One of the easiest ways to save is by having a smart dining strategy. You have to eat. It’s a non-negotiable, but it’s also the area you have the most control over in your travel budget. We have several posts covering ways to save money on Disney World food that you can check out.

With the right mindset and a loose travel plan, you can totally do Disney World on a budget without sacrificing. Grab your pen and paper, and let’s dive in!

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With the right approach, a Disney trip can be affordable and magical. The cheapest way to visit Disney World is to plan smart and make informed choices. We’ve had many budget-friendly Disney adventures, and so can you!

Before we dive in, if you can’t afford to go to Disney World, you should wait. While it is possible to do Disney on a budget, I wouldn’t want you to be so strapped for cash that you can’t allow for some indulgences, like buying a Disney balloon for your child. If that’s the case, I would encourage you to wait another year or so, save some more money, and you will have an infinitely better vacation!

To help you save, we’ve written several money-saving articles to help get you on the right track. Remember, money saved is money earned, so the more money you can keep in the bank, the more you can save for a dream Disney vacation!

Related: Resort Hopping at Disney World (on the monorail)

Cheapest Way To Do Disney World

As with any vacation destination, travel, accommodations, tickets, and food will be your main expenses. Other areas, like souvenirs and alcoholic drinks, are optional. The time of year you visit will be the most critical factor, so let’s start there.

Flights, hotels, and even Disney ticket prices will be higher during peak travel times, such as holidays and when kids are out of school. Traveling during the off-season will ensure you get the lowest rates on flights, accommodations, and even Disney ticket prices.

Disney Packing List Must Haves

Raincoats! Regardless of when you visit, there’s a good chance you’ll experience a pop-up shower during your trip. Be prepared and bring rain ponchos from home to avoid paying premium prices at Disney World!

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Slowest Times At Disney World

One of the best times to visit Disney is after the Thanksgiving crowds leave and before the Christmas crowds arrive. Prices are lower, the weather is beautiful, and the Disney Christmas decorations are up, adding to the magic of your trip.

For the same reasons, January and February are also great. The decorations are gone, but you’ll have much cooler weather. There are cheerleading competitions around this time every year, and thousands of cheerleaders inundate Disney property. Book your trip between these competitions, and you’ll be fine.

Late August and most of September are notoriously among the best times for low crowds and prices. It’s still a little too hot for us, but if that doesn’t bother you, you can’t go wrong with Disney in September!

Related: Best Quick Service At Disney World (for $10 or less)

Authorized Disney Travel Agents

Hiring a travel agent may be your best bet if it’s your first trip to Disney. Not only will they know the best times to go, but they can also do all the planning for you based on your budget. The best part? It doesn’t cost you anything to hire a Disney travel agent. They actually get paid a commission directly from Disney. Search Google or ask for recommendations in popular Disney forums to find an authorized Disney travel agent. They have a wealth of information, and the members are incredibly helpful. My favorites are DISboards, WDWMagic, and TouringPlans.

Traveling To Disney World

Driving is usually the cheapest way to get to Disney World. We live in Nashville, which is a 10-hour drive. The benefit of driving is that you can load up your car, which saves so much money! We bring cases of water and food, along with tons of extra health and beauty items, so we don’t have to buy anything on-site. You can estimate what you’ll pay for gas ahead of time.

If driving is out of the question, book the cheapest flight with the lowest baggage fees. In this case, I recommend paying for an extra bag and bringing as much as you can from home. The less you have to buy at the parks, the better. The additional baggage fee will often be less than the cost of forgetting something and paying full price on Disney World property.

Accommodations At Walt Disney World

I always recommend staying on Disney property to take advantage of perks like early park access, free transportation, and the experience of staying in the “Disney bubble.” However, we LOVE the Drury near Disney Springs. More on that below!

Booking your accommodations is the first thing you should do. Walt Disney World Resorts and Good Neighbor Hotels book up far in advance. Once you’ve secured your hotel, you can monitor prices and modify your reservation as needed.

• Disney Value Resorts, such as Disney All-Star Movies, Disney All-Star Music, and Disney All-Star Sports, are almost always the cheapest, ranging from $133 to over $200 a night, depending on the time of year.
• The Drury Plaza Hotel is the newest hotel in the Disney Springs area. We stayed here on our last trip, and we loved it so much that I wrote an entire review. While some value resorts might be less per night, the Drury offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, a free nightly hot buffet, and three free alcoholic drinks per adult per night of your stay. That’s a huge savings since food is a significant expense for most travelers.

Must Haves For Your Disney Trip

Autograph books! Meeting the characters at Disney World is a fun (and free) activity. It creates core memories that last a lifetime. Be prepared with these courtesy autograph books to avoid pain in-park prices!

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Disney World Ticket Prices

The price varies daily, with the cheapest Disney World tickets being during the off-season. For example, in 2026, you’ll pay around $119 fpr a one-day ticket vs $185 in December. You can see the most current price on the Disney website. A single-day ticket is a flat rate, but the price of a multi-day ticket decreases each consecutive day. You can also check the Disney World special offers page for ticket and resort discounts.

There are a few different ways to upgrade your ticket, but for the sake of this post, I recommend saving money and sticking with one park per day. Disney Springs is always a good option if you get done at the park a little early and are looking for something to do in the evening!

Related: Toddler Packing List Ideas for Disney (from a mom!)

Cut Back On Theme Park Days

The parks are a ton of fun, but one of the cheapest ways to do Disney World is to cut a park day. Depending on your children’s ages and how many days you’re there, you might want to consider only visiting two or three parks. Our grandkids don’t love Epcot, so that’s not a priority when they’re with us. 

Some of the best days at Disney are actually spent outside of the parks. You can explore the resorts via the monorail or ride the Disney Skyliner to others. The last time we were there, we made the monorail loop with our two-year-old grandson, and he LOVED playing with the oversized toys outside at the Contemporary.

Hang out at Disney Springs, or simply enjoy the resort you’re already staying at, let the kids swim, and relax. The parks can be exhausting, and a break is usually necessary!

Food Prices At Disney World

If you include drinks, meals, and snacks, an average family of four can spend well over $50 per person per day. Here are some ways to save!

Get some groceries. On the first day of your trip, either drive to the closest grocery store or place a delivery order for bottled water, snacks, and breakfast options. If you drive, bring non-perishable items from home. I’ve had Amazon Fresh and Instacart delivered to the hotel.

Have your first meal of the day in your room. It saves the cost of an entire meal out. We stock up on yogurt cups, cottage cheese, and granola bars. However, if your family loves breakfast, this is almost the cheapest meal of the day at Disney World.

Snacking in the park can add up, so I suggest bringing a few non-perishables, like granola bars, nuts, and jerky. Familiarize yourself with the Disney World Food Policy to know what you can and can’t bring into the parks. That said, Disney World has amazing snacks under $5 (like the School Bread at Kringla Bakeri shown above). We shared some of our favorites in this post!

Avoid sit-down restaurants. They are costly! As a foodie, I also believe that the quick-service restaurants are where you’ll find some of the best food at Disney – at the lowest prices. I’ve posted a lot about this here.

Share meals. It literally cuts the price of a meal in half. A few of our favorites are these totcho bowls, this Cuban Sandwich served with plantain chips, and the Jambon Beurre Sandwich at Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie. If one meal isn’t quite enough, order an extra side instead of a second meal OR supplement with one of the snacks you’ve brought.

It baffles me that people still pay for water bottles in the park, which can easily cost $50 a day or more. Bring bottles of water with you, or carry a refillable one. We LOVE these collapsible bottles.

Related: Disney World Food Prices (and ways to save)

Souvenirs At Disney World

Everything at Disney World is more expensive, especially souvenirs and Disney apparel. If you can, avoid buying them at Disney. Here are some things I did when my kids were younger.

Some of the cheapest apparel for a trip to Disney World can be found at H&M, Kohl’s, and Target. Even on a budget, dressing in Disney gear is fun, and you can find some great deals. My favorite Disney sweatshirt is from Kohl’s, and I got it on clearance for about $8.

In the months before your trip, frequent the Dollar Tree and stock up on Disney items. When your kids ask for something, pull a little surprise out of your backpack. This is also a great way to keep younger kids occupied in long lines.

Inside the parks, the refillable popcorn bucket is your best bet. The popcorn buckets can be refilled for around $2.50 for the entire trip. Mickey Ears and Disney autograph books can be purchased on Amazon for much less than you’ll pay on property.

Is Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Worth It

Time is money at Disney World, so while some people recommend skipping the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, I disagree, depending on when you’re traveling. Waiting in long lines can take hours out of your day. Multi Pass is an extra expense, but the time it saves is invaluable. It’s definitely worth considering and making room in your budget.

If you visit Disney during the lowest crowd time, you may only need it at some parks. Magic Kingdom, for example, has a lot of rides for kids, and it’s a lot to fit in in one day. Multi Pass may be beneficial here. However, at Hollywood Studios, young kids probably won’t be able to go on Slinky Dog Dash or Tower of Terror, so you may not need it at this park. I recommend looking at the Multi-Pass rides at each park to decide if it’s a good fit for your family.

Consider the heat. In addition to saving time, standing in long lines and baking in the sun is no one’s favorite thing to do. Lightning Lane is something we will always budget for!

That wraps up our tips for the cheapest way to do Disney World. If you have any money-saving Disney hacks, please share them in the comments. And if you’ve just started planning your Disney trip, we have a simple 4-step process you should definitely check out!

Depending on when you’re arriving, our tips for visiting in February or later in the month, heading into April, may be helpful. If you’re in the thick of your Disney planning and need more help, we explore all the best Disney food and ways to save money on your trip!

In this post, we discuss visiting Disney World in March, covering everything from weather to events to crowd levels—plus personal tips and tricks we have learned over the years. March is a favorite for many vacationers – those needing a change of scenery from the winter blues, beautiful weather (fair temperatures and little to no rain!), and EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival!

Weather At Disney World in March

Although the crowds may be high, the temperature isn’t! March boasts beautiful weather, with temps ranging from 56 – 79°F. Plus, the rain is minimal, and there is no concern for hurricanes. That being said, Florida weather can be unpredictable. We suggest wearing layers to combat any sudden temperature changes. This is especially helpful for chilly mornings or evenings that you could experience while visiting in March!

Also, although rain is less common in the fall, you may still want to be prepared for it. Packing a disposable poncho is a quick fix for a sporadic Florida shower. If you forgot your Disney raincoat and you see storm clouds on the horizon, duck into stores and under awnings for coverage. But our best tip for fluctuating weather is to be like Elsa and “let it go.” It’s central Florida, and an occasional rain shower is almost guaranteed!

Crowd Levels

There is no need to sugarcoat it: Most of March is BUSY. In fact, as a whole, it is considered one of the busiest months of the entire year. And the reason is simple: spring break. Due to the varying spring break times across school districts, it stays busy. 

• Best time to go: The first 10 days of the month.
• Worst time to go: The rest of the month!

That nice weather we discussed earlier also attracts visitors. You might have a slightly slower day here and there, but they are rare and unpredictable. Once the dance and cheer competitions start and spring breakers arrive, it’s going to be busy everywhere – parks, resorts, monorail, Disney Springs, and even the buses. This is 

Youth Sports Championships At Disney World

On top of all that, Disney World in March sees a massive influx of visitors due to the many competitive youth sports championships in the Orlando area. These groups love to stay and play at Walt Disney World during their off days. And boy, you can NOT miss them – they love to travel the parks and resorts in large groups, donning matching gear and peppy energy.

To put it into perspective, Shannon and I waited almost an hour to order food at a pool bar over at Caribbean Beach because there were at least 20 cheerleaders in front of us, all paying separately. I have no issue with them personally, but it is important to note that their presence doesn’t just affect the parks. It will be more crowded everywhere, especially at the hotels where they are staying.

• March 13 – March 14, 2026: UDA All-Star National Cheer & Dance Championship
• March 13 – March 14, 2026: The Quest Recreational Cheer & Dance Championship
• March 14 – March 15, 2026: UCA All-Star National Cheer & Dance Championship

You can find out more about each competition on the ESPN Wide World of Sports website.

Events At Disney World In March

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Dates: March 4th – June 4nd, 2026
“Bee” transported into a springtime wonderland at this floral-themed festival! Guests can enjoy springtime foods, tunes, topiaries, and more! A personal favorite of ours is the butterfly garden and Spike the Bee scavenger hunt!

RunDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Dates: February 206th to March 2nd, 2026
Help your favorite Disney princesses face villains and foes during this fairytale weekend! Guests can participate in princess-themed 5k, 10k, or half marathons – or take them all on in the Disney Fairytale Challenge! Running not your thing? Maybe try some Disney Princess Yoga instead!

Tips For Visiting Disney World In March

• Despite March’s crowds, Disney offers discounts for this time of year. Click here to check out the current discounts and offers for yourself.
• To save time and stress getting from point A to point B, I can’t recommend using ride-sharing enough. Personally, we don’t want to start or end our days being crammed into crowded buses (and they cram you in). The time and stress it saves are valuable. Trust me. Just budget for rideshare. We average about $20-$25 a day, including tips. 
• The temperatures will start to creep up by mid-afternoon, but you can still expect cooler mornings and evenings. Pack layers and pack options. On our last trip, these lightweight cardigans were a godsend, and I lived in this romper!
• If you’ve never been to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, it’s a Disney must-do. The park is adorned with elaborate Disney-themed topiaries, the food booth offers seasonal eats, and the flowers and gardens are absolutely stunning!

Related Planning Posts

We have dozens of posts to help with your Disney trip planning. The list below serves as a great starting point, featuring some of our Disney must-dos, favorite Disney snacks, budget-friendly options, and best times to visit.

• Drury Hotel Disney Springs Full Review
• Renting A Pontoon Boat At Disney World
• Plan A Disney Trip In 4 Easy Steps
• Polite Pig Disney Springs Review
• Disney Springs Happy Hours
• Resort Hopping At Disney World
• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ

I hope these tips for visiting Disney World in March were helpful. If you have any favorites you’d like to share, please comment below, and we will add them to our list to try on our next trip!

Disney Springs can be hectic, but it can also be quite relaxing if you know the right time to go. Most guests wake up early and head straight to the parks, but during your Disney trip planning, it’s a good idea to carve out some time to visit Disney Springs early, especially on a family trip when everyone could use a more laid-back morning.

We spend a lot of time at Disney Springs. If you haven’t tried the Hop Salt Pretzel at Polite Pig or the Chipotle Cobb Salad, both are fantastic. And the Made-To-Order Artisan S’mores at The Ganachery are a must! Be sure to add them to your Disney itinerary!

If you’ve never been to Disney Springs before the stores open in the morning, I highly recommend it. It’s so relaxing, and no-stress Disney vacations are kind of our thing. They pipe the music in, and you get a rare opportunity to explore, snag some fantastic photos (without people in the background), and beat the crowds when stores start to open. Once you’ve gotten a few steps in, you’ll want something to eat, and there are solid options for an early breakfast at Disney Springs!

Breakfast At Disney Springs

Brunch at Disney Springs is hugely popular, but for the sake of this post, we’re focusing on breakfast before 10 AM, as those options are limited and many guests are unaware they’re even available. From sweet and savory options at Everglazed to the newly opened “grab and go” breakfast at Summer House On The Lake, you can’t go wrong. Before we dive in, let’s discuss how and where to get into Disney Springs.

What Time Does Disney Springs Open

Disney Springs officially opens at 10 AM, but unofficially at 9 AM, which is the same time all the eateries on this list open. If you look at the Disney website, the posted opening time is still listed as 10 AM, which makes me wonder how many people don’t realize they can enter an hour earlier. Planning an early trip to Disney Springs is 1000% worth it. (and as soon as The Ganchery opens, the made-to-order s’mores are a must!)

Disney Mickey + Pluto Retro T-Shirt

This super soft Disney t-shirt is one of our favorites! The lightweight material is comfortable in the Florida heat, and one of our favorite money saving Disney tips is to buy your Disney apparel and souvenirs before you get there. (it comes in various color and sizes)

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Parking At Disney Springs

Disney Springs offers numerous free parking options, including surface lots and covered parking garages. These are spread out from one end to the other, which is nice because you can park as close as you need to be. The Disney website states parking at Disney Springs starts at 9 AM, but many guests report being able to park earlier, and we’ve witnessed it ourselves many times. If you’re heading to breakfast at Disney Springs, it’s helpful to know which parking option is closest to your destination, which I’ll provide below. 

Related: Food Prices at Disney World + Ways To Save

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

Starting at the West End of Disney Springs for breakfast, Everglazed Donuts is a must, especially if you’re a donut lover. They offer both fun and unique options like maple double bacon, peabut butter explosion, and fruity pebbles, as well as glazed and cake for donut purists. If you prefer a savory breakfast like me, there is something for you, too!

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: West Side
Closest Parking: Orange Garage or Strawberry Surface Lot

I was sad when they removed the donut burger from the menu, but I can’t be mad about the breakfast sandwich. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Hearty, cheesy, and customizable with your choice of donut, it’s a delicious and filling breakfast for $10.  I recommend a glazed donut as it adds just the right amount of sweetness. Seating is limited, but there is seating both inside and in a small area outside. We love taking our breakfast down to the water and enjoying the sights and sounds of Disney Springs waking up.

