Where would you start?

[Southerngirl4]

After a five year hiatus from annual WDW trips to focus on some other destinations, we’ve decided to return to WDW in May 2025.

It might as well have been ten years with all the changes. We were very well-versed in all things touring, FP, then FP+, dining, transportation and resorts. We always had so much fun. Now, it feels like we’re starting all over again. It’s all good, just need some help.

So, where should we start in learning this new way of touring WDW? Accommodations are booked and we’ll be staying onsite Deluxe, if this makes a difference. Four Disney adults, 15+. We’ll be so grateful for any advice, tips, personal recommendations, etc.

Thank you!

 

[Willow Ufgood]

After a five year hiatus from annual WDW trips to focus on some other destinations, we’ve decided to return to WDW in May 2025.

It might as well have been ten years with all the changes. We were very well-versed in all things touring, FP, then FP+, dining, transportation and resorts. We always had so much fun. Now, it feels like we’re starting all over again. It’s all good, just need some help.

So, where should we start in learning this new way of touring WDW? Accommodations are booked and we’ll be staying onsite Deluxe, if this makes a difference. Four Disney adults, 15+. We’ll be so grateful for any advice, tips, personal recommendations, etc.

Thank you!

I would start by watching a few YouTube videos on LLMP and LLSP. Get to know how the system works and decide whether it's right for you.

Then I would familiarize myself with deadlines such as dining reservations, booking tours, etc.

Download the MDE app if you haven't already. Check out mobile ordering, and other new features that will be right at your fingertips. Learn how to link your tickets to you mobile wallet if you don't want to wear a MagicBand or pull out your physical ticket to tap in to LLMP rides.

Get a loose plan for where you want to be on each day of your trip but be flexible. It's nice to have a pool day planned but what will you do if the weather doesn't cooperate? Keep an eye out for any hard ticket events that might disrupt your plans or that you might want to enjoy.

Don't forget that you can enjoy these extras for being a deluxe resort guest: Extra Evening Hours (usually at Epcot and MK, but not on the same night), half hour early entry at any of the theme parks on any day, 7-day advance booking for LLMP and LLSP for your length of stay and 60+ days advance dining reservations for your length of stay.

They did away with the resort overnight parking fee and you will still get free parking at the theme parks if you don't want to use Disney transportation. The walking path between Poly and GF is currently closed and no announcement has been made as to whether it will reopen. Likewise, the trail between WL and the campground is also closed.

 

[Raya]

It might be silly but our family really enjoys watching Disney Food Blog's weekly Disney news update on YouTube. Since you've got some time you could make a Saturday morning habit of it the way we do. They also have a lot of specific guides. Honestly, YouTube is filled with lots of great info that keeps me more entertained then regular tv.

 

[BalooFan]

I always recommend starting with an old school touring guide to give you the basics. If you don’t want to invest in one, you can probably find copies at your local library (be sure to get the 2025 editions when they become available for the most up to date information). I think that starting off with blogs or YouTube videos could be confusing. Once you have a good grasp on the basics, you can learn some great tips and tricks on social media and YouTube videos.

 

[Southerngirl4]

I would start by watching a few YouTube videos on LLMP and LLSP. Get to know how the system works and decide whether it's right for you.

Then I would familiarize myself with deadlines such as dining reservations, booking tours, etc.

Download the MDE app if you haven't already. Check out mobile ordering, and other new features that will be right at your fingertips. Learn how to link your tickets to you mobile wallet if you don't want to wear a MagicBand or pull out your physical ticket to tap in to LLMP rides.

Get a loose plan for where you want to be on each day of your trip but be flexible. It's nice to have a pool day planned but what will you do if the weather doesn't cooperate? Keep an eye out for any hard ticket events that might disrupt your plans or that you might want to enjoy.

Don't forget that you can enjoy these extras for being a deluxe resort guest: Extra Evening Hours (usually at Epcot and MK, but not on the same night), half hour early entry at any of the theme parks on any day, 7-day advance booking for LLMP and LLSP for your length of stay and 60+ days advance dining reservations for your length of stay.

They did away with the resort overnight parking fee and you will still get free parking at the theme parks if you don't want to use Disney transportation. The walking path between Poly and GF is currently closed and no announcement has been made as to whether it will reopen. Likewise, the trail between WL and the campground is also closed.

Thank you!!!

 

[Southerngirl4]

It might be silly but our family really enjoys watching Disney Food Blog's weekly Disney news update on YouTube. Since you've got some time you could make a Saturday morning habit of it the way we do. They also have a lot of specific guides. Honestly, YouTube is filled with lots of great info that keeps me more entertained then regular tv.

Thank you!!!

 

[Southerngirl4]

I always recommend starting with an old school touring guide to give you the basics. If you don’t want to invest in one, you can probably find copies at your local library (be sure to get the 2025 editions when they become available for the most up to date information). I think that starting off with blogs or YouTube videos could be confusing. Once you have a good grasp on the basics, you can learn some great tips and tricks on social media and YouTube videos.

