Welcome to the Disney World Training Outline. This outline is arranged in order of how I feel you should read these posts. Please start at the top and work your way down. I hope it helps you to have the most magical trip possible!
How Much Disney World Costs
Actual trip costs from Couponing to Disney Readers
::Get a free Disney Parks Vacation Planning DVD::
Perks of using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (aka Travel Agency)
Yes You Can Apply A Discount After Your Vacation Is Booked
Check Out The Current Disney World Specials Here
Disney is for everyone
Taking an autistic child to Disney World
How to eat allergy free at Disney
The magic of Disney through the eyes of a child with disabilities
Our experience with the Guest Assistance Card
When To Go To Disney World
When is the best time to go to Disney?
The 4 seasons of Disney Resort prices
How many days do you need for a Disney trip
Best time of the year to visit Disney World
Use historic park hours to determine your dates
Determine your travel dates with Touring Plans (Plus 20% off TouringPlans Discount)
Plan your dates around Disney Events
Traveling during Hurricane Season? Should you?
Turn Disney into an educational experience
How young is too young for Disney
How To Save On Your Disney World Trip
10 ways to save on the overall cost of your trip
Money saving tips for your trip
Hints and tips on booking your Disney trip
The Disney Chase Visa (difference between the Rewards and Premier Cards)
How to get a PIN Code
Traveling with 8 or more people? You are a Grand Gathering!
Unique experiences offered to Grand Gatherings
Florida Residents can now pay monthly for their season passes
Volunteer with Disney and earn free tickets
YES Program at Disney World and Disneyland | Educational Classes and Discount Tickets
Where To Stay
Top 10 reasons to stay on-site
Top 10 reasons to stay off-site
The differences between Value, Moderate and Deluxe resorts
Cheapest Place To Stay On-Site
Renting a Disney Villa from DVC Owners
Value Resort
All Star Movies
All Star Music
All Star Sports
Pop Century
Art of Animation
Moderate Resorts
Caribbean Beach
Port Orleans French Quarter
Port Orleans Riverside
Ft. Wilderness Campground
Ft Wilderness Cabins
Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
Boardwalk Inn
Yacht Club Resort
Wilderness Lodge
Polynesian
Grand Floridian Resort and Spa (Check out the new Alice in Wonderland Splash Park)
Contemporary
Bay Lake Towers
Beach Club Resort
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Other Resorts
Shades of Green
Swan and Dolphin
The Villas
Off-Site Resorts
Resort Tips
Where to stay with parties of 5 or more
Sleep up to 10 people at Ft. Wilderness in a rented camper
FREE Wifi Now Included In All Rooms
Jogging Maps Available At Front Desk
How To Travel
How to entertain your kids on long car rides
Disney Themed Goodie Bags for Traveling
How to Get Deals on Rental Cars
Taking the Train To Disney World
Types Of Tickets
Understand all the options for Disney Tickets
Purchasing the No Expiration Add On
Purchase an Annual Pass to save money
Water Parks Fun and More Option
Is there such thing as a cheap one day ticket?
Don’t buy more ticket than you will use
YES Program at Disney World and Disneyland | Educational Classes and Discount Tickets
Disney World and Universal Discount Tickets (more info)
Dining Plan Details
Dining Plan Questions Answered
Is the Quick Service plan worth it?
Dining At Disney
Save money by ordering groceries
What do I need to know about dining at Disney?
