8 Tips for Your First Visit to Disney

Every first visit to Disney is filled with magic and wonder. There is just something about that first in-person glimpse at the park- from the majestic castle that greets you before you even step on the grounds to a waving Mickey Mouse in the parade to the sweet sounds of It’s a Small World as you wait in line with other excited park goers.

If you weren’t already a Disney fan before you likely will be after your first trip but there are definitely some important Disney Tips that you’ll need for your first experience! Let me forewarn you- I am going to way overuse the word magical but really there is no other fitting word for the Disney World experience! Make sure you check out our ideas on How to Stay on Budget at Disney!

8 Tips for Your First visit to Disney

Visit multiple days- If it’s in the budget try to stay for 2 days or more.You can find great deals on hotels, car rentals, and park tickets for extended stays.There is so much to see that you will stress yourself out trying to get it all into one day. Also if you are staying at one of their resorts you get to enter the park earlier and stay later, not to mention the stores inside Disney World will have your purchases delivered to your room so you don’t have to lug them around the park.
Get pinned- Stop by guest services and get your 1st visit pin to wear around the park. It’s a free keepsake for you and the cast members (as Disney Employees are known) will welcome you to the park (sorry no other perks to it). They also offer them for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions as well if you are there celebrating something beyond the visit.
Savor a Mickey Mouse Ice Cream- Florida is just hot ya’ll, take it from me! Ice cream and ice water can be your best friend to keep cool on hot days. But you really don’t need an excuse to enjoy this iconic treat from the park that has been around for decades, for good reason.
Enjoy character dining- This needs to be booked in advance as they fill up fast so go ahead and do it when buying tickets and arranging your hotel, you won’t be able to book the day of your visit trust me. Whatever age group you are traveling with there is a fun character dining experience to be had. Whether it is Pooh and Friends at the Crystal Palace or you choose to feast at Cinderella’s Royal Table (this one is often booked up 6 months in advance) it is a great part of the experience.
Use the FastPass+ app- To enjoy as many of the fun rides as you can with as little wait as possible you definitely want to download this app to your phone and choose your first ride before you even leave home. Using this app gives you a certain time frame to return to your chosen ride where you will have a much shorter wait than just hopping into the long queue. You can choose 3 rides at time
Take a picture in front of the castle– Maybe it’s cheesy, maybe it’s overdone but I mean come on, it’s Cinderella’s Castle and you’re in Disney World- you need this pic for your scrapbook, refrigerator, and of course all social media.
Ride all the rides- Some may seem too young but will delight you all the same. You may think the Haunted Mansion is a bit too scary but the way Disney does it keeps you looking around for the next magical thing, the Tea Cups may make you feel a little unsteady on your feet but they are totally worth it, and yes the It’s a Small World song may be a little childlike but therein lies its charm and the ride is just darling.
End your day with fireworks- You will be tired, but the adrenaline from the Disney Magic will keep you going. You may be tempted to sneak out before the fireworks and if you have a resort room close enough you can also enjoy them from there but watch the spectacle over the castle is just an insanely perfect cap to a magical day.