5 things first time Disney World visitors should know before they go

Mickey Mouse ears and visits to Cinderella’s castle are a rite of passage for kids who spend years begging their parents to take them on a Disney World vacation, so when they finally get to go, it’s a BIG deal. That kind of excitement can translate into a lot of pressure for parents to plan the perfect Orlando trip. If you’re a first time Disney World visitor, here are some things to know to make sure your family has a magical experience that doesn’t break the bank or create extra stress along the way.

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Plan your meals

Disney’s theme restaurants are a must-see for any family visiting the parks, but getting into places where you can dine with the characters can be a challenge. If you know which days you’ll be visiting each park, look into setting up lunch or dinner reservations as soon as you can. Look into all your dining options in the weeks (or months) before your visit to avoid the stress.

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It’s all about the clothes

The parks are known for their beautiful princesses, dashing princes and loving animals, but often times kids join in on the fun with costumes of their own. If your kid loves to play dress-up, take advantage of deals at home or after-Halloween discounts and pick up outfits for your trip. They can dress up as their favorite character for the day, and you won’t feel pressured to cave into marked-up prices in the park. Bonus points if you’re crafty enough to make them at home!

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Don’t miss your favorite character

Don’t leave meeting your favorite Disney characters up to chance. Download Disney’s app before you hit the park and check out the character schedule for the day to plan rides and photo opps accordingly. This way you can make sure you won’t miss those must-see characters, prioritize your time, and of course avoid trekking through the crowds more than you have to.

Bring on the snacks

Food in the park isn’t cheap, so save money by bringing in granola bars, fruit snacks and other quick fixes from the grocery store that are branded with Disney characters. Your kids won’t know the difference, and you can save money for the sweet treats you can only get in the parks, like Mickey-shaped ice cream sandwiches and an iconic Dole Whip on those hot Florida afternoons.