Dining with an Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR)
More on making Advanced Dining Reservations
New Restaurants Added to 2012 Dining Plan
Dining plan questions answered
New Kid’s Meal Choices at the Magic Kingdom
Restaurants that require reservations (ADRs)
Character meals (more info)
1900 Park Fare (dinner)
Chef Mickey’s
‘Ohanas
Donald’s Safari Breakfast
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Hollywood and Vine
Crystal Palace
Akershus
Garden Grill
Garden Grove
1900 Park Fare’s Supercalifragilistic Breakfast
Cape May Cafe
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Crystal Palace
Plaza Restaurant
Liberty Tree Tavern
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
Be Our Guest Restaurant
Animal Kingdom
Tusker House Breakfast (Donald’s Safari)
Tusker House Lunch/Dinner
Rainforest Cafe (sit down restaurant that doesn’t require ADRs)
Yak and Yeti RestaurantÂ
Hollywood Studios
50’s Prime Time Cafe
Hollywood Brown Derby
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Hollywood and Vine
Epcot
Coral Reef Restaurant
Les Chefs de France
La Hacienda de San Angel
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Nine Dragons Restaurant
Restaurant Marrakesh
Rose and Crown
San Angel Inn
Tutto Italia Ristorante
Akershus
Garden Grill
Via Napoli
Teppan Edo
Rose and Crown
Resorts
Boma (Animal Kingdom) Review by Kim
Jiko – The Cooking Place (Animal Kingdom)
Sanna (Animal Kingdom)
Cape May Cafe (Beach Club)
Big River Grille & Brewing Works (Boardwalk Villas)
Kouzzina (Boardwalk)
Beaches and Cream (On the Boardwalk by Epcot)
ESPN Club (On the Boardwalk by Epcot)
 Shutters at Old Port Royale (Caribbean Beach Resort)
California Grill (Contemporary) [Readers Review]
The Wave (Contemporary)
Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary)
Maya Grill Restaurant (Coronado Springs)
Trails End Restaurant (Ft. Wilderness)
1900 Park Fare’s Supercalifragilistic Breakfast (Grand Floridian)
1900 Park Fare dinner (Grand Floridian)
Grand Floridian Cafe (Grand Floridian)
Narcoosee’s (Grand Floridian)
Citricos (Grand Floridian)
Victoria and Albert’s (Grand Floridian)
Kona Cafe (The Polynessian)
‘Ohanas for Breakfast (The Polynessian)
‘Ohanas for Dinner (The Polynessian)
Boatwright’s Dining Hall (Port Orleans)
The Turf Club (Saratoga Springs)
Whispering Canyon (Wilderness Lodge)
Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge)
Captain’s Grille (Yacht Club)
Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club)
Downtown Disney
Bongos
Planet Hollywood
Paridiso 37
House of Blues
Cap ‘n Jack
Wolfgang Puck
T-Rex Cafe
Rainforest Cafe
Raglan Road
Portobello
Dining Shows/Events
Fantasmic Dining Experience
Spirit of Aloha Show
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ Dinner Show
Fireworks and Dining Cruises
Wonderland Tea Party
Afternoon Tea and Perfectly Princess Tea Party
Quick Service Restaurants
Magic Kingdom
Casey’s Corner
Columbia Harbour House
Cosmic Rays
Diamond Horseshoe
Fife and Drum
Friar’s Nook
Golden Oak Outpost
Pecos Bill
Pinocchio Village Haus
Lunching Pad
Sunshine Tree Terrace
Tomorrowland Terrace
Main Street Bakery
Tortuga Tavern
Animal Kingdom
Flame Tree Barbeque
Pizzafari
Yak and Yeti (Counter Service)
RestaurantosaurusÂ
Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary
Catalina Eddie’s
Starring Rolls
Studio Catering Company
Pizza Planet
Fairfax Fare
Rosie’s All American Cafe
Min & Bills Dockside DinerÂ
Epcot
Electric Umbrella
Sunshine Seasons
Katsura Grill
Kringla Bakeri og Cafe
La Cantina de San Angel
Liberty Inn
Lotus Blossom Cafe
Tangierine Cafe
Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Bistro de Paris
Biergarten
Tokyo Dining
Resorts
World Premiere Food Court (All Star Movies)
Intermission Food Court (All Star Music)
End Zone (All Star Sports)
The Mara (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Landscapes of Flavor (Art of Animation)
Beach Club Market (Beach Club)
Boardwalk Bakery (Boardwalk Inn)
Old Port Royale Food Court (Caribbean Beach Resort)
Contempo Cafe (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
Pepper Market (Coronado Springs)
Garden View Tea Room (Grand Floridian)
Gasparilla Grill (Grand Floridian)
Good’s Food To Go (Old Key West)
Captain Cook (Polynessian)
Everything Pop (Pop Century)
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Port Orleans Resort French Quarter)
Artist’s Palette (Saratoga Springs)
Roaring Forks (Wilderness Lodge)
Downtown Disney
Bongos Cuban Cafe Window
Cookes of Dublin
Disney Dining Tips
Top 5 snacks that are more like a meal
Where to eat organic in the World
A guide to theme park restaurants
Top 5 Quick Service Restaurants
Don’t reserve a meal at the Magic Kingdom on party nights
5 restaurants where you get the most for your money
Top 5 quick service restaurants
Ideal reservations for a character loving family
FREE Beverage Refills at Sunshine Seasons and Electric Umbrella
Best Restaurants For Families With Young Kids
Save Money On Dining
How to save more at the Rainforest Cafe
10 tips on how to save money on dining
Tips on Saving on Food at Disney
Landry’s Select Club (Valid at Rainforest Cafe, Yak and Yeti and T-Rex)
Splitting Meals At Counter Service Restaurants
Magic Kingdom Dining
Where to eat in the Magic Kingdom
Special Events and Services
Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage Cruise
Halloween and Christmas Parties (dates for 2012)
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Details
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Pirate League Makeover
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Planning Tips
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on a Budget
Disney Spas and Health Services
Getting To Know Theme and Water Parks
Getting to know the Magic Kingdom:
- What is rope drop at the Magic Kingdom like?
