, you’ll need the essentials.

Walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle are MUST HAVES in the warmer months.

Don’t forget your plan or itinerary. We store ours on our phone note app.

Most importantly? Bring patience! The crowds are frustrating as hell!

In Conclusion, Your First Time at Disney World…

Your first time at Disney World is bound to be a magical and unforgettable experience.

Make sure you prioritize the attractions and characters you want to see the most and check those items off first.

With proper planning, a sense of adventure, and a sprinkle of pixie dust, you’ll have a great trip that will leave you excited to come back.

Beth McCarter is the lead writer and CEO of The Travel Fam. Her first trip to Disney was spent in a double stroller next to her baby brother. She’s been to Disney too many times to count; her favorite ride is the Haunted Mansion and she loves the Animal Kingdom.  She enjoys planning holiday trips to Disney with her husband and two children.

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Disney Celebration Buttons

Button Options    Where To Pick Up Your Celebration Buttons

Celebrating something special ? Pick up your complementary celebration buttons! These magical accessories are perfect for anyone celebrating their vacation for a multitude of occasions. Wear your Celebration Button proudly so that everyone knows what you are celebrating while visiting Walt Disney World.

Disney Celebration Button Options

Happy birthday.

Feel the full extent of your special and magical day , as cast members and characters wish you best on your special day! You will feel like a true Prince or Princess when everyone wants to help you celebrate your birthday.

Happily Ever After

Engaged? Just married ? “Ear” marking an anniversary ? Let the world know of your loving commitment, as you and your partner continue living Happily Ever After!

Is it your first time in the park? Help let everyone know that you are celebrating your first magical experience! This is a momentous occasion for you and your fellow travelers, so let the word go out that you made it for your first visit!

I’m Celebrating

Graduating? Family reunion? Are you just happy to be in the happiest place on Earth? Pick up an “I’m Celebrating” button and a cast member will write in your special reason!

Where To Pick Up Your Disney Celebration Buttons

These buttons can be found at multiple locations. Guest Relations at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts and any of the parks on both coasts will have these accessories upon request. See our maps pages for Walt Disney World and Disneyland for specific Guest Relations locations. Also, cast members in the front of any park around the time of rope drop may be walking around with baskets full of the various buttons. Occasionally, cast members at larger merchandise locations, such as World of Disney or the Emporium on Main Street, may have a stash of buttons behind the counter. Buttons can also be found around Disney Springs. The cast member who gives you your button will happily personalize to your pleasing by writing what you are celebrating on the button.

TheMouseForLess Tip: Get your celebration button at the beginning of your trip or day so that you can wear it as long as possible! If you are staying at a Disney resort let a cast member at the front desk know you are celebrating and they can help you get a button before you head to the parks.

Walt Disney World Resort Free Quote

Start planning your Walt Disney World Resort Vacation with The Magic For Less Travel . Use the form below to request a free no-obligation quote, and one of their counselors will get in touch with you to begin planning. The Mouse For Less recommends the Walt Disney World vacation planning services provided by our sponsor, The Magic For Less Travel. Their expert planning advice will help you make the most of your vacation time and money. The Magic For Less Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and provides service free of charge.

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Celebrating Your First Visit to Walt Disney World

By Dave Shute

CELEBRATIONS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

Magical Blogorail Teal is writing this month about Disney Celebrations: anniversaries, birthdays, and such.

Welcome to those of you joining me from The World of Deej and those of you who have just hopped aboard. I am the final stop on our Magical Blogorail .

My Disney Celebration topic–you guessed it– is celebrating your first visit !

FIRST VISIT CELEBRATIONS AT DISNEY WORLD

Disney offers buttons that highlight many occasions–first visits being one of them.

You can get these buttons at your resort ‘s front desk, or at any of the Guest Services areas of the parks.

Disney cast members pay attention to buttons, and wearing one will get you even more friendliness than you’d usually get! …and you never know what else may happen.

It is seeing the Magic Kingdom fireworks show “Wishes” on your last night at Disneyy World.

There’s a couple of different reasons why all of this site’s itineraries end with your family spending its final Saturday evening at the Magic Kingdom, and one of them is so that you can celebrate your trip by seeing Wishes,

Wishes is a wonderful show and a spectacular way to celebrate your trip…and even more wonderful in memory .

If you are like most people, at some point you’ll return to Walt Disney World, and at some point your kids will return with their kids.

Its name may change, but there will always be an evening fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom.

And when you see it again, you will remember the first time you saw it with your kids when they were little, and when you are old, your kids will remember seeing it with you when you were young.

Seeing it again someday will bring back wonderful memories of seeing it for the first time.

MORE ON DISNEY CELEBRATIONS FROM MAGICAL BLOGORAIL TEAL

Thank you for joining Magical Blogorail Teal this month. We will be back October 25th with an all new theme.

Keep checking in with our blogs in between loops to keep up to date with our Disney info, photos and stories.

