If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, chances are you’ve spent time scrolling through Facebook groups full of Disney “tips and tricks.” As a Travel Advisor who specializes in Disney destinations, I’m in those groups too and recently I noticed a trend. People suggest that instead of using a Travel Advisor, you should just let ChatGPT plan your trip.
So, I decided to put it to the test. What happens if you ask ChatGPT to plan your family’s Disney vacation? Do I agree or disagree with the created itinerary?
Here was the prompt I gave:
“Hi. I want to visit Walt Disney World with my family. It would be me and my husband and our two kids, my daughter is 5 and my son turns 3 in November. We would like to go for 7 days. We want to do all of the parks. Can you plan a 7 day itinerary for our family and include what resort we should stay at, what transportation we should use, and what parks we should visit?”
And honestly? We started off pretty strong.
Resorts: A Good Start
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ChatGPT recommended two resorts: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Both are great picks and ones I often recommend myself! The Polynesian is a client (and personal) favorite for its location, views of Magic Kingdom fireworks, and relaxed island vibe that feels like a vacation within a vacation. Art of Animation, meanwhile, is ideal for families who want playful theming and the convenience of extra space in the family suites. Both resorts deliver on comfort and convenience in very different ways.
But then…
Transportation: Where It Falls Apart
Here’s what ChatGPT suggested:
The problem? Disney’s Magical Express hasn’t existed since 2021. That’s a big deal, especially if you’re traveling with multiple little kids in car seats. An Uber or Lyft isn’t going to cut it, and renting a car last-minute would be a costly unexpected expense.
As an advisor, I would have told you ahead of time about reliable transportation options like MEARS Connect or private transfers with trusted supplier partners so you’re not scrambling at the airport with two tired kids and no plan.
Day 1: Arrival Day
ChatGPT suggested spending the evening at Disney Springs. Not a bad idea! It’s low-key, fun, and there’s a lot for kids to explore.
But here’s what it missed. In 2025 (and again in early 2026), guests get free admission to a Disney water park on check-in day. Also, resort rooms aren’t guaranteed until 4 pm, so packing swimsuits in your carry-on and heading straight to Typhoon Lagoon can be the perfect way to kick off your trip.
Day 2: Magic Kingdom
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning your Magic Kingdom day. First, check the park hours. Sometimes it closes early for special events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
For rides, I highly recommend budgeting for the Lightning Lane Multi Pass here. Magic Kingdom has the most attractions, so you’ll get the best value. Your travel advisor can help you determine which rides would be best to book with Multi Pass and I even send my clients a guide, so they feel confident navigating the park.
When it comes to dining, making an advance dining reservation when your window opens 60 days before your check-in date is the best way to ensure you’ll be able to dine when and where you want to. Walk-ups aren’t always available. And here’s my hot take: unless your kiddos are truly Beauty and the Beast obsessed, I’d recommend The Crystal Palace for character dining over Be Our Guest. At Crystal Palace, you’ll get a full character dining experience with Winnie the Pooh & friends, while Be Our Guest is more about the atmosphere. The Beast may wander through the dining room, but it isn’t considered a traditional character dining experience (no guaranteed meet & greets or photo ops).
Day 3: EPCOT
Here’s another example of where the information isn’t quite accurate. While I agree there’s plenty for kids to enjoy at EPCOT, there are a few things to clear up. The Innoventions pavilion no longer exists, so that’s not a current option. You won’t typically find Ratatouille or The Incredibles doing meet & greets here. And while the World Showcase is amazing for families, there is not a playground in every country (though there are Kidcot Fun Stops where kids can collect crafts and stamps). That said, I absolutely agree with two points: EPCOT’s nighttime show is beautiful, and Garden Grill is a fantastic choice for character dining (hello Chip, Dale, and friends!).
Day 4: Hollywood Studios
Are you tired yet? If I were planning this trip, I’d build in a rest day here. Doing three park days in a row is tough unless you’re on a major time crunch, and with Animal Kingdom coming up tomorrow, you’ll have the earliest morning of the whole trip. A rest day here not only gives you a break, but also lets you head into Animal Kingdom refreshed and ready.
That said, I actually think these are great recommendations for Hollywood Studios! Toy Story Land, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and the Frozen Sing-Along are always hits for families. Fantasmic is a must-do if your kids can stay up for it. It’s the perfect end to a Studios day.
Day 5: Animal Kingdom
A couple things on this. First, Festival of the Lion King is a 10/10 must-do (it’s honestly one of the best live shows in all of Disney World), so kudos to Mr. GPT there. But, TriceraTop Spin no longer exists. May she rest in peace.
A couple of my personal must-do’s: cheeseburger pods at Satu’li Canteen and Flight of Passage. My husband and I always use rider swap for this one so we can both experience it because it’s that good. Another underrated gem is Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It’s so worth mentioning for families with little kids. You get a train ride, animal encounters, and fun activities all in one spot. Now, this may be my bias showing because Animal Kingdom is my favorite park… but I truly believe it’s a full-day park. It’s not just about the rides. It’s about the animals, the atmosphere, and the immersive storytelling. Plus, if you’re traveling with little ones, the Baby Care Center here is top-notch.
Day 6: Water Park Day
I recommend the waterpark on check in day because it’s free this year. You should have a full resort day built into the middle of your trip where you can enjoy the resort pool and dining and even take the bus over to Disney Springs to do some shopping.
Day 7: Magic Kingdom (Again)
I usually don’t recommend visiting a park on your travel day. If you want a second Magic Kingdom day, I’d suggest you purchase Park Hopper tickets, so you can come visit again after the early close on your Animal Kingdom day. Disney has so many different places to eat and different kinds of foods to try, that I think it would be silly to eat at the same restaurant twice in one trip (especially Be Our Guest).
If your flight leaves later on departure day, a great alternative is a character brunch at a resort. One of my favorites is Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort. After brunch, you can enjoy a little Skyliner hopping for a relaxed, magical send-off before heading back to the airport. Pro Tip: Bell Services will hold your bags after check-out, which gives you the freedom to explore without worry.
Final Thoughts
Disney is a huge investment of time, money, and energy. You could plan it yourself with Google and ChatGPT, and you’d probably still have a good trip. But with a travel advisor, you’ll have someone making sure it’s not just good, but that it’s magical. Here’s the truth: ChatGPT can give you information (as wrong as it may be sometimes). But a travel advisor can give you peace of mind, insider tips, and a plan that fits your unique family. And at Disney, that’s what makes all the difference.
At the end of the day, a Disney trip isn’t just about logistics, it’s about YOUR family. AI can’t look at your kids, your budget, or your dreams and say, “This is what will make your trip magical.” But a travel advisor can. I’ve taken my own kids, I’ve navigated full blown toddler meltdowns before the fireworks, I’ve stood in line for the Dole Whip window at the Poly, and I know what it feels like to balance excitement with exhaustion. That’s why when an advisor puts together a trip, it’s not just data. It’s experience, heart, and care.