Planning A Girl’s Trip to Walt Disney World

Planning A Girl’s Trip to Walt Disney World

Planning a Girls Trip to Walt Disney World? If you’re a Disney-loving adult, a girls’ trip should be at the top of your Disney Bucket list! As we all know, Disney isn’t just for kids and there is so much to see and do. The possibilities are endless.

Whether you’re a college student looking for some fun on spring break, a childless millennial looking for a trip that all of your friends can get behind, a bachelorette searching for the most magical of celebrations, or a mom wanting a little getaway, a girls trip to Walt Disney World can suit just about every taste. 

Disney 50th Anniversary Castle

How do I plan a girls’ trip to Walt Disney World?

Start with the basics! Get your group together and decide what type of trip this will be. Are you planning to ride all the rides? Maybe you want to drink around the world. Do you want to see a specific festival at Walt Disney World? Or maybe this is just a good old girl bonding trip with plenty of time to relax.  Once you’ve decided who’s in and what you want to do, figure out your budget. One thing to keep in mind- Walt Disney World is not cheap! There are plenty of ways to save money, but be realistic about what each person in the group can afford. You have some control over the cost of accommodations, but unless you all have annual passes, tickets prices are pretty much non-negotiable. 

Now you’ve decided on a budget; next, you’ll want to book your resort. We are sharing some of our favorite Disney resorts for a girls’ trip below. But there are so many great accommodations at Walt Disney World and surrounding areas, you should have no problem finding something that works for all of you.  If a;ll of this sounds a little overwhelming, we get it. Why not book through a Disney travel planner to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible! 

Disney's 50th Anniverasry Plans

How far ahead of time should I plan a girls’ trip to Walt Disney World?

We recommend starting planning a year ahead of time if you can. Why? Planning as far ahead as possible will give you the most options for resorts and often the best prices. If you book a resort at Walt Disney World and an offer is later released, you can always have that offer applied to your reservation. Disney has a pretty easy cancellation policy, so if you need to rearrange dates, it’s usually not much of an issue.

If you can’t plan that far ahead of time, we get it. Try booking out as far ahead of time as possible.  This is important to ensure you can get Park passes for your intended Park days and restaurant reservations for all the delicious places you’ll want to eat. Park Passes can be reserved as soon as you book your trip!

walt disney world

Where to stay on a Girls Trip to Walt Disney World 

There are plenty of places to stay at Walt Disney World for a girls’ trip! Whether you’re looking to stay on property or off property, central Flordia is loaded with options. For the most convenience, we always suggest staying on property. It’s also a good choice if you plan to only visit Walt Disney World and want that little bit of extra magic built into your vacation. But if you plan to have a car or plan to explore more than just Walt Disney World, staying off property can make more sense financially. 

Boardwalk at Walt Disney World

Disney’s Boardwalk 

There are a few resorts in the Boardwalk area, so when we say the Boardwalk, we aren’t limiting it to just the Boardwalk Inn. On Disney’s Boardwalk, you can find The Boardwalk Inn, The Beach Club, and The Yacht Club. Disney’s Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are also in this area, slightly further away from Epcot than the other three, but not by much. 

There are a lot of perks to staying in Disney’s Boardwalk area, and it’s quickly become our favorite spot to stay on property.  Close proximity to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios makes this location super convenient. And there are plenty of places to eat, even if you’re not venturing into the Parks. Resorts on the Boardwalk can get pricey though. If you’re hoping to stay in this area, but want something more affordable, Disney’s Swan and Dolphin hotels are often a great alternative. 

