disney world travel tips

Disney World Tips and Tricks

Disney World vacations can be magical and the experience of a lifetime. They can also be frustrating and expensive, without the proper knowledge and planning. To help you navigate through your Disney World vacation planning, we have compiled a list of Disney World tips and tricks .

There are thousands of things to experience at Walt Disney World.  Some are popular and on everyone’s radar, while others are relatively undiscovered. Our list of tips and tricks aims to provide you with the insider knowledge to make your Disney vacation magical.

We have included tips on avoiding crowds, tricks to save you money, Disney dining tips, and much more. When it comes to planning your Disney vacation, there is no such thing as too much knowledge. We hope you can save time and money by utilizing some of our Disney World tips and tricks.

Crowds – Disney World Tips and Tricks

There is nowhere more fun and magical than Disney World. However, crowds and lines have a way of damping enthusiasm. Scheduling a Disney vacation outside of peak crowd times is always advisable, but not always feasible due to work schedules, family obligations, etc.

No matter what time of year you visit Disney World, there are ways to minimize the impact of crowds. Here are a few Disney World tips and tricks for dealing with crowds.

• First and foremost, consult our Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar before planning your trip. This will give you up-to-date park information and crowd size expectations for Disney’s four theme parks.
• Crowds are typically lower when kids are in school. Holiday weeks (especially holiday weekends), spring break, and the summer months are usually the most crowded times at Disney World.
• Arrive at the park before it opens, regardless of the time of year. We suggest arriving 30-45 minutes before the scheduled opening times. Midday sees the highest crowds, so we suggest taking any lunch break or rest period at this point. Crowds normally diminish later in the afternoon.
• You will often find the longest lines (to enter parks and attractions) towards the middle. Seek out shorter lines furthest to the sides.
• Single-rider lines tend to have much shorter wait times if you don’t mind splitting up your group. These rides include Test Track, Expedition Everest, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
• If you’ve seen the parade before, skip it. Lines at attractions are often shorter during parade times.
• Purchase Disney Genie+ if you want to spend as much time on the rides.  For just $15 extra per person per day, Disney Genie+ allows you expedited entry (via the Lightning Lane) on over 40 rides throughout Disney World’s theme parks. Individual Lightning Lane passes are also available on a per-ride at a few of Disney’s most sought-after attractions.
• When it starts to rain, Disney vacationers often run for cover. Put your poncho on and wait it out. Orlando rain showers are often brief. By the time the skies clear, you will breeze through the lines.
• Lines close at the official park closing time . However, the park stays open for at least one more hour. Therefore, plan to get in line before the park “closes” and you will be safe to ride an attraction past the official park closing time.
• Many stores remain open after rides close, so you can do your souvenir shopping before leaving the park.
• Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels get a 30-minute jump start on their day with early theme park entry . The perk is available at all 4 Disney World theme parks.
• Magic Kingdom is usually less crowded midweek, especially the day after MG has late-night Magic Hours.
• The Kiss Goodnight performance at Magic Kingdom usually starts 30 minutes after the park closes, so staying around for this is a good opportunity to avoid the crowds leaving at official park closing times.
• When leaving Magic Kingdom by monorail, take the Resort Monorail. The Express Monorail usually has long lines, while the Resort Monorail does not.
• If you are leaving Main Street USA (Magic Kingdom) after the fireworks show, walk through the souvenir shops. They are all interconnected, and not many people use this route (less crowded). There are also walkways behind the shops that are usually opened up around park closing time. They can also be a quicker path to the exits.
• If you plan on traveling to Disney on a weekend, schedule your check-in on a Friday, if possible. Most people check in on Saturdays, so you will avoid the check-in crowds and have less competition for dinner reservations on a Friday.

Money – Disney World Tips and Tricks

There are endless ways to have fun at Disney World . There are also endless ways to spend money! Here are a few Disney World tips and tricks that can save you some cash.

• Many off-site hotels participate in discounted rates for AAA members. Joining AAA is inexpensive, so you may end up saving more in discounts than it costs you to join.
• Airline prices vary from airport to airport. Check prices at nearby airports and consider driving further if the savings are worth your extra effort.
• Purchasing items like ponchos, reusable water bottles, glow sticks, Disney luggage, and souvenirs before you head to Disney World will save you money and time. Items are often not cheap at Disney, so arriving prepared can save you cash. (see our Disney World Packing List and Disney World Souvenirs pages for our suggestions)
• Buy Disney Gift Cards – free of charge – at DisneyGiftCard.com , or get discounted Disney Gift cards at Sam’s Club, BJ’s, and Target (using Target Red Card).
• Purchase Disney gift cards at local grocery stores that offer fuel points.  Use these gift cards to pay down your Disney trip and save on gasoline.
• The Free Disney Dining Plan is not exactly “free.” Some dining plans are better suited to certain guests. Paying for your meals with a room-only discount may end up being less expensive, depending on your situation.
• Disney Dining Plan members can order tap water during a meal and ask for their free drink to-go (bottled water or soda).
• For restaurants with free drink refill stations, head to Be Our Guest Restaurant and Tortuga Tavern in the Magic Kingdom, Electric Umbrella and Sunshine Seasons at Epcot, Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios, and Restaurantosaurus in Animal Kingdom.
• All Disney parks allow you to get free water at counter service restaurants.
• Strollers are more expensive to rent inside Disney parks than at local Orlando companies. Local companies also offer better quality strollers, plus you can use them on the way back to your car or the monorail. See our Strollers at Disney World article for some suggestions.
• Adults with small appetites: don’t be afraid to order from the kid’s menu. It’s perfectly acceptable and it will save you money.
• Disney World Annual Passes are cost-effective only if you visit WDW roughly 11-12 or more days per year.
• Check your receipts for coupons. For example, Magic Kingdom Quick Service restaurant receipts often include a 10% off coupon for Disney Springs merchandise.
• Disney World resorts typically give their Guests a folder with BounceBack offers and promotions. Use these discounts when booking your next Disney trip.
• Uber is cheaper than using a local taxi service.
• Save money by staying at Disney Moderate Resorts when free dining is offered. You will pay the lowest rates for your stay. Visit during a less crowded time, and get free dining.
• Minimize costs by sharing Quick Service meals. You may also do this with your Disney Dining Plan Quick Service credits.
• Consider purchasing your theme park tickets well in advance of your trip. Since Disney raises admission prices once or twice yearly, purchasing your tickets months in advance can lock in the current prices.

Dining – Disney World Tips and Tricks

Disney offers amazing dining options. Here are a few Disney World tips and tricks for dining to help you capture that Disney dining magic.

• Advanced Disney Dining reservations begin 180 days in advance for all Disney Guests. Online booking begins at 6 am EST, while phone reservations start at 7 am EST. If you are booking online, we recommend setting up your My Disney Experience prior to the 6 am start time (to speed up the process). (See our Disney crowd calendar for specific times).
• Usually, only Guests who have purchased a hotel+ ticket package can add a Disney Dining Plan to a reservation. However, you may add the dining plan to a room-only reservation by calling Disney or booking through a travel agent.
• Most dining reservations may be canceled (without penalty) by midnight the night prior to your reservation.
• Large groups may have difficulty making dining reservations for their entire party. Try making separate dining reservations and ask to be seated together when you check in. There are no guarantees your entire group will be seated together, but Disney restaurants do their best to accommodate Guests.
• If you have trouble finding availability for Disney Springs restaurants, check OpenTable for additional reservation times, or call the restaurant directly.
• An 8:00 am or earlier breakfast reservation at Hollywood and Vine (in Hollywood Studios) can help you secure a good spot in line for Jedi Training Academy registration.
• Like karaoke? Head to Kimonos – at the Swan Hotel – for great drinks and fun karaoke.
• Check out the Enchanted Rose lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for adults seeking a great cocktail selection.
• For wonderful food and amazing views of marine life, book a reservation at Coral Reef in Epcot, and request to be seated near the aquarium tanks. To increase your chances of nabbing these prime seats, choose the earliest possible lunch or dinner reservation time, and show up early to make your request.

