Behind the Magic: New Series “Inside My Disney Trip Plans”
New Series! Post #1: Inside My Disney Trip Plans – Why We Chose the Dolphin for a Deluxe Long Weekend + What ADRs We Scored (and What We Missed!)
Welcome to my very first “Trip Planning Diary” post—where I give you a front-row seat to how I plan my Walt Disney World vacations! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Disney planning, this series is your new best friend. I’ll be sharing all the nitty-gritty details—real decisions, real dilemmas, and my best tips—so you can plan your own magical trip with less stress.
Let’s kick things off with our upcoming long weekend trip for two, staying at the Dolphin Resort and planning some seriously strategic Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs).
Trip Snapshot
- Trip Season/Length: Fall 3 nights / 4 days
- Resort: Dolphin Hotel (not Disney-owned but full of Deluxe-level perks)
- Guests: Me and my husband (child-free adult getaway!)
- Planning Focus: Advanced Dining reservations (ADRs), resort offerings, fireworks views
Why We Chose the Dolphin Resort
Staying at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel means we get Deluxe benefits like Extended Evening Hours without the deluxe price tag. Plus, we will earn Marriott Bonvoy points on our stay!
The location is unbeatable: walk or boat to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, with Disney BoardWalk vibes and tons of dining options.
Savings Tip: You can often find great Dolphin Resort deals through Marriott.com or book using credit card rewards points.
Planning tip: Have a plan outlined for each day of your trip before your Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR) Booking window opens
Our Trip Plans:
Friday: A Relaxing Start + OpenTable ADR Hack
Morning + Afternoon Plans:
- Resort quick service breakfast
- Leisure time at the Dolphin pool
- Couples massage at Mandara Spa (a hidden gem located at our resort!)
- Pool/hot tub relaxation pre-dinner
Friday Dinner ADR: Bourbon Steak at the Dolphin resort
This is one of those sleeper hit strategies: because the restaurants at Swan and Dolphin aren’t Disney-owned, you can book them early via OpenTable, even before your 60-day Disney ADR window opens!
Insider Tip: Grab Bourbon Steak on OpenTable for an edge. It’s a luxe, romantic pick that’s perfect for couples.
Evening:
- Trivia, movies, and evening activities at the Dolphin
- Fireworks viewed from our balcony (yes, we booked a fireworks view room—magical!)
Saturday: EPCOT Eats & Magic Kingdom Magic
Morning:
- Resort quick service breakfast
- Lightning Lane strategy: aiming for Test Track first
Lunch ADR: Geo 82 (EPCOT)
This is a stylish, modern dining choice that hits the sweet spot for adult-friendly cuisine and air-conditioned chill.
ADR Miss: Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package
We tried for this exclusive EPCOT fireworks dining package but struck out. No luck on any of the other EPCOT fireworks packages either (This is why back up plans are a must. You don’t want to be stressing, trying to decide on an alternate, when a few moments delay can mean you lose out)
That’s when we pivoted to…
Backup (and Brilliant!) Move: Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party
We scored a spot at the Sweets & Seats Dessert Party at MK. It’s pricey, but we’ve done it before and it’s 100% worth it—great food + a guaranteed seat for the fireworks.
To make it work, we upgraded to Park Hopper tickets, which is something we wouldn’t always do—but for a quick trip and guaranteed view, it was worth it.
Savings Tip: You can buy discounted Park tickets from Undercover Tourist
Afternoon/Evening Plan:
- Return to the resort for swimming and rest
- Park hop to Magic Kingdom
- Maybe a couple of spontaneous attractions
- Fireworks Dessert Party to end the night with pixie dust
What This Trip Shows You
This post is just a taste of how flexible, strategic planning makes all the difference—especially for short trips. It’s okay to miss an ADR or change plans. The magic is in the mix of must-dos and go-with-the-flow.
Magic Must-Haves for This Trip
Have questions about planning a short Disney trip? Drop them below or DM me on Instagram! And don’t forget to pin this post if you’re dreaming of a Dolphin weekend of your own.
