A short trip to Disney World can feel intimidating. How do you see the best of everything when you only have a few days? These questions are what inspired me to write a post on how to plan a long weekend at Disney World.
When it comes to seeing the best of Walt Disney World, you need to know how to put your time to good use. A long weekend can be the perfect Disney World getaway, but only if you’re mindful of how you’re spending your time.
Let’s talk about trip planning so you can get down to business planning a long weekend at Disney World that you won’t forget!
Set Your Walt Disney World Priorities
First, you need to create a list of what you MUST DO. These are the things you can’t live without. Depending on how much time you have in each park, you won’t be able to do it all. That’s totally okay as long as you prioritize what matters most to you.
Start by creating a list of what you need to do. Follow this list by what you’d like to do. Everything not included is something you can live without. Knowing these must-dos at Disney World will help you make sure you have a great time at the parks.
Stay on Property
Another tip for maximizing your long weekend at Disney World is to make sure you stay on (or near) property. Traveling to and from the Disney World parks will quickly eat up your time that you could be spending in the parks.
If possible, stay on property. Here’s an easy guide to saving money on Disney World hotels to help you find the perfect stay. Otherwise, if you must stay off-property, check out this list of great hotels near Walt Disney World that are affordable and not too far from the parks.
While money usually plays a big role, try to stay close to where you want to be. For instance, if you want to visit Epcot or Hollywood Studios during your trip, staying at the Boardwalk or the Beach Club would be a great idea.
Consider a Park Hopper
As an Anual Passholder, I’m a big fan of the park hopper option. When you’re limited to a long weekend at Disney World, a park hopper is the best way to see most of the parks.
If you’re trying to see all of the parks during your trip, this is a must. As long as you prioritize your must-dos, you should be able to swing a half-day in each park. This is especially true if you’ve visited before and know your way around a bit.
Use the My Disney Experience App
The My Disney Experience app is your new best friend during your long weekend at Disney World. It’s how you’ll check wait times, mobile order, and make Fastpass+ reservations.
Download the app before your trip and take some time to get to know it. Know how to look up park maps, wait times, and dining reservations so you know how to use it to your advantage when you’re in the parks. It’ll be a real time saver!
Skip Sit Down Dining
Don’t get me wrong, I love sit-down dining at Disney World. In fact, I’ve even shared some of my favorite dining experiences at Disney World that are worth experiencing.
However, when you only have a long weekend at Disney World, you need to make the most of the time you have. A sit-down dining reservation can take a lot of time out of your day. There’s not only traveling to the dining location, waiting for a seat, and then the entire experiencing of enjoying your meal.
The good news is there are so many great quick-service and casual places to grab a bite to eat both at the parks and the hotels. You can still have a great meal without worrying about a long wait.
Bonus tip: to save even more time, I highly recommend mobile ordering. I’d suggest ordering through the My Disney Experience App earlier in the day, and then clicking “prepare order” when you’re walking to the food pickup area. It should be ready just as you walk up!
Don’t Over Plan
One huge mistake is to over-plan during your trip. You try to do it all, and you’ll just fall short. It’s okay to relax, take things slow, and skip out on some experiences.
It’s best to only pick a few rides and attractions each day. From there, let yourself go with the flow. You might catch a parade, explore a new part of the park, or even just kick back with a drink with some help from my Disney guides for adults:
Is It Possible to See Disney World in a Long Weekend?
As to the question of whether it’s possible to see Disney World in a long weekend, my answer is yes! I’ve been spending long weekends in Disney World for my entire life. It’s a great way to get a sneak peek of the parks, try new things, and get your Disney-fix without a full-blown weekend.
Let’s face it: Disney is expensive. A long weekend trip to Disney World is an affordable alternative that won’t break the bank, but that still lets you see the best of Disney. If you’re on the fence about your long weekend trip, I highly recommend just going for it!
Get Ready for Your Long Weekend at Disney World
Are you ready for your long weekend trip? It’s time to start planning! Planning for your Disney World vacation is the best part, so don’t get overwhelmed with these tips above.
Have you ever planned a long weekend at Disney World? If so, how did it go? Let me know in the comments!
