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Parks & Travel

How to Plan a Summer Vacation to the Disney Parks

Updated

With the kids out of school and families looking for some fun in the sun, there’s no better place than the Disney parks to create an unforgettable vacation. If you’re dreaming up a summer getaway to Walt Disney World® Resort or the Disneyland® Resort, this guide will cover the basics of planning and provide you with some pro tips to take your travels to the next level. As an ongoing Cardmember perk, remember you can receive special vacation financing on select Disney vacation packages when purchasing with your Disney® Visa® Credit Card.1

Tips for Summer Vacations to Disney Parks

Tip 1: Book accommodations that have one-of-a-kind pools

When you stay at a Disneyland Resort or Disney Resort hotel, you can make a splash at several unique pools. Slide into adventure, dive into amazing Disney moments and make waves in picture-perfect settings, all within walking distance of your room.

Some of the most popular pool options at Walt Disney World® Resort include Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, featuring the iconic Sorcerer Mickey fountain; the Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, featuring a towering “volcano” and 142-foot-long waterslide; and the relaxing waters of Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, with its heated pool surrounded by lush landscaping.

All three of the Disneyland® Resort hotels have pools of their own: Disneyland® Hotel’s retro-themed pools include waterslides themed after the beloved monorails, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa offers three dazzling pools, and Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel provides a scenic rooftop pool.

Family at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa in pool

Tip 2: Purchase tickets and make park and dining reservations as soon as possible

Booking in advance is key to helping ensure your entry to the parks and access to the dining and activities you want to experience. Start by purchasing your tickets and making park reservations at Walt Disney World® Resort or the Disneyland® Resort for the dates of your choice. Then, check on reservations at the restaurants you want to visit. Want some inspiration on where to eat? Check out our Disney Rewards Dining Perks Guide for select dining locations where you can save 10% most days with your Disney Visa Card.23 Last but not least, look into booking Enchanting Extras like private photo sessions and guided tours.

Group of friends dining at The Boathouse Walt Disney Worth fiftieth celebration

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, if you’re looking for extra guidance for putting together or managing your plans, the Disney Genie service can help. Use it to find recommendations throughout your day, access a personalized itinerary and view reservations. It can even recommend when you’re eligible to book dining reservations and helps you predict the best time to experience an attraction with wait time forecasts. Learn more about Disney Genie for Walt Disney World® Resort and the Disneyland® Resort.

Tip 3: Look for attractions to cool you down

There are so many ways to cool off, bask in the shade and keep comfortable during your Disney summer vacation. Try visiting the many indoor attractions, like the theatrical entertainment in Mickey’s PhilharMagic in Disney California Adventure® Park and Magic Kingdom® Park. For extra refreshment, jump on an attraction that provides a splash, like Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Grizzly River Run at Disney California Adventure® Park.

Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

Tip 4: Don’t forget about the water parks

At Walt Disney World® Resort, you’ll find water parks that bring the same incredible detail and enchantment as the other theme parks, and they’re the perfect destinations for all ages to soak up the sun and dive into fun. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon provides tropical vistas, adventurous thrills and luxurious lounging. And Disney’s Blizzard Beach puts a wintry twist on aquatic activities, like toboggan racing and polar-themed play areas. Plus, both parks offer refreshing treats and beverages, so you can hang all day. And as a bonus, park reservations are not required at the water parks.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is a water theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort

Tip 5: Pack all your summer essentials

Whether you’re prepping for the pool or a whole waterpark outing, you’ll want to fill your suitcase with all the essentials. Gear up with your swimsuit, sandals, hats and sunglasses, of course. And don’t forget to bring a backpack or pool bag so you can carry your sunscreen, refillable water bottle, phone charger and snacks. Need some new swim apparel or just want to refresh your look with a touch of Disney? Visit shopDisney.com for the latest summer pieces, and remember that Cardmembers can save 10% on select purchases with the Disney Visa Card.4

Tip 6: Treat yourself to frosty refreshments

You can’t go wrong with fan favorites, like the DOLE® Whip and Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar, found in multiple locations throughout the parks. But you’ll want to save room for hidden gems, too—such as delicious lemon sorbet in the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT® or a completely customized bar at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream in Disney California Adventure® Park. And be on the lookout for cold beverages to sip in the shade, like the famous Blue Milk and Green Milk in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. These treats taste even sweeter when you redeem your Disney Rewards Dollars toward them!5

little girl and her dad eating Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Bar

Tip 7: Chill out with a day at the movies

Kick back with one of the hottest new Disney, Star Wars or Disney and Pixar movies when you use your Disney Rewards Redemption Card toward ticket purchases via AMCTheatres.com or on the AMC Theatres Mobile App.5 There are convenient AMC Theatres locations near Disney parks: the AMC® Disney Springs 24 in Florida and the AMC® Anaheim GardenWalk 6 in California, making it easy to lounge and take in a summer blockbuster.

