Top Ten Tips for The Perfect Quick 3-4 day WDW Vacation

For a lot of families going to Walt Disney World for 3 to 4 days is all their budget or time will allow for.  And let’s be honest, WDW takes weeks to get even half of it in, so what is a family to do with only 3 to 4 days to feel like they really experienced a full Disney vacation?  We thought we share some of our recommendations based on our experiences and that of others we know.  Again this is purely our suggestions and some may disagree, if so, we strongly encourage you to leave comments for others to see what you would do.

Our Top Ten Tips for the perfect quick WDW Vacation

1.  If at all possible try to plan your 3 – 4 days to NOT fall on a weekend.  No matter the time of year, you will be able to avoid the local crowd and extended weekend vacationers by planning a midweek vacation.
2. Utilize the Extra Magic Hours, especially the late night ones.  You will find the parks far less crowded at night then during the middle of the day.
3. Make your Fastpasses as far ahead of time as you can, then create a plan of action for each day.
4. Know the attractions and shows that you must do before entering the parks, and get those done first
5. Make sure you do at least one of the night time shows.  Doesn’t matter which, Illuminations, Fantasmic or Wishes, just make sure you do one, two would be better.  You will definitely feel the magic of Disney when you take the time to enjoy the splendor and show that Disney puts on at night.
6. If a certain character meet is important, then try to get dining reservations for a character dining experience with that character.  You will get more time with the character and a meal experience at the same time.
7. Don’t forget to wander around your resort if staying on property.  It is worth it to enjoy all that Disney puts into their resorts.  There is magic to be had there, don’t miss out on it.
8. Don’t expect to do it all, even if you had two weeks to spend on vacation at Disney, you still wouldn’t get it all in.  Enjoy what you have time to do and don’t worry about what you didn’t get to do.  I can’t stress this enough!
9. If possible, I highly recommend having your own transportation.  While the Disney transportation system is really good, you will lose a lot of time waiting on buses, especially at night.  Having your own vehicle means you can easily hop in a car and check out all the Disney property at your leisure and on your schedule. (and if you are staying on site, all parking is free)
10. This last tip might be the most controversial…. but here goes…. Don’t waste hours waiting on parades and fireworks.  You can walk up about 30 minutes or less to the parade and still get decent viewing, just don’t pick the most popular locations like Main Street.  Instead head into Frontierland.  No you probably will not be front row, but you will still see the parade and be able to get pictures.  As for Fireworks, there are MANY viewing locations, not just Main Street USA or The Front of World Showcase.  Some of the best views are NOT in the most popular locations.  Ask the cast members where they recommend, they love sharing these tips with you.

Again, these are our opinions based on living here and going to the parks several times a week for the last three years.  I am sure several of you will have other ideas, and I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below.