Let us start by saying this: There is no one “right” way to vacation at Walt Disney World.
We know that may sound super controversial, and that some people might try to tell you otherwise. But really that’s OK. Everyone has his or her own goals when they head to any of the theme parks, figure out where they’re staying, or how they’re getting there. Let’s take a look at three classic Walt Disney World arguments that have no “right” answer.
What to See and Do
Deciding how to spend your time is one of the most important things you must do prior to leaving on your vacation. With dining reservations, recreation reservations, the decision on whether to purchase Disney Genie+, and so much else to do, sometimes people forget to plan time to relax.
Remember that you don’t need to plan out every second. Some guests may enjoy a heavy schedule chock full of details — we know lots of people who enjoy making spreadsheets with tons of plans for every day of their vacation. They know when and where they’re going to eat, which park they’re going to be in on which day… . But we also know others who want to have a less structured experience — even if it means not seeing everything. Hey, they say, that’s what the next trip is for.
Both camps are right, so be like Elsa and let it go! Schedule if you want, don’t bother if it would ruin your vacation. Take the trip YOU want. There’s no single right way to tour the Walt Disney World parks.
Where to Stay
There’s an age-old debate among Disney vacationers over whether to stay on-property at a Disney-owned hotel or off-property in the greater Orlando area. But the truth is, either can be right, based on your personal situation.
The benefits of early theme park entry, a wide variety of price points, and several types of Walt Disney World transport options weigh heavily for those who can’t imagine staying off-property. They also argue that there are many details and amenities you can’t find anywhere else, not to mention that intangible MAGICAL feeling that a Disney hotel has.
But those who prefer to take a little time away from the Disney parks and resort hotels are just as justified. Whether they’re an adult couple looking for lodgings that aren’t overrun with children, or a family on a strict budget, or a group of 16 needing the space of a rental home, people have as many valid reasons for staying off-property as they do for staying on. They might like the fact that they save some money not only on lodging but on eating away from Disney property. Or they might just need a break from all the characters and the heavy Disney-theming that some of the hotels have.
Either way, the choice is yours to make. There is no right answer.
What to Buy
Finally, there are some people who argue over what is the quintessential Disney World souvenir. Some might say it’s Mouse ears or Ear hats, or something similar that you can only find at Disney Parks.
Unfortunately, though, a lot of those souvenirs are really only appropriate while you’re AT Walt Disney World. You won’t catch many people at Wal-Mart with their Minnie ears on, just like you probably won’t see anyone wearing a Goofy hat in your office.
Does that mean buying those sorts of souvenirs is wrong? Of course not. Let’s face it, for those who do love their Mouse ears, there’s nothing better.
If you’re not an “Ears” lover, maybe your guilty pleasure is collecting Disney pins. Or maybe you love those Funko POP figures. Or Disney art. Maybe for you, a Disney trip isn’t complete without a stop at one of the Christmas shops so that you can pick up a Disney Christmas ornament for your collection. Then again, maybe you’re the kind of guy or gal who can’t go anywhere without bringing home a souvenir t-shirt.
The answer is clear: there is no one perfect type of Disney souvenir that you should buy to commemorate your visit. If you don’t want an Ear hat, buy something else. In fact, buy the souvenir that means the most to you — that one little (or big!) item that is going to evoke that magical Disney feeling for you every time you see or wear or hold it.
It’s like we said at the outset — there is no one absolutely perfect, correct, right way to tour Walt Disney World. But there are hundreds of great, perfectly respectable and enjoyable ways!
And one thing we all can agree on, without any argument, is that there’s nothing better than a vacation at Walt Disney World, no matter HOW you do it. Am I right?
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What side do you fall on in these Disney World arguments? Let us know in the comments!
I plan my mornings and try to leave evenings free except for one or two dinner adrs. That way I can switch parks or relax at my resort as I want in the moment. The way Disney is now you really have to plan some or at least research enough to know lack of planning means long lines and almost no sit down table service meals. Most who gripe about wait times and the so called “starving children” because mom couldn’t argue her way into a character meal claiming ignorance of reservations are those who failed to research a very pricey vacation.
As for souvenirs, I find most Disney items that seem such a great idea in the parks don’t see much use once home. My biggest success was the blown glass seahorse pendant I bought on my last trip. I love wearing it and peole rave about it.
The planning process and your vacation at WDW can be highly structured or unplanned, or anything in between. However, if you are the type that likes to just show up and wing it, your going to be basically a window shopper.
Here are some typical type “B” personality WDW planning conversations:
1. “Hey honey, let’s just take a nice relaxed, casual trip when we feel like it. How bout 4th of July weekend?”
2. “And sweetheart, we’ll just get our tickets when we get there, how complicated can that be.”
3. “Advanced Fast Passes? We’ll just stand in line. What’s a few extra minutes, anyway?
4. “Advanced dining reservations? That’s ridiculous, there are a million restaurants in that place.
5. “Studying up for a little disney vacation? Are you nuts? We’ll just figure it all out when we get there, how big can that place be anyway.”
The truth really is, that the way WDW works today, you just cannot be anti-planning and unstructured and expect to have a great vacation. But hey, since I am that type “B” kinda guy, I’d love love for someone to prove me wrong.
Straight up, you only need to plan in advance if you eat sit-down meals at reservations type restaurants. My wife and I have been going annually for 2 week visits since 1988, do no planning at all other than “where are we going today?” in the morning, and have an absolute BLAST each and every time. We aren’t foodies and don’t do the big reservations-needed restaurants. If we are hungry and depending where we are, we’ll pick up the phone, call Disney Dining and be seated most anywhere within the hour it takes us to walk there (like for Cape May Cafe, while we are at Epcot / World Showcase).
You can go without planning and have a blast. Nothing wrong with being spontaneous and doing what you “feel” that particular day. 🙂