You can plan and be SUPER prepared for your first trip to Disney World, but there are just some things that you don’t learn until you get there or until you visit 100 times!
You Will Quickly Learn How Beautiful Cinderella Castle Is Though
What are some lessons we’ve learned from our 100+ trips to Disney World that you should know ahead of your next trip? We’re breaking that all down for you here.
1. You Can’t Get It All Done in One Trip
One of the biggest things you learn after going to Disney World 100 times is that you just can’t get it all done in one trip. This is a lesson you might learn after your first trip, or one that might take a few trips to really sink in.
Between the theme parks, water parks, hotels, Disney Springs, golfing, mini golf, etc. there are just way too many things to squeeze into one trip (unless your trip is a month long)!
There Are Just So Many Rides in Disney World!
And there will almost always be something new coming next month, next year, a few years from now, etc. So even if you get to ride the super popular Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance today, you won’t be able to check out the Star Wars Hotel experience since that won’t open until next year.
Instead of trying to fit 100 things into your 5 (or more or less) day trip, the best strategy is just to focus on what’s most important to you and your family and what you can (realistically) accomplish during your trip.
You Could Have Each Member of the Family Pick Their 1-2 Must-Do’s
Try not to set expectations too high. We think it’s better to have a smaller list of must-see items that you can feasibly accomplish and then potentially have time left over for other items, rather than have a GIANT list of things to do that you won’t be able to finish, leaving you feeling disappointed.
Click here to see our list of your absolute Disney World must-do’s!
2. The Hotels Are Where It’s AT
Disney World’s theme parks are fantastic. And during your first trip, and even your first 10, 20, or 30 trips to Disney World, the parks might be your #1 priority.
But, after 100 trips to Disney World you might find that really, the hotels are where it’s at!
Have You Visited Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts?
Once you’ve been to Disney World 100+ times and feel like you’ve ridden all you need to ride multiple times, you might not be worried about having to ride Space Mountain 4 times. Instead, you might find your priorities shifting to things like out-of-park experiences or unique dining opportunities. The hotels are a fantastic spot for all that and more.
Each Disney-owned hotel is uniquely themed. You’ll find special dining opportunities and snacks at them, some of which are exclusive to specific hotels. There are sometimes activities available to participate in (like hotel tours or scavenger hunts), and there’s lots to just explore and take in.
Disney’s Riviera Resort is a Beautiful Spot to Visit!
There are even some secrets at the hotels that you can discover while you’re there. Check out our video below to see 20 hidden secrets in the Disney World hotels.
Click here to see the latest rules on resort hopping in Disney World.
3. All the Transportation Tips and Tricks
After visiting Disney World 100+ times, you start to really learn what types of transportation are best for you and what are the best/secret ways to get around property. This can take some time to realize and it can change depending on your trip and what your goals are for that trip. But after many vacations to Disney World you’ll have a general sense of what works for you.
Do You Like Using Disney Buses?
Should you rent a car? Use a Disney bus? Hop on the Skyliner or Monorail? Use rideshare? Or maybe even walk? Sometimes you just have to try it all out to find what works best for you and your family.
Time to Hop on the Skyliner!
And by the time you’ve been to Disney World 100+ times, you’ll know about all the fastest or most convenient ways to get around property. For example, you’ll probably be well aware that bus transportation is sometimes offered from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom and typically doesn’t have a long line like we do (seriously, you’ll probably get to Magic Kingdom before people waiting for the Monorail even board!), or you’ll know that you can walk from the EPCOT area hotels to Disney’s Hollywood Studios if you want to. It all just comes with time!
Click here to see a bus seating arrangement we’ve seen in Disney World meant to accommodate more small groups.
4. Cast Members ARE the Magic
Hopefully it doesn’t take 100 trips, but certainly after 100 trips to Disney World you’ll learn that Cast Members are really what make the magic.
Your first few trips, you might be so focused on rides, food, etc. that you won’t really have the time to stop and realize all of the work the Cast Members are doing and the magic they’re creating.
Cast Members Are the BEST!
