Hiya Pals! I’m here to tell you the answers to all the questions I get asked the MOST about planning a Disney trip. Frequently, I get asked what I should do, where should I stay, what is Genie+ and lots more. Read on to find my answers to the 5 most asked questions.
Where should I stay?
First up, my most frequently asked question is “Where should I stay?” My most favorite moderate resort is Yacht Club. They have an amazing pool and it’s gorgeous! We recently stayed at Wilderness Lodge and had a phenomenal time! Additionally, I recommend staying at Pop Century. You can learn more about the resort choices here. You can’t pick a bad resort.
Sometimes you may want to stay off Disney property. This is a great option for those looking to save even more money. We do not often stay off property, but it is a great option as well. I would suggest staying at a good neighbor hotel, so you have access to all the perks of staying on site.
What is Genie+
Secondly, my next most frequently asked question is “What is Genie+ and do I need it?” Genie+ is the new fastpass system that holds your place in line. It launched in Disney World in October 2021. It is a paid service and allows you get in a quicker line and experience rides in a shorter amount of time. You can choose to pay for this service each day and each member of your party must have added this feature if they plan on taking advantage of it. It will cost $15 per person per day. This can add up quickly for a large family over a longer trip.
Leading me to the second part of this question “Do I need it?” In my opinion- NO! We go often, and I’ve only used Genie+ once. I did feel like we made it worth it since we only used it for one day, and it was really crowded. However, I don’t think you really need it to have a great trip. If you opt out of Genie+ I think a better suggestion would be to take advantage of the Early Entry for Disney resort guests.
When should I make reservations?
Third up on the list is “When should I make reservations?” You should reserve your hotel stay as soon as possible. You will be required to make a small deposit, but this locks in the dates and resort you want. As far as Dining or Park reservations go, you’ll need to reserve those things at the 60-day mark. You can also book tours or boutique offerings 60 days before your trip. Reservations open up at 7:00am eastern time, and you’ll want to reserve early if it’s a sought-after meal.
What should I do?
Moreover, I get asked “What should I do there?” a lot. There is always something new to see, taste or experience. So, the answer here is very fluid. I would suggest figuring out something each family member wants to do and basing your day around that. We focus mostly on rides, and often try not to “double back” on ourselves. If a family member is excited to meet characters and get a lot of autographs your day will look different than a family who is focused on thrill rides. Familiarize yourself with the things your family members like and go from there.
What time of year is best?
Lastly, I get asked “What time of the year is best?” My honest opinion is whenever works for you and your family, but my FAVORITE time is January-February. It is still (usually) warm in Florida and the crowds are (usually) lighter. If you can avoid summertime (late June-late August) I would suggest doing so. It is HOT everywhere, but especially central Florida! If you plan on going in the summer months, I really suggest taking advantage of the Early Entry hours, taking a break in the room or pool mid-day and heading back to a park after dinner. This gives you lots of park time while avoiding the peak heat.
What next?
Ready to plan your Disney trip? Contact our friend Erica, she can book your trip and help get you the best deal.
If you have questions specific to your upcoming trip, feel free to comment below and we’ll do our best to help you plan some Disney magic. Meanwhile, you can follow us on Instagram here or Pinterest here.