AMC movie thetres

With so many adventures to look forward to, keep dreaming big and imagining all the possibilities for your best summer ever. Visit the Vacation Perks page to explore all the ways your Disney Visa Card can pack even more Disney into your getaway.

Related Posts

NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more
NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more
NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more

1Special Vacation Financing

Get special vacation financing on select Disney Resort packages, all Adventures by Disney® packages, National Geographic Expeditions, all AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i vacation packages, and all Disney Cruise Line packages (collectively, Disney Vacation Packages). Disney Vacation Packages must be booked by you through the Walt Disney Travel Company, Disney Cruise Line or Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc., online at Disney sites or through other eligible travel agents or sites, and charged to your Disney Visa Credit Card prior to commencement of your vacation. Other restrictions and exclusions apply. New Applicants: Please refer to the applicable Pricing & Terms for pricing details: Disney Inspire Visa Card pricing↗; Disney Premier Visa Card pricing↗; Disney Visa Card pricing↗. If you received an offer in the mail, please refer to the Pricing & Terms included with that offer. You will receive complete terms and conditions for this offer once you become a cardmember. Existing Cardmembers: For complete details please refer to your Cardmember Agreement.

2Disney Theme Park & Resort Perks

Offers and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible items, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card as form(s) of payment at the time of purchase for full amount of purchase to receive special offers. Merchandise discount may not be available for certain items and at certain locations including Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant locations and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned or operated by the owners of the Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort. To receive a merchandise discount, you must mention the specific offer. For entry into the Disney, Heroic Encounter or Star Wars Cardmember Photo Opportunities, you must present your valid Disney Visa Card. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts, promotions or with any previous purchase. Minimum purchase and/or separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required. Offers are for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold. Chase is not responsible or liable for fulfillment of these Disney Theme Park and Resort perks.

3Dining Savings at Disney Parks & Resorts

Offer and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible food and beverages, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures, and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, select new food and beverage offerings, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card at time of purchase for full amount of purchase. Discount valid at the following Walt Disney World® Resort restaurant locations: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas: Boma – Flavors of Africa, Jiko – The Cooking Place (see restrictions), and Sanaa; Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Beaches and Cream and Cape May Cafe; Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas: Flying Fish (see restrictions); Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Sebastian’s Bistro; Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Steakhouse 71; Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: Three Bridges Bar & Grill and Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood; Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Citricos (see restrictions), Grand Floridian Cafe, and Narcoossee’s (see restrictions); Disney’s Old Key West Resort: Olivia’s Cafe; Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Kona Cafe; Disney’s Port Orleans Resort: Boatwrights Dining Hall; Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: The Turf Club Bar and Grill; Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Whispering Canyon Cafe; Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Ale & Compass Restaurant and Yachtsman Steakhouse; Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park: Tiffins; Disney’s Hollywood Studios®: Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, and The Hollywood Brown Derby (see restrictions); EPCOT®: Biergarten Restaurant (see restrictions), Coral Reef Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Rose & Crown Dining Room, and Spice Road Table; Magic Kingdom® Park: Crystal Palace, Diamond Horseshoe, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen, Liberty Tree Tavern, The Plaza Restaurant, and Tony's Town Square Restaurant. For locations where it is noted to see restrictions, the discount does not apply to the following dates: 11/27/2025, 12/25/2025, 12/28/2025, 12/29/2025, 12/30/2025, 12/31/2025, 1/1/2026, 1/2/2026, 2/13/2026, 2/14/2026, 2/15/2026, 4/3/2026, 4/4/2026 and 4/5/2026. Discount valid at the following Disneyland® Resort restaurant locations, subject to location availability: Disneyland® Park: Cafe Orleans, Carnation Café, The Golden Horseshoe, Harbour Galley, Plaza Inn, River Belle Terrace, Royal Street Veranda, and Troubadour Tavern; Disney California Adventure® Park: Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining, Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Lucky Fortune Cookery, Paradise Garden Grill, Sonoma Terrace, Studio Catering Co., and Wine Country Trattoria; Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa: GCH Craftsman Bar and Storytellers Café; Disneyland® Hotel: Goofy’s Kitchen and Palm Breeze Bar. Discount valid at the following Disney’s Vero Beach Resort restaurant location: Wind & Waves Grill. Subject to restaurant availability, operating hours and closures. Reservations may be required. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts or promotions. Separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required. Discount is for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold.