Beaches at the Beach Club Disney World

Gran Destino Tower, Coronado Springs, Disney resort review, walt Disney world resort, new resorts at Disney

Disney’s Gran Destino Tower

Part of Coronado Springs, Disney’s Gran Destino Tower is the perfect place for a Walt Disney World girl’s trip.  Not only is the decor and atmosphere just beautiful, but there’s also a lot to take advantage of right at the resort. Barcelona, located on the first floor of Gran Destino Tower, offers specialty coffees in the morning and delicious bites and cocktails later in the day. With a beautiful setting and great service, it’s the perfect place to relax and catch up with your friends. Dahlia Lounge offers up drinks and small bites as well. Located on the top floor, this lounge features beautiful views and a balcony if you want some outside time. 

And if you want to stay at the resort for dinner, Toledo and Three Bridges Bar & Grill are located here. Toledo offers tapas, steak, and seafood in an elegant atmosphere. And Three Bridges is a more casual spot, with open-air dining and a relaxed ambiance. 

grand floridian to the polynesian walking path walt disney world

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort 

The Ultimate in grand accommodations at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Grand Floridian will transport you back to the Victoria era. The most elegant of resorts at Walt Disney World, the Grand Floridian offers standard rooms as well as villas if you’re traveling with a larger party. The Grand Floridian also has monorail access, as well as a walking path to Magic Kingdom, so if you plan to spend a lot of time at that Park, the Grand Floridian is a convenient option. It’s also one of the most expensive resorts on Walt Disney World property, so keep that in mind if you have your heart set on staying here. 

The Grand Floridian Resort is also home to several great restaurants and lounges, so even if this one is outside of your budget, we still recommend paying this resort a visit! 

polynesian resort at walt disney world

Disney’s Polynesian Resort 

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is another one of the more expensive resorts at Walt Disney World, but also one of the most lush and beautiful ones as well.  The Polynesian Resort is themed to Hawaii and the Polynesian islands, and is a great option if an actual tropical getaway is a little out of reach. Really want to elevate your vacation? Rent a bungalow right on the water. Yes, it’s very expensive, but could be a great getaway if you’re looking for some solitude. 

This resort also has monorail access. And technically, you can walk to Magic Kingdom from here too! There is a walking path that takes you from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian; and from there, you can take the walking path to Magic Kingdom. This is another resort we highly recommend stopping at even if you’re not staying there. 

Pop Century Resort Atmosphere

Disney’s Pop Century Resort 

Disney’s Pop Century is the best budget-friendly option at Walt Disney World! Not only is it generally less chaotic than the All-Stars Resorts, but it also has Disney Skyliner access. This makes it easy to not only get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios but also to resorts like Caribbean Beach and Disney’s Riviera Resort. This opens up ease to more restaurants and lounges, and we love that!

working with a disney travel agent

Staying off Property at Walt Disney World 

Staying off property at Walt Disney World can not only save you a lot of money, but it can also open up some possibilities for your trip! This is especially true if you want to explore other places in Central Florida. Maybe your group wants to travel to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or take a day to relax by the ocean.  Whatever your plans, staying off property can make getting around to these other areas a little easier, and at a better price.

Where to eat on a Girls Trip to Walt Disney World 

Walt Disney World is home to a wide variety of amazing restaurants. They’re also great about dietary restrictions, which should be comforting for anyone who may be traveling with an allergy or dietary preference. 

There are many different types of restaurants to choose from when visiting Walt Disney World. Table service tends to be the most expensive meals and often require a reservation; while quick service meals are well, quicker, and much more budget-friendly. We try to mix it up during trips, eating at both types of restaurants to give us some variety. Every party will enjoy dining at Walt Disney World differently, but here are a few of our favorite restaurants for a girls’ trip to Walt Disney World. 

Kona Cafe Tonga Toast with fruit cyrup

Brunch at Kona Cafe

Who doesn’t love a good brunch? Kona Cafe has you covered. With their famous Tonga Toast, Kona coffee, and POG mimosas, this tropical getaway is a great place to start your day. And when you’re done with brunch at Kona, enjoy the sandy beaches at this resort, or treat yourself to a dole whip. 

brunch at Trattoria Al Forno

Brunch at Trattoria Al Forno

If you’re looking for one of the best breakfasts on Walt Disney World Property, look no further than Trattoria Al Forno.  Located on Disney’s Boardwalk not only offers a delicious selection of entrees and morning cocktails but is also home to what is often considered the best iced coffee at Walt Disney World. So if you’re not a morning drinker, and need that caffeine instead, Trattoria Al Forno will not disappoint. 