More Disney Tips

Here are some addition Disney World tips and tricks that you can implement on your trip.

• Guests staying at Disney resort hotels can make their first pay-per-ride Lightning Line Pass reservation starting at 7 AM on the day of their visit. Guests staying at a non-Disney property must wait until the park opens to make their reservation.
• Once you use your first reservation, you’ll be able to book your next selection. See our articles on the Lightning Lane Pass and the Disney Genie app  for more information.
• If you are traveling to Disney with other people, consider connecting as friends in the My Disney Experience app . This will allow you to make reservations at the same time.
• See our Disney Crowd Calendar and Best Time to Visit Disney World to help you decide when to visit.
• Purchasing a Park Hopper Ticket allows you to visit any and all of the four Disney theme parks on the same day.
• If you are staying at the Boardwalk/Epcot-area resorts (Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, Beach Club, Yacht Club), consider purchasing Park Hopper tickets. You can start your morning at one park, then spend your evenings at Epcot. You will experience great dining options and be a stone’s throw from your hotel when you are ready to call it a day.
• Walt Disney World now offers free wi-fi internet in its theme parks and resort hotels.
• One of the most important yet often overlooked Disney World tips and tricks. Wear comfortable shoes. Between walking to attractions and waiting in lines, you will be on your feet for most of the day. The average person walks 6 to 9 miles a day at Disney World.
• When you park your car, make a note of the location. It may be helpful to snap a photo of this location with your phone.
• Order bottled water, snacks, toiletries, etc. on Amazon.com, then have them shipped directly to your hotel. This can save you money and time spent shopping during your Disney vacation. Plus, you won’t have to pack these items in your luggage. Be aware that Disney charges a $5 delivery fee per package. See our Groceries at Disney World page for more options.
• Instead of standing in lines to meet characters inside the park , consider meeting them at character meals.
• If you stay at an on-site Disney World resort and want to rent a car (to get to Universal, a beach, or elsewhere else), you have a couple of options. Alamo and National both have on-site offices at the Disney World Car Center. Call 407-824-3470, and a shuttle will pick you up and take you to your rental car.
• If your child isn’t tall enough to go on a particular ride, use the “ Child Swap/Rider Switch ” program.
• If you are using a stroller, tie a ribbon (or another identification marker) to the handle. This way, you can easily identify your stroller.
• Ask a PhotoPass Cast Member to take photos of you with your own camera. It’s free, and they are happy to oblige.
• Arriving before the hotel check-in time? No problem. Bell Services at Disney hotels will store your luggage until it is time to check in later that day or evening. That means you can head off to the park, and your luggage is kept safe.
• Flip flops and sandals aren’t ideal for walking long distances, but they are great for rainy weather . Consider packing a pair in your daypack in case it rains.
• Ziploc bags come in handy for many different reasons. They keep your items separated and organized. Place snacks, toiletries, and wet/dirty clothes in Ziploc bags so they don’t ruin your other items.
• Keep an external phone charger in your daypack. You will likely use your cell phone throughout the day, so having a charger handy will prevent cell phone frustrations later in the afternoon. (see our Disney World Packing List page for our external charger suggestion)
• If you are staying on-site, purchase a souvenir, and don’t want to carry it around with you all day, use the Disney package delivery service. Your package will be delivered directly to your hotel room.
• Orlando gets very warm at certain times of the year. If you aren’t accustomed to the heat, be sure you pack accordingly. Misting fans and Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads can provide some relief. (see the MagicGuides Disney World Packing List page for Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads)
• Consider using Disney Gift Cards for convenience’s sake. They can be used to purchase just about anything at Disney World, and function just like cash. Disney World Tips and Tricks advice: see our Disney Gift Card Discounts  page for ways to save.
• Looking for a good place to watch the fireworks? Stand near people with cameras on tripods. They usually have a good view scouted out.
• The Ticket & Transportation Center (to the right of the ferry launch) is a great spot to watch Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from outside of the park. Also, consider going to the Beaches at the Polynesian (easily accessible by monorail).
• We think some rides are more fun at night, including Expedition Everest and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
• Head to the second-story balcony at Pinocchio Village Haus for relaxation and fabulous views of Fantasyland.
• We recommend spending half of the day at one park and then heading over to Epcot in the evening to dine and peruse the different countries.
• If motion sickness is a concern, look straight ahead on Mission: Space at Epcot. Also, the Green line is much less intense. If you have any concerns with motion sickness, it’s best to avoid the Orange line.
• Head to the Castle Couture shops (behind Cinderella Castle) for staged princess pictures. Although most visitors enter from the Bibibidi Bobbidi Boutique, anyone can walk into Castle Couture and have their princess pictures taken. A PhotoPass photographer is on-hand.
• Some shows – like The Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom – are best viewed sitting up-front. However, other shows often have better views from the back of the room. The Nemo show generally has better views from the middle.
• Epcot’s Club Cool offers free samples of eight flavored Coca-Cola products from around the globe.
• We think Sunshine Seasons in Future World is the best counter service restaurant at Epcot.
• Visit one of Disney’s Character Warehouse outlets to purchase discontinued and discounted Disney merchandise. Locations are on Vineland Ave. and International Drive.
• If you like chewing gum, bring your own. Disney does not sell gum at any of its properties.
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime parade is best viewed from Main Street USA. Expect to see “snow” fall during the parade. This makes for a truly spectacular and festive scene!
• If you want to see Turtle Talk with Crush without going on the Nemo & Friends dark ride, enter The Seas pavilion via the gift shop.
• For a low-key attraction with minimal lines, head to The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.

We hope that you found some useful Disney World tips and tricks on our list. For more helpful Magic Guides articles, see our  Disney Dining Plan Calculator , Disney Transportation Map , and Disney Travel Planners pages.

If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, contact our friends at   The Vacationeer . Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge!   Click  HERE  for a free, no-obligation price quote .

Thank you for reading our page, and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World vacation!

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2024 Disney World Planning Guide

Our Walt Disney World vacation planning guide offers tips & tricks for 2024 on how to avoid crowds, save money & time, with info on Genie+ & Lightning Lanes, best rides, restaurant reviews, and itineraries for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios. (Updated February 1, 2024. )

The latest update comes as Walt Disney World is in the midst of more changes to restore normalcy, making the guest experience closer to what it was like in ~2019. With this, theme park reservations have mostly been eliminated, return of the Disney Dining Plan , and resumption of unlimited all-day Park Hopping . Next up is pre-arrival Lightning Lane ride reservations , a system that should closely resemble FastPass+ (but paid).

Beyond the rolling back of temporary changes implemented during the phased reopening and pent-up demand period, a ton is happening and changing at Walt Disney World. There are new attractions, nighttime spectaculars, and other additions on the horizon. We visit the parks regularly, reporting on everything as it happens–if you want to receive updates when discounts are released, new things are announced, etc., sign up to receive our FREE Walt Disney World Email Newsletter .

