Welcome to Walt Disney World!
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can feel overwhelming. Between choosing where to stay, deciding where to eat, learning the latest Lightning Lane strategies, and figuring out what’s new, there’s a lot to consider.
That’s where we come in.
We’re Mike and Tara, and we’ve spent countless days exploring Walt Disney World. From riding attractions at rope drop to enjoying EPCOT festival food booths and discovering our favorite restaurants, we love sharing tips that help make Disney vacations more magical.
This guide brings together all of our best Walt Disney World planning resources in one place.
Start Here: What’s New at Walt Disney World in 2026?
Disney is always changing, and staying up to date can help you get the most from your vacation.
In 2026, guests can look forward to exciting updates including:
- The return of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Zootopia: Better Together at Animal Kingdom
- Updates to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- New experiences featuring The Mandalorian
- Soarin’ Over California’s return (one of Mike’s favorites!)
➡️ Read: What’s New at Walt Disney World in 2026
Is Lightning Lane Worth It in 2026?
One of the most common questions we hear is whether Lightning Lane is worth the extra cost.
The answer depends on when you visit, which parks you’re touring, and how much you value your time.
We share our personal strategy, including how we use Animal Kingdom’s lower-priced Lightning Lane to stack reservations for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios later in the day.
➡️ Read: Is Lightning Lane Worth It https://themanyadventuresoftaraandmike.com/%e2%9a%a1-is-lightning-lane-worth-it-in-2026-our-honest-disney-strategy-guide/in 2026?
Our Favorite Walt Disney World Restaurants
Food is one of our favorite parts of every Disney vacation.
Some of our top picks include:
Character Dining
- Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast
- Crystal Palace
Disney Springs Favorites
- Raglan Road
- Wine Bar George
- Gideon’s Bakehouse
Signature Dining
- Jiko
- Steakhouse 71
Lounges
- Nomad Lounge
- Tambu Lounge
- Space 220 Lounge
EPCOT Favorites
- La Hacienda de San Angel
- Chefs de France
➡️ Read: Best Restaurants at Walt Disney World
What to Do on a Non-Park Day
Not every day needs to be spent inside the parks.
Some of our favorite non-park activities include:
- Exploring Disney Springs
- Riding the Monorail, Skyliner, and Disney boats
- Visiting Animal Kingdom Lodge to see the animals
- Watching fireworks from the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Enjoying evening entertainment at Disney’s BoardWalk
One of Tara’s favorite activities is simply resort hopping and exploring all the unique Disney resorts.
➡️ Read: What to Do on a Non-Park Day at Walt Disney World
Experience EPCOT Festival Season
EPCOT festivals have become one of our favorite reasons to visit Walt Disney World.
We especially enjoy:
- Festival of the Arts
- Flower & Garden Festival
- Food & Wine Festival
From beautiful topiaries and gardens to creative food booths and live entertainment, there is always something new to discover.
The Food & Wine Festival is one event we look forward to every year.
Transportation Tips
Disney transportation is an attraction all by itself.
Be sure to experience:
- The Monorail
- Disney Skyliner
- Friendship Boats
- Resort launches
- Ferryboats
Transportation can often become part of the adventure rather than simply a way to get from one place to another.Ways to Save Money at Walt Disney World
A Walt Disney World vacation can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing the magic.
Here are some of our favorite money-saving tips:
Choosing the Right Disney Resort
Where you stay can have a big impact on your Walt Disney World vacation. Disney offers resorts for every budget, from the value-priced All-Star Resorts and Pop Century to deluxe destinations like Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary Resort.
Our favorite Disney resort is Animal Kingdom Lodge. There’s simply nothing else like waking up to giraffes and zebras roaming the savanna outside your room. We also love Wilderness Lodge for its incredible atmosphere and relaxing feel. For adults seeking a more upscale getaway, Grand Floridian is hard to beat, while families often appreciate the convenience of being able to walk to Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary Resort.
If you’re looking to save money, don’t overlook the All-Star Resorts or consider renting Disney Vacation Club points through a reputable company to experience deluxe accommodations at a lower cost.
➡️ Read: Where Should You Stay at Walt Disney World? Our Favorite Disney Resorts for Every Budget
Ways to Save Money at Walt Disney World
Stay Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Crowd levels and resort pricing can vary significantly throughout the year. Traveling during less busy times can often save hundreds of dollars on your vacation.
Order Groceries
One of our favorite ways to save money is having groceries delivered to our resort. Simple breakfast items, snacks, bottled water, and drinks can help reduce food costs throughout your trip.
Share Meals
Disney portions are often large enough to share. We frequently split meals, especially quick-service meals, which saves money and leaves room for snacks later in the day.
Consider Disney Gift Cards
Purchasing discounted Disney Gift Cards from warehouse clubs or taking advantage of promotions can help reduce the overall cost of your trip.
Explore Free Resort Activities
Many Disney resorts offer movies under the stars, campfires, live entertainment, and beautiful themed environments that can be enjoyed without spending extra money.
Visit Disney Springs
Disney Springs offers free entertainment, shopping, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Disney magic without purchasing a park ticket.
Use Disney Transportation
The Monorail, Skyliner, boats, and buses are all included with your stay and can become attractions of their own.
Consider a Split Stay
Sometimes moving between resorts during your trip allows you to experience a deluxe resort while keeping overall lodging costs lower.
Take Advantage of EPCOT Festivals
While festival food booths can add up quickly, sharing dishes allows you to sample more offerings without spending a fortune.
Watch for Special Offers
Disney frequently releases room discounts, package deals, and other promotions throughout the year. Keeping an eye on available discounts can lead to substantial savings.
➡️ Read: Ways to Save Money at Walt Disney World
Mike and Tara’s Disney Favorites
Mike’s Favorites
- Soarin’
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- EPCOT festivals
- Jiko
- The White Pass Railroad in Alaska (okay, not Disney, but still a favorite!)
Tara’s Favorites
- Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast
- Resort hopping
- Disney Springs
- Festival food booths
- Watching fireworks from the Polynesian beach
Our Shared Favorites
- EPCOT
- Festival season
- Disney dining
- Exploring resorts
- Discovering new snacks and experiences
Planning Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fiftieth, Walt Disney World always has something new to discover.
We hope this guide helps you make the most of your next vacation.
Be sure to explore the articles linked above and check back often as we continue adding new Disney tips, restaurant reviews, planning guides, and vacation ideas.
See you in the parks!
— Mike & Tara