How to make the most of Walt Disney World in Orlando

Best time to visit Walt Disney World Resort

The best time to visit Disney World Resort in Orlando depends on the type of experience you’re looking for (crowd levels) and your tolerance for heat and cold.

In general, you’ll enjoy your trip more by choosing a less busy time of year—for example, September, mid-January, or even Quebec’s spring break.

On the other hand, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is extremely busy. The American spring break, typically the second week of March, is also very crowded. Parks featuring new attractions tend to draw larger crowds as well.

What weather can you expect at Disney Orlando by season?

• Spring: Pleasant temperatures
• Summer: Very high heat and humidity
• Fall: Often rainy due to hurricane season (Disney is very well prepared!)
• Winter: Variable temperatures, ranging from very mild to quite cold

Is summer too hot to visit Disney?

Not at all. With the right planning, the heat is very manageable. Opt for outdoor attractions in the morning and indoor attractions or hotel breaks in the afternoon. Take advantage of cooling stations and linger over lunch to stay comfortable.

What events and festivals take place at Disney, and when?

• Halloween: August to October
• Disney holiday season: November and December
• EPCOT Festivals:
  • Festival of the Arts (January—February)
  • Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival (March to July)
  • Epcot International Food and Wine Festival (mid-July to mid-November)

No matter when you choose to visit, planning ahead is essential. You can rely on the Disney travel tips shared here or get personalized support from our travel counsellors. Book an appointment today!

Accommodations and dining at Disney

Why stay at an on-site Disney hotel?

Staying at a Disney hotel in Orlando comes with several real advantages:

• Free shuttle service every 20 minutes, from park opening to closing (and beyond!)
• Early park entry—30 minutes before outside guests
• Extended evening hours for guests of select hotels, villas, and deluxe resorts
• Proximity to the parks, making it easy to head back for an afternoon rest or a swim

This is an especially practical option for families or groups with members who have different energy levels throughout the day.

Are Dining Plans worth it?

Generally, yes. Dining Plans include a set number of prepaid meals and snacks per day. They help you focus more on the Disney magic and less on managing your food budget during your stay.

Should I book restaurants well in advance?

Absolutely! The most popular restaurants fill up fast. Restaurant reservations can be made up to 60 days before your arrival through the My Disney Experience app. Ideally, plan your meals around your daily Disney itinerary to avoid unnecessary backtracking between attractions.

Planning your days at Disney

Good preparation makes all the difference between an enjoyable trip and a truly unforgettable one.

What tools should I use to plan a Disney Orlando trip?

Download the My Disney Experience app (or create your account at mydisneyexperience.com). It’s an essential tool for:

• Building a daily itinerary (attractions, breaks, dining)
• Using Disney Genie (free) to check wait times and optimize your day
• Browsing menus and ordering meals in advance
• Locating restrooms, restaurants, and characters using the built-in GPS
• Tracking all your reservations

The app is incredibly comprehensive and quickly becomes second nature once you’re on-site.

Our travel counsellors can also guide you on must-see attractions and share helpful tips before, during, and even after your trip.

How do Disney Lightning Lane skip-the-line passes work?

The Lightning Lane (formerly FastPass) can significantly reduce your wait times for the most popular attractions. Each access must be purchased individually. Please note: this service is paid and is not included with park admission.

How many kilometres will I walk at Disney?

Depending on the size of the parks and your itinerary, you can easily walk 15 to 20 kilometres per day—and sometimes more. Wear comfortable, breathable footwear. To cut down on walking, make use of Disney’s shuttle buses and monorails.

What should I know if I'm travelling to Disney with very young children?

The best advice is to adapt to the pace of your youngest child. At Disney, the days are long, lively, and very busy—it’s better to see less and enjoy it more.

Practical tips for families:

• Check your children’s heights before leaving home to know which attractions they can ride.
• Learn about Rider Switch, which allows one adult to wait with the child while the other rides, without going back in line.
• Locate the Baby Care Centres, which are fully equipped for the needs of little ones.

Travelling with a stroller? Here’s what you need to know:

• Maximum dimensions: 79cm x 132cm (31in x 52in)
• Strollers must be parked in designated Stroller Parking areas near attractions
• Strollers must be folded on Disney buses
• Disney stroller rentals are also available on-site, by the day or for the full duration of your stay

How can I manage wait times with young children?

Many queues feature built-in entertainment, and the free Play Disney Parks app offers interactive activities. Snacks are also a reliable ally in keeping little ones happy in line.

Disney attractions and experiences

Where can I meet Disney characters?

You can meet your favourite characters in their home countries at EPCOT’s World Showcase (Jasmine, Snow White, Mulan, and more). Check character meet-and-greet schedules in the My Disney Experience app and bring an autograph book to collect signatures.

Can I take my own photos with Disney characters?

Absolutely. Disney photographers capture your character meet-and-greets, but they can also take photos with your phone or personal camera—just ask, and it’s completely free.

What will I find at Disney Springs?

Disney Springs features:

• A wide variety of activities
• Popular Disney Springs restaurants (T-REX Café, Rainforest Café)
• Numerous souvenir shops
• Entertainment (drone shows and live music) and various activities
• Cirque du Soleil (paid admission)

Disney Springs is located outside the theme parks and is free to access—no park ticket required.

Practical tips for your Disney vacation

What should I pack in my backpack for Disney?

Be sure to bring:

• A change of clothes
• Snacks
• Water bottles or reusable cups
• Rain ponchos

Opt for a small backpack per person rather than one large, bulky bag—especially for rides and attractions. Find a wide selection of backpacks and other travel items at the CAA-Quebec Boutique. Earn CAA Dollars if you’re a member.

What items are banned from Disney parks?

The following items are not permitted in the parks:

• Folding chairs
• Drones and remote-controlled toys
• Wagons for children (rentals are available on-site)
• Selfie sticks and tripods
• Skateboards and inline skates

Smoking is also prohibited except in designated areas, and carrying alcohol or any form of drugs is not allowed.

How do I purchase Walt Disney World resort tickets?

Your best option is to contact our Disney vacation planning specialists. Be sure to also review our tips and checklist so you don’t miss anything before departure.

Do I need travel insurance for Disney?

Yes. Travel insurance is always recommended when travelling. Start by checking the coverage included with your credit card or your employer’s group insurance plan.

With a family travel insurance policy, your children may be covered at no extra cost up to age 25 if they are full-time students. Ask us about your options, and check out our advice 10 ways to save on travel insurance.

How do I stay on budget during a Disney vacation?

Disney can seem expensive, but you can save money with these simple tips:

• Travel during the off-season
• Take advantage of promotions for Canadian residents
• Choose a dining plan (save up to 20%)
• Bring your own lunches and snacks
• Book a Disney Value hotel
• Set a souvenir budget using gift cards

A Disney-specialized travel counsellor can guide you and help you plan your meals and accommodation in the most budget-friendly way possible. Learn more about accommodation and meal options.

Why work with a Disney-specialized travel counsellor?

Working with a Disney travel counsellor means getting comprehensive, reassuring support at every step of your project:

• Always up-to-date expertise on Disney’s latest news and experiences
• Personalized trip planning tailored to your travel style
• Tips for avoiding long lines and maximizing your time
• Support at every stage: before, during, and after your trip
• Monitoring for promotions, even after booking
• Planning documents in French (restaurants, Lightning Lanes)

Did you know? CAA-Quebec Travel is a travel agency certified as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. This distinction guarantees specialized expertise for planning stays at Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line ships.