Spur of the moment Disney world vacation.

Question

My daughter will be attending a conference at Disney springs Hilton bueno vista palace. We ( other adult daughter ) just decided to tag along and use the hotel and go to Disney World. Now I’m scrambling to learn everything I can prior to the end of Feb. We have never been to Disney World.

Arriving early afternoon on Monday, full days T& W leave Thursday.

Getting to hotel from MCO: mears or line 113. The 113 drops off at Disney Springs transportation center, is this too far to walk to hotel with one piece of rolling luggage?

After checking in, plan is to walk to Disney Springs and have dinner, this will be the only “free” time daughter has. Dinner reservation suggestions for a Monday evening. I prefer the prices at Polite pig vs STK , though a good reasonably price steak would be good.

Going to MK, plan is to take advantage of early entry on Tuesday, hoping to catch a shuttle from hotel. Read walking to Saratoga they have a better shuttle, any idea? Will we get dropped off at entrance or do we have to take monorail?

Which ride should we head to for this early entry? Hoping I’ll be brave enough to ride Tron. Just for reference I would not do Rock n Roll Coaster.

Listening to YouTube videos, reading Vlogs, people planning and saving money years in advance, I feel I’m at a disadvantage and I’m starting to hyperventilate.

Looking at the crowd calendar I don’t think I will purchase the lightening lane pass.

If anyone knows of a decent video that shows how the average family navigates the park without using the passes please post.

Haven’t decided if Wednesday will be another park day, lazy river day or resort hopping.

Flight on Thursday is late so will do Disney Springs during the day for a few hours and lunch.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer some very basic info

Answer

Don’t worry—going to Disney World without years of planning is entirely doable! Many families successfully navigate the parks on short notice. Here’s a detailed guide for your spur-of-the-moment trip to help you feel more prepared and confident.

Transportation from MCO to Disney Springs Hilton Buena Vista Palace:

Mears Shuttle: This is a shared ride service that will drop you directly at your hotel. Convenient with luggage and minimal walking.
LYNX Bus Line 113: This bus drops at Disney Springs Transportation Center, which is about a 10–15 minute walk to the hotel with one piece of rolling luggage. It is manageable if you travel light, but if you prefer minimal walking, Mears is simpler.

Monday Dinner at Disney Springs:

Since your arrival day has limited time, Disney Springs is perfect for a relaxed evening meal. If you prefer casual, reasonably priced options:

Polite Pig: Barbecue with good casual pricing, quick service, and a fun atmosphere.
STK Orlando: Upscale steakhouse, pricier but great if you want a classic steak dinner.
Other options: Raglan Road (Irish pub with live music), Wine Bar George (wine-focused with small plates), or The BOATHOUSE (seafood and waterfront views).

Getting to Magic Kingdom (Tuesday Early Entry):

Early Entry is available for resort guests, typically 30 minutes before park opening. The hotel provides shuttles to the park. The Buena Vista Palace shuttle goes to the Magic Kingdom TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center), where you can either walk or take the monorail to the main entrance. The walk from TTC to park entrance is about 5–10 minutes.
Shuttles from Saratoga Springs are slightly better for timing and efficiency, but your hotel shuttle is perfectly fine for early entry.

Which rides to prioritize during early entry:

Early Entry allows you to hit high-demand rides before crowds arrive. For your preferences:

TRON Lightcycle / Splash Mountain / Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: Good choices for early entry, as lines are shortest then.
TRON: If you feel brave, go early as wait times can quickly rise. If not, enjoy other milder attractions first.
Use a park map or app to see walk times and optimize your route to avoid zig-zagging across the park.

Tips for navigating without Lightning Lane:

Arrive at park opening or early entry to hit the most popular rides first.
Use the My Disney Experience app for real-time wait times, mobile food ordering, and to see character locations or shows.
Take breaks during the hot afternoon; enjoy indoor shows or dining to avoid burnout.
Many YouTube channels offer “no Genie+” strategies. Search for “Disney World one day no Genie+ strategy” or “Disney without Lightning Lane” for walk-through examples.

Wednesday Options:

Another park day (EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom) using rope-drop strategy to hit top rides first.
Lazy river day at your resort pool to relax in the heat.
Resort hopping or Disney Springs exploration for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Thursday before your late flight:

Disney Springs for a few hours, lunch at one of your favorites from Monday or something new.
Allow ample time to return to the hotel, pick up luggage, and transfer to the airport.

General tips to stay calm and enjoy the trip:

Prioritize a few must-do rides per day rather than trying to do everything.
Use mobile ordering for meals to save time.
Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for walking.
Remember that spontaneous trips can be less stressful and still magical—don’t worry about “perfect planning.”

With this approach, you’ll be able to enjoy Disney World efficiently even on short notice, taking advantage of early entry, planning around your hotel’s shuttle, and keeping the day balanced between rides, dining, and relaxation.