Can UK families go to Walt Disney World without planning it?

So, do you need to plan a trip to Disney? A question that is often asked. Disney is unlike any other holiday you will experience. Every visitor has one common goal: to make their trip magical and perfect! Which in itself is a lot of pressure! It is also expensive, very busy, often hot and humid, and there are so many factors to consider, from applying for ESTAs to navigating Disney’s app. So turning up and ‘going with the flow’ could leave you very disappointed. Instead, it is well worth spending some time planning what you want to do and what is right for your family, to ensure you get the most from it.

Is it important to plan a trip to Walt Disney World from the UK and Ireland?

Many people underestimate how huge WDW actually is, coming in at a vast 43 square miles! That’s 50 times bigger than Disneyland Paris!

As the most visited theme park in the world, a quiet day at Magic Kingdom will still see 50,000 other people there, most of whom will be trying to get on their ‘must-do’ rides or meet Cinderella* (*insert your personal favourite Disney Character here!)!

WDW is unique in many ways, with its own rules (which differ for international visitors) and language.

It also gets hot and very humid (the humidity in Orlando reaches 75-80%, making the heat feel even more intense).

It has its own handy app, the My Disney Experience (MDE) App, which can be super helpful and essential, once you know how to use it to your advantage.

What do you need to know for planning a trip to Walt Disney World from the UK and Ireland:

  • The weather in Orlando can be unpredictable, sunny and hot one minute, thunderstorms the next! The intense heat will affect your energy levels, so take regular breaks in air-conditioned spots – like shops, shows and restaurants – and stay well hydrated. Factor in rest days where you can chill by the pool or visit Disney Springs.
  • Get to grips with Lightning Lanes, Disney’s paid line skipping service. They are invaluable at certain times of the year but, equally, you may never need them and might be able to avoid spending $$$ on them. 
  • Disney is big. Huge. You will walk many miles every day, so think about how family members will manage this challenge, especially those with little legs.
  • Identify the ‘must-dos’ for your family; whilst you might feel under pressure to go on every ride, visit every Park every day, see all the shows, meet every Character, and sample every snack, the reality is achieving this will be highly unlikely. Instead, pick your top 3 rides for each Park and anything more will feel like a bonus.
  • Understand how long it takes to get around WDW using Disney Transport! It can take 30-60 minutes to travel between Parks, and the duration and methods of travel will vary depending on whether you stay in- or outside Disney. Bear in mind, it may be faster to book private transport, like Uber or Lyft!
Monorail at Disney World. Do you need to plan a trip to Disney

When are Disney World theme parks busiest?

  • The Parks will always be busiest around mid-morning and hottest around midday.
  • Dining Reservations can be made 60 days in advance, but there’s no need to book a table service meal every day you are in the Parks. They take up valuable time, are expensive and restrict your plans.
  • Taking your own drinks and snacks into WDW will save you $$$.
  • The Parks change regularly, with rides and attractions being upgraded or replaced; essential maintenance and technical breakdowns also happen, so bear in mind that some of your ‘must-dos’ may not be available during your visit. Don’t worry too much, though, as there are plenty of amazing experiences at WDW to replace any you can’t do! Check the MDE app for any scheduled maintenance.

Disney World Planning Guides for UK and Ireland Families

Our Walt Disney World Planning Guides for UK and Ireland families are available in three age groups and in two versions: one for guests staying at Disney Resort Hotels and the other for guests staying outside Disney. Each one is packed with everything you need to know to plan your family’s trip to WDW. Plus, they are kept bang-up-to-date with the latest news and changes!

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