If you are looking for more Disney magic, you can make your way over to the Magical Blogorail website to see all our members and their blogs, as well as all our previous loops.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail loop should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

• 1st Stop ~  The Disney FAITHful
• 2nd Stop ~ Disney-Lovin’ Spectrum Mom
• 3rd Stop ~ Capturing Magical Memories
• 4th Stop ~  The World of Deej
• Final Stop ~ yourfirstvisit.net

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Build your own Disney theme park-style buttons

By: Author Shannon Albert

Published: September 13, 2013 Updated: June 24, 2019

When you go to a Disney theme park, you can get a few buttons for free from the resorts and guest services.

There are options for people on their 1st visit, celebrating a birthday, just married, etc.

But what if you’re celebrating something else?

I’ve got templates in Microsoft Word, Photoshop and Gimp to help you build your own.

Let’s take a look…

Available at the theme parks:

And now you can use the ones that I’ve designed to build your own.

Here are the components of each design. You’ll use each piece to build your own button. I’ve provided some images of each of these elements and you can also make your own.

Piece #1 – the background circle

The background of the button is a texture or pattern that shows behind the “window” at the top of each button. Here are the ones I’ve included:

Piece #2 – the outer ring

Now let’s layer a ring on top of our circle to form the outer boundary of the button.

Piece #3 – the character, symbol or sign

This is the layer that appears at the top of the button. Most of my examples are characters but it could be whatever you want. Insert this layer and have it overlap the outer ring a bit to give a bit of a 3D effect.

Piece #4 – the bottom button section

Now it’s time to lay the bottom button on top of the other layers (it’ll often overlap the character or symbol as well).

Piece #5 – add some text

The last piece is the text layer which says what you’re celebrating.

The final product

Programs to use

Now that you know the pieces that go into each button, I’ve provided files in 3 formats – Microsoft Word, Gimp and Photoshop.

Microsoft Word This version has the Word document with all of the buttons already created for a 2 1/2 inch button. You may have to adjust according to whatever button size you’re using.

Included in this zip file: Word document, Mouser font (install before opening the Word document), folder of circle images, folder of outer rings and a folder of the bottom button sections.

Download the Word version

Photoshop This version has the Photoshop file which contains all of the elements in layers, plus the Mouser font which you should install.

Download the Photoshop version

Gimp This has the Gimp file and Mouser font. Be sure to install the font before using the file. (Note: the text doesn’t work along a path in this document because I couldn’t get it to work for some reason. If you can figure it out, let me know and I’ll update this file with the text working along a path.)

Download the Gimp version

The buttons

You can pick up button kits at craft stores like Michael’s and online on Amazon.com . I’ve seen them in 2.25 inch, 2.5 inch and 2.75 inch sizes.

Thursday 12th of April 2018

oh my these are so useful! thank you for the fab help! i is there anymore colour rings available on the net id love a pink

Friday 16th of June 2017

I love these and have an upcoming trip and would love to make some!! But I am wondering how people get the mickey head icons in the outer ring?? Can anybody help me?

Sunday 18th of September 2016

My daughter is competing in a soccer tournament at WDW over Thanksgiving. Any chance you could add a soccer Mickey?

Wednesday 27th of July 2016

I don't understand how to do it. I'm sorry I'm not very tech-savy but we are going to Disney in Sept and I'd love to be able to make these for our trip! Can you possibly help me?

Saturday 7th of May 2016

You're a life saver! Love this post! What font for the buttons!!!

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Select Nights through August 29, 2024 Adventure awaits you in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at a limited-capacity event with exciting attractions and yummy snacks.

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Get FREE Disney Celebration Buttons

By: Author Kristi

If you are celebrating at Disney World , let EVERYONE know by wearing a Celebratory Disney button. These FREE Disney Celebration buttons are available at all Disney parks & resorts and will make your vacation even more magical.

FREE Disney Celebration Buttons

Many people visit Disney parks during special occasions and when they do so, they can showcase their special event by wearing a Disney Celebration Button.

These buttons come in a few different designs and are able to be personalized.

Types of FREE Celebration Disney World Buttons

• Anniversary
• First Visit
• Personal Triumph

Where To Get Free Disney Pins

You can get Disney buttons at all Disney parks by visiting either a ticket counter or Disney Guest Relations building.

You may also find Disney Cast Members handing them out near the entrances of the parks early in the day.

Typically the cast members carrying the Disney buttons are easy to spot because they will be carrying a display box or wearing the celebratory buttons on a vest.

All you have to do is ask, and they will be happy to give you one!

In fact, they’ll even have a sharpie for you to personalize your button with your name, event, etc.

During the Christmas holiday, you can take your Disney button to be personalized with calligraphy at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom for a small fee.

How can a Disney Button make your Disney Vacation More Magical? 

Cast members take special notice of the Disney Celebration Buttons.

Often they will greet you by name, congratulate you on your event, or even do something to make your day special.

In the past, we have received free Disney trading pins, special desserts and even received a birthday card when we were celebrating a birthday at Disney World !

Disney is all about making your trip a magical experience and if you are celebrating something special, you definitely want to make sure that you grab yourself a Disney World button!

