Walt Disney World Tips for First-Timers
Visiting Walt Disney World for the First Time
Discover some Walt Disney World key facts and Guest tips to help first-time families feel prepared and make the most of their magical holiday.
How Big is Walt Disney World?
Walt Disney World Resort covers around 40 square miles, which is similar in size to the city of San Francisco. Within the resort you will find four Theme Parks, two Water Parks, 25+ Disney Resort hotels, 400+ dining locations, along with two shopping, dining and entertainment areas.
How Do You Get Around Walt Disney World?
Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels enjoy complimentary Disney transportation across Walt Disney World Resort. Buses, the Monorail, boats and the Disney Skyliner link resorts and Parks, and some hotels are within walking distance of select entrances. Off-site Guests may also use complimentary Disney transportation within the resort to travel between the Parks and key areas.
Visiting Walt Disney World with Accessibility Needs
Walt Disney World is designed so that everyone can enjoy the magic, with a range of accessibility services across the Parks, hotels and transportation. Attractions and facilities support a variety of needs, and transport options accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices. Guests may also explore services such as wheelchair or ECV hire and Disability Access Service.
Smart Tips for Staying Refreshed and Ready
- Be weather-ready: Florida is famous for its sunshine, so pack sunscreen, a cap, lightweight clothing and a small portable fan. Ponchos are available to buy throughout the Parks – perfect for surprise rain showers and water rides!
- Recharge and refuel: Keep your energy up with delicious snacks and dining options around every corner, and bring a reusable water bottle to refill for free at stations around the Parks.
- Keep comfortable: Break in your shoes and pack a spare pair. For little ones, pushchair rentals are available so they can cruise in comfort!
What Is There to Do for Young Children at Walt Disney World?
Little ones have so much to enjoy! Many attractions have no height restrictions, and they can meet favourite characters from Disney Junior, Frozen, Toy Story and more. Indoor shows give tiny legs a break, Baby Care Centers offer quiet downtime, and pushchair rentals make exploring the Disney Parks easy and stress-free.
What Is There to Do for Older Kids at Walt Disney World?
Tweens and teens can enjoy plenty of thrill rides (make sure to check height restrictions in advance) and immersive lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora – The World of Avatar, which bring their favourite stories to life. There are also plenty of photo opportunities with Characters, iconic snacks and scenic backdrops—perfect for capturing magical memories.
First‑Timer Tips from Our UK Guests
New to Walt Disney World? Our Guests share friendly, first‑hand tips to help you plan with ease, make the most of your time and enjoy every magical moment together.
"STAY ON SITE !! Staying at a Disney Resort offers so many benefits such as extra magic hours, Disney transportation and the just being so close to the parks meaning you never need to leave the magic!!"
Lauren
"Extended Evening hours are amazing! Less crowds, less heat, a different atmosphere and much shorter queues. AK is also amazing with Pandora lit up at night! We had some included with a Deluxe resort."
Rach
"Be there for rope drop. I was the first person on Main Street one morning, so got an amazing view of the castle, plus you'll have a shorter wait time for the rides"
Carla
"Your child is never too young to go to Disney World. All senses engaged dancing with Chip and Dale, watching mesmerizing the Lion King, meeting African animals and of course meeting her idol Mickey!"
Alicia
"The Boardwalk is a lovely place to chill for a while away from the theme parks, shops to browse and eating places and it is even more lovely lit up at night, you can also wander the various hotels"
Suzanne
"After a long day at the parks, nothing beats a relaxing dip in your resort hotel pool at night. It’s usually quieter, and the water is still warm. Perfect for unwinding before heading to bed!"
Marti
The Best Disney Park Strategy for First-Time Families
With 4 unique Theme Parks to explore and Water Parks fun to enjoy, a little forward planning can help structure each day and leave room for even more magic!
Hop Between Parks
With Disney Magic Tickets, Park Hopper is included, giving your family the freedom to visit more than one Theme Park in a day. Start with morning adventures in one Park, return to your Disney Resort hotel for a relaxing swim and downtime, then head to a different Park in the evening to enjoy dinner and an enchanting nighttime spectacular.
Enjoy Extra Magic Hours
If you’re staying on site, you can enjoy extra time in the Parks with Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours at select Disney Resort hotels. You can shape your day around your family’s rhythm, whether that means early adventures or soaking up the magic later in the evening.
Your Family’s Top Picks
Create a short list of must-do attractions and shows for each Park. Using Disney Genie on the My Disney Experience app, you can shape a personalised itinerary around your family’s interests. For rides you're most excited about, Lightning Lane is an optional extra to spend less time in queues and keep your day flowing smoothly.
