The Ultimate Jetset Guide to Disney World – How to Do Disney World Luxuriously & Stress-free
Planning a trip to Disney World might sound super stressful, but I’m here to show you how to do it right. On my last trip to Disney World with my toddler, I got soooo many messages and comments from you guys on Instagram saying that you never realized a trip to Disney World could be so relaxing and luxe, and it made you want to plan a trip yourselves, so I’m here to show you how to do just that. We had the BEST time at Disney World, and I would go back in a heartbeat! It was just so much fun, and I was smiling ear to ear (as was my son!!!) It really wasn’t even stressful (aside from the pre-planning part, but that’s what I’m here for!) Here are all of my insights on how to do Disney – LUXE, from the best accommodation perfect for families of all ages, to the finest dining options that will excited your little princes or princesses, and all of the best activities you can do (even when you’re not visiting the parks). Whether you’re a first-timer or a Disney conoisseur, this guide is packed with insights to make your Disney trip with your little ones as fun and delightful as possible, for ALL of you!
How to Get to Disney World in Orlando, FL
Take a Direct Flight to Orlando
Flying is usually the quickest and most convenient way to get to Disney World. Airlines such as Delta, United, and American offer direct flights into Orlando from major cities. Aim for non-stop flights to Orlando International Airport to minimize travel fatigue, especially with kids.
JETSET TIP: consider upgrading seats on the way there so you and your fam can relax and enjoy the first leg of your Disney World trip (and show up to Orlando relaxed, because trust me, there’s gonna be a loooot of walking!), and of course, watch a Disney movie or two on your way!
If you’re staying at one of the Disney Resort hotels, you can use the complimentary shuttle service from Disney’s Magical Express once you land on the airport. Aside from providing transpo, they’ll also handle all your luggage, delivering it straight to your hotel room.
Take a Road Trip
We drove from Charleston to Orlando and I loved it! It sometimes makes it easier on the packing front (and we were able to bring alllll of my toddler’s things he needed, which was nice). Plus, driving to Disney World can be an adventure in itself, especially if you’re living within a reasonable distance. Since Orlando is well-connected by major highways like I-95 and I-75, a road trip could be a flexible option for the whole fam and explore other attractions along the way, such as Florida’s beautiful beaches or the historic city of St. Augustine. You can also rent a car.
Take a Train Ride
Train travel offers a unique and scenic journey to Disney World, ideal for those who prefer a more leisurely pace. Amtrak’s Silver Service/Palmetto line runs from New York to Miami, stopping at Orlando. This route lets you witness the changing landscapes of the East Coast, from urban cityscapes to serene coastal views.
For a more modern and speedier train option, Brightline is expanding its services to Orlando. Brightline trains also offers a comfortable and efficient way to travel through Florida.
Where to Stay at Disney World
For the most luxurious experience when vacationing to Disney World, you’ll definitely want to stay in or as near the parks as possible! The best option is to actually stay within the Parks (which no doesn’t mean you’re IN the Magic Kingdom, but you’re in the metropolis, meaning from your hotel you’re a quick easy free shuttle away from all of the Disney magic.
Where to Stay for Luxury: The Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World
Let’s talk about the Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World. If you’re after luxury and convenience, this place is a dream for you and your family. I would seriously not recommend anywhere else for a trip to Disney World!!! We stayed here and had an absolute blast! The FS Orlando offers top-notch relaxation with a fantastic golf course, oasis-like pool areas (both adult and family-friendly!), and magical character brunches that the kids will adore.
Here’s why I absolutely love it and why I think it’s the BEST choice for visiting Disney World:
Luxury and Comfort – The resort is the best resort in the Orlando area. FS provides luxurious accommodations with family-friendly amenities, ensuring a comfortable and upscale vacation. Plus, you can book a suite with extra space
JETSET TIP: opt for the Park View suite to see the fireworks each night from your balcony!
Exclusive Benefits – If you’re planning to stay at Four Seasons Resort Orlando and have tickets to the theme parks, you can enjoy extra time in the parks with the EXTRA MAGIC HOURS benefit!! Guests can enjoy these exclusive benefits, enhancing the Disney experience with more time in the parks and fewer crowds.
