6 DAYS AT DISNEY WORLD

Planning a big family Disney World trip can feel overwhelming

—even if you’re the organized one in your group. Between crowd levels, park reservations, dining windows, and Lightning Lanes, it’s a lot to figure out. 

This page is part itinerary, part insider scoop, and 100% mom-tested. Whether you're bringing a toddler, a teenager, or the whole extended crew, this 6-day plan will help you make the most of your vacation (without needing a second vacation to recover).

---

📋 AT A GLANCE:

Trip Length: 6 Days / 7 Nights
Airport Transfer: Uber from MCO (40 min, often cheaper than Mears for groups)
On-Site Transport: Disney buses, monorail, Skyliner, boats
Where to Stay On-property: Any Disney resort (keep reading, we’ll get more into it)
Activity Level: 🔴 High
Estimated Budget: 💲💲💲 (This is not the trip to go halfway on planning)

---

✈️ TRAVEL LOGISTICS

• Best time to go: Whenever you can! There is NOTHING like Disney at Christmas or the Halloween season. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds… while there's no true slow season anymore, September or late January tend to be the lowest crowds (though never empty).

• Airport: MCO (Orlando International). Uber with car seats is faster & often cheaper than Mears for groups.

• On-property vs. off: Stay in the bubble. Early entry, seamless transportation, easier dining and Lightning Lane booking, and less stress.

• Pro Tip: Have grab-n-go snacks delivered to your hotel via Walmart+ or Amazon Fresh—bell services will hold it for you.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY

One of the most important decisions you'll make when planning your Disney World vacation is where to stay. While many families opt for off-property hotels or Airbnbs—often for cost savings—I highly recommend staying on property. The perks cannot be beaten: early park access, smoother transportation, easier booking for dining and Lightning Lanes, and an overall experience that feels more immersive and convenient.

There’s just nothing like being in the Disney bubble.

Why we stay on property:

• Early entry to every park, EVERY day

• Extended park hours for Deluxe guests on select days

• Earlier Lightning Lane access (7 days vs 3 days)

• Multiple transport options (bus, boat, monorail, Skyliner)

• No need to park at MK (which is the worst)

• Complimentary parking at your home resort.

• Resort guests arriving in 2025 can get free entry to a Disney water park on check-in day

• Disney Dining Plan (DDP), only available to resort guests, and it’s even offered for free sometimes!

Recommended resorts:

Disney resorts are divided into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Each tier offers different price points and perks.

• Value Resorts are the most budget-friendly, with fun theming and access to Disney bus transportation. Some value resorts have Skyliner access.

• Moderate Resorts offer upgraded amenities like larger rooms, waterslides at pools, and table-service dining options.

• Deluxe Resorts are the most luxurious, often within walking distance to a park, monorail or boat access, or with premium views and dining. They also offer extended evening hours on select nights, which can be a huge bonus.

My family of seven prefers staying at Deluxe resorts—not just for the comfort, but because they’re the only tier that consistently offers 2-bedroom suites. These larger accommodations typically include a full kitchen, 2–3 bathrooms, and even a washer and dryer, making a huge difference for bigger families. Deluxe resorts also tend to have the best transportation options and are usually the closest to the parks. One thing people don’t often mention? Value and Moderate resorts have outdoor-facing hallways, meaning you’ll be exposed to the elements on your way to and from your room. Most Deluxe resorts offer indoor hallways, which is a small but mighty perk when it’s raining or sweltering hot.

🍽️ WHERE TO EAT

Magic Kingdom:

• Table: Liberty Tree Tavern, Skipper Canteen

• Snacks: Cheeseburger egg rolls (Adventureland), Gaston's cinnamon rolls, Dole Whip (Aloha Isle), Mickey pretzels with cream cheese

• Skip: Columbia Harbour House

Animal Kingdom:

• Quick: Flame Tree BBQ (huge portions, beautiful seating)

• Table: Tusker House (buffet + characters)

• Tip: Join the waitlist for Nomad Lounge

EPCOT:

• Snacks: Eat around the world—skip the QS and go kiosk-hopping

• Table: Biergarten, Creperie, La Cantina San Angel

Hollywood Studios:

• Quick: Woody’s Lunchbox, Galaxy’s Edge, ABC Commissary

• Snacks: Carrot Cake Cookie at Trolley Car Cafe

Disney Springs:

• Table: Raglan Road, Chef Art Smith’s, Wine Bar George

• Quick: Chicken Guy, food trucks

• Do not miss: Coca Cola rooftop bar + World of Disney

Resorts:

• Ohana (fireworks view), California Grill (Contemporary), Whispering Canyon, Sanaa (bread service!), Boma, French Quarter (beignets + gumbo!)

6-DAY DISNEY WORLD ITINERARY

Check-in Day

Disney resorts are SO fun- I highly recommend arriving as early as your family can handle so that you can enjoy the bubble as much as possible. Here are some fun things you can do on your first day:

• Shop & eat at Disney Springs

• Take advantage of complimentary water park entry, if that’s offered.