There are a few important things you need to know if you’re visiting Walt Disney World soon. First, the big new ride is TRON Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom. This attraction is very popular and can be difficult to experience due to not having a standby line. Improve your chances for success in scoring virtual queue spots by reading our TRON Lightcycle Run Virtual Queue Strategy Guide & FAQ .

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, which was the previous big addition, also does not have a standby line. At least, for now. Walt Disney World has been setting up overflow queue and seems poised to ditch the virtual queue for that once the off-season rolls around.

Second, there’s the paid Genie+ service that offers Lightning Lane line skipping service (free FastPass+ was retired a few years ago). This can be purchased in the My Disney Experience app for variable, date-based prices that now differ for each park (Magic Kingdom and Park Hopping are most expensive, costing up to $39 per person, per day plus tax).

Genie can be confusing, but we’ve used and tested Genie+ and Lightning Lanes a ton . Everything you NEED to know, including ride priorities, where it’s NOT necessary to buy Genie+ or Lightning Lanes, and much more is covered in our Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World .

If you’re looking for ways to avoid waiting in long lines  without spending extra on Lightning Lanes, see our Best Time-Saving Strategies for Walt Disney World , which covers the best & worst ways to do that in each park–and is accurate for the entirety of 2024. That’s the result of extensive testing, and the optimal methods for outsmarting the crowds aren’t always intuitive. For 3 of the 4 parks, you’re better off using a ‘free’ strategy rather than paying extra for Genie+ and Lightning Lanes!

Winter is also typically ‘refurbishment season’ at Walt Disney World. For a look at what’ll be temporarily unavailable during your trip, see the 2024 Walt Disney World Refurbishment & Closure Calendar , which we update regularly with return and downtime dates. There are some big closures right now, including Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

The other big closure is Splash Mountain, which permanently closed about a year ago. The good news is that this is also for 2024’s big new attraction: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure . That’s currently scheduled to open sometime this year–the timeline could move forward to Summer 2024…or be delayed until early 2025!

Then there’s the colossal EPCOT overhaul, which is now mostly finished now that new Luminous: The Symphony of Us nighttime spectacular and World Celebration Gardens have debuted. The only thing left is the CommuniCore Hall event space, which will likely debut before Summer 2024.

There’s a lot more on the horizon than just those things–here’s everything exciting being built: What’s New & Coming to Walt Disney World in 2024 & Beyond .

With those updates out of the way, let’s tell you about ourselves and why this guide is useful to your trip planning. We are obviously big Disney fans, but with this guide, we share our objective and unbiased tips. This covers the good and the bad, and the hard realities of planning Walt Disney World trip. We don’t sugarcoat everything or feel the need to put a positive spin on things. A lot about Disney is great, but that’s plenty that’s overpriced and not-so-great. If blunt, honest advice is not for you, there are many other sites that are all-positive.

With hundreds of trips dating back to the 1980s when we were kids, we’ve learned a lot about all things Disney. That now comes full circle as we start taking our daughter to Walt Disney World! We visit every month to see what has changed, taste-test new menu items, analyze crowds, offer recommendations for things you should do on vacation, share updates on construction, and much more.

This guide distills the key things we know about Walt Disney World into something easy to absorb and less overwhelming. Think of this planning guide as WDW101, with everything organized into the most important aspects of planning. The reality is that Walt Disney World is one of the most complicated vacation destinations on earth, and having a smooth and good trip requires doing your homework. With that said, we promise that taking the time to learn about Walt Disney World will be worth it, so let’s get started…

1A. Best Times to Visit for Avoiding Crowds

“When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?”  This is often the first question readers ask, and it’s not an easy one to answer because it’s subjective. What makes an experience the “best” differs from person to person. With that said, in helping first-timers plan over the course of the last decade-plus, there are usually three distinct components to this:  crowds, cost & fun.

The first two variables are the overriding factors and, thankfully, those are objective. If you’re primarily concerned with avoiding long lines and high wait times, consult our 2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars . That takes into account Orlando area school schedules, conventions, youth sporting events, park hours, special events, and more to provide you with specific dates that are the least and most crowded.

While that’s all about crowds (and can be overwhelming), we also have something more holistic: our list of the  10 Best and 10 Worst Weeks to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024 & 2025 . As the title suggests, that identifies the ‘red flag’ dates to avoid, as well as the ideal times to visit. It’s really more than just 10 weeks, as a number of the good and bad windows are far longer than a single week.

For example, pretty much the entirety of August and September are great from a crowds perspective, but we zero in on a single week that’s the best-balanced (from our perspective) as it combines low crowds, seasonal events, weather, and other factors. Same idea for a number of other dates throughout the year.

Rather than our objective crowd calendars, those are our subjective picks for when to visit. In addition to wait times, those rankings take other things into account: seasonal offerings like Christmas & Halloween, weather, new attractions, and more. If you find the crowd calendars intimidating, go with the Best & Worst Months post instead.

The good news is that, as a general rule, lower prices and crowds coincide with one another. Meaning that if you book your trip around the cheapest dates, you’re more likely to also have lower crowds. Prices are higher and discounts are weaker when crowds are higher, meaning you get hit with a double-whammy if visiting during these times of the year. (Spoiler: the highest prices and crowds both occur when school is out of session.)

1B. Best Times to Visit for Saving Money

The second component is cost. This one is especially significant now, as prices are up across the board. If you’re a first time visitor or it’s been a few years since your last trip, you might be in store for sticker shock. We take a look at this topic in How Much Does a Walt Disney World Vacation Cost? with sample pricing for multiple ‘trip tiers,’ from budget to luxury.

However, it’s not as straightforward as that. Some people don’t realize it, but prices vary significantly based upon when you’re visiting. If you visit for New Year’s Eve, you could end up spending close to double what it costs to visit a few months earlier, in September. Cutting to the chase, here are the Cheapest Times to Go to Walt Disney World .

The good news is that there’s considerable overlap between the cheapest times to visit and the least-crowded times. Visiting during the least-expensive and least-crowded times is entirely possible, and those goals align pretty well. Conversely, the most expensive times are usually also the most expensive.

Intuitively, this should make sense. When demand is highest, prices are highest. Like most other businesses, Walt Disney World charges what the market will bear, raising prices when able and discounting in order to incentivize visits when attendance and hotel occupancy are lower.

To that point, the other good news is that deals are starting to return to Walt Disney World after a couple years of very strong pent-up demand! See All Current Walt Disney World Discounts   for a full rundown of special offers through Spring 2024. There are a TON of discounts available right now, some of which offer up to 40% off hotels!

If you want to save even more money and do WDW as cheaply as possible, we have the 14 Best Tips to Save Money at Walt Disney World in 2024 . Those tips cover a lot of excellent ideas, such as buying discount Disney gift cards or having Groceries Delivered to Your Walt Disney World Hotel Room .

Those are just a handful of ways to save a ton of money on a trip to WDW! It also covers several options for the biggest expense of your trip–lodging. Among other things, you can stay at Walt Disney World’s best resorts for a fraction of full price by renting DVC points .

The idea behind all of these money-saving tips is not cutting corners and compromising on the quality of your vacation. To the contrary, we aim to “cut the fat” from your budget and recommend ways to save while also improving efficiency. Taking grocery delivery as an example–we do not recommend cooking dinner in your room or packing picnic lunches. Instead, we advice ordering nutritious breakfasts (the weakest meal at Walt Disney World restaurants) to have quickly have in your room or on-the-go each morning to save money and time .