Thank you!!!

 

[CarolynFH]

Thank you!!!

Did you notice this thread? It's kind of hidden in the sticky threads above, but the links in post #1 there might be helpful. https://www.disboards.com/threads/planning-tips-for-your-disney-world-trip-start-here.3873895/.

Also, keep watching for the promised "Everything about LLMP/LLSP" thread. I expect it will help a lot, once it appears.

 

[Tom_E_D]

Did you notice this thread? It's kind of hidden in the sticky threads above, but the links in post #1 there might be helpful. https://www.disboards.com/threads/planning-tips-for-your-disney-world-trip-start-here.3873895/.

Some of the links in that thread lead to outdated information. I do not recommend it.

That leads to a caution for all these sources. Be careful that you aren't looking at information that is out of date. It's hard to tell when many YouTube videos were made or blog articles written. There have been a number of important changes just in the past few months, let alone the past five years. Even the "2025" printed guides may have gone to press before the switch to Lightning Lane Multi Pass was announced.

Unfortunately, I do not have a recommendation of a reliable source for all the current information.

EDIT: Since I made the post above, the lead post in the "Planning Tips" thread has been edited with the links that led to the out-of-date information removed. So, there is now no harm in looking at that post. However, it is also not all that useful. It does not yet contain a link to recent information on LLMP/LLSP. That should be coming soon (this month), but isn't ready to roll yet.

 

[Tom_E_D]

Some of the links in that thread lead to outdated information. I do not recommend it.

That leads to a caution for all these sources. Be careful that you aren't looking at information that is out of date. It's hard to tell when many YouTube videos were made or blog articles written. There have been a number of important changes just in the past few months, let alone the past five years. Even the "2025" printed guides may have gone to press before the switch to Lightning Lane Multi Pass was announced.

Unfortunately, I do not have a recommendation of a reliable source for all the current information.

I just went to my local Barnes and Noble and browsed the 2025 Unofficial Guide. As expected, it explains how Genie+ works, not LLMP/LLSP. The other guidebooks are 2024 editions.

When I say I don't have a recommendation for a reliable source for all the current information, I am not saying that I have looked for one myself. I haven't. There may be such a source out there. But I personally can't tell you where it is.

 

[jeneric997]

If you did FP+ I think the current system is very similar. Pick 3 rides ahead and tiers. The only other 2 changes is VQ and LLSP (buying the few rides that are offered individually). You have plenty of time to learn since dining can't be done until 60 days and LLMP/SP can't be done until 7days before check in. I will say one thing I stopped doing was putting the guests in on my ADR, because it blocks out the time for LLSP. It did this with FP+ as well.

Get the App on your phone and just mess around with it. You got this!

 

[MaidMarian444]

I will say one thing I stopped doing was putting the guests in on my ADR, because it blocks out the time for LLSP. It did this with FP+ as well.

Interesting! Can you avoiding putting yourself on the ADR as well or do you have to be on it?

 

[CarolynFH]

Interesting! Can you avoiding putting yourself on the ADR as well or do you have to be on it?

When you book an ADR, the name of the person whose MDE account is being used to book it is the default manager of the ADR, and you can't change it. So, the answer to your question is NO, unfortunately.

 

[MICKIMINI]

As you know, your proposed schedule will make or break your trip. I will address dining as it is important to many people but takes advanced planning to get it right. As a 50 year WDW veteran, I'd say this is one of the biggest challenges for us.

Definitely read up on potential dining choices for TS and talk to the group about where everyone wants to eat. Many changes have been made to menus. A list of possible restaurants all over WDW will be helpful. I'd start having a weekly "meeting", maybe pizza night and focus on various aspects of the trip each week. Everyone will have their chance to do research ahead of time. This meeting of the minds will allow everyone to have a say and set expectations and build excitement.

Don't forget to have a list for each park of potential snack and QS locations. Those too have changed.

My best suggestion is to mock up a calendar for your days and make a few copies. You can try out various park days, pool breaks, DS, character meals and dining not at a park etc. I find it easier to see it all on paper and you can change it up until it feels right.

At 60 days prior you should be ready to go with your dining reservations. It is very competitive now and you will clearly see your availability to match it up with online scheduling. Your most difficult dining choices will be at parks, however if you can switch out a MK day with an EPCOT day or however it works, you should be able to grab an ADR. Not to say you won't get something within 60 days, but it will be a lot more work to stalk those ADR's.

Our favorites currently are: Topolino's for breakfast, Boma for dinner, Steakhouse71 for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We have been disappointed with our old EPCOT favorites, though Space220 is pretty cool.

Enjoy your planning and your trip!

 

[jeneric997]

Interesting! Can you avoiding putting yourself on the ADR as well or do you have to be on it?

I am a non rider for some rides, so me being the only person on the ADR helps, but if everyone is a rider then it's not as helpful. I will say, being able to cancel dining 2 hours in advance has been very helpful (also a recent change).