But, after many trips you’ll start to realize that the Cast Members really are the stars here. You could spend an entire day just chatting with them, seeing the work they do, and admiring the way they create special memories for others.
Click here to see a list of Disney Cast Member owned businesses you can support!
5. What to Pack and What NOT to Pack
After 100+ trips to Disney World, you’ll start to realize that you probably don’t need all 5,000 things you packed in your park bag, but you do need some essentials!
It’s hard to know exactly what to pack for Disney World sometimes. And particularly if your Disney trips are spread out and you sort-of forget what you packed last time, you may be tempted to bring everything (including the kitchen sink) into the parks every time just in case (p.s. don’t bring the kitchen sink, you can just buy one of those in Disney World! 😜).
What to Pack?!
After visiting Disney World over 100 times you’ll realize you probably don’t need everything you’ve packed. But you do need some essentials. We recommend a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a phone charger, your MagicBand or phone if you’ll be using MagicMobile, and some other items.
Stay hydrated!
We’ve got quite a few packing posts and videos to help you get planning. Check out our video below for a list of 13 things even the pros forget to bring to Disney World.
And click here to see what our DFB reporters pack in their bags to Disney World!
6. Traditional Table Service and Even Quick Service Restaurants/Meals Can Be Overrated
Now, this one might seem controversial but hear us out! While there are LOTS of fantastic table service and quick service restaurants in Disney World, after visiting the parks and resorts many times you might just realize, having a traditional meal sometimes can be overrated.
Maybe you just don’t need those larger portions or you’re looking for something the more traditional restaurants just don’t offer. Or maybe you’re more of a snacker. For some, snacking your way around the parks and making meals out of the things you find along the way can be FANTASTIC!
Corn Dog NUGGETS!
You know what we’re talking about here — it’s the “Disney diet” — a churro here, a chicken waffle sandwich there, a spring roll or two — you get the idea!
Snacking through the parks instead of having a traditional meal is a particularly good plan when there’s a festival going on in EPCOT.
Spring Rolls and Secret Sauce!
AND don’t forget about those Disney World lounges — places like Nomad Lounge and others. These typically lesser-known spots may fly under the radar for most, but if you order a few dishes here (even if they are smaller in terms of size) you could fashion one delicious meal for yourself (and don’t feel like you’ve got to buy an alcoholic beverage at the lounge — you can always just stop by and munch on some the food they serve there).
Click here to see how much it would cost you to eat the 20 BEST snacks in Disney World!
7. Breeze Through Security
While Disney World has updated their security process to be easier for guests to go through now, during your first few times in the parks you may struggle with having certain things in your bags set the sensors off.
After 100+ trips to Disney World, you’ll know how to navigate your way through security like a pro and you’ll probably have a much better idea of what types of things in your bag typically set the sensors off so you can take them out ahead of time.
Security Screening Sign
With Disney World’s updated security system, guests are instructed to keep all of their items inside of their bags and simply carry their bags with them through the screening point. But, you may want to take out umbrellas, metal water bottles, larger chargers, and other bigger items as those can sometimes trigger the sensors, and it can be best to hold those outside of your bag so that they’re easily accessible to be checked.
Nothing screams “I’ve been to Disney World 100+ times” like not even slowing down as you breeze up to security whipping out your items you know you need to remove without skipping a beat! It pays to know what to do to get through security quickly and efficiently.
Click here to look at Disney’s updated security screening process.
8. The BEST Restrooms
Okay, getting through security efficiently might show your Disney knowledge, but really one of the easiest ways to identify a Disney expert is based on their knowledge of Disney’s BEST restrooms. This is possibly one of the most important lessons you’ll learn as a Disney pro.
Some of the Prettiest Restrooms in Disney World!
Whether you’re looking for great theming, bathrooms that are SUPER clean, ones with lots of stalls, spots that are less crowded, or something else, after going to Disney World so much, you’ll know exactly where to go when you “gotta go.”
Click here to see our list of the BEST Disney World bathrooms!
9. Look Closely!
100+ trips to Disney World will also teach you that you’ve got to look really closely at everything in the parks and hotels because (for the most part) nothing has been put there by accident.
