How Many Days For Disney World? (19 Disney Tips and Tricks)

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Ever wondered how many days for Disney World when you’re planning a vacation?

Based on my personal experiences, I would recommend a full week in Orlando. Keep reading for my recommended Walt Disney World itinerary.

Note that the specific days for each park are not set in stone and can easily be switched around.

Day 1. Travel Day

Even if you arrive first thing in the morning on the first day I would recommend making this a park-free day at Walt Disney World. You’ll probably be exhausted from travel and could use some time to adjust to the time difference and get situated at your home resort.

Suggested Disney Venue: Disney Springs and/or a Disney Water Park and/or Disney Boardwalk

Suggested Disney Restaurant: Beaches and Cream Soda Shop (Disney’s Beach Club) or The Polite Pig (Disney Springs). You’ll love the shrimp and grits & pulled pork at The Polite Pig!

Don’t forget to get to bed early so you’ll be well rested for your first full day in the parks tomorrow!

Day 2. Magic Kingdom

Especially if it is your first trip to Walt Disney World, you’re going to want to see Cinderella’s castle and ride classics like Dumbo and Space Mountain on your first day in the parks. If however, this day falls on a weekend, I would suggest considering an alternative park such as Animal Kingdom.

Suggested First Ride (not using the Genie service): Space Mountain OR Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. If you are not at the front of the line for rope drop, I would recommend NOT rushing for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train as the line will grow faster than you can say Snow White.

Suggested Quick Service Restaurant: Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe (Frontierland). The fajita platter is very filling and great for sharing. It’s also mild so great for those who are hesitant about spice.

Suggested Table Service Restaurant: Be Our Guest (Fantasyland). You have got to try the amazing French Onion Soup (I would have happily eaten this + the serving of bread for my meal).

Day 3. Hollywood Studios

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – If you are a Star Wars fan, you’re going to want to get a spot in the virtual queue at 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. using the free My Disney Experience app.

TOP FREE TIP for getting a spot in the virtual queue. Have someone in your party pull up the world clock on their phone while you pull up the My Disney Experience app. Starting at 6:59:55 start refreshing the page until a reservation is available.

If you would rather pay for a Lightning Lane selection, you can access it at 7 a.m. (for Disney World Resort hotel guests) or park opening (all other guests) using the My Disney Experience app. When you reserve, you’ll be able to choose a return time from the available windows.

Suggested First Ride (not using the Genie service): Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway OR Slinky Dog Dash

Suggested Quick Service Restaurant: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (Galaxy’s Edge)

Suggested Table Service Restaurant: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (Commissary Lane)

Day 4. Rest Day

Half way through your week, a rest day is highly recommended. If you still want to do something on Disney property you could go for mini golf, golf, a water park, grab a meal at a deluxe resort, go shopping at the outlets, or visit Disney Springs.

Suggested Deluxe Resort Restaurant (with children): Chef Mickeys (Contemporary Resort)

Suggested Deluxe Resort Restaurant (for a romantic date): Victoria and Albert (Grand Floridian)

Grab a Drink at a Deluxe Resort: Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace (Polynesian Resort)

Day 5. Epcot

Suggested First Ride (not using the Genie service): Test Trek or Soarin’ Around the World

Suggested Quick Service Restaurant: Epcot is the perfect place to eat your way around the world. Be prepared to use your snack credits (once Disney Dining Plans return).

The one country to avoid for a snack would be the UK. The fish and chips at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop is probably the one to avoid (no flavor! bland! boring!).

Suggested Table Service Restaurant: Any of the World Showcase table service restaurants would make for a great meal especially if you time it to get a table by the lake for Harmonious. My favorite two choices would be (1) Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada), and (2) Restaurant Marrakesh (Morocco).

Day 6. Animal Kingdom

Suggested First Ride (not using the Genie service): Kilimanjaro Safari or Avatar Flight of Passage

Suggested Quick Service Restaurant: Yak & Yeti™ Local Food Cafes. FYI – if you have an allergy to gelatin, you’ll likely find it difficult to find an Asian dish on the menu to eat.

Suggested Table Service Restaurant:Tusker House Restaurant. This is one of the most unique character dining options with a mix of American and African dishes at the table. See Mickey, Donald Duck, and Goofy in their safari garb.

Day 7. Travel Day

If you have decided to get a 6 day park pass, the best half day park is Animal Kingdom since it usually opens the earliest.

But sadly this is your last day in Orlando and it’s time to pack your bags and make arrangements for your return trip home. Hope you’ve had a fabulous vacation at Walt Disney World!! Do let me know how it goes. You can find me on Instagram at @thejoyousliving. Tag or DM me with your stories and posts!

The Joyous Living