Family-Oriented, but still amazing for adults – The resort is known for its character brunches, kid-friendly pools, and a variety of children’s activities, ensuring entertainment for all ages. But that being said it’s not ONLY about Disney World, here, there’s a chic rooftop restaurant, an adults-only infinity pool, shopping, and a great spa.
A Relaxing Oasis in-between Park-hopping – Four Seasons is truly an oasis in the hecticness of Disney World, it offers relaxing amenities like a world-class golf course and a spa, not to mention the lazy river, providing a perfect balance between fun and go-go-go and relaxation.
Seamless Transportation – The complimentary shuttle service to Disney parks is more like a big limo. It’s SO nice – and we were the only ones on ours! No parking hassles? Sign me up. Gotta love smooth, easy park-hopping with the family.
Convenient Location – Its proximity to Disney World makes it ideal for easy access to the parks!!!
Check rates for your dates here
JETSET TIP: if you reach out to my travel agency with the referral JETSET CHRISTINA, they don’t charge anything to book (as long as you use my referral code) and will book you at this hotel at the best rate, and sometimes can get free awesome perks at the resort! Ask her about it and mention JetsetChristina!
The other option for a trip to Orlando luxuriously? Rent a house!
Especially if you have a bigger group, these houses below might be a great fit for your family.
Legends Palace: Private Pool, Indoor Bowling Alley, Free Water Park, Golf View, Near Disney
or this 13 Bedroom (yes, you read that right) right by the parks! Great for a big group.
How to Plan Your Disney Days, with Zero Stress
Planning your Disney World days to be as stress-free as possible makes your whole trip better. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make the most of your visit:
- Use the Disney App and Genie+
Seriously, don’t plan your Disney World trip without these apps, they will be your best friend! The Disney app provides real-time information on wait times and park maps, while Genie+ (which is $25 to purchase, and worth every penny) allows you to select Lightning Lanes for faster ride access (A MUST!) - Arrive Early and Take Breaks
Getting to the parks early can give you a head start on popular attractions. Plan for mid-day breaks, especially if you’re with young children, to rest and recharge. - Consider a VIP Tour Guide (for a dream day with your family where you won’t have to think about A THING!
For the ULTIMATE luxury way to experience Disney World, consider booking one of Disney’s Private VIP Tours and Customized Experience. A VIP guide is priced between $450 and $900 per hour with a 7-hour minimum, which isn’t cheap, but they accommodate up to 10 people for that price. You’ll get a custom itinerary, immediate access to rides (!!!!!!!!), and all kinds of VIP insider information from your dedicated tour guide. Your perfect, magical, customized day will begin when you are picked up from your resort in a private vehicle with your dedicated VIP tour guide, who will be there with your family throughout the day, skipping the lines and chauffuering you to the front (yes, this is a real thing!! It’s amazing!). This option is perfect for creating your dream Disney day without any wait times!!! We didn’t use one for our trip but if I had a big group or kids of many ages which makes planning rides, etc more difficult, I definitely would consider it. - Consider the Enchanting Extras Program
You can also get more fun using Disney’s Enchanting Extras Program where you can explore unique experiences like the La Cava Experience at EPCOT, featuring a tequila tasting menu (of the finest tequila in the world!!), or enjoy a Walt Disney World Specialty Cruise. These experiences offer a different perspective of the parks, with prices starting at $180 for the tasting experience and $399 for a one-hour nighttime cruise for up to 10 guests. This unique cruise offers a stunning view of the evening’s fireworks, with the skies above EPCOT or the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. - Dining Reservations: Book your dining experiences well in advance through the app, especially at popular restaurants. You can check out more detailed info here on how you can use Mobile Orders and the restaurants where you can use it.
- Plan for Shows and Fireworks: Know the schedule of parades, shows, and fireworks. Plan your evenings to get the best views and experience.
What to Do When You’re Not Visiting the Parks in Orlando
Don’t forget, there’s a world outside the parks waiting for you in Orlando. The Four Seasons offers a stunning golf course, a relaxing spa, and pools that are a paradise for both kids and adults. It’s the perfect balance of relaxation and fun, ensuring there’s never a dull moment on your vacation. We seriously had just as much fun resorting in Orlando as we did at the parks!!! Orlando is brimming with activities that can make your non-park days just as memorable and here’s a list of my top recommendations:
Golf at Four Seasons
Tee off at the Tranquilo Golf Course at Four Seasons. This Tom Fazio-designed course offers a serene and beautiful golfing experience suitable for all skill levels.
