What I’m doing different on my next trip to Disney

I took my first trip to Disney World around Christmas 2025 and I’ve been plotting on a way to get there again lol. Next time I plan on doing these things different.

1. I will strategize each park better. Maybe it was because I was in awe of actually being there, but I had no plan whatsoever of which ride to get on first

2. I will bring a power bank because my phone died during the fireworks 😭

3. Better shoes!! Those dunks had my feet screaming by the time we left the park. (We were walking like 10-12 miles per day)

4. Planning for four park days, no park hopper. We did three with the park hopper, but spent the most time in Magic Kingdom

5. Buying gift cards throughout the year so my trip can feel like it’s free (girl math 🤷🏽‍♀️)

6. I will be drinking around the world. This really should have been the first one!

7. Taking more character photos

8. I will be getting some iteration of the lightning lanes, whether it’s premier, multi, or single ride passes

9. I will be purchasing the memory maker photo pass (I didn’t realize dino land USA was closing and would have really loved my pictures from the ride)

10. I would like to stay at a Disney resort (We stayed about 20 minutes away from the park, but our housing was free so… if it’s free again, I will not pass that up😇)

To anyone that has been before, please let me know what else I can add. #DISNEY #disneyworld #disneyparks #memorymaker #disneyworldaestheticWalt Disney World® Resort

3/5 Edited to

... Read moreHaving just experienced my first trip to Disney World around Christmas 2025, I learned so much that I’m eager to improve for next time. One of the biggest game changers I discovered is the need to plan each park visit strategically. When you’re caught up in the magic, it’s easy to wander without direction, but having a clear plan for ride priorities can save time and reduce stress. For example, prioritizing popular rides early in the day and booking Lightning Lanes can help avoid long wait times. Another crucial tip is to prepare for connectivity and capturing moments. A power bank is essential since your phone will likely die from all the photos and navigation needed. On top of that, investing in the Memory Maker photo pass is a fantastic way to preserve memories without always having to pull out your camera or phone. Since Dino Land USA is closing, I regret not having those professional ride photos, which are priceless keepsakes. Regarding comfort, better shoes are a must. Walking 10-12 miles per day in uncomfortable sneakers made the day less enjoyable. I recommend bringing shoes that are well broken-in and supportive. I also found that focusing on fewer parks without park hoppers (planning four park days instead of three) allowed for a less rushed experience, especially spending more quality time in favorites like Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Budget-wise, buying Disney gift cards throughout the year feels like a smart way to manage expenses and make the trip feel less costly, thanks to a little "girl math." And the fun stuff—drinking around the world in EPCOT is a must-do that I highly underestimated! It offers a festive way to enjoy the park’s culture and cuisine. Lastly, staying on a Disney resort offers convenience and extra perks like early park access and transportation, though it depends on your budget and priorities. For those planning their trips, I highly recommend taking character photos—they capture the joy and make for wonderful memories to look back on. If you’ve been to Disney World recently, what other tips would you add? I’m excited to hear more ways to enhance the experience and make the next trip even more magical!

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