Must Do Tips for DisneyWorld Trip
(aka: How to Not Melt into a Sad, Sweaty Puddle on Main Street)
If you’re planning a summer trip to Disney World, first of all, I’m so excited for you!!!
You’re about to experience the magic, the music, the Mickey-shaped snacks… and also, the kind of Florida heat that feels like you’re being hugged by a wet sponge.
I’ve been lucky enough to go to Disney more times than I can count (I think I’ve got Mickey ears in my DNA at this point). Talking about Disney World and giving people advice is one of my absolute favorite things to do! So TRUST ME, I’ve got you!
Here are four things I think everyone should know before you go. Things that made a huge difference in turning a day of overwhelm into a day of wonder:
1. lIGHTING lAne Is Expensive… But Honestly, Worth It 💸
I fought it at first. The extra cost felt like a scam especially when tickets already SO expensive 🏦. But if you can swing it, Lighting Lane really can save your day.
Instead of standing in a 2-hour line 😬, you can book Lightning Lanes ⚡ and plan your day more strategically. Especially if you're traveling with kids 👶, or anyone with mobility concerns ♿ (or if you're just an adult who doesn't like standing still, the time and energy saved is huge.
➡️ Pro tip: For big groups or longer trips, sit down ahead of time and calculate the cost per day, it may be worth budgeting for on just one or two key days.
2. Florida Heat Is Not Messing Around ☀️🥵
I don’t say this lightly: Disney World in the summer is a sweaty beast. The heat isn’t just hot—it’s humid, relentless, and somehow manages to sneak up on you even in the shade 😮💨.
Here’s what helped me:
A portable neck fan 🌀
Electrolyte packets for my water 💧
Taking shade seriously 🌳
There’s no award for powering through heat exhaustion. Be kind to your body—it deserves to enjoy the magic too 🫶
3. Take a Midday Break (Your Feet Will Thank You) 💤👣
There’s this pressure at Disney to “do it all,” but the truth is—Disney will still be there at 5pm. And it’ll be cooler. And less crowded 😌.
If you're staying on property or close by, consider heading to the parks early 🕗, then taking a break around 1–4pm. A swim 🏊, a nap 🛏️, a moment to just be still can totally reset your day. Especially for families with little ones or folks with sensory sensitivities, this downtime is game-changing.
Bonus? You come back refreshed for fireworks 🎆 or night rides 🌌—my personal favorite time in the parks anyway.
4. Plan Your Meals Like You Plan Your Rides 🍽️📱
One of the easiest ways to waste time (and energy) at Disney is waiting in long food lines when you’re already hangry 😤.
Mobile order is your best friend.
Use the My Disney Experience app to place your quick-service meal orders ahead of time 📲. You pick your arrival window, grab your food, and skip the chaos.
And if you’re dreaming of that iconic character breakfast 🥞 or a special sit-down dinner 🍝? Book those dining reservations early.
If you missed out, don't panic, sites like MouseDining.com will alert you when a reservation opens up! 🙌
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first-timer or a Disney vet, I hope this helps make your trip smoother, cooler (literally), and a little more magical!
From one slightly-overheated Disney lover to another: drink the cold water, ride the classics 🎢, and take a million photos 📸.
Have questions? Want more tips? I live and breathe Disney, so feel free to reach out!
