Walt Disney World Basics
Basic Information Edition
If there is one thing I know well, it’s Disney World. I have visited Walt Disney World in Florida about 30 times. My husband and I, along with our two kids, are annual passholders, and bought DVC (Disney Vacation Club) in 2021. I was also a travel agent specializing in Walt Disney World a few years ago. To say I am well versed in all things Disney World would be an understatement. I would love to share everything I know so others can experience the magic of Disney.
I have heard a lot of people say they couldn’t stand Disney when they visited. While it truly might not be for everyone, I think most of the time the problem is they didn’t do it “right”. A Disney World vacation can take a lot of planning and preparation. I am here to share advice from my experience and knowledge I have gathered over the past decade. In the future, I plan on sharing very detailed plans for families, couples, and solo travelers. Today, I am going over the basics.
First off, let’s talk about the best time to visit. That alone can impact the quality of your vacation. There are a few things to consider when trying to decide when to visit.
The weather in Florida can be unpredictable to say the least. Let’s break it down.
January-February
Highs between 71 and 75 with lows between 49 and 55.
Rainfall on average is between 1.6 to 2.7 inches a month.
These months are cool and dry. You will need to pack a jacket or sweatshirt for mornings and evenings. Perk- the humidity isn’t bad this time of year.
These two months are probably the lowest crowds you will see except for marathon weekends and other competitions Disney hosts.
I give both months an 8 out of 10.
March-April
Highs between 78 and 83 with lows between 54 and 63.
Rainfall is a bit more at 2.2 to 3.8 inches.
This is the time of year where you already start to feel the spring warmth. Mid-day is very pleasant, but you might still need your jacket in the mornings and evenings.
The crowds still aren’t bad during March and April in my opinion apart from maybe 2 to 3 weeks in April.
I rate these two months as 7 out of 10 due to spring break crowds.
May
Highs of 87 to 88 and lows between 66 and 69.
Rainfall on average is 3.4 and 4.2 inches.
You can officially leave the jacket at home. This is the month when you will really feel the Florida heat starts to rear its head. Instead, maybe pack a poncho because the rainstorms have also begun.
The crowds aren’t high until the last week in May.
My rating for May is 7 out of 10.
June
Highs 90 to 91 and lows from 72 to 74
Rainfall totals go up drastically to 7.0 to 9.2 this month.
Daily storms are here to stay for a little while, and the humidity is high. It is HOT.
Crowds are high because of summer break in schools.
June is a 5 out of 10 for me.
July
Highs between 91-92 and lows are around 74 to 75
Rainfall is a little less at about 7.1 to 8.4.
Ok it’s hot now. And very humid. The daily storms will probably still be around.
Crowds are like June, but maybe a little worse because of July 4th.
This month get a 4 out of 10.
August
High is around 90 to 92 and lows between 74 to 75 (it feels hotter I promise)
Rainfall on average is 7.1 to 8.4
It is really hot. LIKE REALLY HOT. And the rain has increased some. Humidity is still high.
Crowds decrease toward the end of the month.
I am giving August a 3 out of 10. Sorry August, but you’re the worst month.
September
Highs between 89 to 90 and lows around 73 to 74.
Rainfall is now at 5.1 to 5.9 inches.
There might be a small bit of relief from the intense heat, but it’s not significant in my opinion.
Crowds have calmed down from the summer rush. Labor Day weekend will cause a small spike.
I give this month a 5 out of 10.
October
Highs are around 85 with lows on average 66 to 69.
Rainfall is about 3.0 to 3.3
It is finally cooling down, and the humidity isn’t as bad.
Crowds are higher than September because of the Halloween season.
October ranks 6 out of 10.
November
Highs are 78 to 79 and lows are at 57 to 60
Rainfall is much lower at 1.6 to 2.2 a month.
This month is when is when the weather gets more comfortable. There can still be some hot days, but it is overall much better than the previous months. You might even need your sweatshirt again at times.
Crowds are ok at the beginning of the month, but Thanksgiving week is very busy. Christmas décor is starting to come out and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts.
I am giving November an 8 out of 10.
December
Highs are around 73 to 75 and lows about 50 to 60.
Rainfall on average is 1.8 to 2.6 inches.
In my opinion, December has the best weather. It’s cool, and at times it can be cold in my experience. Christmas is obviously in full swing, and it is so magical. Trust me, it’s worth taking your kids out of school if you can.