1C. Best Times to Visit for Having Fun

Now we’re getting into the much more subjective area of determining when to visit. What makes a time of year more or less fun? Will you enjoy the parks more or less during certain timeframes? That’s really difficult to say. As a general matter, our mantra is this: “A rainy day at Walt Disney World is better than a sunny day at home.”

This is to say that you can have a great Walt Disney World vacation no matter what time of year you visit. The smile and laughter of your child hugging Mickey Mouse for the first time; the delicious taste of a Dole Whip or Citrus Swirl; the sight and sound of fireworks exploding over Cinderella Castle at the end of a long and satisfying day at Magic Kingdom. Absolutely none of that is seasonal. Those joys are possible 365 days of the year at Walt Disney World, and your trip will be made up of moments big and small exactly like those that happen daily.

However, it’s also fair to say that a sunny day is better than a rainy day at Walt Disney World. Most people probably are more comfortable during mild and temperate days than oppressive heat and humidity. Seasonal events can likewise add a lot to the baseline experience, taking a trip from “memorably magical” to “magnificently magical” on our  highly scientific scale of magicalness.

Hopefully you get the point here–that every day at Walt Disney World has the potential to be great, but also, that greatness has its own sliding scale, with weather, seasonal enhancements, and more cranking things up to the next level of magicalness.

The holiday season is our favorite time at Walt Disney World. It’s not even a close call. If we could only visit Walt Disney World one month of the year for the rest of our lives, we’d pick November or December. (Super-specifically, we’d pick the week after Thanksgiving that straddles the two months– that’s our favorite week to go! ) If you’re thinking of a holiday vacation, we’d implore you to start by reading our Ultimate Guide to Christmas at Walt Disney World .

Every park, resort, and Disney Springs gets into the spirit of the season. The last few holiday seasons have been scaled back, first as the parks reopened and then for the 50th Anniversary. With that now over, things are almost 100% normal for Christmas, minus the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights.

Last Christmas, there were two hard ticket events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) at Magic Kingdom and the brand-new Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. MVMCP will definitely be back for Christmas 2024, but it remains to be seen whether Jollywood Nights–which received a mixed reception in its inaugural year–comes back for a second season.

There are other seasonal events throughout the year, starting with the EPCOT Festival of the Arts in January and February. Following that is the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival from March through late May. Notably, Flower & Garden Festival has been shortened by over a month for 2024. Our expectation is that Food & Wine Festival also starts later and EPCOT debuts a new summer festival–but that’s just a guess!

It’s also possible that Magic Kingdom will once again do a special event in Summer 2024. In fact, we’d expect this to occur, with new entertainment debuting and smaller scale additions. Walt Disney World’s big new attraction (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) won’t be ready in time for Memorial Day, so they’ll need something else to market in the first half of 2024.

Even if a summer-time event doesn’t happen, Pride is celebrated in June, and there are other smaller-scale events spread across the calendar. After Hours parties will once again occur in Summer 2024, too.

The special events kick into high gear in August, which will kick off the 5-month long ‘party season’ at Magic Kingdom. That starts with Halloween time in Magic Kingdom, from August through the 1st of November. Our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide offers info & tips for Magic Kingdom’s fan-favorite Halloween-themed event.

While it has nothing to do with Halloween, another staple of fall is EPCOT’s annual culinary event. Read our Guide to the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival to prepare for that park’s colossal culinary celebration. This just scratches the surface. You can see everything that happens throughout the year in our Calendar of Seasonal Events at Walt Disney World .

2. How Long to Visit

How long you should stay at Walt Disney World depends largely upon the type of trip it is. If you’re not much of a Disney fan but are taking your kids on a “once in a lifetime” rite of passage trip, we recommend a Walt Disney World vacation of at least 6 or 7 days. The exact length will still vary a bit depending upon how much vacation time you have and if you plan on visiting non-Disney theme parks or destinations.

In addition to visiting Disney’s theme parks, you’ll also probably want to build a day into your itinerary for relaxation, and this is good to plug into the middle of your trip so you don’t get worn out by the theme parks. The other consideration for planning trips to Walt Disney World might be how much time to spend doing other things.

You might want to do Orlando-area theme parks like Universal, SeaWorld, or Busch Gardens. We recommend at least a couple of days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Use our Universal Orlando Resort Trip Planning Guide for strategy. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is absolutely mind-blowing, even if you’re not a fan of the books. The new Jurassic World VelociCoaster is the best roller coaster in all of Orlando–and that’s just one of several excellent recent additions.

We also have a post titled Walt Disney World vs. Universal Orlando that covers a lot of the pros and cons of visiting Universal. If you want to broaden your horizons and do something beyond Central Florida’s world-class theme parks, check out our 50 Things to Do in Orlando, Florida (Outside Disney’s Parks) . That covers beaches, manatee-watching, outlet malls, and much more.

3. Booking Vacation Packages

Vacations booked via DisneyWorld.com cover some combination of hotel, park tickets, and dining. Sometimes these packages offer excellent savings off rack rates, sometimes they’re merely full price elements of the trip bundled together. If you’re looking further into the future, 2024 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages are now available! (For those already wanting to plan 2025 WDW vacations, you’ll need to wait until late June or early July 2024, unfortunately.)

If you’re already overwhelmed, you might want to consider using a travel agent. If you go this route, look for one who primarily or exclusively does Disney-related bookings. As you can probably gather already, planning a Walt Disney World vacation is incredibly complex. If a travel agent doesn’t specialize in Disney, they probably won’t know the many nuances of Walt Disney World vacations. (For this reason, we don’t recommend AAA or Costco, even though some of their agents have Disney knowledge.)

Most travel agents specializing in Disney are “no fee” agencies, meaning that it costs you no more to book through them than it does to book through Disney (they get commission from Disney). If you are unsure of which package might be best for you–or need personalized help with any aspect of your trip–we recommend contacting a no fee “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” ( here’s why we recommend one ) to get a quote and to help you plan. Request a quote from our recommended Authorized Disney Vacation Planner here .

4. Park Tickets

If you opt to book things yourself and without a vacation package, we recommend buying your tickets from an authorized third party ticket seller to save money. Read our Tips for Buying Discount Walt Disney World Tickets post for everything you need to know about choosing the right tickets and saving money on them.

Normally, prices increase in February and/or October. They increased twice two years ago, with the second occurring later than usual in December. Last year, the only admission costs that increased were on Annual Passes, which raises a question about whether tickets will increase again in December, or if Walt Disney World is waiting until February 2024. Either way, it’s not a bad idea to buy now to lock-in current prices no matter when you’re visiting between now and December 31, 2024.

If all you want to know is where to safely buy the cheapest, legitimate Walt Disney World multi-day tickets from an authorized reseller click here to buy via Get Away Today , our recommended & Disney-authorized ticket seller.

Disney’s mantra is “the longer you play, the less you pay per day.” It’s corny but true. Single-day Walt Disney World tickets are expensive , but multi-day tickets are much cheaper per day. The cost of additional days on a ticket substantially decreases with each day you add after 3 days. In other words, longer trips are not proportionately more expensive than shorter ones.

This is just one of the many tips we cover in our post about saving money on Walt Disney World park tickets . Whatever you do, don’t wait to buy your tickets at the front gates of the parks or on eBay…they won’t work!

