I consider myself a Disney World “native” because I grew up living just about 2 miles from the parks.
Although going to Disney was a major vacation for many, visiting these parks on the weekends, for day trips, and “just because” was my norm.
Although it sounds surprising, the sheer number of tourists I encountered each day was one of my favorite parts of living in Orlando. Sharing this little corner of the globe with people far and wide was a special experience, and it made my community warm and welcoming to outsiders.
Still, there are a few things I wish tourists knew when planning their trip to Disney World.
There’s plenty to explore outside the 4 main theme parks
Samantha Tetrault
I love a day spent at one of Disney World’s four theme parks, but there’s more to the property than Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
Popping over to Disney Springs (the shopping, entertainment, and dining district) is well worth your time. Plus, it’s free to visit.
I also recommend visiting the different Disney resorts, which have incredible themed decorations. Many have special shops and dining options, too.
You don’t have to be a guest to visit the hotels. However, you can’t park in the lots unless you have a confirmed dining reservation. Hop on Disney transportation — like buses, monorails, or the Skyliner — if you’re just looking to explore.
Although you have to buy a ticket, the two Disney water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, are also must-visit spots while in Orlando.
Plan for rain even on the sunniest days
In Florida, you can almost always count on rain.
The tropical weather is unpredictable year-round. It could be beautiful one minute and pouring rain the next — especially in the warmer months or during hurricane season.
Even if you’re used to rain back home, it’s a whole different breed here. You can expect huge gusts of wind, thunder, and lightning.
Bring your own rain ponchos and umbrellas — and keep them with you. If you spot rain, head inside for a bit, but don’t let it ruin your day. Odds are, it’ll be over before you know it.
It’s nice to have a little escape from the Disney bubble
Samantha Tetrault
There’s so much to do in Central Florida, and I wish I hadn’t waited so long to explore Downtown Orlando, Winter Park, Winter Garden, and Celebration.
You’ll find amazing dining, shopping, and cultural sites. Or, better yet, drive to the local natural springs, state parks, or one of the state’s beaches.
If you visit often, an annual pass can be a better value than you might think
I’m a lifetime annual passholder, and it’s really not that expensive if you visit the parks often — even if you can’t benefit from the sweet Florida-resident discounts.
If you don’t live in the state, an annual pass can cost about $1,600 a year. Meanwhile, one-day tickets cost more than $100, and one-day park-hopper tickets can be over $200.
If you’re planning on taking a few multiday vacations to the parks a year — especially at peak times like spring break and the winter holidays when ticket prices peak — the annual pass may very likely save you money.
Plus, the pass offers added perks, like not having to pay for parking at the parks, the ability to park-hop, and discounts across the property.
You can always upgrade your day pass to an annual pass, so it’s worth crunching the numbers if you visit often.
Always travel in the offseason if you can
Samantha Tetrault
As a native Floridian, you couldn’t pay me to go to Disney World during a school holiday.
Always do your best to travel in the offseason. This means skipping summer vacation, spring break, and the winter holidays.
Though not always possible depending on your family’s schedule, you’ll save a little time and money by visiting in February, May, September, and early October.
Plus, the weather can be pretty mild and pleasant during those times of year.
I’m a big fan of taking an afternoon break
Naps aren’t just for those under 5, especially when you’re on a Disney vacation.
The parks can get overwhelming, the Florida weather can be brutal, and walking all day can be tough on your body. If you plan to “rope-drop” the parks (enter right when they open the gates), it’s a big ask to stay until closing.
Don’t hesitate to head back to your hotel and take a break around 3 p.m. or so. Not only is this the warmest (and most miserable) part of the day, but it makes staying late so much more reasonable.
If you’re traveling with kids, this break is a must. Even if you don’t want to take a nap, this is a great time to rest at the resort, jump in the pool, or just soak up some much-needed air conditioning.
Arrive before the park opens if you want the ‘rope-drop’ perks
Samantha Tetrault
It might sound nice to lounge around in the mornings, slowly but surely making your way to the Disney parks by opening time.
However, I think it’s worth heading over even earlier. This is especially true when there are popular attractions, like Rise of the Resistance and Flight of Passage, that you want to experience.
After all, the first hour after the park opens usually has the shortest wait times.
If possible, arrive at the park 30 to 60 minutes before opening. This will let you get the perfect spot in line to rope-drop.
You’ll never be able to do it all in one trip
With so much to do in Disney World, you have to make peace with the fact that you can’t possibly do everything in one trip. Even if you spend more than a day in each park, time has a way of getting away from you.
Instead of rushing from activity to activity, focus on being mindful in the moment. The magic of Disney really comes alive in the downtime, so don’t be afraid to go off on a midday adventure or stop and watch a sudden show.
It’s better to go at a reasonable pace than to overwhelm yourself and your family trying to do it all.
This story was originally published on May 14, 2022, and most recently updated on May 27, 2026.