Plan, Eat, and Stay: Expert Tips for Your Walt Disney World Vacation

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Planning a Disney trip is exciting, but it also comes with a thousand tiny decisions. Where should you stay? What should you book ahead of time? Which restaurants are actually worth it with kids in tow?

I recently visited Walt Disney World on a hosted media trip and sat down with a few insiders who live and breathe the parks. Whether you’re planning your first visit or trying to simplify your next one, their behind-the-scenes tips can help make your vacation smoother and less overwhelming.

What to Eat: EPCOT and the Flavor of Festivals

We kicked things off with a conversation with Chef Philip, a sous chef at EPCOT who helps oversee seasonal food offerings, including the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.

• Don’t skip the festivals. “It’s not just about the flowers,” Chef Philip said. “We take a lot of pride in the food. There’s thought behind every dish.”
• Try something new. Even for guests who visit often, each festival brings new booths, new flavors, and seasonal ingredients. “We want guests to taste something they wouldn’t usually expect in a theme park.”
• Look for balance. There are plenty of indulgent treats, but you’ll also find lighter, fresher options designed to keep you going through a long park day.
• Keep it fresh with rotating menus. The Farmer’s Feast booth rotates monthly, offering a different selection of dishes each time you visit.
• Let kids enjoy too. Some booths are located near themed play areas, so families can relax while the little ones burn off some energy.
• Explore the variety. With over 130 food and beverage items and more than 30 new offerings this season, there’s something to discover around every corner.

From returning favorites like the frushi to plant-based dishes and globally inspired menus, EPCOT festivals offer one of the most exciting dining experiences at Walt Disney World. You can make a whole day of grazing your way through the park.

Where to Stay: Disney Resort Perks and Planning Strategies

Morgan Cullen, a Disney spokesperson, walked me through some of the key benefits of staying at a Disney Resort and how to choose the right one for your family.

• Use resort benefits strategically. “If you’re flying in early, it’s worth staying somewhere like Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for the convenience,” Morgan explained. Getting to the parks quickly on arrival day can help you hit the ground running.
• Explore your options. From budget-friendly to deluxe, there’s a resort that fits nearly every travel style. Consider what matters most: transportation, theme, pools, or space.
• Don’t overlook the little perks. Early park entry, transportation, mobile food ordering, and immersive theming can significantly enhance your stay.
• Plan around your group size. Resorts like Art of Animation offer spacious family suites and bold theming perfect for larger groups.
• Use recreation to slow down. Look for resort activities like poolside trivia, Mickey tie-dye, nightly s’mores, and movies under the stars. These moments provide families with an opportunity to relax and recharge.
• Take advantage of Disney transportation. Monorails, walkable paths, and buses make navigating the property convenient and enjoyable.

Choosing the right resort depends on your group size, trip goals, and your travel preferences. Whether you want to walk to the parks or unwind by the pool, Disney Resorts offer more than just a place to sleep.

How to Plan: Tips from a planDisney Panelist

Next, I talked with Emille Crawford from the planDisney panel. Her role is all about helping guests plan Disney vacations, and her practical advice makes the process feel much more manageable.

• Start with a goal. “Ask yourself what your goal is for the trip. Is it to relax? Ride everything? Meet all the characters? That helps you make decisions.”
• Budget for flexibility. Build in buffer time and spending room. “If something doesn’t go to plan, you won’t feel stressed about adjusting.”
• Use the tools available. The My Disney Experience app, Genie+, and mobile ordering can help you manage your day efficiently. Emille noted, “The app is your best friend while you’re in the parks.”
• Involve your kids. Let each person in the group pick one thing they really want to do. It helps everyone feel included and excited about the plan.
• Follow a planning sequence. Emille suggests starting with your budget, then choosing travel dates, and finally selecting your accommodations. This order helps avoid decision fatigue.
• Visit planDisney.com. You can find planning tips there directly or through the Help tab at disneyworld.com.
• Check the special offers page. It’s updated regularly with deals on resorts, tickets, and dining plans.

Planning doesn’t mean over-scheduling. It means thinking ahead so you can be present in the moment once you arrive.

What to Expect with Young Kids: Real Talk from a Disney Parent

Last, I sat down with Helenn Kikendall, a Disney spokesperson and mom, who shared some insight on traveling to Walt Disney World with little ones.

• Take breaks. “It’s not about doing everything. It’s about enjoying what you do,” Helenn said. Taking a midday break or pacing your day around naps can make a big difference.
• Use what Disney offers. Baby care centers, stroller rentals, and allergy-friendly menus are available at every park. “It’s built for families, so use what’s there.”
• Pack light but smart. You don’t need to bring everything. Just the essentials that help your family feel comfortable in the parks.
• Think ahead for comfort. Pack a poncho, an extra pair of socks, and a change of clothes. Splash pads and the weather can catch you off guard.
• Stay hydrated. Most quick-service restaurants offer free cups of ice water. Bring a refillable bottle and top off throughout the day.
• Keep devices charged. Bring a portable charger or use FuelRod stations around the parks to stay powered up for taking photos, videos, and using the app.

Helenn also noted that traveling with young kids changes how you see the parks. “It might be slower, but you notice things you never saw before.”

Bringing It All Together

No two Disney trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes them so memorable. Whether you’re going with toddlers or teens, planning around meals or moments, staying at a value resort or splurging on a deluxe, the magic is still there.

Hearing from the people who live and work inside the magic every day reminded me that there’s no right way to do Walt Disney World. You just need a plan that works for you and maybe a few good snacks along the way.