One of our favorite places ever is Walt Disney World (link). As much as we love Disney World, our situation requires us to visit on a budget. To get that wiggle room, we prefer to stay offsite. Don't gasp, it's not that serious..
There are a few advantages to staying offsite.
*That welcomed break from the Disney mania to decompress.
*The way more reasonable price tag for your accommodations.
*The relaxing vibes that come with staying outside of Disney.
It may seem overwhelming to plan a Disney World vacation without the convenience of staying at a Disney World resort, but don't worry, I got you! In this post I'm going to share with you a perfect itinerary that does all the planning for you.
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Where is the best place to stay offsite?
We LOVE the Sheraton Vistana Resorts (link).
This place is a quick drive or free shuttle to the parks, has fabulous poolside vibes for adults and young children, and is the home to multiple eateries including sit down restaurants, poolside bars, and a coffee shop.
Tip: If vacationing with young kids, I recommend the Cascades pool. It's a gigantic pool with a large shallow end and sprinklers for the little kiddies. For the adults, there's a full bar, gorgeous views, and the relaxing sound of a waterfall.
Day One - Travel Day
No matter the mode of transportation, traveling is going to take the bulk of your day and you're most likely going to be tired. Taking that into account, we're easing into our trip.
Check into your accommodations.
Head over to Disney Springs (link) to shop, ride the carousel, and explore.
For my foodies, eat an early dinner at Paradiso 37 (link). For my adventure seekers, eat an early dinner at the T-REX Cafe (link). Don't forget to make ALL sit down meal reservations 60 days in advance.
Capture this moment in time with the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs. Don't forget to purchase the memory maker before your trip. It's WELL worth the fee.
Stop at Amorette's Patisserie (link) for dessert.
Day Two - Animal Kingdom
Of all the parks, Animal Kingdom seems to have the most unreliable of hours. Before settling on a day for it, make sure you check the hours for that day.
Grab a quick breakfast and coffee at the local Starbucks.
Start your day with the Safari ride since the animals are more likely to be out in the early morning.
Visit Pocahontas, King Louie, and Russel for an autograph and a hug.
Tip: Purchase your autograph book (link) before your trip to avoid paying for that overpriced book while at the parks.
Experience lunch at the Tusker House (link) for a fun character dining.
Head over to Discovery Island for fun activities and to give Rafiki a high five!
Enjoy a live performance and air conditioning. The live performances at Disney World are like being at a Broadway Show. They're totally worth the slow down.
Grab dinner at a quick service restaurant.
While eating, watch the Tree of Life Awakenings show.
Day Three - Magic Kingdom
Take advantage of the early access to Magic Kingdom park by booking an early breakfast at the Crystal Palace (link). Walk slow to appreciate the empty-ish park and to prepare to fangirl when you meet Winnie the Pooh himself!
Ask a Memory Maker photographer to snap an iconic picture in front of the castle before the park gets too crowded.
Grab a snack and a refreshing beverage at Gaston's Tavern (link). They serve a fabulous ham and gruyère tart and the most delicious cinnamon buns. Don't forget to pose in front of Gaston's fountain while flexing.
Find a seat to enjoy the midday parade and wave to your favorite characters.
Meet Stitch and Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland.
Ride the PeopleMover (link) for behind the scenes views of Space Mountain and Tomorrowland.
Eat a delicious Italian meal in town at Tony's Town Square Restaurant (link). Word is that this is where the Lady and the Tramp shared their famous spaghetti filled kiss!
Unwind and watch the Magic Kingdom nighttime spectacular with the castle as your backdrop.
Day Four - Pool Day
This is a day to relax and recuperate.
Grab a coffee and a breakfast sandwich at The Marketplace.
Find a seat at the Cascades pool to eat your meal. Don't forget to grab some lounge chairs near your table. I prefer to sit near the shallow end for the children, but also for the scenery.
Vegetate. Grab a mixed drink at the poolside bar. Vegetate some more.
Drive to the Grand Floridian for a dinner experience at 1900 Park Fare (link). This is a buffet style character dining that is to die for! The food is fabulous and the experience is magical.
After dinner, take the elevator to the second floor for a beautiful Photo Pass opportunity. Of all the memory makers that we did in Disney, this photoshoot was my absolute favorite. Why? See the picture above. This PhotoPass shoot was also the longest and most unique of all the photoshoots.
Explore the grounds.
Day Five - Epcot
Arrive early to enjoy a fun meal at Akershush Royal Banquet Hall (link). This was my favorite of all the breakfast meals. Delicious doesn't even describe it!
Ride on the Frozen Ever After ride.
Meet rare characters in the alleyway near the American Pavilion. Throughout the years we've met countless characters here that we haven't met anywhere else. This includes Mr. Smee and Pinocchio.
Join the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind aka, the most terrifyingly fun ride in Disney.
Chef kiss the air while eating a crepe in France.
Walk around the world while meeting some of the most loved Disney characters like Alice, Jasmine, Belle, Aurora, and Mulan.
Eat surrounded by sea creatures at the Coral Reef Restaurant (link).
Purchase an espresso gelato affogato in Italy and then find a seat to watch the nighttime spectacular.
Day Six - Magic Kingdom
Embrace the early entry again with a reservation at Cinderella's Castle (link).
Tip: If you can't get early entry at Cinderella's Royal Table (link) for breakfast, try to book a dinner here during the fireworks show. We did this a few years back and it was truly unforgettable!
Head over to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train before the wait becomes unbearable.
Meet Ariel in her grotto.
Visit the Adventureland area of the park to ride Pirates of the Caribbean, swoon over Captain Jack Sparrow, and cool down with a delicious Dole Whip.
Find Chip and Dale and ask them to Mambo. I do this to my daughter every trip. She turns red with embarrassment and then talks about how it's the highlight of the week every time!
Take a picture with a hitchhiking ghost at the Haunted Mansion.
Say hello to the Beast at the Be Our Guest (link) restaurant for an early dinner or late lunch.
When the sun goes down and everyone is watching the fireworks, head over to Rapunzel's tower for a beautiful PhotoPass picture with her floating lanterns.
Day Seven - Pool Day
Grab a coffee and a breakfast sandwich at The Marketplace.
Start your day at the Cascades pool so the kiddies can enjoy the sprinklers, waterfall, hammocks, and playground.
Play BINGO at the main pool or paint a sand dollar for a unique keepsake.
Drive to the Wilderness Lodge for the Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White (link) experience. This was by far the best dining experience we had. Not only was the food AMAZING, but the experience was like we were in a fairy tale. If you do one character dining while in Disney World, this is the one I recommend.
Meet the Evil Queen. Because, for me, that's the ultimate grand finale for our trip to Disney World!
Wave goodbye to Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the magic at Disney World!
Happy Traveling!
-R&W
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