Walt Disney World: A Magical Six-Day Itinerary

Day one is primarily focused on travel and settling into your Disney World resort. This allows you time to arrive, check in and begin to acclimate to the Disney experience without the pressure of a full park day. You can explore your resort, enjoy its amenities and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Activities:

• Resort exploration: Explore your resort. Take a tour of the grounds, familiarize yourself with dining options, pool areas and other amenities.

• Relaxation: Relax by the pool, unwind in your room or enjoy a leisurely activity at your resort.

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your resort's quick-service or table-service restaurant.

• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at your resort.

Insider tips:

• Online check-in: Utilize online check-in through the My Disney Experience app to expedite your arrival process.

• Dining reservations: If arriving in time for dinner, consider making a dining reservation at your resort in advance (60 days for resort guests).

Day two is dedicated to the quintessential Disney experience: Magic Kingdom. It's the park that started it all, filled with beloved classic attractions, enchanting parades and the iconic Cinderella Castle. We'll focus on experiencing the heart of the park, from thrilling rides like Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion to whimsical adventures in Fantasyland. Starting here allows you to immediately immerse yourselves in the magic and set a joyful tone for the rest of your trip.

Insider tips & notes:

• Arrive early (rope drop): Get to the park about 30 minutes before the official opening. This allows you to experience Fantasyland or Tomorrowland with significantly shorter wait times.

• Utilize Genie+: Purchase Genie+ and make Lightning Lane selections throughout the day for popular attractions to minimize wait times. Book your first Lightning Lane ride as soon as you enter the park.

• Parade viewing: Find a good spot along the parade route (Main Street, USA or Frontierland) about 30–45 minutes before the parade starts.

• Evening fireworks: Don't miss the spectacular fireworks show over Cinderella Castle. Find a viewing spot on Main Street, USA or near the Partners statue for the best views. Be prepared for crowds.

• Pace yourself: Magic Kingdom is large, so take breaks, stay hydrated and don't try to do everything in one day.

Day three takes you to EPCOT, a park celebrating human innovation and global culture. We'll split our time between World Showcase, where you can explore the diverse cultures, cuisines and entertainment of 11 different countries, and World Celebration, World Discovery and World Nature, which offer fascinating insights into technology, space and the natural world. EPCOT provides a blend of educational and entertaining experiences, offering a different pace and flavor compared to Magic Kingdom.

Insider tips & notes:

• World Showcase Strategy: Start in either Mexico or Canada when the World Showcase opens (usually 11 AM). The crowds tend to build from both ends.

• Snack and Drink Around the World: This is a popular activity! Plan to sample food and beverages from various countries. Consider sharing to try more.

• Festival Tracking: Check if your visit coincides with any of EPCOT's festivals (Food & Wine, Flower & Garden, Festival of the Arts, Festival of the Holidays). These add special food booths, entertainment and activities.

• Future World (World Celebration, Discovery, Nature) Early: Ride popular attractions like Test Track and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind early in the day or use Genie+ to secure Lightning Lane reservations. Guardians of the Galaxy often requires joining a virtual queue or purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane.

• World Showcase Entertainment: Check the daily schedule for live music, street performers and character meet-and-greets in the different pavilions.

• Hydration in World Showcase: It can get hot walking around World Showcase, so stay hydrated. Many quick-service locations offer water.

• Evening Fireworks (Harmonious): Find a viewing spot around World Showcase Lagoon for the spectacular nighttime fireworks show. Arrive early for a good view. Popular spots are near the American Adventure or the bridge between France and the UK.

Day four is all about taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks and enjoying the amenities of your Disney resort. This allows you to recharge, relax and savor the immersive theming and activities that Disney resorts offer. We'll focus on enjoying the pools, exploring the resort and indulging in some leisurely dining. A resort day provides a much-needed change of pace, ensuring you're refreshed and ready for more park adventures.

Insider tips & notes:

• Pool time: Start your day with a leisurely morning at your resort's pool. Most Disney resorts have themed pools with slides, activities and poolside service. Check your resort's schedule for pool games or activities.

• Resort exploration: Take some time to explore your resort. Each Disney resort has unique theming, dining options and recreational activities. Visit the gift shop, arcade or other amenities.

• Dining experience: Enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of your resort's restaurants. Consider a character dining experience for a fun and memorable meal without the park crowds.

• Recreation activities: Many Disney resorts offer recreational activities such as bike rentals, boat rentals, movies under the stars, campfire sing-alongs and more. Check your resort's schedule for available activities.

• Dinner at Disney Springs: For dinner, take a trip to Disney Springs for a wide variety of dining options. From casual eateries to upscale restaurants, Disney Springs offers something for everyone. Consider making a reservation in advance, especially for popular restaurants.

• Disney Springs exploration: If you have time before or after dinner, explore Disney Springs. It offers unique shops, entertainment and attractions.

• Spa day: If your budget allows, consider booking a spa treatment at one of the deluxe resorts for the ultimate relaxation experience.

• Early evening relaxation: Enjoy a quiet evening at your resort. Take a stroll around the grounds, relax in the lobby or watch the sunset.

Day five is dedicated to experiencing the magic of movie-making and immersing ourselves in the worlds of popular films and television shows at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This park offers thrilling attractions, spectacular shows and unique character encounters. We'll focus on experiencing the excitement of Hollywood, from the adrenaline-pumping rides to the captivating stage productions.

Insider tips & notes:

• Early entry: If staying at a Disney resort, take advantage of early entry to get a head start on popular attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Rise of the Resistance.

• Genie+ and Lightning Lane: Utilize Genie+ to minimize wait times for attractions. Prioritize Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway and Tower of Terror. Rise of the Resistance is typically an Individual Lightning Lane purchase.

• Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: Immerse yourself in the world of Star Wars. Explore the Black Spire Outpost, ride Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and enjoy the unique dining experiences.

• Toy Story Land: Experience the fun and whimsy of Andy's backyard. Ride Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania!, And meet your favorite Toy Story characters.

• Shows: Don't miss the spectacular shows like Fantasmic! (check for showtimes and arrive early for a good viewing spot) and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.

• Character encounters: Meet beloved characters from Star Wars, Toy Story and other Disney films. Check the My Disney Experience app for character locations and times.

• Dining reservations: Make dining reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants like Oga's Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge or Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant.

Day six is dedicated to your departure from Walt Disney World and travel back home. This day involves checking out of your resort, traveling to the airport and catching your flight. While it's the end of your magical vacation, we'll ensure you have a smooth and organized departure.

Activities:

• Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast at your resort.

• Late Morning: Check out of your Disney World resort through the My Disney Experience app.

• Travel to Airport: Arrange for transportation (rideshare, taxi) to Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Insider tips:

• Check-out time: Be aware of your resort's check-out time.

• Airport arrival: Arrive at the airport at least 2–3 hours before your scheduled flight departure, especially during peak travel times.

• Pack strategically: Pack your bags efficiently to ensure a smooth check-in process at the airport. Keep any essentials (travel documents, medications, etc.) easily accessible.

• Final souvenirs: If you have time, you can purchase any last-minute souvenirs at the airport shops.