December is getting 10 out of 10. This is my favorite month to visit.
Now that you’ve decided what time of year you want to go, we can talk about resorts. This is another piece of the Disney puzzle that can make or break your trip depending on what you have in mind. There are 3 levels of resorts, and of course the option of staying off site. My family and I have stayed in most all the resorts and off site.
Value (~$120-$210 nightly rates)
These resorts are going to be basic hotel accommodation and are the best budget friendly options onsite. They usually come with two full sized beds, one of which is a murphy bed. Some rooms do have a king option.
The theming is very colorful and bold in comparison to other resorts. I think the value resorts are very playful and fun with statues of characters and other over the top Disney theming.
Food options at these resorts can be limited. There is one large food court and quick services option by the pools.
This category of resorts has pools, but there are no slides or hot tubs.
Most value resorts only have bus transportation except for only two that have Skyliner access.
All guests staying at a value resort get early entry to the parks.
Moderate (~$250-$400 nightly rate)
A moderate resort will provide more comfort overall with larger rooms. The typical room is set up with two queen beds or a king bed. Some rooms do accommodate five guests while other only allow four guests.
Theming at these resorts is regional and immersive, but with less bold Disney theming.
Food options are better at moderate resorts. You will find a table service restaurant here. There are still the options of a food court and a pool quick service.
The pools at the moderate level are more exciting with waterslides and fun theming. Hot tubs are also available.
Transportation is limited to mainly buses, but certain resorts have access to other forms of transportation such as the Skyliner and boat.
All guests staying at a moderate resort get access to early entry for the parks.
Deluxe (~$500-$1,200 nightly rate)
The deluxe resorts provide you with the most comfort and options all around. You will find luxury touches throughout, and most resorts are a close distance to the parks. These rooms include balconies, as well as the option to book accommodation with up to 3 bedrooms. Concierge and club level can be found at these resorts.
Theming at the deluxe resorts is elegant and beautiful, and you will see more of a subtle nod to Disney.
Here you will find high end table service dining and some character meal options. There is still the option of quick service dining as well.
The pool options offer waterslides, hot tubs, and pool bars.
Bus transportation is available at all deluxe resorts. Multiple resorts also offer Skyliner and boat access. Six deluxe resorts provide other transportation such as the monorail or the option to walk to Magic Kingdom or Epcot (depending on the resort).
An extra perk for a deluxe resort guests is the after-hours event only open to guests of a deluxe resort. The wait times for attractions are significantly lower.
Offsite Accommodations
Staying off property might be something some are interested in for a few reasons. My family and I have stayed in condos and off-site hotels. These options can provide you with more space and cheaper prices. There are some perks you will lose out on like obviously the ability to use Disney transportation. You will also need to pay for parking at each of the Disney theme parks. Parking is only free for guests staying on Disney property. It can be beneficial, but it has its cons as well.
Last, but certainly not least is the actual planning aspect. This is where a lot of people mess up. Unfortunately, you MUST have a plan. You need to plan what you want to do and when you want to do it from rides to food.
Dining
At the 60 day mark before your first day of vacation, you can reserve dining. These reservations will be for full service dining restaurants. The restaurants range from fine dining to character meals and all things in between.
The more popular restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table or O’hana truly need to be reserved the absolute earliest you can. Most restaurants will still have some availability without booking as soon as your window opens, but you might not get your desired time.
There is obviously still the option to only eat at quick service restaurants on your trip. Some are very good, but others are just ok at best. If you do this…. please don’t come home and tell everyone how terrible the food was because that just isn't a fair reflection of Disney World’s food.
Rides and Attractions
Disney offers Lightning Lanes so you can experience a shorter wait for certain rides and better viewing for shows. If you are staying on property, you can begin booking this 7 days before your trip. For guests staying off site, you will have to wait until 3 days before your theme park day. This service is an extra fee.
Depending on the time of year you might have the option to attend special events. These require a separate ticket on top of your ticket for entrance to the park. Some examples of these events would be Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and After Hours Events at specific parks.
Disney World can be overwhelming and intimidating to plan, but with the right advice I can almost guarantee you will enjoy your visit. Over the next few weeks I plan to share very detailed vacation guides. If you would like any individualized advice or have a specific question, please email me at grewalgetaways@gmail.com. In the meantime, stay tuned for more Disney World blog posts! As always, thank you so much for being here!