- Main Street USA
- Cinderella’s Castle
- Fantasyland
- Adventureland
- Frontierland
- Liberty Square
- Tomorrowland
- Parades, shows and fireworks
Getting to know the Animal Kingdom:
- Welcome to the Animal Kingdom
- Africa and Rafiki’s Planet Watch
- Asia
- Dinoland USA
- Camp Minnie Mickey
- Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade
- Kid’s Discovery Club
Getting to know Epcot:
- Welcome to Epcot
- The Seas and The Land
- Imagination Pavilion, Test Track and more…
- World Showcase – Mexico, Norway and China
- World Showcase – Germany, United States and Japan
- World Showcase – Italy, Morocco and France
- World Showcase – United Kingdom and Canada
- Kidcot
- Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure
- Call the phones at Epcot
- Dining Around the World
Getting to know Hollywood Studios:
Getting to know the Water Parks:
Getting to know other attractions:
Meeting the characters
- Characters at the Animal Kingdom
- Characters at Epcot
- Characters at Hollywood Studios
Characterpalooza at Hollywood Studios - Characters at Magic Kingdom
New Merida Meet Up
New Periwinkle Meet Up
Autograph Books
- Making/Purchasing an autograph book before your trip
- Autograph Book Tips
- Autograph book examples #1
- Autograph book examples #2
- Autograph book examples #3
- Make your own autograph book
- Make an autograph frame
- Use A Vinylmation Figurine
Transportation Options
Fastest way to the Magic Kingdom
Strollers
How To Tour The Parks
Grab a Times Guide Every Morning
Park Touring Plans
Park Planning Tips
Best Illuminations Viewing Locations
Top 5 attractions with the best lines
Top 10 attractions with the shortest lines
Complimentary WiFi in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Extra Magical Experiences
Photopass and Ride Photos
Pre-order the Photopass CD for $119.95 before you leave
- Mickey Balloon
- Tinker Bell
- Simba and here
- Stitch
- Soarin and Princess and the Frog
- Mickey sitting and more
- Princess and the Frog and moreÂ
Magic Photo Shoots at Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Hidden Mickeys
Learn More about Hidden Mickeys
Pin Trading
Pin Trading Frequently Asked Questions
Tips on how to Pin Trade on a budget
Pressed Pennies
Mousekeeping
Resort Hopping
MISC
Chip and Dale Campfire Sing-Along
Bubble Trash Cans in Magic KingdomÂ
Look Around For Extra Magical Moments
Castle Couture Shop’s Magical Features
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Spell Card Game
Parasol Parade at Disney’s Grand Floridian
Random Tips and Tricks
Tips and tricks for an enjoyable vacation
My top 10 Disney Tips (republished with more comments here)
How to enjoy Disney World without going to the parks
How to stay charged in the parks
Almost FREE Afternoon Along the WDW Monorail Track
Fun Before You Leave For Disney
How to surprise your kids at Christmas with a Disney trip (and more ideas)
Family Movie Night featuring Snow White
Matching shirts for your family
Packing
You can ship items to your resort up to 2 weeks before you arrive
Packing light and doing laundry
Essential Items Needed Before Stepping Onto Disney Property
Park Bag
5 surprising things to pack in your park bag
What to pack in the diaper bag
MISC
Disney Shopping
Before You Leave
Saving money on souvenirs before you even leave for Disney
Saving on Souvenirs at the Dollar Tree
Purchasing Souvenirs After You Return Home
Shopping At Disney
How Much Souvenirs Cost at Disney
Where to find unique merchandise
FREE (or nearly FREE) SouvenirsÂ
The greatest and most affordable souvenir
Purchasing a Souvenir After You Leave the Parks
Create Custom Mickey Ears at Le Chapeau
Silhouette and Caricature Portraits
Build A Dino in Downtown Disney
Build A LightSaber in Downtown Disney
Shopping in Orlando
Disney souvenirs at CVS and Walgreens
During Your Trip
Thieves are everywhere…even at the happiest place on earth
Start a Disney World tradition
Misc
Experience Disney magic without paying admission
More FREE or Cheap things to do
10 FREE things to do at Disney
Top 5 things to do without tickets
Which Disney guide book is the best?