Summer House On The Lake

Staying on the west side, the Summer House on the Lake offers a new grab-and-go breakfast at Disney Springs. The options here are limited, and they can sell out quickly. Once they sell out, that’s it for the day. On the day we visited, everything was already sold out except for the breakfast sandwiches and breakfast tacos. I had already seen videos of the breakfast sandwich, and that’s what we were excited to try!

Summer House on the Lake
Grab & Go Breakfast Hours: 9:00 AM (until sold out)
Location: West Side
Closest Parking: Orange Garage or Strawberry Surface Lot

This is a perfect example of how something so simple can be so delicious. Made with high-quality, flavorful ingredients, this sandwich would make me return again and again. For just $7.95, it was flavorful, well-balanced, and very filling. The bread itself is very soft and subtly sweet, and the bread-to-filling ratio is spot-on. The bacon was smoky and flavorful, and the Fresno pepper sauce added good flavor without being overpowering. 

As you can see in the picture, the egg patty is thick and gives a Starbucks egg-bite vibe. It’s creamy, custardy, and the whole sandwich is perfectly balanced – flavorful, not dry, and satisfying. Each item is individually wrapped and packed nicely, giving you the choice to sit on their patio or take it elsewhere.

Related: New (Quick Service) Kuamsha Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Earl Of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich is one of our favorite spots for an early breakfast at Disney Springs. Their breakfast sandwiches do not disappoint. Ranging from $7.49 to $8.99, they are just as delicious as the lunch and dinner options. You can customize them with extra veggies, avocado, protein, etc. This was the sausage, egg, and cheese, and we added avocado, red onion, and tomato. It was hearty and filling!

Earl of Sandwich
Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Location: Marketplace
Closest Parking: Lime Garage

The second and newer option at Earl’s is their breakfast bowls. These are also customizable. They’re basically a tater tot bowl, and we have a profound love for totcho bowls at Disney World. We ordered ours with eggs, cheese, tomatoes, onions, sausage, and sour cream for $8.99. It was savory, hearty, and shareable. My only note is that I don’t love the tall and narrow bowl. Most of the toppings are actually under all that cheese, which made it difficult to mix them up. On our next trip, I will ask for a plate to transfer it. 

Disney Vacation Planner

This handy little Disney vacation planner includes pre-filled sheets for your travel details, resorts stay, packing list, dining reservations, Lightning Lane and Multi Pass times, and so much more!

Shop Here

Starbucks

Last but not least, two Starbucks locations open at 9 AM. One is located on the west side, just in front of the Aerophile Ballon (pictured above). This is the larger of the two locations, offering a full bakery case with options you’re already familiar with. It has ample indoor and outdoor seating. Closest parking is the orange garage.

The second location is a walk-up window located in the Marketplace near the Disney Store. It offers a smaller selection of pastries and no seating. The closest parking would be the lime garage. (When I’m at Disney, I’m skipping Starbucks and getting Joffrey’s over in The Landing at 10 AM!)

And that’s a wrap on where you can find an early breakfast at Disney Springs. I can’t encourage taking advantage of the quiet to sip coffee and enjoy a peaceful morning!

Similar to January, February is one of the best times to visit. It’s the calm before the spring break storm. In years past, we’ve also seen some of the year’s lowest prices for Disney hotels and resorts in February, which is one of our top tips for doing Disney on a budget. 

For more Disney planning tips, we explore all the best Disney food and ways to save money on your trip!

Love is in the air, not just because of Valentine’s Day. It’s because you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World in February! We can’t imagine a better place to be with your loved ones than at the most Magical Place on Earth. In this post, we discuss visiting Walt Disney World in February, covering everything from weather to events to crowd levels—plus tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years.

February crowds are a nice reprieve compared to the summertime and winter holidays. Another reason to consider visiting in February is that it’s one of the most affordable months, as Disney typically releases discounts this time of year. Keep an eye on the special offers page at disneyworld.com.

Weather at Walt Disney World in February

Let’s start with the weather! With temperatures averaging in the low 50s to mid-70s and little to no rain, visiting Disney World in February offers truly lovely weather. This month is slightly warmer than January, which can make a big difference in comfort. That being said, as we all know, Mother Nature (or should we say Elsa?!) has a mind of her own, so be sure to check your trip’s upcoming forecast and pack accordingly!

If an unexpected cold snap occurs during your Disney vacation and you did not pack winter gear, we suggest taking a shopping trip to Uniqlo at Disney Springs. This beloved Japanese brand has cute, unique Disney clothes (some of our personal favorites!) and great layering pieces for colder weather. Think thermals, thin HEATTECH pieces, and winter accessories. We also love Uniqlo for its wide range of sizes—perfect for everyone in the family, from baby to adult!

Related: Visiting Disney World In March

February Crowds at Disney World

As Disney adds more events, the crowds in February have picked up but remain low to moderate. Coupled with some of the coolest temperatures of the year, it’s still one of the top times to visit Disney! 

The “lower” crowds are due to a few things.

• Firstly, it isn’t a month of heavy holidays. This means families plan their vacations around school days off, and there aren’t many in February. Secondly, nothing “new” is happening.
• The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be well on its way and wrapping up towards the end of the month. Speaking of which, the next EPCOT festival (International Flower and Garden Festival) typically starts at the end of February – BUT not this year! It will kick off on March 4th, 2026, pushing back the crowds it usually brings!

Remember that crowds may be low overall, but the parks can still feel crowded. The best indication of crowd levels is ride wait times, which you can check in real-time via the My Disney Experience app.

Highlights For February

Below are the weekly highlights for visiting Disney World in February:

• The RunDisney Princess Half Marathon is from February 13 to February 16, 2026. A funny thing about Walt Disney World marathons is that they tend to attract fewer crowds. However, this is a highly popular marathon theme, which may inflate crowds. Only time can tell. We particularly love this marathon’s theme and all the princess dressing up it brings!
• One holiday to watch out for is Presidents’ Day weekend, Monday, February 16th, 2026. Because it is a long weekend, expect locals to spend it at the most Magical Place on Earth! (Can you blame them?!)
• In February, the Orlando area hosts many youth competitions, attracting crowds to the parks, hotels, and surrounding attractions. This is important to remember if you plan to stay, visit, or eat on- or off-property. 

February Events

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Dates: January 16th – February 23rd, 2026
Art lovers rejoice! From Disney Broadway performances to art-themed culinary delights, guests will be immersed in all things art. This includes visual, musical, culinary, and more! Visitors can even partake in the artistry with a paint-by-numbers mural, Animation Academy drawing lessons, larger-than-life photo-ops of famous artwork, and more!

RunDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Dates: February 206th to March 2nd, 2026
Help your favorite Disney princesses face villains and foes during this fairytale weekend! Guests can participate in princess-themed 5k, 10k, or half marathons – or take them all on in the Disney Fairytale Challenge! Running not your thing? Maybe try some Disney Princess Yoga instead!

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports
National School Spirit Championship DII (January 30-February 1, 2026)
National School Spirit Championship DI (February 6-February 8)
USA Competitions Presidential Classic (February 13-February 16)
Disney Presidents’ Day Soccer Tournament (February 14-February 16)
Youth Flag Football World Championships (February 19-February 22)
runDisney Health & Fitness Expo (February 26-February 28)

Except for the half-marathon, ESPN’s Wide World of Sports events won’t significantly impact crowd levels!

Related: How To Have A Peaceful Disney Vacation

Extra Tips

Runners aren’t the only ones who can participate in the fun during runDisney marathons! All visitors can check out the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo (February 26th to 28th) at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Inside, guests can explore exhibit booths, shop commemorative merchandise, and indulge in specialty food. This would be a fun addition for athletes, fitness junkies, or seasoned Disney goers!

Can’t fit the expo into your plans, but want to participate in the marathon fun? Cheer and congratulate the runners in the parks. You can spot them by their bib number, medal, and/or princess bounding gear!

As noted in our January post, although unlikely, those traveling within the Walt Disney World resort on marathon days may experience minor morning delays due to road closures and alternative routes.

In keeping with the sports theme, remember all those youth competitions we spoke of earlier? These groups love to book the value resorts for both their value and their convenience to the parks. If these resorts are unavailable, this is the reason. These groups often practice their cheers and dances in the common areas and stay up past bedtime. Quieter Disney goers may want to stay elsewhere.

I hope these tips for visiting Walt Disney World in February help make your trip more magical!

Whether you’re hunting down the very best food at Disney or just browsing for unique offerings, this place is a serious contender. From smoked brisket to hop salt pretzels and the largest bourbon bar on Disney property, it’s quickly become one of our favorite places to eat at Disney Springs.

Let’s dig into what makes Polite Pig at Disney Springs a must for your next Orlando vacation!

I like barbecue, but it’s not my first choice, and with so many other fantastic restaurants at Disney Springs, we had overlooked this gem for far too long. I was expecting typical barbecue classics like pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw, which are fine but not my favorites. However, with offerings such as barbecue meatballs, Caesar salad, a smoked turkey BLT, and cedar-planked salmon, continue reading to learn why The Polite Pig Disney Springs has become one of our Disney musts! (psst. you can often find us hanging out at the outdoor bourbon bar)

Related: Geyser Point at Wildnerness Lodge – A Disney Must

Polite Pig Disney Springs

The Polite Pig is a fast-casual barbecue restaurant with an upscale feel. The food is elevated but not in a pretentious way. It’s also home to one of the largest bourbon selections on Disney property, which features a fantastic Sweet Tea Old Fashioned, pictured below. Once you place your order, you find a seat, and a server will bring your food to you. They go a step further by checking on you and sometimes refilling drinks and sauces, making it feel more like a full-service experience.

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Before diving into the food, here are some fun facts and tidbits. 

Who owns the Polite Pig?

• The Polite Pig is actually not owned by Disney.  It’s owned by James Beard award nominees James & Julie Petrakis, who also own the Ravenous Pig gastropub in Winter Park. The Polite Pig in Disney Springs is the only location of its kind in the world. This, along with the unique food and bourbon bar, is part of what draws people in. It’s been a hit since the doors were opened.

Polite Pig Menu Options

• The Polite Pig offers a variety of options, including appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, and platters. It’s a meat-forward menu, with all meats smoked fresh on-site, including brisket, ribs, chicken, and pork. There is also an unlimited sauce bar. A personal pet peeve of mine is when my meal is pre-sauced, so I appreciate having some control there.

Where is the Polite Pig located?

• The Polite Pig is located in the Town Center section of Disney Springs. When parking a car, you’ll want to park in the lime garage, which will bring you practically right to the door. When you exit the garage via the escalator or elevator, it’s just a few steps in front of you on your right.

The Polite Pig Reservations

• You do not need reservations, so it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. It gets crowded quickly, and there is almost always a line out the door before it opens, so plan accordingly. I suggest arriving early and eating between busy meal times.  There is also a small outdoor bourbon bar where you can find us hanging out!

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Without further ado, let’s discuss the real reason everyone is here – the food at Polite Pig Disney Springs! As always, I recommend checking the menu to verify the dish you’re interested in is still available. Disney is constantly changing menus! Polite Pig Menu

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Chipotle Cobb $14.00

If you think salads are boring, this is the salad that will change your mind. In fact, we have two roundups of our favorites from our 2024 Disney trip, as well as the most recent one from 2025.

The Polite Pig’s Cobb starts with mixed greens topped with chopped eggs, roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, and cheddar cheese, and is served with an avocado chipotle dressing. You have the option of adding any of their smoked meats, so we chose to add brisket. The combination of flavors and textures is absolutely amazing. Chewy, smoky brisket, fresh veggies, crisp lettuce, and a creamy, flavorful dressing—perfection. The salad is humongous and served in a stainless steel mixing bowl. Two people can easily share it, especially if you add the extra protein!

Related: Best Totchos at Disney World (aka – loaded tater tots!)

Hop Salt Pretzel $11.00

It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to something that is bread-heavy. I’d rather fill up on meat and veggies. Not only did I love this pretzel, but it surpasses every other pretzel on Disney property, including the pretzel at the Baseline Taphouse, which we also love.

The inside is tender and fluffy, and the outside is crispy, chewy, and salty. It’s served with a beer cheese fondue and an IPA mustard, both of which are incredibly flavorful. The beer cheese fondue was a pleasant surprise. Instead of being thick and gloppy, which I find many beer cheeses to be, this was a little runnier, but in the best way. Additionally, it’s enormous, which is a recurring theme at Polite Pig Disney Springs. Every dish in this post is shareable!

Pulled Pork Plate $18.00

Everything on this platter exceeded our expectations. The pork was perfectly smoked without being overpowering. It was tender, free of fat and gristle, and not at all dry. You shouldn’t have to smother your smoked meat and sauce to be able to eat it. Do you feel me? It should be delicious on its own, and the sauce is an enhancement.

The sides we chose were coleslaw and potato salad, and they were both fantastic. Coleslaw with barbecue is a must for us. We love the bright and crunchy salad as an accompaniment to a heavy meal, and my husband is always going to order potato salad if it’s on the menu. The potato salad was the standout. As someone who typically doesn’t get excited about potato salad, I thoroughly enjoyed this and found it to be very flavorful. 

Related: Kuamsha Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge (new quick service option!) 

Polite Pig Allergy Menu

In addition to gluten-free options, Polite Pig Disney Springs caters to several dietary needs. They have two allergy menus. One is dedicated to gluten-free options, and the other is incredibly detailed, listing each menu item with common allergens. This is highly unique for a restaurant to do, making it much easier to make modifications. You can always speak with the manager and/or the chef if you need more help.

I hope you enjoyed our review of Polite Pig Disney Springs! I’d love to hear your experience!

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Of course, Christmas at Disney World is busy. Expect crowds, longer wait times, and packed evenings—especially Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s. But don’t stress. With a few simple planning tips, you can enjoy the magic and stay ahead of the rush.

Whether you’re planning a trip in 2025 or looking ahead, the holidays at Disney World are truly unforgettable and one of those bucket-list experiences that feel straight out of a holiday movie. This post is updated yearly!

The holidays at Disney World are special! Every square inch of the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs is transformed. This year, the celebration begins at the start of November and continues through New Year’s Day. Highlights include the Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

Holidays at Disney World – FAQ

Christmas at Disney is the most popular time of the year. Millions of people visit, and planning your trip can feel overwhelming. We’ll dive into important details and dates below, but here’s a summary of the most frequently asked questions. Be sure to scroll through all of Disney planning posts for our favorite food, ways to save money, and more!

When Does Disney World Decorate For Christmas?

• The festivities kick off this year on November 14th, 2025. Expect Disney World to begin decorating for Christmas on this date, with completion at all four parks and resorts by the end of the month. Magic Kingdom decorations typically start even earlier!

Is Disney World Open On Christmas Day?

• It sure is! Check out the Disney park calendar for updated opening and closing times for each park!

What Time Are The Fireworks at Magic Kingdom

• Disney has confirmed changes to this year’s holiday fireworks schedule. Here’s what we know:
  • Now through December 20th: Happily Ever After Fireworks at 9:00 PM (for ALL guests – excluding MVMCP nights)
  • November 7th – December 21st: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 10:00 PM (limited to MVMCP guests)
  • December 22nd – December 29th: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 8:30 PM (for ALL Magic Kingdom guests)
  • December 30th and December 31st: Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks (for ALL Magic Kingdom guests)
  • January 1st, 2026: Happily Ever After returns at 9:00 PM for all!

If you are curious about the weather, crowd levels, and other logistics this time of year, refer back to our December post.

Related: Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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Magic Kingdom Holiday Happenings

There’s nothing quite like Magic Kingdom at Christmas! From the moment you set foot on Main Street USA, you are immersed in the magic of Christmas!

• Jungle Cruise gets a Christmas makeover and is transformed into the Jingle Cruise, decked out in holiday decor! 
• Cinderella Castle will display very merry projections with special Frozen guests, Main Street is gussied up with trimmings, and several of the rides get a dash of the Christmas spirit with Yuletide overlays (like the fan-favorite “Jingle Cruise!”)
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Dates: November 7th to December 21st, 2025 ) – The aptly named “holly, jolly event” is returning this year! Celebrate the most magical time of year at The Most Magical Place on Earth! Enjoy unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, photo opportunities with characters dressed in their finest holiday attire, a festive parade, and a fireworks display.

Christmas at EPCOT

Throughout the World Showcase, enjoy festive performances and storytellers sharing their country’s traditions. There will also be an overlay at EPCOT’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind with holly jolly tunes! Other attractions will also receive holiday makeovers, such as Living with the Land.

• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays ( Dates: November 28th to December 30th, 2025 ) – Located throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase, guests can get extra festive by learning (and enjoying!) how other cultures celebrate the holidays! Enjoy savory and sweet treats, storytelling from special visitors, and the ever-popular Candlelight Processional.
• Candlelight Processional (Dates: November 28th to December 30th, 2025 ) – Every night, a celebrity narrator, along with a 50-piece live orchestra and choir, visits the World Showcase to retell the biblical story of Christmas. This event is performed at three different times: 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM. As a huge fan favorite, plan to arrive early or consider booking a dining package to secure a prime spot!

