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Mix Up Your Walt Disney World Vacation With These Ideas

space-mountain-disney-world
Credit: Disney

If you have been blessed with being able to visit Walt Disney World a few times, or if you are looking for ways to mix up your Disney vacation, we have a few suggestions for you. Consider these ideas as ways to mix up your Walt Disney World vacation and try something new from your normal. We hope these suggestions will help you have an even more magical vacation and help you find may be your next favorite.

Book a New Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Do you have a tendency to book the Disney Resort each time you visit Walt Disney World?  Mix it up by booking a different Disney Resort for your next vacation. If you typically stay at a Disney moderate Resort, consider looking at a value Resort such as Pop Century or even a Deluxe Resort for your next vacation.

By staying at a different Resort you can enjoy different Resort amenities such as pools and dining options. Staying at a new Resort can allow you to see Disney from a different point of view and even might have you finding your new favorite.

A good way to ease yourself into this is by doing a split stay. Consider booking both your traditional Resort as well as a few days at a new Resort. A split stay will allow you to experience a new Resort without committing to your whole vacation.  You have the comfort of what you are familiar with, but the excitement of trying out something new.

Book a New Dining Experience

Credit: Paula Kennedy

Walt Disney World seems to be constantly opening new and exciting dining options for Guests. Break out of your dining routine and try something new during your vacation. Disney has over 200 dining locations throughout the four Theme Parks, Resorts, and Disney Spring. If you are always eating at the same restaurant you are missing out on all the Walt Disney World has to offer.

Both Space 220 and Steakhouse 71 are excellent new options that have recently opened up in EPCOT and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Mix up your Walt Disney World vacation by booking a new dining location.  These can be new and popular locations or they could be underrated spots. Instead of booking the same dining reservation for the fifth time, consider trying out some new dining experiences, you might be surprised at what you discover.

Spend a Non-Park Day

Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course

Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (Credit: Disney)

If your typical Walt Disney World vacation includes visiting the Parks each and every day of the vacation, mix it up by having a non-park day. Consider doing something outside of the Park during your vacation to see all the additional magical experiences Disney has to offer. Being Park focused is normal for a Walt Disney World vacation, but we would encourage you to mix up your plans by trying out experiences that don’t require a Park ticket.

Disney Springs is a huge shopping and dining district that Guests can spend the whole day visiting. From having some excellent meals to seeing all of the unique shops, Disney Springs is a fun way to spend a non-park day. Another fun way to spend a non-park day is to visit Disney Resorts.  This could be the Resort you are staying at or visiting different Disney Resorts.

Disney Springs (Credit: Disney)

It is fun to take the monorail or Skyliner around to see the Disney Resort from a different perspective. There are activities such as mini-golf, bowling, and even movies that you can experience during your non-park day. Mix it up a little during your next vacation and have some time outside of the Resort.

Adjust Your Routine

EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion

Being a Disney veteran, you probably have a set routine when you visit the Theme Parks. We suggest adjusting this routine during your next vacation. Do you typically rope drop each day of your trip? Consider sleeping in and staying out late to see the Parks under the lights. Instead of eating all quick-service meals, think about trying out one sit-down meal for something different.

This applies to your routine in the Theme Parks as well. Do you always hit Space Mountain first in Magic Kingdom or always go to Canada first when you visit the World Showcase in EPCOT? Mix it up by trying something new when you arrive at the Parks. Go to Mexico first or try out Pirates of the Caribbean instead. Although it might not seem like a big change, it will allow you to experience the Park in a different way which can be a lot of fun.

Slow It Down

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom (Credit: Disney)

It can be extremely easy to get wrapped up in the fast-paced schedule at Walt Disney World. Mix it up by allowing yourself to slow down. Try not to plan out everything but focus on the big experiences like dining reservations and then allow the magic to happen in between. Slow down and smell the roses, or delicious popcorn and treats, throughout the Theme Parks.

People watching is fantastic in Disney World so grab a snack, find a bench and relax. We understand that planning is an important part of a Disney vacation; however, schedule some downtime as you are planning. This could be sleeping in or just unplanned time to hang out at the Theme Parks. By slowing down you can really breathe and enjoy the magic that is happening all around the Theme Parks.

Spaceship Earth (Credit: Zach Riddley)

The next time you head to Walt Disney World, we challenge you to mix it up with these ideas.  We hope that they will bring you some new, magical experiences during your Walt Disney World vacation.

About Jennifer Retzlaff

My name is Jennifer Retzlaff and I became a lifelong Disney fan during my first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of my life. I live in Iowa with my husband and two kids who are growing up too quickly for my liking. I started introducing my love for Disney early to my family with a Disney honeymoon and then trips when our youngest of 18 months. Since then, our family has been to Walt Disney World over five times and we continue to plan and dream for the next trip. I love the magic that Disney brings to people through the theme parks, cruises, adventures and movies they create. As a teacher, I try to bring that magic into my classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” I recently reached a dream of mine as I joined Magic Vacation Planner as a personal travel advisor. With this team, I can now help others plan magical vacations. As a passionate writer, I also have my own blog at magicalvacationsbyjen which is also where you can follow me on instagram for trip reviews along with tips and tricks for your next magical vacation.