Beginners Tips for Your First Trip to Walt Disney World

Tip #3: Set Rules for Souvenirs and Snacks Before You Go

… but make sure to enjoy the exploration of them with your kids while you’re there!

Disney World is packed with fun shops and eye-catching souvenirs and delicious snacks at every turn. To avoid meltdowns (and overspending), set clear expectations with your kids before the trip about what you are or aren’t comfortable purchasing.

At the same time, remember that the real magic is in the excitement of seeing new things—not necessarily buying them. Get down on your kids’ level and share their enthusiasm for the cool merchandise and foods they discover.

For our trip, we decided not to purchase any souvenirs on-site. Instead, we told the kids we’d take photos of anything they liked and add it to their “holiday list” or “birthday list.” During November a lot of the things they found at the park went on sale at Disney.com and we purchased a few items to surprise them with at Christmas time.

For food, we set the rules of one special snack per day and then we brought our own snacks to munch on while we waited in lines, etc.

On our first day (a non-park day), we explored the hotels and shops, snapping pictures of so many things the kids loved. We’d say, “That’s so cool! Let me take a picture for your list!” But after a few hours, the novelty wore off, and they naturally shifted their attention away from the merchandise and toward the actual Disney experience. By the second day, they were less focused on the stuff and more excited about the rides, shows, and magic of the parks themselves.

Bonus tip: Buy a few Disney souvenirs—like shirts, hats, or trading pins—before your trip. Surprise your kids with them on your first morning or evening at the hotel. We actually did the opposite: we waited for sales after our trip and purchased a few of their favorite items as holiday gifts. Both approaches make the souvenirs feel extra special without overspending in the parks.

Tip #4: Build in a Rest Day!

If you plan on visiting all four parks, I highly recommend scheduling a rest day in the middle—especially if you have little ones. We averaged 20,000–25,000 steps per park day, and doing that four days in a row (especially in Florida heat!) can be exhausting for everyone.

A rest day gives you time to recover, enjoy your resort, and recharge for the second half of your trip. If possible, plan your rest day on a Saturday since the parks are typically at their busiest then.

Here’s an example itinerary that worked well for us:

• Wednesday: Arrive, check in, and enjoy Disney Springs if you’re staying off-site—or relax and explore your resort if you’re on Disney property.

• Thursday & Friday: Park days

• Saturday: Rest day

• Sunday & Monday: Park days

• Tuesday: Travel home

That mid-trip break made a huge difference in our energy levels and overall enjoyment.

Tip #5: Expect the Unexpected & Be Ready to Pivot

Disney World is magical, but it’s still real life—which means things won’t always go as planned. Rides can break down, heavy rain can roll in mid-day, lightning can close attractions for hours, and kids can get tired, cranky, or even sick. In the summer and fall, evening parades and fireworks are especially vulnerable to lightning delays or cancellations.

Instead of letting these surprises ruin your day, have a few backup plans ready so you can pivot quickly and keep the fun going:

• Head indoors for a treat – Find a fun dessert spot or quick-service restaurant to wait out the rain.

• Explore your resort – Many Disney hotels have amazing lobbies, shops, hidden details, or even indoor activities you might otherwise miss.

• Take turns with downtime – If a child needs a break or isn’t feeling well, one parent can stay back with them while the other takes the siblings on a special one-on-one adventure.

• Pack small diversions – A deck of cards, stickers, or even a downloaded movie on your phone can save the day during unexpected waits.

• Shift your schedule – If an outdoor show gets delayed, hit up a low-wait ride or character meet-and-greet instead, then circle back later.

• Bring a book or journal – Quiet moments can actually be a gift if you’re prepared for them.

The key is to stay flexible and focus on fun rather than perfection. Some of our best Disney memories came from unplanned moments when we had to improvise!

And here’s a tip many first-timers don’t realize: Don’t be afraid to talk to Disney staff (look for the Cast Members stationed under blue umbrellas throughout the parks or your front desk staff right at your hotel). For instance, If weather or other issues disrupt your Lightning Lane plans or other paid experiences, they can often help—whether it’s issuing a refund or rebooking for later. We’ve had great experiences asking for help both in the parks and at the hotel front desk.

Tip #7: Soak In The Small Stuff

Amid the planning, scheduling, and hustle of park days, it’s easy to forget the simple joy of being there. Take moments to slow down and just be in the magic.

Watch your kids’ faces light up on Main Street. Sit on a bench and listen to the music. Look at the tiny details in the windows, buildings, and rides—Disney Imagineers have tucked magic into every corner.

Some of our favorite memories weren’t on the big rides but in the in-between moments: eating ice cream on a green bench at the entrance of Magic Kingdom,  our first monorail trip,  watching the parade go by and trying to catch bubbles, or walking back to the hotel during sunset and taking in the sky.

Those little pauses often become the moments you remember most.

In conclusion:

Planning your first trip to Walt Disney World can feel like navigating a magical maze—so full of excitement, wonder, and just a few unexpected turns. But with a bit of preparation and flexibility, you can turn every curveball into a cherished memory.

• Start with a thoughtful plan: Choose your travel dates wisely, get familiar with the My Disney Experience app, and build a strategy that fits your family’s pace.

• Balance excitement with adventure: Set souvenir boundaries that preserve the thrill of discovery without the stress of overspending.

• Respect your rhythm: Insert rest days into your itinerary—especially when little feet are involved—to keep energy and joy high throughout your visit.

• Embrace spontaneity: Expect the unexpected—lightning, sensory overload, or a stall in a ride—and let those moments become opportunities for magic. Visit Cast Members under the blue umbrellas—they’re there to help.

• Delight in the small things: Disney is as much about the little corners, quiet discoveries, and impromptu delights as it is about big attractions. Slow down and soak it in.

These thoughtful steps—from planning to surprises to self-care—are about more than just surviving the parks. They’re about thriving in the magic, building memories, and starting traditions that your family will treasure.

Here’s to your best Disney trip yet—may it be filled with laughter, magic, and the unexpected joys that make every moment unforgettable!