If you know me you know that Disney is my middle name! Here are my tips, tricks and recommendations for a great trip! I am purposely keeping these lists narrow to highlight my favorite must-do’s since Disney has so much to offer.
Sections
5
Dining
Outfits
Free Activities
Tips & Tricks
Resorts
Dining
One of the best spots for a special occasion! Located at the contemporary resort this restaurant is only a monorail stop away from the Magic Kingdom. Food here never disappoints, their wine selection is excellent and we learned last year that they ar...
Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary Resort
Chef Mickeys to this day is still one of the most memorable meals I had in Disney as a kid. This one is GREAT for the little ones. On top of the interactive character experience you have a view of the monorail coming in and out of the Contemporary Re...
Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary
This is our FAVORITE resort spot when we have the night off from the parks. The food is incredible, they have delicious sangria flights and the atmosphere is always calming.
Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Coronado Springs
Nothing crazy special about this place for dinner, but the dinner menu does have many options. I’m mostly recommending this one for breakfast. They have fancy coffees with churros, Mickey waffles stuffed with fried chicken and so much more!
Rix Sports Bar & Grill at Coronado Springs
This is such a beautiful lounge, the food is amazing and you’ll even get a little view of the fireworks from the balcony. The choices are a little more upscale but makes for a fun night!
Dahlia Lounge at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
This is one of my favorite spots for some GREAT comfort food! They also have a fun moonshine flight that I recommend everyone tries!
Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' at Disney Springs
This has been one of my all time favorite meals over the past 5 years. A GREAT date night or family spot. It can be a little noisy because it is a restaurant that allows all ages but the food is incredible. I recommend trying the Mac n Cheese side an...
Le Cellier Steakhouse at Epcot
This is one of the most unique character meet and greets in all of Walt Disney World. This is the only time you’ll be able to sit down and have breakfast with your favorite characters from the Hundred Acre Wood!
The Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom
Only one thing to say… GET THE CHURROS!
Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom
MAKE THE RESERVATION! This spot on Batuu is one of the most popular spots to grab a drink at in Hollywood Studios so you’ll want to grab your reservation 60 days out from your trip. Go for the fun Star Wars vibes and stay for the Fuzzy Tauntaun that ...
Oga's Cantina at Disney's Hollywood Studios
If you need a fun spot in Hollywood Studios to eat with the kiddos (or if you’re a kiddo yourself like me) this is such a fun spot! Be sure to ask for Cousin Whitney if she’s available and get the fried chicken!
50's Prime Time Café at Hollywood Studios
This is such a fun spot to grab lunch or dinner. The menu is fantastic and the views are beautiful! They also have a cookie bar with endless options.
Summer House on the Lake
Outfits
I always recommend purchasing at least one pair of ears to commemorate each trip whether you order them before the trip or purchase them during. Plus they always make a fun accessory on park days!
Adult Ear Hats & Headbands
These will forever be my go-to park shoes. They are extremely comfortable to walk long distances in and they don’t cause blisters.
Air Force 1 Shoes
I am OBSESSED with these socks! I wear them every Disney trip. They are super comfortable and don’t suffocate your feet on a hot park day.
Disney Cartoon Character Mid-Calf Socks 5-Pack Featuring Mickey, Donald, Minnie, and Pooh
Shopping online before your trip is essential if you’re looking to keep the budget low. ShopDisney typically has a ton of deals that the stores in the parks don’t have.
Adult T-Shirts
This is my FAVORITE shop to buy my Disney shirts from. This one is especially for the emo kids and swifties!
The Lost Bros
I love these socks! So cute and gives a little Disney touch to your outfit.
Disney Winnie The Pooh Friends Varsity Crew Socks 5 Pair
Box Lunch has some of the most fun Disney outfit pieces and accessories.
BoxLunch | Get Some, Give Back
Hot Topic is going to be one of the BEST spots to find Disney Graphic tees.
I love this skirt especially for the little phone holder slot in the shorts.
