“You’re going to Disney again?” I know that I’m not the only one that has been asked that question from people wondering why we would choose to spend our time and money at a place we have already been. Whether you thought you were a “one-and-done” kind of family when it came to Disney trips, but ended up falling in love with The Most Magical Place on Earth or a seasoned visitor with decades of experience, here is how to keep trips to Walt Disney World exciting time and time again.
1. Visit Different Disney Parks.
There is no written rule that you must go to all four Walt Disney World Parks each time that you visit. Perhaps the first time you only purchase tickets for Magic Kingdom for your princess lovers or go to Hollywood Studios for the Star Wars fans. While there is nothing wrong with always visiting every park, varying which parks you visit on your subsequent vacations makes it feel fresh. Try adding in one of the water parks, Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, as well!
2. Attend an After-hours Event.
Seasonal after-hours events are held at all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Typhoon Lagoon. Planning to attend an after-hours party or event allows you to experience the park in a different light. After-hours events often include exclusive food and drink offerings, entertainment, and character meet-and-greets that are not offered during regular park hours! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are two popular events in Magic Kingdom and H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon are offered during the summer. Non-themed after hours tickets are also available on select dates thoroughout the year.
3. Try a resort-only vacation.
Have you every traveled to Walt Disney World and just skipped the parks all together? A resort-only stay not only saves you money when you don’t purchase park tickets, but truly provides sufficient time to experience all of the resort amenities. Enjoy daytime and evening activities without the worry of arriving before rope drop or whether you will get a Lightning Lanes for your favorite attraction! Resort-only stays allow you to relax and recharge while staying in the Magic.
4. Stay at a different resort.
Choosing a Disney Resort at which you have not yet stayed will most definitely make your Disney vacation feel fresh. The location, amenities, transportation options, and restaurants of the resort will offer you a different perspective during your vacation.
5. Plan your vacation for a different time of year.
Try visiting Walt Disney World during different seasons! What is offered in the spring is different from what you find in the summer, fall, or winter. With multiple festivals at EPCOT and holiday offerings at the other parks and resorts, visiting at a different time of year may be all you need to make your Disney vacation feel fresh.
6. Try new restaurants and character dining.
While there are traditions and beloved favorites, aim to try at least one new restaurant somewhere in Walt Disney World during return visits. Making a reservation at a dining location at a different resort than the one at which you are staying can allow you to resort hop on a non-park day and eating at a new-to-you character meal provides a different special experience.
7. Travel with different family or friends.
Varying the members of your travel party keeps return trips to Walt Disney World exciting. Bringing extended family or leaving the kids at home will result in a completely different vacation, allowing you to do some activities while evading others. An itinerary with children may include many character sightings, a lot of time in Fantasyland, and hourly stops for ice cream while an adults-only trip may contain more table service reservations, lounge visits, and late nights in the parks.
The truth is, every trip to Walt Disney World is unique and can vary in length of stay, number or parks visited, and resort choice. The time of year and the members of your travel party also can change the details of your vacation. If you are uncertain whether it is worth revisiting Walt Disney World after already having an amazingly memorable trip, follow the tips above to keep your itinerary fresh and enjoy your vacation in the Magic.
What is your best advice for keeping Disney trips exciting year after year? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Shelley Wehler
Contributing Writer
Shelley is a stay-at-home mother of two girls living outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her love of all things Disney has grown even more as she sees the magic come alive through the lens of her young daughters. She spends her free time keeping up with the latest in Disney news and daydreaming of her next trip to the parks!