Related: Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition

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Hollywood Studios Holiday Happenings

Holidays happenings start on November 14th and run through December 30, 2025, at Hollywood studios. Characters make an appearance around the park in holiday attire, and there are several shows and events to get you in the Christmas spirit!

• Sunset Seasons Greetings returns as The Hollywood Tower Hotel is transformed nightly with holiday projections. It’s AMAZING!  , and turns the spooky hotel into a merry image!
• Keep your eye out for Santa Claus, as he is often spotted riding down Hollywood Boulevard in his red convertible. Disney characters will also get into the holiday spirit, like Andy’s toys in Toy Story Land and everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, who gives a special cheery finale at the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
• If you want to have a merriful meal, try Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine! Characters don their Christmas outfits, seasonal tunes are played, and the restaurant features a special Yuletide menu. As always, we recommend making a reservation, as this is a popular dining location during the holidays.

Holiday Happenings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom parks transform during the holiday season, which runs from November 14th through December 30, 2025. With festive Tree of Life awakenings at night and Merry Menagerie appearance on Discovery Island, the holiday spirit is all around the park!

• Animal Kingdom brings the merriness with winter white decorations and glowing luminaries throughout the park. Guests can also meet Santa Claus at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party located on the patio at Restaurantosaurus! At night, The Tree of Life’s Awakenings projection show gets a makeover with a shimmering holiday edition.
• Be sure to include the Merry Menagerie in your itinerary! This charming event features beautiful artisan puppets of arctic critters strolling throughout Discovery Island. Check the My Disney Experience app, pick up a Times Guide, or ask a Cast Member for the exact times.

Christmas at Disney Springs

It is a holiday party at Disney Springs during Christmastime! Festivities include live performances, DJs spinning merry tracks, toy soldiers on slits, and snowflake skaters. It even SNOWS in the evenings! Plus, guests can meet Santa at Pin Trader’s and send letters to Santa at Once Upon a Toy.

• The ever-popular Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll is returning this year from November 13th, 2025, through January 4th, 2026! Pick up a map and look for the incredibly themed Christmas trees throughout the different areas of Disney Springs. Once you spot one, be sure to mark it on your map with a coordinating sticker. Once completed, head to the redemption location for your free reward! Click here for updates on map locations.
• The overlays don’t stop at the parks! Head to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar to see its transformation and indulge in the holiday menu. Other Disney Springs restaurants will also feature specialty items and decor.

Holidays at Disney World Resorts

One of our favorite (and free!) holiday traditions is strolling the Walt Disney World Resort hotels to marvel at their impressive decorations. You’ll find grand holiday trimmings, incredible Christmas trees, gingerbread creations, ornaments, bows, ribbons—you name it!

• Don’t forget about Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin! Santa claimed it as his “favorite resort” last year, and they even had the world’s LARGEST chocolate Santa! 
• Head off the beaten path to Fort Wilderness Campgrounds to find incredible Disney World Christmas decorations designed by GUESTS! Campers put on quite the holiday spectacle with decorated golf carts, RVs, and campsites. While you are there, stop by Tri-Circle-D Ranch and visit the horse stables!

Important! As Disney World continues to crack down on parking at Disney resorts, you may experience issues getting in. We have a dedicated post to parking around Disney property, which we keep updated as Disney changes its rules.

Related: Monorail Resort Hopping: Lounges, Food & More

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The holiday season at Disney World is busy with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney Jolly Nights, the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, and so much more. In this post, we’re sharing everything you need to know, along with our own tips. We’ve learned a lot over the years we’ve visited!

 Depending on your dates, our tips for visiting in November and New Year’s at Disney may be helpful!

Disney knows how to celebrate the holidays, but you might not realize that you don’t have to go during Christmas time to enjoy all the festivities! As we discussed in this post, Disney celebrates the holiday season from early November through the end of the year!

In this post, we’ll discuss what you can expect at Disney World in December, as well as the sweet spot when you can take advantage of all the Christmas festivities with fewer crowds! From the decorations and events to seasonal food and resort happenings, it’s truly magical and worth experiencing at least once.

Disney World in December

Since the weather is one of the best things about visiting in December, let’s start there! Good news – hurricane season is officially over, which means less rain and humidity! I grew up in Florida, and there are very few months when the weather is as perfect as it is in December. There will be a chill in the air in the mornings and evenings, with temperatures averaging from highs in the 70s°F to lows in the 50s°F.

Bring a light jacket and plan to wear layers. If it’s a sunny day, you may still feel warm in the afternoon, but it’s nothing like the intense heat I call the death rays of summer. That said, Central Florida weather can be unpredictable. For years, we visited during December and saw temperatures as low as the 40s° and as high as the mid-80s°. Check the weather right up until the day before you leave to avoid frantically buying a new wardrobe because the weather changed, and yes, that’s happened to us! 

Related Planning Posts

We have dozens of posts to help with your Disney trip planning. The list below serves as a great starting point, featuring some of our Disney must-dos, favorite Disney snacks, budget-friendly options, and best times to visit.

• Best Salads At Disney 2025
• Drury Hotel Disney Springs Full Review
• Renting A Pontoon Boat At Disney World
• Plan A Disney Trip In 4 Easy Steps
• Polite Pig Disney Springs Review
• Disney Springs Happy Hours
• Resort Hopping At Disney World

December Crowds

While there are some pockets of slower times, overall, we expect elevated crowds across Disney World in December. It shouldn’t be surprising that crowds will reach their highest peak the week of Christmas and New Year’s Day. After all, this is notoriously Disney’s most attended time of year! 

If you are looking for the lowest crowds, try the first week of December. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas break is lovely because most families do not take time off work or school. You can enjoy Christmas magic at Disney before the crowds arrive.

Once the second half of the month hits, expect crowds to skyrocket. Although this may seem stressful (and it can be!), with the right mindset, it can be a truly enjoyable experience. Both guests and Cast Members are in the holiday spirit and tend to be more tolerant of longer wait times and crowded spaces. 

December Events at Walt Disney World

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
Dates: November 7th to December 21st, 2025
The aptly named “holly, jolly event” is returning this year! Celebrate the most magical time of year at The Most Magical Place on Earth! Enjoy unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, photo opportunities with characters dressed in their finest holiday attire, and a festive parade and fireworks display. This is one of the most popular events at Disney World in December!

Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios
Dates: November 8th to December 22nd, 2025
Jollywood Nights is returning for a second year! Step into a shimmering holiday scene with glitz and glamour! This holiday extravaganza is a separately ticketed event held on select nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Enjoy exclusive entertainment, food offerings, specially-curated holiday beverages, and the return of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit this link.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Dates: November 28th to December 30th, 2025
Located throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase, guests can get extra festive by learning (and enjoying!) how other cultures celebrate the holidays! Enjoy savory and sweet treats (like my personal favorite, the Holiday Cookie Stroll), storytelling from special guests, and the ever-popular Candlelight Processional. 

New Year Celebrations
Dates: December 30th and 31st, 2025
Celebrate 2025 with memory-making fireworks displays at both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT! Although subject to change, Magic Kingdom typically hosts two nights of its celebratory show “Fantasy in the Sky.” As for EPCOT, expect several dance parties throughout the World Showcase on New Year’s Eve, December 31st. Then, it is time to count down to the New Year with “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration.” Hollywood Studios also gets into the festivities with a DJ dance party that has guests grooving into the New Year! 

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports:

• Disney Junior Soccer Showcase (November 28th – December 30th, 2025)
• Disney Boy Soccer Showcase (December 28th – December 30th, 2025)

Tips For Visiting Disney World In December

• Don’t miss the Christmas tree stroll at Disney Springs, which runs from November 13th, 2025, through January 4th, 2026. This Christmas-themed scavenger hunt is one of our favorite events! Guests search for extravagantly decorated Christmas trees throughout Disney Springs using a free map provided at various locations. Click here for updates on map locations.
• In years past, during the week of Christmas, Walt Disney World theme parks would reach capacity by early morning. Remember this when trying to enter a park mid-morning/late afternoon. Also, capacity limits may affect your ability to hop freely between parks. Historically, Magic Kingdom is the first park to reach capacity (max 90,000 people), with Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom following (each with a max of 60,000 people). If you want to hop this week, we suggest guests head to EPCOT, which has the highest capacity (max 110,000 people).
• If the escalated crowd levels concern you, you can always stay and enjoy the amenities offered at your Walt Disney World resort. In fact, resort hopping is one of our favorite ways to enjoy a non-park day. Most offer excellent restaurants and fun activities unique to that particular resort. We have offered guided art projects (for an additional fee), hosted pool games for kids, featured trivia and karaoke at the bars, and shown movies “under the stars.” Ask a Cast Member at your resort for more details! 
• Don’t let December’s cooler weather scare you away from swimming – ALL of the pools at Walt Disney World resorts and parks are heated to 82 degrees! The hotels offer many jacuzzis and hot tubs for soaking in on those chilly December nights. If your family wants to swim for several hours, plan pool time during the middle of the day, as mornings and evenings will be significantly cooler.

I hope these tips for visiting Disney World in December were helpful. If you have any favorites you’d like to share, please comment below, and we will add them to our list to try on our next trip!

From the breathtaking Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A., to festive parades and cocoa under the fireworks, and the charm of Disney resort Christmas decorations, every inch of the parks and resorts is transformed.

Whether you’re planning to spend Christmas Day at Walt Disney World or visit earlier in the season, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate — from the dazzling Disney Christmas Party and events to exclusive holiday treats or Christmas shopping at Disney Springs, holiday magic is all around you.

Disney World at Christmas

What’s new for 2025?

• While not brand new, Disney Jollywood Night returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for its second year! This holiday extravaganza is a separately ticketed event held on select nights from November 8th to December 22nd. Enjoy exclusive entertainment, food offerings, specially-curated holiday beverages, and the return of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular. This year’s event features three new entertainment offerings: Juggling Elves, The Holiday Spirit Band, and Season Jukebox! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
• Frozen Holiday Surprise at Magic Kingdom returns! This is a live show performed by Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and snowgies to celebrate the lighting and decorating of Cinderella Castle. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates?

• It wouldn’t be Christmas at Disney World without Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event at Magic Kingdom during select nights, starting November 7th and ending on December 21st, 2025. With admission, guests are treated to a night of Yuletide shows and dance parties, meet-and-greets with favorite Disney characters in their best holiday outfits, event-exclusive parades and fireworks shows, and unlimited cookies and hot chocolate. And, of course, you can still enjoy all the rides! 

When does Disney World decorate for Christmas?

• In years past, festivities at Magic Kingdom began around November 1st, with the park fully decorated within a few days. The decorations at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are usually completed by November 6th. Epcot and the resorts are decorated throughout the month of November. The official kick-off date of the Christmas season at Disney World this year is November 14th.
• The Christmas decorations at Magic Kingdom always go up first because of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which starts on November 7th this year (2025). Cast members transform the park into a winter wonderland overnight, and a fantastic video of the process is available to watch here.

When does Disney take down Christmas decorations?

• Typically, Disney takes down Christmas decorations the week following the New Year. Expect all holiday decorations to be removed by Walt Disney World Marathon weekend, which will be hosted next year from January 7 to 11, 2026.

What are the busiest times at Disney World during the holidays?

• Bookmark the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. (and for the slowest times at Disney World, click here)

Best time to visit Disney World during the holidays?

• In years past, the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas was considered the slowest time to visit Disney World. The first two weeks of December are especially nice because they are between two holidays. Typically, families decide to go during Thanksgiving or their child’s school winter break. Bonus. The weather is perfect!

Does Disney World have a Christmas parade?

Two Walt Disney World Christmas parades come to mind:

• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, which takes place during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom, is the most guaranteed way to see a Christmas-themed parade. Showtimes are 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade is filmed in the parks in mid-November. Watch it on Christmas Day on ABC.

Pro tip. If rain is near, no worries! When the weather proves to be too much for the parade floats, the Rainy Day Character Cavalcade is performed instead.

Are there Disney Christmas shows?

Absolutely—Disney knows how to keep you entertained! Though not all of their shows are Christmas-themed, you won’t want to miss out!

• Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show at Magic Kingdom is part of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, running on select nights from November 7th through December 21st, 2025. Check the current Disney fireworks schedule here or in the My Disney Experience app.
• The Dapper Dans switch it up at Magic Kingdom by singing holiday tunes, and The Main Street Trolley Show becomes Christmas-themed! Additionally, if you attend Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, there will be many entertainment and shows throughout the event.
• When visiting EPCOT, check out the storytellers and Candlelight Processional at the International Festival of the Holidays.
• Hollywood Studios’ First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration will feature a special holiday finale from everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf!
• Last, keep your eye out for cavalcades, which are surprise mini-parades. Many have ended, but I expect to see a few pop up around the parks during the holidays!

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Where can we find Santa Claus at Disney World?

Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus travels to all four theme parks and Disney Springs during the Christmas season at Walt Disney World. You can find him at:

• Breakfast with Santa at Maria & Enzo’s with a dining reservation.
• Gazebo behind Liberty Square’s Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom.
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Magic Kingdom.
• EPCOT CommuniCore Hall during the Festival of the Holidays.
• Disney’s Pin Traders at Disney Springs. Join the virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app.
• The 76th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party at Animal Kingdom’s Restaurantosaurus.

Pro tip. If Santa isn’t available, his buddy Santa Goofy often greets guests. Lastly, if you are staying at the Swan and Dolphin, be sure to visit Santa, as it is his “favorite resort!”

Does it snow during Christmas at Disney World?

• YES, it sure does! Disney is known to bring magic, but who else could make it “snow” in the middle of Florida? Guests can dance in snow flurries at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Sunset Seasons Greetings projection show at Hollywood Studios, and the evenings at Disney Springs. If you become snowflake-obsessed and want to spend another day in the Florida “snow,” venture over to the Disney-created community of Celebration and visit their annual event, Now Snowing.

Where can I find gingerbread at Disney World?

You must be talking about Disney’s world-famous gingerbread creations! While this is always subject to change, you can marvel at these masterpieces at these locations:

• The life-size gingerbread house at The Grand Floridian.
• The working gingerbread carousel at The Beach Club Resort.
• Gingerbread lighthouse within the Yacht Club’s lobby.
• The Contemporary features a stunning gingerbread display of Cinderella Castle on its fourth floor.
• Gingerbread African animals are displayed within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
• Sometimes, the Boardwalk Inn and Wilderness Lodge have gingerbread creations – be on the lookout!
• EPCOT’s American Adventure Gingerbread Display features iconic American monuments (and maybe some EPCOT ones, too!) within the American Adventure Rotunda.

I hope these tips for visiting Disney World at Christmas were helpful. If you have any favorites you’d like to share, please comment below, and we will add them to our list to try on our next trip!

In this full Drury Hotel Disney Springs review, you’ll get the scoop on everything from the spacious rooms and pet-friendly policy to the free hot breakfast, nightly dinner buffet, and the unbeatable Drury Plaza Disney Springs shuttle schedule. Plus, it’s one of the hotels within walking distance to Disney Springs, home to some of the best food at Disney World, fantastic restaurants, and live entertainment. 

Whether it’s your first Disney trip, you’re planning a Disney vacation on a budget, or looking for hotels closest to Disney Springs, this post breaks down what makes Drury Hotel Orlando / Disney Springs a standout! 

We recently returned from our yearly Disney trip and had such a wonderful experience at the Drury Hotel Disney Springs that I started writing this review on the drive home. We absolutely LOVED our stay here and think this is the best Disney Springs hotel!

This was the first time in years we stayed off-property, and admittedly, I was a little sad not to be staying in what most Disney addicts call our Disney bubble, but the sadness dissipated quickly. By the time we checked in, got to our room, and explored the hotel, we knew we had made a great choice!

Drury Hotel Disney Springs Full Review

Although it may look and feel brand new, the building is actually the former Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel. The Drury Hotel brand purchased the building in 2017 and completely renovated the entire hotel, adding a tower and nearly doubling the number of rooms. If you had told me this wasn’t a brand-new building, I wouldn’t have believed you. Every square inch of the hotel was immaculate!

The Drury is not a Disney-owned and operated hotel. It’s a “Good Neighbor” hotel, which means you can book it as part of a Disney vacation package, and it comes with perks like Morning Extra Magic hours at the parks.

Before I discuss everything we loved about this hotel, let’s first discuss the one thing we didn’t.

Cheerleading Competitions At Disney World

We’ll start with the only negative thing about our experience, and it really had nothing to do with the hotel itself. The first and last weekends of our two-week stay overlapped with the national cheerleading competitions held every year at Disney. AllEars.net does a great job of updating the dates of the competitions and the resorts and hotels affected. The Drury at Disney Springs was one of them. If you book during one of these competitions, here are some things you should know.

• While the cheerleading teams are there, the elevators will be packed, especially in the mornings.
• They leave for their competitions early, so the breakfast buffet is very crowded in the mornings. 
• You will hear them practicing. It’s fun to watch, but not fun if you’re trying to sleep.
• They inundate the hotel from Friday to Sunday, but typically start clearing out on Monday.
• In the morning, when they’re headed out to competitions, the area in front of the hotel is crowded with buses. If you are trying to check in or out, you won’t be able to pull your car up in front of the lobby until the buses leave.

Is The Drury at Disney Springs Pet Friendly?