- Planning Your Disney Trip Early: Part Two
- 5 Mistakes First-Time Disney Visitors Make (And How to Avoid Them)
- Behind the Magic #3 Our Expected Expenses for a Long Weekend + Bonus Airport Transfer Tips
- Insider Picks: Magical Character Dining Experiences at Disney World
- Behind The Magic: #2 Resort and Flight Picks For A 5-Day Disney Holiday!
Sounds like an awesome trip! You’ve found that sweet spot—deluxe perks without the deluxe price—and the Dolphin is a smart pick, especially for a more relaxed, adult-focused getaway. Being so close to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios is a huge plus, and the access to Extended Evening Hours really stretches your park time. This sounds like a great resort to stop by on my next visit. Thanks for the info!
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Here’s something to think about:
With all the great dining and resort options around the BoardWalk area, how are you narrowing down your must-do ADRs?
Thanks so much for stopping by and joining the conversation—it’s always exciting to connect with someone who appreciates a smart resort strategy! Narrowing down ADRs in the EPCOT resort area definitely requires a bit of strategy (and maybe a touch of restraint!). For this trip, we were especially curious to try Bourbon Steak, since it just reopened in the former Shula’s space. We are excited to check it out! If we were not already attending the dessert party at Magic Kingdom, we would have looked at Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club Resort or the Cake Bake Shop at the Boardwalk to satisfy our sweet tooth. We may still pop in to AbracadaBar for some music and a cocktail. That’s the beauty of a relaxed, adults only weekend. And the Dolphin is definitely a place to put one your list to consider for your next trip!
This is such a fun and exciting read!
As a mom planning our family’s first Disney trip, I really appreciate this peek behind the scenes of your planning process. I’m already thinking about how to pace our days and balance the “must-dos” with downtime—especially with little ones in tow.
I love that you’re making this a new series! Will you be sharing more about how you choose your park days or plan dining reservations around character experiences? Also, do you have any tips for deciding between on-site vs. off-site accommodations, especially for families?
Can’t wait to follow along as your trip unfolds—thank you for sharing the magic before the magic even begins.
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to hear this series is helpful as you plan your first Disney trip—what an exciting time for your family! Pacing really is everything, especially with little ones. I’ve found that building in intentional downtime can turn a great day into a magical one (pool breaks and midday snacks are game-changers!).
Yes! I’ll definitely be sharing how I plan park days—including how I choose which park on which day based on crowd levels, proximity to our resort, and dining plans. And character dining? You’re reading my mind—those reservations are always a top priority, and I’ve got a few tricks for snagging the best ones.
As for on-site vs. off-site, that’s such a great question. I’ve stayed in both and have a few insights to share depending on your family’s needs—especially when balancing convenience, budget, and those all-important early mornings! Check out this post that may help as well: https://maketimeformagic.com/s…
I’m so glad you’re following along—can’t wait to hear more about your plans too!
Hi there –
Disney is still on my bucket list, so your weekend itinerary sounds especially exciting! I’m a budget traveler at heart, so finding affordable yet comfortable hotels is always a top priority for me. The Dolphin Hotel seems like a great choice — offering plenty of perks without the hefty price tag of staying inside the park. That way, I can splurge a bit more on memorable experiences and activities, which is really what makes a weekend getaway or vacation so special.
Hi there — thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I love that you’re a budget-savvy traveler—you’re absolutely speaking my language.
The Dolphin really is a hidden gem for folks like us who want those memorable Disney experiences without splurging on every single element. And here’s a little extra magic: even though it’s not Disney-owned, the Dolphin is inside the Disney bubble—right on property! That means you’re within walking distance to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, and you still get access to deluxe perks like Extended Evening Hours. It’s such a smart way to stay close to the action while keeping costs in check.
Totally agree with you too—saving a bit on the hotel lets you lean into those unforgettable experiences (like fireworks dessert parties or signature dining!). Do you have a top bucket list Disney experience you’d want to splurge on when you go? I’d love to hear!