Disney is full of hidden secrets and details! There are new ones that we learn about all the time even after our hundreds of previous trips to the parks.
Click here to see 100 things that will BLOW YOUR MIND in Disney World!
10. The Underrated Spots Are Where You Want to Go
During your first 10, 20, 30, etc. trips to Disney World you’ll probably be focused on the big rides, big parks, big hotels, etc. — and rightfully so. Those big/popular things attract lots of guests for a reason — they’re typically the most themed, thrilling, newest, etc. places to be.
BUT once you’ve seen and done all of that, you can hit up the underrated restaurants, hotels, and spots. And when you do, you’ll probably fall in love with a lot of them and visit them over and over again!
Have You Ever Been to Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail?
After 100+ Disney World trips, you’ll realize that a quiet corner in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, a ride through Living with the Land in EPCOT, or a seat in the shade with a coffee and treat from Le Petit Cafe in Disney’s Riviera Resort might be how you actually want to spend your time in Disney World.
Click here to see whether some restaurants in Disney World are overrated or underrated according to thousands of our DFB readers!
11. You Don’t Fall for Disney’s Tricks!
Disney World can sometimes trick you into spending more money. But after 100+ trips, you won’t fall for those anymore, and you’ll probably know lots of secrets for saving money at Disney World.
Your first few trips, you may fall for the “gift shop after every ride trick,” you might book an expensive hotel thinking that it’s the best only to find out a cheaper option would have worked out just fine, or you may book a package that actually doesn’t give you the best deal.
Click here to see some of the discounts and deals you could take advantage of for your Disney World summer trips!
12. There is No “Right” or “Perfect” Way to Do Disney World
And finally, after 100+ trips to Disney World you’re sure to learn that there is no “right” or “perfect” way to arrange a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Everyone has their own style. Some people wake up at the crack of dawn to enter the parks before they even officially open. Others will sleep in but take advantage of lower crowds in the evenings.
You’ve Gotta Do Disney However It’s Best for You!
Some people have to ride every single ride, others are just there to eat. No way is right or wrong — you’ve just got to do what’s best for you and your family. What’s best for you might be totally different than what some people recommend or what your friends do and that’s okay!! You’ve got to plan your trip to Disney World in a way that works for you and makes you happiest.
At the end of the day, all that matters is that you create lasting memories and have a good time (and eat some delicious food too. You’ve gotta throw that in there).
Time to Get Planning Your Next Trip!
And that’s our list of the things you only learn after you’ve visited Disney World 100 times! We’ll keep working on all kinds of tips and tricks for you to help you as you plan your upcoming Disney vacations, and we’ll be sure to share them with you. So stay tuned for more from us here at DFB!
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I definitely feel like I’ve been to Disney 100+ times thanks to DFB! I’ve been quite a few times, but not since 2005. So, its been a minute! When I first started planning, I felt very overwhelmed with all the changes. But after following DFB for the last year or so, I feel very confident that our trip will be amazing and I actually know what I’m doing now.
Just wanted to say thank you!! You guys do a fantastic job at keeping us all in the Disney loop. It’s very much appreciated!
The #1 thing I’ve learned after 20+ trips is simple: “Go where the crowds ain’t!” No matter where we end up, we have a wonderful time in the Disney magic, with a fraction of the stress we had during our first few park commando gotta-do-everything trips.
We have been 15 times and stay from 10 to 12 days each stay. What I have learned: Sit down restaurant’s are not worth the time you could spend riding rides. That means character meals too. Do the meet amid greets instead. They are better anyway. The dining plan is NOT WORTH IT! Resorts are not where it’s at. They are too big and too expensive. There are lots of condo communities close by that offer game rooms for the kids and all kinds of activities for the whole family all day and night. From crafts to dive in movie nights. And these communities are much cheaper and offer large condos with room to spread out. Yes you will have to pay for parking at the parks, but the bus system stinks and you have to pay to park at the resorts now. We now rent a house with our own pool. It’s so much more relaxing. It’s not worth hauling a ton of stuff into the parks. I take my phone and that’s it, unless we know the weather will turn. The line to check bags is ridiculous and there is no wait if you have nothing. If you have to take extra clothes or rain gear, get a locker. They are worth it. Just a few thoughts! So many more!