I have been frustrated for years by the lack of decent pet-friendly hotels and boarding options on Disney property. If someone were to open a state-of-the-art boarding center for pets, I think it would be a huge success. Good news, though. The Drury Hotel is pet-friendly! Here are the details.

• No more than 2 pets per room.
• The total combined weight of the pets is not to exceed 80 lbs.
• Rooms with pets will be charged a DAILY $50 fee.
• You can read the Drury pet policy here.

The $50 daily fee is the highest pet fee I’ve ever seen. We were staying for two weeks, so I ended up talking to the manager (as advised by the reservation agent), and he was able to work with us on the pet fee. Having said that, the fee is comparable to what you would pay at Best Friends Pet Resort on Disney property, depending on the size of the room you reserve.

Walking To Disney Springs From The Drury

Walking to Disney Springs from the Drury is one of my favorite things about this hotel. We timed this walk several times, and it never took more than 15 minutes. It’s also a nice walk. The sidewalks are wide, and you never have to cross the street. The sidewalk leads to a small building with an elevator that takes you to a walking bridge to Disney Springs. You’ll enter Disney Springs on the Marketplace side near eet by Maneet Chauhan and The Spice & Tea Exchange. 

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The Lobby

The lobby is spacious, beautifully decorated, and feels both modern and comfortable. There is ample seating throughout, with comfortable chairs and small couches. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the large windows on the far side of the lobby leading out to the pool and deck area, which overlooks a lake and Disney Springs. It’s gorgeous!

The Kitchen + Bar is also in the lobby, serving craft cocktails, locally sourced beer, and food. A small store called Market Place is well stocked with food, drinks, toiletries, and other items you may need or want during your stay. Inside, you’ll also find a small self-serve Starbucks and a Pizza Hut Express.

I was very happy to find out there is a coffee station set up 24 hours a day, and the coffee was surprisingly good. So good in fact that we never used the coffee pot we brought with us. Hot tea is also available at the coffee station downstairs, but the tea selection is better upstairs, where the buffet is.

The staff were some of the friendliest we’ve encountered. We had to make several changes to our reservation throughout our stay, and they were always accommodating without ever making us feel like we were a burden. I cannot say enough good things about the staff here!

The Pool, Splash Pad, And Outdoor Bar

The pool and deck area at Drury Plaza Hotel Disney Springs was our favorite part of the entire hotel! You could find us here in the mornings sipping coffee or in the evenings listening to live music and sipping on a cocktail. There is ample seating, and the Lakeside Bar & Grill area is far enough away from the pool to feel like two separate spaces. My husband got the burger three times and said it was the best he had during our entire stay. I LOVED the brisket queso and chips and ordered it twice!

There’s a splash pad for kids, fully fenced and with plenty of seating for adults. We’ve taken our grandson here many times and just let him run and play without fear of him getting out. 

Dining At Drury Disney Springs

One of the best perks of staying at a Drury is the complimentary hot breakfast and dinner buffet. One of my favorite tips for traveling cheaply is to stay at hotels that offer complimentary breakfast. At the Drury, you get TWO free meals and complimentary adult beverages! This can save a significant amount of money, depending on the size of your party. There is also complimentary popcorn and soft drinks in the buffet area from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm every single night. For more tips for doing Disney on a budget, we have tons of tips and tricks here.

At breakfast, they’re making real scrambled eggs. In fact, you can watch them being cooked on a giant grill. The selection of hot food items, including pastries, bagels, muffins, fresh fruit, yogurt, and oatmeal, was impressive, to say the least. There is truly something for everyone, including the option to make your own Mickey waffles! There are three hot bars, all featuring the same thing, which helps keep guests spaced out when it gets crowded. 

The dinner selection rotates every night. You can find the Drury Kickback menu here. I loved that there was a salad bar every night, and I was impressed by how fresh everything was. As for the hot food, it isn’t the best food you’ll ever eat, but it’s good—and free. The meatballs are decent, and everyone loved the chicken strips. When you check in, you’ll receive a drink card that you can use at a bar area set up during Kickback hours. Considering alcoholic drinks on Disney property can easily be $15 or more, this is a significant perk!

The food area is on the hotel’s second floor, which was nice. It was completely separate from the lobby area. The buffet area also has tons of seating—in fact, it’s massive—which was nice while the cheerleaders were there. We still had no problem finding a place to sit!

Drury Disney Springs Food & Beverage Hours

• Free Hot Breakfast on the 2nd Floor: 6:00 am – 10:00 am
• Free 5:30 Kickback on the 2nd Floor: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Kitchen + Bar: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am Mon-Sat and 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm Sun
• Lakeside Bar & Grill: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
• The Marketplace: 6:00 am – 12:00 am
• Pizza Hut Express®: 6:00 am – 12:00 am

Rooms At Drury Hotel Disney Springs

We stayed in a two-queen deluxe with a terrace for two weeks and had plenty of space. The room was spacious and comfortable, but my favorite part was the foyer area upon entering. There is a small refrigerator, microwave, safe, storage cubby, large counter, and a separate sink. The separate sink was very convenient, especially since the bathroom only had one.

My only gripe about the room was that there was no real closet. The space where you hang your clothes is near the door and very small (as shown in the photo below). 

The bathroom was spacious and clean, with plenty of storage (photo below). I always bring a small hanging organizer for my skin care and makeup, as well as an over-the-door organizer. There was plenty of room to hang both without getting in the way. I highly recommend doing this, especially if you have kids or bring a lot of stuff like me—ha! It keeps everything off the counter and organized.

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Amenities At The Drury Plaza Hotel Disney Springs

The list of amenities at Drury Hotel Disney Springs is long!

• The fitness center and business center are open 24 hours a day to registered guests.
• Complimentary hot breakfast is available from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. daily.
• Free 5:30 Kickback dinner is offered from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. nightly.
• Level Up Arcade, a fully equipped game room, features an impressive number of games.
• A 20,000-square-foot deck with a saltwater pool, whirlpool, kids’ splash zone, and bar.
• Packages can be delivered to the hotel front desk. I had several delivered (see photo).
• Traveling with kids or need an extra sleeping place? Rollaways are available for $10 per day.
• Pack ’n Plays are available at no charge. I suggest requesting one when making your reservation.
• Free complimentary shuttle service to Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Shuttle service begins 1.5 hours before park opening and runs 1.5 hours after the park closes.

Have you been to the Drury Hotel at Disney Springs? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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Two popular Disney events are back in full swing: the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, a food lover’s dream! The start of the Fall season also brings some of my favorite things to eat at Walt Disney World. It’s genuinely one of the best months to visit!

In this post, we discuss visiting Disney World in September, covering everything you need to know and more. If you’re planning a Disney vacation, grab a notebook and pen, and let’s dive in!

Historically, September is a great time to visit Disney, as crowds are typically lower due to children being back in school. We find September to be a more relaxed and enjoyable time to visit.  (and y’all know we love a slow and peaceful vacation at Disney) The weather can still be an issue, which I will address below.

If you want to save money at Disney World, expect lower prices on hotels and park tickets. September prices are typically below average, especially toward the last half of the month. We have several posts on how to save at Disney here.

We can hardly keep up with Disney’s changes, but we try our best to update these posts. If we missed something, please comment, and we will fix it ASAP!

Disney World In September

Let’s start with the weather. It’s hot and even more humid. Temperatures can still reach the 90s at Disney World in September, and rainfall is frequent, which intensifies the already high humidity. September is also peak hurricane season in Florida, so I recommend closely monitoring the weather. If you need to cancel, the Disney cancellation and refund policy is worth bookmarking. 

Now for the good news! Although afternoon temperatures can reach 85°— 90°, the evening and morning hours are significantly cooler. Don’t let September weather discourage you. One thing to remember about rain at Walt Disney World is that most showers are brief, sometimes lasting only a few minutes. Hopefully, you brought a good-quality poncho or have an umbrella, but if not, pop into a shop to stay dry!

Disney World Crowds In September

Shhh, we will let you in on a little secret: September is a great time for low crowds at Walt Disney World! Why? Well, the kiddos are back in school! In fact, because September at Disney World is considered one of the slowest months of the year, it has been nicknamed “Cast Member Month” by Disney employees.

You’ll a peak in guest attendance around Labor Day weekend, runs from Friday, August 29th through Monday September 1st. Most guests will leave by September 2nd-3rd, leaving very low crowds for the next few weeks. 

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party occurs several times in September. MNSSHP is a ticketed event available only on select days, making it easy to plan around those dates. In our experience, the closer it gets to Halloween, the higher the crowds will be. Overall, super low crowds make September a great time to visit Walt Disney World!

Related Planning Posts

As fun as Disney Trip Planning can be, it can also be overwhelming. We have dozens of posts to help, but the list below is a good starting point. Enjoy reading our simple trip planning strategy, why we consider renting a pontoon boat and resort hopping a Disney must, as well as some of our favorite foods at Disney World that we’ve enjoyed recently.

• Plan A Disney Trip In 4 Easy Steps
• Disney Boat Rentals | A Disney Must Do
• Healthy Food At Disney World | Best Salads
• Polite Pig Disney Springs Food Review
• Resort Hopping At Disney World
• Crystal Palace At Magic Kingdom Review
• Slowest Times At Disney World

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Events At Disney World In September

With returning festival favorites like the Food & Wine Festival and everyone’s favorite, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney After Hours, and Disney H2O Glow, September is packed full of Disney fun!

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Dates: August 28th to November 22nd, 2025
This multicultural event is a food lover’s dream and one of the longest-running festivals of the year! Enjoy cultural events, cooking demonstrations, and samples of food and drink from all over the world! The Eat to the Beat concert series occurs nightly from August 28th to November 17th at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. Click here for more details on dates and performers!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP)
Dates: Select nights from August 15th to October 31st, 2024
This hugely popular event takes place over the three months leading up to Halloween. Wear your best costume and enjoy themed food at select restaurants, Trick-or-Treat stations, dance parties, the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade, event-exclusive merch, and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, which might be the best fireworks show at Disney! You can find more information here.

Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Dates: Select nights from May 23rd to September 15th, 2025
This separately ticketed three-hour event over at Typhoon Lagoon that limits Attendance, essentially allowing those who purchase tickets to enjoy low wait times for the water rides, special appearances by characters, dance parties with your favorite Toy Story pals, and enjoy ice cream, popcorn, and drinks all included with the cost of your ticket!

Disney After Hours
Dates: Select nights from May 23rd to September 15th, 2025
Enjoy three hours of extra fun at A select Disney theme park! This separately ticketed event takes place on select nights at select Disney World parks in September (through the 15th). Enjoy shorter wait times on your favorite attractions, popcorn, ice cream, and select bottled beverages at no additional cost with your ticket. You can find updated prices and availability here.

Closures and Refurbishments

The following will be closed or under refurbishment in September 2025.

Animal Kingdom

• DINOSAUR (closed until 2026)
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug (permanently closed)
• The Boneyard (permanently closing September 2, 2025)

EPCOT

• Spaceship Earth: (closed until TBD later in 2025)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Disney Jr. Play and Dance! (closed until TBD)
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (closed – opening later in 2026)

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (closed until 2026)
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger (closed until 2026)
• Liberty Square Riverboat (permanently closed)
• Tom Sawyer Island (permanently closed)

Tips For Visiting Disney World In September

• Get to the parks early! Lower crowds in September mean you can see and do so much more. This is a great time to tour the parks at a slow and relaxed pace, which is why September is one of our favorite months to visit. 
• If you’re cold-natured like me, I recommend bringing a light cardigan. It can get chilly at night when the sun goes down, and indoor rides and restaurants can be downright cold!
• When deciding what to wear, I suggest keeping an eye on the extended forecast and packing accordingly. As discussed above, it can still be hot during the day, cool at night, humid, and rainy – so pack those Disney outfits accordingly.
• As mentioned above, Disney World in September can still be hot. Bring all your essentials for hot weather. We have a short list below of the things we never leave home without.
  • sunscreen
  • portable fans
  • electrolyte packets
  • ponchos
  • stroller covers
  • small umbrellas
• When deciding what to wear, I suggest keeping an eye on the extended forecast and packing accordingly. As discussed above, it can still be hot during the day, cool at night, humid, and rainy – so pack those Disney outfits accordingly.

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• EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival is hugely popular, especially for locals and annual passholders. Expect crowds to peak during the evenings and weekends. For a more enjoyable visit, consider attending the festival on a weekday as soon as it opens.
• On MNSSHP nights, Magic Kingdom closes early to the general public. If you don’t have a ticket, you won’t be able to stay in the park after 5 or 6 p.m. You can find all the dates and times here and plan accordingly. If you choose not to attend the party, this is a perfect opportunity to spend the evening at another park or do some resort hopping. 
• Most MNSSHP partygoers won’t enter the park until their party ticket allows them to, which saves the cost of a full-day ticket. As a result, you can expect lower crowds in the morning. This would be a good day to enjoy the park earlier!

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Renting a pontoon boat has become one of our must-do Disney bucket list activities. It’s a relaxing way to spend a few hours, escape the crowded Disney parks, and cruise around Bay Lake, enjoying up-close views of Magic Kingdom and Disney resorts like Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge.

Continue reading to learn which resort marinas you can rent from, pricing, and more. Be sure to add this to your next Disney itinerary and check out all of our Disney trip planning tips!

On our last trip in January 2025, my husband and I enjoyed several non-park days. We explored several Disney resorts, enjoying the unique theming, food, and activities each one offers. I wrote an entire post about resort hopping on the monorail loop. You can check out here if you’re interested. It’s such a fun way to spend the day, and I’m always shocked by how many people still don’t know about Disney boat rentals!

The entire process is incredibly simple. It is so simple, in fact, that I quickly realized the waterways are full of people driving expensive boats with little to no experience, like us, lol! Seriously, though, they hand you the keys, and you’re in control of a really big and expensive boat, even if you’ve never driven one in your life. However, they answer all of your questions, and water patrol is everywhere, should you need help.

You don’t have to be on a Disney vacation to do this. If you live in the Orlando area, you can get into any of the resort marinas as long as you have a restaurant reservation. For more information on parking at the resorts or on Disney property in general, we wrote an entire post on parking at Disney World that we try to keep up to date. That said, the rules are constantly changing and not consistently enforced by cast members. 

Related: How To Have A Peaceful Vacation At Disney (and beyond)

Boat Rentals At Disney World

Renting a pontoon boat at Disney World is a truly unique way to spend a few hours. It’s thoroughly relaxing, and we prioritize relaxation on vacation. I think this is perfect for anyone. Adults can bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxing, romantic boat ride, and if you’re going on a family trip, kids will love it. These boats can hold up to 10 guests, so if you’re traveling with adult family members or friends with kids, you can split the cost. So, let’s answer some commonly asked questions and discuss why this must-do Disney experience!

Quick Details

• The cost is $50 per half hour, excluding tax.
• Each pontoon boat holds up to 10 guests. 
• Children under 12 must wear their life vests at all times.
• The top speed is 5 mph, so be prepared for a slow and relaxing ride.
• Boat rentals start at 11 AM. Arrive early for a better chance of getting one without waiting.
• Anyone 18 years of age and up can drive the boat; no prior experience is necessary.
• Water patrol is everywhere if you get in a jam. They literally appear out of nowhere lol.
• You can explore the Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. 
• Snacks and drinks are allowed on the boats, but no alcohol is permitted. 
• You cannot make reservations. It’s first-come, first-served.
• Disney boat rentals are available to anyone, including those staying off-property.

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Is This A Must-Do At Disney World?

While there is no shortage of things to do at Disney World, renting a boat isn’t something most people get to do every day. It’s different from the norm, affordable, and it’s a great way to escape the crowds and chaos. There aren’t many places at Disney World where you can do that, so yes, in my opinion, it’s an absolute must. 

How Much Do Disney Boat Rentals Cost?

All the pontoon boat rentals at Disney World are Sun Trackers, which can accommodate up to 10 people. The rates start at $49 per half-hour and remain the same regardless of the number of people on board. At first, half an hour doesn’t seem like a long time, but we’ve never gone beyond an hour and a half, and that was after fully exploring both Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, which brings me to my next point.

Related: Resort Hopping At Disney World On The Monorail Route

Where Can You Go On The Lake?

Leaving any of the Disney marinas that I’ve listed below, you will have access to Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. I was super excited that we were able to drive right up to Geiser Point at the Wilderness Lodge, pictured above. This is our favorite pool bar to hang out at. We love it so much that I’ve written an entire post about it here, if you’d like to check it out. Some areas on the lake are restricted, but they are clearly marked, and Disney Water Patrol is nearby should you need help. Even if you don’t see them, trust me, they are there, lol. My husband and I accidentally went the wrong way, and Water Patrol quickly appeared out of nowhere.

Which Disney Marina Is The Best One To Rent From?

Disney Boat Rentals are available at the marinas listed below. As for which one is the best, they are located at Disney Deluxe Resorts, so you really can’t go wrong. Whichever marina you choose, you can hang out and explore after your boat ride! 

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The pictures in this post are from the marina at Contemporary Resort, which is our personal favorite, mainly because we look forward to lunch at Steakhouse 71 before or after our ride. The marina itself is enormous, featuring outdoor games like cornhole and a pool table right outside.

