disney travel tips 2022

35 Most Underrated Disney World Tips and Tricks for First Timers (2023)

Are you feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Don’t worry! Today I will give you the BEST Walt Disney World tips and tricks for having a spectacular vacation!

When compiling this list, I thought…

How can I narrow down my own hacks I use personally for Disney into 35 digestible actions just for you? After much thought, I came up with the top travel hacks!

So here we go.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

1. Pick up a Special Gift

S top at Guest Services to let them know if you have a special occasion. You may receive a little surprise.

Disney Cast Members are always to trying to give you the most magical experience, so it doesn’t hurt to try to let them know of your special day.

What is the Best Disney World Park for Adults? Here’s the Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Grown-Up Experience!

2. Free Transportation

Take advantage of free transportation around the Walt Disney World Resort.

You can enjoy free transportation options such as the monorail, the boats, the buses and the Disney Skyliner that all get you to various locations at Walt Disney World Resort.

Basically, once you reach the Disney bubble, you won’t have to worry about transportation as it will be handled for you.

I would recommend that you get familiar with ways to use the free options at Disney and the routes to take that are the easiest for your stay.

ORDER NOW to secure your Orlando theme park ticket reservation in the parks! GET MY TICKETS.

3. See Animals for Free

Visit Animal Kingdom Lodge where you can view animals for free without being a resort guest. Making it one of my favorite Disney World tips and tricks!

This is a fun Disney freebie that you can do on a non-park day. Just know that after the pandemic, Disney has become a bit stricter on people parking at the resorts who are not Guests.

You can make your Disney animal viewing a reality by booking a reservation to one of the restaurants at the Animal Kingdom Lodge or by letting the gate attendant know that you’d like to visit one of the lounges at the resort (which doesn’t require a reservation).

69 Amazing Free Things to Do at Disney for 2024 (even if you’re not a Guest)

4. Do a FREE Resort Tour at Walt Disney World

Resorts such as, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney Wilderness Lodge, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Yacht Club offer tours for any Disney resort guest .

You can do some of the tours for free regardless of if you’re staying at that particular hotel. Just double check with concierge before you get there.

These tours give historical notes on how the resort was created in addition to some really cool facts secrets along the way.

Please note: Some tours require a reservation.

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

5. Hop on the Disney Resort Monorail

Use the resort monorail instead of the Magic Kingdom one in the Transportation Ticket Center. The line is usually shorter and it will also take you to the Magic Kingdom.

In the peak of the morning rush, you may not have this option. However, if you see it available, then use it.

The only downside to this is that you will have a few resort stops on the way to the Magic Kingdom instead of a straight shot.

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6. Book Your Disney Dining Reservations ASAP!

Remember that the window for Disney reservations open 60 days (previously 180 days) in advance if you plan on staying on Disney property.

This is one of my MOST important Disney World tips and tricks as the restaurants do book up quickly! So, if there’s somewhere you want to eat at in Walt Disney World, then get that dining reservation TODAY!

Get up to 76% off of the Orlando attractions with Groupon TODAY!

7. DVC Equals V.I.P.

Disney Vacation Club Members have privileges to a secret lounge in the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot.

DVC members also have many other perks such as:

• Annual Pass Discounts
• Free Laundry
• Resort Pool Hopping
• Restaurant and Shopping Discounts
• Resort Room Discounts
• Special Afterhours Events for DVC Members only
• Ticket Discounts
• Tours and Special Event Discounts

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket!  GET MY TICKETS.

8. Download the My Disney Experience App

Here you can make Genie+ and Lightning Lane reservations to attractions on this app . You can also check out wait times, show times, use mobile ordering, view park maps, make dining and park reservations.

You MUST get familiar with this app BEFORE you get to Walt Disney World. It will make you trip go a lot smoother as you’re not trying to figure out how to work the app in the middle of a stressful moment on your Disney vacation.

Just go ahead and download the app TODAY! It’s one of my top Disney World tips an tricks.

My Disney Experience App (Everything You Wanted to Know about it…and THEN some!)

9. Don’t Give Up on Booking Your Reservation

If you can’t book that Disney Genie+ or RSVP to a special event , then check the my Disney experience app on the site around 7 a.m. the day of and see if you have any luck.

The Disney World Genie+   (also sometimes referred to as simply “Disney Genie”) is a travel must have if you’re looking to enjoy the most of Disney by spending less time waiting in line. 

I can attest to this because I’ve done it before during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival .

For example, I wanted to go to a beverage seminar that was booked up the whole month, then I tried the day of and I was able to get in. I was sooooooo happy! So, don’t give up on getting your top ride or dining reservation.

Disney World Dining: Don’t Go Unless You Know These 3 Tips

10. Use the Single Rider Line if Your Family is Okay with Splitting Up

Single Rider lines give you an opportunity to reduce the amount of time waiting in line for an attraction in exchange for not necessarily being able to experience the ride with your own party.

What is a Single Rider Line at Disney World?

A Single Rider Line is used to fill in empty seats on ride vehicles in order to maximize all occupancy if possible. It’s a great way to get on the Disney attractions faster, just keep in mind that you will most likely be split from your party.

Mostly likely you will be enjoying a solo Disney World trip , so this little issue won’t matter to you.

5 BEST Animal Kingdom Rides for Solo Travelers (2024)

11. Dine on a Budget at Disney World

If you have a small appetite and you’re on a small budget , then order from the kid’s menu. It’s usually significantly cheaper and it fills you up.

You will also want to plan out your meals ahead of time to help you make a good food budget.

Walt Disney World has a full list of dining locations on their website that’s well organized with prices listed. This will help with your planning tremendously.

15 Tips for Planning a Trip to Disney World on a Budget (A Guide for Solo Travelers)

12. Take Advantage of the Free Photo Opportunities

Chase Cardmembers who have a Disney logo or Disney inspired debit or credit card can have special free photo opportunities with our favorite characters throughout parks like Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

5 BEST Hollywood Studios Shows YOU Have To See in 2023

13. Take Advantage of Free Package Delivery

Stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel and receive free package delivery of your park purchases to your room.

This is one of my favorite Walt Disney World tips and tricks for your vacation.

Hipster Power Tip: Book an Orlando vacation home near Walt Disney World with an experienced company to save money on lodging.

14. Treat Yourself to a Dole Whip at Disney

Walt Disney World magic can be found all over the resort, but one must have treat that encompasses all that enchantment is the pineapple Dole Whip.

There was a time when obtaining this legendary snack was hard to come by, but since the demand has skyrocketed over the past few years.

You can now find it in multiple locations if you know where to look.

Read: Where to Find Dole Whip at Walt Disney World?

15. Use an Official Disney Travel Agent

Book your vacation through an authorized Disney vacation planner to make sure you’re saving the most on your Disney trip.

Disney vacation planners usually have the latest and newest deals that Disney offers.

Ready to make your trip out to Walt Disney World Resort, then get your no obligation, FREE Quote by filling out the form with The Park Prodigy by Clicking HERE!

16. Book an Early Character Breakfast at Magic Kingdom.

This will allow you to enter the park before everyone else and give you quite the head start into conquering each ride and attraction. You can do this at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

What’s the Best Buffet in Disney World (These 16 Will Help You Decide)

17. Experience Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a wonderful shopping and dining attraction that you must experience for yourself. 

I looooove hanging out in the evening at Disney Springs. It houses some of the best dining, shopping and entertainment in all of Walt Disney World!

Not to mention that the entry to Disney Springs is absolutely FREE !

7 BEST Things To Do At Disney Springs For Solo Travelers (Disney Solo Trip)

18. Take Advantage of the Genie+ (Lightning Lane) Grace Period

It’s my favorite secret regarding Genie+. You can arrive 5 minutes early or 15 minutes late to your fast pass.

19. Grabbed the Perfect Fireworks Spot

When watching Epcot Harmonious fireworks show, pick a spot where the wind will not blow smoke directly on you. This may vary based on the wind direction of the evening.

In the Magic Kingdom, I like to sit at the top of the train station. It has a great view and it’s easy to get out of the park quickly because you’re already near the gate.

The only problem is that everyone wants this spot, so get there early!

If you can’t make it into the Magic Kingdom park , you can watch the fireworks show from the lagoon area of the resorts like Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

31 Amazing Hidden Magic Kingdom Secrets YOU MUST KNOW

20. Arrive at the Parks Early for Rope Drop

At Disney World, the rope is slowly pulled aside a few minutes before people are allowed to pass. You can get many of the popular rides done before 11 a.m.

This leaves you time to watch some shows or circle back around to your favorite attractions.

This tip is especially important on the hot summer days in Florida. You can ride all the best attractions, have lunch and watch a show all by 12 p.m.

Once the sun gets crazy, you can go back to your hotel room to relax and then come back in the evening times.

6 BEST Magic Kingdom Rides You MUST Experience At The Park

21. Listen to Underwater Sounds

Go underwater at the pool in the Art of Animation to hear a special sound. Disney is so good at adding fun hidden gems to the simplest aspects of your vacation.

7 BEST Pools at Disney World Resorts You Have to Visit in 2024!

22. Ride Kilimanjaro Safari at Sunset

This is when the animals are the most active. This is something that you don’t see during the daytime experience.

23. Don’t Forget to Take Breaks

Take breaks from the heat and do more indoor attractions. Not only will you need to beat the Florida theme park heat, you’ll want to rest your feet from all the walking you will be doing.

This is one of the top Disney World tips and tricks for your trip that will keep you safe from the Florida sun.

2024 Epcot for Adults Complete Guide: Tickets, Rides, Tips and More!

24. Stay Cool at Disney World

Buy frosty towels , pack lots of water, buy a portable fan to stay cool in the parks.

25. Stay Hydrated

Remember that a cup of water is free at most quick service locations.

26. See a FREE Disney Parade

Watch the Electric Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon at night. AND it’s free!

Read over 51+ things you can do at Walt Disney World for FREE here!

Recommended Electric Water Pageant Viewing Locations:

• Polynesian Village Resort – Beginning at 9:00 P.M.
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa(including Narcoossee’s) – Beginning at 9:15 PM
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Beginning at 9:30 P.M.
• Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground– Beginning at 9:45 P.M.
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Beginning at 10:10 P.M.; in instances when the Happily Ever After fireworks show takes place at 10:00 P.M., the Electrical Water Pageant will begin shortly following its conclusion
• Right outside the entrance of Magic Kingdom park – Beginning at 10:35 P.M., during  Extended Theme Park Hours   only

Hipster Power Tip: The times for the Magic Kingdom show do vary based on the season. Always check the official Walt Disney World website for up-to-date times.

27. Search for Hidden Mickey’s

Hidden Mickey’s can be found all over the Walt Disney World Resort area. Even in the most uncommon places, so keep your eyes open.

28. Chat with an Imagineer (Currently Unavailable)

Have lunch with an Imagineer and ask all the questions you’ve been wanting to know about your favorite attraction.

This is an absolute Disney bucket list item.

What’s the BEST Rain Poncho for Disney? These 7 Will Help You Decide for Your Trip!

29. Explore the World of Avatar

Pandora – The World of Avatar will engulf you in magic and wonder as soon as you walk through the entryway.

The majesty, the beauty, and the harmonious sounds of nature will transport you into another place.

You’ll want to visit Pandora in the early morning or late in the evening to take advantage of the lower crowd level.

Is 3 Days Enough: How Many Days Do I Need for Disney World in 2023?

30. Get Your Tickets Online

Don’t forget to purchase cheap theme park tickets online from authorize discount ticket providers such as The Park Prodigy.

You will definitely save money if you buy tickets in advance instead of at the gates. This is one of the top Disney World tips and tricks for your trip.

Listen to podcast episode 14 on how to find the best theme park deals.

31. Spend a Day at a Disney Water Park.

It’s the perfect way for you to cool off from the unforgiving sun and enjoy the Sunshine State.

If you’re familiar with the Disney water parks, then you know they’re open for most of the year. However, the party kicks into high gear during the summer months.

13 Spectacular Water Theme Park Tips to Make Your Trip Amazing in 2024!

32. Experience an Epcot Festival

Go to an Epcot Festival such as the Food and Wine Festival, Flower and Garden Festival, Festival of the Holidays, or the new Festival of the Arts!

The Disney festivals are some of the best foodie events in the country, so don’t miss out on it when you visit Walt Disney World!

I Went to Epcot Flower & Garden Festival ALONE and You Should Too (18 Disney Solo Trip Travel Tips)

33. Have a World Drinking Tour at Epcot

Drink your way around the world at Epcot …but remember the Do’s and Don’ts of Drinking at Epcot .

34. Visit Walt Disney World on the Perfect Days

Remember that the best time to visit Disney is early November or mid to late January.

While you’re planning that perfect day to go, don’t forget to download the Disney Crowd Calendar to view the crowd level of each day!

When is the Slowest Time at Disney World in 2024?

35. Experience Disney’s Kiss Goodnight

Disney’s Kiss Goodnight is where you stay at the Magic Kingdom 30-minutes after closing to see some very special things.

The Kiss Goodnight is a little over 2-minutes long, and it is the Magic Kingdom’s way of saying “goodbye” to guests at the end of a long day…

After the park closes, Cinderella Castle starts “twinkling” as the music from When You Wish Upon a Star slowly builds.

2023 Guide to Christmas at Disney World (37 Things to Do at Disney for the Holidays)

Final Thoughts On Your Disney World Tips and Tricks

These are just a few Walt Disney World tips you should know when planning your vacation to the parks.

The little hacks are also things I love to remember when it comes to doing Disney the right way.

Please let me know what Walt Disney World tips and tricks you think are the best in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:.

• What is the Disney Dining Plan and is it worth it?
• How to Do Walt Disney World on a Budget?
• 5 Things You Should Know Before Going to Walt Disney World this Year (NO MASKS!)
• Magic Kingdom for Adults the Complete Guide
• How to Pack for Walt Disney World

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Planning a trip soon? If so, read the  Disney Vacation Planning Guide  for your next dream trip!

Share this article!

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Ultimate 3-day disneyland itinerary (2024 travel guide), 2 thoughts on “35 most underrated disney world tips and tricks for first timers (2023)”.

Hello my friend. We will be staying on Disney property this Sunday and we have a reservation for Epcot on Monday morning. Our plan is to ride Ratatouille and would like your advice to go directly to that ride and have a short wait. What should our strategy be? Thank you for your help. Dan and Lora ps we also just purchased an annual pass holder ticket that is only valid on weekdays – I am not sure if that helps.

Right now the best plan of attack is to arrive to Epcot at rope drop and head back to Ratatouille first. You can also consider participating in the Genie+ program where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a Lightning Lane pass for the ride and skip everyone. Overall, arrive to the park before it opens and check out this guide on Genie+ here: https://www.themeparkhipster.com/disney-genie-plus-lighting-lane/

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There have been many changes at Walt Disney World over the last two years. While many things have returned to pre-pandemic normalcy, many experiences are still modified. There are always important considerations to make when planning a Walt Disney World vacation or even a local day trip. However, this is even more important now with constant changes and updates to technology. Here are 22 tips for tackling Walt Disney World in 2022.

• Bring your phone . Disney is utilizing technology more and more, and it is very difficult to navigate a trip to the parks without using your phone.
• Arrange airport transportation . Magical Express, the bus transportation from the airport is no longer in service. You will need to arrange either a rental car, private transportation, a ride-share, or Mears Connect.
• Get familiarized with Disney Genie and Genie+ . Disney Genie and Genie+ are the new personalized itinerary and reinvented “fast pass” systems. They can be accessed through the MyDisney Experience app. It is important to note, Disney Genie+ costs an additional $15 per person, per day.
• Download a good weather app . The weather is constantly changing in Florida. It is good to be prepared.
• Bring a portable charger to the parks . Guests are using their phones more and more at the parks, and therefore it is a good idea to be prepared for a draining battery.
• Check out refurbishment dates . Many attractions and even modes of transportation are undergoing refurbishments this year. Check to see what rides might be closed during your visit so you can plan accordingly.

• Likewise, know what attractions are still closed or modified . There are many attractions and experiences that have not reopened following the pandemic. Additionally, many experiences such as character interactions are occurring in modified settings. 
• Keep an eye on promos . Disney releases promotions from time to time. They recently released a promotion for spring resort stays. Remember, promos can be applied retroactively so even if you already booked, if your dates qualify, you can still get savings applied.
• Get good masks and mask lanyards . Masks are still required at all indoor locations at Walt Disney World. Lanyards are a great way to keep track of your mask when you are not wearing it.
• Learn how to mobile order . Mobile ordering has become the norm at all quick-service locations. Check out the MyDisneyExperience app to familiarize yourself with mobile ordering.

• Book early . People are getting back to traveling in 2022. Dates are booking up quickly this year, so make sure you book early to ensure you are able to go when you would like.
• Make park pass reservations as soon as possible . You must make a park pass reservation to visit any of the parks at Walt Disney World. Book these soon after you purchase your tickets.

• Do not wear brand new shoes . Make sure your shoes are well broken in before wearing them to Walt Disney World. You will walk MILES. Your feet will thank you for this tip.
• Get an idea of what you would like to do while at the parks . While not everyone likes to plan their trip down to the minute, it is a great idea to at least get an idea of what each park has to offer and which of those offerings are most important for you to experience.
• Expect fewer visits from Mousekeeping . Mousekeeping (or housekeeping) has decreased the number of times they enter your room to clean, as a result of the pandemic. If you need extra attention from Mousekeeping, be sure to alert hotel staff, politely.
• Plan for different types of weather . In the winter months, it can go from chilly to hot throughout the day. In the summer months, it can go from hot and dry to pouring rain in seconds. Be sure to check on weather patterns and pack layers and a poncho.

• Research menus before making dining reservations . First, menus and serving styles have changed at many restaurants since they have reopened. Additionally, you want to make sure you and your party are going to enjoy the food before you book a dining reservation for a meal that is probably going to be costly. Don’t book restaurants simply because you have heard they are a “must-do.” 

Amanda is a self-proclaimed Disney adult and lover of all things theme parks. When she's not keeping track of theme park news, watching Disney vlogs and documentaries, or working on her next article, she enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs, Sulley and Ellie. She also spends time helping others plan their theme park vacations at www.discoverthemagicvacationswithamanda.com

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110 Disney World Tips for Trip Planning in 2022

By: Author Patty Granger

Posted on Last updated: May 6, 2022

There is so much that goes into planning a Disney vacation it can be overwhelming and stressful. Have you ever asked yourself “What if I am missing or forgetting something”? Well, fear not! We have all the Disney World planning tips you will need to plan your next Disney vacation.

Read through our 110 Disney World trip planning tips and tricks, then rest easy knowing that you have the inside scoop on planning your next Disney World Resort vacation! You can also get our FREE daily Disney World Vacation printable planner ! If you find yourself with any unanswered questions join our private Facebook group and we will answer your individual questions.

