Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Walt Disney World Vacation
Planning your first trip to Walt Disney World can feel like an overwhelming task. From virtual queues to stroller strategy, there’s so much to consider before stepping foot in the parks. As travel advisors and moms who have collectively visited Disney World over 50 times, we've learned some valuable lessons along the way—often the hard way!
Today we’re sharing the top things we wish we knew before our first visit to Disney. Whether you’re a first-timer, or it’s been many years since your last visit, these tips are designed to help you create a truly magical experience for your family.
Flexibility is Key
Disney World is magical, but sometimes, things don’t go as planned. From weather changes to virtual queues that don’t work out as expected, flexibility can save the day. Carla shares a story on the podcast about how her family adjusted on the fly when plans went sideways—and how they made it work!
🎧 Catch Carla’s full story on the podcast!
Pack Smarter, Not Harder
We’ve all been there—lugging around way too much or forgetting that one item that would’ve made the day easier. A stroller for older kids? Lifesaver. Cooling towels? Absolute game changer. But there are a few unexpected items we always pack now that most people overlook.
🎧 Want the full list? Check out the podcast for all our must-haves.
Prioritize Over Perfection
It’s impossible to see everything in one trip—so don’t try! On one trip, Laina’s family overcommitted to park hopping and ended up missing out on some must-dos because they were too tired. In the episode, she shares how they’ve changed their approach to maximize fun without the burnout.
Outdated Advice Can Ruin Your Trip
If you’re relying on tips from someone who hasn’t been to Disney in years—or a random post you found online—you could be in for a rude awakening. Carla shares a hilarious story on the podcast about a "boring" ride she almost skipped based on bad advice. Spoiler alert: it’s now one of her family’s favorites!
Overplanning Is Just as Bad as Underplanning
On one of our first big trips, we packed in seven park-hopper days—and let’s just say it was at least two too many. Overplanning can leave you exhausted, while underplanning can cause you to miss out. In the episode, we talk about how to strike the perfect balance for your trip.
Want More Tips? Listen to the Episode!
We’ve only scratched the surface here—there’s so much more to share, including our biggest Disney regrets and the little-known hacks that make a huge difference.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now to hear all the details and our favorite tips for planning your Disney trip.
