Our 25 BEST Disney World Tips For Your 2025 Vacation

2025 is right around the corner, which means it is time to start thinking about your 2025 vacation to Disney World.

We go to Disney World every single day and have years of experience. We always love to share our best tips on all things Disney World, including hotels, dining, park tickets, and more. So, of course, we want to help you become Disney World pros, so we are sharing our 25 best tips for your 2025 vacation at Disney World.

Let’s get into it!

Before Your Trip

There is so much to think about before your trip to Disney World that it can help build excitement and anticipation!

1. Use a Travel Agent

As we said, planning a trip to Disney World can be daunting, but our friends at Mouse Fan Travel will be more than happy to help you out! They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

2. Don’t Pay Full Price for Your Hotel

There are three different hotel tiers at Disney World; you can choose to stay at a Value, Moderate, or Deluxe Resort. Regardless of which tier you choose, make sure NOT to pay full price for your hotel room! There are almost always deals and discounted rates on hotel rooms at Disney World. We will always let you know which promotions Disney World is currently running, but it is always a good idea to do some research before you book your room.

Depending on the time of year, Annual Passholders, Florida Residents, and even Disney+ subscribers can take advantage of special discounts. Plus, you can use hotel points at resorts like the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and other third-party hotels that are near Disney Springs. Some of these hotels even get the same perks as Disney World hotel guests.

3. Keep an Eye on the Calendar

Disney World can get crowded at certain times of the year, so when you start to consider the time of year you would like to visit, it is a good idea to check for any holidays or events going on around the resort.

Disney World hosts a variety of events like runDisney Marathon weekends and cheer competitions.

The Dates You NEED to Know for 2025 in Walt Disney World

4. Download and Get Familiar with the My Disney Experience App

Disney World has its own app called My Disney Experience, which is a helpful tool before, during, and even after your trip!

The app can do so much! You can make dining reservations, use it as your room key, book Lightning Lanes, view your PhotoPass photos, view attraction wait times, and so much more! Going through the app before your trip can set you up for success when the time rolls around to use it during your vacation.

5. Have a Plan for Dining Reservations

As mentioned above, you can book Advance Dining Reservations on the My Disney Experience app 60 days in advance. Popular dining reservations will be snagged quickly, so make sure to have an idea of which reservations you would like to get.

You are more likely to be able to get the reservations you want toward the end of your trip. Another tip is to look for restaurants on OpenTable, as some 3rd party restaurants at Disney Springs use it, and you do not have to worry about no-show fees!

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6. Book Your Lighting Lanes When Your Window Opens

Disney World’s Lightning Lane system changed over the summer. Gone are the days of FastPass+ and Genie+. There is now Lightning Lane Multi and Single Pass. The most significant change of the system is that purchases and selections can be made in advance.

If you decide to stay at a Disney World hotel, you can purchase both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass (and even Lightning Lane Premier Pass if you stay at a Deluxe Resort) seven days before your trip.

If you stay off-property, you can make your selections three days prior. You will want to make sure you can book your top rides as soon as your window opens for the best chance of reserving them.

7. Set Alarms and Reminders of Important Dates

If you can’t tell from the tips above, there are tons of important dates to remember before your trip. We recommend jotting down these dates as soon as you make your vacation plans and putting them down as either a reminder or alarm on your phone. That way, when the time rolls around, you have a reminder.

8. Watch AllEars Videos

Our AllEars team loves making fun and informative videos for you to watch before your trip or even after your trip if you miss Disney World.

We have videos about almost everything at Disney World, so make sure to grab some popcorn and a notepad to enjoy and jot down anything you may need to know for your trip!

Check Out the AllEars YouTube Channel!

9. Learn How to Use Virtual Queue

In order to ride some of Disney World’s most popular and new attractions, you will need to obtain either a Lightning Lane or Virtual Queue.

Currently, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom utilize Virtual Queue.

The queue opens each day at 7 AM and 1 PM, and we have tons of tips and all the rules you need to know to help you snag a boarding group. Learning about the system beforehand can help you be better prepared when the time rolls around on your trip to try to join the Virtual Queue.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Virtual Queue in Disney World

10. Make Airport Transportation Plans in Advance

Arriving at Orlando International Airport can be so exciting. Unfortunately, no magic can transport you to Disney World right away, and Disney no longer offers its free bus service, Magical Express.

There are many different ways to get to and from the airport, such as private transportation, rideshares, car rentals, and so on. Make sure to do research beforehand and have a plan for how you and your party will get from the airport to Disney World.

Travel Options Between Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport

1.1. Look for Gift Card Deals

Some people like to budget for their Disney World trips by purchasing Disney gift cards in advance, but did you know that there are discounted Disney World gift cards?

That’s right! Sam’s Club sells Disney World gift cards at a discount, which is essentially free money! This means you can save money for more souvenirs or snacks at Disney World.

12. Make a List of Priorities

There is so much to see and do at Disney World, and the sad truth is that you won’t be able to see and do it all in one trip.

We always recommend making a list of priorities so that you know what to do first. This includes character meet-and-greets, dining, rides, entertainment, and more. This does not have to be a concrete plan, but having an idea of what you want to see and experience beforehand can help you in the long run.

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13. Know Your Group’s Needs

While making your list of priorities, it is also important to keep your entire party’s needs in mind. You will want to make sure that everyone gets to do their “must-dos.” For example, if your party has kiddos, the odds are you will need to take a break for a mid-day nap. Knowing your group and their needs can help you when making your priorities list.

