Hello hello, welcome to Episode 62 of Life on the Brink!
Today we're talking about the Happiest Place on Earth, and how stressful getting there can be. Whether or not you're as big a Disney fan as I am, there are so many ways to enjoy Walt Disney World (and all the other parks) that most people travel there at least once in their lives.
I personally have been to Walt Disney World several times, the most recent of which was on a big family vacation this past spring, and I ended up doing so much research ahead of time that I'm now able to bring to you!
Whether you're planning an upcoming trip or are just looking for a little dose of Disney magic, this episode is absolutely packed.
What’s in my teacup? Trader Joe’s Ginger Turmeric herbal tea.
These days it takes some real planning to get the most out of your Disney day, so I've brought in some big help, a college friend of mine, Jordan Lohmeyer: real-life cast member!
Jordan did the Disney College Program after we graduated with our music degrees in 2018, and post-covid was able to eventually come back as a full-time cast member. She’s worked all over the property, but currently works at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort at the Disney Boardwalk.
She is such a kind soul and is, rightly so, incredibly knowledgeable about Walt Disney World. Throughout our conversation today, we’re sharing our Top Tips for planning a Disney vacation, along with resort and dining recommendations and lots of Disney memories and magic.
I’ve recapped the highlights below, but I recommend heading to 5:55 on the podcast audio and listening to the whole thing.
TOP TIPS FOR PLANNING A DISNEY WORLD VACATION
1. Plan early. Many booking and dining reservations become available 60 days in advance, so it’s a great idea to have a plan at least by that point.
2. Spend money on the stuff that’s important to you and NOT on other things. There’s no right way to “do Disney.” If you want to prioritize meals and snacks, but not on your hotel stay or merchandise (like me) that’s totally cool! Or you can bring your own snacks and spend your money elsewhere. It’s up to you, just know your priorities and budget for it.
3. Train your body. Most people walk upwards of 25,000 steps per day in the Disney parks, so physically and mentally preparing is a great idea. Investing in supportive shoes, band-aids, and maybe a water bottle (hydration is KEY) can set you up for success.
4. Check Disney’s special ticket offers, but beware third party sellers. Disney offers a fantastic military deal and will run various promotions throughout the year, so check their official website to keep updated. Note: if you’re working with a travel agent or something and they purchase tickets for you, great, but as a rule, if a third party has tickets that sound too good to be true, they probably are.
5. Download the My Disney Experience App. This is where you can check wait times and menus, mobile order from lots of quick-service restaurants, use all Genie and Genie + features, and even connect with your pass or MagicBand. I highly recommend at least 1 person in your party keeping this app throughout the trip.
6. Understand Genie +. This is basically like a FastPass system, but there is a fee. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you understand, it’s pretty simple. I used it for certain days and attractions on my last trip and it was totally worth it, and I was able to budget for it ahead of time.
7. Plan early, but also research right before you go. This is all about managing expectations, so checking to see what’s available or what might be changed right before you go is a great idea.
8. Don’t forget about Disney Springs and Resorts. Even if you’re not in the parks themselves, there are so many extra ways to enjoy your trip. Disney Springs is a fantastic shopping/dining experience like none other, and every resort is so unique that you could spend days exploring.
9. Relax. Don’t feel glued to a schedule or the need to optimize every moment of your trip, because honestly, some of the best Disney moments are made by things or people that you can never plan for. Know your prioritize, set a budget, then just have fun!
QUICK Q &A
Is staying on property worth it?
Maybe: If you won’t spend much time at the hotel and have a car, it probably won’t be worth the money.
However, the theming is next level, and there are resorts at different price points. Plus staying at a resort means you can rely on Disney Transportation to get you anywhere on property, plus you can get some early access to dining reservations and to IAS Genie+ reservations (I talk about this in the episode)
Be sure to check out Mouse Dining if you’re trying to get a coveted dining reservation.
Best dining locations? Here’s some of the places we mentioned:
-Magic Kingdom: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn, Gaston’s Tavern, Crystal Palace (character dining)
-Hollywood Studios: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, PizzaRizzo, Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater
-Epcot: Akershus (great character dining), Les Halles Boulangerie, festival snack booths
-Animal Kingdom: Satu'li Canteen, Harambe Market, Yak and Yeti
MORE INSPIRATION
Resources: some great ways to find more Disney info, reviews, etc.
-Disney Food Blog *THE HOLY GRAIL*
My Disney Audition Story: my detailed experience from early 2019.
Here’s the video that my sister made from our recent trip. It’s such a sweet look back.
Jordan’s Little Joy: This week she was able to spend a lot of time with friends and talking with her family. Moving to Florida was definitely a huge leap, and sometimes due to work schedules, finding time for those close relationships is a challenge. She is super loving the time she spends with those she loves.
Go Jordan!
What I’m Listening To: Magic Kingdom Music & Ambience - Cinderella's Castle | Walt Disney World | 4 Magical Scenes. It's all the magical nighttime castle vibes, enjoy!
Thank you so much for listening, and thank you to Jordan for coming on the pod!
If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to leave a comment below, or a review on Apple Podcasts. Have a magical week, friends!