Crossover Flounce Skirt Ultra Mini
Free Activities
Walking around Disney springs is always my favorite first and last thing to do even if I don’t plan to purchase anything. You’ll still get a small taste of magic even if the budget doesn’t call for it!
PRO TIP: Disney Springs is open to the public ...
Disney Springs
Although it’s linking you to a sip and snack experience, visiting Disney resorts is completely FREE! Just keep in mind that you’re only able to park at the resort you are staying at. This is a good time to utilize the monorail and Skyliner routes.
Skyliner Sip & Snack Strategy
Have a day off at the resort? Each Disney Resort has free activities and amenities for you and your family including a pool area, movies under the stars, campfire singalongs and so much more!
Free Resort Activities
Fun Fact: you don’t have to be in the parks to see the fireworks! Click the link to see where else the best FREE spots to view the fireworks shows are. Scroll down to “Monorail Resorts” for the best results.
The Best FREE Magic Kingdom Fireworks Views
The Boardwalk is another great place to explore when you have the day off! They have everything from entertainment, to themed bars, ice cream, restaurant, and beautiful views! The Boardwalk area also consists of multiple hotels to adventure into and ...
Disney's Boardwalk | Walt Disney World Resort
This is not a drill! If you’re staying at a Disney owned resort in 2025 or in Summer of 2026 your resort reservation will come with many perks, one being a FREE admission to one of the two Walt Disney World Water Parks. This admission is only valid o...
FREE Disney Waterpark Day
Tips & Tricks
Whether you choose to purchase the bracelets ahead of time or on your trip, Little Words Project friendship bracelets are such a fun and simple accessory to add to your park outfits!
Little Words Project-Disney Springs
Do the research on Lightening Lane and Multi Pass to get the most out of your time in the parks. The extra $$ is worth it!
Plan Ahead and Save Time in Line with Lightning Lane Passes - Disney World
Stop wasting $6 on a Dasani water in the parks. Disney is FULL of free water stations to re-fill your tumblers
Insulated, Stainless Steel Tumblers
Stop wasting $6 on a Dasani water in the parks. Disney is FULL of free water stations to re-fill your tumblers.
FreeSip® Water Bottle
Soak one of these in cold water and stay cool all day!
Cooling Towel
Never lose charge while you’re standing in the 3 hour long line Seven Dwarfs Mine Train😜
Solar Chargers
Want to save a few bucks? Shop from Publix when you arrive at your resort for snacks, lunch supplies, water bottles and more so you’re not stuck eating expensive on your whole trip. This is a PRO tip from the Disney regulars.
Publix: Where Shopping is a Pleasure
It seems silly but it goes a long way especially when you’re sitting in long lines in the heat.
O2COOL Deluxe Handheld Misting Fan Colors May Vary: Portable Personal Spray Fan, Battery Operated, Smooth Plastic Finish
Save your money in Disney and just grab one of these at Walmart. One of my favorite purchases!
O2COOL 3.5 inch Battery Powered Misting Fan for Personal Cooling - Raspberry
Fans are always a great option!
Vivitar Everyday Gifting Mini Portable Fan
Resorts
If you’re doing an adult trip (no kids) Coronado Springs is going to be the best bang for your buck! This resort is as beautiful as a Deluxe resort but is actually categorized a moderate resort. Although the resort itself is rather large which can be...
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort & Gran Destino Tower - Disney World
This is my go-to value resort! With access to not only the bus stations but also the convenience of the Skyliner, Pop-Century is a fun one for families who are on a budget and or with kids. The theming is nostalgic for the adults and fun and interact...
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Although I’ve never stayed at this Drury I can’t say enough good things about Drury Hotels. The Disney one I’ve heard is no exception to that. Not only are you getting beautiful new rooms as the hotel has just gone up within the past few years, your ...
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando - Disney Springs® Area
This resort is BEAUTIFUL! One of my favorite stays I’ve had. We have the pleasure of staying in one of the royal rooms and it was incredible.