it takes weeks to get well from Disney, which is why I’m simply now getting the possibility to take a seat down and inform you all about our newest journey to the happiest place on Earth, in any other case referred to as Disney World! Plus I needed to have the ability to put each single element of what it’s your decision/have to know in a single useful planning, recap and query + reply submit so you can bookmark for secure and straightforward protecting…
Firs issues first… planning all issues Disney: I’ve stated it earlier than and I’ll say it once more: sure, you need assistance! In the event you’re not an professional on all issues Lightning Lane, scoring one of the best restaurant suggestions or know the ins and outs of the best way to make your Mickey expertise probably the most magical, it’s essential get my lady Sarah by way of Fairy Godmother and make her your new greatest pal. She has deliberate all of our three Disney journeys over the previous 8 years and I’ve little doubt they wouldn’t have been as great had it not been for her experience. She takes care of all the things as a way to truly get pleasure from your journey…
OK so let’s get right down to the nitty gritty particulars so I can relive each magic reminiscence with you… our full itinerary is first up:
Sure, we prefer to stack our days at Disney. We solely had four days on the bottom attributable to getting again house for college + dance to choose again up after the vacation break in order that’s why we did 4 parks in 4 days. Ideally, we’d have a mid-week day without work the place we take it straightforward and relaxation however that wasn’t in our playing cards this go round… so we wakened early each day, nevertheless it was effectively price it contemplating all we needed to perform and verify off our listing. From dawn skyliner rides to nighttime fireworks, each day was full of pleasure, laughter + somewhat additional pixie mud.
DAY 1 | TRAVEL DAY
We flew out round lunchtime from Nashville, which was unbelievable… didn’t should get up early and had loads of time to reach to the airport. Plus it’s a quick 1.45 hour flight into Orlando for us, so as soon as we arrived our transportation was already at baggage declare and took us instantly to our lodge, The Seashore Membership Resort. This was our first time staying at this WDW property and we LOVED it. Beforehand, we’ve performed Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Polynesian and the Riviera Resort [loved them all as well], however I used to be so grateful we stayed right here after Sarah’s advice.
It’s tremendous handy to Epcot [you can walk inside the park in 5 minutes] and Hollywood Studios [short 10-minute ride by Skyliner] and we liked how straightforward it was to navigate… you virtually really feel such as you’re on the coast of New England with the decor, ambiance, room facilities, eating places and swimming pools. It’s the sister resort to the Yacht Membership which is nextdoor and throughout the lake from the Boardwalk Resort as effectively.
PRO TIP | When planning your journey, take into consideration your “musts”… if it’s the nicest lodge with loads of swimming pools for the children, keep at a deluxe resort = if it’s transportation and being probably the most environment friendly, make the most of the monorail and/or Skyliner = rank your most vital issues and let your journey agent know upfront what issues most to you and your loved ones!
For us, we love the deluxe resorts and normally want the monorail lodges, however I’ve nothing however nice issues to say in regards to the Seashore Membership and would completely keep there once more!
That afternoon, we bought to check-in, get settled after which determined to probe for a bit… strolling to the Boardwalk, testing the lodge and such after which took a Lyft to Disney Springs to go to dinner at Metropolis Works Brewery… an informal sports activities bar with nice meals and many TVs for watching video games = it was easy and a crowd pleaser for everybody in our household. And we positively advocate the BBQ pork tacos and the cookie skillet! Afterwards, we walked round Disney Springs = hopping into outlets and shops and exploring after which known as it an early evening + went again to the lodge to get a great evening of sleep.
DAY 2 | MAGIC KINGDOM
Day two got here early… we had determined early on that we had been going to rope drop all the parks in order that we might experience a few of our favorites greater than as soon as AND profit from our time onsite. That morning, we determined use the Minnie Van Service by way of Lyft to get us to Magic Kingdom early AND beat the crowds= greatest cash spent ever!!! Not solely does it decide you up at your lodge, BUT it will get you to the very entrance entrance of Magic Kingdom… that makes the added $$ price it for us. It’s all by way of the Lyft app and you’ll schedule it proper if you want it AND if in case you have small children, every Minnie Van comes with 2 carseats you should utilize as effectively.
