Bringing someone to Walt Disney World for their first visit, especially when you’re a seasoned pro, is a lot fun. It’s exciting to play tour guide and show them around the happiest place on earth. It’s even more fun if they are reluctant to go, because you and I both know they will love it once they see it! It’s definitely not Six Flags, right?

Based on my own experiences and the feedback I get from numerous clients, here are my 5 tips to ensure they will have a great time at Walt Disney World.

Expect to make new memories together

You may have great memories of Walt Disney World and maybe even some traditions. For me, Magic Kingdom had to be our first and last park. But it’s perfectly ok to write a new chapter together. They shouldn’t feel like they are just tagging along on your vacation. 

Let them have a say in the planning

Of course, you’re the expert and they are probably looking to you for expert planning. But make them a stakeholder in the planning too, they will enjoy the parks even more if they are involved on some level. And be careful you don’t object to their ideas. Even if you know that Swiss Family Treehouse isn’t all that exciting, if they think it looks cool, let them check it out. 

Go at their pace

If your companion is not quite the Disney fan you are, a grueling pace through the parks can wear them out. Walt Disney World is physically and mentally exhausting. The parks are of course massive and as guests, we are all on sensory overload. The “sleep when you're dead” style of touring might not be for everyone unless they are uber Disney fans too. Allow them time to rest and to process all the mental stimulation they are being bombarded with at Disney World. Schedule breaks, a little more time at the pool, shopping, or going back to the room early on some nights.

Be careful not to overhype experiences

Think of watching a movie with your friend. You’ve never seen it before and yet they know the entire script by heart. Every few minutes they say, “oh watch this part, it’s so funny!” That can get a little annoying, you just want to watch the movie and take it in for yourself. And maybe they hype up a scene so much, that it falls short of your expectations.

Share the reasons why you like an attraction so much rather than try to convince your friend that they will love it too.

Expect the unexpected

The best memories and traditions come from the unexpected. Walt Disney World does require an incredible amount of planning, but it’s also designed to be a place of discovery and adventure. Leave room to do something that is not in the plans. Maybe an unexpected street performance at Epcot or Hollywood Studios or you find a path in Animal Kingdom - see where it goes! So, go ahead and smell those proverbial roses, it’s ok! 

Darren Wittko, Orlando FL