I had a fantastic chat with Amanda who vacationed to Walt Disney World in September with her husband and her brother. We discussed a lot of details, especially around the free dining promotion and the Disney Dining Plan. She also gave a great review of Saratoga Springs, so we talked a lot about that lesser-known resort, which I think is really helpful. We dove into Food and Wine Festival just a little bit and Amanda shares her FastPass+ strategies. Just wait until you hear the most FastPasses she has ever gotten in one day. Get ready.

Is Disney World just for kids?

So many people ask, can I go as an adult (without kids) or is that weird? A lot of people think that Disney World is just for kids and Amanda's brother was one of those people. He thought that Walt Disney World was just a place for kids and he wasn't going to enjoy it, but it really is just somewhere that you can go and relax and enjoy yourself. They've truly got something for everyone. It's fantastic.

Resort Review: Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Two-bedroom Villa, DVC (Disney Vacation Club) (I highly recommend Shipt or Amazon Prime Now for grocery delivery to the Disney World resorts.)  Disney Springs

Trip Planning Details

Park Hopper: Yes

Memory Maker: Yes Make sure you ask for Magic Shots!

Disney Dining Plan: Yes

Dining reservations:

• Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' in Disney Springs.
• Yak and Yeti in Animal Kingdom.
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant in Hollywood Studios.
• Rose & Crown Dining Room in Epcot.

Also, many Walt Disney World restaurants are available on Open Table.  If you can't get a reservation on My Disney Experience, check Open Table!

FastPass+ Strategy: This was the first time Amanda has vacationed to Hollywood studios since Toy Story Land opened, so Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers were first on her list. She was up 7:00 AM EST, 60 days out because she was staying on property.

Favorite time of year in Walt Disney World: Food and Wine Festival time. 

The Itinerary: 9/2 - 9/8 Day 1: Animal Kingdom & Epcot

• Breakfast at the hotel
• FastPasses for Kali River Rapids, UP! A Great Bird Adventure, and Dinosaur
• Late lunch reservations for Yak and Yeti
• Epcot: Stroll around the Food and Wine Festival

Day 2: Magic Kingdom 

• FastPasses for Peter Pan's Flight, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (all before 12)
• 2:30 pm lunch at The Plaza Restaurant: This was Amanda's first time dining there, and she absolutely loved it.

Day 3: Disney Springs, Animal Kingdom & Magic Kingdom

• Lunch at Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'
• FastPasses for Flight of Passage, Kali River Rapids, and Expedition Everest
• Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace

Happily Ever After Dessert Party

Day 4: Hollywood Studios

• FastPasses: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (11:00 to 12:00), Slinky Dog Dash (5:00 to 6:00), Tower of Terror (7:30 to 8:30)
• Late lunch at Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant

Day 5: Epcot

• Food and Wine Festival: Favorite dish: Charcuterie in a Cone (Amanda's husband's favorite!)
• FastPasses: Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival, Soarin', and Living with the Land
• 12:00 pm lunch reservations at Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room

Day 6: Hollywood Studios

• FastPasses: Star Tours, Slinky Dog Dash, and Tower of Terror
• Woody's Lunch Box

Day 7: Disney Springs and Resort pools

• Chicken Guy!  and The Daily Poutine (one of Amanda's all-time favorites!)
• Swimming at the Disney resorts
• Tip: Your Magic Band will give you access to your hotel until midnight the day you check out. They really want you to enjoy everything until the last minute that you have to go.

Amanda's FAVORITE RESTAURANT: QUICK SERVICE AND TABLE SERVICE

Quick Service: The Daily Poutine, Friars Nook, and Woody's Lunch Box Table Service: Ohana for breakfast, Crystal Palace, and Rose and Crown

Amanda's Favorite Vacation Memory

The fireworks dessert party at Magic Kingdom!

"I really hope it's something that everyone can experience at least once when they go to Disney because it was so relaxing and just such a magical way to experience the fireworks. It was just so special. We loved every minute of it. We really did." Book your next vacation with Amanda

If you found Amanda's tips helpful, book your next vacation with her!

You can also find Amanda on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

**Report the Magic is not affiliated with Amanda Perkins**