• When celebrating a special occasion be sure to stop by guest services or your resort’s front desk and get a corresponding button to wear. Wear this button around the parks and you may receive some very special treatment. When we were on our honeymoon we got several free desserts and a room upgrade by mentioning it.
• Don’t want to splurge for Memory Maker? You should still stop at the photographers stationed throughout the park because they will take a picture with your personal camera as well as a Photopass version. For more insights, check out our iPhone Tips
• Want to avoid having to pay the airline’s checked baggage fees or for overweight luggage? Disney Resorts will accept packages on your behalf up to two weeks prior to your arrival at the resort. There is a fee of $5.00 per package.
• When staying on property, be sure to check out when each park’s Extra Magic Hours are. Extra Magic Hours are when a Disney park stays open either two hours later or opens one hour early. This is only available to guests staying on Disney property. For more information check out  Are Extra Magic Hours at Disney World Worth Your Time?
• Looking for activities to do while taking a day off from the parks? Head over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and check out their reserve of animals. They have dozens of viewing areas scattered throughout the resort. Check out our full review,  Everything you need to Know about Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge .
• If it’s a rainy day and you are determined to head to the parks, go to Hollywood Studios. Most of their attractions and shows are indoors and will keep you dry. For more on what to do on a rainy day read, How To Do Disney World in the Rain .
• Is there a crazy long line for the monorail at the Ticket and Transportation Center? Then take the resort line, the third stop is the Magic Kingdom. The same holds for exiting the park. The Ticket and Transportation Center is the resort line’s second stop.
• Need to take a taxi somewhere? Try Uber or Lyft, they are significantly cheaper than taking a taxi.
• Have a young child you are bringing with you on your vacation? You can leave your car seat at home unless you are renting a car.
• Disney opens up their dining reservations 60 days in advance. Be sure to call at 5:45 am EST 60 days out if there is any place you must eat because reservations do fill up fast at the popular dining locations. Not sure where to eat during your stay? Then check out our article on Top 10 Advanced Dining Reservations to Make .
• If you’re a Disney Vacation Club member you have access to a secret lounge inside the Imagination pavilion at Epcot. Inside you have access to charging stations, printers, and lots of comfy seating.
• Free wi-fi is available through all of the Walt Disney World Resorts as well as their Theme and Water Parks.
• Download the My Disney Experience app to book dining reservations and Disney Genie Plus. Using this app you can also change and cancel these reservations. While you’re at it, you should also check out the Best Apps for Disney Trip Planning.
• If you’re using Disney Genie+ be sure to book your first selection at 7 am the morning of your park visit. Be sure to read the rest of our Disney Genie Hacks .
• Miss out on a Disney World theme park reservation you really wanted to get? Check My Disney Experience at 7 a.m. the day of, because Disney releases a small amount of reservations for guests who decided to come last-minute.
• Need to quench your thirst? Club Cool inside of Epcot offers a free sampling of various Coca-Cola flavors from around the world. Watch out for Beverly, it has a unique taste, to say the least. Thinking about the various freebies? We’ve got an article ! 
• Want to save time waiting for Test Track? If you and your family don’t mind getting split up, take the single rider line. We find it takes a fraction of the regular line’s posted wait.
• Want to avoid the craziness of watching the fireworks from in front of the castle in the Magic Kingdom? The next best spot is from inside New Fantasyland by Beast’s Castle.
• Have a food allergy? Disney dining locations go above and beyond to accommodate whatever your food restrictions may be. If you want to read more on Disney with food allergies check out our friends at Dairy Free & Gluten Free WDW.
• Don’t have a big appetite or looking to save some money on food? Adults are always allowed to order off the kid’s menu.
• Chances are it will rain at least once during your trip to Walt Disney World. Ponchos are going for around $10, yikes!?! Instead of getting stuck buying them at the resort grab some in advance at a local dollar store or order a pack of them off of Amazon.
• When you are on the Disney Dining Plan you can order a large soda instead of a regular at no additional charge.
• Hidden Mickey’s are real! Add a game element to your vacation and see who can find the most. There are plenty of books like this one and apps out there to help you and your family along the way.
• Open up a Disney Chase Visa and get a free exclusive photo experience at Epcot. Visit their location next to Journey into your Imagination with Figment, between 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. to receive your special photo opportunity.
• If you are a Disney Chase Visa cardmember there is also a special Star Wars photo opportunity inside Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Save money by buying pin packs off of Amazon or eBay for about $1 a pin. This compares to the $10-$18 you will find inside the theme parks.
• Just about all of the exclusive entertainment during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party you can enjoy for free with admission the week of Christmas.
• Did you know there is a working Barbershop inside the Magic Kingdom on Main Street? They offer special packages for a baby’s first haircut as well as other services. You can read all about a First Hair Cut at Magic Kingdom’s Harmony Barber Shop.
• When staying at a Disney World Resort you can have your packages sent back to the hotel FREE of charge.
• You can request a free wake-up call from a Disney character in the morning. I think this is a much better alternative to the normal alarm clock.
• Dole Whip is the quintessential Disney treat. It’s pineapple soft serve ice cream and it has become an iconic feature of the Disney fandom. So be sure to give it a try on your next trip if you haven’t already.
• Enjoy a free campfire sing-along with Chip and Dale over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. You can even purchase a small kit to make your own s’mores over the campfire.
• The free dining plan offer isn’t always worth it. This is because they give it to you with no discount on your room. Rooms often go on sale for up to 30% off, be sure to compare the savings before booking.
• Book your vacation with a travel agent and they will watch the sales for you. If the price of your room drops at all they will re-book for you and you won’t have to do a thing except save some money. For more read Why Booking your Disney Vacation with a Travel Agent is the BEST Idea
• The price of soda and bottled water has climbed quite high. Save some money and ask for cups of water at a quick service location, or Starbucks location, or bring your own water bottle which you can refill at various water fountains throughout the parks.
• Split meals and save some money! My husband and I find that some of the quick service meal portions are giant, like the fajitas at Pecos Bill. Split a meal and then you can each get your own snacks later if you get hungry before dinner. You will save a ton! Here are our recommendations for The Perfect Meals to Split at Disney World.
• Disney offers Rider Swap to parents with young children. You will have to ride the attraction alone but it allows both parents a chance to ride some coasters!
• Frustrated that the next Lightning Lane available is 6 hours away? Use this tip for refreshing your tip board! No idea how to refresh your tip board? To refresh this page, drag your finger down the screen and lift it up. This will allow you to see the updated list of wait times as well as the earliest available Lightning Lanes and Individual Lightning Lanes. 
• If there are two parades the second parade viewing will always be less crowded. A tip if you are there in the rainy season. Be sure to check the weather because Disney will cancel their parades due to rain. Don’t be like us and skip the first one only to have the second one canceled due to a storm.
• You cannot buy gum anywhere on Disney property, plan accordingly if gum is a must-have for you.
• If you want to catch the Magic Kingdom Welcome show be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before park open. The show now happens on the stage in front of Cinderella’s Castle.
• Want to create a magical moment for your family? Be first in line at the Flame Tree Barbeque when it opens. You get to help the cast members open the restaurant for the day. We received a special certificate and a free cookie!
• If you wear character ears or a backpack and then go visit the corresponding character they will spend extra time and have a little bit of extra fun with you!
• Disney caramel candy apples are somewhat legendary. Did you know if you visit Goofy’s kitchen in Disney Springs you can create your own custom one?
• If you would like food and snacks for your hotel room order from Garden Grocer or Prime Pantry and you will save tons compared to buying from Disney’s mini-marts.
• If you’re a chicken like I am you can still experience attractions like the Tower of Terror. Just join the line as usual and experience the queue just before you enter the ride, say you want to use the chicken exit and they will let you out without plunging 13 stories.
• Disney offers backstage and tours for an additional fee. Take the Keys to the Kingdom tour if you want to walk the utilidor underneath the Magic Kingdom.
• If you are a Disney Vacation Club member be sure to head over to the Contemporary’s Bay Lake Tower for the Top of the World Lounge. It’s one of the best places to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. There is also a DVC lounge in the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot.
• Want to avoid heavy crowds but still see the Magic Kingdom fireworks? Opt to watch them at the Polynesian resort instead. This is also a great idea if you don’t have a theme park ticket.
• Kids often find World Showcase in Epcot boring but great for adults. So, Disney offers Kidcot Fun Stops with crafts for the kids. If that is your kid’s thing, there is also an Agent P challenge that takes you through all the countries in Epcot.
• If you are going during the summer months to the park be sure to pick up a personal fan and Frogg Togg ahead of time in order to survive the Florida heat. For a full list read  20 Items to Buy Online Before Your Next Disney Trip .
• Want to enter the parks before everyone else? Book an extra early character breakfast inside the park to enter early.
• Disney Springs is not something to overlook on your vacation. With the recent renovations, it is back bigger and better than ever. Disney Springs is packed with shops like the Lego Store and features unique experiences like amphicars and Characters in Flight. Also, parking is free!
• Looking for an inexpensive keepsake to bring back home with you? You can find pressed penny kiosks throughout each of the parks all with different Disney designs you can press your pennies with. Be sure to download our FREE guide of  Where to Find Pressed Penny Machines in Disney World.
• There is a grace period for your Disney Genie Plus selections. You can arrive up to 5 minutes early and 15 minutes late and you will still be able to enter the attraction with no issues.
• Keep in mind you can get into line for an attraction all the way until a park closes. We also find that this is a way to wait in a shorter line for the really popular attractions.
• We have noticed that Disney will inflate their wait times at popular attractions close to park close. So if you are dying to ride a major attraction again but don’t want a long wait we recommend going right before the park close.
• If you are traveling with young children, head over to the dollar store and pick up some cheap toys to surprise them with each morning. Gives some entertainment and excitement to the trip and cuts back on the need to buy the expensive in park souvenirs.
• When watching the firework show at Epcot, keep the direction of the wind in mind. Pick a spot downwind and you will be in a giant cloud of smoke. Use the flag atop the United States pavilion as a guide for the wind direction.
• Don’t want to go overboard buying souvenirs while on your trip? Load up a set amount on a gift card ahead of time to restrict yourself from overspending. Want to save money? Get your gift card at Target and use your Target RedCard to save 5%! For more ways to save read our guide on Discount Disney Gift Cards.
• If you are a die-hard Pepsi drinker be warned that the entire Disney resort is Coca-Cola products only. If you must have your Pepsi be sure to pick some up on your way in or have it delivered to your resort.
• Decide to stay longer or want to upgrade your ticket to an annual pass? No problem! Just visit a ticket counter and they can upgrade your ticket, be sure to do it before you use up the last day of your ticket, though.
• Did you know characters will sign just about anything? Make your own autograph book at home or have them sign a button, pillowcase, shirt, ect. For more ideas read  Creative Ways to Collect Disney Character Autographs .
• Ever buy something at the park just to have it break before you left? No worries, Disney will place it free of charge. This also goes for spilling food, ice cream, and treats before you can eat them.
• All Disney hotel rooms have a mini-fridge in them. So if you want to save money we recommend bringing food for you to eat breakfast in your room each morning.
• Bring a power strip with you so you have plenty of space to plug-in all those electronics. We have found that outlets are a scarce commodity in Disney hotel rooms.
• If you want to save some money at a table service location go at lunchtime when the prices are a bit cheaper and you can often find similar menu items.
• You will be able to ride the most rides if you rope drop a park. This means you show up before park opens and get to be one of the first in the park for the day. We normally can do double the attractions in an hour versus later in the day.
• If you can sneak up to the Orlando Premium Outlets just outside the Disney Resort and head to the Character Warehouse . There they have all the deeply discounted Disney World merchandise. We even oftentimes find Disney Cruiseline merchandise as well.
• If you have a large family you aren’t restricted to just the option of booking two adjoining rooms. Disney now offers family suites at select hotels.
• Bring your swimsuits even if you are traveling in the winter. Disney keeps their pools toasty warm year-round.
• If you are staying at the Art of Animation hotel be sure to dive underwater in the pool. Underwater you can hear some special sounds from familiar friends.
• Have a conversation with Mickey over at the Town Square Theater in the front of the Magic Kingdom. This is the only place on Disney property where Mickey isn’t so shy and will share a conversation with you and the rest of your family.
• The best time to visit Kilimanjaro Safari is at sunset. We have found this is when the animals are the most active. They are up and roaming and ready for their dinner. Once, we even got to hear the lion’s roar!
• When booking your sit down meals, do keep in mind parade and firework times. You won’t want to miss fireworks on your trip just because you were finishing dinner.
• Don’t try to power through a whole day at Disney, especially if traveling with kids. Take a break after lunch from around 1-3 p.m. this is typically the hottest and most crowded time of the day. We like to go back to the hotel and take a nap or go for a swim in the pool.
• If you are a chocolate chip muffin connoisseur like myself be sure to head over to the Boardwalk Bakery for some of the best muffins you have ever feasted on. This was a childhood favorite for me.
• If you can’t score a hard to get Be Our Guest reservation for dinner then try to get a lunchtime reservation. The menu is the same and you get the experience of dining inside Beast’s castle.
• If you like to drink a lot of coffee or soda consider getting a length of stay refillable mug . They are a bit pricey around $18 so calculate if you can make it pay off during your visit. Best of all you get to keep the cup as a souvenir.
• When you are ordering at quick service location the cashiers take orders from both sides of the podium. People tend to just line up on one side and not use both, it’s a great way to get your food a little faster.
• Tonga Toast is a must eat Disney treat. It’s banana stuffed french toast and it’s served over at Kona Cafe inside the Polynesian. It’s a treat we always try to squeeze in when we are visiting the resort.
• If a little princess is joining you on your trip be sure to pick up their attire prior to your trip and save some cash. Disney Store frequently puts their costumes on sale.
• Drinking your way around the world at Epcot? Be sure to stop into La Cava del Tequila for an Avocado Margarita, it’s a must get every trip!
• Even after the parks close the main stores will continue to stay open at least an hour after park close. So, save your shopping until the end of the day and get in the rides while you can.
• I consider Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Disney’s best event of the year. If you are going during the Halloween season I recommend skipping a park day in favor of attending the event in the evening. We go every year and the event has yet to disappoint.
• If you need a stroller during your trip we recommend renting one from an offsite vendor or ordering an inexpensive one on Amazon and having it shipped. The miles you walk at Disney puts a lot of wear and tear on your strollers and it’s best to leave your nice one at home.
• You can store your luggage with Bell Service at your hotel all day if you arrived at your resort early and your room isn’t ready or if you are checking out but your flight isn’t until the evening. This gives you time to enjoy the parks a bit longer and know your belongings are safe.
• Looking to meet a specific character you can find all the character locations and times in My Disney Experience or the time’s guide. If all else fails you can always ask a cast member and they will point you in the right direction. Check out our guide to Character Meet and Greets
• Weather-wise the best time to visit Walt Disney World is in the late fall through early spring.
• Don’t forget about Disney’s Water parks . They are a fantastic way to spend a day and have more than enough entertainment. Typhoon Lagoon features a water coaster and Blizzard Beach will send you plummeting down a 120-foot drop on Summit Plummet.
• Hang around 30 minutes after park close at the Magic Kingdom and experience what is dubbed as Disney’s Kiss Goodnight.
• If it’s rainy and they cancel the daytime parade at the Magic Kingdom they will send out the Rainy Day Cavalcade. The conditions can’t be too extreme though or they won’t safely be able to let the characters come out and say hi.
• The Electric Water pageant makes its way around the Seven Seas Lagoon in front of the Magic Kingdom. It isn’t heavily advertised and not that many people know about it but it is a true treat to watch.
• Not sure what to tip housekeeping at your resort? The general rule of thumb is $2-$3 a night. For more on tipping read  Cash Needed for Tipping at Disney World .
• Wondering what special offers might be happening at Disney? You can always check out their special offer by visiting this page .
• La Nouba is a Cirque du Soleil show and it shouldn’t be overlooked during your trip. Cirque shows are unlike any other and never cease to amaze me. Keep in mind they have a new show which opened in 2021.
• Need help saving up for your Disney vacation? Disney recently released what they call a vacation savings account. To find out more information on how they can help you put money aside go here .
• Don’t expect to walk up to a sit-down restaurant and be able to get a table. Especially for larger parties you almost always need a reservation to eat at a sit-down restaurant.
•  Head over to Star Wars Launch Bay at Hollywood studios and look out for the Jawas. If you’re a Star Wars fan you may already know that Jawas are scavengers they will trade with you. They do NOT accept money but will trade pins, maps, and other trinkets you may have on you. You never know what you will receive back but we have gotten items like pins and build your own droid parts back.
• There is a hidden Mickey that can only be seen one day out of the year. It is located inside of the queue of Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. Mickey’s Birthday November 18th at noon is when you will be able to spot it, happy hunting if your trip falls during this day!
• Look closely at the trees inside of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you may just spot DiVine. This a walking vine that hides among the trees along the walkway between Asia and Africa. She makes a wonderful photo opportunity as well!
• It is possible to have lunch with an Imagineer (the people who design and build Disney rides)! It’s really hard to get into but if you call early enough you may just be lucky enough to get a spot.
• If you forgot to pack the kitchen sink with you don’t worry you can head over to Beaches and Cream on the Boardwalk and eat out of one! This is one giant sundae crammed packed with ice cream and sugary sweets.
• Ever wanted to see Tinkerbell fly? Be sure to wait in front of the castle to spot her in the middle of the firework spectacular at the Magic Kingdom.
• Make sure to slow down between running from attraction to attraction to stop and enjoy the street performers inside the theme parks. Two of our favorites are the barbershop singers on Main Street U.S.A. and the stars of Hollywood over at Hollywood Studios.
• Looking to make it on Frozen Ever After without a Lightening Lane? Rope drop Epcot get straight in line before Fastpass+ riders can even start to wait in the shortest line. Lightning Lane really slows this ride down for standby riders. Looking for more tips read our article all about it over here .
• Make sure to take advantage of discounts if you qualify. AAA members, military, and groups over 10 get a discount on tickets.
• Looking to defeat the evil emperor Zurg inside of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and become a Galactic Hero? In the first room, find the left arm of the left robot and hit it for 100,000 points. Then when you see Zurg, aim for the target at the bottom of his spacecraft for another 100,000 points.
• Stack your Lightning Lanes by booking a new one two hours later even if you have a Lightning Lane you have not used yet. This is especially handy as it gets later in the day and the options are much more sparse.
• Magicbands are no longer given free to resort guests but you can still order ahead of your trip for a discount! Plus there are some options exclusive to ordering pre arrivle on My Disney Experience.
• Most importantly the more magic you create for others during your trip the more magical your trip will be!

What are your Disney trip planning tips? Do you have some go-to recommendations that we missed? We love to hear from all our readers just leave a comment below!

I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!

33 Disney World Tips and Secrets Every Visitor Should Know, According to Experts

Your guide to a cheaper, stress-free vacation that your family will cherish forever.

Make your Disney reservations in advance and pay off the bill over time.

Disney isn't a cheap vacation (though it is possible to do on somewhat of a budget). But you don't have to pay everything up front. "You can book a Walt Disney World vacation package with just a $200 deposit. You can then make payments towards the remaining balance anytime as long as the package is paid in full 30 days prior to arrival," Siera Duiser, a travel agent with Destinations in Florida , an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, tells us. "Future discounts can also be applied, so you don't have to worry about booking too early and missing out on any discounts or special offers."

Get discounted tickets at Sam's Club.

You can still score great deals at Sam's Club as a part of their travel and entertainment service. Right now, you can score up to $80 off theme park tickets and up to 15% off water park tickets. You can also find deals for special events like Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom.

Make sure you have a ticket AND a reservation to enter the parks.

Disney's ticket-booking system is not the most straightforward. You not only have to buy a ticket, but you also have to make a reservation for a specific date — these actions are separate, so make sure you do both! "Park reservations can fill up, particularly during popular travel times like spring break and holidays. You do not want to arrive at the parks only to be turned away because you do not have a park reservation," Lauren King, a travel advisor with Key to the World Travel and blogger at The Palmetto Mom , tells us.

Pay attention to promotions after you've booked your trip.

Disney doesn't always do sales, but when it does, you better jump on them! Even if you've already booked your trip, Disney might retroactively apply the promotion for you. "When new promotions from Disney come out, like the recent Disney+ subscriber discount, it's a great opportunity to save hundreds of dollars on your Disney vacation," Jonathan de Araujo, owner of The Vacationeer Travel Agency , a Platinum level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency, tells us. "Even if you've already booked, you can call in and ask for the new promotion, and you can save a lot of money, or get a really nice room upgrade instead."

Stay at a Disney hotel.

There's no shortage of accommodations near Walt Disney World, but for the most seamless experience, it's best to stay at a Disney hotel. "Not only are you in the 'Disney bubble,' but you can take advantage of Disney transportation, early morning magic hours, and much more," Kim Swanson , a travel agent with Magical Moments Vacations , an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, tells us.

All Disney hotels are hooked up to Disney's extensive (and free!) bus, boat, and monorail system to shuttle you anywhere you need to go on the property, so you can forget about dealing with parking.

And the early access to the parks is a game-changer. "By making the most of this extra half an hour, we got on the following rides very quickly with most of them being a straight walk on: Avatar Flight of Passage and Navi River Journey at Animal Kingdom, Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios, and Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom," Phil Dengler of TheVacationer.com tell us.

Use the expertise of an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Planning a Disney trip can be a stressful experience for first-time visitors — or even returning ones. Not only is there the burden of planning your schedule for the day, but you also have to navigate rules about entry tickets and special reservations. "Disney is constantly changing, and I can't tell you how many people I've seen miss major changes like the current requirement for park reservations," travel agent Amanda Emmerling of Toddling Traveler tells us.

That's where Authorized Disney Vacation Planners come in — they can help you navigate all the difficulties of planning a Disney trip, as they're up-to-date on the policies. And they can even score you discounts.

"With so many changes happening rapidly in the travel industry these days, it's important to have someone working with you to help avoid some of the pitfalls," travel agent Chuck Lionberger of MEI-Travel and the blog DisneyDaddy tells us. "Many travel agents, like me and my colleagues at MEI-Travel, operate with no fees, so that means our services come at NO extra cost to the client. Seriously. If someone books directly with a supplier or books with me, they're paying the same price, but I can act on the client's behalf and save the client lots of time and, potentially, lots of money because I can access offers and rates that aren't available to the general public."

Download the My Disney Experience app.

"This app brings convenience to your Disney World trip. Here, you can check the current wait times for attractions, see parade times, place mobile orders, and make reservations," Ashley P. from Disney Parks Moms Panel tells us. In other words, you'll be lost without it. Seriously.

Bring a portable charger — or buy one in the parks.

"Bring a portable phone charger as so much of the Disney logistics take place on the app: property maps, dining reservations, mobile ordering, mobile park passes, Genie +, etc.," Disney-certified travel advisor Kate Johnson tells us. If you forget to pack one, you can buy them at the park for $30 plus tax. Find all the kiosk locations here .

Book dining reservations 60 days before your visit.

Reservations are a must at Disney restaurants, but you'll want to make them as soon as they're available. "Be sure to get your restaurant dining reservations at 6 a.m, 60 days before check-in, because the popular restaurants will fill up within minutes," says de Araujo.

But if you miss that window, don't worry — cancellations do happen. Try checking the morning of your desired dining day, or utilize the expertise of your travel advisor. "We use a custom-built app to find available dining reservations when people cancel them," says de Araujo.

Book a character dining experience.

Meeting characters requires serious patience. To guarantee that you'll leave Disney World with an autograph and photo with your favorite character, get a reservation at a restaurant with character dining. "If you have a little princess traveling with you, try a meal fit for royalty inside Cinderella Castle at Cinderella's Royal Table ," Jessica B. from Disney Parks Moms Panel tells us. "A buffet breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Tusker House Restaurant is a great chance to meet the Fab Five all in once place."

Arrive at rope drop.

Rope drop is a common term for Disney regulars. FYI: It's the moment that theme parks open for the day a.k.a. your golden hours. "The first two hours of any park day are when the attraction lines tend to be the lowest," Karyn Locke, the blogger behind Sand And Snow , tells us. "As a family, we've hit at least 10 rides in the first two hours!"

Say goodbye to FastPass+ and hello to Genie+ if you want to skip lines.

FastPass and FastPass+ were Disney's former line-cutting systems, but they've been phased out in favor of Genie+. "Those who remember Disney's free FastPass program might be surprised to learn the program has been replaced with paid options to avoid the worst of the lines. Most rides are included in a multi-ride offering called Genie+, which allows you to reserve multiple attraction return times throughout the day for a single $15 fee per person," Jaimie Michaels of MagicGuides tells us. "Some of the most popular rides are available separately for pay-per-ride access that costs around $7–15 per person. Of course, you can always wait in the regular standby line for no charge, but budgeting a bit extra for these paid options can help you save 1 to 2 hours or more of waiting per ride on busy days."

Eat an early breakfast inside the park.

Just because you weren't able to snag a Genie+ line-cutting pass for Avatar Flight of Passage doesn't mean you should just give up on it altogether. If you go to Tusker House Restaurant for breakfast before the park opens, you can beeline to the ride before most guests have entered the park. "Even if the park isn't open to the public yet, you're allowed to line up and be among the very first guests to board an attraction," Anne Marie R. from Disney Parks Moms Panel shares. Same goes for all other Disney World parks.

Or bring your own food and drinks.

"To save money, take snacks and water into the parks. Yes, you are allowed to do this," Mariah Street, a former travel agent and current YouTube creator ( Mariah's Whole New World ) with a focus on Disney, tells us. "That way, if you do choose to dine at restaurants while at Disney, you can save your money for those experiences and not waste them on snacks and whatnot here and there, which can — and will — add up quickly."

Even if you skip the snacks, make sure to bring water. "Water is one of the most overpriced items at the park. Even if you do not bring your own, you can ask for a cup of ice at any quick-service restaurant and get complimentary water," Sondra Barker of Cuisine and Travel tells us.

Here's what Disney says about its BYO food and drink policy : "Guests are allowed to bring outside food and nonalcoholic beverage items into the park for self-consumption, provided they are not in glass containers and do not require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration or temperature control and do not have pungent odors."

Trade quick-service meals for snacks.

While a money saver, the Disney Dining Plan can sometimes limit your food choices. If you're more of a snacking family, trade in an unused quick-service meal for snacks so you can sample your way through Epcot's World Showcase or get your popcorn fix. "Your resort's front desk can convert a quick-service credit into three separate snack credits," Anne Marie tells us. One thing to note: You have to use all three snack credits in one transaction, so plan wisely.

Let Disney know if you're celebrating something.

If you're visiting Walt Disney World for your birthday, anniversary, or any other big celebration, pop by guest services to get a free button that lets everyone know you're a special guest. "Not only is it a free souvenir, but Disney staff love to help you celebrate. Often free items are given out on birthdays, especially desserts during lunch and dinner. Sometimes they will even give the person celebrating a card signed by the characters and other small gifts," Lanie van der Horst of Make More Adventures tells us.

Walk between the parks, if possible.

Depending on where you stay, half the battle is just getting to and from the parks. "One of the best ways to avoid the crowds at the buses and make the most of your time is to combine Hollywood Studios and Epcot into one day," Rochelle and Melanie of Polka Dots & Pixie Dust tells us. "These two parks are connected via the Disney Boardwalk and a short walkway." Added bonus: If you stay at one of the Disney Boardwalk Resorts , you're even closer to the action.

Skip the Park Hopper pass.

Disney offers a Park Hopper pass that allows you to visit multiple parks in one day. But many Disney travel experts advise against purchasing one for most travelers. "While the Park Hopper option sounds great in theory, I believe it is rarely worth the additional costs and planning," says Phil Dengler. "I recommend strategically planning your trips to the four parks to see everything possible in a single day. Otherwise, you will waste time moving from one park to the other, and that is especially difficult if you have young children."

Avoid Main Street U.S.A. during the fireworks.

There's something magical about watching the fireworks light up Cinderella's castle , but if you're short on patience — or elbow room — view the nightly display from an alternate location. "The bridge to Tomorrowland gives you a clear view of everything and Tinker Bell flies directly over your head," Anne Marie shares. "Otherwise, stand behind Cinderella Castle near Prince Charming Regal Carrousel or near the ferry dock at the Transportation and Ticket Center to get a picture-perfect view."

Or skip the fireworks to take advantage of shorter lines.

While the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom are a must-see, there's one big perk of skipping the show: shorter lines for rides. "Ride your favorite rides during the fireworks. It feels like you have the entire park to yourself since almost anyone is in front of the castle for the fireworks," Cristy Stewart-Harfmann of HappyFamilyBlog tells us.

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2024 Disney World Planning Guide

The goal of our Disney World Planning Guide is to give you helpful tips on how to save money and avoid crowds, the best times to visit and rides to go on and where to eat and stay. We’ll also recommend some daily itineraries for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot theme parks, so you can make the most of your trip wherever and whenever you go.

Our recommendations can apply to everyone from first-time visitors to annual passholders. Plus, since we regularly travel as a family, we have great advice for those traveling with younger kids up to teenagers. (Updated January 2, 2024).

WHEN TO VISIT DISNEY WORLD

While we can give you advice as to the best times to visit Walt Disney World, oftentimes, a promotion has already answered this question for you. These are typically the Free Disney Dining Plan promo or a package that includes free days and big savings on rooms at Disney World hotels. If that’s the case, whatever the reason, you’re going to have to visit during the promotional period. 

That’s right, a promotion may dictate when you vacation at the resort, and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, we think discounts should be a reason to travel to Disney World, so kudos to you for thinking in a savings -savvy way. These promos run at different times during the year and lay out the weeks and months guests can visit.

Other discounts to look for include spring special-offer tickets which pop up occasionally. For example, Disney has offered a spring special where guests receive  two free days at the parks when they book a package . Offers like this are fantastic deals and should be used if available. 

If, however, you are open to choosing your v acation week, a simple breakdown is available here. For something more in-depth, be sure to read our  Best and Worst Months to Visit Disney World Guide .

January and February are great months to travel to Disney World. With the winter holidays ending and school starting around January 5th each year, the parks slow down significantly. The only exceptions are the Monday holidays, including Martin Luther King and Presidents Day. These tend to bring out the weekend warriors and annual passholders for a quick 2-3 day vacation.

These months have also become home to the Epcot Festival of the Arts . This celebration of creativity is a ton of fun, with plenty of food, beverages and art. In other words, expect lots of eating and drinking around the world and a fair few locals.

Spring is Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival . Like all other festivals at Epcot, food, drink and fun activities like topiary displays and workshops abound. Kids will find treasure hunts throughout the park, while adults can enjoy live music at the American Adventure Pavilion.

March and April mean spring break time. This well-deserved break starts earlier each year, so most of these months are suffer from bigger crowds and longer wait times. So, if you will be traveling during these months, try the first week of March or the last week of April. May is also a pretty good time to travel now that Walt Disney World has stopped hosting Grad Nites.

Summertime is the absolute worst time to travel to Walt Disney World. Why? Because it’s hot, humid and busy. School is out, and families are taking vacations, with Disney World as their destination of choice. We’re not saying you shouldn’t go during these months, but be prepared.

September and October are good months to travel, specifically post-Labor Day and pre-Halloween. Disney World typically runs their Halloween parties from late August through October 31st, making for a treat-filled addition to any fall trip to Orlando.

In November and December, the resort shines with festive spirit, and there’s a lot to see and do. This is the busiest season of the year for Disney World, but not necessarily the busiest time to visit. Early November is slower, while Thanksgiving week is hectic. Early December is quiet again, and then the last two weeks are downright insane. Personally, we don’t travel to the parks over these weeks because it’s just too much with kids.

If you do want to make it during the holiday celebrations, be sure to catch  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party  (replaced by the Disney Very Merriest After Hours event in 2020 and 2021), which is held at Magic Kingdom Park, or Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays .

HOW LONG TO VISIT

Most of the time, your schedule will dictate how long you’ll be able to visit the parks. The average family typically stays for one entire week, with five to six days in the parks. First-time visitors should aim for seven days in the theme parks to see and do it all.

We recommend visiting the parks for three to four days and then taking an entire day to relax at the pool, head to the beach, take a stroll down Disney’s BoardWalk or shop at Disney Springs . Whatever you choose, a break is highly recommended so you don’t risk getting worn out.

Many guests who come from out of town also tend to visit other non-Disney theme parks like Universal Orlando . Factoring that in, you should probably plan for eight theme-park days total. If you’ve never been to Universal, we recommend you take some time to experience it, particularly The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . It’s split between two parks and can be done in one to two days, depending on how busy it is.

For Disney World, we suggest that if you’re going to be in the parks for less than five days, try and visit all four parks. If you have five or more days to spend, hit up all four parks and then revisit your favorites afterward.

WHERE TO STAY

We’re big fans of staying on property because there are just so many benefits. However, we also understand that this doesn’t always work for everyone. Having stayed at all property hotels and several off-property too, we have lots to recommend. Be sure to see our in-depth guides where we dig deep into each resort hotel, offering the pros and cons of staying there. We keep these regularly updated from our most recent stays so you can be in the know.

Over the past several years, Disney has raised their prices for staying on property. This means that when you go to search for a rate, you may get sticker shock. While Disney may offer discounts and promotions on hotel stays, keep in mind that it’s always going to be more expensive to stay on-property than off.

Value resorts are the best bet for anyone debating whether to stay on or off Disney property because of price. There are four of them, and they start around $110 per night when they’re on promotion. Not all of them are created equal though, so be sure to see our Value Resort Rankings Guide for which ones top our list.

Moderate resorts are a nice step up from the value hotels and tend to have better placement near the parks. There are quite a few that are must-stays for us, and we think you’d enjoy them as well. Overall though, moderate resorts are the most popular hotels for guests looking for a step up from standard.

Deluxe resorts are the creme de la creme, offering the best rooms, locations and resort dining. While these rooms may seem expensive, we think they are worth the extra money. 

Likewise, deluxe villas are Disney Vacation Club rooms at deluxe resorts and can be rented for quite a bit less, thanks to our preferred partner . Rooms with one bedroom and up have full kitchens and are great for those wanting to have groceries delivered to them.

There are other reasons for staying on property that aren’t just location and transportation. For example, all resort guests have access to Early Theme Park Entry, while those with rooms at deluxe resorts can also use Extending Evening Theme Park Hours. Additionally, guests staying at Walt Disney World resorts can also book Individual Lightning Lane Selection reservations (around $7-15 per ride) before other theme park guests, starting at 7 AM rather than once the park opens.

Finally, if you love buying things in the parks but hate carrying it around with you, resort hotel guests can have them delivered from the parks to their hotel room for free. We love this service and can’t wait for it to come back sometime in 2022.

VACATION PACKAGES

We used to not be fans of vacation packages because we thought we could save a lot more money by booking everything separately. While this may be true for people who are redeeming points from a hotel rewards program or have received free tickets as a gift, booking separately can be a pain for everyone else. So, for anyone out there who appreciates convenience and loves being thrifty, packages are probably for you.

First off, don’t be like everyone else who books their package right from  disneyworld.com . Even with a promotion, you’ll always pay what everyone else is paying, or what is known as rack rate. In fact, you can find much better deals by booking directly through the fine folks at Park Savers. Not only do we have some of the best ticket prices out there, but our travel agents are Disney experts who are excited to share their tips and tricks with you.  Connect with one of the Park Savers travel agents  today to get started. 

When it comes to booking a Disney World vacation package, you want to use someone who specializes in them, not just someone who can do it because you asked. Unfortunately, companies like  AAA  and  Costco  can’t offer the expertise that we can. Plus, just like us, our travel agents visit the parks multiple times during the year, so they are up-to-date on any happenings or changes.

Second, when you’re looking for a package, you’re probably going to be staying on property, especially if you want to take advantage of the Disney Dining Plan. This means your package will consist of a hotel room, tickets, dining and possibly airfare (though we recommend  using a different tool online for this ). If you’re staying off property, it probably will be cheaper to book separately.

Finally, remember that Park Savers doesn’t charge a fee for booking your package. Our travel agents are paid a commission from Disney, so you’ll never need to worry about any hidden fees or surprises. 

PARK TICKETS

Walt Disney World has one of the most complex systems for tickets since they moved to a date-based system a while back. Basically, each day is priced differently based on various factors, including time of year and how busy the parks will be. So, for example, staying from Monday to Friday in January will be cheaper than a Monday-to-Friday trip in July. This is because summertime is busier than January, while, of course, the busiest season of all is during the winter holidays.

Timing your vacation during the right season can help you save some decent cash, so keep that in mind. You may want to look at our guide to the best time to visit Walt Disney World . It gives a more in-depth explanation of each month and how you can avoid large crowds. Buying your tickets from an authorized seller is highly recommended.

Along with date-based pricing, you can choose from a few different add-ons to upgrade your ticket. The most popular is the Park Hopper option. A Park Hopper ticket allows you to visit several parks on the same day if you so desire. 