Not celebrating, but want a Disney Button? You can find a selection of park buttons online & inside some of the gift shops at the parks.

Have you worn Celebratory buttons at Disney World? Did you experience any extra magic?

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Heather Rust

Saturday 4th of March 2023

We are taking our first Disney cruise in June on the Disney fantasy. While we are on there we are celebrating my sons birthday and my parents 40th a anniversary. Anyway we can get buttons for those two celebrations

Thursday 26th of January 2023

My wife and I enjoyed our visit on 25th of January but I missed the buttons.

Monday 31st of October 2022

Do you know if they are available at Disney springs anywhere?

Thursday 10th of November 2022

They can be found at Guest Services inside Disney Springs

Sunday 23rd of October 2022

Thank you for the amazing tips

Wednesday 6th of July 2022

My family and I enjoyed our visit on 4th of July but I missed the buttons.

Where to Get First Visit Button at Disneyland

If you’re planning your first trip to Disneyland, you’re in for a magical experience! One of the ways Disneyland makes your visit extra special is by offering a complimentary “First Visit” button. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about this fun tradition, including where to find the button, how to use it, and what other perks you can enjoy on your first visit to Disneyland.

You can get your First Visit Button at Disneyland from City Hall on Main Street in Disneyland Park or at the Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure. You can also ask for one at park gift shops or at the front desk of the official park hotels. Simply ask a cast member for a First Visit button.

What is the First Visit Button at Disneyland?

The First Visit Button at Disneyland is a free button given to guests who are visiting the park for the first time. It’s an orange button emblazoned with the words “1st Visit.” While wearing this button won’t grant you any special privileges like skipping lines, it might get you some special attention from cast members and fellow park-goers.

Where to Get Your First Visit Button

The easiest place to get a First Visit Button is at City Hall on Main Street in Disneyland Park. After entering the main gate, go through the left tunnel under the train station. City Hall is the first building on the left after the tunnel. Simply walk up to the counter and ask a cast member for a First Visit button.

If you’re visiting California Adventure before Disneyland, you can get a First Visit button at the Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street. After passing through the main gates, head to the left and find the Chamber of Commerce just past Oswald’s, a small shop designed to look like an old-fashioned gas station.

In addition to these locations, you can sometimes get First Visit Buttons from cast members working in park gift shops, such as The Emporium at Disneyland or Elias & Company on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure. The front desk of the official park hotels (the Grand Californian, Paradise Pier, or the Disneyland Hotel) can also provide buttons outside of check-out and check-in times.

Making the Most of Your First Visit Button

While the First Visit Button doesn’t come with any guaranteed perks, it does open the door for potential magical moments. Many Disney fans have reported receiving extra attention or small gestures of kindness from cast members when wearing the button.

You can also personalize your button with your name, which can lead to even more special interactions. For instance, a character might address you by name during a meet-and-greet, or a cast member might wish you a happy first visit personally.

Other Perks for Disneyland Visitors

First Visit Buttons aren’t the only freebies you can enjoy on your Disneyland trip. Here are a few more:

• Celebration Buttons : If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion, you can pick up a free celebration button at City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce.
• Free Water : Counter service restaurants throughout the park will give you a free cup of water.
• Free Entertainment : Disneyland offers free entertainment throughout the day, from parades to fireworks shows.
• Free Souvenirs : You can collect free souvenirs like park maps and FastPasses. After taking the Jungle Cruise, you can ask for a map of the attraction as a free souvenir.

Remember, while these perks can certainly enhance your Disneyland experience, they are subject to availability and can change without notice. Always check with a Cast Member if you have any questions.

Your first visit to Disneyland is sure to be a magical experience. With your First Visit Button in hand, you’ll be ready to make the most of your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i get a first visit button if it’s not my first visit, but it’s my first visit in a long time.

Yes, you can! The First Visit Button is more about celebrating your experience, so if it feels like a first visit to you, don’t hesitate to pick up a button.

Can I get a First Visit Button at a Disneyland Resort outside of the United States?

Yes, the First Visit Button tradition is followed at all Disneyland Resorts worldwide. However, the availability and locations may vary, so it’s best to ask a cast member when you arrive.

Do I have to pay for the First Visit Button?

No, the First Visit Button is completely free of charge. It’s a fun way Disneyland welcomes its first-time guests.

Can I get multiple First Visit Buttons for my family or group?

Absolutely! If it’s the first visit for multiple people in your party, each person can receive their own button.

Can I request a First Visit Button before I arrive at Disneyland?

No, unfortunately, you can’t request a First Visit Button in advance. They are only available in the park on the day of your visit.

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Ashley is a true theme park veteran, with insights gleaned from multiple visits to every park in the US. Her goal is to provide an insider's guide to making the most of your visit to any theme park.

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About the 'first visit' buttons; if we get one on our first day can they be used for the remainder of our trip, or will we need a new one each day? Also, are they the same at all 4 parks or should we pick one up at each new park we visit? (12 more days!!!) ”

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