Thanks DFB. Really useful info as usual.
There’s just one thing. You often seem to assume visits to WDW are for about five days. For us from overseas (The UK in my case) our visits are considerably longer. Covid restrictions permitting, my family and I will be taking a 14 day vacation in WDW. Yep, 14 days in a WDW hotel.
We plan to do EVERYTHING!
We started planning with the help of DFB two years ago and should’ve visited in 2020. But now booked for August.
Luckily we haven’t told the kids yet.!
Thanks DFB, keep the info coming.
Thanks for reaching out, John. So glad DFB has been part of your trip planning. 🙂
Beth, this means so much! I’m sharing with the team. Have a wonderful trip!
We can definitely say that we have been to Disney World 28 times to date with our boys, 29 visits for me and my husband is at 49 visits I think!!! We drive from Canada to Florida and our trips are usually between 12 to 25 days long. We have been to all the theme parks, dined at almost every sit down restaurant and most character dinner restaurants, signature restaurants, including Victoria and Albert’s, Brown Derby, Le Cellier, Tepan Edo, just to name our favorites, and every ride since 2002 to present day except for Rise of the Resistance Ride. (Sad). We have stayed at almost every Deluxe Disney Resort, also stayed at some of the partner resorts on property but prefer Disney resorts. We have been on every mode of transportation that Disney has to offer, including boats, big and small, trams, momorails, busses, coaches, rental Segway, rental golf carts, Minnie Van, taxis, rental speed boats, trains, trolleys, rental vehicles, but never on the Skyline. No plans of riding it either. As for rides, shows, big and small, popular vs. Less popular, we have done it all. And yes, we have been to Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail so many times, as it was our boys favorite place to be with the animals, insects and creatures, and we spent half a day there each visit. We remember Dad placing his big hand on the gorilla handprint and today our boys still want to go there as teens! So many fond memories there too.Living with the Land boat ride is one of our family’s favorite relaxing, refreshing, educational, and food inspiring rides to date. My late Mom LOVED that boat ride so much she wanted to do it twice,( she was an avid gardener herself). When we ride it, we always remember her and her delight at the awesome looking vegetation, fruits and plants!And we agree that enjoying the resorts, the pools, the special events, special foods snacks and the special merchandise are unique to a specific resort are well worth exploring…its not always about doing everything or following the crowds or doing only the most popular things…we do whats important to each of us, we plan well ahead, we reserve spots where we can, and we always have a Plan A and a Plan B to avoid disappointment. And to date we have never been disappointed, because we try to do different things with each visit. I guess this is more addressed towards those who have visited multiple times but even for first timers and for those who can only visit once, take it easy, but have a plan, a backup plan and discuss it with your party or at least have an idea of their likes, dislikes and their limitations, if any, and plan according to your time there, yours and their budgets, and any restrictions or limitations you may have. And accept that you will never see all 4 parks, water parks, experience every show, every ride, and dine everywhere all in one trip, unless, as DFB states, ‘unless you are there for over a month”. And sorry, with all due respect, in our opinion, even in a month, you cannot possibly do it all…no way!!! Disney World is evolving, ever changing, revolutionary and never static, it is fluid, diverse and it changes and adapts with the times, with its audience, and with economic and political situations. And its parks, themes and everything in them changes with these important factors. Disney World is “The happiest place on Earth” because it was created as a place to submerge oneself into this fantasy world and to put reality on hold while you are there. For many of us, including me and my family, reality never takes a vacation, but we just try to make the best of any situation while we are at Disney and we deal with things as they happen. As parents we try to give our boys a sense of fun, fantasy, imagination, creativity and exploration through Disney movies, merchandise, art, rides, characters, architecture, cultures, shows, events, drama and travel to broaden their horizons and to strengthen their belief to reach higher and to aspire to be happy and successful in life. We also hope tgat one day when our boys have their own families that they too will be crazy enough to take them all to Disney World over and over again and to reminisce when they first went there as babies and to create fond memories with them as we created with our special boys throughout the years.