• Enjoy your own resort. Many of them will have a scavenger hunt, and they all have fun pools and good food.

• Visit other resorts— like the Campfire Sing-a-Long at Fort Wilderness or take a bus to the Magic Kingdom & ride the monorail and visit the gorgeous deluxe resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon.

🏰 Day 1: Magic Kingdom

• Rope drop tips: Everyone can enter the park and enjoy Main St, castle views and photo ops. But only resort guests can get beyond “the hub” for early entry. You’ll want to enter in the far back right section in front of the castle to line up for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. let the amount of people scare you - it goes fast.

  Note: Frontier land doesn’t have early entry. If you’re not staying on property, enter from the back LEFT of the hub and go to Peter Pan first.

• Breakfast: Cinnamon rolls & at Gaston’s Tavern

• Lunch: Cheeseburger egg rolls, stuffed Mickey pretzels and Dole Whips

• Dinner: Liberty Tree Tavern, Cinderella’s Royal Table or Skipper Canteen

• Best places to rest in the park: Dumbo has an indoor playground in the middle of the queue where parents can sit.

• Where to watch fireworks: in the street in front of Casey’s Corner. If you have littles, find a wall or bench they can stand on

• Tips: I wouldn’t plan my trip around this, but if it works out, the outdoor rides are so fun and beautiful at night - and the indoor rides are GREAT for the hottest time of the days.

🎢 Day 2: Hollywood Studios

• Rope drop tips: Prioritize Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash. If you’re not eligible for early entry, those lines will be longer by the time you get inside, so your best bet would be Tower of Terror or Minnie’s Runaway Railway for a shorter wait.

• Breakfast: Grab a quick bite & coffee at your resort.

• Lunch: Woody’s Lunchbox

• Dinner: 50’s Primetime Cafe

• Best places to rest: Any of the shows— the Frozen Sing-Along is SO fun (and air-conditioned!) or grab a milkshake at the Sci-Fi diner.

  Tips: After some morning rides and an early lunch, take a break for a few hours— just keep stacking your lightning lanes for the evening hours.

🌍 Day 3: Epcot

• Rope drop tips: Did you know Epcot has a back entrance? Arrive via the Skyliner and go straight to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, then speedwalk over to Frozen Ever After.

• Breakfast: Connections Café or Les Halles in France

• Lunch: Snack your way around World Showcase or grab a quick meal at Sunshine Seasons

• Dinner: Via Napoli, Biergarten, or Garden Grill

• Best places to rest: My favorite is the shady spots near Japan’s koi ponds.

• Fireworks viewing: Between Japan and the America Pavilion offers a great view with room to breathe.

🏖️ Day 4: Resort Day

• Morning: Sleep in, swim, and take it slow

• Afternoon: Ride the Skyliner or monorail just for fun. Visit other resorts to snack or explore.

• Dinner: Ohana at the Polynesian, California Grill (Contemporary), or a Disney Springs restaurant

• Bonus: This is also a great day to do laundry, repack, or sneak in some shopping.

🌿 Day 5: Animal Kingdom

• Rope drop tips: Head straight to Flight of Passage, then Everest or the Safari.

• Breakfast: Kusafiri Coffee Shop or your resort before heading in

• Lunch: Flame Tree BBQ

• Dinner: Nomad Lounge small plates or Yak & Yeti

• Best places to rest: The shaded area behind Flame Tree BBQ or on the Gorilla Falls trail.

• Tips: Pandora is stunning after dark—ride Navi River Journey close to park close for a shorter wait.

🏰 Day 6: Magic Kingdom (Again!)

• Rope drop tips: Same strategy as Day 1, but hit different rides: Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion

• Breakfast: Sleep in and grab a snack mid-morning, or head back to Gaston’s

• Lunch: Casey’s Corner or grab-and-go snacks

• Dinner: Anywhere you missed—or repeat your favorite!

• Fireworks viewing: Try behind the castle or near the entrance for a new perspective.

• Tips: This second MK day is perfect for re-rides, souvenir shopping, or catching anything you missed!

🧠 TIPS & TRICKS

• Use and stack Lightning Lanes—especially for MK and HS

• Download My Disney Experience app and learn it before you go (🚨 this is CRUCIAL)

• Virtual Queue tips: (if applicable) Use an atomic clock, refresh like your life depends on it

• Don’t force your whole family to be on the same schedule—let people come/go - if possible

• Don’t skip the fireworks—unless you want to ride everything with no wait 😉

• Avoid Disney Springs on weekends—great food, wild crowds

• Want to win at Buzz Lightyear? Look up YouTube strategies in advance

Ready to go from stressed to strategic with your Disney plans?

👉 [Take the Family Vacation Quiz] to see if Disney World is your perfect match
💬 [Schedule a free planning call] and let me help you customize this itinerary to your family