As soon as the park opened early for visitors staying on website, we instantly headed to Tomorrow Land to knock out House Mountain since that was first on Carson listing. From there, we hit up a few of our different favs like Large Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear’s Spin, It’s a Small World and extra. Then a couple of hours into our go to is when Sarah had scheduled our Lightning Lane Passes to start = if there may be one factor to spend additional $$$ on at Disney, it’s these passes – each the MULTI and SINGLE experience passes as some particular rides are ONLY provided that means.
We stored it informal for lunch hitting up Casey’s Nook Sizzling Canines for a fast chew of lunch after which spent all afternoon using our favourite sights, hitting up Essential Avenue outlets and at last attending to experience TRON which was completely superb!!! In fact in true Orlando style it rained that afternoon, however we had been effectively outfitted with ponchos after which as soon as all the things dried up we hit up House Mountain twice extra AND then managed to experience Seven Dwarfs Mine Prepare, too.
That evening, we had reservations at Be Our Visitor for dinner which is all the time a go-to for our fam. It’s turned from a quick-service restaurant to a full-service sitdown and I truly prefer it extra this manner. As soon as we completed up there, we determined it was time to move house so we might get a great evening of sleep and keep away from the loopy crowds = professional tip is to observe fireworks out of your lodge so you’ll be able to go to mattress proper after ;).
DAY 3 | EPCOT
I’d say my favourite factor about our lodge was that we might stroll into EPCOT from the again entrance which simply so occurred to be instantly subsequent to the all new Ratatouille experience within the France a part of EPCOT. We bought in line earlier than the park opened and solely needed to wait quarter-hour for this one so we didn’t have to make use of considered one of our Lightning Lane passes! I’ll say… it’s cute and it’s enjoyable to experience, nevertheless it appears it’s usually a 120-180 minute standby look ahead to this one and I wouldn’t advocate ready that period of time for this one if that’s your solely choice.
After that we walked over to breakfast at Backyard Grill… a brilliant cute and straightforward breakfast choice on a rotating restaurant, we had been visited by Mickey Mouse, Chip n Dale and Pluto too and in addition bought to have an all-american breakfast! Liked this for a semi-quick sit down meal after which we walked downstairs proper onto SOARIN’ with our LL passes.
Whereas we had been at EPCOT, they nonetheless had the vacation kiosks open with all of the seasonal drinks and light-weight bites and it was tremendous enjoyable to stroll across the World Showcase, making an attempt new meals + drinks and testing the sights inside every nation. We didn’t make lunch plans that day so that’s what we did for our “meal” and all of us agreed it was considered one of our favourite issues we did.
Now backing up a bit, that morning at 7AM, I logged onto the My Disney Expertise app to get within the queue for Guardians of the Galaxy, however wasn’t fortunate sufficient to snag a spot. Happily, this is without doubt one of the rides you’ll be able to pay $$$ for a Single Cross Lightning Lane and we did that beforehand… if there may be one new experience to expertise at WDW, it’s 100% this one = one of the best experience at Disney little doubt! We bought to experience it early that afternoon and it was EXCEPTIONAL… everybody’s vote for his or her #1 experience. Whereas we had been on the experience, the 1PM queue opened up once more and Sarah was in a position to get us a spot so we had been in a position to come again later that evening as soon as our boarding group was known as to experience it once more = particular win for the Stonekings and our unbelievable journey agent!
That night, we did a sit down Italian dinner at By way of Napoli and I’ll rave about it… tremendous genuine pizzas identical to you’ll get in Italy and scrumptious pasta everybody will get pleasure from. An amazing choice for households for positive!!! One of the best half?? We bought to stroll again to our lodge earlier than all the nightly festivities kicked off and we bought a GREAT evening of sleep after two jampacked days.
DAY 4 | HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Now onto our fourth day of the journey… all issues Hollywood Studios AKA what I vote is my 2nd favourite park proper behind Magic Kingdom! I really feel like this park has probably the most to supply for older children + adults and is unquestionably the place I vote you to spend a full day whilst you’re visiting WDW. We deliberate to do the early park entry but once more to benefit from no experience wait occasions and it proved to be extraordinarily useful as soon as once more.
This morning, we hopped onboard the Disney Skyliner proper exterior our resort to take an aerial roadtrip and can’t advocate it sufficient! The Skyliners had been straightforward, handy, quick and enjoyable and had us strolling into Hollywood Studios with loads of time to spare.
