Disney World tips

Decades ago, Walt Disney said that Disneyland — the only park open at the time — would never be completed and would continue to grow as long as there was imagination left in the world. And boy, was he right — likely in ways he couldn't have dreamed of so many years ago.

As the travel industry looks back on a wild 2023, the Walt Disney World Resort is looking forward to 2024 with events, openings and tips for the new year.

One hundred miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is the choice weekend destination of Angelenos. The Sonoran Desert oasis has seen a star-studded population; Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and most recently the Kardashians have put roots down in Old Las Palmas. Fortunately, Airbnb opens up the hot springs, hiking trails, and golf courses to us B-listers. We’re still waiting for Leo’s villa to hit the platform but until then these Guest Favorite Airbnbs in Palm Springs grant a taste of the superstar lifestyle.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Melissa Mullett, director of operations for David's Vacation Club Rentals . It has been edited for length and clarity.

Around the holiday season, Disney becomes a magical experience. At Walt Disney World, fans can see 1,300 decorated trees and 8.5 million lights throughout the resort, according to The Walt Disney Company.

As a travel planner, I'm always sharing theme-park tips with my clients.

Walt Disney World Resort generated more than $40 billion in economic impact across the state and more than a quarter of a million total jobs in fiscal year 2022, according to a new study from Oxford Economics.

Walt Disney World in Orlando is so big and expansive that sometimes guests need help navigating the theme park—especially if they are disabled. 

Since moving to Orlando in September 2022, I've visited Disney World almost every week.

Walt Disney World's after-hours parties, like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, offer guests a unique opportunity to visit Disney World's theme parks at night after they've closed to daytime guests. This means lower crowds, shorter wait times and experiences that are only available to party guests.

Walt Disney World has a brand-new holiday party ... and it's one that is geared toward adults.

There are things that everyone knows and loves at Walt Disney World Resort that are popular for good reason. We have lists of the best hotels at Disney World, the best restaurants at Disney World and even the best outdoor restaurants at Disney World.

I've been a Disney World annual passholder since my family relocated from Maryland to Florida in 2016. When I first signed up, I brought my husband and two kids along for the ride.

Ask a returning family about their trip to Walt Disney World, and you might hear the common refrain: "My kids just wanted to swim in the pool the whole time!"

You might think Magic Kingdom is the be-all and end-allof the Christmas season at Disney World, with highlights including Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, holiday parades, holiday fireworks, and snow raining down on Main Street USA.

Nicholas Deniz was waiting to enter Disney World in Orlando with his clients last month when a park manager pulled him out of line.

I worked at Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs during my time in the Disney College Program. With that experience, I know a trip to Disney World can be equally magical and overwhelming.

For some families, visiting Walt Disney World during the holidays is a major bucket-list item, and, according to Jill Knonenborg, a travel agent who specializes in Disney destinations, it is the best season to visit.

The first time I took my kids to Disney World, they were 3 and 5 years old. We lived in Maryland at the time. We made a few more trips during their younger years and eventually moved to a small beach town about 90 minutes from Disney when they were 6 and 8. Like any good Floridian, we signed up for annual Disney passes and started visiting more.

Gatorland is a hidden gem in the state of Florida, and my family's been visiting it since 2016.

After moving to Florida from New York City, I live only five minutes away from Magic Kingdom — I can hear the fireworks out my window and could walk to the employee parking lot if I still worked there.