5. Where to Stay

One of the very best posts on this blog is our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page . We have stayed at every Disney hotel, plus many off-site ones. That page offers links to each of our hotel reviews, room photos, thoughts on the amenities, pros & cons, and more.

When deciding whether to pay the premium prices that Disney-owned hotels charge, one important consideration for many will be on-site perks. Unfortunately, there aren’t many anymore–basically just some extended hours (see our Guide to Early Entry at Walt Disney World ), location, theme, and more convenient transportation. Since reopening, many benefits have been eliminated–either permanently or temporarily. Read about this in Is Walt Disney World’s On-Site Advantage Disappearing or Reappearing ?

When pricing out Walt Disney World hotels, you’re bound to have some sticker shock. Prices have gone up considerably in the last few years, and discounts are not nearly as abundant as they once were. If your budget is tight but you still want on-site luxury, consider getting a quote from Disney Vacation Club point rental company ( click here to book with the cheapest point DVC rental company ).

For more info about renting points, you might want to read our Guide to Renting Disney Vacation Club Points article. This is a great way to save money on nicer accommodations than you otherwise might be able to afford.

If you’re going to stay on-site at Walt Disney World, the three main tiers are Value, Moderate, and Deluxe, which are exactly what their names sound like they are. There’s also a Deluxe Villa tier, which is basically Disney-speak for “timeshare room.” Looking for the best hotel in each tier? Check out the following posts ranking the various Disney hotels:

• Value Resort Hotel Rankings
• Moderate Resort Hotel Rankings
• Deluxe Resort Hotel Rankings
• Deluxe Villa (Disney Vacation Club) Resort Rankings

Debating whether to stay off-site to save money or on-site at Walt Disney World for convenience and to be immersed in the magic? We have an Off-Site vs. On-Site Walt Disney World Hotels article that goes into great depth about the pros and cons of both options.

If you’re also visiting other theme parks in Central Florida, one alternative is to stay off-site. Our Universal Orlando Hotel Rankings & Reviews covers the pros & cons of those resorts, many of which we love for their locations, theme, on-site perks, and value for money. Additionally, refer to Universal Orlando v. Walt Disney World Resorts for a comparison between Disney’s and Universal’s hotels to see what each does better.

6. What to Pack

It might sound hard to believe, but packing for Walt Disney World offers ways to save money and improve your experience. There are some wrinkles to Walt Disney World that make packing a bit different, and by bringing certain “clever” (we think) items in your luggage, you will improve your experience. We go over the best stuff in our Walt Disney World Unique Packing List .

Two of our favorite examples from that list are Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads and this Compact External Charger . Seriously, you’ll wonder how you ever travelled without these (and many other) items on our list!

One of the most important things to pack for Walt Disney World is comfortable shoes. This can trip people up, as you probably walk  far, far less at home than you will at Walt Disney World. Suffice to say, what’s best for logging tens of thousands of steps could differ from your day-to-day footwear. See our picks for the Best Shoes to Wear at Walt Disney World for guidance–and be sure to plan ahead, breaking in your shoes before your trip!

Comfort is also key when planning your clothes for Walt Disney World–and weather can make that challenging. If you’re going in the colder months, check out our Packing for Disney in Winter post. For summer months, read Tips for Beating the Summer Heat at Disney .

7. Itineraries & Attraction Advice

Having an itinerary is a big deal, even for some frequent Walt Disney World guests. Some visitors create binders, spreadsheets, and schedule every step of their day. People get serious and obsessive about this. We are not those people. Planning is important, but going to those lengths is unnecessarily stressful and creates unrealistic and rigid plans. The best laid plans often go awry, and when that inevitably happens, it can be disappointing if you’ve over-planned.

With that said, we also recommend first-time visitors do not “wing it” for your daily itinerary . You don’t need to plan every movement so that there’s no spontaneity in your trip, just make sure you have at least a loose plan of what you’re going to do. As with most things in life, balance and moderation are key.

We have the following flexible step by step plans for each park that cover our perfect days using standby-only:

• 1-Day Magic Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 2-Day Magic Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Epcot Itinerary Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Animal Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Hollywood Studios Park Itinerary

For step-by-step single day itinerary using Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, see these itineraries:

• 1-Day at Magic Kingdom with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
• 1-Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
• 1-Day at Epcot with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
• 1-Day at Animal Kingdom with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes

Additionally, we have itineraries for Universal Orlando offering the same type of step by step advice:

• 1-Day Universal Studios Florida Itinerary
• 1-Day Islands of Adventure Itinerary
• 1-Day Universal Park Hopping Itinerary ( both Islands of Adventure & Universal Studios Florida )

If you’d prefer to create your own itinerary, we recommend reading our Disney Parks Ride Guides and getting a rough idea of which attractions you want to do:

• Magic Kingdom Park & Attraction Guide
• Epcot Park & Attraction Guide
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park & Attraction Guide
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park & Attraction Guide

We also have guides for the Walt Disney World water parks and Disney Springs:

• Blizzard Beach Water Park Guide
• Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Guide
• Disney Springs Shopping & Entertainment District Guide

With that said, we’d strongly recommend using our pre-made Walt Disney World Park Itineraries . Those step by step guides are maximized for efficiency, and will save far more time than ones you put together yourself, or just winging it. These are good, flexible itineraries that offers attractions, dining, and other things to enjoy without going crazy with mapping out every bathroom stop of your day.

Those with small children should also know that some Walt Disney World rides have height restrictions, requiring kids be a certain number of inches tall (usually 38 to 44″) in order to experience. Measuring sticks are outside attractions with a requirement, and kids who do not meet the minimum height are not allowed to enter the line. There are no age requirements for any attractions. See  Height Requirements at Walt Disney World for a comprehensive list, updated with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Attractions that have height requirements also offer Rider Switch (also known as child swap, baby switch, rider swap, or parent swap). This is Walt Disney World’s system that allows parents with small children to take turns experiencing thrill rides and other attractions with height requirements via Lightning Lanes. See our  Guide to Rider Switch at Walt Disney World   for everything you need to know about this service. If eligible, it can save you a ton of time.

8. Where to Eat

A lot of the posts on this blog detail dining at Walt Disney World, which is a surprisingly complex (and fun!) topic. The most important thing for first-timers to know is that the tired stereotype that Disney dining is all burgers, hot dogs, and other fast food is not even remotely true. Disney has a lot of wonderful dining options that can be an experience in themselves.

To figure out where to eat, consult our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews page. That page has reviews of 75+ restaurants at Walt Disney World, plus other resources like our Magic Kingdom Counter Service Restaurant Rankings , and lots of other specific topics. Another great post with random quick-tips is our 101 Walt Disney World Dining Tips post.

Good dining experiences can make a trip, so if you only read more on one topic in this guide, make it dining. We know a number of people who have had their opinions of Walt Disney World changed for the better simply because they “discovered” the right places to eat.

If you’re starting the planning process far in advance, you might want to subscribe to our free newsletter for updates . We also provide subscribers with news from the parks, and have given a heads up on Free Dining and ticket price increases before they have been officially announced. This makes the newsletter especially handy for scoring discounts and being in the know as to what’s going on before your trip.

It’s also worth noting that if you’re trying to do “Disney on a Dime,” one of the easiest ways to save money is to not eat at Walt Disney World restaurants. Dining at Disney is expensive, and unlike park tickets, it’s not mandatory . You can save a lot of money by eating off-site, or better yet, getting groceries and preparing your own meals. We have a comprehensive Tips for Buying Groceries at Walt Disney World post that covers grocery delivery, local stores, and much more.

