Tips to Avoid Overwhelm While Planning Your Walt Disney World Trip
- Lauren
- Oct 26
- 3 min read
Orlando, Florida
Let me start by admitting that I am not a full fledged Disney obsessed person. I know those people. I love those people. It just isn't me. That being said, I do enjoy and appreciate the Disney experience and I think I have some worthwhile tips that could help add a little pixie dust to your next trip to Walt Disney World.
If you're going to do it, do it right.
Stay on site to have the most immersive experience. Plus you'll usually get some bonuses like early park entry, passes to mini golf or waterparks, and other goodies.
Know what you are getting into. It will be more crowded, more expensive, and have longer wait times than you want or expect. Be prepared to be okay with that. No sense in ruining the day complaining about paying $6.50 for an ice cream bar. It's not just an ice cream bar, it's a Mickey ice cream bar at Disney World.
Save money by taking advantage of what is included.
Get a free button if you are celebrating a birthday, first visit, anniversary, or other special occasion.
Resorts may have free scavenger hunts, yard games, movie nights, or other activities.
One of our favorite things is to ask transportation cast members for a card. Buses, Watercrafts, Monorails, Trams, Skyliners, and the Minnie Vans may all have a Transportation Card for you to collect. The Monorail may even give a guest an Official Monorail Co-Pilot card!
Make a plan, but don't over do it.
Disney is always evolving and creating new processes. There are some nuances that may help you have a more enjoyable experience so be sure to reach out to a Disney superfan friend or travel planner for the latest tips and to understand the current options.
Prioritize. I recommend having each person in their group pick a few things that they would like to do then build around that. Anything else is a bonus.
Pace yourself. You aren't going to see it all so don't stress yourself by trying.
Be spontaneous. Ride that ride that wasn't on your list because there isn't a line. It may end up being one of your new favorites.
Make sure to include some non-park days.
Spend a day resort hopping. Ride around on the various modes of transportation to different resorts. Check out their lobbies, restaurants, and gift shops.
Visit Disney Springs for shopping, dining, and activities.
Relax and explore your resort.
In addition to the four theme parks, Walt Disney World also has water parks and mini golf.
Soak it up.
Take note of all those special touches that has made Disney a global phenomenon for multiple generations. The customer service, creativity, advanced technology, branding, planning, and extreme attention to detail really is exceptional. I'm always impressed at how they have mastered the blend of familiarity of classic favorites while always having something new and different to try.
Waiting can be a good thing. Enjoy some screen-free time. We like to make up silly games, play eye-spy, would you rather, paper-scissors-rock, and just talk about life. It is actually kind of a gift to get to have uninterrupted time with your family or friends while waiting in line.
Visiting Walt Disney World, particularly if it's your first visit or your first in a long time, can seem daunting. I suggest not getting too caught up in every detail. Simply have a few key attractions in mind and savor the experience. You are sure to have a magical time!
Here are a few photos from our Cousin's Trip in October 2025:
Disney Springs and riding the Skyliner
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