How Long Can You Stay Out?

As long as you want. You could spend the whole day out if you wish, although I wouldn’t encourage that, as there will likely be excited guests eagerly waiting their turn. I’ve never seen a time limit posted or enforced. That said, if this activity becomes more popular in the future, it wouldn’t surprise me if they enforced a time limit to allow other guests to enjoy the experience.

Related: Best Disney World Food | Sandwich Edition 2025

Are Young Children Allowed On The Boats?

Yes. Motorized boat rentals at Disney World allow children of all ages to join in the fun! Children under 12 are required to keep their life jackets on at all times. Honestly, why would you not do this anyway? At max speed, these boats top out at 5 MPH, so this is more of a leisurely (and safe) ride for guests of all ages.

I hope this post has encouraged you to explore Disney Boat Rentals and experience it for yourself. I have no doubt that it will become a Disney must-do for you, just as it is for us! For more information, check out Disney’s motorized boat rental information page.

Many associate Disney World with crowds and chaos, but it doesn’t have to be that way. As Disney adults, we embrace slowing down and prioritizing relaxation. We allow ourselves to have slow days, hanging out at one of our favorite Disney lounges or renting a pontoon boat.

Continue reading for our Disney non-negotiables, why visiting the resorts is a Disney must-do, and everything you need to know about resort hopping via the Disney monorail!

We’ve been visiting Disney World for nearly 40 years and have experienced it through every stage of life. As our kids grew older and were able to do things on their own, my husband and I realized that doing Disney as adults was a completely different experience. It’s slower and more relaxing, and if you want to sit in a lounge for two hours, you can do that, ha! In fact, resort hopping at Disney World is one of our favorite things to do. It offers a break from the heat, a chance to explore other resorts, enjoy unique food, and ride the monorail!

Each resort has a variety of drinks and food options geared toward the theme of the resort, so you’ll find something different at each stop. Don’t sleep on checking out the pool bar menus. In our experience, this is where you’ll find some of the best food at Walt Disney World!

Resort Hopping At Disney World

Let’s start with some of our non-negotiables and answer a few commonly asked questions. When it comes to relaxing at Disney World, there are a few things you will never find us doing as a Disney couple. Gone are the days when we are going to swelter in the sun, wait in long lines, or be crammed into Disney buses.

1. We will not use the buses. I can’t think of anything less relaxing than being crammed onto a hot bus to start and end the day, not to mention the time it wastes. Even the boats can take a long time and be crowded. When we’re in our Disney bubble, we use rideshare and our vehicle. They both get you from point A to point B quickly and with no stress. 
2. We will not wait in long lines. Time is money at Disney, and waiting for hours is wasted time that you could be doing other things. We budget for Lightning Lane, full stop. Not to mention, some of these lines are incredibly long and have you baking in the sun the entire time. No, thank you.
3. We do not over-plan. We love the freedom of not having a rigid plan. It allows for spontaneity and eliminates the stress of feeling rushed to get to the next destination. If we wake up and feel like having a slow day, we can do just that.
4. Disney Springs at night. This is where most people go after a day at the parks, and it is packed! It’s also where many locals in Florida come to eat and drink, and I don’t blame them. If I lived that close to Disney Springs, I’d be there all the time, too. Go in the morning when no one is there. It’s glorious!
5. We do not rope drop. You will never catch us in a cattle herd of people trying to get in first thing in the morning. We sleep in, have our coffee and breakfast (usually my favorite breakfast pizza), and arrive when we feel like it. However, since we visit during the slowest times of the year, we have no problem getting everything done!

Now that our non-negotiables are out of the way, let’s discuss why we love hanging out at the resorts! For this post, we’ll be focusing on the resorts along the monorail route, often referred to as the “monorail loop.” 

Related: How To Have A Peaceful Disney Vacation

Walking Path From Magic Kingdom To Grand Floridian

Disney World Monorail Stops

The monorail loop connects the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center) to the Contemporary, Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian Resort. You can stay on the monorail or walk from the Contemporary to the Polynesian Resort along a scenic, peaceful path by the water, offering a beautiful view, pictured above.

You can start at any resort, but be aware that Disney has been cracking down on guests parking at deluxe resorts. The main reason for this is that people were parking there and using Disney transportation to the parks to avoid paying for parking. This is not consistently enforced, and it’s causing a lot of confusion. Some guards at the entry gate will let you in, while others don’t. To be on the safe side and avoid stress, I suggest using Lyft, as we do. If you’re not parking a car, you typically won’t have any issues. We discuss this in detail in this post.

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Disney’s Contemporary Resort

We start our day by taking a Lyft to the Contemporary.

• At the Contemporary, we head straight for Contempo Café and split the breakfast pizza. This is Shannon’s favorite breakfast pizza. Mine is at the Polynesian, and you can read more about that here. Sometimes, we start our day there and come back to the Contemporary. The nice thing is that backtracking is easy because the monorail runs constantly throughout the day, and the ride is very short.
• After breakfast, we enjoy exploring the resort, especially the area at the back that overlooks the water. There are oversized games to play, ping pong tables, a pool table, cornhole, and a marina where you can rent a boat. We LOVE renting a pontoon boat and riding around Seven Seas Lagoon, and it’s surprisingly affordable! I have a full review of that here.
• Once our food settles, we make our way up to the Steakhouse 71 Lounge, with one goal in mind: ordering the Twisted Fig, pictured above. It’s our all-time favorite Disney cocktail, and I don’t even like Scotch. The Twisted Fig features Monkey Shoulder blended Scotch, Cointreau Noir liqueur, fig simple syrup, and orange bitters. It’s perfectly balanced without being too sweet and goes down way too easily! 

Bonus. You can’t go wrong with the Steakhouse 71 onion rings. They’re consistently fresh, hot, and crispy without being greasy and served with a spicy ranch dipping sauce. Highly recommend! 

Related: How To Rent A Pontoon Boat At Disney World

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

From the Contemporary, we hop on the monorail over to the Polynesian. Depending on which direction the monorail is heading, you may have stops at Magic Kingdom and Grand Floridian, but you can stay on the monorail. You don’t have to get off. Once we arrive at Poly, there is a lot to see and do, including several of our favorite meals and cocktails. 

• After exploring a bit and taking in the beauty of this resort, we head to Tambu Lounge, located on the second floor of the lobby. We order a drink, find a seat by the window, and stay a while. The Polynesian Mai Tai is my go-to! If you love the Ohana but not the insane prices, you’ll be happy to know that Tambu Lounge offers a small food menu, including some popular favorites like the Ohana noodles and bread pudding.
• When we’re ready for lunch, we make our way down to the Oasis Bar & Grill, an outdoor pool bar that we absolutely love. The menu here is unique, featuring fresh, vibrant dishes we crave after a few days of indulging in vacation food. We’ve tried just about everything on the menu, and there are no bad choices. The black pepper Parmesan wings and the Oasis salad are absolutely delicious!

Pro tip. If you can’t get into the Oasis Bar & Grill, the Barefoot Pool Bar offers the same menu, as well as a walk-up window located outside the pool gate. Resort hopping at Disney World usually goes smoothly, but be aware that some areas may be restricted to resort guests only. There seems to be no set rules on this. My best advice is to be super nice and ask. All they can say is no!

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Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

After lunch, we slowly make our way over to the Grand Floridian via the monorail or the walking path. They added a new section to the path, so now it connects the Polynesian Resort to the Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom, and the Contemporary Resort. It’s a beautiful and relaxing walk.

• Once we arrive at the Grand Floridian, the Enchanted Rose Lounge is usually open. This lounge is gorgeous but not in a fancy, pretentious way. It feels cozy and inviting. We’re usually lucky enough to get a table by the window and will stay here for a while. Dinner here usually consists of snacks, and we love the Artisanal Cheese Plate, truffle fries, and hummus with grilled pita. After Enchanted Rose, we explore the resort and the walkway over to the Magic Kingdom, where we call a Lyft and head back to the resort.

Resort Hopping At Disney World – FAQ

Does The Monorail Go To Epcot?

• Yes. From the Magic Kingdom, you would board the express monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). From there, you do a quick transfer to the Epcot monorail and enjoy the ride!

Does The Monorail Go To Hollywood Studios?

• No. The only parks that the Monorail connects to are the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. To get to Hollywood Studios, you can use Disney transportation via the buses or the Disney Skyliner. You can also drive your own car or take a rideshare, which is what we prefer to do.

Disney Resort Hopping With Kids?

• Visiting each resort offers its own unique experience. If you’re traveling with kids, this is such a fun and nearly free way to enjoy the day. All three levels of resorts (value to deluxe) offer games and activities for the kids to enjoy.

That’s a wrap on resort hopping at Disney World! Stay tuned for round two, where we will focus on the non-monorail resorts. Hint. Our favorite stop is Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge.

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In this post, we discuss visiting Walt Disney World in May, covering everything from weather to events to crowd levels—plus personal tips and tricks we have learned over the years. After several months of lots and lots of crowds, expect to finally see some reprieve in May at Disney World. Along with fewer crowds, the weather is pretty beautiful this time of year. May is one of our favorite times to visit Walt Disney World. We have you covered on what to do, see, and more while visiting Disney in May!

As always, we can hardly keep up with Disney’s changes, but we try our best to update these posts. If we missed something, please comment, and we will fix it ASAP!

Weather At Disney World in May

Although the crowds are dropping, expect the heat to rise at Disney World in May. That said, temperatures won’t be as brutal as summer. Averages range from a high of 88°F and lows of 66°F. Plus, hurricane season won’t start until June 1st, so the rain and humidity should be minimal for Florida standards.

May’s weather makes packing clothes easy. Just throw in your summer clothes, and you are good to go! You may want to add a light jacket if you are cold-natured (especially in those heavily air-conditioned queues!) and/or a raincoat just in case!

May Crowds at Disney World

Overall, the crowds at Walt Disney World in May are average or below average – hooray! This is because Spring Break is officially over and school is still in session. Parents want their kiddos to finish their school year strong and be part of the festivities, skipping the trip to Disney World until the summer months. This is GREAT news for those visiting Walt Disney World in May.

The busiest time of the month will definitely be Memorial Day weekend, from May 22nd to May 27th this year. Because Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off for summer vacation, expect an increase in crowds at the Walt Disney World resort, and expect it to continue to grow in the summer months. We would plan your Disney trip before Memorial Day to avoid the elevated crowds if you can.

One caveat to note. This year, the much-anticipated Universal Epic Universe opens on May 22nd, 2025, the Thursday before Memorial Day. This may impact park crowds in a positive way for Disney goers, with more visitors heading to Universal. Time will tell how Epic crowds influence Walt Disney World.

Another thing to consider is that EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival is still taking place. You can expect EPCOT to be more crowded on the weekends, as locals love to spend their days off at the festival. Also, several sporting events are taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. This may impact theme park visitors, guests at Disney Springs (especially in the evenings), and/or room availability at the value resorts.

Below are the weekly highlights for Disney World in May:

• March 5 – June 2, 2025: EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
• May 22 – May 27, 2025: Memorial Day weekend
• May 22, 2025 – Universal Epic Universe opens
• May 27, 2025 – The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After debut.

Events At Walt Disney World

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Dates: March 5th – June 2nd, 2025
“Bee” transported into a springtime wonderland at this floral-themed festival! Guests can enjoy springtime foods, tunes, topiaries, and more! A personal favorite of ours is the butterfly garden and Spike the Bee scavenger hunt.

Cool Kid Summer
Dates: May 27th – September 20th, 2025
Disney World celebrates summer with family-friendly events, like “kid zones” in the parks, dance parties, games in the resorts, and more! Plus, Disney offers many discounts this summer—read below in the “Tips” section for more details.

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports:

• The Summit Championship (May 1st – May 4th, 2025)
• The D2 Summit (May 9th – May 11th, 2025)
• Special Olympics Florida Summer Games (May 16th – May 17th, 2025)
• AAU Basketball Memorial Day Classic (May 24th – May 26th, 2025)
• Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament (May 24th – May 26th, 2025)

Find more details about these events here.

Closures and Refurbishments

The following will be closed during May:

In The Parks:

• Magic Kingdom – Big Thunder Mountain (returning in 2026)
• Magic Kingdom – Astro Orbiter (returning summer 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – Hall of Presidents (returning sometime late 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – children’s playground inside Dumbo the Flying Elephant (returning spring 2025)
• EPCOT – Test Track (returning date TBA; sometime in 2025)
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach (closing for a brief refurbishment and reopening May 21st, 2025)

At The Resorts:

• Yacht and Beach Club – Stormalong Bay (returning June 2025)
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf (undergoing refurbishment until June 16th, 2025. FYI: Although reservations cannot be made during this time, one course will remain open so guests can visit via walk-ups.)

Disney Springs:

• Starbucks: West Side Disney Springs (March 3rd, 2025 – TBA)
• Recent Permanent Closures in 2025
• Hollywood Studios – Mama Melrose (permanently closing May 10th, 2025)
• Animal Kingdom – Work on Dinoland USA continues (retheming to Tropical Americas Pueblo Esperanza, opening 2027)
• Animal Kingdom – TriceraTop Spin (permanently closed)
• Animal Kingdom – It’s Tough To Be a Bug (permanently closed)
• BoardWalk – Jellyrolls (permanently closed)

Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World In May

For the first time in many years, both of Disney World’s water parks will be open this May and into summer! As a reminder, Typhoon Lagoon will already be in operation and Blizzard Beach will open on May 21st, 2025. Both water parks will remain open until September 8th, 2025, when either temporarily closes. Which park is yet to be determined.

To combat the projected Epic crowds, Disney has been offering various discounts! These include discounted 3-day park tickets, 50% off select children’s tickets, free dining, and more! See them all here!

To put on your radar. Expect Magic Kingdom’s brand-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, to debut late this summer 2025! Until then, those visiting Walt Disney World in May can enjoy TWO new shows at Hollywood Studios: The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. Both shows premiere on May 27th, 2025.

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save Walt Disney World In May To Pinterest

Welcome back to our Baby 101 series, where we discuss traveling and vacationing to Walt Disney World with babies and toddlers. In a previous post, we shared a comprehensive packing list tailored to babies’ needs. Today, we’re sharing our toddler packing list ideas for Disney and beyond!

In our experience, parents and caregivers tend to need fewer items than they would when traveling with an infant to Disney World. That is a welcome relief for parents with toddlers! The reason for this is that we become more grounded in our parenting abilities, toddlers grow increasingly independent, and there is less prep to do!

That being said, traveling to Disney with little ones can be daunting, especially for first-timers. With our shared tips, tricks, and this list, the process should be significantly smoother! As with all parenting advice, take what works for your family and leave the rest. You got this!

Toddler Packing List Ideas For Disney

Although Disney is mentioned a lot in this post, you can apply these tips and use this list for any vacation destination. We’ve included items that we consider must-haves for sleep, meal time, toiletries, clothing, and more. Although Florida is hot for the majority of the year, we have also experienced downright freezing weather. So, regardless of where you’re heading, we hope this toddler packing list makes life a little easier for you!

Sleep Must-Haves

Depending on your room size and setup, your child’s sleeping arrangement can benefit from strategic packing! In an ideal world, the toddler would have their own room, but that is not realistic when traveling. The key is to create a calming sleep space for your little one while also allowing your other family members to have a space to lounge, eat, and so on. Along with this, try to mimic the same sleep routine they do at home. This will tell their brain and body it is time for sleep.

In general, we suggest the following for your little one’s sleeping arrangement:

• A Pack ‘n Play or an inflatable toddler bed. This will depend on your child’s age, size, and preference. We have had a lot of success with our Joovy Room² Playard. It is larger than standard-sized playpens, giving our toddler lots of room to toss and turn!
• Room-darkening features, such as portable blackout curtains. These are our absolute favorites. We have two to ensure coverage for the larger windows that many hotel rooms have.
• A portable noise machine, like the Frida Baby 2-in-1 Portable Sound Machine.

If your toddler is sharing the room with others, here are some tips to help:

• Try a blackout cover to go over the Pack ‘n Play, such as the SlumberPod. This will help create a dark sleeping spot for your little one while also allowing the rest of your family to enjoy the hotel room.
• If your toddler needs a more secluded sleep spot, try the bathroom or a large closet. Just make sure there are no precarious spots or cords they can reach!
• Place the fan and/or noise machine near their bed to block out any noise.

Bonus items that can also make a huge difference in your child’s sleep:

• A blanket and sheets from home (make sure they fit the portable bed you’re bringing)
• A stuffed animal that your kiddo likes to sleep with
• A small portable fan to keep things cool!
• Earplugs for mom or dad

Disney Tip: Many of the Disney World resorts have complimentary cribs or Pack ‘n Plays available. Do note they are first-come, first-served. To request one during your on-site resort stay, visit the My Disney Experience page under your reservation or call (407) 939-1936. More information can be found here.