Park Hopper Plus tickets give you the same Park Hopper access “plus” some extra fun things to do. It can be confusing, so read carefully and make sure this is something you’ll have time to utilize fully. Here’s a list of things you can do when you purchase this ticket:

• Nine holes of traditional golf at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
• Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf
• ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex

So, those are the fun things you can do. Now, how can you use them? Park Hopper Plus or the Water Parks & Sports option are based on however many days your ticket is. For example, if you buy a 5-Day Park Hopper Plus ticket, you’ll also receive five visits to use however you’d like from the list of attractions above. Best of all, you can use your visits however you’d like. A different activity each day, five trips to the same attraction – it’s all up to you.

DINING AT DISNEY WORLD

Where to begin? Disney World is so much more than burgers, hot dogs and popcorn. So, get that out of your head right now. With hundreds of offerings from around the world (and we’re not just talking at Epcot), any foodie would find themselves in paradise here. But, believe it or not, there have been and will be times when we’ve gone to Disney World just for the food offerings and nothing more. The point we’re trying to make is that dining can and should be an essential part of your planning and experience.

For anyone who wants to dig into dining even more, we have a Disney World Dining Guide that can help you choose specific restaurants to visit and our rankings. We even have a guide on the  best places to eat at the parks for couples  if you’re headed there for just a casual lunch or romantic dinner.

Disney has several categories for dining that are available at each of the parks, resort hotels and entertainment areas like Disney Springs and the BoardWalk . Your most basic food option is quick service , which offers meals like salads, chicken, burgers, wraps, pizza by the slice, fruit cups, vegetables and kids meals. Typically, you place your order at a counter, get your food and then sit somewhere. This is by far the most abundant kind of restaurant.

Discount Disney Gift Cards at Target

Next, there is table service dining, which is what it sounds like. You’ll have a server, and your food will be made fresh from a kitchen and brought out to your table. Sit-down dining usually requires advanced reservations, but you can also try and do a walk-in. We recommend the reservation option, especially for a place you really want to try. Table-service restaurants can range from $12 per plate all the way up to $60+ for a signature restaurant like Victoria & Albert’s. For more details on the best restaurants at Walt Disney World , consult our guide.

Have you (or at least your kids) ever wanted to dine with your favorite Disney characters? Character dining is offered at all four parks and several resort hotels, so you can live out your Disney dream. These are typically done in a buffet style, with character interactions happening throughout. Once again, you want to make advanced reservations for these places. Be sure to read about each meal as different restaurants offer different character sightings.

Bars and lounges are a great place to relax, get a drink and just talk. After a long day at Disney, these are our go-to places to unwind for the night. Having said that, there are some bars and lounges that we prefer to go to over regular quick-service or table-service restaurants just because they offer some amazing food. Take a look at Disney World’s Top Rated Bars & Lounges to see what we’re talking about. Every park and most resort hotels have lounges to enjoy, so keep this in mind as you’re visiting the parks or doing some resort hopping.

Lastly, there are snack carts at all the parks, everywhere you turn, serving up the delicious smells of popcorn, pretzels, pastries, crepes, and so much more. There’s a seemingly endless amount of options, and you never have to worry about finding something to munch on. Snacks are a great way to tide you over until mealtime. Be sure to read about our  top snacks at Disney World , which will surely get your mouth watering and stomach rumbling.

To cap things off, guests are in no way expected to dine in the parks at Disney’s restaurants. In fact, a lot of the time, we pack our own meals, mostly snacks, for each day. The best way to do this is to have groceries delivered to your hotel. There are several options for this service out there. The one we recommend the most is Walmart+. You get to purchase groceries at Walmart pricing  and  have them delivered to your hotel for free. Not a Walmart+ member? You can do a free trial while you’re traveling! It’s really a win-win and can help you save a lot of money versus eating in the parks.

ATTRACTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT

It’s always a good idea to have a plan in place before heading to Disney World. Unlike ten years ago when you could just show up and go on rides, dine and not worry about anything, Disney World is anything but like that now. You need to have a plan, but it doesn’t need to be anything crazy, so put away those digital planners and notebooks. Not having a plan, particularly for first-time visitors, can ruin a vacation. It means unnecessarily standing in long lines and dealing with crazy wait times. Some guests will even skip an attraction just because the wait time is too long. This is entirely avoidable.

Our first plan of attack for attractions is looking at park hours and entertainment. You’re going to want to know which parks are open latest and which nights you can catch certain firework shows. They don’t run every night, so look at these first and plan accordingly.

Next is setting up Disney Genie or, if you’d like, upgrading to Disney Genie+ and making Individual Lightning Lane Selections. When planning attractions and entertainment. Genie allows you to take advantage of short wait times and your location in the park to make the most of your time *for free*. Alternatively, you also have the option to skip the lines by paying for Disney Genie+ ($15 per person per day) or Individual Lightning Lane Selections (between $7-15 per ride).

We’re not going to dive deep into this here, as the new program is a little complicated, so we highly recommend you look at our Disney Genie and Lightning Lane guides to decide whether buying the service is right for you. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to have My Disney Experience downloaded onto your phone so you can make ride reservations or check out your virtual itinerary as you navigate the parks.

Finally, for guests who have smaller children, remember that you’ll need to look if an attraction has a height restriction . If there is, plan accordingly. Disney gives parents the option of doing a rider swap, where one guardian must remain behind to watch the child who does not meet the height requirement. This swap allows the first parent to go on, and then, when they’re done, the other parent can go on the ride via the Lightning Lane.

TRANSPORTATION AND AIRFARE

As we’re sure you’ve figured out by now, Walt Disney World is massive, and deciding how to get around it is an essential part of planning. Disney themselves offers many options for guests, including bus and boat transportation to the parks and Disney Springs. These are free options for guests staying on property. While these seem convenient, not everyone finds them useful. Some prefer to drive themselves to the parks, while others use services like Uber or LYFT.

These rideshare services are invaluable for those needing to travel between the resort and airport or even just between attractions. Uber and LYFT are readily available and can be requested once you’ve gathered all your luggage. From the airport, a trip typically runs about $40 for a group of five to the Walt Disney World area, while rides around Disney World generally cost between $5-15.

For anyone looking to rent a car, just be aware of the  parking costs at the resorts and or theme parks . Currently, Disney is charging $25 for a vehicle to park at one of their theme parks. This is a per-day cost and is valid for all visited theme parks that day. If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, your overnight charge includes theme park parking. Value resorts are $15 per night, moderate resorts are $20 per night and deluxe resorts are $25 per night. Guests can also opt to upgrade to preferred parking for an additional cost.

Rentals typically run between $12 and $30 per day, depending on the size of vehicle you get. If you’re planning on day-tripping away from Disney World and heading to the beach or another local attraction, you may want to rent a car. If you only need a rental for a day,  Disney does offer an on-site rental station  for this. Prices are a bit higher than if you rented from the airport, but if you only need it for one day, it’s worth the extra cost. Disney also provides a free shuttle from your hotel to the rental station and back.

As for bus transportation, Disney’s internal bus system is extensive and can get you almost anywhere you want to go, if you have the time. It’s really a double-edged sword. On one side, the transportation is free and will eventually get you to where you want to be, including the theme parks, Disney Springs and other resort hotels. On the other side is time, and with the Disney bus system, time is not your friend. Nothing is calculated when it comes to using this busing system. If you really need to be somewhere at a specific time, you either need to leave really early or use a different method of transportation.

Guests who aren’t staying on property can still use the bus system for free. The only thing it won’t do is take you to your off-property hotel.

For the most part, the bus system is excellent when you have the right attitude. Just going into it with the mindset that you’re not in a huge hurry, you don’t have to pay, and you’ll eventually get to where you want to go is key to enjoying it.

MOBILITY NEEDS

Walt Disney World has four massive theme parks. Getting around can be tiring, and many people need strollers or mobility scooters to make the trip more manageable. However, transporting mobility scooters or strollers while on vacation can be incredibly difficult. Therefore, we have found that renting is definitely the way to go in this area!

Having your rental items delivered directly to you and then picked up when you’re done makes it so you can just focus on enjoying your vacation. We highly recommend  Amusement Park Rentals  for your next vacation as their quality, reliability, and service can’t be beaten. 

AFTERTHOUGHTS

Did we miss something that you feel is important? Do you have some expert advice to share with us? Please do! We put these guides together with you in mind, so if there’s something we didn’t answer, please let us know. We’re happy to respond to your questions and suggestions. If you want to keep up to date with theme park news, guides and discounts, be sure to join our Free Monthly Newsletter below.

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Global Munchkins

Travel + Global Inspired Lifestyle

May 14, 2023

50 Amazing Disney World Tips (You’ll Actually Use & Love)

It’s funny… I never considered myself a Disney fanatic or a Disney Pro. Until friends began approaching me to help them plan their Disney World Vacations.

Turns out my 40+ visits to Disney World + a few inside Disney World tips from my Imagineer dad qualified me to help families make the best of their Disney World Vacations .

Here is a list of all our best tips, tricks, and a few Disney World hacks. I hope you enjoy it!! 

My 11 Best Disney World Tips to Have an Amazing Disney Vacation!

In order to save you time and keep things organized, I am going to start with my 10 best Disney World tips and then I have divided the rest of the Disney World tips up by the Walt Disney World parks and hotels. Read through them or skip to the areas that you are interested in Skip to Disney Money Saving Tips Jump to Time Saving Tips Skip to Magic Kingdom Tips Head Over  to Epcot Tips Skip to Animal Kingdom Tips Jump to Hollywood Studios Tips Skip to Disney World Dining Tips

1. Save up to 50% OFF On-Site Disney Resort Rooms!

Disney vacation club rentals –  .

One of my favorite tips for visiting Disney World is DVC Rentals. Disney Vacation Club is a Disney timeshare that offers stays at their deluxe resorts. However, you don’t have to be a member to reap the benefits. Members are allowed to book resort stays for their guests.

There are several sites that allow you to “rent” points from a member. This can save you a considerable amount of money if you are planning to stay on property. Our favorite DVC Rental site is the David’s Vacation Club Rentals .

Before we had the Disney Vacation Club, we used DVC Rentals. We booked a studio at Beach Club Villas for $184 a night and the regular price was over $420 – See how much you could save by renting points by clicking here or clicking the banner below. You can check out my full review of the DVC rental here !

2. Do not Book your Vacation directly through Disney! (you are throwing money and time away)

This sounds counterintuitive, but booking a Disney Vacation directly through Disney is not the best way to book, it might be the worst. Instead use a Disney Travel Agent , they know all the special offers, they will save you a boatload of time and they cost absolutely nothing.

The travel agents get paid by Disney and the price they offer is the exact same as the price offered by travel agents. Some even include little perks like Disney Gift Cards when booking.

Not all Disney travel agents are created, the same. Our personal favorite is Best Day Ever Vacations , but you can check out all of our top 5 here .

3. Save Hundreds of Dollars on Stroller Rentals –

If you are bringing some tiny humans along on your Disney World trip, there is no doubt you will need a stroller. Disney World can put a beating on your stroller at home, so I recommend renting one.

Renting at the parks can cost quite a bit and you can only use them at the parks, so I highly recommend renting from an offsite vendor.

Kingdom Strollers –

Kingdom Strollers has been around for over 20 years and they will save you a ton of money plus they deliver the stroller to your hotel or Airbnb! You simply place your order and then meet them at your hotel at one of their 5 daily meetup times and grab your stroller.

If that is not convenient enough you can grab the stroller directly at their onsite locate inn the Orlando Airport

It couldn’t be any easier Check em out here!

4. How to Get Pictures in front of the Castle without a giant crowd behind you.

If you are on Main St. you might try to grab a picture of the castle but unfortunately there are tons of people surrounding you. Here are 5 spots where you can take pictures with out 1,000 people behind you in your shot.

You can check out the full video here. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRKsFYgR/

5. Make Yourself Glow at Pandora

This might not seem like one of the Disney World tips that is worth being in the top 10, but let me tell you, your kids will love it.

Order some glow in the dark paint from Amazon before your trip and then apply some fun designs to your kids before you head to Animal Kingdom at Night (or pack it in your day bag, if you are spending the day at Animal Kingdom)

At night, Pandora glows and so will your child. They do not sell the paint at Disney World so make sure to order it before your trip.

6. How to Get a Restaurant Reservation Anywhere!

Getting a restaurant reservation at some of the most popular Disney World restaurants can be tough. Reservations get booked at some places 180 days in advance. But don’t worry if your restaurant is booked, there is still a way to get that reservation.

• Head to touring plans and sign up for a basic account (It’s FREE)
• Then visit their restaurant finder
• There you will put in the reservation details you are interested in. You can set as wide of a range (multiple days) or as narrow as you prefer.
• If there is a cancellation (which happens a lot) you will get a text.
• Click on the link and book your reservation directly on your My Disney Experience App

****Bonus Restaurant Tip – At Disney Springs Restaurant s, many of the restaurants also take reservations via Open Table. There are many more openings when you check on Open Table , some even the same day.

7. Watch Fireworks at Magic Kingdom with no crowd

I love the Magic Kingdom Fireworks but I don’t love being smashed between thousands of people trying to watch the show. If you head towards Fantasy Land, plop yourself down in front of the Dumbo Ride and enjoy a pretty much private viewing of the fireworks show.

8. The Best Magic Kingdom Parade Viewing Location

This one is a little more known, so you will need to plan ahead if you want this spot. Head to the flag pole at Magic Kingdom and park yourself on the curb facing the castle. We learned this from our friends at Best Day Ever Vacations who saved us this spot for the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party .

From this location, you will be able to see the parade head directly to you with the castle in the backdrop. It is an absolutely amazing view.

9. Affordable Snacks or Meals

Disney World is expensive (not really shocking news there). So, I am always on the lookout for the best deals to make the trip more affordable including on snacks and meals.

• In Epcot, you can grab a Baguette in France and it will feed a few people for only $2.00.
• Grab a Chimichanga in Frontierland for $5.00. I often use that to feed my teenage boys for dinner.
• Order tortilla chips from Pecos Bill and then load them up at the toppings bar for full fledge Nachos.

If you love popcorn, snag the refillable popcorn bucket on the first day too! A souvenir popcorn bucket costs $10-$17 but once you have it refills are only $1.50, so you can enjoy a tasty snack for under $2

• Adults can order Kid’s Meals at any food location.

10. Free Water

One of the best Disney World tricks is that you can get water for FREE. You don’t need to pay $3.00 per bottle for Dasani water. Head to any quick service dining location and ask for a cup of ice cold water.

11. Visit During Low Crowd Season (even during the Holidays)

Yes, you can actually visit Disney World when it is not too busy, although it is getting rarer each year but it still can happen. There are several times per year where crowds are low, even during the holidays.

Of all the Disney World tips this is the most important if you want to visit while the parks are decorated for the holidays. Visit after Thanksgiving Break and before Christmas Break and you will find yourself filled with holiday joy as the parks are all decked out but the crowds are not there. Check out my full crowd calendar here!

12. Head to the Back of the Park to Start Your Day

If you arrive at the park around opening time. Head to the back of the park first and typically go in the opposite direction of the newest ride. There you will find no crowds and be able to knock off some great rides before the crowds come.

Most people visit the newest ride or the most popular ride simply head the opposite way and have a great day.

Disney Reopening Tips! (as of May, 2023)

With the new policies being put in place for Disney’s Re-opening, we have updated our tips with the latest information to help you navigate your Disney Vacation!

MOST IMPORTANT – Make Park Reservations  

Disney World will be limiting the number of people in the parks for the foreseeable future. To help control park crowds you will have to make a reservation online with your park tickets or annual pass. 

Here is how to make park reservations:

• Create a My Disney Experience Account (Login if you have one)
• Link your park tickets
• Create Your Party (Choose all individuals coming with you to the parks, they must have a ticket)
• Select a Date and the Park you are planning on visiting
• Confirm Your Plans

You can get complete details on the park reservation system here!

Download the My Disney Experience App

The My Disney Experience App is going to be pretty essential with the reopening. You will be able to get into virtual queue, order food, scan your tickets all with the My Disney Experience App. We have more detailed info about the My Disney Experience app below. 

Money-Saving Tips at Disney World

Now on to some money saving Disney World tips. Any trip to Disney World can get costly, so we have some tips on how to save you some serious money. on your vacation. 

Disney Resorts – Money-Saving Tips on Resort Reservations

One of my favorite Disney World tips for first-timers is to stay onsite. Staying onsite at one of the Disney Resorts is probably my favorite thing in the world.

I have stayed at both onsite and offsite hotels, and there is just something magical about staying on site. I think it’s that the Disney service, decorations, begins the moment you wake up and continues throughout the day.

Now, staying at a Disney Resort can be costly, luckily we have a few tricks up our sleeve to help you out.

Save up to 50% OFF Your Disney Hotel Stay 

As I mentioned above, One of my favorite tips for visiting Disney World is DVC Rentals. You can save up to 50% off rooms at Disney World, Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii or Disneyland’s Grand Californian by renting points.

Our favorite DVC Rental site is the David’s Vacation Club Rentals .

Use a Travel Agent for traditional Room Reservations!

We mentioned this above, but a travel agent is the way to go when booking your Disney Vacation.  Best Day Ever Vacations is who we use for all of our Disney Vacations. Not only are their services completely FREE, but usually they save you money + they will also guide you with booking dining reservations and Disney Genie + and so much more.

They save you time and money and they know Disney better than we do…… and we have been a lot of times. But, don’t just take our word for it, check out all of their guest testimonials . They truly are the best!

Stay Off Property

While we love staying on property it tends to add up really quickly. So, occasionally we book off-property. One of our favorite offsite hotels is Caribe Royal Orlando it is an all-suite hotel with spacious 2-bedroom private villas (perfect for families), a great pool, and included park transportation. Plus, with the included full kitchen you can save on food costs too!

Disney Money-Saving Tips in the Parks

Purchase discounted tickets from a verified vendor.

We have a full breakdown of where to get discounted Disney World Tickets , however, typically Undercover Tourist is our go-to resource for discounted Disney World tickets.    Check Current Prices Here

Rent a stroller from an offsite vendor:

Don’t want to pack that big stroller on your trip, save some serious dough by renting from an offsite stroller company. There are two offsite stroller companies that we recommend and they will save you up to 65% off.

Kingdom Strollers has been around for over 20 years and they will save you a ton of money plus they deliver the stroller to your hotel or Airbnb! You simply place your order and then meet them at your hotel at one of their 5 daily meetup times and grab your stroller. It couldn’t be any easier Check em out here!

**Update** Now Kingdom Strollers is available for pick up and drop off at their onsite location at the Orlando Airport. Simply hop off your flight, head to their location at Terminal A and pick it up. 

Dining at Disney – Money Saving Tips

Adults can order kids meals at disney.

Whether you are health conscious or trying to stay on budget ordering off the kid’s meal can be a great choice. There are a number of healthy options available and the portion sizes were just right for me.

Check out Disney’s Dining Plan if you are staying on property.

If you have a big appetite, it’s a great value. If not I’d say pass. The Disney Food Blog, has a great article on the best Disney Dining Plan restaurants

Bring your own snacks into the parks

Check out our Disney Packing List + the learn about our FAVORITE Grocery Store near Disney World  here (*you don’t even have to leave your car if you use their online ordering).

Need a Mobility Scooter – Save Hundreds of Dollars on Rentals

Disney World charges $50 a day for a fancy-schmancy electric scooter, you can get a scooter for as little as $15 a day with Florida Mobility Rentals  

Staying for more than 3 days, get the Memory Maker – PhotoPass Plan

Disney has professional photographers throughout the park ready to capture your special moments. They will give you a photo pass or link your magic band so you can view the photos on the Disney Experience app or website at a later time.

Money Savings Pro Tip- Did you know these photographers will also take a photo of you using your camera or phone? Pretty cool right & it’s FREE?

Another Pro Tip- If you can afford it, the Memory Maker is an AMAZING tool!!! It tracks the photos you take on the rides, while meeting characters and any photo you take with a Disney Photo Pass Photographer.

The photos come directly to your My Disney Experience app or can be viewed online almost instantly. From there you can download the photos to keep with just one click! There is an additional fee but with all the special photo memories we brought back I would say it’s totally worth the cost. I won’t even bring my big camera next time we go.

Here are some of the moments our Photo Pass captured. 

Packing Tips for Walt Disney World

I have a complete packing list for Walt Disney World with printable to make it super easy to pack for this once in a lifetime vacation. In the meantime, here are a few items that most people forget that are definitely needed for a trip to the Happiest place on Earth

The Best Disney Shirts are online + you’ll save a ton of money!

If you want to find a unique and fun Disney shirt, the best place to get one is not at Disney World. In fact, pre order your shirts from some very creative people on Etsy. Check out our favorite Disney Family Matching Shirts and Disney Couple Shirts . They are amazing!

Pack a strong but compact umbrella –

It rains in Florida…a lot! Let me tell you something. I have done every type of umbrella/poncho. I packed the giant ones but they were a pain to take on the planes and the Disney buses. Also, I did the cheap ones from Disney (cheap made, not price) that broke after a few days. The best umbrella to pack is this one from amazon.com. I have had it for years and every time I use it, whether its to block the sun or the rain.

PORTABLE PARADE BLANKET –  

If you are planning on hitting up a parade, Fantasmic, or even as a little cover for your little one at night, this portable blanket is perfect. Simply click it to your backpack or stroller and unpack it when it is time to sit back and enjoy the parade without having to sit on a ground stepped on by millions of people. Once the parade is over, it is super easy to smush it back into the bag it comes in.  Check it out here!

PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGER 

There is surprisingly a lot of phone usage happening when in the parks. When you are using the my Disney Experience App to check your wait times, book Lightning Lane passes, check on dining reservations, you will find your battery can get drained fast. Snag a great portable charger (this is our fave) and everyone’s devices will be charged all day.

Time Saving Tips – More time for fun rides!

Order your personalized magic bands and book disney’s magical express asap (disney resort guests only)-.

Your magic bands and luggage tags need ample time to arrive before you leave. Your magic band will be your most prized possession. It is your room key, park ticket, payment method, photo pass, memory maker tag & more! Magical Express luggage tags mean you won’t even have to go to baggage claim when you arrive- SCORE! (Check out 13 Amazing things Disney Magic Bands Can do)

Time Saving Tips 

Download the my disney experience app it’s amazing-.

The app is available here . And, it links your reservations, lets you search ride wait times, book dining reservations, purchase souvenirs, and send them to your room or mail them home and it’s linked to your photo pass!!!

**Disney World 2022 Tip & Trick**  Use the My Disney Experience App to get your boarding time for Rise of the Resistance. Arrive 30 Minutes before the park opens and once you enter the park request a boarding group for Rise of the Resistance!

Stay away from the EXTRA Magic Hours Parks-

The parks with Extra Magic Hours for Disney Hotel Guests tend to be the busiest the entire day. If it is an early morning magic hour and you are staying at one of the Disney resorts you can take advantage of the early morning and get out because it gets packed, however, if you oversleep and don’t make it to the early entry, change plans and go to a different park.

Early theme park entry is a great way to enjoy your Walt Disney World Vacation.

Visit the Next Day after Extra Magic Hours Evening

On the same note, if a park has an Extra Magic Evening, visit that park on the next day because a ton of guests were just there late into the night so the morning should be a lot quieter.

Single Rider Line  

Single Rider Lines are usually half the wait sometimes even more. Test Track, Expedition Everest, and Rock N Rollercoaster all have a separate line for single riders.

Riders Switch Pass

Have little ones that can’t or don’t want to ride? Have one parent and said child wait outside while the rest of the party walks through the queue as normal. Then let a cast member know you are doing Rider Switch. They will give you a Rider Switch Pass (like a Lightning Lane Pass).

You simply enjoy the attraction as normal and exit. Then, you hand the person waiting with the child outside the Rider Switch Pass and they go through the Lightning Lane pass line with up to 2 additional riders. This way everyone gets to ride and you DON’T have to wait in line twice!!

Mobile Food Ordering

One of my favorite Disney World tricks is not waiting in line for food. Nothing is worse than being hungry and then having to wait in line. Lucky for you, Disney has rolled out Mobile Food Ordering directly from the My Disney Experience App. Simply place your order, head to a specially marked window and pick up your yummy food.

Make all of your dining reservations 6 months in advance

There is nothing worse than being starving in Disney World with no reservation plans (trust me, I know) You end up eating food you didn’t want to after waiting in a long line or trying to stop by 5 places that are already booked. You can make reservations on the My Disney Experience App , online here or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

*Bonus tip – Check out availability one day before reservations because people have to cancel 24 hours before their booking

Disney World Resort Tips – (Staying on Property)

I love staying at Disney World hotels. It’s a great way to carry on the magic throughout your entire stay. Here are some fun tips to help enhance your stay at the Disney Resorts. 

Buy the refillable drink mug the first day you arrive-

Great for morning coffee, sodas, tea, and hot cocoa at night! Plus, a fun souvenir to take home. I think this is my kids favorite Disney World Tip because they remind me to get the mug the moment we arrive. See below.

Plan Extra Time for Disney Transportation-

Plan more time than you think you need if using Disney Transportation. It is a great way to get around but buses only come every 20 minutes or so and sometimes they have multiple stops.

Sign up for a Character wake-up call (It’s FREE!)  

You receive a phone call in the morning from a Disney character and the kids will love it!

• Souvenir Room Delivery-  (FREE!)

You can have souvenirs delivered straight to your room from any Disney park. This way you don’t have to carry them around all day! You can also order items straight from the My Disney Experience app and have them delivered to your room or items can also be mailed home directly.

• Order Groceries or Snacks to Your Room- You can save money by ordering groceries or picking them up on the way in. Disney will place a mini-fridge in your room + DVC villas have a fridge in them already. Read why Walmart is our grocer of choice near Disney World here .
• Take a Pool Day – Disney resorts have some of the best pools with Yacht & Beach club being the best. If you are staying for a full week at Disney World, enjoy a pool day and then visit the parks at night. It’s a great way to break up the trip and recharge. 

Our Disney Resort Faves!

• Best Food: Kona Cafe (Polynesian), Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) , California Grill (Contemporary) & Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
• Top Character Dining : Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary) , Cape May Cafe (Beach Club) , O’hana (Polynesian Breakfast Only)

Magic Kingdom Tips

Time Saving Tips at Magic Kingdom

How to avoid the crowds.

Work the park from the back to the front and counterclockwise to avoid the crowds.

Also, plan to ride the big rides when others are watching the parades. I usually head to Frontierland where Big Thunder is and start working my way back through the park from there.

In midday when the park is packed rides/shows like Mickey’s Philharmagic & Monster’s Laugh Floor still have small waits.

Check out my Magic Kingdom Fastpass Suggestions Here!)

Tricks to Stay Cool on those Hot Florida Day

Most of the year it’s pretty darn hot. Magic Kingdom Park has some awesome spots to cool off in that will help make your day much better. Try checking out:

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
• Country Bear Jamboree
• The Hall of Presidents
• Haunted Mansion
• Small World
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Pirate’s of the Caribbean
• Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
• Jungle Cruise has a nice shaded line, so that does help with battling the sun. 

*And, honestly if it is just too hot head over to the Walt Disney World Water Parks.

Tips for Traveling with Little Ones

Hidden Play Area for the Littles while Big Kids are on Big Thunder or Splash Mountain:

Splash Mountain has a great playground located at the exit, underneath the train tracks you see below.

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train & Goofy’s Barnstormer Rollercoaster are great rides for little ones who love adventure. The height limit for Dwarf’s is 38″ and Barnstormer is 35″

This is one of my best Disney World TIps. You can view the fireworks from the Dumbo ride in Toon Town if you want to skip/ avoid the crowds. It is still a great view.

While most people go in front of Cinderella’s Castle you can relax behind the castle with a great view minus the crowds right in front of Dumbo. Check out the picture below. It was taken in the middle of summer which is a Peak Season for Disney!

Watch the parade at the second viewing time when possible. It is less crowded bc every one goes to the first one.

Magic Kingdom Food Tips

When we first started visiting Disney World, Magic Kingdom had some pretty subpar food. That has completely changed. They have incredible quick service options , sit down table service restaurants (I love the new Jungle Cruise themed restaurant) and of course amazing snacks . 

