Guide to First Time Season 1: Walt Disney World

Summer at Disney is hot, crowded — and absolutely worth it if you plan it right. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what worked (and what didn't) from my first successful July trip with a family of five, plus what I'm doing differently for two upcoming summer trips in June and July 2026.Hot Summer Tips: 🏨 Book your hotel based on your parks — Skyliner access is a game-changer 📅 Go Sunday–Wednesday, avoid 4th of July week and weekends 😎 Plan a 2–5pm hotel break — the heat will beat you if you don't ⚡ Use Lightning Lane to save an hour of standing in summer heat with kids 🗺️ Complete one park area before moving to the next — don't crisscross 🍽️ Book one sit-down meal per day — it's a survival strategy, not a luxuryDon't skip: the pool, the water park (FREE on check-in day for Disney Resort guests May 26–Sep 8, 2026!), and the night shows.📅Disney 5-Day Park Calendar — I don't plan a trip without it.

Is Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party worth the ticket price? Here's everything you need to know before you go.In this episode of Guide to First Time, host Roberta walks you through a first-timer family trip report from Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom — Walt Disney World's famous Halloween event From booking strategy to the Boo-to-You Parade, this is the honest guide first-time party guests actually need.We cover:What MNSSHP is and what's included — trick-or-treating, ride overlays, exclusive fireworks, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and the Boo-to-You Halloween ParadeThe allergy-friendly trick-or-treat token system — a game changer for families with food allergiesWhich rides have Halloween overlays — including Space Mountain in complete darknessWhat to eat — including the must-try Madame Leota Séance Candle cake popWhat we'd do differently — and whether we'd recommend October dates over SeptemberMNSSHP vs. the Very Merry Christmas Party — our honest verdictWhether you're a first-time Disney World visitor or a passholder planning your fall trip, this episode gives you the real, unfiltered experience and all the planning tips to follow.Next episode: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party — subscribe so you don't miss it.