Lunch at Space 220

You don’t really go to Space 220 for the food as much as you go to Space 220 for the experience. Once you arrive, you’ll board an elevator that takes you into a lounge in space! Ok, well it’s not really in space, but it’s Disney, so some sort of magic makes it feel that way. We recommend dining in the lounge or at the bar rather than the main dining room, so you’re not obligated to the prix fixe menu.

But be aware, reservations to Space 220 are extremely difficult to get. If you’ve planned your trip more 60 days out, you’ll want to be up and ready to make that dining reservation at 5:45 am on reservation day. If you haven’t booked out far enough and this isn’t an option, then you can always try a dining reservation service like Mouse Dining to help you find when a reservation opens up. Just a forewarning though, these reservations are so hard to get that even these services often have a hard time finding something available. 

steakhouse 71 at walt disney world

Lunch at Steakhouse 71

Steakhouse 71 recently opened in place of where The Wave used to be at the Contemporary Resort. We think this stop is perfect for a girls’ trip to Walt Disney World because the food is amazing and they have a pretty great drink menu as well. Add in the fact that the Contemporary is within walking distance to Magic Kingdom, or an easy monorail ride away, and it makes for an effortless stop in your day. The Contemporary also has one of our favorite resort gift shops at Walt Disney World, with magical treats and merch we generally don’t find anywhere else. And if you need a pick me up for the road, the Contemporary even has a Joffrey’s Coffee on the first floor.  

Afternoon Tea Grand Floridian, Afternoon Tea Garden View Tea Room, Disney food, disney tea experiece, disney resort dining

Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian

Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian has been one of our longest-standing traditions at Walt Disney World. We love the quiet, quaint, relaxing atmosphere; and it offers an experience most people can’t get at home.  We especially love this for special occasions like birthdays, a mommy and me trip, or a bachelorette party. 

disney's polynesian resort

Drinks at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is obviously a favorite of ours. The atmosphere, the food, and the location all make this resort great. The Polynesian Resort also offers two lounges inside, and two outside, if you’re looking forward to a drink.  Trader Sam’s Grogg Grotto and Tiki Bar is a fan favorite, often filling up quickly and requiring a wait to get inside. And Tambu Lounge is located in the Great Ceremonial House, serving up drinks and appetizers. 

Barefoot Pool Bar and Oasis Bar & Grill are located near the pools and offer a delicious selection of drinks to be enjoyed poolside. Please note, however, guests who are not staying at the Polynesian Resort don’t have access to the pools located there.  But you can grab a drink outside and enjoy it in the sunshine or at the beach area. 

Walt Disney World Lounge for Grown Ups Disney Adults Enchanted Rose Grand Floridian

Drinks at Enchanted Rose at the Grand Floridian

Even if you’re not a drinker, Enchanted Rose is just a beautiful place to be! With delicate cocktails and mocktails, Enchanted Rose also has a great menu of small bites. We love this option for a quick stop before heading to Magic Kingdom. Since it’s on the monorail loop, it’s easy to get to and doesn’t require a reservation.  

Toledo Restaurant at Coronado Springs Walt disney World

Dinner at Toledo

Toldeo is really a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Walt Disney World. Located inside Gran Destino Tower, this restaurant offers up beautiful views as well as high-quality beverages and food. They focus on quality over quantity here, which we appreciate and feel makes for a much more special dinner. Toldeo serves the kind of dinner that begs to be savored, rather than inhaled, so you can move on to the next thing. And if you want to stay even longer, stop by Dahlia, located right across from Toledo, serving drinks and appetizers with rooftop views. 