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14. Plan a Rest Day

Going to the parks every day can take its toll on you. You are on vacation, and you deserve to relax! Rest days can be super beneficial and also allow you to explore other parts of Disney World.

Disney World is so much more than the parks! You can spend a day exploring your resort, relaxing by the pool, dining at another resort, going to the water parks, going mini-golfing, visiting Disney Springs, and so much more!

Plus, a rest day can help give you more energy and make you even more excited for your next park day.

What to Pack

We have tons of tips on what you should pack for Disney World, but there are four essentials that you will not want to forget!

15. Pack Rain Gear

If you visit Disney World in the summer months, you can expect some rainy days, but the rain does not have to dampen your day!

Be prepared ahead of time and pack rain gear so you won’t be caught off guard or have to purchase the expensive Disney poncho. Remember, a rainy day at Disney World is better than a rainy day anywhere else!

16. Pack a Portable Charger

Your smartphone is a great tool for success at Disney World, as you will need it to use the My Disney Experience app.

Using your phone all day and having the app open can drain your battery, so to play it safe, you should bring a portable charger with you to the parks. Disney World has FuelRod refill stations throughout the resorts and parks so that you can switch out your portable charger for a freshly charged one. Instead of paying the one-time fee at Disney World for one FuelRod, we recommend buying FuelRods on Amazon ahead of time, as you can get two for about the price of one when bought at Disney World.

17. Pack the Right Shoes

It is no secret that you will do a lot of walking in Disney World, so do yourself a favor and pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

Popular options are Hokas, Chacos, and, yes, even Crocs. We like to bring at least two pairs of comfortable shoes so we can switch between park days. Trust us, and your feet will thank you for packing comfortable shoes ahead of time!

YIKES! I Wore Crocs Shoes to EPCOT on a Rainy Day, and It was a Total Catastrophe.

18. Pack a Stroller Marker

If you are bringing or renting a stroller, you must park it outside of an attraction prior to getting in line, as strollers are not allowed in the queue.

There are specific stroller parking areas, but sometimes Cast Members have to move strollers to make room for more, or they move them if they are not parked in a proper place.

We recommend bringing something to mark your stroller to help it stand out in a crowd and make it easier to find. In addition to a visible marker, you can attach an AirTag to your stroller to help track it down in case it decides to run away.

How AirTags Can Come in Handy in Disney World!

During Your Trip

Yay! It is finally time for your vacation. You have done all the before work, and now it is time for some tips during your trip.

19. Mobile Order

Did we mention how much the My Disney Experience app will help you during your trip? If you can’t tell, this app is super important! You can place a Mobile Order for food right from your phone. That means no ordering in person or waiting in line.

You can schedule Mobile Orders in advance to secure the timeslot you and your party want to eat at. And no worries if your plans change; you can adjust your pick-up time. Mobile Ordering can save you precious park time and help ease the stress of busy meal periods.

20. Don’t Be Afraid of the Single Rider Lines

Single Rider lines are a great way to save time and help get through your list of priorities. Sometimes, parties are hesitant to use the line as you will have to split up and ride with other parties, but you could save so much time waiting in line for popular attractions.

While the Single Rider line is not always offered and not available for every attraction, there is usually a sign pointing you where to go, plus it never hurts to ask a Cast Member!

21. Take Advantage of Freebies

While it may seem like nothing is free at Disney World anymore, there are still a few things that you can snag and take advantage of.

Celebration buttons are still free, and there are different designs, including a Happy Birthday, Happily Ever After, First Visit, and the classic I’m Celebrating button. Park maps also make great souvenirs, and the designs change from time to time, so they can be a good way to remember the time period during which you took your trip.

Believe it or not, you can snag soda for free over at Club Cool in EPCOT, and you can get free cups of ice water at quick service locations all around the resort.

22. Go to the Parks from Rope Drop to Close

If you are looking to squeeze the most out of your park day, you can stay in the park all day; no one is stopping you! Or you can Rope Drop (this is the art of getting to the park right when it opens, and a rope physically drops to let you into certain part of the park), go to your resort for a midday nap, and come back refreshed for closing.

You paid for the ticket, so you might as well stay as long as you can in the park!

23. Utilize Early Theme Park Entry

Guests of Disney World hotels and other participating hotels can participate in Early Theme Park Entry. This means that you can enter the parks each day 30 minutes before they open.

While 30 minutes may not seem like a long time, you can usually squeeze in a ride or two or get in a shorter line for a popular ride before the line gets longer throughout the day.

24. Utilize Extended Evening Hours

We won’t lie; sometimes, Early Theme Park Entry can be a little chaotic, and in order to use the perk, you have to wake up early. If you are more of a night owl and are staying at a Disney World Deluxe Resort and other select hotels, you can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours.

On select nights, one of the theme parks stays open two hours after regular operating hours. The parks really clear out, and the weather is cooler. You can get in so many rides during these two hours and it is a huge perk of staying at a Deluxe Resort.

25. Be Patient and Prepare for Plans to Change

While Disney World is The Most Magical Place on Earth, sometimes, some not-so-magical things happen, and that is okay! Rides break, merchandise sells out, and the weather can get yucky, but that does not mean it has to ruin your trip!

If you pack your patience, you are helping set up your trip for success. And sometimes there is a bright side to something going wrong during your trip!

And there you have it! 25 tips for your 2025 trip to Disney World. Next year, Disney World will start to look completely different as projects start construction, so make sure to continue to follow along with AllEars to stay up to date on all the latest Disney news!

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Do you have a upcoming trip to Disney World planned? Let us know in the comments!

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