Spa Day at the Four Seasons
You can also indulge in a day of relaxation at The Spa at Four Seasons. Choose from a variety of spa treatments after all that fun and walking around Disney World.
Pool Time!!!!!!
The FS Orlando boasts an adults-only pool for a quiet retreat, but it also has two vibrant kids’ pools where kids can dip in and enjoy. We LOVED the splash pad pool for my little toddler, who could not get enough. Plus, the family pool plays a big screen disney movie (outside! so cool!) each day. Paradise for families.
Explore Disney Springs
Definitely make time in your itinerary to spend some time at Disney Springs for shopping, dining, and whole lot of entertainment.
Visit Local Attractions
Orlando is home to other attractions like the Kennedy Space Center, Universal Orlando Resort, the Children’s Discovery Museum, and SeaWorld. These provide another great change of pace and a new set adventures (if you still have the energy for it)
Nature Escapes
For a touch of nature, consider a visit to the nearby state parks such as the Blue Spring State Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park. Homosassa Springs State Park, Myakka River State Park and a lot more! A great way to slow down, get some steps in, and enjoy a picnic.
What to Pack for Disney World
Here are my essentials for what to pack for a day at Disney World:
Hand Sanitizer (I like this one)
Wipes/Diapers of course
Belt Bag or Backpack – I love this one!
Extra charged battery charger for your phone (I like this one) bring one so that you don’t end up like me and have to buy one for $30 at a vending machine in the park. The Disney app (plus taking all the photos you’re going to want to take) eaaaaats up your battery, FAST!
Some plastic bags to keep valuables dry on wet rides
A sharpie (if you plan on getting character autographs)
Glow sticks (if you plan on going to the night shows and want to avoid your toddler begging for the $20 ones they’re selling!)
A cute outfit for your little!!!
How cute is this? You can personalize it with your kiddo’s name!
What to wear as a mom at Disney World:
Shop my exact Disney mom outfit and what I dressed my baby boy in here!
I ironed on a Mickey patch for him on this Amazon toddler baseball cap and it turned out SOOO cute! you could do Minnie too or any of their favorite characters. It was a cute, one-of- a-kind hat that he LOVED wearing.. He kept saying it was his mama hat – he knew I made it!! He doesn’t normally love to wear hats but this one he didnt want to take off all day – It melted my heart. And it was great for sun protection too!
Also, don’t forget to bring a REALLY good stroller. While I love and swear by our travel stroller, we brought sturdier all-terrain jogging stroller (we looooove this one) for out trip to Disney World and I’m SO glad we did. You will be pushing your kids around a LOT throughout the day at Disney, so you are going to want the stroller that’s going to be the easiest to maneuver around and is going to keep your kiddo nice and comfy for some on-the-go naps!
How to Get Around Orlando
Navigating Orlando during your Disney trip is crucial for a smooth experience. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get around:
- Rental Cars
These are great for those wanting to explore Orlando at their own pace. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, especially for visiting attractions outside Disney and if you wan’t to get the most of your visit to Orlando. You can find rental services directly at Orlando International Airport or through Hertz, Enterprise, and Alamo car rental services. - Rideshare Services
Uber and Lyft are also one of the convenient for quick trips around Orlando. They’re especially useful for traveling between the hotel, parks, and other attractions if you’re not staying on-site at Disney. - Public Transportation
The Lynx Bus Service covers the Orlando area and is a cost-effective way to get around. It connects to major attractions and downtown areas but requires more planning for travel times. - Disney Transportation
If you’re staying in a Disney resort, take advantage of the complimentary transportation, including buses, monorails, and water taxis that connect you to all Disney parks and Disney Springs. - Shuttle Services
Many non-Disney hotels offer free or low-cost shuttle services to Disney parks and other popular attractions like Universal Studios. - Bicycle Rentals
For shorter distances, consider renting a bicycle. Orlando has several bike-share programs, offering a healthy and eco-friendly way to explore the city.
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