Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be both magical and a little overwhelming. With four incredible theme parks, endless attractions, and now an updated ride reservation system, there’s a lot to take in – especially if it’s your first time. In this post, I’m sharing general tips to help you prepare, including the latest changes to Disney’s Lightning Lane system.

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or traveling as adults only, these tips will help you make the most of your time at the most magical place on Earth.

Don’t Skip the Planning Stage

Disney World isn’t really a ‘wing it’ destination – the more you plan, the smoother things will go. Decide which parks you want to visit on which days, and be sure to book your tickets and any extras well in advance. If you are not a plan it person, maybe have a rough itinerary of parks and rest days! Be sure to check opening hours of parks to ensure there are no after hours events that may affect your plans.

It’s tempting to go full steam ahead from rope drop to fireworks, but trust me – you’ll thank yourself for planning in a bit of downtime. Whether it’s an afternoon break back at your hotel or a full rest day by the pool, it makes a huge difference to energy levels (especially with little ones!).

Make sure you purchase tickets ahead of time, purchasing tickets ahead of time is way more cost effective than purchasing tickets on the gate. We always purchase our tickets from Attraction Tickets, they regularly have promotions on to save 10-15%! Check out their website here to see ticket options. (Ticket combos are available if you are planning to visit Universal also).

New Lightning Lane System Explained

As of July 2024, Disney has replaced Genie+ with Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. Here’s what you need to know:

Lightning Lane Multi Pass (Replaces Genie+)

-Allows you to book up to 3 ride selections per park day in advance.

-Disney resort guests can book from 7 days before check-in; everyone else can book from 3 days out.

-At Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, rides are divided into Tier 1 (choose 1) and Tier 2 (choose 2).

-Once you’ve used your initial selections, you can book more on the day via the app.

Lightning Lane Single Pass (Replaces Individual Lightning Lanes)

-Used for high-demand rides like TRON or Guardians of the Galaxy.

-Bookable in advance (timed entry slots) and purchased separately from Multi Pass.

Top Tip: If you plan to utilise lightening lanes you’ll need to be organised – get familiar with the My Disney Experience app and know which rides are your priorities.

Get the My Disney Experience App

This app is essential for your trip. You can:

-View wait times in real time

-Mobile order food

-Manage your Lightning Lane selections

-Navigate the parks using interactive maps

-Set up your account and link your tickets before your trip to save time on the day.

What to Wear

When visiting Walt Disney World, comfort is key. You’ll be walking around the parks all day, so here’s what to wear to make sure you stay comfy and ready for all the magic:

-Comfortable Trainers: Opt for breathable, cushioned sneakers or sandals with good arch support. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, on our last trip, we easily racked up 20,000+ steps a day, so it’s crucial to pick footwear that can handle the long distances – and the occasional Florida rain shower. Look for lightweight materials and avoid anything too stiff or heavy.

-Light Clothing: The Florida weather can be hot and humid, so choose fabrics that are soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, like cotton, linen, or athletic blends. A loose t-shirt, tank top, or breathable blouse paired with comfortable shorts or leggings is perfect for staying cool.

-Layering: Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, consider packing a poncho for unexpected downpours.

Pack Smart for the Parks

Bring a lightweight backpack with:

-Refillable water bottles (or skip this and utilise the free iced water in paper cups around the parks)

-Concentrated squash or electrolytes

-Snacks

-Ponchos

-Sunscreen

-Battery pack for your phone: You’ll be using your phone for everything – from checking wait times to snapping photos – so having a fully charged battery is essential. You can bring your own portable charger, or if you run out of power, Disney offers the FuelRod system. You can purchase a FuelRod at various locations in the parks, and then swap it out for a fully charged one whenever you need. It’s a handy option if you don’t want to worry about your phone dying during the day.

Having the essentials on hand will save you time and money once you’re in the parks.

Take Advantage of Photo Opportunities

There are plenty of amazing photo spots across all four parks – from Cinderella Castle to Galaxy’s Edge. Don’t forget to capture those magical memories. Whether you’re snapping with your phone or adding Memory Maker to your booking, those photos are priceless.

Final Thoughts

Walt Disney World really is a trip like no other – and with a bit of planning, you can make it even more magical. Getting to grips with the updated Lightning Lane system, downloading the app, and planning your days realistically will all help you make the most of your visit.

Looking for more tips ahead of a Florida Trip? Head to our All Things Florida category.