Even if you don’t want to make your own meals, grocery delivery is great for getting fruit and other small grab and go snacks, both of which are really over-priced at Walt Disney World. It’s also excellent for beer–for less than the cost of a single beer in the parks, you can have a 6-pack delivered to your hotel room!

9. Transportation

Walt Disney World transportation can be hit or miss, and can take a lot of time. For the most efficient transit options, read our Time-Saving Walt Disney World Transportation Tips post. This covers shortcuts, when to use buses v. monorail v. boats v. your feet, and more!

One of the other big considerations is whether you want to stay at a Walt Disney World hotel that offers a unique form of transportation, such as the monorails to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, or the boats, walking paths, or Skyliner to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. These can be a huge time-saver.

Disney’s Magical Express has now ended, and following a merger of two competitors, it’s indirect replacement is essentially Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. This does cost money, but otherwise it’s roughly analogous to Disney’s Magical Express–it’s even operated by the same vendor that ran Disney’s Magical Express (same buses and everything, just no Disney branding!). For a broad overview of alternatives, see our Airport Transportation Guide to Walt Disney World .

An alternative to a rental car is Lyft (or the Minnie Van service powered by Lyft) or Uber. For the basics on using these ride-sharing services, read our Tips for Using Lyft or Uber at Walt Disney World post. This post also shares the easiest way to get to Universal Orlando Resort (in case you want to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, too)

10. What Else to Do

Your imagination is really the limit here. Most first-time visitors only know about the theme parks, Disney Springs, and the water parks. That’s just the surface of what Walt Disney World has to offer. There are tours, golf, fishing, nightlife, shopping, fireworks cruises, babysitting, spas, and much more. An exhaustive list would ultimately be longer than the rest of this already long blog post!

Most of our favorite things are couples or adult-oriented, which you can read about on our Walt Disney World for Adults page . Honeymooners (aka “Disneymooners”) should read our Walt Disney World Honeymoon Tips article. Here are some other posts that cover “other stuff” at Walt Disney World, and other ways to improve your vacation, that don’t really fit the categories above:

• Free Things to Do at Walt Disney World
• Best Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing Spots
• Best Harmonious at Epcot Fireworks Viewing Spots
• Tips for Celebrating at Walt Disney World
• First-Timer Tips for Walt Disney World

If all of this is really overwhelming, we (again) recommend contacting an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and letting them do the work for you. This is Disney’s term for their affiliated travel agents, and the huge upside to them is that they don’t charge for their services–Disney pays them directly at no cost to you! Click here to get a vacation quote from our recommended no fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner .

Remember, what’s in this post is just a starting point. To recap, you’ll also want to read our When to Visit Walt Disney World post for the best time of year to plan your trip. If saving money is important, read Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post to buy the cheapest tickets from legitimate sources. To figure out where to stay, our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page is a great resource. Want to know where to eat or if the Disney Dining Plan is right for you? Our Walt Disney World Dining Resources will help!

These are just a few of many posts mentioned in this article that will provide the foundation for your planning…but these 4 other posts are probably the most important of the bunch! If you enjoyed this Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide, please help us out by sharing it with your friends via social media. We put a lot of ongoing work into this, and hope it’s as helpful as possible to as many trip planners as possible. Thank you so much for your support–we really appreciate it!

Your Thoughts

Are you visiting Walt Disney World in 2024? If you are a Walt Disney World veteran, what tips would you add to this? If you’re a first-timer, is there anything else you’d like to know? Are you excited to experience the parks for Disney’s 100th Anniversary, or will you wait until Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens or more on-site perks are restored? We love hearing from readers, whether it be questions from newbies or tips from seasoned Disney pros with tips of their own to add!

Written by Tom Bricker

I will l spend my first full day at Disney World on a Sunday should I go to the magic kingdom, Epcot or Hollywood studios first to avoid crowds? Going the first week of March.

Every traveler must read this crucial information before visiting Disney for tourism. I love the way you write for travelers this is easy to understand and the information itself is quality content.

Hey Tom! Will you do an article on how to navigate busy times of year like spring break? We have historically been off season travelers to avoid crowds but older kids in school prevent us from being able to do so and I am a bit anxious about what to expect during spring break and how to best manage the crowds!

Hi Tom, my wife and I are planning a trip to Disney World after Thanksgiving to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. We have never been to Disney World and want to make the most of our time (and money). We are really good at Genie+(Disneyland) and are willing to arrive for rope drop and stay until the parks close.

Which of the following 2 options would you recommend? 1. A 4-Day Park Hopper and do MK on a MVMCP day and park hop to HS. On another day, do a half day at HS and park hop to MK to enjoy the evening with fireworks and the “Frozen” Castle Experience 2. A 3-Day Base Ticket and 1-Party Night Ticket (Jollywood Nights or MVMCP)

Hi Tom. Myself and my family spent 2 weeks in Orlando middle of August, including 5 days at WDW and we would like to thank you very much for all the advice you give. I read all of your blogs and the advice/information was so valuable to help us to get the best out of our holiday (we are from UK so we can’t visit as often as we would like!). Using Early Entry, Extended Evening Hours and very quick fingers on the Virtual Queues, we were able to do everything we wanted to do and much more!! The only thing that went wrong was when after doing Early Entry at MK we took the monorail back to our hotel (Yacht Club) via Epcot forgetting that we would technically be park-hopping so are restricted by the 14:00 rule. We arrived to EPCOT just after 13:00 so had to wait a bit. It was only a minor issue but thought I would mention as reminder to anyone else. We also learnt through this incident that although Park Hopping is officially allowed from 14:00, you can tap through from 13:45. Again, might be useful for others… We are already starting to plan our next trip and I continue to read your blogs every day! Thanks again and hope everything goes well with the baby!

Hi Tom! Do you have any articles or good tips for room requests (timing, method, hotel cast member insight, etc)? I would really appreciate it! I am a bit of a Disney veteran, but the art of the room request has eluded me (for example, old online articles suggest faxing things – that can’t possibly still be applicable, right??) – and if I ever post any questions on Facebook groups, the comment section eventually spirals into negativity and chaos. Thanks!

Hi! Thank you for everything you do, it is such a huge help when planning a Disney world trip when I’m used to just going to Disneyland. Do you have any tips on booking flights? Such as when is the best time to book, how far in advance and recommendations on which website to book through?

This information is crucial for every traveler. It is common to encounter health issues during our journeys, which is why this comprehensive guidance blog is essential for everyone. I greatly appreciate your kind words about the post, and I’m glad that the information shared in the article has proven helpful to you. bali tours

Hi Tom! Any tips for doing the Parks in the rain? We’ve been waiting months and see there maybe showers when we’re there next week. Thanks

Tom, My family and I planned for a 2-day Epcot experience in June. I am using your itineraries for the other parks and I thought I’d ask if you have a 2-day for Epcot?

Just amazing help for us in planning our vacation – thanks, Tom!

This is in dire need of updating. Rock n Roller Coaster is down, Toyland is open and fabulous, we did Lightning Lane at Rise of the Resistance. And more.

Have you heard anything about package service returning? It seems advantageous for Disney. I wouldn’t buy a large collectible if I have to carry it around all day. Having it sent to my hotel would’ve been nice.

