My Top Tips for First-Time Disney Visitors

Are you planning a Disney trip for the first time and have no idea where to start? Or maybe you’ve been before and kind of enjoyed yourself but also felt like there was a wealth of knowledge you just didn’t have that could have made your trip a bit more efficient. Well, stop stressing because here are my top tips for first-time Disney visitors 😊

Navigating Disneyland and Disney World does require some skills, but with this little cheat sheet, you’ll be prepped and ready for the best trip possible in no time!

1. Be Flexible and Manage Your Expectations

First off, don’t expect to experience every attraction there is. Disney World is the size of San Francisco, so unless you’re planning to visit for an entire month, you’re simply not going to see everything. So, instead of being determined to do “everything,” ask everyone in your crew to share the top three attractions they’re most interested in and create a Disney hit list instead.

2. Buy Discounted Disney Gift Cards

Before buying ANYTHING, estimate how much you plan to spend on Disney tickets, food, souvenirs, and (Disney) resorts. Then go to Target or Costco and buy discounted Disney gift cards with your membership(s). Use those gift cards to pay for your Disney expenses; voila, you’ve got a discounted trip!

Check out my post here for a complete guide on how to save up to 30% on Disney gift cards and how to do other cool things, too, like merge them.

3. Become Familiar with the Park Apps

Get familiar with the apps, but not obsessed. In a perfect world, we would be able to enjoy a day at Disney without ever having to look at our phones. Still, in reality, the apps (My Disney Experience for Disney World and Disneyland for Disneyland) are where you go to sync your tickets, check wait lines, show times, mobile order food, etc., so it’s best to get comfy with them ahead of time.

I also highly recommend downloading the Play Disney app, which creates an interactive experience when waiting in line for rides. It also features fun games to help you pass the time at the airport (or anywhere, really).

4. Stay at a Value Resort or Good Neighbor Hotel

If you plan to stay the night in Anaheim or Orlando, it’s best to stay at a Disney value resort or a good neighbor hotel. Both will offer affordable options and perks, including extra magic hours (a.k.a. early park entry) and transportation to and from the parks.

5. Book Your Dining Reservations Way in Advance

You can book Disney dining reservations two months in advance (or three months if you’re a Disney resort guest), and you do NOT want to slack on this. Disney restaurants fill up very quickly, so I have a full guide here to help you score the reservations you want.

6. Walk a Lot Before Your Trip

This may sound like a weird one, but it’s super important. You’re going to average about 20,000 steps on a Disney day, so unless you’re already in the 10,000 steps a day club, your feet are going to be exhausted by the end of the day. That is unless, of course, you prepare ahead of time by getting into “Disney shape” and going on plenty of long walks!

7. Pack the Essentials

Certain items are considered nonnegotiables for a Disney trip, including walking shoes you already love (this is not the time to break in new ones!), moleskin, hydration multipliers, sunscreen, breakfast food if you’re staying at a hotel, wet wipes, body glide if you tend to experience chaffing, etc. But rather than listing everything here, you can download my free Disney packing guide, which already includes everything you’ll need.

8. Buy Ears and Autograph Books Off-Site

Ears and autograph books are way cheaper when purchased outside of Disney property. I have a list of aesthetic Disney ears under $10 here, but usually, any Target or Walmart within a few miles of a Disney park will have plenty of options.

9. Have a Game Plan to Beat the Lines

It’s a good idea to decide ahead of time whether you’ll want to invest in Lightning Lane (a.k.a. fastpass) or go the frugal route and follow my tips for skipping the lines for free.

If you have your heart set on a ride available via Lightning Lane, it may be worth paying for, so definitely look into this before you leave for your trip.

10. Arrive As Early As Possible

This is my number one tip!! If you don’t mind getting up early and going to the parks at rope drop (i.e., right before the park officially opens to watch the rope drop ceremony), you can get so much done even without paying for Lightning Lane. This is the time when the parks are the least crowded. The weather is usually ideal, and the vibes are just *chef’s kiss* all around.

11. Grab a Celebration Button

When you arrive at the parks, you can get a celebration button at the town hall or at most retail shop counters. Wearing these little bad boys adds a bit of “magic” to your day because cast members will be extra nice to you and may even hook you up with freebies or a chance to skip the line! Plus, it’s a free souvenir 😊

12. Use Mobile Ordering

For quick-service meals that don’t require a reservation, you can use mobile ordering on the park apps to skip the lines and pick up your food within the time slot you selected.

13. Stay Hydrated

I cannot stress enough how important this is and how miserable you’ll feel if you don’t stay hydrated! There are filtered water stations throughout all of the parks, so bring your own water bottles and a hydration multiplier (like Liquid IV). Not only does this make a huge difference in the heat, but it also helps mask the funky taste of Orlando water.

14. Buy a Popcorn Bucket

Packing your own snacks is a great way to save money, but if you’re set on having some Disney snacks, the popcorn buckets are the way to go! They cost about $13-$15 upfront, but you get refills for only $2.25 each for the entire remainder of your stay—not just for that day, but for your entire Disney trip stay.

15. Meet the Characters!

Whether through character dining (one of my favorite activities) or a standard meet-and-greet line, the characters make the Disney experience. However, they are often ignored by adults who think they’re just there for the kids, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. It’s so fun to see them in their element; they just brighten everyone’s day! And yes, I recommend getting an autograph book if it’s your first time.

16. Factor in Rest Time

Disney days are wonderful, but they’re also exhausting. If you plan a several-day trip, pick a day in the middle of the week for a chill poolside day where you can sleep. Even if you’re doing a one-day Disneyland trip, include rest time (the Animation Academy is my favorite spot for naps) and some slow rides in your day so you don’t wear yourself out.

17. Get a Seat for the Fireworks at Least One Hour Before the Show

The fireworks are hands down my favorite part of any Disney trip, and it’s especially important to me that I get a good spot where I can hear the music and see the light show for the full effect. It’s best if you can pick a spot 1-2 hours before the show and just relax there (don’t worry; by that time of the night, you’ll be happy to sit and do nothing). I personally like to buy a cup of cocoa to sip and enjoy some downtime before the show starts.

18. Have Fun!

Have fun; that’s the whole point, after all! As I mentioned in tip 1, don’t get too hung up on the idea of doing everything. Plan enough to make the most of your trip, but accept that things will not always go like clockwork. Enjoy being at the most magical place on Earth with your favorite people, and have a fantastic time!

Have you been to a Disney park recently? What’s your number one tip for first-time Disney visitors? Share in the comments below!

As always, if you enjoyed this blog post, please consider donating $3 to TDG’s Ko-Fi page or become a member for just $4/month.

*Disclaimer: I earn a small commission when you purchase stuff through these Amazon links but there is no extra charge for you. All proceeds go to my Dole Whip fund. <3