Cyndal BenulloGraduating is a major milestone worth celebrating – and where else to celebrate than the most magical place on earth, Walt Disney World! Whether you are graduating from high school, college, or beyond, a Disney World graduation trip meets the mark.
Between thrill rides, nostalgia, unique dining, and immersive resorts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. However, as with any Disney trip, there is some planning involved. In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know for your upcoming Disney graduation trip, from booking hotels and park tickets to special graduation celebrations, insider tips, and more.
Why Disney World Is the Perfect Graduation Trip Destination
Disney World isn’t nicknamed the most magical place on earth for no reason. The resort truly meets a range of needs and interests, with multiple parks and attractions, along with plenty of dining and entertainment options to round out the trip.
Whether your graduate wants to relax by the pool, endure all the thrills, watch stage shows, meet characters, or eat around the world – Disney’s got it!
Further, just like birthdays, Disney has a way of making everything special. Mostly thanks to the amazing cast members! Plus, for recent high school graduates, the Disney World bubble is the perfect place to test out their freedom before heading out on their own. The complimentary transportation makes the entire resort easy to navigate.
When to Go: Best Times for a Disney World Graduation Trip
The obvious answer for when to take a graduation trip is seemingly right after graduation, right? Graduations typically fall throughout May and June, depending on where you are located. However, as we all know, life can get in the way. If plans align to travel right after graduation, awesome! If work, summer classes, budget, or anything else gets in the way of that, don’t fret. You’ll certainly enjoy your trip no matter when you go.
Avoiding Crowds
If possible, you’ll want to avoid holiday weeks, such as Easter (usually happening during spring break), Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Summer might be hot, but it’s surprisingly a great time to head to Walt Disney World if you’re concerned about crowds. Other times of year that typically bring low crowds include the end of January, early May, the end of August – early September, and early November.
Can’t attend during non-peak times? There are still ways to beat the crowds even during the busiest times of the year. Some ways to avoid Disney crowds include:
- Purchasing Lightning Lane Multipasses
- Utilizing mobile ordering at quick-service restaurants
- Attend Early Entry hours if staying on Disney property
- Rope drop the most popular rides
- Eat during off-hours
- Take midday breaks at your resort
Best Disney World Parks to Visit for Graduates
All four Disney World theme parks offer unique and special experiences. That’s why I always recommend one day at each park if possible. However, for those trying to decide which park (or parks) to visit during shorter trips, here’s a quick breakdown.
Magic Kingdom
- Disney nostalgia
- Classic intellectual properties
- Best firework spectacular
- Most attractions of all four parks
- Focus on princesses
- Midday parade
EPCOT
- Exploration and innovation
- Unique dining options
- Cultural learning
- Festivals throughout the year, providing extra entertainment & food options
- What many would consider the best ride at Disney – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Hollywood Studios
- Most thrill rides out of all the Disney parks
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Toy Story Land
- Heavy focus on stage shows
Animal Kingdom
- Most relaxing park
- Animals and conservation education
- Pandora – World of Avatar
- Good dining options
Magic Kingdom or EPCOT would be the standout choices for those planning to visit only one or two parks, but all Disney theme parks are worth your while if you have the time.
Disney World Graduation Celebration Upgrades
A Disney World graduation trip in itself is a great way to celebrate your accomplishments. But….there are ways to make it extra special!
Personalized Mickey Ears or Hats
Head to Curtain Call Collectibles in Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories at Disney Springs to purchase custom embroidered Mickey hats or Mickey ears. Not only can you get them customized, but they also sell special ears with graduation hats and tassels attached.
Special Graduation Themed Merchandise
Park shops such as the Emporium in Magic Kingdom or the Creations Shop in EPCOT offer seasonal apparel specifically for grads. Just a few things you’ll find may include hats, pins, spirit jerseys, shirts, stationery, and Loungefly bags.
Celebration Buttons
It doesn’t have to be a birthday or your first visit to wear a button! Head to guest services or your resort check-in desk to get a FREE “I’m Celebrating” button. The cast member can write on the button whatever you’re celebrating – like graduation.
Capture Your Moment Photo Session
For $99, guests can book a personalized and intimate 20-minute photo session with a Photopass cast member. Capture Your Moment can be done at any of the four theme parks, and guests can bring props or special outfits. How cool would it be to take pictures in front of Cinderella’s Castle or the Millennium Falcon in your cap and gown?!
The photos themselves are an additional cost depending on how many you choose to purchase, but these photo sessions are a great value regardless.
Signature Dining
Signature dining locations throughout Disney World are a great way to celebrate a graduation. We all love good food, right? Guests can make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance through the My Disney Experience app. Reservations are highly recommended, though walk-ins are available from time to time.
A few signature dining locations worthy of a celebration include:
- Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera
- Narcoossee’s
- Flying Fish
- Citricos
- California Grill
- Cinderella’s Royal Table
- Jiko – The Cooking Place
- Takumi-Tei
- The Boathouse
- Wine Bar George
Enchanting Extras
Another way to celebrate graduation is the enchanting extras collection. While some of these extras do require a park ticket, many do not. A few extra special options could include:
- Building a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop at Hollywood Studios
- A fireworks cruise
- A fireworks dessert party
- Renting a pontoon boat
- Horseback riding
- Fishing Excursions
- Savor the Savanna Tour at Animal Kingdom
- Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom
- Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil
- Golfing at one of Disney’s four golf courses
Insider Tips for Large Graduation Group Trips at Disney World
If you’re bringing a large group to Disney World, a bit of additional planning may be needed. Some insider tips for large graduation group trips include:
Have a Planning Meeting
Gather everyone in the group (in person or virtually) and discuss budgets, priorities, dates, and everything in between. While the graduate may be making the big decisions, everyone’s opinions should be taken into account.
Book the Right Resort
Booking the right resort plays a big role in trip success, especially with a large group. Consider resorts with multi-bedroom suites if you’re looking to stay close by. Additionally, consider the resort amenities, as some guests may choose to spend more time at the resort than in the parks.
Purchase Individual Lightning Lanes
Lightning Lane Multipass is not always required, especially if you’re planning on just a leisurely park day. However, Individual Lightning Lanes are always a great option for experiencing high-ticket attractions, especially together as a large group, without waiting in line.
Book Dining Reservations ASAP
Dining reservations are imperative at Disney World, especially with a large group. Popular restaurants book up quickly, so large groups should try to secure them as soon as possible. Reservations open 60 days in advance. Keep checking as your trip approaches, even if you don’t see availability at first.
Additionally, try the OpenTable app for reservations at select Disney Springs restaurants if there are none on the My Disney Experience app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Disney World good for a graduation trip?
Yes! Disney World is a great, versatile place for a graduation trip, with options to please everyone.
Which Disney World park is best for older teens and adults?
The best park(s) for older teens and adults is Hollywood Studios for thrills or EPCOT for eats. However, Magic Kingdom is the best park for classic Disney.
When is the best time to go to Disney World for a graduation trip?
If you aren’t heading to Disney World right after graduation, other great times include late summer, early September, or early November.
Does Disney do anything special for graduates?
Disney World offers multiple graduation-themed specials, including exclusive merchandise, photo sessions, and celebration options. All are available for additional fees, of course.
Comments
Are you celebrating a graduation at Disney World? Let us know in the comments what special celebrations you’re booking!