• Eat Inside the Castle at Cinderella’s Royal Table – an amazing princess character dining restaurant. Little girls will feel like a real princess as you eat inside the castle!
• Columbia Harbor House is a great option for lunch located near the Liberty Bell in Frontierland. With two stories there is always an indoor table available and the food is good too.
• Be Our Guest has the best food in the park and the kids will love the way the waiters deliver the food straight to your table with a fancy food cart thanks to your magic rose locater. You do have to book a reservation for even the quick service dining which is served for breakfast and lunch.
• Dole Whip is available in multiple locations in Adventureland. One across from the Swiss Family Treehouse and the other by the Magic Carpet Ride.

• Get Delicious Cinnamon Rolls at Gaston’s Tavern has the amazing HUGE cinnamon rolls that used to be on Main Street. YUMMY!!!

Epcot Tips & Tricks

The front of the park is GREAT for Hot Days!

Innoventions are full of hands-on educational games and simulators for the kids. The attraction is all indoors and air-conditioned.

Most rides are located inside air-conditioned buildings that are filled with smaller attractions as well. Giving you a much-needed break from the heat.

There is a playground inside Mission Space’s exit that kids love.

Check out all the cars inside the exit of Test Track. Kids love pretending to drive them.

Spaceship Earth-  

Some people love this ride, but sorry to burst your bubble but this ride is nothing special and EVERYONE goes there first. So, head to the back of Future World to Test Track, Soarin’, and Mission Space and save Spaceship Earth for later in the day. 

FastPasses 

There are several shows and rides that offer Fastpass. I have a complete guide to planning your Epcot Fastpass here

Little Ones

The Seas with Nemo & Friends is a great ride for kids and usually a quick queue.

Turtle Talk with Crush is super fun and it’s located indoors along with a giant aquarium offering ample time indoors.

Spaceship Earth is slow moving and if you go later in the day the queue isn’t bad.

Innoventions

Gran Fiesta Tour- boat ride with Donald in Mexico. Our kids love it!

Plus, Frozen Ever After located in Norway!!!!

Pro Tip! Head to Frozen Ever After Ride in the morning, not many people head to the World Showcase in the morning so the line for Frozen is usually short (or at least reasonable) during that time.

Want to see the princesses? Book breakfast at Akerhaus in Norway and you’ll see a bunch. Book the breakfast before the park opens to be one of the first allowed in the parks 😉

You will also find princesses throughout the worlds of Epcot 

Unique Characters – Mary Poppins is often seen in England and the Three Caballeros are found in Mexico, check the daily Disney Park Guide for their location and times.

Kids love coloring the Duffy Bears (free) at the Kidcot Fun Stops in the World Showcase. You can start in any country and the kids get their bear and first stamp. The kids continue collecting stamps in each country they visit!

Pro Tip- kids can also ask cast members in each country to write their name in the cast members native language on the back of their Duffy Bear.

Epcot Food Tips

Epcot is home to some amazing food. I still have not tried everything I want to experience. There are over 30 restaurants and an endless number of food carts and quick service especially during special events like the Food & Wine Festival.

Here are some amazing treats to try plus some of my favorite affordable snacks to feed the family

Best Epcot Restaurants

Our personal favorites are Teppan Edo (fun for the kiddos), Chefs de France, and La Hacienda de San Angel. Schedule a dinner at La Cacienda de San Angel to coincide with illuminations show and request for a table by the window. Their tacos and margaritas are fantastic!

• Dine beside a giant Aquarium – If you book a dinner at Coral Reef restaurant you will be dining next to an incredible aquarium

Incredible Snacks & Drinks!

Epcot has by far the best snacks and desserts of any park. Here are some you have to try:

Spiked Dole Whip ! they spiked the delicious favorite with coconut rum. Get one… it will make your day SO much better!!

Snack on a Croissant Donut available at a stand near Canada in the World Showcase.

For a couple of bucks you can get a delicious baguette in France and it will keep the family’s bellies quite full.

Italy has the BEST latte, and a great walk-up  counter to grab a slice of pizza

Check out the incredible sweets in Norway

Visit the Tequila bar inside the temple in Mexico for some incredible Margaritas

Epcot Quick Service Dining

When it comes to quick service dining, Epcot is the best as well. I have a full list of my favorite places to grab a quick meal in Epcot.  my favorite spot is at LES HALLES BOULANGERIE-PATISSERIE in Paris, with some of the most amazing sandwiches on fresh baguettes and the quiche is quite good.

Afterwards, stop by next door for some authentic gelato. 

• Pro Tip- there is a back exit that drops you into Boardwalk which is a great place to walk around, grab a bite (we like picking up a whole pizza pie from the walk-up window) or watch the night time entertainment. You can also walk or take a boat to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from here. Just make sure if you parked at Epcot you get back to that park before closing.

Disney Animal Kingdom Tips

Time Saving Tips at Animal Kingdom

• Go on the Morning Safari – Instead of right at the rope drop heading to Pandora, where everyone else is going, walk right on to the safari. You can usually walk right on and their are so many more animals then normal. Because they are just being fed so many are out.
• FastPass Scheduling – Schedule a FastPass for Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids. My complete guide to Animal Kingdom FastPass Here  Dinosaur typically has the smallest line of all the thrill rides, so it should be the last option for fastpasses

Pandora Tips

• My tip, visit Pandora at night!  Pandora opened in May of 2017 and has been quite popular ever since. The Flight of Passage  ride is my absolute favorite ride in all the Disney Parks. The only problem, long lines.  The lines are shorter, the weather is less hot, and the entire place glows. 
• Get Some Glow Paint before you go! –   We purchased some glow paint and got our kids all done up before heading to Animal Kingdom. It’s an absolute blast. Grab the paint here!

Please check out my insider’s guide to Pandora, it has tips you need to know before you go.

Secret Entrance-

There is a second entrance at the back of the Rain Forest Cafe Gift Shop if the front entrance is crowded.

• This park is a great place to meet characters as it typically has much shorter wait times than the other parks.
• Most are located at Discovery Island
• You can also catch the characters by arriving early and heading to the Tree of Life. The characters arrive by car to kick off the day.
• Pro Tip- book it before the park opens so you can be one of the first in the park!

Animal Kingdom – Food Recommendations 

Find some great cocktails at the Dawa Bar

Satu’li Canteen – is great quick service dining and it’s air conditioned! M y kids love this place for the cheeseburger pods, my husband loves the chicken plates.

Harambe Market has excellent lunch. I love their Chicken Tikka Masala!

Grab Samosas from the food cart at the entrance of Africa.

Waffles and Ice Cream are tasty from Tamu Tamu.

How to Cool Off at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom, for whatever reason, always feels like the hottest park to me. I don’t really understand why as there are trees all around the park. So, I am always on the lookout for places to cool down. 

• Plan to get wet, really wet if you are riding Kali River Rapids . Plan to pack ponchos and spare clothing as necessary.
• The Lion King Show is awesome- very entertaining and is in a giant air-conditioned theater.
• It’s Tough to be a Bug is also a great show to cool off in.

Disney World Recommendations – Hollywood Studios

The Disney buses will take you from any of the Disney resort hotels with the exception of Disney’s Yacht Club, Disney’s Beach Club , & Disney’s Boardwalk Hotels where you can take a boat or simply walk. There is also the new sky way which will take you from the new Riviera Hotel and Port Orleans.

Get there Early and Head to Rock n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, or Toy Story Mania first  if you are at the park early as everyone else will run to Slinky Ride or the New Star Wars Land. Get Lightning Lane passes for those!

The New Toy Story land is here and the area will be packed for the foreseeable future. If you don’t have a Fastpass for Slinky Dog Dash, head over to Toy Story Land at night (not first thing in the morning) and you can hit up all three rides in less than 90 Minutes. Check out all our Hollywood Studios Fastpass Tips Here!

• Indiana Jones Stunt Show
• Star Tours – the line is mainly indoors or in lots of shade
• Muppet Vision 3D
• Star Wars Launch Bay
• Little Mermaid

Does your little one want to learn to be a Jedi? If yes, then you better get to the parks early.

• Although, the website says registration begins when the park opens I have found that they begin letting people in about 30 minutes prior to that time.
• Registration is located at the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost near the entrance of the stunt show. If you are walking into the park it will be on your left.
• All participants MUST be present to register.
• Participants must be 4-12 years of age
• Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis
• On the dining plan? Mama Rose’s Fantasmic package is included on the dining plan and your meal includes a Lightning Lane pass for Fantasmic! 
• Pro Tip- they also have a bar called the Brown Derby Lounge where you can grab amazing cocktails and appetizers too!
• 50’s Prime Time Cafe is a hoot especially with tweens as they get bossed around by the funny wait staff. Think “elbows off the table” “eat your veggies” type stuff.
• Hollywood & Vine has character dining with the Disney Jr. Characters. It’s best to book prior to park opening to be allowed in the park early or book lunch because it’s a great place to cool down and relax.

Don’t stress too much about seating because it’s located in a huge stadium and most seats are pretty great. If there are two shows opt for the second. Most will go to the first and you can ride the big rides at that time with very little wait. Plus, because the shows are back to back you won’t wait as long to sit down either.

• Pro Tip – Watch out because if you sit in the first five rows you will get misted and splashed throughout the show.

Star Wars – Galaxy Edge!

Galaxy Edge is finally here! This land is a completely immersive experience that takes you to Batuu where the first order is battling against the resistance. Here are some of our best tips for Star Wars Galaxy Edge

Galaxy Edge Tips

Galaxy Edge is definitely a must-see, so these Disney World tips are extra important if you are a Star Wars fan. 

• Make Reservations Early! You can make reservations up to 180 days in advance for Oga’s Cantina and Building a Lightsaber. 
• Be ready to be completely immersed in the land. Every cast member plays a role and rarely breaks character so you truly feel like you are part of Star Wars. It is a really unique experience
• Interact with the stormtroopers, they are very funny and make the experience that much better
• Visit and interact with a full-size R2-D2 inside the droid depot, our daughter absolutely loved it.
• Request to be the Pilot for Millenium Falcon Ride , it is so much better than any of the other positions on the rides, but be prepared to fly the falcon

Rise of the Resistance Tips

Currently, you need a boarding pass to board the Rise of the Resistance. These are given out via the My Disney Experience app first thing in the morning to those that are in the park. Check out my tips on the best way to score a Rise of the Resistance Boarding Pass.  

Check out the Disneyland version of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge below!

• Use Mobile Order Dining to order any food, as lines will be long for food as well. 
• Visit the land towards the end of the day. This area will be packed non-stop but at around the closing time it will be less packed as people head home to get some shut-eye
• Lastly, just take it easy, it might be hard with everyone rushing to Star Wars Land, but take it easy and enjoy the area.

Disney World Dining Tips

Like I said earlier, you can book reservations 180 days in advance, some restaurants are easier to book than others, here are the restaurants that you should book as soon as possible as they book up quickly. 

• Cinderella’s Table
• 1900 Park Fare
• Ohana 
• Be Our Guest Restaurant
• California Grill
• Chef Mickey’s 

Here are some of my favorite restaurants that I highly recommend visiting while at Disney World:

Animal Kingdom: Yak & Yeti Magic Kingdom: Be Our Guest or Skipper’s Canteen Epcot: Chefs De France – Also check out Spice Road Table around 7:30 and you’ll have an amazing view for Fireworks Hollywood Studios: Brown Derby Disney Springs: Morimoto, Frontera Cocina

What to Know before going to Disney World

How to save your feet & legs: .

You are going to do a lot of walking. First off, get some comfortable shoes, (we have a list of our favorites here) . Second, when you are done with a day of Disney, lie down on your bed backward and put your feet up on the headboard for about 15 minutes. (trust me, it will make your legs feel so much better)

Take it Slow

Yes, I know, you are at Disney World, you have got to try to see as many things as possible but after my many many visits, I have realized the times we have had the most fun is when we take it nice and slow. We still get on pretty much the same amount of rides, except everyone has a much better time. If you miss one ride or a princess greeting, don’t worry enjoy the time. It truly is a great place to be.

Best Ways to Enjoy Your Disney World Vacation- Hire a Professional (FOR FREE!)

Planning a Disney Vacation is, in my opinion, one of the hardest trips to book, especially if it is your first time. Heck, I’ve been over 30 times and it’s still quite a challenge for me.

Between planning the Lightning Lane passes, ordering the magic bands, booking advanced dining reservations, figuring out how to get to the parks, it’s just A LOT!

One of my best Disney World tips is to save yourself a lot of time and some money by booking with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

The best Disney Travel Agents will do an assortment of things for you that will make your trip so much easier. For example, Best Day Ever Vacations will provide:

How Disney Certified Travel Agents Help

• Itinerary Planning
• Lightning Lane Pass Recommendations w/ Height Requirement info
• Give you recommendations on which Dining Plan is best as well as what type of Theme Park tickets are best for you and your family.
• Remind you of your Advanced Dining Reservation (so you don’t miss it and get charged $10 per person for a no show… that’s not fun)
• Even more Disney World Tips then we provided here!
• Video Tutorials on how to use My Disney Experience App & Personalizing Magic Bands
• Plus, they always are researching for promotions, so if they find a better price for your vacation, they will call Disney to get you that promo.

There are quite a ton of travel agents to choose from, I always recommend people using someone like Best Day Ever Vacations who has been to all the parks numerous times themselves. So make sure to ask the travel agent about their experiences at the park.

Want More Planning Tips? Order the Disney World Planning DVD on the link below. If you have any Disney World Questions, feel free to leave them in the comments or send us a Direct Message on Instagram

You May Also Like These Disney Related Posts

5 Incredible Things to check out when visiting Disney’s Pandora 2018

Disney Cruise Tips & Tricks [Over 100 of our Best Cruise Tips]

Magic Kingdom Fastpass! Tips and tricks to help you choose the Best Rides

Frequently Asked Questions about Disney World Tips

When is the best month to visit disney world.

November & December Between Thanksgiving & Christmas Break Late April May September October

What should you not miss at Disney World?

Flight of Passage Rise of the Resistance Fantasmic

How many days do you need at Disney World?

Ideally one week is the right amount of time so that you can take your time and enjoy the parks. However you can probably get a lot done in 4-5 days

Which Disney Park is the Best?

1) Animal Kingdom 2) Magic Kingdom 3) Epcot 4) Hollywood Studios

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Reader Interactions

May 14, 2016 at 4:23 pm

I wish I knew these tips before I took my son to Disney.

May 14, 2016 at 11:26 pm

Thanks for sharing these incredible tips and apps we can use to make our Disney trip a memorable one! Definitely bookmarking! 🙂

May 15, 2016 at 4:25 am

Oh my gosh – great tips! My parents live in FL so we go often and I had no idea about some of these! Thank you!

May 15, 2016 at 12:08 pm

Brilliant post! We are hoping to visit Disney Paris, so I’m not sure how many of them will apply, but these are still great to know!

May 15, 2016 at 8:13 pm

Thank you Desirae… we visited Disney Paris last May and LOVED it! The wait times were much shorter than we were used to in the states. I have a couple posts about it here- https://globalmunchkins.com/category/disney-trips/disney-paris/ 🙂

May 15, 2016 at 8:03 pm

I live in California so typically frequent Disneyland instead and I can’t wait for Magic Bands to come here! I don’t really have a tip, but a recommendation. If you like taking pictures with characters and have a Polaroid camera, ask the cast members to take the Polaroid & then have the character sign it- it’s a great souvenir! Great post 🙂

May 15, 2016 at 8:12 pm

Megan that is such a fun tip! I think I will do that for my daughter and make our own autograph book. Love it!!!

May 16, 2016 at 1:34 pm

Before we planned our Disney trip I devoured anything I could about how to survive Disney, this is a great post to add to the collection!

May 17, 2016 at 12:17 pm

So, glad you found it useful! Thank you for adding it to your collection!!

May 16, 2016 at 1:58 pm

This is just what I’ve been looking for! Thanks so much! I’m in the UK so haven’t been to Disneyworld before but we’re taking our little ones (they’ll be almost 5 and almost 2) in September and these tips are so great. Looks like I am going to come home a stone heavier though haha, the food looks amazing! Pinned for later 🙂

September is one of our favorite times to visit. The wait times are significantly less and the weather is beautiful. You’ll have a great time! Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂

May 17, 2016 at 1:07 am

I went to Disney for my honeymoon 5 years ago and it was amazing. Before we went I read everything Disney so I could be all prepared. I’m glad I did. xx

May 17, 2016 at 12:18 pm

It really does help when you do your research prior to traveling. We’ve learned that the hard way a few times.

December 29, 2016 at 9:33 am

Start at the back of the park and go counter clockwise…that’s genius! So many great ideas, bookmarking this to review before our next Disney trip. thx!

December 29, 2016 at 10:33 am

So, glad you were able to find some good tips 😉 Happy Travels!

February 9, 2017 at 7:41 pm

I’d add: Bring a spray bottle of watee and midst yourself and your kids to stay cool. Pack cooked tortillini or ravioli … doesn’t spill and fills little bellies. Play the sorceres game in between fast passes (MK). For a stroller that reclines to flat, lay it down totally flat and put your backpack there for kid to lean on, I add a blanket to keep it soft, less to carry and conceals a backpack when you park your stroller. I do this with one side of a double stroller to keep access to the underneath compartment accessible. Water is free, yes, but tastes terrible. Bring frozen waterbottles, no matter what time of year, they.will.melt. bring lemon essential oil or lemonade packet drop ins if you must drink disney water, or just get ice from Disney and bring your own drinks. Get a popcorn bucket on day 1, it’s $10 but only $1.50 to refill… with a bunch of kids ask for cups for everyone in the party to easily share with all.. then refill again before leaving. If you want to buy something expensive and have cash, ask a annual passholders to buy it for you with their 20% discount. Unlike Disneyland, strollers must be folded on parking trams. Not sure how they get away with that in regards to wheelchairs, maybe special hc parking. Don’t pack your stroller if you want to take the tram (mines always too full so I never take the parking tram at any park). You can walk a stroller onto the MK boat or monorail without folding it though. Go to the ride you got a fp for way if your in that area, if ghe line for standby is reasonable, jump on and cancel that fp allowing yourself a chance at another instead. Pack pjs, toothbrushes and water bottle in your car, make sure kids go to the bathroom before you leave the park then change um brush um and they will pass out on your way to.. whever. Easy transfer when all that is out of the way

February 22, 2017 at 2:19 pm

great tips. thanks

February 24, 2017 at 12:23 pm

So, glad you found them helpful! Thank you for stopping by 🙂

April 2, 2017 at 3:16 am

I went in Disneyworld last year. I really love the experiences I made there. I will be back soon.

April 2, 2017 at 1:12 pm

It is such a fun place to go. Glad that you enjoyed yourself 😉

July 6, 2017 at 3:30 pm

Parking a Disney Springs is free. Park there and take the bus to where you’re going. Bring your own food. (Great in strollers). But souvenirs off of Ebay Buy autograph books on Ebay Buy pins off of Ebay If possible, go on off season Child wants to dress like favorite character? Buy the outfit and dress them up before they go in. Mickey ears are expensive. $40 to $80 Check ebay

August 29, 2017 at 11:21 pm

I’m so glad I found your page! We are visiting Disney world this weekend and I’m printing out some of your tips to take with me. We have been saving for this vacation for 5 years and I’m glad your ideas will help us make the most of it. Seeing all your fun photos has made me even more excited to go! Thanks for taking the time to let other families know how to make great memories . Now I can’t wait to check out the rest of your site.

September 1, 2017 at 9:14 pm

If we have a couple of disabled people in our group how does that work for rides?

September 3, 2017 at 1:47 pm

Hi Samantha, Disney has a disability pass available. You simply head to guest relations after entering the park and they will be able to help you. You can find information on the disability pass here- https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/disney-parks-disability-access-service-card-fact-sheet/

September 19, 2017 at 9:35 am

Great tips! One of the best Disney tips articles I’ve read! Thanks!

September 19, 2017 at 11:00 am

Wow!! You just made my day. Thank you. Let me know if you have any questions. We love our Disney trips and I would love to help you plan yours too 🙂

September 23, 2017 at 4:23 pm

I found Hollywood & Vine and Mama Melrose’s to be THE worst restaurants we’ve eaten at anywhere on the Disney World resort area. It’s pretty sad when a kid who loves breakfast foods won’t eat the scrambled eggs because “they tasted funny.” It’s pretty hard to mess up scrambled eggs.

When we dined at Mama Melrose’s, we had more flies at our table than people (ack). They also messed up my meal. I asked that something be left off of my meal and was told no problem. Apparently it was a problem because the meal came with it anyway. We left hungry because the food just wasn’t that great.

We now leave the park to eat, then go back to the park later.

September 25, 2017 at 9:40 am

Oh no… I am so sorry that you had that kind of experience. I will say it’s been awhile since we ate at that particular character breakfast. I would encourage you to reach out to Disney and let them know about your experience too. We have had hits & misses with character dining both at Disneyland and Disney World. Most recently I was less than impressed with Cinderella’s Royal Table and delighted with the O’hana and Cape May character breakfasts so those would be my go to suggestions. Thank you for being honest and helping future travelers. Again, I am terribly sorry you had to experience that.

January 22, 2018 at 5:19 pm

This is so helpful! Thanks for the great tips. I will use them when I go to Disney 🙂

January 22, 2018 at 9:27 pm

Fantastic! I am so happy that you liked them.

January 28, 2018 at 7:57 pm

Your tips were great…. I would add two packing tips…

1.). Bring two pair of tennis shoes. We went last summer and it rained while we were at Animal Kingdom and the water got up to our ankles in some places!! Still a blast even in the rain,but it was nice to have an extra pair to wear that afternoon.

2.) Buy disposable cameras for your children. kids enjoyed taking their OWN pictures of whatever they wanted and liked!! Plus it saves room in your phone storage!

January 29, 2018 at 3:48 pm

I love the idea of disposable cameras. So smart!

February 10, 2018 at 7:21 am

Thank you for all of your tips! They definitely made our recent trip much easier. We tried to rope drop at Animal Kingdom to get on Flight of Passage and it was kind of a nightmare. Everyone was doing it, grownups were pushing kids out of the way to get there first and the wait was three hours long within five minutes of the park opening. We found it was better to do closer to park closing time with the wait being half as long.

February 10, 2018 at 7:51 am

I’m so glad you found the tips helpful. Thank you for the update on Flight of Passage. We’ll have to try that when we are there next week 🙂

February 22, 2018 at 10:38 am

Since when can you not catch a bus from one park to the next? I have ALWAYS done that… is it new for 2018?

February 24, 2018 at 1:43 pm

I took my 14 year old daughter 2 years ago by ourselves. I highly recommend taking just 1 kid (especially since we have 4:) We shared every meal & snack. Saved a ton of money and got to do so much since it was just 2 of us. We got to MK 30 minutes before it opened so were first at the rope, first in property. This was so special to us, walking in to an empty park is a huge delight!

February 27, 2018 at 10:03 pm

Wow, that does sound like a wonderful experience.

March 24, 2018 at 6:50 am

These tips are amazing! Will definitely use them on next Disney trip next year! However, I disagree with just one minor detail – the transportation. You stated that you cannot catch shuttle buses between parks, but back when I went in 2016, we were easily able to get a shuttle bus to any park from any park. Is this correct still? But these tips are still fantastic!

May 22, 2018 at 10:07 am

The refillable drink mug you advise to purchase on the day of arrival, is that from a resort hotel or at the parks?

May 24, 2018 at 9:11 am

Hi Jessica,

You get the refillable drink mugs at the resort hotel.

May 29, 2018 at 12:32 pm

Some great tips here, even for those that have been before.

I disagree re. the park to park transportation though. Unless things have very recently changed, there are buses to take you directly from park to park in most cases.

Minor exceptions for Magic Kingdom and needing to go via. the TTC and/or monorail.

June 28, 2018 at 9:42 am

Love your tips! Question for you, when booking the fastpass attractions how do you know what time to reserve the next one. Do you need more than an hour in between each ride? Also what time do you suggest to get to the park before gates open, I have heard the lines to get in are long?

June 28, 2018 at 1:26 pm

Hello Sarah, thank you so much I am happy to hear you found our tips useful. I would suggest arriving to the park about 30 minutes prior to opening unless it is a park with new rides (Animal Kingdom) then an hour is good.

Fast Passes can only be reserved once per hour so spacing them out an hour is good. Some people recommend booking three fast passes for one park in the am. And, then when you get to that park you book three additional (day of) fast passes for the same park in the afternoon or at another park.

July 1, 2018 at 5:23 am

Great, thank you so much. First time to DW and US with 4 under 6 yrs old, I’m a little intimidated but we are bringing a grandma so we should survive 😉

August 17, 2018 at 4:05 pm

These tips are amazing. It’s my first trip to America let alone Disney. We are coming with my parents and my brother and his family 10 of us). We go in April and I am so excited. Thank you for your inside tips. Truly they are very helpful. Many thanks Kate x

August 17, 2018 at 4:34 pm

Thanks for the nice comments. April is one of my favorite times to go. The weather is perfect and Epcot’s flower and garden festival is going on. Have a great time.

September 14, 2018 at 12:00 pm

I’d like to add another tip if traveling with kids. Take along a travel journal for them to document their experiences as they happen. My book, Kid’s Travel Journal – Disney Edition (#1 Disney Travel Journal on Amazon) is a great option. It fits nicely into a backpack or purse and contains 10-days worth of entries, with multiple pages of writing prompts per day. There is also space to get passport stamps at Epcot’s World Showcase, lots of pages for character autographs, games and activities and more! A great keepsake for any child heading to Walt Disney World in Orlando!

September 30, 2018 at 12:05 pm

As a mom and a Disney lover, I really like your post. Every people should read this content before planning a trip to WDW. Thanks “MAMA MUNCHKIN” for your very effective post.

October 16, 2018 at 4:39 am

Hi! Thanks for the tips, they’re great! Question—for the Jedi training sign up you say they actually start taking names 30 minutes before they open, but park hours say open at 9am. Can you actually go in the park early or should we just plan on getting there as close to 9 as possible?! Thank you!!

December 26, 2018 at 6:54 pm

Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you, However I am encountering problems with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to join it. Is there anyone else having identical RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx!!

December 29, 2018 at 12:28 pm

Thank you lady! We’re headed there at the end of February! My husband’s fam have been there more times than you can count, but your tips are ones that they loved and we will certainly put into effect! Thank you! Crazy… you’re famous chica! Congrats!

February 10, 2019 at 10:51 pm

thanks for the information

April 19, 2019 at 11:41 am

These are great tips! We are considering going to Disney World for the first time and this didn’t exactly help me narrow things down, but still gave me a great idea on what to plan into our trip. Thank you!

April 19, 2019 at 1:49 pm

Disney World definitely can be overwhelming when you try to think of everything. My biggest tip is don’t try to pack everything in. Have everybody write down a couple things they absolutely must do. Once you accomplish those things, everything else is a bonus. If you need any help at all feel free to ask.

April 20, 2019 at 4:29 pm

Awesome read. Thank you. Me and my wife are actually trying to plan a Disney trip. We have a 12 year old and a 4 year old and it drives us crazy to find the right way to do it. With your tips and recommendations its so much easier.

January 27, 2020 at 12:35 pm

Has Disney ever considered doing Some type of monthly or two month pass for the Snow Birds that migrate to Flotida for the winter. Since we have retired we still go to Flotida every year and look forward to going to Disney. I know there are several other Seniors that feel the same way. I hope they can keep the Senior group in their thoughts of future pass holder specials…Thank You…

November 9, 2021 at 9:58 am

Thanks for the Disney tips! Love reading all the info you have to share 🙂

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Walt Disney World Guide 2022 by Magic Guidebooks

Plan your vacation right with our new Walt Disney Resort 2022 guide! The Best Disney World tips including Virtual Queue tricks, Disney Genie+ insight, and secrets for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, Disney dining, Hidden Mickeys, and more!

