A trip to Disney World is a bucket list holiday for many – but there’s a lot to think about before you go
Holiday planning for 2025 is underway for many families that are desperate for a change of scene and some down time with their loved ones.
There’s so many places to choose from but a recent survey of parents by American Holidays’ Family Fun Report found that for 63 per cent of people, a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida topped their bucket list destinations when travelling to the USA.
In fact, searches for ‘Walt Disney World Resorts’ and ‘Walt Disney World Packages’ have increased 5000 per cent over the past 30 days in the UK, according to Google search trends.
Walt Disney World is the size of New York City and features six theme parks, shopping, dining, and entertainment areas, golf courses, hotel resorts, and sports arenas.
So it’s unsurprising that respondents also listed travel planning (26 per cent) as one of the biggest stresses when organising a trip. They also said budgeting (43 per cent) was a concern if wanting to go to the resort.
With this in mind, travel experts at American Holidays have revealed insider tips that covers how to beat the crowds, stay on budget and the hacks that can make your holiday better if you’re lucky enough to be able to go.
Top tips for a Disney World
1. Visit During Off-Peak Seasons
To save money and avoid long lines, visit Disney World during off-peak seasons, typically January- February or August- September – perfect for a trip in the late summer holidays. These months generally have lower crowd levels, which means shorter wait times for popular rides and better availability for dining reservations.
Additionally, Disney often offers hotel discounts and promotions during these periods, helping you stretch your budget further. Avoid major holidays, spring break, early summer, and the first week of January, when crowds peak.
If you must visit during busier times, plan for early mornings and late evenings to make the most of lower wait times. By staying in a Disney Resort hotel you can also take advantage of early park admission as Disney guests.
2. Bring Your Own Snacks and Water
Food costs inside the parks can add up quickly if you’re not on a dining plan, so a simple way to save money is by bringing your own snacks and refillable water bottles. Disney allows outside food and drinks (with some restrictions), so packing snack bars, fruit, or sandwiches can keep you fuelled without breaking the bank.
Water fountains and bottle refill stations are available throughout the parks, helping you stay hydrated for free. You can also stock up at nearby supermarkets which are easily accessible by car, or taxi pick-up.
3. Packages Offer the Best Value
Purchasing tickets in advance can help you lock in lower prices and avoid long lines at the entrance gates. American Holiday recommend 14 nights in Orlando to get the most of a visit to Walt Disney World Resort.
Ticket packages for 14 days allows unlimited access to Disney’s four enchanting theme parks and water parks. You can also opt for a seven-day ticket if you are planning visits to Universal, Kennedy Space Centre or Legoland.
4. Wear Light Clothes and Comfortable, Well-Broken-In Shoes
A trip to Disney World requires a lot of walking—and it can easily lead to your clocking in at 10-20,000 steps per day. To prevent blisters and discomfort, break in your shoes weeks before your trip and gradually increase your daily walking.
Avoid brand-new shoes, as they are more likely to cause discomfort. Bring an extra pair of socks in case your feet get damp, and consider talcum powder for hot days.
5. Plan, But Don’t Over-Plan
It’s tempting to plan every minute of your Disney trip, but flexibility is key. Due to the way Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes (ILLs) work, ride availability can be unpredictable, and spending too much time trying to stick to a strict schedule can lead to frustration.
Instead, focus on your top three priorities for the day—whether they’re must-ride attractions, shows, or dining experiences—and build a loose plan around them.
Apps like My Disney Experience are helpful for tracking wait times, but don’t let them dictate your entire day. Sometimes, the best experiences come from slowing down, exploring the details of the park, and soaking in the magic rather than running from ride to ride.
6. Be Weather-Prepared
Florida’s weather is unpredictable, so check the forecast daily and pack accordingly. Bring ponchos or lightweight rain jackets for sudden storms and sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats for sunny days.
If visiting in the summer, handheld fans and cooling towels can be lifesavers. Prepping your backpack the night before ensures you’re ready for any surprises.
7. Understand the Parks Before You Go
Disney World is massive – in fact, it’s the size of Greater Manchester – so understanding the park layout in advance can save you time navigating from ride to ride. Before your trip, spend time on the My Disney Experience app checking wait times, familiarising yourself with the park maps, and learning about ride locations.
Watching YouTube videos or reading guides about Genie+ and Lightning Lanes can also help maximise efficiency if you plan to use them.
8. Stay at a Disney Hotel for Extra Perks
Staying at a Disney resort comes with a variety of benefits that can enhance your trip and save you time. One of the biggest perks is the complimentary MagicBand, which serves as your park ticket, room key, and even a payment method if linked to a credit card.
It eliminates the need to carry cash, tickets, or room keys, making it easier to navigate the parks. Plus, Disney resort guests can take advantage of Early Entry to the parks, allowing them to enjoy selected attractions before the general public arrives.
Another advantage? Convenience. Disney hotels offer free transportation via buses, boats, and the Monorail, which means less stress about parking and getting to the parks on time. Staying on the property also makes mid-day breaks more feasible, which is especially valuable for families with young kids.
Bladhana Richardson, of American Holidays, said: “At American Holidays we pride ourselves on tailor-making holidays based on each individual family’s needs, so with 42 per cent of families citing budgeting, and 26 per cent citing travel logistics as their biggest pressure points, we can help take the stress out of holiday planning, and help families build the US holiday they’ve always dreamed of.
“For those visiting Walt Disney World Orlando simply provide your budget, must-do attractions, and preferences, and our experts can take the stress out of planning your dream holiday.”