As quickly as we entered, we walked on to The Rockin’ Curler Coaster in order that we’d be capable to experience it twice in sooner or later and bought it performed rapidly… with simply sufficient time to move to our first Lightning Lane go check-in for the Tower of Terror AKA Jeff’s least favourite experience at Disney. The final time we visited he wouldn’t go on it so the very fact our kids satisfied him shocked + shocked me and let’s simply say it was his first AND final time for this particular dropdown attraction = it was hilarious to us, however perhaps barely traumatic for him… good laughs we are going to all the time keep in mind although!
As soon as we wrapped that one up, we headed to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Prepare which was SUPER CUTE… then we had breakfast at Hollywood ‘N Vine = one other straightforward, sit down breakfast choice with Disney Plus characters and loads of mimosas on repeat for the adults. As soon as we wrapped up, we ventured over to Toy Story Land for our subsequent LL passes for Toy Story Mania and Slinky Canine Sprint = little did we all know rain was looming and we bought POURED on after we rode Slinky, however like I stated… a day we positively gained’t overlook. And naturally that was the sooner or later we determined to forego bringing our rain ponchos with us = par for the course. Ultimately, we ended up having a lightweight chew for lunch that day, letting the afternoon solar dry out our garments and hair after which went to verify off each Star Wars rides. For dinner, we ate at Rodeo Roundup BBQ again in Toy Story Land and all of us LOVED it… the decor + environment, household fashion serving and meals/drink had been all nice and fingers down advocate this one to your subsequent go to to Hollywood Studios!
PRO TIP | When you’ve got a lower than stellar expertise on a experience like we did as a result of torrential rain that began proper earlier than we hopped on Slinky Canine however AFTER we had already scanned our LL passes, go discover a Disney Forged Member working that experience. They had been tremendous sort and after exhibiting them our photos from our first experience, they allow us to experience once more with none hesitation to make it extra memorable!
P.S. this additionally occurred to be New 12 months’s Eve and as a lot as we’d’ve LOVED to remain up till midnight, we had been completely wiped so we known as it an evening round 9PM and took the Skyliner again to our room… after which bought to hearken to all of the fireworks as soon as we had been cuddled up in our pajamas.
DAY 5 | ANIMAL KINGDOM
How might or not it’s our final day??? if you go to Disney it’s positively a marathon and never a dash so we thought we’d save Animal Kingdom for our final park to go to… we additionally knew we’d wrap up AK sooner than the others and would have time to pack as much as head house, and many others.
Minnie Van for the early morning dropoff win but once more! We bought our Lyft app up, requested a experience and we had been on our means effectively earlier than the solar got here up. We entered the park early, booked it to Kilamanjaro Safaris and had been the very first experience of the day on the tour.
PRO TIP | Journey this within the morning in the event you can… that is when the animals are nonetheless getting fed, they’re all out and shifting round/enjoying and also you’re most certainly to see probably the most wildlife presently earlier than it will get too sizzling and/or the traces get too lengthy!
As soon as we tackled the safari, the ladies needed to experience Expedition Everest and we checked our Disney app and the wait time was solely 5 minutes so we headed over and rode it twice = successful. After that, we ventured over to all issues Avatar, did Navi River Passage and Flight after which we made our technique to Tusker Home for our early lunch reservations.
After that, we determined it was time for us to move again to the lodge for a a lot wanted afternoon nap = one thing none of us NEVER do whereas on trip, however by day 4 = it was greater than due! Just a few hours of relaxation+ leisure adopted by packing up after which we headed over to the Polynesian Resort for our favourite dinner on WDW property = Ohana. When you go you’ll by no means NOT eat there… and e-book a reservation close to fireworks time since you get one of the best views of Magic Kingdom that means too!!!
All good issues should come to an finish and the subsequent morning, we took the primary direct flight out of Orlando so we might get house by lunchtime = genius concept so we may very well be again house and get again to the “regular”. So there you could have it… the total itinerary and daily exercise calendar for every park, attraction and naturally a number of our fav issues to do and some professional suggestions sprinkled in for good measure… hope it helps when planning your subsequent Disney journey!!!
You requested all of the questions, and I’ve bought the solutions = all the things from planning the proper park day to our favourite spots for good eats [because yes, that is super important, too]. I’m additionally sharing my private suggestions for navigating the parks with ease, benefiting from your time, and protecting the magic alive. And, after all, we are able to’t overlook the outfits! I’ve shared all our favourite appears from the parks and in addition resharing cute and comfortable park-worthy appears which can be on theme, trendy and completely Minnie-approved.
