The most requested topic of conversation when planning a trip to Walt Disney World is “what should we do” and “what do you recommend?”.
This is the home for all of my personal recommendations and things that you should do. It’s 100% my own opinions and thoughts, because at the end of the day…why would you take advice from someone who doesn’t follow their own advice?;)
Walt Disney World Recommendations
RESORTS
Stay at a resort that keeps you within your budget and gets you close enough to the magic that an UBER is all you need.
- Value Disney Resort Recommendation – Pop Century
- Moderate Disney Resort – Yacht / Beach Club Resort
- Deluxe Resort – Polynesian Village Resort
- Off-Property Resort – Orbit One Vacation Villas, Sonder Cirrus and anything close to the parks!
Recently, we’ve been looking at the resorts/hotels south of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as they’re typically cheaper and within a $8-10 UBER to the Magic Kingdom. The only downfall is that getting back to the hotel can be difficult if you’re stuck with surge pricing on the rideshare app.
RESTAURANTS
With so many dining locations on property, you’re going to find something that works with your budget and taste pallet…but as this is an article all about my recommendations….enjoy!
- Quick Service – Satuli Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Polite Pig at Disney Springs
- Table Service – Steakhouse 71 and Saana
- Signature Dining – Changes, but Jiko is a great option
- Overall Favorite – Victoria & Albert‘s at the Grand Floridian Resort
We’ve stopped prioritizing the Magic Kingdom restaurants, especially the table service offerings, as Steakhouse 71 is a way better option and it’s a short 10 minute walk from turnstiles to the table.
ATTRACTIONS
Disney World is filled with experiences that bring smiles to the faces of thousands of guests daily! There are hidden gems, but overall there are a number of attractions that I would do again in a heart beat!
- Animal Kingdom – Flight of Passage @ Pandora: The World of Avatar
- EPCOT – Ratatouille and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Magic Kingdom – Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash
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Recommendations for Things to Buy Before your Trip
PONCHOS
I buy them at the Dollar Store before heading down because you’ll use them! From rides that you’ll get soaked on to unpredictable Florida weather (it’s going to rain)…it’s a good investment.
Want more packing recommendations? What to Pack in your Disney Bag
SNACKS
Stop off at the grocery store and pick up items that you know will help you get through the day, especially when you’re putting in a huge amount of walking.
- Granola Bars
- Juice Crystals
- Hard Candies (like Werthers)
- Fruit Leather / Snacks
Want more snack recommendations? The Best Snacks to Pack for a Day at Disney World
FUELRODS
If you’re like me, your electronics are always running out of batteries because we’re ALWAYS on them! From Instagram to PokemonGO, it’s important to have a constant source of power.
With FuelRods you get the best of all the worlds! You buy your first one for $30/35 (depending on if you buy ahead of time via their website or on Amazon) and then you swap out the portable power source at one of the locations on property to get a fresh one.
Want more shopping recommendations? Check out my article about the 20 Items to Buy Online Before Your Next Disney Trip
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HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED ON A DISNEY VACATION?
5-7 Days.
You’ll want to do 4-5 days at Disney Theme Parks, with an extra day of additional things…like Disney Springs, Mini Golf and the Water Parks.
From there, you should definitely do a day at Universal Orlando Resort! From Harry Potter to The Simpsons and Jurassic Park…lots of things to keep you busy for a day!
Overall, it’s all about your budget and vacation plans…but the more days that you can spend in Orlando, the more value that you’re getting from your plane ticket.
If you have any questions, please let me know via social media (@StepstoMagic on every platform), so that way I can add more recommendations! If you want answers to specific questions that focus on dates and planning tips, reach out to Disney first as they are able to provide you the most “official” response:)