Save time and money waiting in lines—without paying extra for Lightning Lane! However, we also include tips for those wanting to maximize the Disney Genie+ products. Plus, we give you the best spots to dine, the best times to go, and even how to navigate during the busiest days.

Our Walt Disney World 2022 Guide:

• Covers the entire Walt Disney World Resort   including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and more!
• Learn the BEST Virtual Queue tips  and line-skipping strategies  without  needing to pay for Disney Genie+ or Lightning Lane!
• Celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary  with new attractions and special offerings around the resort
• A complete Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge guide  with reviews and tips for visiting Disney’s largest expansion
• Covers new attractions including   Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ,  Tron Lightcycle Run roller coaster , Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and more!
• Discover amazing Disney food   with unbiased restaurant coverage, delicious fan-favorite menu choices, and a review of the Disney Dining Plan
• Must-know tips for visiting with kids , tweens, teens, and even Disney World fun just for adults!
• Money and time-saving tactics for worry-free planning
• Explore secrets, histories, and magical details found around the Walt Disney World Resort—including lists of Hidden Mickeys!
• Event recommendations and tips for Disney After Hours, Halloween, Holiday, Epcot’s Food & Wine, & more!
• BONUS: Guide to Universal Studios Orlando!

To get updates on the Walt Disney World Resort—including fresh tips for your next theme park trip,  sign up for our free e-mail newsletter ! Also available, our 2022 Disneyland Resort guidebook!

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101+ of the BEST Disney World Tips

Who doesn’t love some good Disney World tips, tricks, and hacks ? They can save you time and money. And sometimes, they can even save you unnecessary stress .

We’ve planned a *lot* of trips over the years, and that means we’ve had plenty of opportunities to learn the little things that can make a trip go that much more smoothly.

Here are 100+ of our best Disney World tips , including some of the helpful tips from readers & listeners like you!

In this article

First-Timer Tips

• Download and practice using the My Disney Experience app. Nearly everything you’ll need to do in the parks will be done on it (Mobile Ordering, Genie+ selections, tickets, etc.).
• Don’t underestimate the walking. It can be exhausting to have so much fun, and Disney World trips will wear you out. If you aren’t used to walking several miles per day, it is a good idea to incorporate some walking at home in the weeks before your trip.
• Although it will be tricky, avoid trying to see and do it all (because you can’t) and instead focus on making happy memories.
• Things will always take longer than you think, and Walt Disney World is huge. Allow 90 minutes for transportation.
• Forget something? Resort gift shops carry a lot of the necessities, plus you can also have Amazon or Instacart orders delivered to your resort.
• Learn more about having items delivered to your resort
• Don’t be afraid to schedule a break day – especially if your trip is 4 or more days long. It is really hard to make happy memories if you’re exhausted.
• If you are staying onsite, make sure you set aside time to enjoy your resort. Go swimming, check out their planned activities, or just find a quiet spot to relax. The Disney resorts are wonderful, but it is easy to forget to plan time to explore them.
• Lots and lots of Disney restaurants require Advanced Dining Reservations. Most of those open up at 5:45 a.m. 60 days from your check-in date (a few locations open up closer to 6 a.m., though), and spots for the most popular places (like all character meals) can go fast. Make sure you set a calendar reminder so you can make yours right at that 60 day mark.
• Packing lists are your best friend! There are a lot of things to remember, so having a good list can take some of the stress out of worrying if you forgot something.
• Get a look at our free Packing List for Disney World
• Feeling overwhelmed? If planning a trip isn’t fun for you, consider working with a travel agent. There are lots of great Disney-focused agents out there, just make sure you do your research. Need a recommendation? We love Small World Travel . They have years and years in the business and because they focus on only Disney travel, they really know their stuff.
• PhotoPass is a fantastic souvenir – especially for first trips. Photographers are stationed throughout the parks to take photos, which can be a great way to get everyone in the shot with professional results. You can purchase it in advance for a small savings.
• Read more about how Disney’s PhotoPass works

Genie+ and Lightning Lane Tips

• Genie+ requires you to be on your phone a lot – and that can drain your battery. Make sure you pack an external battery to keep your phone charged during the day.
• Use a clock (like on a watch or phone) with a seconds hand to count down the seconds to the drop time for Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane Selections.
• Read more about how to make Genie+ selections
• Read more about how to make Individual Lightning Lane selections
• More Individual Lightning Lane spots usually open up around 7:10-7:15 a.m. as people fail to complete the transactions they started at 7 a.m. If you don’t get what you want right at 7 a.m., keep trying.
• Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. As people cancel their Genie+ reservations, those spots are returned to the pool. If you are looking for something specific, keep refreshing.
• If you are traveling with more than 1 person that can help you book, and your plan is to try to snag a Genie+ reservation AND purchase an Individual Lightning Lane spot, as long as you both have your own My Disney Experience accounts, and you are connected as “ Friends and Family “, you can divide up the tasks and have one person do each thing right at 7 a.m. 
• Standby Skipper is a paid service that can look and, when available, book your Lightning Lanes for you. While they can’t guarantee that they’ll be able to get everything you want, they can help you put your phone down so you aren’t stuck refreshing the app every few minutes.
• Learn more about Standby Skipper
• Unlike the old FastPass+ system, you CAN have Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane reservations overlap. This can come in particularly handy if you want to stack several back-to-back to make touring easier.
• Learn more about stacking Genie+ reservations

Attraction Tips

• The back rows on coasters are typically the fastest and the roughest. Whenever possible, Cast Members will try to accommodate special seating requests.
• Read more about the roller coasters at Disney World
• Astro Orbiter, Dumbo, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and Triceratop Spin all have controls you can move that allow riders to go either up and down or tilt front to back .
• For the best score on Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, aim for targets that are smaller and further away . You can also hit the same target multiple times. Some of the targets that will get you the most points fast include the one on the left hand of the robot in the first room and the targets on the volcano (in the following room).
• You can completely skip the scary portion of Haunted Mansion and bypass the stretching room and creepy parts to walk straight onto the ride. Just let a Cast Member know as you walk from the outside of the queue into the Mansion, and they will escort you through some hallways and straight to the ride.
• Read more about things that might scare little ones
• Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse will give you fantastic views of Magic Kingdom (and several cool spots for photos).

• People are often scared to ride Mission: SPACE at Epcot due to the potential for motion sickness. One way to make it easier is to make sure you face forward during the ride . Parents often want to look at their children next to them, but the best idea is to just face forward and watch the screen in front of you.
• Read more about attractions at Disney World that may cause motion sickness
• Tom Sawyer Island is a great spot to let kids stretch their legs without having to wait in lines.
• Read more about our favorite attractions with low waits
• For most people, the 3-D effects in attractions like Muppet*Vision3D and Mickey’s PhilharMagic are best seen from further back in the theaters .

• The animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris are more active first thing in the morning or late afternoon .
• The first row of Soarin’ allows you to view the screen without any feet dangling ; however, the third row of Soarin’ does not have extra motion like the first two rows, making it a good option for people prone to motion sickness. Row B1 also offers the best views , since it’s directly in the center.

Money-Saving Tips

• Instead of buying bottled water, bring a refillable water bottle and use the bottle refill stations throughout the parks. You can find the exact locations of the filling stations by searching for “water bottle refill station” in the My Disney Experience app.
• You can save a ton of money by eating breakfast in your room and bringing your own drinks and snacks with you into the parks.
• Read more about how to get groceries at Disney World
• Have a big family? You can rent a camper, which will give you a totally different experience while also giving you more beds than what you’ll find in 1 room at a regular resort.

• Read more about how to rent a camper at Ft. Wilderness
• While discounts are never guaranteed, you can get a good idea of what to expect by checking what discounts have previously been offered .
• Read more about Disney World discounts
• Just about anywhere at Disney World will give you cups of ice water for free . Consider this as an alternative to carrying water bottles, which can be heavy, especially if you need several bottles of water for your family.

• If you have an Annual Pass , are a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member, or have a Disney Visa, don’t forget to ask about discounts when shopping and dining.
• Book your trip during a less-busy time of the year for the lowest prices.
• Read more about the best times to visit Walt Disney World
• If you’re flying, consider booking flights on Tuesday or Wednesdays for the least expensive flights.
• Save big money on your resort stay by renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points.
• Learn more about how to rent DVC points for Disney World Trips
• Unless you are absolutely positive you’ll need Park Hopper tickets, hold off buying them since you can always upgrade a ticket at Guest Services, but you can’t get your money back if you don’t use the Park Hopping feature.
• Read more about Disney World tickets
• You can save some money by purchasing Disney gift cards at a discount. Place like Sam’s, Target (with a Redcard), and websites like  giftcarddeal.com  offer them for less than the value. Many people buy in bulk to pay for entire Disney trips, allowing them to save a few hundred dollars.

Disney Park Touring Tips

• Some rides offer a Single Rider Line that typically moves faster than the regular line. It’s perfect if you don’t mind splitting up your group temporarily to experience an attraction more quickly.
• Read more about Single Rider Lines
• For the shortest waits without paying for Genie+ or an Individual Lightning Lane, plan to ride in the first or last hour of the day or during parades and/or fireworks.
• For optimal touring (and the shortest waits), you should arrive to all 4 parks before they open, since it is not uncommon for all of the parks to open earlier than the posted time. This is especially true if staying onsite since onsite guests have the ability to utilize the Early Theme Park Entry option.
• Read more about Early Theme Park Entry
• If you’re walking down Main Street at Magic Kingdom and the streets seem packed, look at the sidewalks to see if they are less busy. People often stick to the street, so the sidewalks can be a great way to get down Main Street with fewer people around you.

• People staying at Boardwalk/Epcot-area resorts (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan, Dolphin and Boardwalk) should think about buying Park Hopper tickets to take advantage of being so close to Epcot. Consider spending the first part of the day at another park, and then head over to Epcot in the evenings to eat at a restaurant and explore a few of the countries.

• If little ones can’t ride a ride, don’t make them sit and wait for everybody else. Keep little kids busy doing other things . We have a chart of ideas in our Rider Switch article to keep little ones nearby but busy while bigger kids and adults ride.
• Read more about how Rider Switch works
• The parks stay open later than the published closing time. The published closing time is when restaurants and line queues close, but the shops and photographers will still be out much later .
• Never underestimate the power of a midday break. Whenever possible, try to get out of the parks (and the heat) for at least a few hours to allow everybody a chance to rest and recharge.
• Read more about our best advice for taking midday breaks
• If it’s raining while you’re in the parks, don’t be afraid to still get pictures taken . If the PhotoPass photographers are still out, you can get some fun shots.
• Read more about how to handle the rain at Disney World
• If you like to shop, consider visiting the shops during the first hour the parks are open for lighter crowds or during the middle of the day when you need a break from the heat.
• If swimming is a must-do, but you want to avoid crowds, consider starting your day at the pool and head to the parks later in the day.
• Read more about swimming at Disney World
• Make it easy for your group to know the daily plans without relying on their phones by creating pocket-sized itineraries that you laminate so that they are sweat and water-resistant.

• Disney First Aid stations are fantastic resources. You’ll find them in all 4 parks, and they are staffed with nurses that are able to dispense over-the-counter meds like Tylenol, allergy medications, bandaids, earplugs, etc. They also have spots available if you are feeling ill and need a place to lay down for a bit.
• Read more about Disney First Aid stations
• Walt Disney World is huge, so to avoid getting lost (or spending your trip with your nose stuck in a map), spend some time at home before your trip looking at the parks on Google Street View . Or jump between nearby 360 photos in Google Maps or the ground-level view on Google Earth.
• We suggest bringing a towel in your park bag to dry off seats after rain or claim your spot at a parade. As an alternative to a bath or hand towel that might be bulky, Turkish towels are a great idea. They’re super absorbent, but take up a lot less room even though they are large. Bonus, they dry pretty fast, too!
• The headliners in each park are great, but when you are tired, hot, cranky, or just need to get out of the rain, head to the less popular attractions for a bit of a respite . They typically have low to no waits times and are a great place to recharge for a bit.
• If you are planning at least 1 full park day in every park, consider using your arrival day to visit a park with the purpose of knocking out one (or more) of the headliners. Doing that will make touring much more relaxed on your full day in the park.

Transportation Tips

• If you don’t have TSA Pre-Check you can use a free service at MCO called Reserve Powered by Clear to help cut down on your waits at the TSA checkpoint. To use it, you enter your flight details, the number of travelers in your group, and when you’d like to go through airport security.
• If you’re staying off-site, strongly consider renting a car for your trip, as shuttle services can be unreliable.
• Read more about using a car at Disney World
• Make sure you are comparing apples to apples when considering the price of staying on-site vs. off-site. If staying offsite, be sure to add the cost of the rental car + daily parking at Disney World. Check TripAdvisor.com for reviews of your off-site hotel to see how others view the shuttles.
• Use your phone to help you find your car. The My Disney Experience app now has an option to help you find your car at the end of the day.
• You can rent a car when staying at an on-site Disney World resort, which can be helpful when spending some time at places outside of Disney World (like Universal, the beach, etc.). Alamo and National have offices at the on-site Disney World Car Care Center. They will send a shuttle to your Disney World resort to take you to get your car. The number for the Car Care Center is 407-824-3470. Be sure to check out the rental car info on Mousesavers.com for more info on renting a car, including ways to find the best deals, and check out info on using a car at Disney World for more tips.
• Read more about renting a car at Disney World
• People who will be using bus transportation to get from the airport to their Disney World resort and want a pic of the iconic Disney World sign should try to sit at the front . Learning how to use burst mode on your camera will help with taking pics while moving. 
• When taking Lyft from Epcot, you can go out the back entrance of the park at the International Gateway and catch a ride from Disney’s Beach Club Resort instead of using the front entrance of the park. This can save you a lot of steps depending on where you are in the park.
• If using Uber or Lyft to get to the Boardwalk area, consider being dropped off at the Swan/Dolphin if you don’t have a dining reservation. They don’t require a reservation, while the other resorts often do.
• Read more about how Lyft works at Disney World
• Sometimes airlines will offer deeply discounted flights out of MCO. If you live within driving distance, and the flights to MCO are expensive, consider a 1-way car rental to Florida and then drop off the car at the airport. You can then take a Lyft to your resort from there. At the end of your trip, you can then fly home on your cheap airfare.
• Use a Ziploc to prop up your phone on flights by using the tray clasp to hold it up.
• Consider using Lyft as an alternative to a taxi on your trip. We’d recommend downloading the app and setting up your credit card beforehand.

• When booking your trip, if possible, we recommend waiting to book flights OR booking with an airline like Southwest that allows for free changes until after discounts for your trip dates have been announced. Sometimes when discounts are released, they don’t cover your exact trip dates but would work if you could modify your trip dates slightly. If you already have flights booked, this isn’t always possible since flights are usually nonrefundable and unchangeable. If it makes sense for your trip, try to wait to book flights to allow for maximum flexibility (don’t wait too long, though – we recommend booking flights around 2 months or more before your trip).
• Millions of families fly in and out of MCO every year, and for lots of them it might be their first flight. The combination of first-time flyers and lots of families may mean there are longer delays than expected at the ticket counters and security checkpoints, so be sure to allow extra time.
• Read more about flying to Disney World
• People traveling from Canada might consider flying from a U.S. city or getting a U.S. credit card to save money.
• If you are flying into Orlando and planning to rent a car, be sure to check the neighborhood locations for better prices . You can often save a lot of money (even after paying for a Lyft/Uber to take you there) and the 1 way dropoff costs to return the car to the airport are typically just a few dollars.
• When searching for airfare, use Kayak.com/flights to see if now is a good time to buy.
• Flight prices can vary greatly from airport to airport, so be sure to check all your options, since sometimes you can save a lot of money by driving a bit to a different airport.

• TSA pre-check can save you lots of time , especially at the Orlando Airport. Before you sign up for it, though, make sure you check with your credit card company, since many credit cards & loyalty programs will reimburse you for some or all of the application fee.
• If you are staying at any of the Crescent Lake Resorts (Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk), you can hop on any of those resort buses when leaving any of the parks at the end of your day. The terminals are usually near each other at each park, and the resorts are connected by a path around the lake. The walk between any of the resorts isn’t bad, and you can really cut down on the time you’ll wait for a bus if you opt to go with the first available.
• When driving to a park midday, have the driver drop off passengers at the front and then keep your eyes open for a parking spot near the front that was previously taken by somebody who’s already left for the day.
• Guests staying at Pop Century, Art of Animation, Disney’s Riviera, and Caribbean Beach all have easy access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner . It also makes it easy to utilize the connected resorts for dining.

• Read more about how the Disney Skyliner works
• If you’re flying for your trip, make sure you have reserved seats (or boarding group if you’re flying Southwest Airlines). Without it, there’s a good chance your family will be separated during your flight.
• Southwest is a popular option for many families. If you are considering them, be sure you check fares as soon as your dates open, as that is oftentimes when they are the least expensive.
• If staying in an on-site resort near Magic Kingdom or Epcot, consider spending the first part of your day at a park and then the evenings at the park that you’re staying near to save transportation time.
• If you’re checking multiple bags for your flight, check the heaviest bag first . If it happens to be over the weight limit, that’ll give you a chance to reallocate the weight to a lighter bag to avoid extra fees.

• Valet parking at Disney resorts is $39/day and can come in really handy if you have a breakfast reservation at a resort near 1 of the parks. You can park at the resort for your breakfast reservation, walk to a nearby park, and return to your car at the end of the day, which will allow you to avoid the bulk of the crowds at the parks.
• Read more about how parking works at Disney World
• Save time by pre-enrolling in rental car loyalty programs . Oftentimes those programs will let you skip the counter and head directly to your car.

Reservation Tips

• Keep your eye on park hours because often times when park hours are extended (and the parks either open up earlier or stay open later), new dining reservations for the extended hours also open up.
• You can book your Disney World trip way before discounts are announced. And then, when discounts are announced, you can have the discount applied to your existing reservation .
• Read more about how to apply a discount after you’ve booked your trip
• Before you reach your 60-day mark for Advanced Dining Reservations, make sure that your credit card info is up-to-date . Having to re-enter your credit card info can slow you down when trying to make difficult reservations.
• For people staying on-site who want to make dining reservations 60 days ahead of time for their whole trip, we recommend logging completely out of the Disney website and then logging back in to make sure the dates for your whole trip are available to you.
• To increase your chances of getting the dining reservation times you want, select a time and not a meal when making your reservation.
• Read more about how to snag hard-to-get dining reservations
• Book your dining reservations online 60 days before your trip begins because the website is available 1 hour earlier than the phone lines (the website is available for some restaurants starting at 5:45 am, with the rest opening up at 6 a.m. vs. 7 a.m. for the phones). We recommend having your My Disney Experience account set up before this day, and have your credit card handy for those reservations that require it. We would also suggest having the phone number on hand (407-WDW-DINE) in case the website is having technical issues.

• Bounceback offers are promotions that are usually found in folders in Disney World resort rooms (if you don’t find one, dial 8844 from your room phone to ask what’s available). They are often good deals that you can take advantage of if you book your next trip while still at Disney World.
• Read more about how Bounceback Offers work
• If you have trouble trying to find dining reservations for your party, try adjusting the number up (for example, from a party of 2 to a party of 4). Sometimes that will open up additional time slots. You can then adjust the number of guests down later.
• Although dinner reservations tend to be more popular, if heading to Disney World in the summer,  we recommend you book a dining reservation for lunch when it’s super hot . This way, you can sit down, enjoy some A/C, have a good meal (and possibly a tasty beverage), and simply relax.
• Can’t decide between the Halloween or Christmas party? If you plan a trip a little over a week long, you can often see both by going to the last Halloween party and the first Christmas one.
• How to see both the Halloween and Christmas Parties on 1 trip
• For people traveling to Disney World with others, we suggest connecting as friends within My Disney Experience so that things like Genie+ reservations can be booked all at once.
• Read more about how the Friends and Family list works
• You can cancel almost all dining reservations up to 2 hours before without any penalty. For more info about when all reservations can be made or canceled, see my info on how/when to make reservations.
• How and when to make all Disney World reservations
• Many of the restaurants in Disney Springs have limited reservation availability through Disney. If you can’t find what you want, check out OpenTable for additional dining times .

• Lots of people ask if they should use online check-in when staying at Disney Resorts, which is an option 60 days before your trip begins. We recommend doing it to save time at check-in unless you want to ask for a room upgrade.
• Read more about how Online Check-In works
• When traveling in a large group, make separate dining reservations if you can’t find one for your entire group and then check-in together. While it isn’t guaranteed that you will be seated together, there is a good chance you will at least end up side-by-side.
• If you’re getting online or calling 60 days in advance to make Advance Dining Reservations, make dining reservations in order of difficulty, not chronological order .

Tips for Traveling with Small Children

• People using a stroller during their trip who are worried about valuables being stolen should consider packing 2 bags – 1 with valuables and 1 with other items . When the stroller is parked, just take the bag with your valuables in it.
• Consider renting a stroller from an offsite vendor vs. renting from Disney. Renting offsite can save you money and will give you access to the stroller for all parts of your trip (not just for the time you are in the parks). See our complete comparison of options to help you decide.
• Read more about comparing Disney World stroller options
• You can completely skip the scary portion of Haunted Mansion and bypass the stretching room and creepy parts to walk straight onto the ride. Just let a Cast Member know as you walk from the outside of the queue into the Mansion and they will escort you through some hallways and straight to the ride. You get ahead of all those people in the stretching room and your kid avoids the scariest part.

• Hunger is often the source of unhappy children. Have snacks ready to help prevent meltdowns.
• The auto-flush toilets often scare little ones at Disney World, so use the manual flush ones in the Baby Care Centers, or plan to cover the sensors on the toilets with your hand, a Post-it Note, or a sticker .
• Learn how to use Rider Switch
• To help your kids prep for a trip, watch videos of Disney World attractions on YouTube .
• Baby wearing infants during your trip can be convenient , but if you aren’t used to the heat and humidity, you may have some unexpected discomfort. Consider alternating between carriers, using moleskin, applying anti-chafing gel, sharing babywearing duties with somebody else, taking advantage of your resort’s hot tub, and using Bengay for sore muscles. Also, make sure you’re physically prepared by wearing your baby for extended periods before your trip. Check your local babywearing group where you might be able to borrow or rent a carrier. Make sure your baby is protected from the sun while babywearing.
• Since there are two stroller-rental locations at Epcot (the other parks just have 1), you could visit one of them mid-day after your child gets tired of walking . One of the stroller rental locations is near the front of the park, and the other is located in the World Showcase at the International Gateway near the U.K. pavilion.

• You may want to watch Disney movies to prepare for your Disney World trip. Disney+ is a great place to find tons of movies that are represented in the parks.
• Read more about what to watch on Disney+ before going to Disney World
• If you are planning a late night in the park, consider bringing your child’s PJs with you and changing them into them before they fall asleep. That way when you get back to your room, you can (hopefully!) slip them into bed without waking them up.
• If you have a stroller with a cupholder, consider using cups or thermoses with lids that seal to make it easy to store your cups when it is time to fold the stroller.
• If traveling with children, temporary tattoos (like SafetyTat) are an easy way to ensure that your phone number is nearby if they get separated from you.
• For little ones (or people with smaller heads), you may find that you’ll need to hold your 3D glasses in the correct position.
• Disney has designated stroller parking areas throughout the park. Look for the signs (or a nearby Cast Member) for help.

• Cast Members will often rearrange parked strollers to keep walkways clear. That’s why we recommend using something like a balloon or brightly colored piece of cloth to make it easy to spot your stroller.
• Consider using small glow sticks on dark rides for kids who are a little scared but still want to ride. It’s just enough light to help them without bothering other guests.
• If you have a stroller with a low tire, the stroller rental locations at the parks, as well as most resorts, have air pumps you can use .

Dining Tips

• You can find Starbucks locations inside of all 4 parks as well as in Disney Springs. But, the trick is that many of the locations aren’t called “Starbucks” so you may not even know they are there (even though they are full-service locations).
• Read more about where to find Starbucks Coffee at Disney World
• There are many Landry’s restaurants nationwide and 4 located at Disney World – 2 Rainforest Café locations, T-Rex Café, and Yak and Yeti. If you sign up for Landry’s Select Club, you get extra perks such as a $25 credit during your birthday month, priority seating, and 10% off merchandise. It does cost a one-time fee of $25 to join, but you get that amount back in restaurant credit within 24 hours of signing up.
• When you are planning where to eat, make sure you’re also planning on how to get there – especially if you’re planning to dine at a resort. Our WDW Prep School Navigator is a free tool that will show you how to get around the entire Disney World Resort.
• Read more about how to get around at Disney World
• When booking dining reservations, you can save time by bookmarking the restaurants you wish to book in your browser (or even by having multiple tabs open). Just a reminder that you should always make dining reservations in order of difficulty, not chronologically . 

• Refillable mugs can be purchased at Disney resorts. They come in several different colors, it might be handy to mix and match lid colors to create new color combos that will help you tell them apart.
• Read more about refillable mugs at Disney World
• You can cancel almost all dining reservations up to 2 hours before without any penalty.
• To avoid carrying your refillable mugs into the parks, take your mugs to the food court to fill them up. After that, return to your room and pour them into the disposable cups in your room so you can take the disposable cups to the parks with you. This will keep you from having to carry around your refillable mugs all day. 
• Consider splitting or sharing meals . Not only will that make it easier to save room for dessert, it will also give you a chance to try more restaurants.

• Character meals are a great way to see lots of characters at once.
• Read more about character meals at Disney World
• When you’re planning where to dine, you should always try to eat near to where you’ll be to avoid spending lots of time on Disney transportation.
• Bring rubber bands or Ziplocs to store/close unfinished bags of snacks.
• You can make notes on your reservation if you are celebrating something special like a birthday or anniversary. You aren’t guaranteed anything extra, but some restaurants will try to do something special for you.
• When traveling in a large group, make separate dining reservations if you can’t find one for your entire group, and then check-in together. While it isn’t guaranteed that you will be seated together, there is a good chance you will at least end up side-by-side.
• Many of the restaurants in Disney Springs have limited reservation availability through Disney. If you can’t find what you want, check out OpenTable for additional dining times.

• Book your dining reservations online 60 days before your trip begins because the website is available 1 hour earlier than the phone lines (the website is available for some restaurants starting at 5:45 am, with the rest opening up at 6 a.m. vs. 7 a.m. for the phones). We recommend having your My Disney Experience account setup before this day, and have your credit card handy for those reservations that require it. We would also suggest having the phone number on hand (407-WDW-DINE) in case the website is having technical issues.
• Disney World is known for being a great place to travel if you have food allergies. The most common allergies can be noted when you make your reservations , however, if yours isn’t listed you can contact Disney for assistance.
• When planning your dining and food budget, don’t forget to include tips for table service restaurants , including buffets and character meals. 
• Call The Boathouse directly (407-939-2628) if you’re having trouble finding reservations in the Disney Dining system or on OpenTable.
• If you are traveling during the hot summer months or during the busiest times of the year (like the holidays), consider booking Table Service meals for lunch . They can be a great respite from the heat and heavy crowds. 
• If you need to cancel a dining reservation, and you’re past the cutoff, you can try to reschedule it for 2 or more hours later , so you can cancel it without a penalty.
• The festivals at Epcot (like the highly popular International Food & Wine Festival) offer lots of opportunities to sample a wide variety of culinary treats .
• Learn more about the Epcot Festivals

• Consider going to Contempo Cafe or Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary Resort on your Magic Kingdom day for good food and atmosphere that’s only a monorail stop away.
• Bringing groceries like breakfast items or snacks or having stuff delivered to your resort is a great way to save some money on your food expenses.
• You can modify dining reservations online (such as number of guests and the reservation time) by clicking “Change Reservation” in My Disney Experience.