Disney Apps
- WDW Countdown iPhone App
- The Lines App (for Android)
- WDW Dining AppÂ
- Park Hours App
- My Disney Experience App
Disney College Program
Disney Wedding
I wanted to put all my tips in one location to make it easy for me to pull them up while we are in the parks. I thought you might like to take a look at them for yourself as well. Feel free to add tips, opinions or corrections to the posts. After my trip they will become permanent fixtures in the Disney World Training Series.
Check out my 101 Best Tips for Disney!
I clicked on several different links and they were all dead. :(
Hi, I am planning a much needed vacation for May. We are hoping to go around Mothers Day.
I am right now going through chemotherapy but will be all done by Thanksgiving and got the go ahead from my oncologist to plan a trip in the spring.
I have a few concerns. One is the dining plan. We have been there once, in April of 2012. We used the Regular Dining and it was pretty well worth it for us. But now our children are older, my daughter will be 10 and my son will be 3. This makes me concerned because my daughter cannot eat a regular meal and my son will probaly not finish a kids meal as they are both picky eaters who do not eat a lot. So I was debating the Quick Service to save money, and pay out of pocket for Ohana’s and possibly another sit down meal but when I did the math it would cost almost 300$ to pay out of pocket for 2 meals. So it seems like its better just to go with the regular dining.
Another huge concern I have is saving money on flights. I believe we paid 700$ for three of us last time and that was okay but I would like to save as much as possible. Any websites, other than SouthWest that are the best to book airfare on?
After going through chemo, I feel like this is something I can look forward to and deserve so much more now:)
You can try kayak website which looks at all the airfares for all airlines. Also, the best time to book flights in late on a Monday evening or on Tuesday this is when specials become available.
Barbara R.
Destinations In Florida
Thank you so much for your site. It was super helpful and I would recommend it to anyone!
Wow, to say thank you is just not enough….but I’m going to say it anyway. Thank You So Much!! I just spent 3 nights looking thru all this amazing information you have posted here. And I have to say, before reading your your info I was in abit of a panic but now I am really looking forward to writing all my notes and I can honestly say I have a sense of calm knowing all I have learned. Our first trip to Disney is going to be AWESOME!!
From the bottom of my heart Kristin, thank you so much for your time and dedication to this blog, I appriciate you so much.
Shanna
I’m so glad that you found it helpful!! :)
Awesomeness. Didn’t you once have a post for garden grocer service? I can’t seem to put my hands on it again. This list is amazing.
I don’t even know where to start! I guess the top would be good. I want to go May 2013, but September 2013 or even May 2014 might be more likely, so prices are going to change.
Now when my friends ask me about going to Disney – I’m just going to give this site!
Thanks so much…your tips are great and I appreciate them all in one place. Great job!
I <3 this list. Even as a former cast member i refer to this list all the time to help other friends to plan their trips.
greAT job. easy to read and not overwhelming
These are great. Thanks for posting!
OMG! This is amazing! Thank you so much for all of the great tips. We have a trip planned for September. There’s enough stuff here to keep me reading from now until we leave! I love to read about DISNEY!
I really loved your Budgeting article. It was very informative and you have some good advice on ways to save on the trip!
I used much of your advice in planning our first trip this past February. Still following everyday for deals to help save for the next trip. Thanks for all you do!!
Thank you for all the tips. I’m definitely bookmarking this page so that I can visit it often. Once I finally save enough to go, I want to have the most absolutely wonderful time without lots of stress about the details. This helps a lot.
This is amazing. Definitely worth reading. THank you so much!!!
This is great! Thank you. I’m going to share with my friends.
Wow, great information. I can’t wait to try some of the suggestions out.
I didn’t know that these were all in one place! THank you!
Thank you so much for your website. I LOVE it and spend a lot of time on it researching for my future Disney World vacation. Although, you’d help me out TONS if you’d print the book for me HAHA Seriously though! I’ve printed almost every page from your Disney outline :) thank you, thank you, thank you!
This is AMAZING! Thank you!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Love reading through all your tips. I am bookmarking the link on my phone so I can browse through it again on our way to Disney and once we’re there. We are going next month and I think I’m more excited than my 7 yr old daughter!
Awesome list, Kristin!