I have not heard anything about that specifically, but I have recently been hearing about very big, very comprehensive announcement plans to coincide with 2024 Walt Disney World vacation packages. Normally, that news would be released in June or July, but I suspect it might be coming earlier this year.

Again, no clue if resort package delivery is among the changes (it was not one of the things mentioned to me), but it very well could be given the potential scope and scale of the news.

Hey Tom! What do you know about Typhoon Lagoons re-opening for 2023? I was thinking about adding the water park option to my annual pass renewal but wasn’t sure it would be worth it if both aren’t open. Thanks!

I’m grateful you recommended we consider opting for a week-long Walt Disney World vacation if we want the kids to enjoy the experience and all the attractions available without wearing them out. I’m planning to take my kids to Disneyworld this spring, so I was wondering how I should plan the trip. I’ll keep your suggestion in mind while I look for a Disney VIP tour to book in advance soon.

Hello Tom, I tried to use the code DTB5 at get away today and it says code is invalid?? Do you have another code that can be used? Also I love Sarah’s Mickey Mouse purse, where did she buy it I have to get one!! Thanks Lori

The Get Away Today website tells me that the DTB5 discount code is invalid, so this article may need further updating (that or there is an error on their side – just thought you should know).

This article is awesome. It was wonderful and I really like it. Thanks for sharing this post.

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Tips for visiting Disney World in 2024: 19 ways to save money and have more fun

Editor's Note

Walt Disney World is one of the most magical vacation destinations on Earth. However, it can also be challenging, expensive, frustrating, scorchingly hot and the epicenter of meltdowns.

Which version of Disney World you get is largely in your own hands.

Luckily, there are easy, expert-tested tips for visiting Disney World. Use these tips to save money, have fun and ensure your trip is a magical success.

Use secret menus

In addition to their published menus, many of our favorite Disney World restaurants — including Nomad Lounge in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort , Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar at Disney Springs and Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in the Magic Kingdom — have off-menu "secret items." Other restaurants around Walt Disney World may even have additional off-menu items, too.

While you may assume you'll find the same sky-high prices for these items as the menu staples, that's not always the case. Sometimes, these secret menus can end up saving you some big bucks.

For example, you can get Ohana noodles from Disney's Polynesian Village Resort without paying the hefty prix fixe price of an Ohana dinner by ordering a bowl from Tambu Lounge next door. It's not on the menu, but you can ask for it.

Eat at lounges, not full-service restaurants

The secret to a pleasant Disney World trip is striking a balance between maximizing your park time and taking enough breaks to remember you're actually on vacation. A leisurely meal at Disney can be relaxing, but traditional table-service restaurants are often pricey.

Instead of choosing a traditional full-service eatery for every meal, go for a relaxed lunch or dinner at one of Disney World's many atmospheric lounges. You'll still have a table and a server but can order from a menu of lighter bites and creative cocktails without spending too much on an expensive meal.

Related: Why Epcot is now Disney World's must-do park

For example, at Space 220 Restaurant in Epcot, the set lunch menu costs $55 for adults and $29 for children. However, you can still enjoy the space view in the lounge, which offers heavy appetizers ranging between $12 and $18.

Disney World's other best lounges include the previously mentioned Nomad Lounge at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney's Wilderness Lodge , Steakhouse 71 Lounge at Disney's Contemporary Resort and Sanaa Lounge at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village.

If you don't feel like sitting down in a restaurant or lounge after a long day at a park, ordering takeout meals from some of Disney World's most popular table-service restaurants is a great alternative dinner option. Just type "to go" into the search bar in the My Disney Experience app to see a list of restaurants where you can mobile-order a full meal. You can take your food back to your room or to the nightly outdoor movie at your Disney World hotel .

Create your own souvenirs

Recreation cast members at Disney World resorts run free daily activities, from poolside trivia to evening s'mores around the campfire to movies under the stars. They also offer paid activities that make fun do-it-yourself souvenirs, such as tie-dyed Mickey T-shirts.

At Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, for example, you can choose colored nuts and string to make your own kukui nut lei ($15 for kids and $20 for adults). Several Disney World resorts also have Community Halls where guests can watch movies, play games and make crafts — either for free or a small fee.

Snag hard-to-get dining reservations

Disney World dining reservations are available for booking 60 days in advance. However, guests staying on Disney World property with their booking linked in the My Disney Experience app can make reservations 60 days plus the length of their stay in advance. In other words, for a five-day stay, those guests can actually book some meals 65 days before their arrival.

Having this further-out booking window means you'll have a better chance of scoring the most desirable reservations, which sometimes get scooped up more than 60 days in advance.

Some of the hardest-to-snag reservations are for Cinderella's Royal Table, Space 220 Restaurant, Topolino's Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, Oga's Cantina, Ohana and the new Roundup Rodeo BBQ venue at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests have until two hours before their reservation time to cancel, so something may open up at the last minute if you keep checking.

If you want someone else to do the hard work for you, there are websites specifically designed to alert you when a hard-to-find reservation opens up. Disney planning site Touring Plans has a free alert service that will notify you via text or email when a reservation for your chosen date and time range becomes available.

Related: The best $120 I've spent at Disney this year got me into the Magic Kingdom's secret tunnels

Take advantage of free ice water

Bringing a refillable water bottle to the parks is never a bad idea. However, if you need some water on the go, ask for a free cup of ice water at any quick-service location serving fountain drinks.

Oftentimes, a Disney cast member will be stationed at the door checking for mobile order return notifications, so you can just let them know you'd like a cup of ice water. They'll direct you to a numbered pick-up counter to grab one.

Save money by choosing your dates carefully

Just like it costs more to fly or book a hotel during busy weekends and holidays, it also costs more to get entrance tickets to Disney World on those days.

Disney World ticket prices now vary by date and park. The Magic Kingdom is positioned as the priciest park, while Disney's Animal Kingdom is the least expensive. Single-day tickets start at $109 per person but go up to $189 each. This means a family of four could spend up to $320 more on daily tickets, depending on when they go and which parks they visit.

Related: These are the best times to visit Disney World

Additionally, the cost of the reduce-the-line pass, Disney Genie+ , varies by day. It costs more on busier days (and has even sold out on a few occasions ), so the price differences can add up if you want to go to Disney World on a peak date.

You no longer need a park reservation

As of Jan. 9, 2024, theme park reservations officially became a thing of the past for guests with date-based tickets. You will still purchase variably priced, date-based tickets for the days you plan to visit Disney World, but you will no longer be required to make a theme park reservation for the park you wish to visit on a given day.

Now, you can wake up and visit whichever park you'd like.

This change applies to most ticket types, with the exclusion of annual passes and certain promotional tickets. These guests must still make a theme park reservation to enter a Disney World park.

You no longer need to wait until 2 pm to park hop

If you have a ticket with the Park Hopper option or are an annual passholder, you no longer need to wait until 2 p.m. to visit a second (or third or fourth) park.

Before this change, you had to wait until 2 p.m. to visit a park other than the one you had made a theme park reservation for that day. Now, you can visit additional parks any time you like throughout the day, making the Park Hopper option more valuable than it used to be.

Opt for other payment options besides cash

An easy way to shave anywhere from 3% to 10% off the cost of your trip is to buy discounted Disney gift cards to use for everything — your Disney hotel or Disney Vacation Club dues, park tickets, merchandise and dining.

You can get them from Target (there's a 5% discount when using a Target RedCard ) or from Sam's Club and BJ's at a 3% to 4% discount. Even if you don't get a discount, you can earn bonus points on your rewards credit card by strategically buying Disney gift cards at grocery stores and office supply stores.

