If your next days off will be your first vacation in a while, you want to make sure it is a memorable one. Making it a Disney vacation is, without a doubt, the best way to make sure it is a good one, too. Come and see all those great Disney movies live in rides and characters and more!
Here are the seven most compelling reasons why you need to book your next vacation at Disney.
1. Check Out All the Updates Made After 2020
Disney had to shut down during the global pandemic in 2020, but they didn’t allow that time to go to waste. While the Disney parks were clear, they did some major renovations to rides and updated decorations across all their parks.
Some of these updates include new additions of characters to rides, a refresh of Cinderella’s castle, and a total revamp of how you can reserve your favorite rides. A location in the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida called EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) is featuring a brand new ride called Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which will be in the French Pavilion. This ride opened on October 1, 2021. You can make sure that you are one of the first to ride it by taking a Disney vacation.
2. There is Always a Festival to Celebrate
Magic is always happening at Disney. No matter what time of year it is, you can expect that several of the different Disney parks will be hosting different festivals to add a little something extra to your vacation.
Some of the more famous festivals include EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival and Garden Festival. Enjoy amazing cuisine from across the world and be wowed by the beautiful flower displays throughout the park. Disney recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, which then kicked off what is sure to be the most exciting, fun-filled celebration across all of Disney’s parks.
3. New Marvel-Themed Land
If you’re planning on going to the West Coast, Disney Land in California opened a new Marvel-themed area of the park in 2022. Guests will be able to stop and say hi to some of their all-time favorite superheroes. You can check out the Ant-Man-themed restaurant. The attraction rides are being kept under wraps for now, making it the perfect time to book your reservation.
4. Incredible New Restaurants and Shopping
Disney has some of the most incredible restaurants and shopping experiences in any vacation setting. Disney truly has it all if you are looking for some alternatives to theme park fun.
Disney Springs is now home to many celebrity chefs, taking fine dining and amazing dishes to new heights. Disney Springs is home to just about every type of restaurant you can imagine, from BBQ food trucks to authentic sushi to steakhouses and more.
The shopping is just as great. If you want to pick up your Disney memorabilia, stop in at almost any gift shop to get your pair of Mickey ears. Disney Springs also has mainstream shopping options like Anthropologie, Zara, and more.
5. Vacation Packages Make Booking A Breeze
Another perk of booking a Disney vacation is the wide availability of vacation packages and rental options. If you plan on traveling with your family and want the extra space, Disney rentals are a great choice because they typically have more room for you and your family to spread out at the end of a long day of adventures.
So, in addition to the awesome hotels, you can check out all the Disney rentals available for your whole family. You can visit the Disney Vacation shop to check out great deals on how to get a DVC rental to make the booking process easy from start to finish.
6. Water Parks Make it Easy to Beat the Heat
Disney is more than just its unbeatable theme parks and delicious restaurants. If you plan to travel during the summer, you have to be sure to swing by Disney’s water parks.
Blizzard Beach features heart-racing water slides and thrills. Typhoon Lagoon can make you feel as if you’re staying beachside with its awesome wave pool.
Check out the fun water activities if you’re planning on a Disney vacation. Just don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen!
7. World-Class Hotels
Lastly, Disney’s world-class hotels will make your trip one of total luxury. Disney resorts have some of the best customer service in the hospitality industry.
In addition, Disney resorts offer tons of perks for staying “on campus.” You can get exclusive access to fast passes, dinner reservations, behind-the-scenes fun, and more by staying at a Disney hotel.
What’s even better is you can book your stay at a Disney hotel through Disney Vacation Club.
Tips for Planning a Disney Vacation
Planning a Disney vacation can be as magical as the destination itself, but it requires careful consideration to ensure the experience is everything you’ve dreamed of. Whether it’s your first visit to the enchanted kingdom or you’re a seasoned park-goer looking to make your next trip even more memorable, a few insider tips can go a long way. Here’s how to make the most of your Disney vacation, ensuring a trip filled with fun, adventure, and magical moments.
- Book Early: Securing accommodations and tickets in advance can lead to better availability and sometimes better prices. The earlier you book, the more choices you’ll have for Disney hotels and dining experiences.
- Stay On-Site: Disney resorts offer guests benefits like complimentary transportation to and from the parks and Extra Magic Hours—additional time in the parks exclusively for resort guests, either before opening or after closing.
- FastPass+ and MaxPass Explained: These systems allow you to skip the regular lines for select attractions. FastPass+ is used at Walt Disney World Resort, allowing guests to select up to three fast passes per day, 30 days in advance (60 days for resort guests). Disneyland’s MaxPass combines the fast pass selection with PhotoPass downloads, offering a digital solution for skipping lines and capturing memories.
