Expert Tips When Planning a Disney World Family Vacation in 2024

My wife, Kathleen, and I recently jetted off to Disney World to celebrate our 22nd anniversary. We were engaged in Cinderella’s Castle and married on 2/2/02. So lots of 2’s and lots of Disney. This was the first time of many where we didn’t bring our kids or go with any other family or friends. We found it much easier and more efficient with it being just the two of us.

Efficiency at Disney World is important if you want to go on as many rides as possible and avoid long wait times. There are also many things you can do to save money during your stay.

While Kathleen and I didn’t take advantage of all of the suggestions in a recent article by MagicGuides, some of their Disney World tips came in handy. Their 2024 version of the “Ultimate Walt Disney World Planning Guide” had a long list of things to do if you’re heading to see Mickey and friends. They say these suggestions are especially helpful for first-time visitors. It offers some tips for planning your Disney World vacation on a budget.

One of them we discovered while dining at the Rose and Crown in Epcot. We were waiting to be seated and noticed an ice water dispenser in the waiting area. These dispensers are located all over the parks along with several water fountains. The guide points this out saying, “Never buy water at Disney.” Even if you don’t see a water dispenser, you can ask for a glass at any restaurant or food vendor.

It’s a good idea to bring some dollar-store rain ponchos in case it rains. If you get stuck having to buy them at the park you pay much more. This is especially important for large families. It could end up costing you some serious coin if you’re caught off guard. The price of buying them at the park is ridiculous. The same is true for sunscreen. Sunscreen isn’t inexpensive anywhere you go, but at Disney, you’ll get burned.

The one thing I disagree with about the article is regarding where to stay. They suggest you stay off-site. They write, “These accommodations typically come at a lower cost compared to Disney-owned resorts and provide a broader range of room options.” That may be true, however, it’s inconvenient especially when it comes to traveling to the parks. There are also several perks you’ll miss out on if you don’t stay at a Disney resort.

Spring break always arrives at just the right time. It's when the holiday cheer has totally worn off, and it's also right when spring is around the corner but it's not quite here yet. I remember loving spring break in school. But, even if you're not in school or college anymore, why not take a fun spring break trip this year? If you have a family, all the more reason to do it. If you're solo, that works, too. Thankfully, there are plenty of trendy, cheap spring break destinations available.

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, as they say, stay close to home. It doesn't have to be a staycation. But, why not travel to a town that you've never been to that's within road trip distance? Of course, if you live in a cold climate, you might want to travel to a hot spot. The good news is that a lot of warm spring break destinations have great rates, because tourist is simply their business. So, if you go to a popular spring break spot, chances are they'll have some good deals and be able to cut you a good deal due to just how many people who travel there each year.

The perfect spring break destination is really about getting away from it all. You want a place that fun and exciting. But, you also want a spot that really helps you break away from routine and, hopefully, your electronic devises. Another bonus is if you find a spring break destination near friends who you maybe haven't seen in a while. It can be a really fun trip to find a central location and meet up with long-lost friends.

Read on for some trendy, cheap spring break destinations in the United States. Here's hoping for a super fun spring vacation. Oh, these work for summer, too.

Vegas can be fun, but Atlantic City offers that fun of Vegas on the East Coast. You can enjoy the entertainment and other activities the city has to offer. You can also explore the boardwalks and beaches.

https://www.visitatlanticcity.com/

If you want a more traditional spring break, try Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It's one of the hottest spring break destinations in the United States. It's also a pretty reasonable trip, with good, fairly inexpensive lodging options.

https://www.myrtlebeach.com/

It might seem trite, but going to Orlando, Florida, for spring break is really tops. Orlando has some of the best deals you'll find, since they are obviously such a major tourist destination. And, there's Disney World. Enough said.

https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/central/orlando/

Sure, Atlanta, Georgia is a big tourist spot. But, if you want to try something new, Macon is a growing hotspot. Macon offers a revitalized downtown area, with lots of shopping and activities for families. The city also has a vibrant music scene. What's not to love?

https://www.exploregeorgia.org/city/macon

There's nothing wrong with a little education on your spring break, right? Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a rich history. It's known for that history and rich historical content. Really exploring Philly can be a great way to spend a spring break.

https://www.visitphilly.com/

Detroit is super hot, thanks to their Lions doing so well in the NFL this season. The Motor City has been splashed on the screen during playoff games, and people are starting to see the beauty of this city. The Detroit River is gorgeous in the springtime. There's lots to do in Detroit, too, from the Henry Ford Museum to GreenField Village to live music.

https://visitdetroit.com/

Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a fun, wild (if you want it to be) spring break destination. The weather is usually good in the springtime, and there's always lots to do. Hit up the casinos or check out one of Vegas' many live shows.

https://www.visitlasvegas.com/

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a unique spot to pick for a spring break. We mean unique in a good way. The Queen City offers lots of breweries, historical areas and scenic views. It can be a low-key but fun spring trip destination.

https://www.visitnc.com/charlotte-region