Are you headed down to Disney World for the first time to make memories with your family? Would you like to know my all-time favorite first time Disney World tips, so you enjoy every second of your family vacation? Today, I am sharing my favorite first time Disney tips with you. After all, Disney World vacations can be magical for kids and adults. But knowing what to expect and what to do to get those amazing results is important. If not, you could feel like something is missing during what is supposed to be a memorable family vacation.

First Time Disney World Tips for Family Vacations

Do a Little Homework

Homework and Disney World vacations don’t really go together too well. But a little homework is necessary if you want to thoroughly enjoy your family vacation at Disney World.

Start by finding out what rides your kids want to go on the most. A list of rides you are excited about could be helpful too.

There is so much work that goes into planning Disney World family vacations. If you want to avoid most of the work, I recommend hiring a travel advisor like myself to do the planning for you. I can take care of the heavy lifting, while you tackle all the fun stuff. Like the actual vacation!

Check out these do’s and don’ts for Disney World family vacations to save yourself even more time! 

Stay at a Disney Resort

Staying at Disney’s family friendly resorts will allow you to experience so many more perks.

You can choose a Disney Resort closest to the theme park you will be spending most of your time at. They all offer convenient transportation options to the parks though.

So, in reality, you will never be too far from where you want to be for your first time at Disney World.

Make Advanced Dining Reservations

You don’t need to completely schedule all your meals when you take a Disney World vacation. But knowing you can get into your child’s dream character dining experience is worth the hassle of planning ahead.

I can make all your advanced dining reservations as I plan your family vacation in Disney World.

Consider Lightning Lane Passes for Your First Time Disney Family Vacation

Disney World no longer offers FastPass. And as of July of 2024, they discontinued Genie+. You will still be able to use the complimentary Genie service that offers customized itineraries and suggestions. You can find this information within the MyDisney Experience.

The new Lightning Lane Passes. You can purchase Lightning Lane Multi Passes or Lightning Lane Single Passes. The cost for these passes is dependent on which attraction you want to use the pass for and the date you are visiting.

The best part about these new passes is you can purchase them days prior to your first time Disney World visit. You can also choose which attractions you want to use them for in the days leading up to your family vacation.

Check out all the do’s and don’ts of the new Lightning Lane Passes at Disney World here.

You don’t need to purchase these extras for your first time family vacation at Disney World. But they will come in handy on those busier days at Disney World.

Create a MyDisney Experience Account

A MyDisney Experience account can link everything you have for your Disney World vacation together in one spot. You can view your photos, make last-minute reservations, and so much more.

I find it is an excellent option for staying organized while on a family vacation. I recommend downloading the app to make accessing all the details of your family vacation easier.

Consider PhotoPass for Your First Time Disney Vacation

PhotoPass is an excellent way to capture all those Disney World memories with your family. When you have pictures taken with PhotoPass Cast Members, they will be linked to your MyDisney Experience account. Attraction photos are also included in PhotoPass.

There is also a Memory Maker Package. This package is perfect if you don’t want to limit the number of photos you choose at the end of your family vacation in Disney World.

Be Prepared for the Day

It is all about comfort when you decide to visit Disney World for your family vacation.

Comfortable shoes and clothing are a must. So is sunscreen, sunglasses, and hand sanitizer. Bottled water and snacks can come in handy and prevent meltdowns too.

Basically, if you want to spend all day at a Disney World theme park, make sure you are prepared with everything you need.

Go Big for Your First Time Disney World Vacation

Since this is your first Disney World vacation, I recommend going big! This should be the time you make the biggest memories at Disney World.

Choose a character dining option or dinner show. Do something big and talk about it with your family for years in the future.

Best Disney World souvenirs! 

Plan a Disney Resort Day

I know you went to Disney World to enjoy the theme parks. But your Disney Resort will have plenty to offer as well.

So, spend a day at the resort. Go swimming. Or participate in one of the many activities the resorts offer. You won’t regret this time to recharge on your Disney World vacation.

These are my biggest tips for first time Disney World vacations. As you are wandering through the theme parks during this visit, you may come up with a few more. Those tips will then help you during future family vacations at Disney World.

So, are you ready to put these tips to use and plan your very first Disney World vacation?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan a family vacation in Disney World just yet, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.