California Grill

Dinner at California Grill

Love dinner with a view? Then California Grill is the spot for you.  Not only do they serve up some of the most delicious meals on Walt Disney World property, but dining during the fireworks at Magic Kingdom will also get you a unique viewing location without all the crowds.  Located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the balcony at the California Grill gives guests a perfect view of Cinderella Castle, and the fireworks that surround it during Enchantment or other special event fireworks shows. 

Special Experiences for a Girls Trip to Walt Disney World

If you’re looking to add a little something extra to add to your girl’s trip to Walt Disney World, there are a lot of different options! Walt Disney World offers tours and unique experiences that can make your trip a little more special. Here are a few of our favorites! 

Enchantment Dessert Party 

Love Disney fireworks? Who can blame you, they’re pretty magical. That being said, we know sometimes waiting for the fireworks shows to start, or having to find a good viewing spot in a huge crowd, is usually not magical.  This is where the Enchantment Dessert Party comes in.  At $99 per person, you can enjoy treats, beer, or wine for those over 21 and a guaranteed seat for the Enchantment Fireworks show at Magic Kingdom.  For more information on the Enchantment Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom and to make reservations, click here

Senses- A Disney Spa 

Need some rest and relaxation? Senses- A Disney Spa, is the perfect place to recharge. This full service spa and salon is located at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and requires reservations in advance. You can read all about Senses here

fort wilderness resort and campground

Horseback Riding at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is a destination all its own. With so many activities, you could easily stay here and never even step foot into the Parks! If you’re the outdoorsy type, the Fort Wilderness has plenty to see and do. And if your group loves horses, guided horseback riding is offered at this resort as well! You can book horseback riding and other activties at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground by calling (407) WDW-PLAY. 

 

Wild Africa Trek Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World

Take a tour at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World offers a variety of special tours. These need to be booked ahead of time and come in all prices and lengths of time. We personally love the Wild Africa Trek, which has been one of our favorite experiences at Walt Disney World! But if adventuring isn’t your thing, there are plenty of tours to choose from. You can find the full list of tours at Walt Disney World here

Visit an EPCOT festival 

Ok, so although this may not be a special experience, we definitely recommend planning your trip around a festival. There are four different festivals held at EPCOT throughout the year; so you’re sure to find something everyone can agree on. Are you a big fan of the arts? Then the International Festival of the Arts is for you! Love flowers and all things spring?  Make a trip down to Walt Disney World during the International Flower and Garden Festival. If your girl group really just wants to show up for the food and wine, well then the International Food and Wine Festival is the perfect time to go. Or maybe you’re all Christmas obsessed and to that, we say the International Festival of Holidays may just be what you’re after. 

The festivals at EPCOT always add a little extra something to your Walt Disney World vacation and we love planning our trips around them. 

Spend a Day at Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a great destination for shopping, entertainment, and lots of food. And best of all, it doesn’t require a Park ticket or park reservation. It has a little bit of everything and is a great way to spend your arrival or departure day, or mix things up if you want to take a break from the Parks.  For unique entertainment and drinks, try The Edison. Looking for brunch? We love Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin.  See a movie at the AMC, try your hand at bowling at Splitsville or experience the artistry of a Cirque Du Soleil show. 

Mommy and Me Girls Trip to Walt Disney World

Want to plan a Mommy and Me Girls trip to Walt Disney World? Don’t worry, we have a special post just for you to help you plan your practically perfect trip! 

As you can see, Walt Disney World is the perfect place for a girls’ trip! There really is something for everyone and there are so many ways to spend your time. Have you ever taken a girls’ trip to Walt Disney World before? 

 

Planning a Girls Trip at Walt Disney World. All our favorite things to do.

Co-Founder and Director at Polka Dot Pixie Co LLC | Website | + posts

Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.


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