I love this new series idea—trip planning diaries are such a helpful and fun way to get real insights into the Disney experience! I’m especially interested in your choice of the Dolphin Resort; it’s smart how you’re getting deluxe perks without the full deluxe price. The tip about OpenTable for early ADRs is golden—I had no idea! The dessert party backup plan sounds like a sweet save too. Do you think the Dolphin’s location really makes up for it not being a Disney-owned resort in terms of overall magic?
Thank you so much for the thoughtful feedback! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the new trip planning diary series. It really is such a fun way to pull back the curtain on all the little decisions that go into making a Disney trip feel just right for you.
You’re totally right about the Dolphin—it’s kind of a hidden gem! That perfect balance of deluxe-level perks without the Disney price tag is exactly what made it a win for us. The ability to walk or boat to two parks, enjoy Extended Evening Hours, and still earn Bonvoy points? Big yes.
And I’m so happy the OpenTable tip stood out! It’s a game-changer when you’re hoping to lock in a great dining experience before the official Disney ADR window even opens.
As for your question about the resort’s “magic factor”—yes! While it doesn’t have Disney theming in the rooms, the atmosphere still feels very much within the Disney bubble. The location, the proximity to fireworks views, and the walk along Crescent Lake to EPCOT honestly make up for any minor theming trade-offs in our eyes.
I only ever wanted to go to Disneyworld, but after seeing the majesty that all the Disney Parks keep up so well, I really don’t mind which one I go to. I feel like I can plan and schedule a trip just off of this page! These are some great pictures and great tips!
Thank you so much for the kind words! The parks within Disney World are fabulous! The resorts are great destinations themselves, as well! I hope you go ahead and plan that amazing trip, and let us know all about it!
I love how detailed and practical this post is—it really makes Disney trip planning feel more manageable and fun! Your mix of strategy and spontaneity is super refreshing, especially for those quick weekend getaways. The Dolphin seems like a smart choice with deluxe perks and flexibility. How far in advance do you usually start planning to snag those ideal ADRs, and do you ever use touring plans or crowd calendars to help shape your itinerary?
I’m so glad the post helped make the planning process feel a little more fun and a lot less overwhelming—that’s exactly what I was hoping for! ????
The Dolphin really is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems, especially for weekend trips. Having deluxe perks without the deluxe price tag gives you so much flexibility to splurge elsewhere (like that dessert party magic ).
As for ADRs, I typically start seriously mapping out our trip around the 90-day mark so I’m ready to go when the 60-day window opens (especially if we’re staying on-property and can book for the length of the stay). Having that day-by-day outline is such a game changer.
And yes! I definitely use crowd calendars and tools like Touring Plans—especially for short getaways where we want to do a lot without burning out. They’re great for identifying which parks to visit each day and helping decide if something like Genie+ or Park Hopper is worth it for that particular trip.
Thanks again for dropping by—it means the world!
OK – I love this behind-the-scenes view! Disney planning has become its own kind of adventure, especially for families, and your series looks like it’ll be a great mix of magic and method. As someone who’s a bit tech-obsessed, I’m always curious how people use tools like Genie+, mobile apps, and smart wearables to streamline the experience without losing the spontaneity.
Would be keen to hear if you’re testing any tech hacks—like optimizing wait times, syncing group plans, or even using location sharing to keep the crew connected. There’s so much potential to blend nostalgia with some serious here and now innovation on a trip like this.
Excited to follow along— appreciate the share!
MarkA
Thanks so much for the kind words. Disney planning really has become its own adventure, hasn’t it? And when you’re tech-savvy, it opens up so many creative ways to add some modern-day convenience.
Disney’s newer Magic Bands offer some pretty cool interactions in the parks. The convenience of being able to use them to access your room, as well as make purchases is really nice as well. Genie+ is great for mobile ordering and grabbing lightning lanes as well. Another tool that I love to use is the TouringPlans.com website to look at crowd predictions and wait times estimates.
Thanks again for following along—excited to share more from this series soon!