I’m definitely a nostalgic sort of individual, so it gained’t come as a shock that my fav park needs to be the unique: Magic Kingdom. There’s simply one thing so particular about the complete environment = it seems like stepping right into a storybook and I can’t assist however smile each time we go! From the allure of Essential Avenue to the distinctive “lands,” it’s actually the happiest place on earth. I like the character meet-and-greets scattered all through the park, the place little moments can flip into massive recollections for the littles [oh how I miss those days and having to get all their autographs]. And the parades!! They’re iconic for a motive, bringing all of the Disney magic to life proper earlier than your eyes with tune + dance. There’s actually nothing else prefer it!
Do your self a favor and rent a Disney journey agent—you’ll thank me later! Planning a Disney journey can really feel overwhelming with all of the choices, timelines, reservation dates, and many others… however having an professional by your aspect makes all of the distinction. Like I discussed above, Sarah has dealt with all our Disney adventures, and I can’t say sufficient nice issues about her enterprise. She takes care of all the things—from lodges and park tickets to transportation—and even places all of it collectively in a totally detailed itinerary you’ll be able to take with you! When somebody so well-versed in all issues Mickey handles the logistics, you’ll be able to loosen up and concentrate on having fun with the magic. Belief me, it’s a game-changer!
We’ve been fortunate sufficient to take the ladies to Disney four occasions, and every journey has been so particular! Our first go to was in October 2016 when Caroline was 4 and Carson was 3. They had been of their princess-obsessed period, so Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was a should. We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, explored all four parks, and spent six magical nights on property with Mimi and Pappy in tow, too [you know they weren’t missing out on the girls’ first visit to Disney!!].
Our second journey was in December 2019 when Caroline was 7 and Carson was 6. This time, we stayed on the Polynesian, visited three parks, and had a shorter however simply as memorable four-night keep proper after Christmas. Much like what we did this time = simply sufficient time to get nearly all of the parks knocked out and nonetheless get house earlier than that they had to return to high school after the winter break.
Then got here February 2020—a dream journey sponsored by Disney! Caroline and Carson had been nonetheless 7 and 6, and we bought to expertise a three-day park journey adopted by a four-day Disney cruise. We stayed on the gorgeous Riviera Resort, which made the journey much more unimaginable as a result of it had simply opened and for that journey, we visited Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
Lastly, our most up-to-date go to was in December 2024. With Caroline now 12 and Carson 11, it felt like a full-circle second. We stayed on the Seashore Membership, visited all four parks, and spent 5 superb nights onsite, creating new recollections to treasure with them as tweens.
When folks ask me my favourite model partnership of all time, it’s all the time the best reply as a result of it’s Disney. I’ve had the unimaginable alternative to accomplice with Disney as a creator a couple of occasions over time, and it’s actually been one of many largest pinch me moments of my social media profession. I’ve labored with them twice on Disney cruises + as soon as within the parks for his or her annual Creator Summit = every expertise was completely FABULOUS + after all… collaborating with Disney was a type of dream-come-true-times that made me so grateful for this journey in social media. + to get to carry my mates alongside for the enjoyable!
We haven’t performed the VIP expertise ourselves, however I’ve mates who’ve and so they rave about it! Basically, you get a personal Disney Forged Member [essentially a tour guide] who handles all the things—behind-the-scenes entry, non-public transportation and strolling proper onto rides. It’s a severe splurge, nevertheless it’s additionally the last word technique to expertise all four parks in a single day. For the reason that value covers as much as 10 folks, it is sensible for a bigger group, however for simply the four of us, it’s not fairly price it. Personally, I’d moderately make investments that sort of cash into one other massive journey—like Europe ;).
Dressing for Disney as a mother is all about discovering that candy spot between cute and comfortable! Assume athletic attire with sneakers, biker shorts with outsized tees, or matching units that maintain you trying put-together.
Professional Tip | Stick with a shade scheme and go all in with that… that means you’re saving house for extra souvenirs! It makes mixing and matching a breeze, so you’ll be able to create a number of outfits with minimal effort.
And naturally… don’t overlook equipment—a light-weight backpack/fanny bag for all of the necessities and a few enjoyable ears so as to add somewhat additional magic to your look is all the time a sure when coming to Disney. Sensible doesn’t should imply boring!
