Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is exciting for anyone, but for international travelers, there are a few extra steps to consider to make your visit smooth, magical, and stress-free. Whether you’re flying in from Europe, Asia, South America, or anywhere around the globe, this guide covers what you need to know before setting off on your Disney adventure.
Travel Documentation and Visas
Before anything else, ensure you have the proper travel documents. Depending on your country of origin, you may need a U.S. tourist visa. Check the requirements well in advance and apply early to avoid any delays.
When to Visit and How Many Days
The best times to visit Disney World are typically during the off-peak seasons: mid-January through early March and late August through early November. These months usually mean fewer crowds and more comfortable weather. You can also choose to visit during the holidays for a magical, festive atmosphere. From mid-November through December, Disney goes all out with stunning décor, themed treats, and special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Just note that this time tends to be busier, so planning early is key.
To narrow down the best time for your trip, consider what’s most important to you—whether it’s avoiding crowds, enjoying seasonal events, or taking advantage of cooler weather—and plan accordingly.
Choosing Where to Stay
Staying on Disney property comes with a variety of perks that can make your trip more convenient and magical:
- Early park entry, allowing you to enter the parks a half hour earlier than non-resort guests.
- Complimentary transportation throughout the resort, including buses, boats, the Monorail, and the Skyliner.
- Early access to Lightning Lane selections, giving you a head start on booking those hard-to-get ride times.
If you choose to rent with DVC Shop, you can stay in accommodations that may include a full kitchen and in-room washer and dryer, depending on the room category. These amenities are especially helpful for longer stays, allowing you to cook your own meals and do laundry without leaving your room.
Even if you’re not staying DVC, every Disney resort has a communal laundry facility available to all guests. It’s perfect for freshening up clothes mid-trip or traveling lighter by re-wearing outfits.
Whether you’re looking for convenience, comfort, or a bit of both, staying on-site is a great way to immerse yourself in the Disney magic from start to finish.
Tickets
Each of Disney’s parks offer their own special experiences, so it’s a good idea to plan at least one full day for each. You can choose between a single-park ticket (one park per day) or a Park Hopper pass, which allows you to visit multiple parks in one day.
Depending on the time of year, you might also catch a special event like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, After Hours Events, or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. These require a separate ticket and often sell out fast, so be sure to plan ahead if one’s on your wish list!
Transportation Tips
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport. While Disney no longer offers the Magical Express bus service, you can book airport transfers, rent a car, or use ride share services like Uber or Lyft. Once inside the resort, Disney provides buses, boats, monorails, and the Skyliner gondola system to transport you between Disney properties.
Using the My Disney Experience App
Download the My Disney Experience app before your trip—it’s your go-to hub for everything from park maps and wait times to mobile food ordering and Lightning Lane bookings. Make sure to link your tickets, hotel, and dining reservations in advance to keep all your plans organized in one place.
Take some time to explore the app before you go so you’re comfortable navigating it. Learn how to locate restrooms and rides, book Lightning Lanes, and check park hours. A little practice ahead of time can make your park days much smoother.
WIFI
Using the internet is an essential part of daily life, especially when navigating a trip. Before you travel, check with your mobile provider to see what international coverage your plan includes. The good news is that Disney offers free Wi-Fi throughout its parks and resorts, so you can stay connected without relying solely on your data plan.
Dining Tips
Dining reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and are recommended for popular restaurants. If you’re trying to save, quick-service dining is affordable and still delicious. Also, remember you can bring your own snacks and water bottles into the parks!
Keep in mind that tipping is customary in the U.S. Be prepared to tip service staff such as waiters, bellhops, and housekeeping. When dining at table-service restaurants, plan to add a gratuity (typically 15–20%) unless it’s already included in your bill—this often happens automatically for larger parties.
Cultural Tips & Language Support
Disney is incredibly international-friendly. You’ll find Cast Members (staff) who speak multiple languages and signage in English with support available in several other languages.
Money Matters
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Walt Disney World, and for added convenience, you can link a card to your MagicBand to make purchases with just a tap. Currency exchange services are available at the airport and at select Disney resort locations. Before you travel, check with your bank to understand any international transaction fees, and notify them of your travel dates to avoid having your card flagged for suspicious activity while you’re enjoying your trip.
Health and Safety
Make sure you have travel insurance that covers health care in the U.S. Bring any necessary medications in your carry-on bag, and consider packing sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes. First aid stations are located in every park and staffed by nurses.
Bringing Disney Magic Back Home
Don’t forget to plan time for shopping! Disney offers shipping, for an additional cost, if you don’t want to carry souvenirs home in your luggage. Check with guest services to be sure they can ship to your location. Also, keep an eye out for special merchandise exclusive to certain parks or events.
Visiting Disney World as an international guest may take a bit more planning, but with the right preparation, it’s absolutely worth it. The magic, memories, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences will be more than enough to make your journey unforgettable. Safe travels and see ya real soon!
Stay At Deluxe Resorts For Less
If you’d like to view confirmed reservations for rent at Disney’s Deluxe resorts, you can experience Disney’s most luxurious resorts for less, even without being a DVC member! If you’re interested in becoming a member, and joining the DVC family, you can save thousands by shopping from our current DVC resale listings.
DVC Deluxe Resorts
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Marissa Coffta
Marissa’s lifelong enchantment with Disney magic began in her childhood and has continued to flourish. She is a mom to 3, who frequently embarks on solo or family adventures to Disney World. Currently living out of state, she takes many modes of transportation to experience the wonder of Disney firsthand. Her fervent passion for writing fuels her with the hopes of bringing the world of Disney to life, making the magic a part of her world.