• Try to use Mobile Ordering whenever possible. It can help save time, plus it often makes the ordering process easier for families and small groups.
• Some resort Table Service restaurants now offer Mobile Order for to-go meals. This is a great option for guests wishing to avoid dining indoors.
• Staying at Art of Animation or Pop Century? Consider a dining reservation at Riviera Resort which is just a Skyliner ride away.
• If you enjoy popcorn, consider purchasing a refillable popcorn bucket . Prices for buckets start around $12 (and go up for specialty designs) but you can refill them for around $2.00 the entire length of your trip.

Photography Tips

• Take lots (and lots) of photos. Unlike the olden days when we used cameras with film, digital images make it much easier to take tons of photos , which increases your odds of getting that perfect shot.
• When holding your camera (or phone), hold it at eye level , not above your head. You’re gonna get a better shot if you can see what you’re photographing, and holding your phone or camera up high is distracting to people around you.
• Don’t be afraid to change your angle by getting low or moving a few steps in either direction to improve the framing.
• Read more about Disney World photography tips
• Not everything has to be staged. When it comes to memories, candid shots will tell the stories you’ll remember for a lifetime.
• Don’t forget about PhotoPass. Even if you aren’t positive you’ll buy the photo, it is still free for them to take the shot . And, if you have purchased Memory Maker, it makes sense to stop for lots of pics in the park.
• Read more about how Memory Maker works

VIDEO: 111 Tips for Your Disney World Trip

Even More Disney World Planning Tips

Want more? We have lots of additional tip resources for you! Check out the links below for more Disney World tips, tricks, and hacks.

• Summer Travel tips
• Tech tips for Disney World trips
• Road trip tips for families
• Our best tips for short trips

Universal Orlando New Summer 2024 Stuff: Harry Potter Show, Daytime Parade & Lagoon Spectacular with Drones!

• How to buy discount tickets for Disney World
• The five best travel agencies for Disney World
• Disney World Pocket Planner – Free PDF
• Our Go-To Disney World Planning Resources
• How early can you make Disney World dining reservations?
• Easy WDW Dining Reservations
• Hardest to get WDW Dining Reservations
• Guide 2 Disney World Dining Reservations
• The Ultimate Disney World Packing Guide for 2023
• Toddler Packing Guide
• Items To Beat the Heat
• The Best Shoes for WDW
• The Best Weeks to Visit Disney World
• The Best Days to Visit Magic Kingdom
• The Best Days to Visit EPCOT
• The Best Days to Visit Hollywood Studios
• The Best Days to Visit Animal Kingdom
• The Best Magic Kingdom Rides
• Magic Kingdom Motion Sickness Guide
• Magic Kingdom Toddler Guide
• Magic Kingdom Dining Guide
• Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants Ranked
• Magic Kingdom Menus

Magic Kingdom Tips

• Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Guide
• Tron Virtual Queue Guide
• The Best EPCOT Rides and Attractions
• EPCOT Toddler Guide
• EPCOT Motion Sickness Guide
• EPCOT Dining Guide
• Epcot Restaurants and Menus
• 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Guide
• 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Guide
• 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Guide
• 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Guide
• Guide 2 EPCOT Festivals
• Epcot Lightning Lane Guide
• The Best Hollywood Studios Rides & Attractions
• Hollywood Studios Motion Sickness Guide
• Hollywood Studios Toddler Guide
• Hollywood Studios Dining Guide – Best Restaurants, Snacks, and Desserts
• Hollywood Studios Restaurants and Menus
• Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane Guide

Hollywood Studios Tips

• The Best Animal Kingdom Rides & Attractions
• Animal Kingdom Toddler Guide
• Animal Kindgom Motion Sickness Guide
• Animal Kingdom Restaurants and Menus
• Animal Kingdom Tips & Tricks
• Animal Kingdom Lightning Lane Guide

52 Magic Kingdom Tips for 2024

53 epcot tips for 2024, 35 hollywood studios tips for 2024, 28 animal kingdom tips & tricks for 2024, the 175 best disney world tips for 2024, disney world dining tips & tricks, time saving tips at disney world, tips for taking kids to disney world.

• The Guide 2 Disney Genie
• Genie+ and Lightning Lane, Explained
• How to Maximize Genie+ Lightning Lane Reservations
• Free Vacation Planning

Going to Disney World in 2024 can be magical… and daunting. A Disney World vacation is a big purchase for any family. Between airfare, hotels, tickets, food, and souvenirs, most families will spend thousands of dollars on their WDW vacation. That’s why some people can find it stressful to plan a Disney trip. Fortunately, Guide2WDW is here with our 175 Best Disney World Tips & Tricks for 2024 .

We’ve curated hundreds of Disney World tips  on our site over the last 20 years. From quick bits of advice to clever hacks to must-know info, these tips will help you maximize your time, save money, and have more fun at Disney World. In fact, we have over 400 Disney World tips across our tips pages .

This article features the tips that we consider to be the most vital to know. If you’re planning a Disney World vacation, this is a great place to start. You can go more in-depth with our other tips pages, as well as our Disney World Guides .

Our 175 Best Disney World Tips & Tricks are divided into categories, each with a page with even more tips and tricks.

The Best Disney World Tips – General Tips & Tricks

Animal kingdom tips.

• Genie and Lightning Lane Tips
• Dining at Disney World Tips

Disney World Money Saving Tips

• WDW Vacation Planning Tips

Disney World Resort Tips

Time saving disney world tips, disney springs tips.

Table of Contents

1) How to Rope Drop at Disney World. Rope dropping the Disney World parks is one of the best ways to enjoy short wait times during your vacation. What does Rope Drop mean? This refers to already being at the park when the attractions open, and WDW Cast Members “drop” the rope that keeps guests from getting further into the park. The best way to Rope Drop is to actually get to the park at least 30 minutes before opening. Disney World’s theme parks will let guests in early and queue up in front of the most popular attractions . In some cases, the rides start operating a few minutes early. If you get to the park exactly at opening, you’ll be well behind guests who took advantage of rope drop procedures at WDW.

2) Take a Break in When Lines are the Longest . Disney World lines are shortest in the morning and evening, and lines are longest in the afternoon. This coincidentally happens to be the hottest part of the day. The middle of the day is a perfect time to take a break: make a reservation for a leisurely lunch, enjoy one of the air conditioned shows at the parks, or head back to your hotel for a nap and a swim. You’ll feel much more energized for the rest of your day.

3) Plan a break day in the middle of your vacation. With so much to do at Disney World, you can easily pack every day within a week with activities and meals. However, a WDW vacation is a marathon. Each day, you will take 20,000-40,000 steps, and you can spend 10-12 hours inside the theme parks. This can be exhausting. So, in addition to taking a break each day, we recommend taking a break day in the middle of your trip. Enjoy your hotel’s amenities or take a trip to Disney Springs.

4) You don’t have to leave immediately at park closing. If you’re in line for a ride as the park closes, you’ll still be able to go on the ride. Also, the shops on Main Street stay open an hour after park closing. So you don’t need to rush out of the park right at closing. In fact, we love to take our time going down Main Street at night, as it’s a relaxing way to cap off the day. Here’s more on  why you can stay inside Disney World parks past closing.

5) Get your button on! Disney World offers complementary buttons for birthdays, first visits, anniversaries, honeymoons, or any celebration. Not only is this a nice souvenir, but if you wear your button, a Cast Member will sometimes give you special attention if you’re lucky — anything from a friendly personalized greeting to a free dessert. You can get these buttons at Guest Services in each park, at a checkout counter at some Disney World stores, or at the front desk of a Disney hotel.

6) Don’t wait in a long line for your Celebration Button. Don’t spend a ton of time in line at Town Hall to get your personalized button. At Magic Kingdom, there’s a cart outside Town Hall with free buttons, and a much shorter wait. Disney shops and the front desk at your hotel are also better bets for short waits, although they may not have some of the more specific buttons.

7) Other Freebies at Disney World. Free may not be the word you think of most when it comes to Disney World, but there are actually a ton of great extras you can get for free during your vacation. From stickers to scavenger hunts to art classes, Disney World has a ton of free experiences and souvenirs. Check out our full list of the Best Free Things at Disney World for a complete list.

8) You can request the front row or back row on certain rides.  If you want to feel the most intense ride on Big Thunder Mountain, request the back row. If you want the best view of  Seven Dwarfs Mine Train , request the front row. Cast members will accommodate these requests, although you may have to wait a few minutes longer. Find out where else this makes a difference in  The Best Places to Sit on Disney World’s Best Rides.

9) Download the Disney World app, and make sure it’s up to date. If you want to get the most out of your Disney World vacation, you’ll need to have the latest version of the Disney World app: My Disney Experience. It’s where you can make and manage reservations, use  Genie+ and  Lightning Lane , and find park maps. If you’ve never downloaded it before, you can get it from the  Apple App Store for iPhones and other iOS devices , or the  Google Play store for Android phones .

10) Pack an extra battery. A portable power bank that can charge your phone is a must-pack item for Disney World. Because your phone can act as your park ticket and manage your entire WDW vacation, you’ll want to make sure it can last the whole day. Between using My Disney Experience and taking pictures, a day at Disney World is a killer on your battery. We recommend this battery, which is small enough to fit in your bag, but can charge multiple devices on one charge.

11) Find wait times. Knowing the wait times at Disney World can help you determine what you should do next in the parks. You can find a live reporting of wait times in the My Disney Experience app. Press the Map pinpoint button to pull up a map with the current wait times. It’s the second icon from the left on the bottom menu in the app. You can also click “Show List” on the top right corner to change from the map view to a list view. Wait times will also be posted at Tip Boards throughout the parks.

12) Always ask for PhotoPass Magic Shots. PhotoPass is a great way to get pictures with your favorite characters or in front of Disney World’s iconic features. But did you know that there’s a way to get even more magic out of your Disney pictures? When getting your picture taken from a PhotoPass photographer, always ask if they can do a Magic Shot. This is a special picture where Disney will add in a fun element. You might suddenly have balloons in your hand, or Tinkerbell might show up on your shoulder. These special shots are location specific: You can pose with Grogu in Galaxy’s Edge, or you can see a Banshee flying over your picture at Pandora. Sometimes the PhotoPass photographer will offer up a magic shot pose on their own, but the best way to get the most magic shots is to always ask your photographer if they are doing any special or magic shots. They are almost always happy to oblige (unless there’s a technical reason), and you will end up with some very unique vacation photos.

13) No Plastic Straws. Disney World has gotten rid of all plastic straws in favor of paper straws. Great for the environment. Terrible for sipping on a smoothie. Avoid the pain of having a paper straw disintegrate one minute into getting your Joffrey’s Iced Coffee by investing in a set of  reusable silicone straws  or  metal straws . These are eco-friendly and will save you a lot of frustration as you dine around the World Showcase.

14) Never pay for water bottles at Disney World . Counter service restaurants will always give you a free cup of ice water. You don’t have to purchase anything. Just ask.

15) Most people no longer have to make a  Park Pass reservation. Going to Disney World has changed significantly over the past few years, and one of the biggest changes has been the Park Reservation system. Starting January 9, 2024, guests with date based tickets no longer need to make park reservations. This means you can pick whichever park you want to visit on each day of your vacation with a lot more flexibility. If you have an Annual Pass, you will still need to make a reservation except for on designated “Good to Go Days.”

16) BYOP: Bring Your Own Poncho. If you are planning to go to WDW during the summer, be prepared for afternoon and evening showers. It’s a good idea to bring your own poncho. Of course, you can buy a poncho at Disney World, but those can sell for $10 each.  Amazon sells a poncho pack of 10 for around $13-15 , a huge savings over spending $40-$50 for your whole family at WDW.

17) Disney World’s Best Rides. If you’ve never been to Disney World, the amount of things to do can be overwhelming. There’s just too much to do for one vacation. So don’t miss out on the best rides. We have a ranked list of every attraction in each park. These lists will help you pick which rides to prioritize, from quintessential classics like Haunted Mansion and Spaceship Earth to jaw-dropping new rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

• Magic Kingdom’s Best Rides and Attractions
• EPCOT’s Best Rides and Attractions
• Hollywood Studios’ Best Rides and Attractions
• Animal Kingdom’s Best Rides and Attractions
• The Best 52 Rides at Disney World

18) Must Know Lingo. When you go to Disney World enough, you’ll find yourself saying odd phrases. Here are some of the specific terms that Disney World uses and what they mean.

• ADR: This stands for Advanced Dining Reservation. It means a reservation at a table service restaurant at Disney World.
• Lightning Lane: This is the term for the priority line that has a shorter wait. This used to be called the FastPass line.
• Virtual Queue: Disney World uses a Virtual Queue for new rides during their opening period. It’s a line that you join via the My Disney Experience app, and then you will be alerted on your phone when it’s time to go on the ride. You can read all about this in our Disney World Virtual Queue Guide.
• Standby Line: This is the regular line, where you get in the back of the line and wait until it’s your turn to get on the ride.
• DVC: Disney Vacation Club, which is Disney’s version of a timeshare.
• MDE: Short for My Disney Experience, which is the Disney World app.
• AP: Annual Passholder. APs are guests with annual passes to WDW.

19) A popular place to head first at Magic Kingdom.  If you’re set on riding Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Peter Pan’s Flight, these are good rides to do right at rope drop. They are two of the most popular rides in the entire theme park, and lines can get long very early in the day. The back left of the park is Frontierland, where you can find  Splash Mountain and  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad . These are two extremely popular rides that you can get on with almost no wait first thing in the morning. Thanks to Diane for submitting this tip!

20) Use the Resort Monorail when leaving. When everyone is leaving the Magic Kingdom, the monorails tend to get very crowded. Most people head toward the Transportation and Ticket Center monorail, which takes you directly to the Magic Kingdom Parking Lot. This is the first monorail to the right, and it’s always crowded. Just past that is the Resort Monorail. Use the resort monorail! The first stop is the Contemporary, but but stay on! The second stop is the Transportation and Ticket Center. This way is a lot faster, and you don’t have to deal with all the crowds.

21) Do not visit Magic Kingdom on a Monday. It is packed! For many people, Magic Kingdom is the first park they go to, which makes the days or day after most people arrive typically very crowded. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are always better for the Magic Kingdom. Instead, visit one of the other three parks on Monday, as they will be much less crowded.

22) Ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at night. I’m not sure exactly what the scientific reason is, but Big Thunder feels more thrilling at night. The experience is just enhanced, and it almost feels like going on a different ride.

23) A Haunted Mansion line trick.  Here’s where to stand in the stretching room on  Haunted Mansion . This is the room with “no windows and no doors” that has all the painting that stretch. You’ll enter this from a room with a fireplace and a creepy portrait. As you enter, stick to the side closest to the fireplace. There are actually two stretching rooms side by side, and the exit is always between them. This will help you board the ride faster. The other way to find this spot is to stand directly under the painting of the woman holding a parasol on a tightrope.

24) A strategy for riding all the Magic Kingdom Mountains.  If you’re a thrill seeker, getting on Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain in a single day is an accomplishment. One strategy would be to go to Frontierland at the very beginning of the day and go on Splash and Big Thunder back to back. They are located next to each other, and this part of the park will be less crowded. If you purchase Genie+, then make your first Lightning Lane reservation for Space Mountain. If you don’t have Genie+, Space Mountain will still have moderate wait if you book it across the park, or hit up Space Mountain after the fireworks at night for a shorter wait.

25) Head to Frontierland for less crowded parade viewing.   Most people line up for the parade or character cavalcades along Main Street, which runs from the Town Square to Cinderella Castle.

26) Looking for a first roller coaster for your child?  The Barnstormer in Storybook Circus is Disney World’s mildest roller coaster. It features just one lift hill. Another option is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which features two lift hills, plus a mini drop right at the beginning. The scene inside the mine features all of the dwarfs as animatronics, which might help kids from feeling too scared. Big Thunder Mountain has three hills and is probably too intense for most kids to have as their introduction to roller coasters.

27) See premium Christmas entertainment without paying extra.  Magic Kingdom’s Christmas Party is an extra fee event, featuring special holiday fireworks and a Christmas parade. If you want to see these without buying a ticket for the special event, visit Magic Kingdom from Dec 23 – Dec 31. Disney typically runs the holiday parade and fireworks for all guests on these dates, but check the Disney World app to confirm showtimes.

28) Pay attention to holiday party dates.   During the fall and winter, Magic Kingdom hosts two ticketed parties:  Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party . These are held on select nights, and they close the park at 7 pm for non-party goers. If you are visiting Magic Kingdom September-December, pay attention to the dates of the parties. If you don’t have a park hopper, be sure to visit Magic Kingdom on a day that the party doesn’t occur, as you will have much less time to visit the park.

29) Find out when the parades and fireworks are scheduled:   Knowing when the parades and fireworks are scheduled to happen is vital for planning your day at Magic Kingdom. This is true even if you have no interest in watching either of these entertainment offerings. Both the fireworks and parade cause a ton of traffic on Main Street, USA, which is where you enter and exit the park. Don’t plan on arriving or leaving the park during these shows, as it will be a pain to navigate the crowds. You can find out the parade and fireworks times in the My Disney Experience app or on the times guide that they give out at park entrance.

Find our full list of Magic Kingdom Tips here: 50 Magic Kingdom Tips for 2023

30) EPCOT actually has two entrances.  Most people know about EPCOT’s main entrance, which is located in the front of World Celebration by Spaceship Earth. However, many guests don’t realize that EPCOT has a second entrance in the back. EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance is located between the United Kingdom and France Pavilions. You’ll head through the World Gateway if you’re using the Skyliner, or if you are coming from one of the EPCOT area resorts by boat or by foot.

31) You can walk to EPCOT.  I love to stay at one of the EPCOT area resorts, because they are all a short walk to the International Gateway entrance. You can walk to EPCOT from any of these resorts:

• Swan & Dolphin

You can even walk from Hollywood Studios, although that is a bit of a longer stretch. You can read more about the different ways to enter the park in  How to Get to EPCOT.

32) Avoid Festival Weekends.  EPCOT now runs festivals throughout the year. These are extremely popular with locals, especially the Festival of the Arts, the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, and the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. EPCOT is mobbed on Fridays and the weekends during these events. If you’re visiting during these times, stick to Monday – Thursday. If you visit on Friday-Sunday, try to only go in the mornings to avoid crowds.

You can find out the dates for EPCOT Festivals on our  Disney World Events  page.

33) Avoid runDisney Race Weekends.  runDisney hosts its Post-Race Party at EPCOT. While the party starts at 10 PM, runners and their guests can enter the park as early at 5 PM. EPCOT will be packed with people who are extremely motivated and looking to carbo-load after the big race.

You can find out the dates for runDisney races on our  Disney World Events  page.

34) Become a World Showcase explorer.   When you’re at the World Showcase at Epcot, explore every inch of every country. You’ll find so many fun things just off the beaten path, most without any sort of line.

35) Don’t miss Mexico!   Mexico’s pavilion is actually located indoors, and it is beautiful inside! Some guests actually don’t know that the pyramid is the entrance to the Mexico pavilion. Inside, you’ll find a fun boat ride called the  Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros. There’s also  Cava del Tequila,  a small tequila bar that serves up the best margaritas at Disney World

36) EPCOT has an amazing aquarium.   The Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion in World Nature is actually the second largest aquarium in the United States. You can see dozens of species of aquatic life, from manatees to dolphins.

37) How to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.   There are currently two ways to ride EPCOT’s new roller coaster. You can join the virtual queue at 7 am or 1 pm (or 6 pm on certain days for guests eligible for Extended Evening Hours). Currently, the 1 pm virtual queue allotment is easier to join than the 7 am opening. Read all about  how to join the virtual queue at Disney World here . The other way to ride Cosmic Rewind is to  purchase an Individual Lightning Lane . Be sure to purchase that early in the day, as Lightning Lane does sell out for this attraction.

38) Don’t get on the wrong line in Mission: SPACE.   Mission: SPACE actually has two different ride experiences. There’s the Green Mission, which is a mild simulator. Then there’s the Orange Mission, which spins you in a centrifuge to simulate the g-forces of taking off in a rocket.  Orange Mission is extremely intense . While there is a lot of signage to tell you the difference, but just be sure to know which experience you’re in for.

39) The best place to sit on Soarin’.  Soarin’ is an amazing attraction, but some seats are way worse than others. If you sit on the bottom and to the side, the screen will look warped, and you’ll see other guests’ feet in your face. Be sure to sit in the middle section on the top row. This is Section #2. Just ask the cast member that you want to sit in the top middle, and they’ll know what to do. You might have to wait a little longer, but it’s worth the extra wait for a pristine Soarin’ experience.

40) Get free international Coke samples.   At  Club Cool at Epcot , you can sample Coca Cola products from around the world for free. This is a great way to get a cool refreshing treat for free, and it’s one of  the best free things at Disney World.  But be warned: Try Italy’s Beverly at your own risk. It is extremely bitter.

41) A quick and delicious lunch in the UK.   Fish and chips are an iconic staple of British cuisine. They are excellent at the United Kingdom at Epcot — but don’t go in the  Rose and Crown Pub . Try  Yorkshire County Fish Shop , the food stand located right next to it (towards France). It’s a cheaper and faster option, which leaves you more time to experience Epcot!

42) Get your Festival Passport stamped.  On the first day you go to EPCOT, get a Festival Passport at the park entrance. This will include all the menus for each food booth, as well as details on special activities going on throughout the theme park.

43) A tray is your friend at the EPCOT festivals.   Going to Epcot during one of the many festivals that features food booths? A tray can be a very handy item, especially if you order multiple items at a booth. You could bring your own from home, or purchase one at a Festival gift shop. But here’s a tip for a free tray:  Yorkshire County Fish and Chips gives out trays with their meals. Have Fish and Chips for lunch, save the tray, and enjoy more convenient dining at the Food Festival booths for dinner.

44) You can do the scavenger hunt for free.  The EPCOT Festivals often feature a scavenger hunt throughout the World Showcase. For a fee, you get a map with stickers. When you complete the map, you can turn it in for a small prize. This is an awesome activity for families to do as they go through the World Showcase, but you don’t actually need to pay to play the game. Just look out for the special item located in each country. Look out for Figment hiding in each pavilion during the Festival of the Arts. During the Flower & Garden Festival, look for Character Eggs. And seek out Remy during the Food & Wine Festival.

You won’t get a prize this way, but you can still have fun finding the hidden characters.

45) Pay attention to the direction of the wind for Harmonious.  When choosing a spot to watch EPCOT’s fireworks, be sure to take the wind into account. A prime spot on the water along World Showcase Lagoon is worthless if the wind is blowing in your face. All you’ll see is smoke.

Head toward where the wind is blowing from so that the smoke from the fireworks will blow away from you as you watch the show.

46) The best Harmonious views.  Harmonious features a giant screen in the middle of the World Showcase lagoon. While you can watch the show from anywhere around World Showcase, you’ll get a better experience watching from the pavilions that face the screen head on, like Italy and Japan.

The area at the front of the World Showcase between Canada and Mexico is also prime viewing. There’s a large viewing area between the Disney Traders and Port of Entry shops.

Find our full list of EPCOT Tips here: 52 EPCOT Tips & Tricks for 2023

47) Hollywood Studios Rope Drop Strategy.  You have two main options when it comes to Hollywood Studios rope drop. This strategy will work best if you are a Disney World Resort or Good Neighbor Hotel guest and have access to Early Morning Entry. Arrive to the park at least 45 minute-1 hour before park opening, because Early Morning Entry lets you get on rides 30 minutes prior to opening. Either head toward Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash, as those are the two most popular rides in the park. Don’t worry if the line looks long at this point, because they won’t start filling the actual queue until around 30-35 minutes before the listed opening time. After those major rides, either head to Millennium Falcon or Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway as your second ride.

48) A backup plan for Rise of the Resistance.  If you rope drop Rise of the Resistance and the ride is broken down, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is a good alternate option since it is so close.

49) 13 is a lucky number at Tower of Terror.  If you’re superstitious, 13 can be a spooky, scary number. But if Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 13 can be a green light to go on  one of Disney World’s best rides  with no wait. At  Tower of Terror , if there’s a posted wait time of exactly 13 minutes, it’s code that there’s almost no wait at all. When there’s a 13 minute wait posted, it usually means you can walk straight through the line and into the pre-show room almost immediately, so a 13 minute wait may actually mean a 5 minute wait or shorter. This is a fun way that Disney adds theming even to the wait times, and it’s a nod to Disney World pros that they should put a dead stop to their current plans and go on this spooktacular rides.

50) Get a Toy Story Midway Mania High Score:  Get your score up on  Toy Story Midway Mania . On each screen you can open up special scoring areas if you hit certain items:

• Hamm’s screen – shoot the horse in the barn and then hit the mice. Get them all and lots of mice appear. Alternatively, just keep shooting the fox and the hens in the corner, then hit the pigs right above it and the cat that appears behind the pigs (it eventually is worth 2000).
• Volcano screen – hit the lava (1x, then 2x, then 3x). Then hit the meteors in both corners (3x). Hit the red balloon in the center of the meteors that comes down to score big.
• Army screen – hit the two plates that fly up from the valleys on either side of the center. A tank will appear and throw plates worth 5000 each – and 4 plates worth 2000 each appear on both sides.
• Alien screen – hit the 7 aliens before they pop back up (in the center of the screen). Then shoot into the mouth of the big alien that appears – initially worth 100 each, but eventually worth 2000 each.
• Old West screen – open up all the targets and then close them all. Then all the targets open up with 2000 points each.
• Moving to the mine car: shoot the two 500’s and a 2000 appears.
• Mine cars – don’t forget to get the bats above the cars (1000 then 5000). Also, hit every car and the last ones are worth 5000.

My personal best is a little over 300,000 doing the above. I see people who score over 500,000, but I am not that good. Read more about my  strategy for a high Toy Story score here .

51) Worried about the intensity of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?  Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has unexpected turns, some swift movement, and even a small drop. However, the ride is very approachable, even for guests who don’t like thrill rides or suffer from motion sickness. You can read a full ride description in our  Rise of the Resistance Motion Sickness Guide .

52) Rise (and shine) of the Resistance. Individual Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance sells out very quickly, sometimes before reservations open up for non-resort guests at park opening. If you want to buy a Rise of the Resistance Individual Lightning Lane, be sure to do so as early as possible.

53) Be prepared to fly the Millennium Falcon.  Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is basically a giant video game, and it features three distinct roles: Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer. How smooth your ride goes depends on how well you perform in your role. Check out our Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run guide for tips on how to best fly the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.

54) Get reservations, you must.  Three of the marquee experiences at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge pretty much require a reservation. Oga’s Cantina is one of Disney World’s hardest to get dining reservations, and it’s one of our  favorite bars at Disney World.  Savi’s is a premium experience where you build your own lightsaber. The Droid Depot lets you build a remote control R2 or BB unit droid. While walk-ups will sometimes be accommodated, it’s highly recommended to make a reservation ahead of time.

55) Oga’s Cantina stays open late.  Oga’s Cantina actually has operating hours through an hour after park closing. So party the night away with DJ Rex!

56) Use the Datapad for More Fun.  Before you go to Hollywood Studios, download the Play Disney Parks app. The Star Wars Datapad is a game within the app that turns Galaxy’s Edge into a giant scavenger hunt. Completing missions within the app will trigger special effects in the land, and you’ll learn more about the story behind the characters and shops you visit.

57) Looking for a quick and affordable meal?  The Ronto Wrap at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is an awesome quick bite. It’s easy to eat on the go, it’s very filling, and it’s cheaper than most meals at quick service restaurants. They also offer breakfast and plant-based versions.

58) Slinky Dog Dash is surprisingly intense!  With two launches, Slinky Dog Dash is actually a bit more intense than it looks. If your child has no issues with Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Space Mountain, Slinky Dog Dash is probably an appropriate thrill level for them. If other coasters give your child issues, don’t be fooled by the Toy Story theming.

59) What to do with kids at Hollywood Studios.  With so many thrill rides and  rides with height requirements , you may think that you can skip Hollywood Studios if you have kids. In fact, there’s a ton to do at Hollywood Studios that’s kid-friendly. Make Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway your number one priority, as it can get long lines. Toy Story Mania and Alien Swirling Saucers are also great rides that are approachable for littler kids. Then focus on the shows and entertainment at Hollywood Studios, such as Lightning McQueen Racing Academy and the Frozen Sing Along. Many of these attractions will have shorter waits because most guests will be focusing on the bigger rides.

