Disney is always changing, reinventing and growing. After all, Walt said, ““Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” So presently, here are some of my WDW tidbits that may help you get the most out of your resort visit. It’s not the comprehensive, end-all list – there are tons of planning websites out there – this is just a collection of my thoughts. Happy Travels!
General Info
- Unless you plan on waiting in lines, planning is key. Spontaneity, unfortunately, may not be possible unless you’re coming back for your 400th trip and are just there to absorb the atmosphere. So plan your park days, make your park reservations asap upon buying your tickets, make your dining reservations on the first available day you can (right now it opens at 6 am est online) and make your list of must-do attractions.
- Genie+ and Lightning Lanes – If there is an attraction you cannot miss and you’re going during a busy time of the year, you may want to budget this in. But weigh how much waiting in line vs. how much you’ll pay for the family for this attraction.
- I’m not a parent, so definitely find those Disney Parent Expert sites out there for more info, but plan on your day slowing down. Take breaks from the park and do a pool/nap time for a few hours. Take advantage of the Rider Switch option at attractions where the parents want to ride, but the child may not be able to go on the attraction. Ask a cast member for details. Pin trading has been great for my nieces and nephews to learn to interact with others and it’s the gift that keeps on giving…buy one pin and let them just trade it all day!
- What to bring to the parks: If you’re going anytime from late April to October-ish, think about misting fans (buy on amazon) or cooling neck wraps (buy on amazon). A light backpack (my all around travel fave) is good all year round to carry the above and your sunscreen. A portable charger is pretty much a must given how much you’ll use your phone on the Disney App to manage your day (anker has been reliable). If you’re going during rainy season, a rain poncho is a good idea to power through and keep you from being drenched (a packable light option with sleeves and drawstring hood).
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is constantly adding new restaurants and shops. Definitely schedule in a dinner or shopping trip, perhaps during a non-park/pool day. Here are a few of our current faves:
- Ghirardelli – sundaes (I get the kids sundae because i’m always eating other treats at Springs!)
- Raglan Road – fun table service Irish food/dancing – GLUTEN FREE Available!
- Cookes of Dublin – quick service Irish food – good fish & chips – GLUTEN FREE Available!!
- D-Luxe burger – yummy burgers and hand cut fries – Gluten free buns and fries have been celiac friendly
- The Edison -good cocktails, food is just ok, except for the bacon appetizer
- Wine Bar George – great wine selection, yummy charcuterie boards and the menu has been very good
- The Boathouse – fun atomsphere and good menu
- Tons of other bakeries and restaurants.
- Lego store, the Co-Op (unique Disney merchandise), largest World of Disney.
Park Highlights
The info below includes some things you may not notice in the parks. I’ve also shared some of our go-to’s.
- Magic Kingdom – Skipper’s Cantina is our new favorite sit-down. Wine! Gluten free options – The steak dish has been delicious. Not on the menu, but usually available – Cheese bread (gf and very good!). If you’re staying for the Fireworks and want to be close to the castle, try heading to the hub about 45 minutes before the fireworks. Cast members have the crowd stand up and move forward leaving gaps to fill in.
- Epcot – Several festivals around the year add additional food options and activities. Check the schedules to see what additional foods and entertainment is scheduled. There are several attractions (Frozen, Ratatouille, Nemo and Friends, etc) that kids love, but to add to their enjoyment take advantage of the Kidcot stations in the World Showcase. You may even want to purchase a ‘passport’ at the Port of Entry gift shops at the entrance to the showcase to make it more interactive.
- Animal Kingdom – For quick service, we’ve enjoyed Flametree BBQ. For sit-down, Yak & Yeti. Young kids LOVE the Boneyard – giant sandbox where they can dig up dino bones. The Affection section, located in the Rafiki’s Planet Watch section, has the only petting zoo on Disney property.
- Hollywood Studios – The Baseline tap house is great for cocktails, beers and tasty snacks. If you’re gluten-free, ask for the charcuterie board GF and they serve a tasty bread with it. If you’re looking for another cocktail option, try the Tune-In Lounge adjacent to the 50’s Prime Time diner around Echo lake. If you’re looking for some air-conditioning and cute entertainment, go to Mickey & Minnie’s Vacation Fun – an animated short film attraction. Also, the tunnel connecting Galaxy’s edge to the Muppet/Grand avenue area of the park has shade, benches and a nice wind tunnel at times to cool down.
Around the Resort
The resort hotels have some hidden dining gems, so if you’ve got a car or want to uber for a side trip, (you can also take a bus from a theme park or Disney Springs) here are some options:
- Contemporary: Steakhouse 55 has a nice bar menu – probably the best burger at Disney (kind of smashburger style..). GF bun available and the fries are celiac friendly.
- Polynesian – Breakfast at Kona cafe – french press of Kona and some great tonga toast (french toast). For GF option – omelette and they have GF donuts (haven’t been great, but…)
- Port Orleans – French Quarter – Beignets! And GF Beignets!
- Old Key West – Olivia’s for brunch
- Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village: Sanaa – 3 words – Naan Bread Service…..(there is a gluten free version, but it’s just kind of ok……)
Enjoy your WDW adventure!
TravelWithHeidi 