4Merchandise Savings at Disney Store

10% Off Purchases for Disney Visa Cardmembers Promotion Restrictions: Valid on select, in-stock merchandise purchased at Disney Store and Disney Outlet Store locations in the U.S., and at DisneyStore.com (online or via phone orders). Not valid on purchases made at Disney Parks and Resorts locations or on Disney Store merchandise purchased from other retailers or using third party websites. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card as the form(s) of payment at the time of purchase for full amount of purchase and mention this offer in-store or enter the promo code DRVCMEMBER online, prior to checkout, into the "Add Promotion Code" area and click the "Apply" button. Offer excludes sales tax, shipping & handling charges, gift wrap & gift box charges, personalization charges, Disney Theme Park Tickets, Disney Gift Cards, Disney+ Gift Cards, art & collectibles, books, electronic toys, limited edition & special edition merchandise, items related to a charitable promotion, items from the following brands and collections: Barefoot Dreams, BaubleBar, Bluey, Columbia, CRISLU, D23 Merchandise, Define Me, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings Rings, Doorables, Harveys, Hasbro Marvel Legends & Star Wars: The Black Series, Hasbro Youth Toys, Havaianas, Hot Toys, Janie & Jack, LEGO, Lilly Pulitzer, Lionel, Lorcana, Mattel, Milk Snob, Monica + Andy, PANDORA, Pandora® Jewelry, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Pleasing, Project Orange, Robosen, Royal Selangor, RSVLTS, Sigma Beauty, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Legacy Lightsaber Hilts, select Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge merchandise, Steiff, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Vera Bradley. Additional exclusions may apply. Visit DisneyStore.com/DRVCPerkDetails for the most current list of exclusions and any updates to these offer terms. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount, except available shipping offers. No adjustments to prior purchases. Valid packing slip or receipt required for returns or exchanges, which will be subject to discount taken at the time of purchase. Offer subject to restrictions and to change without notice. Promotion may not be redeemed for cash, sold, or altered. Internet distribution is strictly prohibited. Use of offer or Promotion Code DRVCMEMBER constitutes acceptance of these offer terms. Void where prohibited. Chase is not responsible or liable for fulfillment of this offer.

5Disney Rewards Dollars

Disney Rewards Dollars are subject to the Disney Rewards Dollars Terms and Conditions for Disney Visa Credit Cards available at DisneyRewards.com/Terms.

6$300 Disney Gift Card eGift with the Disney Inspire Visa Card

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Upon approval of your Disney Inspire Visa Card application, you will be sent your Disney Gift Card eGift via email within hours to any valid email address. The Disney Gift Card eGift can be used at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Store locations in the U.S., DisneyStore.com, and Adventures by Disney®. Disney Gift Card eGifts are redeemable for goods and services at participating Disney locations. Disney Gift Card eGifts are not refundable or redeemable for cash unless required by law. Disney Gift Card eGifts are not for resale. Disney Gift Card eGifts are issued by, and represents a legal obligation solely of, Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. Lost, damaged or stolen Disney Gift Card eGifts may be replaced only if original email and complete card number are provided. For Disney Gift Card eGift balance inquiries, call 1-877-650-4327 or visit DisneyGiftCard.com. For complete terms and conditions (including arbitration agreement), visit DisneyGiftCard.com. The value of this offer or program may result in miscellaneous income received from Chase and we may be required to send you, and file with the IRS, a Form 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Information) or Form 1042-S (Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding) for the year in which you participate and are awarded the benefits of the offer/program. You are responsible for any tax liability related to participating in the offer/program. Please consult your own tax advisor if you have any questions about how this could affect your taxes. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits and services. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. If your account is not open for at least 6 months, Chase and Disney reserve the right to cancel the Disney Gift Card eGift.

7$300 Statement Credit with the Disney Inspire Visa Card

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Offers may vary and may not be available through all application methods when applying for the Disney Visa Credit Cards. In some instances, an application may require additional time to process. To qualify and receive your $300 statement credit, you must make Purchases totaling $1,000 or more during the first 3 months from account opening. ("Purchases" do not include balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable.) To be eligible for this bonus offer, account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. After qualifying, please allow up to 8 weeks for your credit to appear in your statement.

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