Toddler Packing List Ideas For Mealtime

Packing for mealtime is a breeze compared to when we brought our baby! Below are some useful items to consider:

• Straw cups. We like the ones that are insulated for those hot, Florida days. After many trials and errors in the great sippy cup search, these Zak cups are our favorites. They are spill-proof, easy to clean, and assemble.
• Containers for snacks. You could go disposable with Ziplock baggies, opt for eco-friendly reusable bags, or use small snack containers. It is up to you!
• I prefer to clean and dry my toddler’s dishes in a designated area. I like to bring a mini bottle of soap and a spare drying rack (like this one), along with a washing basin and drying mat from the Dollar Tree. I love this setup when traveling because it is easy, effective, and inexpensive.
  • If you’re flying and don’t want to add more to your liquids, try this sponge hack! Take a new, dry sponge and cut it into 4 to 6 pieces. Wet each piece and add a bit of soap. Let the sponge dry overnight, then place it in a bag. When you get to Disney World, each mini sponge will be ready to use! Add water and toss when you’re done! We tried this hack and got 2-3 uses out of each mini sponge.

Optional items that may be helpful:

• Toddler cutlery is helpful, especially if your little one is still learning. We bring reusable sets with protective cases and disposable sets!
• Snacks like pouches, crackers, breakfast items, etc
• Disposable place mats (These are also great for use as table covers when traveling by airplane.)
• Disposable bibs aren’t just for babies. They help keep your toddlers’ shirts clean while you’re out and about!

Disney Tip: Check if your hotel room includes a kitchenette! If so, you can usually forgo many of the cleaning and eating supplies. During a recent stay at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, the kitchen not only provided dishes and cutlery, but also a new sponge, soap, a drying mat, and a dishwasher with detergent!

Bathtime & Toiletries

These items will depend on whether your toddler is potty-trained or not. Pack accordingly!

• Diapers or underwear
• Wipes (we love this refillable container for wipes)
• To-go or portable toddler potty (We’re testing this one out!)
• Baby shampoo
• Kids’ sunblock (we love this cream for sensitive skin, and it also comes in a stick form for easy application throughout the day)
• First aid items like band-aids, toddler medicine, anti-itch cream, etc. I created a travel first aid kit that’s easy to throw into our diaper bag when we travel.

Maybe items:

• Baby lotion
• Diaper cream
• Aquaphor (the stick form is convenient when traveling)

Disney Tip: Don’t fret if you forgot or run out of any toddler essentials! Disney sells various baby items in most of their gift shops, as well as within all four theme parks’ Baby Care Centers. If you are looking for a more specific item, there are multiple nearby stores (Target, Walmart, Publix, etc) around the Walt Disney World Resort area. Amazon and grocery services like Instacart also deliver to the Disney resorts. If you have questions, a front desk cast member should be able to assist.

Recommended Clothing

The time of year you travel to Walt Disney World will determine what type of clothes to pack. In general, the year is mostly hot. The rainy season runs from June to November. “Freak” cold snaps most often occur in January and February. For specific information for each month, be sure to read our monthly Visiting Walt Disney World posts! Lastly, don’t forget to consider your little one. My toddler runs hot and doesn’t need many layers.

In general, we suggest a toddler’s packing list should include an outfit per day, plus at least two more in case of accidents, weather changes, etc. If you run out of items, there are laundry services on many of the Disney World resort properties, or you can purchase clothes inside the Disney gift shops. Here is a condensed list:

• Short-sleeved tops
• A light jacket for chilly mornings or evenings, if needed
• Shorts and/or pants
• Pajamas
• Socks and comfortable shoes – they will be walking around a lot too! Also, we suggest ones that dry quickly in case they get wet from a ride or the rain.
• Swimsuit (and swim diapers if your toddler is not potty trained)

Fun extra items:

• Sunglasses and/or hats for the Florida sun.
• A raincoat or poncho if you’re traveling during the rainy months.
• Disney-themed accessories, i.e., jewelry, Mickey ears, band-aids, tattoos, etc.

Disney Tip: When you’re at Disney, go all out! I have so much fun packing Disney-specific clothes for my toddler’s Disney OOTD (aka, outfit of the day!). I have had a lot of luck finding cute Disney clothes at GAP, Old Navy, Target, Walmart, and H&M.

Helpful Disney Must-Haves For Strollers

Although they are older, we still highly recommend bringing a stroller when traveling to Disney World with toddlers. After a long day walking around in the Florida sun, with all the sights and sounds of Disney World, it can be exhausting even for older kiddos. A stroller break is a great way to recharge little ones’ batteries. Plus, maneuvering the crowds with a stroller is easier than walking hand in hand with a toddler. Below is what we bring:

• No toddler packing list is complete without a lightweight but sturdy stroller. We like this one and have gotten a lot of use out of it.
• A portable and rechargeable fan that attaches to the stroller, even in the winter. The midday Florida sun is intense!
• We still love these toy straps! They are amazing for keeping your toddler’s toys and cups nearby and NOT on the ground!

Additional useful items include:

• This Disney-themed cargo net attaches to the side of the stroller. We got this for our son’s first Disney trip and still have it connected now! It’s super helpful without adding bulk to the stroller.
• A jumbo carabiner to hang any additional lightweight bags. Great for those Disney gift shop trips!
• A rain cover for the stroller.

Disney Tip: If you are not keen on packing a stroller, consider renting one! Stroller rentals can be found in all four theme parks, as well as Disney Springs. Additional details can be found here. If you are flying and cannot bring multiple big items, try using an infant gear renting company. There are many in the Orlando area!

Playtime Extras

Be ready to increase the energy with your toddler at Disney World! Unlike when they were a baby, toddlers at Walt Disney World want to move, groove, and explore – just like they do at home! They are also awake for much longer and may not take naps. Pack these play items to entertain them in and out of the theme parks!

• Purchase Disney-themed souvenirs before your trip! Try stores like Target, Dollar Tree, and Walmart for inexpensive finds. Another tip is to space them out across your entire vacation and/or bring them out for those long ride queues.
• Small fidget items, such as cars, stickers, and magnetic toys.
• Crayons and a (Disney!) coloring book/notebook. You could even turn this into a character autograph book!

Extra fun items:

• A tablet! I know people have strong feelings about screen time, but we’ve found that using the iPad or a kids’ tablet has been a lifesaver, especially on flights or when we’re quickly getting ready for a reservation. We are in the camp that everyone deserves to feel relaxed while on vacation, and the iPad sometimes brings Mom and Dad just that!
• Bubbles – either to refill a bubble wand or to use on their own. These were a HUGE hit with our toddler!
• A kid-friendly digital camera, to see Disney from your little one’s perspective!
• A face mister or neck fan to keep you cool AND entertain your kiddo!

Disney Tip: Did you know there are playgrounds around the Walt Disney World Resort, including inside the theme parks! These are a perfect outlet for your toddler and all their wiggles!

Miscellaneous Toddler Packing List Ideas

Below are the random items that have proven to be super helpful when vacationing with toddlers at Disney!

• A bag for ALL the things! Whether it is your diaper bag, backpack, or fanny pack, bring something that stores your toddler’s essentials.
  • Alternatively, you can pack items in these reusable zipper bags and store them in a lightweight tote at the bottom of the stroller. This makes it a breeze for security checks and keeps the caregivers’ hands (and back!) free while moving throughout the park!
• Extra-long universal charging cable for items like phones, noise machines, fans, and more.
• Grocery store bags for wet clothes, dirty bottles, soiled diapers, etc.
• Water bottles! As noted in our baby packing post, the free water at Disney can sometimes have a slightly sulfur-like taste. Having a case or two in the hotel room will help the entire family stay hydrated. (SO important when visiting Disney World!)

Disney Tip: If you want to be eco friendly, there are several refillable water bottle stations throughout Walt Disney World Resort!

There you have it! We hope these toddler packing list ideas make packing for your next trip a breeze! If you see something we’ve forgotten or have a favorite item that’s been a lifesaver for you, please leave a comment below and share it with us! We would love to hear from you all!

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but sadly, that’s not always the case, especially when traveling with kids. Both my kids were under five when we took them to Disney for the first time, and I was wiped out when we got home. We had a great time, but I certainly didn’t feel like I had been on a relaxing vacation when we got home – ha! In this post, we’re sharing what we’ve learned in our 30+ years of traveling with kids and now as adults with our kids and grandkids. Peaceful vacations can be a reality with the right mindset and strategies!

When someone tells me they hate Disney World, the first thing I ask is when they went. It was usually in the summer when the heat and humidity were horrendous or during a major holiday when the parks were packed wall-to-wall with people. But that’s true for all tourist destinations. Gatlinburg, for example, is a nightmare during the holidays. It can take hours to get down the parkway, and restaurant reservations are impossible – not my idea of a peaceful vacation. The time of year you visit any vacation destination will significantly impact your overall experience. To have a relaxing Disney Trip, you first need to know when to go! Let’s dive in.

Peaceful Vacations At Disney

As we discuss finding more peaceful moments, remember there are no rules. Do what feels relaxing to you. For my husband and me, that’s spending a couple of hours at Nomad Lounge or Geyser Point, strolling around our resort, hanging out at Baseline Taphouse, sharing a pretzel and a beer, or riding the friendship boats. For others, that might look like sleeping in or spending the day hanging out by the pool. There is no right or wrong, but don’t go home without doing at least some relaxing things you wanted to do. This is your vacation, after all!

Most of these tips can be applied to any vacation destination, not just Disney.

When You Visit Matters

When Disney World is packed with people, it’s simply not enjoyable, in my opinion. There will be long lines for rides, restaurants, and even Disney transportation. Rather than repeating myself, I recently posted the best times to visit Disney World. I know many people are unaffected by crowds, but in the spirit of peaceful vacations, crowds and long lines should be avoided, if possible.

Most families with school-aged children can only visit during holidays or when school is out, which are the most crowded times. If that is your situation, don’t be discouraged. We have visited Disney many times when the crowd levels are high, and you can still have an enjoyable vacation by following some of the tips below.

Don’t Over-Plan

We’ve been going to Disney World since my kids were toddlers. They are adults now, and we travel with our children and young grandchildren, so I can relate to visiting Disney World at every stage of life. This is the advice I would give to anyone going to Disney World looking to have a relaxing and peaceful vacation.

• Your overall experience will be profoundly affected by how much you try to fit in. If you hit the ground running first thing in the morning and go-go-go all day long, especially if you have young kids, that’s a recipe for being stressed out and exhausted by mid-afternoon. Disney veterans call it the 3 o’clock meltdown.

Instead of doing that, cut some things out of your plan. This is hard, but you will not be able to do it all, at least not without feeling rushed and stressed. Trust me on this. We’ve gone more times than I can count, and we still can’t fit everything in. Everything at Disney World takes more time than you think it will. Embrace that you won’t get it all done, and look forward to doing new things on your next trip!

By slowing down, you change the whole dynamic of your trip. Instead of feeling rushed and chaotic, you can relax and enjoy the little moments that too many people miss. There is pure joy in those moments, like watching your kids run around the hub green in front of the castle, or riding the monorail and exploring resorts. That’s what vacation is all about! Life is already rushed and chaotic enough. Your vacation shouldn’t be.

Time Is Money

Time is money at Disney World. Waiting in long lines, Disney transportation, and getting from point A to point B will take longer than you think. If you have to wait an hour or more for just 3 to 4 rides, that’s 3 to 4 hours of your day waiting in line. Depending on how many days you have at Disney World, this could consume precious hours, possibly making you feel rushed and stressed. 

Take Advantage Of Rideshare

• You will never find us riding a bus. A peaceful vacation is not being crammed onto a bus like cattle and stuck on it for 45 minutes to an hour. Nope! We are huge fans of rideshare. The picture above was from last year. We had just arrived at Magic Kingdom in our Disney Minnie Van, no ticket and transfer center, no monorail or ferry, and no stress. Just a peaceful trip to the front of the park and $45 WELL spent! You do not have to take a Minnie Van. Regular Lyft options are available, but Minnie Vans are perfect if you have a child in a car seat. They come fully equipped, and the drive does everything for you!
• The first thing people say is, “It’s too expensive,” but hear me out. Rideshare saves time and stress. I added up all of our rideshare receipts from our last 14-day trip, and the total was $228, including tips (and I’m a very generous tipper). That averages out to $17 a day. That’s the cost of a beer in most places, a Mickey pretzel, or a turkey leg. The price is a non-issue as far as I’m concerned, especially if less stress getting to and from the parks matters to you.
• Disney World encourages rideshare, so multiple vehicles are usually lined up outside virtually every parking resort. You rarely have to wait more than five minutes, and you’re taken directly to your destination. Instead of being crammed into a bus or monorail with long lines that take forever, you’re starting and ending your day relaxing while also saving a ton of time. If you prioritize rideshare, you will have a much more relaxing trip!

Purchase Lightning Lane

Who wants to spend half their day waiting in long lines? Not me! Purchasing Lightning Lanes passes is another way to save valuable time, have a more relaxing vacation, and ensure you can ride your favorite rides!

• When you purchase a Lightning Lane pass, you essentially book a time to return to the ride. It allows you to skip the standby line, which can sometimes be a very long wait. You can read how the Lightning Lane system works here, but I highly recommend budgeting for it. It can save hours, not to mention the stress of not having to wait in long lines, especially in the heat and/or if you have young kids.
• Some people like to ride as many rides as possible at the beginning of the day and then have a slow and relaxing afternoon. While others want to space their ride times out, which is what I like to do. Booking ride times an hour to an hour and a half apart gives us plenty of time to leisurely make our way to the next ride without feeling rushed. This is when you can stop and enjoy a Micey pretzel, or let the kids play. The overall trend here is no rushing because rushing = stress! 
• Depending on who you’re traveling with, sometimes Lightning Lane isn’t necessary for all four parks. If you have kids, for example, you will need it at Magic Kingdom, especially if it’s a busier time of year. But if you’re visiting with low crowds, you may not need it at Animal Kingdom. We purchase it for every park. At this point, we are so spoiled by not waiting in lines that it’s just something we budget for every trip, and the time and stress it saves us is well worth the expense! Having said that. We save a TON of money in other ways. You can read my Cheapest Way To Do Disney post for some ideas.

Peaceful Vacations Are Slow Vacations

It’s OK to go slow and take a break. As discussed above, you won’t be able to do it all anyway, so embrace going slow. Slowing down also means you won’t miss the little details. Most people have blinders on when they arrive at the park. They hurry to get to that first ride and blow past everything around them. Disney spends millions of dollars on the details, so slow down and pay attention to the magic around you.

Sometimes, you may need to feed your kids, take a break from all the stimulation, or escape the heat. Even on the most crowded days, there are quiet spots all over Disney property. Some are more secluded, while others have beautiful views, like the stadium in Animal Kingdom. Although it’s not shaded, it is almost always empty. We like to grab a drink or a coffee and hang out here for a while. If you want more peaceful moments like this, be intentional about making them! Here are some of our favorite spots.

Animal Kingdom

• Harambe Market or Flame Tree BBQ has tons of seating before the lunch crowds set in.
• Discovery River Amphitheater (no shade but beautiful views and ample seating)
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek (especially in the morning)
• The not-so-secret little pathway that runs parallel to the main walkway from Africa to Asia. 

Magic Kingdom

• Center Street near Uptown Jewelers on Main Street offers seating perfect for people-watching.
• The courtyard behind the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square.
• Ride the train and stay on it. It’s a beautiful, breezy ride that keeps the kids happy!
• Hall of Presidents is quiet, has air-conditioning, and is a great place to cool off and decompress.

Hollywood Studios

• Backlot Express, before opening, has tons of seating, which is mostly shaded.
• The tables and chairs in front of ABC Commissary are perfect for sitting and people-watching.
• Sunset Boulevard is a vibe. Most eateries are closed in the morning, with plenty of open seating.
• There is a seating area outside the Tower of Terror exit that most people miss. It’s secluded and quiet!

Epcot

• The Morocco Pavilion (pictured above) has secluded seating areas and the Fez House.
• Waterfront seating in front of the France Pavilion. It’s not shaded but typically empty and peaceful.
• Japan Pavilion offers serene gardens and ample seating. We love sitting in the bamboo trees.
• Connections Eatery is pretty empty before lunch. There is TONS of air-conditioned seating.

• Disney Springs

• The walking path along the water on the West Side is our favorite place to relax at Disney Springs!
• Terralina Crafted has an outdoor bar we LOVE. It’s relaxing, covered, and the drinks are great!
• The tables behind The Art Corner on the Marketplace side are a little hidden and quieter.
• In my opinion, nothing beats sitting at the Dockside bar behind The Boathouse. Hanging out here is a whole vibe. It’s casual, the servers are incredible, it’s breezy even on hot days, and you can watch the Amphicar Water Taxis go by as you relax and enjoy the company around you. It’s our favorite way to start and end a vacation in a relaxing and peaceful way!

Pro tip. Several restaurants around Disney property have seating that can be accessed even when the restaurant isn’t open. For example, the Rose and Crown dining room in the UK at Epcot has ample indoor and outdoor seating that you can enjoy when the restaurant is closed. We often get fish and chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop and eat inside Rose and Crown, which is air-conditioned. Another favorite is Harambe Market in Animal Kingdom. It’s enormous, and most of it is covered. Before it opens at 11 AM, it is virtually empty and relaxing!

Do The Opposite Of Everyone Else

One of the most enjoyable times to explore the World Showcase at Epcot is first thing in the morning. Most people have one thing on their mind, and that’s to get to their first ride. This is when you want to go! On our last trip, we arrived through the international Gateway (the back entrance) as soon as it opened. As you can see in the photo above, it was practically empty. We slowly strolled around, exploring the countries while drinking our coffee, and it was one of the most enjoyable mornings of our trip!

