Planning Tips

Why You Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Do Everything at Walt Disney World

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4 theme parks. 2 water parks. Disney Springs. Resort amenities. Sounds like a lot – because it is. Even if you live in Orlando, it would be hard to hit it all. WDW is constantly changing and evolving, which is why people (like us) go back year after year.

There is so much to see and do, so where do you even start when planning a trip? It can feel daunting, so you need to accept one fact before delving in to the planning: you physically cannot do everything WDW has to offer. You can’t even do all the things you want to do, and that’s okay!

That’s why pre-trip planning is SO important. You need to have a game plan when you show up to WDW if you want to hit your “Must Do’s.” Time is of the essence in WDW, but so many families and groups waste huge amounts of time waiting in lines, waiting for reservations, waiting for transportation – wait, wait, wait!

You’ve spent so much $$ on your vacation, so spending the time on the prep work for your trip is the best way to get the most bang for your buck. Sure, WDW has deals and discounts on things, but taking the time to plan out your days in the Happiest Place on Earth truly will make or break your vacation.

Start by mapping out what parks you want to hit each day of your trip (this will depend on if you have a Park Hopper). Then you need to make dining reservations, Fast Pass+ selections, and a game plan for the rest of your time in WDW.  Do your research so you know the ins and outs of the system before your window opens to make all of your reservations and selections!

If all of this planning work sounds overwhelming, reach out to us! We’d love to do it for you 😊

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Reviews

Restaurant Review: Chefs de France

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WDW Park Planners Rating: 

Location: Epcot® World Showcase

Our family used to dine at Chefs de France on almost every trip to WDW. We hadn’t been there in a few years, so decided to add it to our itinerary this past August. It was exactly as I remembered it, and we had a great dinner together.

Dining at Chefs de France feels as though you’re eating at a charming cafe on the streets of Paris. It’s a great, easy spot for families to enjoy lunch or dinner in the World Showcase. We usually go for dinner, mostly because we have other lunch spots that we like to hit up in Epcot. The servers, who are all from France, have always been incredible friendly and helpful.

The main menu is obviously very French-focused, with a kids menu also offering dishes with a slight French flair (in case you have very picky eaters like we did, be sure to check the menu in advance of booking). The food is good, but not one of our favorites in the World Showcase. Upstairs above Chefs de France is the nicer restaurant, Monsieur Paul. It’s a totally different atmosphere – think white tablecloths – and in our opinion has better food (which comes with a higher price tag and a dress code).

We’ve never had a bad experience at Chefs de France, so we consider this a solid go-to option. If you have older kids or are more adventurous foodies, there are other spots we would recommend going first (in addition to Monsieur Paul in France, Mexico, Germany and Canada are a few of the best!).

Post-dinner, be sure to stop by L’Artisan de Glaces (also in France) for some ice cream or sorbet to enjoy while you watch Illuminations!

WDW Park Planners Tip:

Book your dinner reservation approximately 1.5 hours in advance of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. That way, you have enough time to enjoy your dinner and then walk out directly to watch the fireworks! The viewing area from France outside of the restaurant is usually pretty quiet, but you can also head over to the bridge that leads to the United Kingdom for one of the prime viewing locations (which will likely be a bit more crowded).

Reviews

Must Do: Main Street Confectionery

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By: Elizabeth Gerth, Featured Blogger

Elizabeth is the third sister in the Gerth family. She is currently a senior at Trinity High School and loves animals, the arts, writing, and of course, all things Disney. She is excited for the next chapter in her life as she prepares for college!

As I’m sitting here in class, all I can think of is Disney World’s Main Street Confectionery. Partially because my classroom currently smells like the Main Street Confectionery. Also, I have a sweet tooth. It’s uncanny how similar it smells of sugar floss with accompanying notes of happiness and chocolate.

Just the scent alone brings back smiles and memories from my family’s vacation this past August. After growing up and going to Walt Disney World every summer with my family, I can say that the adorable old-fashioned sweet shop is definitely one of my favorite shops that I have to stop in every trip (and maybe buy a lil’ something-something). The shop offers caramel apples that resemble your favorite Disney pals, Mickey-shaped rice krispie treats, and plenty of fudge and other sweet treats to please the whole group. You can even watch the confectioners dip and decorate the apples, or bag freshly made cotton candy. Young and old alike can’t help but feel like a “kid in a candy store” after stepping into the charming shop.

The best part of the Confectionery is to leisurely stroll down Main Street U.S.A., taking in all the sites and sounds (listen for the music!) while we enjoy our treats. Did you know that the turn-of-the-century Main Street U.S.A was mainly inspired by Marceline, Missouri, which is Walt’s beloved hometown?

If you happen to be in the right place at the right time, you may get to see the Dapper Dans, a barbershop quartet, perform! They’re a Main Street classic and have sung a few special songs to various family members over the years. There’s never a shortage for things to see and do on Main Street U.S.A., so be sure to take in all the magic!