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Through Heather's Looking Glass

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4 Questions To Ask Before You Head To Disney World

April 20, 2022 | Disney

Are you planning a dream trip to the happiest place on earth? Here are some of the key points you definitely need to keep in mind before you head to Disney World.

 Before You Head To Disney World

 

Drive Or Ride?

One of the first things to consider is whether you’re going to drive or fly. Flying is very popular and 80% of people heading to Disney World this year are international tourists. Interestingly, the opposite is true for Cali where the majority of visitors are from the good ol’ USA. If you’ve been before, you might be familiar with the magical express. This shuttle service was free and took you to Disney property if you were staying at one of their hotels. Sadly, this no longer runs, so if you’re not driving, you’ll need to arrange a taxi or take one of the paid shuttles from the airport. There’s currently one which resembles an old steam train which is fun!

If you’re driving, make sure you have the right car. One of the key points is the air conditioning. You need a killer air conditioner if you’re parking in Disney, heading into the park and then coming back to your car. The Florida sun will leave your car feeling like an oven on the highest heat! (Will also burn your legs if the seats are leather!) This is something to keep in mind if you’re getting a new car just before this trip. Sites like Edmunds have all the information you need to find the right car with the best air conditioning system possible as well as other features. 

 

Do You Need Genie+?

Fastpasses used to be free in Disney. This was one of the best differences between Disney World and Universal. That’s not the case anymore. It’s been replaced with Genie+. This paid for service works similar to a fastpass and will allow you to jump the standby line. However, you’ll need to factor the cost into your vacation budget. The good news is that it’s not super expensive and it’s well worth it for most parks. (I have a post coming on this soon!) Particularly, if you are heading out over Spring break, in the summer, even over Christmas. 

 

What Clothing Should You Bring? 

The clothing you need will depend on when you’re heading there. Do be aware that if you’re going in June-November, this is hurricane season. You will absolutely need a poncho or umbrella and it’s a smart idea to pack one of these for a summer trip too. The torrential rain will soak you in seconds if you get caught out in one of the storms. Aside from that, dress for warm weather and make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen. Don’t forget, if you’re hitting Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, you’re going to need to reapply every time you dip in and out of the pool. 

 

Where Do You Want To Eat?

Finally, it’s important to think about where you want to eat. The Disney Dining plan is still off the menu, but that doesn’t mean that the restaurants are any less popular. Be Our Guest, Space 220 and Topolino’s Terrace are just a few of the restaurants that book up fast. As soon as reservations are open, we recommend you grab the tables you want to avoid disappointment. However, if you can’t snag one, keep looking because some may pop up at a later date!

 

No matter what you decide, I hope you have the best time as you head to Disney World!

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I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
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