This tip can be applied to every park. While they might not be as empty as the World Showcase, if you do the opposite of what most people do, which is hurrying to get to the rides, you can usually find these little peaceful moments on your vacation.

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I hope this post has given you some helpful ideas for a peaceful vacation. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

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More Posts You May Enjoy

• Disney World Baby Care Center Guide
• Healthy Eating at Disney World + The Best Salads!
• Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month
• How to Save Money When Traveling
• Disney World Food Prices + Ways You Can Save

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In this post, we discuss visiting Walt Disney World in April, covering everything from weather to events to crowd levels—plus personal tips and tricks we have learned over the years. Expect a lot of fellow Disney goers this month. They, too, want to celebrate Easter in the parks, enjoy their spring break, attend EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival, and participate in a runDisney race! Plus, the weather this time of year is perfection! 

As always, we can hardly keep up with Disney’s changes, but we try our best to update these posts. If we missed something, please comment, and we will fix it ASAP!

Weather At Disney World in April

You’ll be braving the spring break crowds during your visit to Disney World in April, but at least you will do it in beautiful weather! With lows in the 60s and highs in the mid-80s, this is one of the most comfortable times of the year. Compared to the winter months, April’s weather is much more consistent, meaning far fewer cold snaps or heat waves. 

Along with even-keeled temperatures, April is one of Disney World’s sunniest months! There are fewer rain storms than the rest of the year – and when they occur, they are typically short-lived and scattered. Plus, visitors are still in the clear for hurricane season, which doesn’t begin until June 1st. 

April Crowds at Disney World

There are many reasons to visit Walt Disney World in April: the beautiful weather, exciting events, and Easter weekend! And it shows with the many people visiting this time of year. In other words, the crowds are high! 

Besides the reasons mentioned above, guests love visiting because it is still spring break for many school districts nationwide. This break is typically designed around Easter weekend, so expect an uptick in crowds the week before and after April 20th, 2025. There will be some festive Easter happenings at the Walt Disney World resort, which we will discuss more below. 

Like in March, several competitive youth sports championships are occurring in the Orlando area. These athletes (and their parents, siblings, coaches, friends…you get the idea) love to celebrate by bouncing around the Disney parks, resorts, and restaurants. On top of that, the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend occurs April 3rd to 6th, adding to the athletic crowd vibes. 

Another event this time of year is EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival. With its festive florals, exclusive eats, and springtime topiaries, it certainly brings in the crowds. As with all the EPCOT events, this is a local fan favorite. Expect weekends at EPCOT to be elevated.

Lastly, remember the After Hours events at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT when planning your park days. (More details about these events can be found below under the tips section!) Those nights can spike evening crowds at the aforementioned theme parks as guests begin making their way into the event, overlapping regular park visitors. This can be a surprise for guests that are unaware.

Below are the weekly highlights for Disney World in April:

• March 5 – June 2, 2025: EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
• April 3-6, 2025: runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
• April 20: Easter 
• April 22: Earth Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Events At Walt Disney World In April

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Dates: March 5th – June 2nd, 2025
“Bee” transported into a springtime wonderland at this floral-themed festival! Guests can enjoy springtime time foods, tunes, topiaries, and more! A personal favorite of ours is the butterfly garden and Spike the Bee scavenger hunt!  

runDisney Springtime Surprise
Dates: April 3rd – 6th, 2025
If you have ever wanted to feel like a Disney World hero, this is your chance to do so! Celebrating heroes from Disney, Marvel, and Pixar stories, runners can partake in a 5K, 10K, 10-Milers, or all three! As with other runDisney events, guests can expect meet-and-greets with unique characters, exclusive medals and merchandise, and an expo at ESPN’s World Wide of Sports.

Easter at Walt Disney World
Dates: week before and after April 20th, 2025
Visitors can celebrate Easter in and out of the parks with seasonal offerings, themed merchandise, and pop-up events. Our favorite activities include perusing the incredibly decorated chocolate eggs at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and going on an Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt at EPCOT. Plus, guests can visit Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny at the Liberty Square Gazebo inside Magic Kingdom, as well as see a mini Easter-themed parade before Festival of Fantasy!

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports:

• Disney Spring Training (March 10th – April 20th, 2025)
• runDisney Health & Fitness Expo (April 3rd – April 5th, 2025)
• The Cheerleading Worlds (April 25th – April 28th, 2025)
• Junior World & World Cheerleading Championships (April 26th – April 28th, 2025)

Find more details about these events here. 

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April Closures and Refurbishments

The following will be closed during April:

In The Parks:

• Magic Kingdom – Big Thunder Mountain (returning in 2026)
• Magic Kingdom – Astro Orbiter (returning summer 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – Hall of Presidents (returning sometime in 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – children’s playground inside Dumbo the Flying Elephant (returning spring 2025)
• EPCOT – Test Track (returning date TBA; sometime in 2025)
• Animal Kingdom – Work on Dinoland USA continues (retheming to Tropical Americas Pueblo Esperanza, opening 2027)
• Animal Kingdom – It’s Tough To Be a Bug (permanently closed)
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon (typically closes for a seasonal refurbishment, alternating with Blizzard Beach in April or May. Check the My Disney Experience or Disney Parks Blog for updates!)

At The Resorts:

• Yacht and Beach Club – Stormalong Bay (returning June 2025)
• BoardWalk – Jellyrolls (Permanently closing April 19th)
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf (April 28th – June 16th, 2025. FYI: Although reservations cannot be made during this time, one course will remain open so guests can visit via walk-ups.) 

Disney Springs:

• Starbucks: West Side Disney Springs (March 3rd – TBA)

Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World In April

• Night owls rejoice – the specialty event “Disney After Hours” is right up your alley! This separate ticketed event allows guests into the theme parks for three hours after the traditional park closing. (From 10 PM to 1 AM.) Visitors can expect much shorter wait times and crowds, along with select treats and drinks included with admission! Due note that not all attractions will be included in this event and/or can become unavailable without notice. Lastly, Disney’s Animal Kingdom does not participate per animal safety guidelines.
• Easter isn’t the only holiday happening this month! Be sure to celebrate Earth Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22nd, 2025. (FYI: this is also the park’s birthday! Earth Day, birthday!) Visitors can enjoy celebratory activities, treats, entertainment, photo-ops, and more! Picking a (free!) park map is a fun way to commemorate this day!
• Have you ever heard of Dapper Days at Disney? It is an unofficial Disney event where guests don their best dress and vintage styles while visiting the theme parks. It is in the same realm as Disney bounding. The original idea for this event pays homage to early Disney parks concept art, with visitors wearing 1950s/1960s silhouettes, suits, hats, etc. This month, guests can join in on Dapper Days on April 26th at EPCOT and April 27th at Magic Kingdom. 

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save Walt Disney World In April To Pinterest

As we discussed in our post detailing the best times to visit Disney World, January is busy, but still one of our favorite times to visit. Before finalizing your Disney itinerary, read that post for essential dates and vacation tips!

In this post, we discuss visiting Walt Disney World in January, covering everything from weather to events to crowd levels – plus personal tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years. In recent years, January has become a popular time to visit Disney. With the tail end of holidays wrapping up, the Walt Disney World Marathon taking place, and the kick-off of EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts, a LOT is happening!

Another reason guests are drawn to vacation at Disney World in January is the historically low hotel and park ticket prices. For example, one-day park tickets start at around $139 in January, compared to $164 in July. Check out our money-saving posts for more ways to save at Disney World.

Related: Disney Boat Rentals | A Must Do!!

Walt Disney World In January – Weather

If you are looking for cooler temperatures while visiting Disney World in January, this is the month to go. It can get downright chilly in January, with temperatures typically ranging from the low 40s to the high 70s.

One of our favorite things about this month’s weather is the lack of rain. With hurricane season officially over, rainy days decrease dramatically. Expect mostly sunny days, welcomed by January’s amazing temperatures.

Our most recent vacation to Disney World was in January, and dressing in layers was vital! The bright Florida sun warmed us up during the day, but once it set, things got chilly. Being able to put on or take off a layer made sure we all stayed comfortable.

However, a word of caution: I remember having to wear gloves and a cardigan with my thick winter coat when working at Animal Kingdom in the early morning and evening. Bearing this in mind, be sure to pack some winter gear just in case. And don’t wait to purchase these items when you are down in Orlando. Often, stores do not have a large selection of winter wear, and what they do have will sell out quickly during a cold snap.

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Disney Crowds in January

• There is so much FUN at Walt Disney World in January. Because of this, expect crowd levels to range from moderate to heavy. The month begins with the holiday happenings…well, still happening! Christmas and the New Year are, without a doubt, Disney World’s busiest time of year, and vacationers linger into the first of January. Crowds will be merry but high. For those who don’t love longer wait times, you have been warned.
• Shortly after all that, Disney kicks off a new year of marathons with the aptly named Walt Disney World Marathon! It is hard to say exactly what to expect. Some years, the crowd counts decrease, while last year, they actually increased.
• Typically, crowds begin to trickle down in mid-January. However, this year may prove otherwise for various reasons.
  • The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts begins on the 17th—and one thing about locals—they love an EPCOT festival. They will enjoy the festivities after work, when playing hooky, and on the weekends!
  • Lastly, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a four-day weekend, with locals and out-of-town visitors celebrating in the parks. We’ve only been once and were shocked by the crowds!
• With no holidays occurring and the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts starting two weeks into the month, the last week in January is predicted to be the least crowded, despite overlapping cheer and dance competitions. 

Related: Monorail Resort Hopping At Disney World

Weekly Highlights

• January 1 – 4, 2026: Between Christmas and New Year’s, this week is extremely popular.
• January 7 – 11: The runDisney Marathon takes place, drawing large crowds.
• January 12 – 15: Slight break in crowds before the holiday weekend (but moderate crowds).
• January 16 – 19: MLK Day is on January 19, 2026, making this weekend popular and busy.
• January 23 – 26: USA Field Hockey Sunshine Showcase – popular weekend with moderate crowds.
• January 30 – February 1st: The National School Spirit Championships – a popular weekend with moderate crowds.

We’ve been visiting Disney World in late January for years now. Although the crowds are moderate, the fantastic weather makes up for it. For a quicker review of Disney crowds, month by month, check out this post.

Events At Disney World In January

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Dates: January 7th to 11th, 2026
Celebrate Disney nostalgia with Mickey and his pals during the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend! Running events include a 5K, 10K, Half, and Full marathon races, plus Goofy and Dopey’s challenges.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Dates: January 16th – February 23rd, 2026
Art lovers rejoice! From Disney Broadway performances to art-themed culinary delights, guests will be immersed in all things art. This includes visual, musical, culinary, and more! Visitors can even partake in the artistry with a paint-by-numbers mural, Animation Academy drawing lessons, larger-than-life photo-ops of famous artwork, and more!

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports
runDisney Marathon (January 7-11, 2026)
Disney Girls Soccer Showcase (January 16-19, 2026)
College Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships (January 16-19, 2026)
USA Field Hockey Sunshine Showcase (January 22-24, 2026)
Sand Dollar Whitlow Invitational (January 23-25, 2026)
National School Spirit Championship DII (January 30-February 1, 2026)

Related: Best Sandwiches at Disney World

Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World In January

• If you vacation at Disney World during the Walt Disney World Marathon, be mindful of possible early morning road delays. Races take place on various roads around Walt Disney World and in theme park parking lots, resulting in altered bus times, road closures, and alternative routes. Our preferred advice is to sleep in on those days and have a slow morning. However, if you’re an early bird, you may want to give yourself some extra travel time.
• Because temperatures vary widely in January at Disney World, check the extended Orlando weather forecast when packing. That will give you a better idea of what to bring. A chilly week on the lower side with 30-50 degrees temps? You will want to bring gloves, hats, scarves, and sweaters. It gets cold while walking around the parks in those temps!

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Ultimately, Disney with kids—especially babies and toddlers—can be just as magical as visiting with older kids or adults. With a little Disney World planning, the right tools, and a few insider tricks (like the Baby Care Centers!), your family trip to Disney World can be memorable, comfortable, and fun for everyone.

Our Disney World Baby Care Center guide is a must if you’re heading to the most magical place on earth with your little ones. These magical little spots are tucked inside each of the four main parks and offer a calm, air-conditioned spot that feels like a retreat. Each Baby Care Center at Walt Disney World has private nursing rooms, changing stations, feeding areas with high chairs, and even tiny toilets for potty-training toddlers.

Forgot your wipes or formula? No problem. You can buy baby essentials like diapers, snacks, sunscreen, and more right there. It’s like a mini baby store meets mom lounge—no rushing back to your resort needed. Whether you’re nursing at Disney World, changing a diaper, or just need a break from the Florida heat, these centers make traveling with infants at Disney World way more manageable.

These centers become even more important when the crowds and temps are at their peak. Mark the baby care centers on your Disney World map before your visit. That way, you always know where your closest break zone is. Trust us, it’s a game-changer on those long park days.

For those tackling their first Disney trip, add the Baby Care Centers to your Disney must-do list and check out our Disney checklist for packing babies and toddlers, frequently asked questions, and more helpful Disney planning tips and tricks!

Disney World Baby Care Center 101

The baby care centers are a free amenity accessible to all theme park guests. Families can find spaces to feed, change, or rest their little ones inside each Disney World Baby Care Center. While intended for those with babies and toddlers, the centers can also be utilized by families with older children who may have sensory needs.

Guests can expect the following within each Baby Care Center:

• Fully staffed with Disney Cast Members
• Changing tables
• Private nursing rooms with rocking chairs
• Feeding areas with highchairs
• Kitchen with sinks and microwaves
• Washroom facilities

Note that each facility may vary slightly in terms of quantities or equipment. For example, guests may also find bottle warmers, filtered water, padded changing tables, and more. Additionally, within each Disney World Baby Care Center is an on-site store that sells a host of baby-related supplies. Items available to purchase include formula, bibs, baby food and snacks, pacifiers, sunscreen, diapers, wipes, and clothing.

Related Planning Posts

As fun as Disney Trip Planning can be, it can also be overwhelming, especially when traveling with kids. We have dozens of posts to help, but the list below will help when planning a Disney trip with kids from newborn to toddlers!

• Toddler Packing List For Disney & Beyond
• Babies & Toddlers At Disney – FAQ
• Bringing A Baby To Disney – To Do List
• Ultimate Disney Packing List For Babies
• Best Rides For Babies At Disney World
• Crystal Palace At Magic Kingdom Review

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Where Are The Disney World Baby Care Center?

A Disney World Baby Care Center is located inside each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks (and Disneyland too!). There is one center per theme park. These centers can be located via park maps, the My Disney Experience app, and park signage. You can also ask a Cast Member for directions!

• In the other areas of the Walt Disney World resort (e.g., Disney Springs, waterparks Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, and the various Disney resorts), guests with babies and toddlers can use changing tables in many of the restrooms.

Magic Kingdom

At Magic Kingdom, the Disney Baby Care Center is conveniently tucked off Main Street, adjacent to the first aid center. Once you get to the end of Main Street, you will want to take a left and look for the Baby Care Center between restaurants Casey’s Corner and The Crystal Palace.

• This is our personal favorite, with its sweet Alice in Wonderland theme—so be sure to take your time perusing the knickknacks and decorations!
• It is also the most recently updated of the four facilities.

Epcot

The Baby Care Center at EPCOT is (in our opinion) the trickiest to find. Guests will want to head towards World Showcase via the Test Track area. Before you get to Mexico, there is a bridge with a gray building called the Odyssey Pavilion. The Baby Care Center is on the back side of this building, near the restrooms.

• This is the largest of Walt Disney World’s four Baby Care Centers.
• Frequent Disney goers will recognize this space as a makeshift pop-up area for events like Food & Wine, Festival of the Arts, and Flower & Garden.

Animal Kingdom

When visiting Animal Kingdom, the Baby Care Center is by Creature Comforts. (Or, as it is more popularly known, Starbucks!) This is to the left of the Tree of Life, before the bridge into Africa. Guests will find the Baby Care Center on the right side of the building.

• Since Starbucks is inside Creature Comforts, be sure to grab a coffee beforehand!

Hollywood Studios

Lastly, at Hollywood Studios, the Baby Care Center is located inside the Guest Relations building. Luckily, it is at the park’s front entrance, making it easy to find quickly.

• This is the smallest center, so there may be a wait for a changing table or room. However, you do not need to wait in the Guest Relations line to enter the facility.
• There is a toddler-sized potty within this center.

TIP: If you are a visual person, use Disney’s interactive map (located near the end of the webpage) to get a bird’s-eye view of each of Walt Disney World’s Baby Care Centers!

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What Else Does A Disney World Baby Care Center Provide?

Baby care centers are the perfect spot to feed and change your baby, and an excellent way for your little ones to take a break from the hustle and bustle. The dimly lit atmosphere and seating for adults and toddlers make for a calming pause within the jam-packed theme park plans.