Make the Most of Memory Maker
Memory Maker is included with adult Disney Magic Tickets and gives you unlimited digital downloads of your Disney PhotoPass pictures. From iconic park landmarks to candid family moments, Disney photographers capture the magic so you can focus on making memories.
Smart Queueing Options
Make the most of your time with Rider Switch and virtual queues. Rider Switch lets adults take turns on attractions while little ones wait nearby, without queuing twice—just speak to a Cast Member at the entrance. Virtual queues, accessed through the My Disney Experience app, let you join remotely, enjoy other attractions, and return when it’s your turn.
How to Pace Your Disney Days
A Walt Disney World holiday includes more than attractions, and many families find it helpful to include rest time in their plans.
Explore Disney Springs
Disney Springs offers a change in tempo, where leisurely shopping, delicious dining, and live entertainment come together. Browse unique boutiques, indulge in a sweet treat or enjoy a relaxed family-friendly meal. The laid-back atmosphere makes it ideal for exploring together at your own pace.
Head to the Water Parks
Cool off with a day at a Disney Water Park – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from floating along a lazy river to diving into wave pools and racing down thrilling slides. It’s a refreshing way to beat the heat and add a splash more magic to your holiday!
A Day at Your Disney Resort Hotel
Spending a day at a Disney Resort hotel allows you to slow down while staying immersed in the magic. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, join in lively poolside activities or enjoy Character Dining experiences with beloved Disney friends at selected resorts. These quieter moments offer a gentle pause and a chance to plan the adventures still to come.
Child‑friendly Play Areas in the Parks
You’ll find plenty of spots where little ones can wriggle and reset without leaving the magic, such as the air‑conditioned Dumbo big‑top play area and Casey Jr. Splash ’N’ Soak in Magic Kingdom, plus Project Tomorrow at the exit of Spaceship Earth and the free Kidcot Fun Stops dotted around EPCOT’s World Showcase
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Rest assured that your money is safe when booking with usFrequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find the answers to some of our most Frequently Asked Questions when it comes to planning your first Walt Disney World holiday from the UK!
How do Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours work?
Early Theme Park Entry lets on‑site Disney Hotel Guests enter any park 30 minutes early daily. Extended Evening Hours give guests at Deluxe category hotels extra time on select nights, great for headliners after dark!
What’s the easiest way to get around with children and pushchairs?
Disney’s complimentary buses, monorails, boats and Disney Skyliner connect parks and hotels throughout the day. Park‑hop with ease, and if you rent a stroller, you can pick one up at each park you visit the same day, simple for little legs.
What’s a good “rest‑day” plan between Disney Theme Park days?
Mix it up with a Water Park morning, an easy Disney Springs afternoon, and a relaxed Disney Hotel evening. It keeps everyone refreshed and ready for your next park day!
How does Rider Switch work and who is it for?
Perfect for families with younger children. One adult rides while the other waits with the child; then you switch and board via the designated return, no need to queue twice. Ask the Cast Member at the attraction entrance to set it up.
Disney Magic Tickets
Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket is valid for use up to 18 days from the start-date of the ticket, or the selected check-in date. Disney Magic Tickets provide admission to Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, whichever is open. Please check Know Before You Go for the most current information on Disney Water Parks. Water Parks are subject to rehabilitation, seasonal, capacity and weather closures, or may close for other reasons. Bookings are subject to availability and our Booking Terms and Conditions.
My Disney Experience App
Available for iPhone®, iPad® and smartphones for Android™. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc. Products and services are fulfilled in the My Disney Experience app. App is intended for use in the US only. Currently, the app is only available in English.
Important Details About Lightning Lane Passes
Products and services are fulfilled in the My Disney Experience app. App is intended for use in the US only. Currently, the app is only available in English. Lightning Lane passes are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Lightning Lane passes, attractions and experiences may vary by date, are subject to change or closure, are limited in availability and are not guaranteed, and may not be available at all on the date of visit or at the time you make a selection. Price, terms and entitlements are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice or liability.
Memory Maker
Memory Maker is included with Disney 7-Day and 14-Day Magic Ticket (adult tickets only). Includes Disney PhotoPass® photos and other digital content taken during the Memory Maker window and linked to the Memory Maker guest’s Disney account. Subject to Memory Maker T&Cs and, if applicable, Family & Friends T&Cs. Disney is not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos or other digital content. On the gate price $210 correct at time of printing.