Find our full list of Hollywood Studios Tips here: 34 Hollywood Studios Tips & Tricks for 2023

60) Take time to explore at Animal Kingdom.  Animal Kingdom was designed with a different philosophy than Disney World’s other theme parks. The entire park was designed to cater to your sense of discovery and adventure. While AK has enough big rides to satisfy theme park fans, I find that this park is best taken in through spontaneous exploration. Yes, you should plan your day around the big attractions. But also take time to explore the walking trails and take in the intricate details.

61) Pay attention to Animal Kingdom’s closing time.  Animal Kingdom used to close much earlier than other Disney World parks. When Pandora: The World of Avatar opened, Animal Kingdom’s operating hours got extended into the evenings. However, Animal Kingdom still tends to close the earliest of all of Disney World’s theme parks. Keep this in mind as you plan your vacation, especially if you’re  park hopping  to Animal Kingdom.

62) Animals are most active in the mornings.  Another reason why it’s great to visit Animal Kingdom early in the mornings is that the animals tend to be the most active then. The animals will be eating, roaming, and playing earlier in the day. In the afternoon, many animals will seek shade or shelter if it’s a hot day.

63) Hotter and more humid at Animal Kingdom.  Speaking of the heat, the final reason why going to Animal Kingdom early in the day is that this park feels hotter than the other parks. Animal Kingdom has denser vegetation than the other parks, so it has a rainforest-esque effect that blocks breezes and holds in humidity. So be prepared! Wear cool clothes, pack a reusable water bottle, and bring a Frogg Togg cooling cloth.

64) Wear good walking shoes! While good walking shoes are a  must-pack item for Disney World in general , it’s especially true at Animal Kingdom. Many of the paths at Animal Kingdom were designed to be uneven to mimic nature. Unfortunately, a side effect of this realism is that walking around AK can be unforgiving to your feet. Wear shoes with good support as you hike around the Kingdom.

65) One of Animal Kingdom’s best rides is different at night. Kilimanjaro Safaris offers a nighttime version, with special lighting and different animals wandering the savanna. If you’ve only been on Kilimanjaro Safaris during the day, visit it at night. It feels almost like a different ride.

66) Where to find Animal Kingdom’s secret animal path.  As you are on your way to Harambe Village at Animal Kingdom, keep your eye out for the last path to the right after the Tree of Life and before the bridge to Africa. This is Animal Kingdom’s “secret path.” The front of path is filled with a lot of vegetation so you might have to look hard. Yes, it is open to the public. Follow the path for a close look at the Tree of Life and for some great photo spots. Not many people know about this path so you will have a lot of time to yourself and will not be interruptions when you are taking photos.

67) An entertaining spot to watch monkeys swing around.  One of my family’s favorite places to stand and watch animals is near the entrance of Kali River Rapids. There’s a large habitat where a family of monkeys will swing around and play.

68) Where to find Starbucks at Animal Kingdom.  Looking for coffee at Animal Kingdom? Once you enter the park, veer left and walk towards Africa. The  Creature Comforts  cafe is a full Starbucks location.

69) Get into the park early with breakfast reservations.  Guide2WDW reader GiraffeGirl126 shares this tip for making the most of mornings at Animal Kingdom.

When going to Animal Kingdom, make sure you make reservations for breakfast for before the park opens. That way you get into the park way early and get first in line onto awesome rides.

70) Sip by the water at Nomad Lounge.  Nomad Lounge is one of  our favorite bars at Disney World.  They offer awesome appetizers, creative cocktails, and an amazing place to sit by the water and relax.

71) You can use a Landry’s Select Card at Yak and Yeti.   Yak and Yeti is another great option for table service dining at Animal Kingdom. This restaurant is owned and operated by Landry’s, which also operates Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex Cafe, Morton’s, Bubba Gump’s, and many more restaurants.  With a Landry’s Select Card , you can earn points for dining that you can redeem at locations like Yak and Yeti. You also will get a $25 gift on your birthday.

Find our full list of Animal Kingdom Tips here: 28 Animal Kingdom Tips & Tricks for 2023

Disney Genie and Lightning Lane Tips

72) Know the differences between Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane.  We have a full explanation of Genie+ and Lightning Lane here, but here’s a quick breakdown of the different terms associated with Disney’s paid line skipping service.

• Disney Genie : A free service in the My Disney Experience app with suggestions for what to do in the parks.
• Genie+ (Genie Plus):  A $15/day paid service that gives you one-at-a-time access to the Lightning Lane at certain attractions.
• Lightning Lane: A priority line with a significantly shorter wait.
• Individual Lightning Lane : At Disney World’s most popular attractions like Rise of the Resistance, you must pay an a la carte fee to access the Lightning Lane. These are Individual Lightning Lane attractions, and they are not included in Genie+.

73) Genie+ supports Park Hopping. When you purchase Genie+, it covers every park you visit that day. You do not have to purchase the service per park.

74) Lightning Lane has a grace period.  Running a bit early or late for your Lightning Lane reservation at Disney World? No worries. Like FastPass+, Lightning Lane offers a grace period buffer outside of your reserved time slot. The Lightning Lane grace period lets guests be 5 minutes early or 15 minutes late to their Lightning Lane reservation. If you have a Haunted Mansion Lightning Lane timeslot for 12 pm – 1 pm, that means your actual window is 11:55 am – 1:15 pm. This extra 20 minutes can help you plan accordingly if you have overlapping reservations. This applies to both Genie+ Lightning Lane and Individual Lightning Lane Selections.

75) Understand the Genie+ 120 minute rule.  As we explain in our How to Maximize Genie+ guide, the 120 minute rule is probably the most important thing to understand in order to get the most out of Genie+. When you make a Genie+ Lightning Lane selection, you can make your next selection either 120 minutes after you made your reservation OR as soon as you scan in for that reservation. You can also make a new selection if you cancel your Lightning Lane reservation or if that reservation expires.

76) You can only use Lightning Lane once per ride each day.  You can’t use the Lightning Lane at a certain ride more than once per day. So if you’ve used Lightning Lane at Space Mountain, you have to use the standby line if you want to ride it again.

77) Purchase Genie+ before 7 am.  Genie+ reservations open for all guests at 7 am. You must purchase Genie+ on the same day that you will use it, and purchases become available at 12:01 am each day.

78) Be ready at 7 am.  All guests can make Genie+ reservations starting at 7 am, which means that you need to have your My Disney Experience app open before 6:59 am. The most popular Genie+ rides like Slinky Dog Dash and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure can run out of available slots really quickly, so be ready to make your Lightning Lane reservations as early as possible.

79) Check again at 7:17 am.  Genie+ timeslots seem to magically refill at 7:17 am. If you missed out at 7 am, try refreshing again around 7:15-7:17 am to get a better Lightning Lane reservation.

80) Know your Lightning Lane priorities.  While many attractions feature Lightning Lane, some will save you much more time than others. For example, a Lightning Lane reservation on Slinky Dog Dash can easily save you over an hour in line, while a Lightning Lane for Muppet Vision 3D will save you almost no time at all. Know which Lightning Lane attractions to prioritize with our park-by-park Lightning Lane guides:

81) Set your LL Priorities as your Top Picks When you sign up for Disney Genie , you’ll be asked what your Top Picks are in each park. This lets Disney Genie know your preferences and give you smart suggestions throughout the day. But for power-users, there’s an even more useful way to use Top Picks. The Tip Board section of Disney Genie lists all attractions alphabetically, but it places your Top Picks at the top of the list. The Tip Board section is also where you will be booking your Lightning Lane reservations . You can save yourself a lot of scrolling and put the attractions that you’re most interested in getting Lightning Lane reservations for as your Top Picks. That way when you scroll to refresh the Tip Board, you’ll see the updated Lightning Lane slots for the attractions you’re interested in first. This tip could be the difference between snagging that elusive Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Lightning Lane slot and missing out.

82) What happens if your Individual Lightning Lane attraction is down. If you purchase an Individual Lightning Lane four return window will automatically be extended to the end of the day. So keep checking the official Disney app to see if the ride reopens. This information can be found in the Disney Genie Tip Board or the park map in the app. If you are able to go back onto the attraction at a later time, then just arrive at the Lightning Lane entrance. There might be a mini-rush to get in line as soon as the ride reopens, so if you have time, you might want to wait a little bit for the initial glut of guests to die down to have the shortest wait time possible.

What if the ride doesn’t reopen for the rest of the day? Unfortunately, you won’t be able to go on the ride with your Lightning Lane reservation. Fortunately, you will be automatically refunded, but only if the ride doesn’t reopen for the rest of the day.

What if you can’t go on the ride once it reopens? This is a trickier situation. If there’s a reason that you can’t make it to the Individual Lightning Lane attraction after it reopens, such as a dining reservation, or you left the park and you couldn’t come back, you will need to go to Guest Relations. They will be able to give you a refund, but it won’t be automatically triggered.

For more Disney Genie and Lightning Lane Tips, check out our Guide 2 Disney Genie , Guide 2 Lightning Lane , and Genie / Lightning Lane Tips .

Disney World Dining Tips

83) You can buy just an entree with no sides.  Save money at Disney World counter service restaurants throughout the parks by requesting the entree without the sides. They normally don’t list this as an option on the menu, but they will do this. By ordering a sandwich without the fries, you can often save over $2!

84) You are allowed to bring food into the parks.  Guide2WDW reader Arlen shares a tip for saving some money while dining in the parks:

“We pack our lunch in the morning and place it in collapsible cooler along with enough cold water bottles for our family. Then we take the cooler with us to a Disney World park and place it into a locker at the beginning of the day. We provide our own lunches to save money so we don’t feel bad spending at dinner at a Disney restaurant later on.”

85) Make dining reservations as early as possible.  The most in-demand reservations at Disney World will run out within minutes of becoming available.  So when do dining reservation open up at Disney World? Advanced Dining Reservations open at 5:45 am EST 60 days ahead of time via DisneyWorld.com or the Disney World app.

86) Certain resort guests can make dining reservations even earlier.  Official Disney World resort guests and guests at Good Neighbor Hotels can make reservations for their entire vacation starting 60 days ahead of the first day of their trip. So if you’re staying 10 days at Disney World, you can make a reservation for the last day of your trip 69 days ahead of time. Plus, you only have to get up early to make reservations one day, since you can make the reservations all in one session.

87) Make reservations online.  Reservations for Disney World restaurants open at 5:45 am online, but the reservation phone line doesn’t open until 7 am. If you’re trying to snag one of those hard to get reservations, they might be sold out by the time the 407-WDW-DINE phone line opens.

88) Reservations have a no-show fee.  You will be charged $10 per person for any dining reservations that you don’t use. Be sure to cancel 24 hours ahead of time in order to avoid this charge. You can easily cancel reservations via the Disney World app.

89) Know which reservations to prioritize.  Restaurants like Space 220, Be Our Guest, Le Cellier, and Ohana are some of the hardest reservations to get at Disney World. These restaurants are so popular for a reason: they’re great! Check out our full list of  The Hardest Reservations to Get at Disney World  to know which reservations you should try to get first.

90) If at first you don’t succeed, refresh, refresh again.  People are constantly changing their Disney World plans, so dining reservations can open up at any time. If you weren’t able to book a must-do restaurant, keep checking the My Disney Experience app to see if any spots open up. You may get lucky, especially between 24-48 hours ahead of time. Guide2WDW reader Aida shared their experience:

“If you really want a reservation, keep checking DisneyWorld.com or the Disney World app up until the day before to check for availability. I checked today for the Cinderella breakfast and got a reservation for next Wednesday, exactly what I wanted. ? People who made an ADR two months ago are now canceling their reservations.”

91) Familiarize yourself with the Virtual Walk-Up Wait List.  If you don’t have a reservation but would prefer a sit down meal, certain WDW restaurants have a walk-up list you can join via the My Disney Experience app, under the “Check Dining Availability” section. You do need to be within a certain physical proximity to the restaurant to join the wait list. You can read more about this in  our guide on what to do if you don’t have reservations at Disney World .

92) Always use Mobile Order when available . Many counter service restaurants offer mobile order via the My Disney Experience app. This is a great time saver, especially since you can plan out and order your lunch or dinner while you’re waiting in line.

93) Mobile Order Speed Trick.  Click “I’m here” as you’re heading to the restaurant. Many times I’ll do this, and the food will come out just as I arrive. Otherwise, you may have to wait a few minutes for your order to be prepared.

95) Consider Dining Packages for shows you really want to see.   Disney offers dining packages for shows such as Harmonious or Candlelight Processional. These are typically pre-fixe meals that cost a little bit extra for seating in a reserved section for these nighttime spectaculars and shows. If you want a great seat for a WDW show but don’t want to wait over an hour to secure it, these dining packages are a great choice.

96) Get to Trader Sam’s before it opens.   Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is  our favorite bar at Disney World.  However, it can be hard to get into the tiki-themed bar, especially later at night. Our trick is to show up right before opening. Either we’ll get in, or get our names on the waitlist for a short wait. Trader Sam’s will text you once your wait is up.

97) Resort restaurants offer great views of fireworks.   California Grill, Ohana, Narcoossee’s each have fantastic viewing for Magic Kingdom fireworks, plus they pipe in the music. Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera and Toledo at Gran Destino Tower both offer views of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios fireworks. You can also see Magic Kingdom from Topolino’s Terrace.

98) Great dining options walking distance from EPCOT.  If you don’t mind leaving the park for a little while, head out the World Showcase entrance (between UK and France) and go to the Boardwalk. There are many great dining options, including the Boardwalk Bakery, one of our favorites!

99) Character meals can be worth the cost due to special interactions.  Guide2WDW reader David found character meals to be a great way to interact with characters without a wait.

“If you want to see, take pictures, or otherwise interact with Disney characters, I highly recommend that you schedule a character meal. We did breakfast at both Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Although pricey, we got into the parks before other people, ate, interacted and took pictures of at least 5 characters at each venue. This will save an indeterminable amount of time waiting in line elsewhere in the park.”

Find our full list of Dining at Disney World Tips here: 54 Disney World Dining Tips & Tricks for 2022

100) Work with a Travel Agent . One of the best, and easiest, ways to save money on your Disney World vacation is to work with a travel agent. They sometimes have access to offer codes and discounted room blocks that can help you save big on your WDW trip. Plus, they can help with the nitty gritty details like making dining reservations for no charge to you.  We recommend  our friends at Vacationeer .  They are Disney World experts who know tips and tricks like these to help you save big on a WDW vacation.

101) Save big with Disney Gift Cards . Did you know that you can use Disney Gift Cards on almost everything at Walt Disney World? Food, merchandise, tickets, and even Disney hotels can be paid for with Disney Gift Cards. There are several ways to buy Disney Gift Cards at a discount.

• Use the Target Disney Gift Card “Hack” to save 5%
• Save up to 20% combining credit card and grocery rewards.

102) Keep Track of and Combine Your Disney Gift Cards  – You can tie all of your Disney Gift Cards to your Disney account on the  DisneyGiftCard.com  site. This is an official site from Disney where you can enter in your card information and transfer balances between cards. This is necessary if you’re paying for a Disney vacation package online, as you can only use one gift card as a payment method.

103) Should you get a Disney credit or debit card?  Both the Disney Visa Credit Card and Debit Card have many perks, including exclusive discounts on vacation packages. If you make purchases with your Disney Visa card at Disney World, you’ll save between 10-20% off of merchandise, food, tours, and more. We personally recommend the entry-level Disney Visa Credit Card, which has no annual fee but still includes most of the big discounts. You can read more about the  Disney Visa Credit Card perks here  and  Disney Visa Debit Card perks here .

104) Pick Your Start Date Carefully . If your dates are flexible, you can save a pretty significant amount of money by choosing the cheapest day to arrive at Disney World. Disney World’s tickets have variable pricing based on the first day you’ll use your ticket. To illustrate, here are the prices per day for a 5-day ticket in July 2022.

The tickets range from $99 per day to $107 per day depending on the day you arrive. For a 5-day ticket, that’s the difference of up to $40 per ticket. For a family of four, that’s a difference of $160 between starting your vacation on the cheapest day and starting on the most expensive day of the month. Hotels will also have variable pricing per day. If you have flexibility in your travel plans, test out which travel dates will work best for your Disney World vacation. Doing a little bit of research can save you hundreds of dollars.

105) Cast Members will always trade pins with you.   Even if you do buy your own cheaper and smaller pins at home before taking a trip to Walt Disney World, Cast Members will always trade with you. Don’t feel bad for buying a bunch of cheap pins off of eBay and then trading them with a CM: they don’t even buy their pins. They are provided to CMs by management, and those pins are free anyhow. I have personally seen the stacks of pins in the back offices of most parks and Cast Members just pick out of a big box.

106) Save big at the Disney World Outlets.  There are two Disney Store outlets in the Orlando area that carry park merchandise. We’ve been there a few times, and we’ve found the items they have in stock to be great! We’ve even found some items that were still on sale in the parks at a deep discount. This is a great way to get save money on shirts, bags, Vinylmation figures, and pins. Read more about one of our trips to the  Disney Character Warehouse Outlet in Orlando here.

107) Always ask if a store offers a discount.  Between Annual Passholder, Disney Visa, AAA , D23, DVC, and military, there are a lot of different discounts to keep track of. The best way to make sure you aren’t missing out on a discount on merchandise is to ask the cast member if the store offers discounts at check out.

Check out more in-depth money saving tips in our  How To Save Money on Disney Merchandise Guide.

108) Which grocery store should you visit?  Making a grocery run at the beginning of your Disney World vacation can save you in the long run, as groceries will make for much cheaper snacks and meals versus the parks and resorts. But which grocery store should you shop at? Guide2WDW readers Roger and Denise recommend Publix.

“The best grocery store to shop at in the WDW area is Publix – much better prices than Gooding’s. Take a right out of the main gate and go about two miles and look for the green Publix sign. I talked to the locals and that is where they go. They call Gooding’s the tourist’s grocery store.”

109) Get birthday freebies.  Speaking of birthdays, our  Best Walt Disney World Freebies  guide includes a whole list of free things you can get for your birthday. You can get a free meal at Shula’s Steakhouse at the Dolphin Resort, a free drink at Starbucks in Disney Springs, a free cupcake at Sprinkles, and more.  – Birthday Rewards – Shula’s, Starbucks, Sprinkles,

110) Consider a Good Neighbor Hotel  – While there are many perks to staying at a Disney World Resort, they come with a cost.  Good Neighbor Hotels  offer similar perks such as free transportation, Early Morning Entry, and proximity to the theme parks at a fraction of the price. Additionally, you can use hotel reward points at many of these locations.

111) You can use Marriott Bonvoy Points at the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels.   Located walking distance from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve hotels are not actually run by Disney. They are owned and operated by Marriott. If you have Bonvoy points, you can redeem them for nights at these hotels. They have very similar perks to official Disney World Resorts, including  Extended Evening Hours,  which is only reserved for Disney Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villa guests.

112) Sometimes it is worth it to get an Annual Pass, even if you are only visiting once in the year.  Annual Passholders receive discounts on resorts, food, merchandise, and much more. Plus, the Annual Pass gives you the freedom to visit the parks for only a few hours in the day without worrying about wasting on of the days on your ticket. If you haven’t considered a Disney World annual pass before, take a look at your WDW vacation plans. It might actually save you money.

Find our full list of Money Saving Disney World Tips here: 50 Money Saving Tips for Disney World in 2023

Disney World Vacation Planning Tips

113) Pick the best time of year to visit.  There are four main factors you should consider when picking a time to visit Disney World: When you have time off, crowds, weather, and special events. Ideally, you want to find a time of year when crowds are low-to-moderate, the weather is not blistering hot, and when your schedule allows you to visit. If you’re debating between which time of year to go, it’s good to consider if Disney World has any special events. For example, I love visiting in October because Magic Kingdom has its Halloween party, and EPCOT has its Food & Wine Festival. Read on for more tips on when to go to Disney World.

114) Pick the correct amount of days to go into the parks.  How long you should go to Disney World is a hotly debated topic. For a complete Disney World experience, we recommend going into the parks for 5-7 days. This is a sweet spot for getting a lot done within a week, while giving some wiggle room for taking breaks. For more details on how to decide your vacation length, check out our article  How Long Should You Stay at Disney World

115) Make a daily plan before you go.  Before you head to Orlando, make a plan for the big things you want to do each day. You can get as detailed as you like, but the minimum you should figure out is the following:

• Which park or parks are you visiting each day – remember, you’ll need Park Pass reservations
• Which dining reservations do you have for the week.
• Are there any experiences that require extra tickets or reservations you want to do? These include Magic Kingdom holiday parties, building lightsabers at Savi’s in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and building droids at Galaxy’s Edge.

116) Pick 1-2 parks to visit each day.  When Park Hopping, keep in mind that it can take up to an hour to get from one park to another. Considering Park Hopping opens at 2 PM, it can be a challenge to visit more than 2 parks in a day. You can definitely go to all four parks in one day, but for most days, we like to pick one or two parks to visit. This keeps travel time and fatigue to a minimum.

117) Avoid the most crowded times of year.  Disney World is absolutely slammed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Expect the heaviest crowds of the year during this time. Guide2WDW reader Ruth shared her experience visiting during this week.

I visited December 26-December 30. I would never visit again during the Christmas Season: the lines and parks were unbearable! But I still managed to steal some time for enjoyment. If you’re visiting during that time, just be sure to set your expectations accordingly!

118) Buy a  Frogg Togg  for hot weather.  Let’s face it, Orlando is hot for most of the year. One of our favorite items to pack for Disney World is a  Frogg Togg chilling towel . Just add some water, place it around your neck, and cool off.

119) Pack good walking shoes.  Another item  we always pack for our Disney World vacations  is a good pair of shoes to walk in. You will be taking 20,000-40,000 steps during each day of your WDW vacation. Do yourself a favor and pack shoes that are comfortable and give you good support for walking.

120) Don’t Overload on ADRs . Advanced Dining Reservations are great to have, but you can have too much of a good thing. Table service meals at Disney World take time, and having a reservation will force you to be at a certain place at a certain time. The maximum dining reservations we like to plan is an average of one per day. If you have to book two ADRs in one day, balance it out with a day with no ADRs. Save time and money by not doing too many table service meals — unless that’s your favorite thing at WDW, of course!

121) Make ADRs for right before park closing.  Guide2WDW reader Andrew shares a brilliant way to maximize your time in the park with a dining reservation.

When making an Advanced Dining Reservation (especially during non-peak seasons), you should try making one as late in the day as possible. In many cases, priority seating is available around the time a park is closing. For example, when we were at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it was closing at 7 pm, yet we got priority seating at the Brown Derby at 6:50. That allowed us to spend more time at the attractions, and by the time we left the park, we were almost alone as we walked to the exit and there were no crowds waiting to leave the parking lots.

Also keep in mind that some locations, like Oga’s Cantina, actually have reservations available for after park closing.

122) Consider Park Pass and Park Hopping Rules for your dining reservations.  If you have a dining reservation at a restaurant inside the parks, make sure you also have a valid Park Pass reservation. You need a Park Pass reservation to be able to enter the park. If you have a Park Hopper ticket, be sure that any reservations for before 2 PM are at the park you have a Park Pass for. You can enter another park starting at 2 PM, so if you have a Hollywood Studios Park Pass but you get a 3 PM reservation for Be Our Guest, you will be still able to dine at the Beast’s castle. If that reservation was at 1 PM, you would need to have a Magic Kingdom Park Pass in order to use your reservation.

123) Which rides to avoid if you are worried about motion sickness. Certain rides like Mission: SPACE Orange and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind are notorious for causing motion sickness. However, motion sickness is very personal and subjective. Odds are you have an idea of what types of rides might give you issues. In our  Disney World Motion Sickness Guide , we have every attraction categorized so you’ll have a better idea of what you might want to avoid when you visit WDW

124) How to Plan a WDW trip if you hate planning.  Our advice to people who hate planning:  work with a travel agent . They will do the planning for you! Otherwise, here’s the bare minimum you need to do for your Disney World trip:

• Buy Tickets ahead of time
• Make Park Pass reservations for every day of your trip
• Book hotel reservation and travel arrangements
• Make dining reservations 60 days ahead of time  (optional, but encouraged)

125) Set Your Alarm for Before 7 AM  – 7 am is a very important time for Disney World guests. With virtual queues, Genie+, and Lightning Lane, you’ll want at least one person from your party up before 7 am with the MyDisneyExperience app open to be able to plan your day.

If you want Genie+, you should purchase it before 7 am. It becomes available at 12:01 am each day.

Here’s everything that becomes available for your Disney World day starting at 7 am:

• First draw for Virtual Queues  open up at 7 am for all guests. Currently, a virtual queue is used at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. If you miss the 7 am draw, more virtual queue spots open up at 1 pm (and 6 pm for Deluxe Resort Guests on Extended Evening Hour nights). You can read all the details you need to know in our  Disney World Virtual Queue Guide.
• Genie+ Lightning Lane  access becomes available for all guests at 7 am. You’ll be able to make your first Genie+ Lightning Lane reservation of the day starting at 7, so this will be your best shot at getting early Lightning Lane access to a popular ride like  Slinky Dog Dash  or  Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run .
• Individual Lightning Lane Selections  become available for purchase for resort guests at 7 am. Not included in Genie+, these are a la carte Lightning Lane purchases available at the two most popular rides in each park –  Seven Dwarfs Mine Train  in Magic Kingdom,  Guardians of the Galaxy  at Epcot,  Rise of the Resistance  at Hollywood Studios, and  Flight of Passage  at Animal Kingdom. You can pick which time of day you’d like to purchase your Lightning Lane reservations, and you can purchase up to two per person per day.

126) Divide and conquer with MDE: If you have multiple people who are up and have the MyDisneyExperience app open, designate one person to focus on Virtual Queues, one person to focus on Genie+, and one person to focus on Individual Lightning Lane Selections. If you are the only person setting all the plans for your party, we would recommend prioritizing Virtual Queue (if the attraction is one of your must dos), Genie+, then Individual LL selections, in that order.

127) Make sure to charge your devices every night.  Your cell phone and MagicBand+ will most likely be very low battery at the end of the day. Be sure to pack a charging hub and plenty of charging cables for your hotel room, and plug in your devices at the end of the night.

Find our full list of Disney World Vacation Planning Tips here: 42 Disney World Trip Planning Tips for 2023

128) Kids under 3 get into Disney World for free.   You may not know that you do not have to pay for your child to get into Disney World if they are under 3. You don’t need to bring proof or a birth certificate — Disney uses the honor system.

129) Don’t miss the Baby Care Centers  – Each park has a baby center, and it can be relatively easy to overlook. However, these spaces are great for parents with babies and toddlers. They have full changing stations that are much nicer than the changing stations in the restrooms. They also have high chairs and other amenities if you need a quieter place to take care of your little one’s needs. Read all about  Disney World’s Baby Care Centers here , including maps for where to find them in each park.

130) Know the height requirements and your child’s height!   Many rides at Disney World feature a minimum height requirement. Check out  our list of the height requirements at Disney World  to know which rides your child will be able to go on. These rides will also have height measurement checks outside the entrance in case you’re not sure of your kid’s exact height. It is very important that you don’t try to sneak on a kid who isn’t tall enough, because these height requirements are for their safety!

131) A tip that some people don’t know about is Rider Swap.  Rider Swap lets everybody in your party experience rides with height limits without the person or people who watched your kid having to wait extra in line. This works if a child either doesn’t meet the height requirement  or   just if they don’t want to go on the ride. From Disney: “If a Guest doesn’t meet the boarding requirements or doesn’t wish to experience a particular attraction, it’s not a problem for family and friends who do! With Rider Switch, one adult or supervising Guest (14 years or older) can wait with non-riders while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. Then, they simply switch roles to allow the supervising Guest to experience the attraction without waiting in the regular queue again.” Simply approach the cast member at the entrance of the ride and say that you’re interested in Rider Swap, and they will take care of you. This also works on rides that have Individual Lightning Lane like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Avatar: Flight of Passage.