• The centers often have quiet activities for toddlers, such as books, puzzles, coloring supplies, or Disney movies. This is super helpful for guests with multiples. Plus, the centers provide outlets and drinking fountains—perfect for charging cellphones and refilling water bottles!
• Additionally, each Disney World Baby Care Center location is near First Aid. For guests who may feel sick or need basic medical attention, the First Aid nurses are there to help. These nurses can provide single dosages of over-the-counter medications, bandages, and other quick remedies.
• The Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios locations are close to posted relief areas for those traveling with service animals. Lastly—and this is good Disney knowledge—a cast member brings children who have gotten lost from their parties to a baby care center.

Disney World Baby Care Center FAQ

Guests have many questions about these centers, myself included. Before our little one came along, I had no idea how amazing the baby care centers were!

• Where can I breastfeed at Walt Disney World?
  • Anywhere you feel comfortable! This is because of Florida Public Health Law 383.015, which states: “A mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether the nipple of the mother’s breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breastfeeding.” However, if you prefer a more private setting, the nursing rooms inside the Baby Care Centers would be a perfect spot!
• What if my baby’s food/milk/medication needs to be kept cool or warm?
  • Guests can bring a small cooler into the theme parks for chilled items. Conversely, the Baby Care Centers have microwaves and bottle warmers for items needing to be warmed. Do note that Disney only allows small glass containers inside the parks—if possible, try to package these items in another material.
• Is there an age limit at the Disney Baby Care Centers?
  • There are no current age restrictions for guests using the Baby Care Centers. This is great for kiddos who need a break from the parks or families with siblings.

Disney’s Baby Care Centers are lovely spaces for little ones to eat, rest, or take a break. They are an excellent way for families to reset before continuing their theme park adventures. Be sure to check them out on your next Disney vacation with your little ones!

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When you plan a Disney trip, it should be enjoyable, not stressful. There’s no shortage of well-written, informative blog posts on the internet, but many overcomplicate the process. This post gives you an easy, four-step process to simplify it as much as possible!

I remember being a young mom planning some of our first Disney trips and feeling completely stressed. I would go online for help only to find 6,000-word blog posts that overwhelmed me even more. That was 20 years ago when planning a Disney trip wasn’t as complicated as it is now. Not to mention, Disney is constantly changing things, and it’s confusing for everyone. In this post, I provide four easy steps to plan your Disney trip, with a few more that are optional. 

Consider the source. The internet is full of so-called experts. Are they really Disney experts? How many times have they gone? When was the last time they went? Are they just copying other people’s information? Sadly, that happens a lot. I’ve been going to Disney regularly for nearly 30 years. My daughter completed a Disney college internship and a professional internship and then went on to work full-time on the conservation team at Animal Kingdom. She writes a lot for the blog. With so much misinformation online, I felt it was important to provide you with some credentials!

My goal is to help you plan a Disney trip without feeling overwhelmed. Therefore, I also recommend you don’t get too caught up in your plan. You don’t have to plan out every second of your day. Depending on your vibe, you can structure your day to suit you and your family best. 

While I suggest making an itinerary, let it serve more as a reminder of what you have planned for the day and what you hoped to do, not a rigid plan that must be accomplished. Things can go south quickly at Disney World, especially if you have kids. Admittedly, when I was younger, I was neurotic about the plan. Ultimately, that stresses everyone out. Allow for spontaneity and focus on having fun!

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Plan A Disney Trip In 4 Easy Steps

Book as far in advance as possible. This gives you plenty of time to work on all the little details without feeling stressed. I recommend booking 9 to 12 months out. During that time, check the special offers at Disney World often. If you see one that you can apply to your vacation days, you can call Disney World customer service, and they can help you apply the discount.

1. Choose Your Dates

• Before you can book a resort or your travel, you have to know your dates. Some things to consider here are the weather and crowds. If you’re like us and avoid crowds, check out the post I wrote for the slowest time of the year at Disney World. Major holidays, weekends, and school breaks will always be much more crowded.
• Remember that the slower times of the year are also more affordable. This is when Disney sometimes releases special offers to attract more people. Tickets and resorts will also be cheaper when the crowds are low. 

2. Book Your Resort Or Hotel

• After you’ve decided on your dates, the next step is to book your resort or hotel. This can be a room-only reservation or a package, but here’s the deal. If you’re not ready to book a package, you don’t have to decide now. I always book a room-only reservation and then roll it into a package once I decide on dining and/or tickets. 
• Disney resorts and nearby hotels can fill up quickly, so you’ll want to secure your room as early as possible. The room-only cancellation policy at Disney World (and most hotels) is very forgiving, so you can always modify or cancel your reservation if necessary.
• When choosing a Disney resort, there are pros and cons:
  • Value resorts are affordable but can be noisy because they draw families and young kids. They also host several cheer and dance competitions and can be very loud outside practicing their routines.
  • Deluxe resorts are amazing, but they come with a hefty price tag. Since you don’t spend much time in your room, we suggest skipping them and saving the money.
  • You’ll usually find us at a moderate resort. They’re affordable and still offer all the details and amenities that make you feel like you’re staying somewhere magical. They also have fantastic food courts, which most deluxe resorts lack. Port Orleans Riverside is our favorite moderate resort and food court on the property!

3. Book Your Travel

• When you plan a trip to Disney, you have to get there! Once you have your resort booked, the next thing you want to do is book your travel. If you’re flying, you’ll want to get your tickets as early as possible. Some people suggest waiting to do this because canceling plane tickets is a hassle, but I do not recommend that. Disney World is one of the top vacation destinations in the world, and you’re taking a significant risk of not getting the flight you need if you wait too long to secure your tickets.
• We always drive. It saves a ton of money because gas is cheaper than plane tickets for our family. Driving also allows us to bring a lot of from home, which saves a ton of money. I discuss that and more in my cheapest way to do Disney post.

4. Add Park Tickets

• This doesn’t need to be done yet. You can wait to add tickets and dining just weeks before your trip. However, I like to do it as soon as possible. Knowing how many days you’ll be in the parks helps when working on your itinerary over the next few months. If you haven’t decided yet, that’s OK. You’ve got your room booked and your travel secured. You have time to decide the number of park tickets you need.
• Once you decide how many parks you want to visit, you can add tickets to your reservation. As soon as you do that, your reservation will change from a room-only reservation to a Disney package. One of the benefits of a package is that you can make payments online in your My Disney Experience account. I love this feature because I can go in every payday and throw money toward our trip. 
• When you decide on the number of days you want to visit the parks, call Disney World customer service and add those tickets to your reservation. 

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At this point, the four most important things are done. You can spend the next few months scouring Disney menus, events, resorts, and Disney Springs. Look for places you want to eat and fun things to do, and start building your itinerary. This is the fun part! You’ll have months to research, read reviews, and look at photos! We are Disney foodies, and I can’t tell you how much time I’ve spent scouring the Disney food pictures thread on DISboards. 

Make An Itinerary

• This is before making any dining reservations because the dining you book will be determined by where you’ll be each day or close to it. If you do it the other way around, you risk wasting a lot of time trying to get to and from restaurants.
• For each day on your itinerary, note where you’ll be. This might be:
  • Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios (or multiple if park hopping)
  • Exploring resorts, Disney Springs, or hanging out at your resort.
• Next on your itinerary will be things you want to do at those places mentioned above, like any shows, parades, character meets, or food you’re excited to try.

Pro tip. This will look different for everyone. Our itinerary is loose because we are spontaneous and prefer flexibility. Before heading out for the day, I take a picture of that day’s itinerary, which helps me not forget something we wanted to do or try. You can tweak this in the months leading up to your trip.

Dining Plan Or Not

• Dining is a big factor when planning a Disney trip. Some love the Disney Dining Plan, while others don’t. You can choose between the quick service or regular dining plan.
• Read up on both and make the best decision for your family. We haven’t used the dining plan in years. The truth is, it doesn’t save you money. Some people like the structure of knowing where they’re going to eat and when, but we find that to be stressful. It doesn’t allow for spontaneity, and we were constantly worried about making it to our next reservation.
• If you decide to do the dining plan, you can add it to your reservation. I recommend calling a Disney reservation specialist and letting them assist you. I’ve been going to Disney for almost 30 years and still call them when changing my reservation. It ensures I don’t make a mistake, and they’ll often make suggestions I wouldn’t have thought of.

Make Dining Reservations 60 Days Out

If you choose to do the dining plan, you’ll need to book any necessary reservations.

• Guests staying at a Disney Resort can book 60 days before arrival and make reservations for the entire stay, up to 10 days.
• Guests not staying at a Disney Resort can also book reservations 60 days before arrival, BUT only for one day at a time.

Pro tip. Park admission is required for in-park dining. So, if you have a dining reservation for Tiffin’s at Animal Kingdom, this should be your Animal Kingdom park day – or have a park hopper so you can hop to the park where your dining reservation is.

Make Ride Reservations

Disney’s new ride reservation system, aka Lightning Lane, allows you to skip the long line and enjoy a shorter one by booking specific times to ride. There are two options:

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows you to make three Lightning Lane selections per day, up to seven days in advance, if you stay at a qualifying Disney Resort. All other guests can book three days in advance of their park visit. The price for Lightning Lane Multi Pass differs daily for each park.
• Lightning Lane Single Pass allows you to purchase up to two daily passes for the most popular rides. Think of this as an add-on. You are limited to one single pass per ride daily, so you can’t purchase two passes for Guardians. I wish-ha!

There’s much more to it, but this isn’t the post to dive into it. We’ll be at Disney in a few months, so I’ll wait until then to write a comprehensive post. In the meantime, read up on it here.

Bonus Tips

• My Disney Experience. You’ve planned your Disney trip and can now relax a bit. I highly recommend downloading and familiarizing yourself with the My Disney Experience app. You will do most things in the app while you’re at Disney. You can book tickets and dining reservations, purchase Lightning Lanes, check for current wait times, place mobile food orders, and so much more.
• Be realistic. There is never enough time to do it all, so don’t get discouraged when that doesn’t happen. As often as we’ve been to Disney, we always leave missing out on some things we wanted to do, and that’s ok. Relax, have a great time, and try to let expectations go. Just have FUN!
• Give yourself plenty of time. Getting from point A to point B at Disney World will always take longer than you think. Be aware of that when making your daily itinerary. If you have somewhere to be, like a dining reservation, ensure you give yourself enough time. 
• Disney experiences. Sometimes, people are so focused on the rides that they forget the experiences. Disney experiences like parades, shows, and character meet-ups are magical. Kids love them, and most are completely free! 

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And that’s a wrap! Remember that the first four steps are the most important and should be done as early as possible. Once those steps are done, you have plenty of time to research and educate yourself on other things. Have a magical trip!  

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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We talk a lot about saving money at Disney World here and on the site. From the cheapest way to go to Disney World to affordable meals and snacks, we share tips and tricks to help make Disney a little less of a hit on your wallet. But did you know that there are several Disney Springs happy hours? It’s a great way to save money on adult beverages at Disney World!

We used to live in Florida, so I’ve been going to Disney World my entire life. Once my kids were born, we took them nearly every year of their lives. Our whole family is obsessed with Disney World, so much so that my daughter completed a Disney college and professional internship and eventually worked full-time on the conservation team at Animal Kingdom! Disney World has always been a part of our lives, so we know firsthand how expensive it can be. (I sure do miss all of the cast member discounts she shared with us—ha!)

As adults in our 50s, Disney World is one of our favorite places to relax, shut out the world and responsibilities at home, and happily live in our “Disney bubble.” Most people think of crowds, chaos, and hot weather when they think of Disney World, but that is not our vibe. Our goal for every trip is to relax. We don’t do crowds, hot weather, or long lines. You can check out my slowest times to visit Disney World for more information. One of our favorite things is to end our day somewhere cozy and enjoy a cocktail, so we love to take advantage of Disney Springs happy hours.

Disney Springs Happy Hours

Hole in The Wall Bar at Raglan Road

• Location: The Landing
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 5 PM
• Highlights: $6 domestic beer, $6 premium well liquors, and $10 select house-made cocktails
• Raglan Road Happy Hour Menu

This is my husband’s favorite bar at Disney Springs. Give him a good Guinness, and he’s a happy man. The Hole In The Wall bar is where you want to go for a properly poured Guinness and the best fried fish on Disney property! There’s live music in the evenings, and the atmosphere is relaxed and fun.

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STK Disney Springs

• Location: The Landing
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 3 PM to 6:30 PM + Saturday & Sunday, 3 PM to 5:30 PM
• Highlights: $3 – $9 small plates +$9 specialty cocktails + $9 select wines by the glass
• STK Happy Hour Menu

One of the most popular items on the happy hour menu is the Lil’ Shroom Cheeseburger and Truffle Fries—for only $6!! It’s so good and such a great value!

Pro tip. Check the link above for times and locations. Some are restricted to the bar, lounge, and patio areas on certain days.

Jaleo by José Andrés

• Location: West Side
• Hours: Every day, 11:30 AM to 6 PM (bar + patio )
• Highlights: Sangrias for $7 + unique tapas from $4 to $6.50
• Jaleo by José Andrés Happy Hour Menu

This is one of the more popular Disney Springs happy hours because of delicious sangrias, which is why it’s actually called “sangria hour.” The tapas are amazing! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I LOVE the Pan con tomate!

Wolfgang Puck

• Location: Town Center
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 1 PM to 4 PM
• Highlights: $7 glasses of wine + bottomless mimosas
• Wolfgang Puck Happy Hour Menu (no menu posted online)

Very few people know about this happy hour, and I couldn’t find it on any lists. Before writing this post, I called and confirmed that they do still have a happy hour at the bar, and they purposefully don’t advertise it, lol. Sign me up for bottomless mimosas!

eet by Maneet Chauhan

• Location: Marketplace
• Hours: Every day, 2 PM to 5 PM
• Highlights: Half-off wine, beer, and cocktails
• eet by Maneet Chauhan Happy Hour (no menu posted online)

eet is new to the Disney Springs happy hour scene but already getting rave reviews. We can’t wait to try it on our next trip! Have you been?

Paradiso 37 – Disney Springs Happy Hour

• Location: The Landing
• Hours: Every day, 11 AM to 4 PM and 9 PM to 11 PM
• Highlights: House margaritas for $8 + domestic draft beers for $7
• Paradiso 37 Happy Hour Menu

While the food at Paradiso 37 has never been our favorite, they serve a solid margarita for eight dollars. This is another location that has two separate happy hour times.

House Of Blues

• Location: West Side
• Hours: Monday – Thursday, open to 5 PM and 9 PM to 11 PM
• Highlights: Live performances + larger food portions that can easily be shared
• House Of Blues Happy Hour Menu

We love the vibe at House of Blues! We grab a table outside, listen to live music and relax. While neither my husband nor I are smokers, my husband does like a good cigar on vacation, and this is one of the few places he can do that at Disney Springs. Also, note the two separate happy hour times here.

Terralina Crafted Italian

• Location: The Landing
• Hours: Every day, 4 PM to 6 PM (outside bar), 9 PM to 11 PM (inside bar)
• Highlights: Half-off wine by the glass + $6.50 beer + specials on bar bites
• Terralina Crafted Italian Happy Hour Menu 

There are two happy hour times and two bars here: one indoors and the other outside to the left of the entrance. This restaurant is often overlooked but is one of our favorites. The happy hour menu has unique options, such as herbed ricotta toast, which I highly recommend!

Stargazers Bar at Planet Hollywood

• Location: Town Center
• Hours: Every day, 4 PM to 7 PM
• Highlights: Beers for $5 + live music Friday and Saturday 7 PM to 11 PM
• Stargazers Bar Happy Hour Menu

It’s easy to miss Stargazers, and for years, we did. It’s a little bar tucked underneath Planet Hollywood serving cocktails, local craft beers, and a small lounge menu. If you’re a karaoke fan, you can sing your heart out on Wednesday nights from 7 PM to 11 PM!

Frontera Cocina

• Location: Town Center
• Hours: Monday – Thursday, 2 PM to 6 PM 
• Highlights: House margaritas $7 + 30% off appetizers + $3 off draft beers
• Frontera Cocina Happy Hour (no menu posted online)

While no menu is posted online, Frontera Cochina recently posted an incredible deal you can get at happy hour. For just $18, you can get a taco tree and a house margarita, and I hear the margaritas are very strong. I think this is perfect for sharing!

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The Happy Hours at Disney Springs as of September 2024 are:

• Hole in The Wall Bar at Raglan Road: Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 5 PM
• Jaleo by José Andrés: Every day, 11:30 AM – 6 PM (bar + patio )
• House Of Blues: Monday – Thursday, OPEN to 5 PM and 9 PM to 11 PM
• Terralina Crafted Italian: Every day, 4 PM to 6 PM (outside bar), 9 PM to 11 PM (inside bar)
• eet by Maneet Chauhan: Every day, 2 PM to 5 PM
• Paradiso 37: Every day, 11 AM to 4 PM and 9 PM to 11 PM
• Stargazers Bar at Planet Hollywood: Every day, 4 PM to 7 PM
• Frontera Cocina: Monday – Thursday, 2 PM to 6 PM
• STK: Monday to Friday, 3 PM to 6:30 PM + Saturday & Sunday 3 PM to 5:30 PM + Sunday 10 PM to close

Please let me know in the comments if you see any changes, and I will update the post!

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