If you’re planning on going to Disney World anytime soon, here are some tips that I would highly recommend that you do before, during and after your trip!
WHEN TO SCHEDULE YOUR DISNEY WORLD VACATION? AND HOW LONG SHOULD YOU STAY?
If you live here in The Philippines, plan your trip to Disney World at least 8 months before your intended date. We went there on the first week of April, but we were told that the best time to go there is around January to February of the year. The crowds are said to be “thinner” during these months of the year.
Pencil-in that date in your calendar and get ready for more planning!
We stayed in Disney World for 10 days, because we knew we needed some days to recharge and recuperate. Theme parks are fun, but we know that it is going to be EXHAUSTING. Cranky and tired kids means CRANKY, HOT-TEMPERED and TIRED PARENTS! 
WHERE IS THE BEST HOTEL TO STAY WHILE IN DISNEY WORLD?
It will depend on your budget, there are really good non-Disney World hotels near Downtown Disney, like the Hilton, Double Tree suites, etc. For us, we chose to stay at the PORT ORLEANS – FRENCH QUARTER. This is a one of the moderate hotels in Disney World Property, and allows a maximum of 4 persons to stay in one room. It has a 24-hour coin laundry facility right beside the pool area, a restaurant, a small video game arcade and lots of open spaces to run around in.
- Nice comfy room in Port Orleans-French Quarter
If you plan to stay here, try to get a room in building 4, 5 or 6 – where the bus station is an easy 3-5 minute walk if you are staying on any of these buildings.
HOW ABOUT THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM INSIDE DISNEY WORLD?
This is the main reason why we chose to stay in one of the hotels inside Disney World. When our flight came in from Las Vegas via South West, we went straight to Disney World Express, they took our bags and we were ushered in a Mickey Mouse bus that took us straight to our hotel of choice. There are buses lined up which goes to a particular hotel resort inside Disney World. There were 13 of us from our family – and we had the bus all to ourselves.
Fuss-free transportation courtesy of Mickey
- 45-minute bus ride going to Disney World
When inside Disney World, and you need to go to Magic Kingdom for example – just wait or take a bus headed for MAGIC KINGDOM, and you’ll be there in 10-30 minutes depending on the location of your hotel. From Port Orleans French Quarter going to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT only took a 10-minute bus commute each. Going to Animal Kingdom and Disney Hollywood was 20 minutes from the hotel.
You can also take a water taxi from Port Orleans French Quarter to Downtown Disney, and is 20 minute pleasant boat ride.
When you get to Magic Kingdom, you can ride the famous monorail from there, and go Hotel hopping on the three Deluxe hotels on the Disney World property; The Contemporary Hotel, Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resort. If you are staying for 5 days in Disney World, these are the best hotels to stay in because of the monorail and the proximity of the transportation system.
- Having Dinner inside The Contemporary Hotel
Riding the monorail, Disney World buses and the water taxi from our hotel is free if you stay in one of their Disney World hotel properties. No need to worry about parking!
SHOULD WE GET A DISNEY DINING PLAN?
YES, YES, and YES! This is one of the best things that we sure are glad we included in our Disney World package. We chose the Quick-Service Dining Plan Package where you are entitled two (2) meals with desserts and two (2) snacks daily during your whole stay. Sky and I are not big eaters, so we usually shared a meal together. And these can be availed from fast-food restaurants throughout Disney World. Here is a PDF file of the Quick Service Dining Menu for more details.
- Mickey Mouse Ice cream for Dessert!
Our Quick Service Dining Plan also came with a Refillable Mug that you can use in your own resort restaurant the whole time you’re staying there. Fill it up with coffee, tea or any drink available in their vending station.
- Drink all you can Resort Mugs
WHAT PARK TICKETS SHOULD WE BUY?
Depending on your length of stay, always get the Park Hopper Option, which will let you hop from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT in one day. If you’re planning on trying out any of the Water Parks inside Disney World, get the Water Park Fun option too.
You can browse the available Disney World Ticket Option here.
- E.P.C.O.T. Every Person Comes Out Tired!
DO WE NEED TO BOOK OUR PARK TICKETS, HOTEL and MEAL PLANS SEPARATELY?
Not at all! You can choose your Disney Vacation Packages through their website or give them a call if you’re a travelling family of circus of more than 10 – like us Call them up at +1-407-939-7675.
Will need to write a separate post on STRATEGIES ON GOING AROUND DISNEY WORLD! Please let me know if you are planning a trip and need advice on how to go about it!
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