Disney World Trip {2024}

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We had the best time at Disney World last week! Come along for a recap with all my best tips and tricks for enjoying an adult-only week at the most magical place on earth.

WHAT WE DID

We booked a 5 night, 4 day package with the Park Hopper option. Over four days we visited Magic Kingdom 3 times, Hollywood Studios twice, and Epcot once.

We never do a full day in the parks (rope drop through fireworks). We either do an early morning and come back to the resort before 7 PM, or we take a break in the afternoon and rest in the resort for a couple hours before heading out for fireworks.

I don’t ride any of the “big” rides, so we don’t need to purchase Lighting Lanes or Genie+. Paul’s favorite ride is Rise of the Resistance in Hollywood Studios, which he was able to ride by hopping in the single rider line.

beauty and the beast live – hollywood studios

We did early entry (available for Disney Resort guests) at MK and HS and just went right to our favorite rides as soon as they let us in. One day we did Buzz Lightyear (MK) three times before 9 AM!

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WHERE WE STAYED

ranchos buildings at coronado springs resort

This is our third time to stay at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and it was the best experience so far. We love this resort because although it is located a little farther away from most of the parks, the location and size of the resort feels secluded and private.

the main building with dining and shopping

We were in Ranchos 6570, on the first floor of building 6B. It was such a nice location! Being across from one of the quiet pools was nice and would have been super convenient during the warmer months. We rarely heard people walking past our room.

paul enjoyed swimming in the heated pool!

Staying on Disney property offers some nice perks (not as many as they used to offer, but still…) like easy, free transportation anywhere on property, early access to the parks, and a range of dining options within walking distance of your room.

WHERE WE ATE

We did not use the Disney Dining Plan and paid out of pocket for our meals. Here’s where we ate:

• D-Luxe Burger (Disney Springs)
• Gaston’s Tavern (Magic Kingdom)
• The Spring Roll Cart at the Adventureland Bridge (MK)
• Columbia Harbor House (MK)
• Ronto Roasters (Hollywood Studios)
• Primo Piatto (Riveria Resort)
• Le Petit Cafe – Coffee (Riviera Resort)
• Casey’s Corner (MK)
• Space 220 (Epcot)
• El Mercado De Coronado (Coronado Springs Resort)
• Cafe Rix (Coronado Springs Resort)
• Snacks: Mickey Ice Cream Bar and Mickey Pretzel of course!

d-luxe burger

Almost everything we ate was delicious. Our top favorites were D-Luxe Burger, Primo Piatto and Cafe Rix. The two that disappointed us were Columbia Harbor House and El Mercado De Coronado.

primo piatto

I brought lots of breakfast food and snacks for our room. We mainly ate one full meal each day in the park, grabbed a snack or dessert from a cart, and supplemented with the things I brought (yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, green smoothies, peanut butter crackers, etc.).

space 220 – dining on the space station

this beet salad with caramelized goat cheese was amazing

Space 220 was a really fun experience, but it’s pricey. You ride in an elevator that makes it look and feel like you’re traveling to a space station! The food was delicious and the portions were very generous.

We spent $405 for about 13 meals or snacks. Prices are a little bit higher than I remember them being on our last trip in 2021, but that’s to be expected. Having the Disney Credit Card helps a lot – we bank rewards that we can use anywhere in the parks and we’re able to save 10% at some restaurants.

Just know that $405 didn’t come directly from our bank account. We use the Disney Visa to pay for repairs and large purchases, and those reward dollars help a ton!

TIPS FROM THIS TRIP

I have plantar fasciitis (hello 39!) and these shoes were amazing. We walked 45 miles over the course of the trip – sometimes 10 miles a day – and I can’t tell you how much those shoes made a difference. I got them on sale and paid around $55.

Here are a few notes I made for myself – lessons we learned this trip and things I want to remember for the next time we visit!

• Watch MK fireworks from the area outside Gaston’s Tavern
• Do not wear jeans. Just don’t. Even if you think it’s cool enough, you’ll still be miserable in tight pants.
• If you see a souvenir you think you might want, take a pic and note where you saw it
• Visit Epcot when there’s not a festival (we were there on the first day of Festival of the Arts and it was SO crowded)
• Bring earplugs for Fantasmic in Hollywood Studios (super fun night time show, but it is so loud)
• Bring a laundry basket
• Bring sandwich stuff and more substantial things for eating in the room (there is not a microwave)

We really enjoyed exploring the Riviera Resort and the Grand Floridian. I definitely recommend eating at moderate and deluxe resorts, even their quick service restaurants, for a more relaxed and upscale dining experience.

the grand floridian resort

It’s also really helpful to follow Disney influencers in the weeks leading up to your trip. I find it helpful to know what rides might be closed, how to navigate the parks, and to scout out new restaurants we want to try. I had an amazing latte at Le Petit Cafe in the Rivera Resort thanks to a tip from Disney Food Blog.

YouTube:

• The Tim Tracker
• Disney Food Blog
• Blair Lamb (check out her Disney vlogs)

Instagram:

• Making the MOUSE of it!
• Disney Food Blog
• Disney World

Disney World is such a great place to visit with your spouse. It’s really a very romantic atmosphere. With it just being the two of us, we were constantly in close proximity: riding on the bus, walking through crowds, waiting in lines, sitting together on rides, and watching fireworks. There are lots of chances to hold hands!

Especially staying on Disney property, you really feel like you’re away from everything. It’s easy to immerse yourself in the experience and just focus on having fun!

fantasmic! at hollywood studios

Thanks for coming along for my trip recap! What is your favorite thing about being at Disney World? Do you have questions for me? Leave them here and I’ll answer them on Instagram later this week.

More Disney Content:

• Disney World Trip: January 2021
• Coronado Springs Resort Review {Disney Trip 2019}