- Mobile Apps Are Your Best Friend: The official Disney World and Disneyland apps provide real-time information on wait times, showtimes, and character greeting locations, as well as allow dining reservations and mobile food orders.
- Identify Must-Dos: Every family or group has certain rides or shows that are top priorities. Knowing what these are before you go can help you plan your day and use FastPasses effectively.
- Schedule Downtime: The excitement of Disney parks can be overwhelming. Plan for breaks, whether it’s heading back to your hotel for a nap or finding a quiet spot in the park to relax.
- Pack Essentials: Sunscreen, water bottles, comfortable footwear, and weather-appropriate clothing are must-haves. Consider packing snacks to save on food costs and reduce time spent waiting in line.
- Advance Dining Reservations: Popular restaurants book up quickly. Making reservations up to 180 days in advance for Walt Disney World and 60 days for Disneyland ensures you won’t miss out on unique dining experiences.
- Visit During Off-Peak Seasons: If your schedule allows, visiting during less busy times can significantly enhance your experience by reducing wait times and crowds.
- Celebration Buttons: If you’re celebrating a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, pick up a free celebration button from Guest Services. These often prompt cast members and characters to offer special greetings and sometimes even perks.
- Stay Hydrated and Energized: Dehydration and hunger can quickly turn a day from magical to miserable. Utilize free water services offered at quick-service locations and keep snacks handy.
By following these tips, you can plan a Disney vacation that’s as smooth and enjoyable as the stories that inspired the parks. With a little preparation, you can ensure that your Disney adventure is filled with joy, laughter, and the kind of magic that lasts a lifetime.
Interesting Facts About Disney Resorts and Theme Parks
From the sprawling magical kingdoms to the detailed stories behind each attraction, the world of Disney is filled with fascinating facts and statistics that highlight its uniqueness and global impact. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting aspects of Disney parks and resorts.
- Global Footprint: Disney’s theme parks are spread across the globe, with locations in the United States (Florida and California), France, Japan, China (Shanghai and Hong Kong), and a planned resort in Thailand. Each park is designed with its own unique themes and attractions, tailored to incorporate local cultures and tastes.
- Attendance Figures: Before the pandemic, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida was the most visited theme park in the world, with over 20 million visitors annually. This trend showcases Disney parks’ immense popularity and their role as a major destination for family entertainment.
- Size Matters: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is approximately the size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands. It encompasses four theme parks, two water parks, over 25 hotels, and numerous entertainment and dining venues.
- Cinderella’s Castle: Standing at 189 feet tall, Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom is one of the most iconic structures in Disney parks. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not made from stone but rather from fiberglass and other durable materials.
- Hidden Mickeys: One of the fun aspects of visiting Disney parks is searching for “Hidden Mickeys,” subtle representations of Mickey Mouse integrated into the design of attractions, hotels, and other venues. They serve as a playful scavenger hunt for guests.
- Innovative Transportation: Disney parks are known for their innovative transportation systems, including the monorail system and the recently added Disney Skyliner gondolas at Walt Disney World, which offer unique views and convenient access to parks and hotels.
- Disneyland’s Opening Day: Dubbed “Black Sunday,” Disneyland’s opening day on July 17, 1955, was fraught with challenges, including counterfeit tickets leading to overcrowding and a heat wave that melted the newly laid asphalt. Despite these initial setbacks, Disneyland quickly became a beloved entertainment destination.
- EPCOT’s Original Concept: EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) was initially envisioned by Walt Disney as a real working city that would use futuristic technologies and innovative community planning. The concept evolved into the theme park known today, which focuses on technological innovation and international cultures.
- Animatronics Innovation: Disney parks were pioneers in the development and use of animatronics, with the first being the Enchanted Tiki Room birds. These technological advancements have continued to evolve, leading to incredibly lifelike characters in attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Avatar Flight of Passage.
- Floral Mickey: Upon entering Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, guests are greeted by a large floral depiction of Mickey Mouse’s face, meticulously maintained by the parks’ horticulture teams. This iconic floral arrangement is made up of thousands of plants and serves as one of the most photographed spots in the parks.
These facts and statistics merely scratch the surface of what makes Disney parks and resorts a remarkable feat in entertainment and storytelling. Each visit reveals new details and hidden treasures, contributing to the enduring charm and appeal of Disney’s magical worlds.
Conclusion
If you need any more reason to book your Disney vacation, this is your sign to go for it. Disney vacations can make a lifetime of memories, especially if you have small children. Gift them the magic and book your vacation package today.
Additional Suggestions
- Almost 70 percent of people planned to travel in 2021, and the percentage definitely would have increased after a few years.
- Disney Springs is home to many celebrity chefs that present their amazing dishes with a signature Disney style.
- If you don’t have the budget to become a member of the Disney Vacation Club, a vacation timeshare program for Disney parks and resorts, you can just get a DVC rental service.
