Disney World for Dads
Ultimate Beginner’s Guide for Dads
Here you will be training for your quest to conquer Walt Disney World! In this series I will include how to prepare, your travel arrangements, where to stay, what to eat, and how to navigate the parks. I was a Walt Disney World cast member and my family has been to Disney World five times now (and more to come) so I know my stuff. I study this!
The place is HUGE! Disney World is 47 square miles and still growing. That’s the size of San Francisco! So in this post I will prepare you as well as I can to slay the dragon that is Walt Disney World.
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” said Benjamin Franklin and he’s absolutely right when it comes to something like Disney World, so let’s start there. Afterward, we will go step-by-step in your timeline.
Preparation
I remember the summer I was working there, sweating by the docks in my white captain’s costume, which showed off a little too much thigh for my liking. Luckily, your boy needed a tan. I noticed the parents trying to have a magical time with their kids but often looking thoroughly exhausted and stressed out. They weren’t ready. You will be.
The Basics
First things first, let’s get important information to get into your brain.
The 4 Parks at Disney World
Magic Kingdom
Animal Kingdom
Hollywood Studios
Epcot
Know the differences and where they’re located. You can download the MyDisneyExperience App and get acquainted with each park. They each have amazing rides, snacks, and character experiences so do your research there.
You also have Disney Springs, a much larger version of Downtown Disney in Anaheim. This is a shopping district full of stores, amazing restaurants, and other experiences.
The Resorts
Staying at a Disney resort comes with some perks:
30 minute early theme park entry (you get in before every one else)
Complimentary transportation (Buses, Boats, Monorail, and/or Skyliner depending on which resort you choose)
Theming is next level, you get immersed in the magic!
There are also good neighbor hotels nearby which have similar perks and a plethora of other hotels nearby. Our family loves staying on property for the perks stated above, and for getting transported mentally giving you the feeling of being at Disney.
Transportation
Will you fly? Will you drive? Depending on where you’re coming from, one might be a better option than another. If you live close enough and are considering driving because you think you’ll need a car to get around, you might be surprised.
If you fly you can get to the Disney bubble by renting a car, MearsConnect (bus/van service), or a ride share service.
There are 3 modes of Disney Transportation once on site:
Buses
Boats
The Skyliner
Buses run from every resort to the parks and back. They also run to Disney Springs and back to the resorts but DO NOT go from Disney Springs to the parks. Boats can be found at various places, some of which take you from your resort to Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, or Epcot. Others go from resorts to Disney Springs. Check what transportation will take you where when deciding where to stay.
Disney has it’s own transportation services to get you to and from the parks as well as Disney Springs.
Example Itinerary
Now that we’ve gotten the basics out of the way, let’s talk what a typical trip would look like. If you are looking for a fun, full, and fantastical trip that’s not too long and not too short, I would suggest a 6 day stay. Why 6 you say? Well, let me show you what my itinerary would look like.
6 Day Stay via Costco Travel at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Most stays with Costco are 5 days but I believe in starting and ending with Magic Kingdom.
Day 1 - Arrive & Settle In
Travel days can be tough, am I right? I would schedule an early flight (I’m coming from the west coast so have to take the time change into account) to get there midday or afternoon. I’ve rented a car and done Mears Connect before, both work depending on your goals but let’s go simplicity: Mears Connect is waiting to pick you up from the airport and take you straight to the resort.
At the resort get settled in, unpack and head out for dinner at Disney Springs. I’d suggest Chicken Guy if you have little ones, or if you don’t it’s freaking bomb. Cruise Disney Springs, see the World of Disney Store, get your ears early. Head back to the resort and enjoy the pool then see a the movie under the stars. Get an good night’s sleep! You got a big day tomorrow.
Day 2 - Magic Kingdom
Full day breakdown coming soon
Day 3 - Animal Kingdom
Full day breakdown coming soon
Day 4 - Hollywood Studios
Full day breakdown coming soon
Day 5 - Epcot
Full day breakdown coming soon
Day 6 - Magic Kingdom
This might seem like a lot, and truthfully, it is. If you let it, this will be a week packed with magic and joy filled experiences that will turn into memories to be revisited. It can also be a nightmare if you choose to make it so. Prepare yourself. Check the links above for specific days at the parks. I include tips, tricks, must-eat, and much more in the blog posts above.
For in depth (but simple) walk-thru of each park click the links above.