132) Typically, kids menus will always feature a familiar option.  Some Disney World restaurants feature cuisine that may be unfamiliar to you, ranging from African to French to Norwegian. You may think you need to avoid these options if one of your kids is a picky eater, but don’t worry! Kids Menus at Disney World almost always feature a familiar option for American children, such as mac and cheese, pizza, or chicken tenders. Disney tries to include familiar options so families have an easy time dining at their restaurants.

133) Know where characters are at every park.  Each Disney World park features different meet and greets and character encounters. You can find a list of characters within the My Disney Experience app. We also have a park by park character guide that lets you know where to find every character, from Mickey to Kylo Ren.

• Magic Kingdom Character Guide
• EPCOT Character Guide
• Hollywood Studios Character Guide
• Animal Kingdom Character Guide

134) Pack a costume.   Guests under 14 years old are allowed to wear costumes inside the parks. This is a fun way to add a little extra magic to your kid’s Disney World vacation. Plus, getting your little Cinderella’s picture taken with the “real” Cinderella makes for an amazing photo-op. For guests 14 and older, costumes can be worn at Halloween and Christmas events, and some outfits inspired by Star Wars are allowed.

135) Plan on giving your kids chances to run around.   Don’t only focus on the rides! There are tons of activities that don’t require lines that also give your kids a chance to get their wiggles out. Look out for the playgrounds in each park: Magic Kingdom has a  Casey Jr themed splash pad  and  Tom Sawyer Island.  EPCOT has an outdoor playground and indoor play areas near the exit of Mission: SPACE and Journey Into Imagination. Animal Kingdom has a paleontological dig-themed playground called  The Boneyard .

136) Proximity to the parks makes a huge difference with kids . It becomes easier to take a midday break or take your toddler back to the hotel room for a nap if you are close to the parks. If you can afford it, consider one of the  monorail resorts that are extremely close to Magic Kingdom , or one of  the resorts within walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios .

137) Looking for a ride share option that includes car seats?  Minnie Vans have up to two car seats per van, and they service all Disney World properties. Find out more about  Minnie Vans at Disney World here

138) Make your park reservations wisely.  Disney World requires Park Pass reservations in addition to your park tickets in order to get in. Park Pass reservations dictate which park you can visit, or the first park you enter in the day if you have a Park Hopper ticket. While Magic Kingdom is the most kid-friendly park, if your kid is a Star Wars super-fan, they’ll want to spend more time in Hollywood Studios. Know the properties found in each park to best plan out your vacation. Here’s a quick list:

• Magic Kingdom: Disney Princesses, Mickey Mouse, Dumbo, the Mountain rides, Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room,
• EPCOT: Frozen, Ratatouille, Guardians of the Galaxy
• Hollywood Studios: Star Wars, Toy Story, Disney Jr
• Animal Kingdom: Avatar, Finding Nemo, Lion King

139) Don’t leave valuable items in your stroller!  While it’s tempting to use your stroller storage for everything, it’s unfortunately not a good idea to leave anything valuable in your stroller at Disney World. We’ve had items and the whole stroller stolen before. It’s rare, but it can happen. Don’t leave anything in your stroller that would tempt would-be thieves.

140) Know stroller size limits at Disney World.  Stroller can be a maximum of 31″ wide and 52″ long. Many strollers fit within these limits — including double strollers.

141) Skip the stroller wagon.  Stroller wagons are not permitted at Disney World.

142) Put an identifier on your stroller –  Want to avoid losing track of your stroller after you park it in the sea of other strollers? Tie a colorful bow on the handle of your stroller, which will make it much easier to spot. This helps especially because Disney World cast members will regularly move strollers around to accommodate for guest flow.

143) Make sure your stroller can fold up easily.  You’ll need to be able to fold up your stroller to get on Disney transportation, such as buses, monorails, and the Skyway. It’s one reason we love the  Britax B-Lively , which has very easy and quick folding.

144) Pack a rain cover for your stroller.   In Orlando, it’s almost guaranteed that there will be rain during your vacation.  A stroller rain cover  is a great item to pack in your suitcase. They don’t sell these at the parks, and you’ll be so glad that you have one. We made the mistake of not packing one, and it took days for our soggy stroller to fully dry.

145) A strategy for limiting impulse purchases.  Guide2WDW reader Patti shares a way to avoid buying a ton of souvenirs, and preventing kids from constantly asking for new toys while at Disney World.

“We tell our boys we only buy souvenirs on the last day of our Disney World trip. They can look the whole time we are there, but by the time it’s OK to buy they know what they really want, and it prevents the gimmies during the whole vacation, which can add up.”

146) Where to find free stickers at Disney World.   Don’t just blow by the DVC kiosks. Ask the cast member there for a sticker for your kids. It usually is a Mickey Mouse sticker.

147) Sign up for Wilderness Explorers.   One of our favorite activities for kids at Disney World,  Wilderness Explorers  is a free scavenger hunt that takes you all across Animal Kingdom. You are given a booklet with a map of the park, and you must go to different Wilderness Explorer stations to earn merit badge stickers. It’s a fun, educational way to engage anyone with a curious mind as you explore the massive theme park.

Find our full list of Tips for Taking Kids to Disney World here: 50 Disney World Tips for Parents Taking Kids in 2023

148) Should you stay on property or off property?  Walt Disney World property is huge, and there are both official Disney resorts and third party hotels that would be considered on-property. If you are going to Disney World for the majority of your Orlando vacation, you should definitely stay on Disney World property. You’ll have plenty of options covering a variety of price points on WDW property — everything from a Holiday Inn to the Four Seasons. However, if Disney World is just one of your destinations, you may want to consider staying somewhere else in Orlando. You may be able to save some money that way.

149) Know what your resort is close to.  You may think that just because you’re staying on Disney World property, you’ll be close to everything. That isn’t quite the case. Walt Disney World is massive, and the parks are spread apart. For example, if you stay at the Contemporary, you could walk to Magic Kingdom or take the monorail to EPCOT (with a transfer at the TTC). If you stay at the Boardwalk Resort, you could walk to either EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, or take a short boat ride to each park. If you stay at the All Star Resorts, you will need to take Disney’s busses, drive, or buy a ride share to get to any of the parks. Check out our  Disney World Transportation Guide  to find out exactly how to get to each park from each resort.

150) Ask if upgrades are available.  Guide2WDW reader Bruce shares why it never hurts to ask for an upgrade. He got upgraded to a nicer resort without having to pay much more.

“I recently booked a 10 day trip to WDW for our July visit. I made reservations at the Caribbean Beach through Disney directly. With a little prodding I was upgraded to the Polynesian for almost the same price as the Caribbean Beach (I’m paying about $25.00 more per night). The nice WDW representative said that you have to ask if invitational upgrades are available, they won’t offer it to you unless asked. These “invitations” aren’t always available, but if they are they’ll bump you up one class of Resort: Value to moderate or moderate to deluxe. It never hurts to ask!”

151) Stay at DVC resorts for less by “renting” someone’s DVC points.  Buying a DVC isn’t the only way to enjoy staying at a DVC resort. DVC members will sell points they aren’t using for one-time stays through sites like  David’s Vacation Club Rentals . You can find rooms at Disney World Deluxe Villa Resorts for much cheaper than booking directly through Disney by going this route.

152) Know your hotel’s amenities.  Disney World hotels feature a ton of great amenities and activities that are well worth checking out during your vacation. From highly-themed pools to world class restaurants to outdoor movie nights, be sure to find out everything you can do at your hotel. We highly recommend taking breaks throughout your WDW vacation to enjoy what your hotel has to offer.

153) Chip and Dale Campfire Sing-a-long.  One of the best activities at any Disney World resort for families is the Chip and Dale Campfire Sing-a-long at Fort Wilderness. You can roast marshmallows, sing songs around a campfire, and meet Chip and Dale. The evening also includes an outdoor movie.

154) Resort Hopping is a fun and free activity.  Not everything at Disney World has to cost you lots of money. If you would like a great activity that is inexpensive, try Resort-hopping! If you stay on property, then you have unlimited access to all the Disney resorts. All the resorts are unique, and it’s worth checking out each hotel’s lobby. Take the time to Resort-hop and scope where your next stay might be. You might have some fun along the way!

155) Extra Hours are one of the best Disney World Resort perks.  When choosing your Disney World Resort, strongly consider a resort that has access to extra hours. Both Early Morning Entry and Extended Evening Hours are great ways to experience shorter lines for popular WDW rides.

156) MagicBands are leveled up at Disney World Resorts.  If you are staying at a Disney World Resort, you can use your Magic Band as your room key. Also, you can use your Magic Band to make purchases at the resort and in the parks. These purchases will be charged to your room.

157) Resort Guests can buy discounted MagicBands.  Disney World Resort Guests can purchase MagicBands at a discount before their vacation. This discount is typically $10 per band. Once you have your reservation linked to your Disney World account, open the MyDisneyExperience app, select My MagicBands and Cards, and then you can order discounted MagicBands to have shipped to you before your vacation.

158) Free Luggage Tag.  While Disney World used to send Resort Guests a pre-vacation package that included some goodies, including a Luggage Tag. While Disney no longer mails this to guests, you can still get a free luggage tag from your hotel. Just go to the front desk and ask for a luggage tag for a fun freebie.

159) Take advantage of merchandise delivery.  Don’t lug your merchandise purchases all around the parks all day. If you are staying at a Disney World Resort, you can have merchandise you purchase from the gift shops shipped to your resort free of charge. You will be able to pick up your items from your hotel’s store.

Find our full list of Disney World Resort and Hotel Tips here: 40 Disney World Resort Tips for 2023

160) Go left.  Many attractions have two lines – a right line and a left line. If you cannot see the end of the line, choose the left line. It’s usually shorter, as most people will subconsciously pick the right line.

161) Use Lightning Lane.  The replacement for FastPass, Lightning Lane is a way to pay to go into a much shorter line at dozens of Disney World attractions. It can be well worth the money, if you know how to use the system. Check out our Guide 2 Disney Genie and Guide 2 Lightning Lane at Disney World for a complete rundown of how to save hours in line during your WDW vacation.

162) Use the Single Rider Line.  If you don’t mind riding alone or being split up from your party, try using the Single Rider line at  Test Track ,  Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster , Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, and  Expedition Everest . Disney uses this line to fill in empty seats on these rides. Your party will go through the line together, but most likely will go on the ride separately. However, your wait time will be dramatically reduced.

163) Rides operate past closing time.  If you want to ride a popular ride, but couldn’t get a Lightning Lane reservation and the standby lines are too long during the day, get in line right before park closing. Two reasons for this. 1: Disney policy is that  anyone in line at park closing gets to ride , even if they don’t get on the ride until after the official closing time, and 2: there will be very few Lightning Lane riders entering (none after closing), so the actual wait time will be MUCH shorter than the posted standby time.

164) Save shopping for after park closing.  Many Disney World shops stay open one hour after park closing. So you can save your last minute shopping to the very last minute and not miss any late night rides, when the lines are shortest.

165) Confirm Your Virtual Queue Party.  Ever since Disney World debuted a virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance, they have tweaked the process for securing a boarding pass. Within the MyDisneyExperience app, you can now  confirm your party  up to 1 hour before the virtual queue opens up. You can do this by going to the menu in the app (bottom right button with three lines), tapping “Virtual Queues,” clicking “Join Virtual Queue,” then clicking “Confirm Your Party.” You can select all of the guests linked to your account that you will be securing a boarding group for. This will make it easier to join the virtual queue with the correct group selected, and you can avoid having to waste precious seconds by deselecting a guest who isn’t eligible. If you’ve linked your Disney World account to a lot of different family members and friends like I have, this will make a big difference.

It should be noted that while the ability to confirm your party opens up 1 hour before the virtual queue opens (so starting at 6 am for the 7 am queues at Disney World), you don’t have to get up at 6 am to confirm you party. You have all the way up until the virtual queue opens up to confirm your party, so you can wait until 10 minutes before to confirm.

Read more about  how to use the Virtual Queue at Disney World here.

166) Consider using Ride Share.  You can use Lyft and Uber to get around Disney World, and it can save you a lot of time compared to Disney’s busses. Disney has a fleet of ride share vehicles called Minnie Vans that you can order through Lyft, but both Lyft and Uber have cheaper options. When you consider resort and theme park parking prices, taking ride share vehicles can make financial sense versus renting a car.

Find our full list of Time Saving Tips here: 23 Time Saving Disney World Tips for 2023

167) You can use OpenTable at certain Disney Springs restaurants.  Some Disney Springs restaurants accept OpenTable for reservations, including Wine Bar George, STK, Splitsville, and Planet Hollywood.

168) Use your AAA card at Earl Of Sandwich in Disney Springs and get 15% off your total. It’s not advertised there, so you need to show them your card when you are paying. This is better than the 10% discount for Annual Passholders.

169) Join the  Earl of Sandwich eClub . You get a free brownie for signing up, and a free sandwich coupon for your birthday. This is a great way to get a free lunch at Disney Springs if you are visiting WDW around your birthday.

170) Consider home shipping at Disney Springs. When you do major shopping at Disney Springs, have them ship it home for you. It will cost from $12 on up, but then you don’t have to pay taxes on your purchases when you ship it out of state.

171) Disney Springs has a pedestrian bridge.  There are several hotels within walking distance of Disney Springs, including the B Resort and Holiday Inn. Take advantage of the pedestrian bridge to get into Disney Springs safely.

172) Disney Springs has free parking. Unlike Disney parks and resorts, Disney Springs has free parking. There are two massive parking garages, and it usually is no problem finding a spot.

173) Make Your Own Lego Minifigure at the Lego Store.  You can find one of Disney World’s more unique — and affordable — souvenirs at Disney Springs. For about $12, you can design your own Lego Minifig, including a fully customizable shirt with graphics.

174) The Disney World Dining Plan is actually accepted at many of the restaurants at Disney Springs, including Jaleo, Wine Bar George, Morimoto Asia, Blaze Pizza, and Raglan Road. If you’re on the dining plan, lunch or dinner at Disney Springs could be a good idea. (Note: The Disney World Dining Plan is currently paused, but is expected to return at some point in the future)

175) Where to use leftover snack credits. When my husband and I go to Disney World, we never use up our dining plan’s snack credits. We don’t mind the taste of Orlando’s water, and with free water from the counter service restaurants, we don’t ‘waste’ credits on soda pops. Generally, after the first day, we’re over-caloried so we just don’t use those snack credits. On the last day, we take all our leftover credits to Goofy’s Candy Company in Disney Springs and load up on packaged goodies that fit just fine in our carry-on luggage. We’ve even gotten wrapped sandwiches from the Earl of Sandwich to take with us to the airport with extra counter service credits! (Note: The Disney World Dining Plan is currently paused, but is expected to return at some point in the future)

Find our full list of Disney Springs Tips here: Disney Springs Tips

Disney World Tips by Category

Genie+ and lightning lane tips, 50 money saving tips for disney world in 2024, disney world trip planning tips, disney world resort and hotel tips, be sure to also check out.

Magic Kingdom Live Entertainment

The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge

Disney’s all star sports resort.

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream

Maharajah Jungle Trek

Hollywood Studios Attractions

Circle of Life – An Environmental Fable

Chefs de France

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Privacy preference center, privacy preferences.

At MagicGuides we’ve dedicated ourselves to bringing you the most comprehensive Disney World and Disneyland Travel Planning Information.  Check out our  Crowd Calendars , Packing Lists , Tips & Tricks , Park Secrets, and much more. 

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TRANSPORTATION MAP

Our Disney World Transportation map shows all the transportation options throughout Disney World.  Click on your Resort and see the travel times to each Disney Park.

DISNEY AGENTS

Looking for a little advice and assistance with planning your next Disney World vacation? Talking to a reputable Disney Travel Agent is your best bet.  Take a look at our list of top Disney Travel Planners!

CROWD CALENDAR

Our Disney World Crowd Calendar will help you know which is the best time of year to visit Disney World to maximize your time on the rides and minimize your time in line.

Free Disney World Stock Photos!

STROLLERS at DISNEY

Wondering what to do about Strollers at Disney World? Should you bring your own?  Rent a stroller? How much does it cost?   Look no further.  Here’s our complete guide to Strollers at Disney.

PACKING LIST

A great Disney Packing List will help you make sure you don’t forget to pack anything important.  Our packing list includes all the items you’ll need for a great trip!

CRUISING with DISNEY

Love the theme parks and considering a cruise? Whether it will be your first time ever on a ship, or just your first Disney Cruise, we have everything you need to know about cruising with Disney.

BEST DISNEY RESORTS

BEST VALUE RESORTS

Disney’s Value Resorts are the entry level price point into a magical Disney themed vacation.  Stay on Disney’s property and experience all that Disney has to offer, all the time.  Here are our top Disney Value Resorts ranked.

BEST MODERATE RESORTS

Disney’s Moderate Resorts are the next step up in luxury and amenities in your magical Disney vacation.  Stay on Disney’s property with improved transportation and resort amenity options.  Here are our top Disney Moderate Resorts ranked.

BEST DELUXE RESORTS

Disney’s Deluxe Resorts are the pinnacle in Luxury on offer at Walt Disney World.  Stay on Disney’s property and experience only the best and most luxurious amenities & transportation options.  Here are our top Disney Resorts Resorts ranked.

Our Complete Disney World Resort Comparison Guide

Theme park data center.

Have you ever wondered how many people actually visit Disney World and other Theme Parks?  Well, here’s the Total Annual Park Attendance data from the major U.S. Theme parks for 2018.  It’s pretty enlightening information and can help you understand where the majority of vacationers are choosing to spend their vacations. ( source )

THE LATEST AND GREATEST DISNEY KNOW-HOW

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO TO DISNEY WORLD

Planning a Disney World vacation but not sure when to go? Between seasonal events, weather, school and work schedules, it can be a tough decision.  Here’s our guide to help you choose the best time of year to go to Walt Disney World.

DISNEY ATTRACTION TO ESCAPE THE RAIN

Florida is nicknamed “The Sunshine State,” but the weather at Disney World isn’t always predictably sunny. But don’t fret – In the event of bad weather, there are still plenty of Disney attractions to escape the rain until the sun returns. We’ll help you plan ahead so you won’t get drenched.

HOW TO BECOME A DISNEY TRAVEL AGENT

Are you interested in becoming a Disney travel agent? It seems like the ultimate job for a Disney fanatic because you get paid to talk about Disney all day long. But is it really as fun and rewarding as it seems? We’ll give you all the information you’ll need to decide if this career is right for you.

DISNEY WORLD TRIVIA

Throwing a Party with Disney Friends? Running a Trivia Night? Just love Disney? Well, we have some great Disney Trivia that we think you’ll find amazing!

FREE THINGS TO DO AT DISNEY WORLD

A Disney Vacation can be very expensive. Here are some things at Disney World that you may not have known are absolutely FREE!

LOTS MORE DISNEY INFO COMING SOON!!!

You’ve loved our many Disney related articles. Well, we have many more coming soon!

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

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6 ways to make a Disney trip more affordable for families, according to travel experts

Posted: September 6, 2023 | Last updated: September 6, 2023

• A Disney vacation for a family of four can cost thousands of dollars.
• But travel experts told Insider there are ways to cut costs when booking a Disney trip.
• Their tips include booking up to a year in advance and buying discounted gift cards.

When it comes to planning your dream Disney vacation, the best place to start is with a budget, Rachael Saldana, a Disney travel-planning expert at Allonsy Travel , told Insider.

But a trip to the happiest place on Earth doesn't come cheap. Insider reported in 2021 that the  average cost of a typical five-day trip to Disney World for a family of four at the time was $6,033. CNN reported in 2022 that while a one-day, one-park ticket was between $109 and $159, Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios anticipated to see more than a 12% increase by 2023.

A 2022 survey of Walt Disney World fans conducted by gambling website time2play found that 92.6% of those surveyed believed the cost of a Disney vacation was too expensive for the average family. Another 48.3% said they postponed trips to Disney World because of price increases in recent years.

While the price may still not be economically feasible for some families, four travel experts told Insider there are ways to cut back on the cost of a Disney vacation.

Here are six of their money-saving tips to help make the trip more affordable for families.

Book as soon as you can because it locks in your price.

Once you have a budget in mind, you should book as soon as possible, according to Stephanie Peters with Hiatt Magical Vacations. 

Why? "Because it locks in your price. So if Disney and Universal were ever to raise their ticket prices, your price is not changing," she said.

Ideally, you would book six months to a year before you intend to go, experts told Insider.

Disney does release promotions throughout the year — for example, a deal in September 2023 offers up to 30% off some rooms at Disney over the holiday period. If a promotion is applicable to your package, a travel agent like Peters can apply those discounted rates when you book.

Be smart about when you go.

With so many people visiting the park, the best way to get the most bang for your buck is to go during windows when it's least expensive, has the smallest crowds, and ideal weather, according to Jill Knonenborg , who previously spoke to Insider about the best times to visit Disney .

While the cheapest times to go are often when school is underway — usually January after Martin Luther King Jr. Day through early February, and early June and late August between summer breaks — that won't be possible for families wanting to keep their kids in class.

During the summer break, early June is often the most cost effective, Peters said.

"I think especially for those families that really prioritize education and prioritize school, summer is a good time to go," she said. "The first week of June tends to be a less expensive time to go in the summer, and the heat isn't quite built up to what August would be."

Late August is also a cheaper time to visit, so that's another option for families whose kids return to class after Labor Day.

"That late August time is the second-cheapest time I have found with Disney World for this year," Amber Travis , a Missouri-based Disney travel agent with Mickey Travels , told Insider.

"Disney offers lower rates at that time to get people to go," she said.

But if you want to experience the Halloween decor and the early days of Christmas festivities without the chaotic crowds and crazy prices, September and early December are the best times to go.

Budget to pay for your Disney vacation over time.

Saldana said it's a $200 deposit to secure a Disney vacation package, but the remainder of the payment is not due until 30 days before you go. 

"This makes it really easy to budget because you know how much your vacation's going to be, you know when you need to pay it, and you have — especially if you're booking for next December — more than 12 months to pay for it," she said.

Strategizing how much to save each week, automating your savings, or establishing a sinking fund are just some ways you can budget for a big trip , travel experts previously told Insider's Alene Laney.

Buy discounted gift cards in bulk to pay off your Disney vacation.

Travis suggests buying discounted gift cards in bulk and using them to pay off your Disney vacation.

Disney gift cards are essentially like any gift card: They carry funds that can go towards practically anything Disney at Disney destinations, from merchandise and theme-park tickets to dining and resort reservations.

Some stores sometimes sell them at a discounted price, like Sam's Club or BJ's, and other stores may offer gift cards as well, such as Target, Ralph's, Kroger, Walmart, Staples, and Best Buy.

At Sam's Club, for example, you can purchase $50 Disney gift cards for $47.98, saving up to 4%. (Only members can buy these discounted gift cards, and a membership costs $45.)

BJ's Wholesale offers Disney gift card deals where you don't need a specific credit card or membership to get the discounted gift cards. Instead, you can try out the membership with a free one-day pass . During those 24 hours, you can buy discounted Disney gift cards without purchasing a membership.

As of September 2023, the best deal available will save you up to 3% by buying a $100 BJ's Disney gift card that costs $96.99. If you use a credit card that earns rewards or provides cash back, the savings could be higher.

Book when hotel pricing is first released because it's the most economical.

Like much else when it comes to travel, the golden rule is: Book in advance. That also means coordinating your hotel stays early.

Saldana, who has a background in revenue management, worked at hotels handling dynamic pricing and figuring out hotel rates. She recommends being vigilant for when hotel pricing is first released and booking your stays around that time.

In the case of families looking to book for 2024, Disney released information indicating reservations could be made starting on May 31, 2023, as reported by WDW Magazine .

"When the rates are first released, they are the cheapest. The revenue managers just want to see what traction they get and where the demand dates are — and then they adjust based on that. So when pricing is first released, it's the most economical," she said.

SF Gate reported in October 2022 that visitors with just a month or two notice may be able to book at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel or the Disneyland Hotel, especially during the slower months of late August and September.

However, to obtain the more popular options at Disney's Grand Californian Resort and Spa during more popular months that feature holidays like Halloween and Christmas, you should book at least six months in advance, experts told Insider.

Avoid extra expenses by getting to the parks early.

Waking up at 6 a.m. can be a tough ask, especially if you're coming from a time zone where it's even earlier. But Knonenborg believes you should make the sacrifice because it yields the best results.

Other people won't wake up that early, so the crowds at any time of the year will always be the lowest the earlier you go, she said. In addition, especially in the summer months , the temperatures will be the coolest as soon as the park opens.

But here's where it stops you from spending additional money: "If you want to avoid the extra expenses of the Disney Genie+ line reservation system or a VIP tour experience and still have pretty short lines, get to the park as soon as you're allowed to," she said.

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PRESS RELEASES

Final faa reauthorization bill presents both drawbacks and notable victories for travel advisors.

Alexandria, V.A., April 29, 2024  — The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) relentlessly championed for travel advisor priorities throughout the FAA reauthorization process, and we are pleased to see some small victories appear in the final legislation. However, the language also presents some discouraging setbacks.  

Last week, the Department of Transportation (DOT) made a profound error in  issuing a final rule  that leaves travel agencies on the hook for providing consumers with air ticket refunds if the agency is the “merchant of record,” regardless of whether the agency is in possession of the funds. The original language in the House version of the FAA bill would have superseded this rule, clearly stating that ticket agents are not responsible for refunds when they are no longer in possession of the funds. 

“We were thankful when the House originally recognized this important distinction,” commented Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO. “Unfortunately, the final compromise between the House and Senate kicks this issue back to a DOT that has shown a clear lack of understanding how travel agencies book air travel.”  

The final FAA bill would require DOT to issue regulations within one year requiring air carriers to promptly transfer funds to ticket agents where the agent is obligated to refund the consumer but is not in possession of the funds. Unfortunately, the DOT rule released last week goes into effect in six months. This leaves at least six months between the effective date of the regulations and when the new regulations will be proposed, let alone finalized. This uncertainty will cause preventable and undo financial stress on travel agency small businesses. 

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 reauthorized the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC), an advisory body at DOT responsible for evaluating existing aviation consumer protection programs and providing recommendations for establishing and improving aviation consumer protection programs. ACPAC membership consists of one representative each of U.S. airlines, consumer groups, airports, and state or local governments, a small committee by federal standards. Incorporating the provisions of a standalone bill in the House (H.R. 3780), the House FAA Reauthorization bill added ticket agents to the ACPAC.  

Unfortunately, the final FAA bill only requires that the ACPAC consult with ticket agents “as appropriate.” 

“ASTA has appeared before this committee many times and recent final rules from DOT continue to show a clear of understanding on the role of travel agencies and advisors in booking air travel. It is disappointing that when given an opportunity to add the views of the agencies who booked 40 percent of air tickets in 2023, Congress deflected to an unenforceable consultative role,” Kerby further commented. 

On a more positive note, ASTA was the champion of a provision in the House bill that streamlines offline disclosures surrounding air travel, and we are pleased to see this provision maintained in the final bill.  

“This will reduce frustration with the air ticket purchase process and lessen the unnecessary burdens on our members’ business operations while keeping critical consumer protection intact,” Kerby concluded. 

Finally, the legislation establishes the Passenger Experience Advisory Committee within the DOT to advise the Secretary and the FAA Administrator on improving the passenger experience in air transportation customer service. ASTA is pleased to see that ticket agents will have a voice on this committee, and we ask that the DOT establish and convene the committee in short order.

ABOUT ASTA Rebranded in 2018 as the American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public. Its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with hundreds of internationally-based members, ASTA’s history of industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 when it launched with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. For more information about the Society, visit our mission statement .  

RETURN TO PRESS RELEASE LISTING

• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

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