Some cash-back credit cards also include wholesale warehouses in their quarterly cash-back categories, boosting your overall savings. Chain retailers like Meijer, Kroger and Lowe's occasionally run promos that can nab you even more savings on gift cards, too, so you may be able to get up to about 10% off.

If your heart is set on one of Disney's Deluxe resorts but your wallet says otherwise, you can often save money on pricey nightly rates by renting Disney Vacation Club points .

Depending on which credit cards you keep in your wallet, you may also be able to redeem points for your Disney World tickets or a points hotel near Disney World .

The information for the TargetRedCard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Assume it will rain — and plan accordingly

This is Central Florida, so there's always a chance you'll get stuck in a pop-up afternoon thunderstorm. The right preparation can mean letting a little rain roll off your (covered) back instead of drenching your parade. You can get "rain ready" with these tips:

• Wear waterproof shoes (read: no sneakers and socks that can get soaked).
• Bring a travel umbrella and a poncho or rain jacket .
• Cover your stroller with a waterproof cover whenever there's even the slightest chance of a shower.
• Consider the forecast when you choose what to ride first (you may need to prioritize outdoor rides).

Many of Walt Disney World's outdoor attractions close temporarily during rain and lightning. If you have your heart set on a top-tier ride — such as Slinky Dog Dash, Test Track, Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — don't wait until the end of the day to try to ride. If you do and rain comes your way, you could be out of luck.

Carefully consider where you stay

Disney World has some truly fabulous resort hotels, but they regularly cost $500 or more per night. If your budget can't quite handle such a splurge, consider some of Disney's Moderate hotels ( this one may be our favorite hidden gem ) and renovated Value options .

However, know that it's not a deal breaker if you stay off Disney property. While there are many reasons to stay at a Disney resort hotel, there aren't as many as there used to be.

With the free Magical Express bus from the airport and free Magic Bands now long gone, the on-site perks list has shortened a bit. However, you'll still enjoy a few benefits, including:

• Early access to the parks each morning
• The ability to purchase individual Lightning Lanes for rides starting at 7 a.m. (instead of when the park opens, which is when non-resort guests get access)
• No theme park or hotel parking fees
• Extra hours in the parks on certain nights (for Deluxe resort guests)

If a traditional Disney property isn't feasible for you, remember that you can get all the above perks (other than free parking) if you stay at the Swan, Dolphin or Swan Reserve , which are all in the Marriott family of hotels and sit on Disney property.

Have a plan for getting on the newest rides

Disney knows that guests are clamoring to get on new attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot and Tron Lightcycle / Run at the Magic Kingdom. The company also knows the experience will be diminished if guests have to wait in line for four or five hours before they get to try out the latest and greatest rides.

To keep wait times under control, Disney uses a virtual queue system when it opens new rides. Rather than have a traditional standby line, guests can try for a virtual queue spot on the My Disney Experience app. Typically, rides that use a virtual queue also offer a pay-to-ride Individual Lightning Lane pass, giving guests a free and paid option for getting on popular rides.

There are two opportunities to join: at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. There is an additional option for Deluxe hotel guests at 6 p.m. during extended theme park hours. You can try for the 7 a.m. slot from the comfort of your hotel bed, but you must be in the park where the ride is located for the 1 p.m. opportunity.

How long the virtual queue system stays in place depends on how popular the ride is. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has been open for more than a year and still uses a virtual queue instead of a traditional standby line.

Allot time for a resort day (or 2)

There's so much to do around Walt Disney World that you could easily fill several days with activities that don't require buying a park ticket . If you're visiting on a multiday park ticket rather than an annual pass, consider loading the bulk of your nonpark activities into a day (or days) when you skip the parks entirely — including your arrival and departure days.

Try a round of miniature golf — or 18 holes of the real thing — in the morning or some pool time in the afternoon . Visit Disney Springs for dinner, shopping and some Gideon's Bakehouse cookies for dessert.

Another good time to plan a resort day is before a party like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party , Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and other after-hours events. Those go well into the night, so you'll need to save up some energy.

Save character dining for nonpark days

Character meals tend to be a trip highlight, but too often, guests make the mistake of trying to cram a morning character breakfast into an already full park day. Instead, save those character meals for a resort day, as a special dinner on your arrival night or a farewell breakfast on your departure morning.

If you have your heart set on a particular in-park character meal, book breakfast as late as possible. Make it a brunch, so you can save your early morning hours for scoring shorter waits on rides.

Don't 'rope drop' the most popular ride

One of the best ways to get a jump-start on doing as many attractions as possible in a day is to rope drop. Rope dropping means arriving at the park at least 30 minutes before the official park opening (or the start of Early Theme Park Entry for Disney resort guests) and heading straight for your first attraction the moment the rope drops.

It may seem intuitive to beeline to the most popular ride at the park — which is typically also the one that will cost you the most to skip the line by purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane. Still, this isn't always the best approach.

Two of Disney World's most popular rides — Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney's Animal Kingdom — are two of the priciest Individual Lightning Lanes. They are also two of the longest queues, preshows and ride experiences. This means that your rope drop advantage for anything else is long gone by the time you've exited either of these rides.

Instead, if you can afford to, purchase an Individual Lightning Lane for those rides (or wait to join the standby line until just before closing when lines are often shorter). Then, rope drop slightly less popular rides that are still on your must-do list. With that strategy, it's possible to get two to three other rides done in the same amount of time before the crowds start to build.

Combine this with Disney Genie+, and you'll easily knock out everything you want to experience in a day.

Related: We tried to ride every attraction across all 4 Disney World parks in 1 day for a good cause — here's what happened

Trade fireworks and parades for shorter waits

If parades and nighttime spectaculars aren't must-see activities for you, especially if you have multiple days in the same park, skip the show and hop in line for a popular ride instead. You're all but guaranteed a shorter wait.

Keep an eye on character meet-and-greet hours

Many character meet-and-greets start later and end earlier than when the parks open and close. Because of this, you'll want to check any must-meet character's appearance times in the My Disney Experience app. This way, you can avoid the heartbreak of missing out on a Winnie the Pooh hug or Wookiee fist bump from Chewbacca.

Know how to get in early or stay late

Disney has a perk that lets resort guests staying on property or in select affiliated hotels (like the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve and the Disney Springs hotels ) into any of the four theme parks 30 minutes early to begin enjoying select attractions.

Additionally, on select nights, those in Deluxe Disney resorts (and again, including those at the Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve and Shades of Green) can stay two hours after the parks close to enjoy select attractions with relatively minimal waits.

Usually, Epcot and the Magic Kingdom alternate staying open late on select nights. On nights that Epcot is open late, travelers staying in eligible resorts get an extra chance to get a virtual queue boarding pass to ride the new "Guardians of the Galaxy" ride.

Related: 13 new rides, attractions and experiences coming to Disney World in 2024

Make your mobile orders in advance

Using the mobile order option in the My Disney Experience app can save a ton of time when ordering food from quick-service restaurants. But, on busy days at popular spots, the return times can get backed up quickly.

Instead, avoid that whole situation by placing your order early in the day for your ideal return time. Or, keep an eye on return times to ensure you place your order before your desired return window is gone. You can modify your return window within Disney's app if you need to change it.

Bottom line

Between having the right gear in your theme park bag , knowing about the hidden layers of magic built into Disney and following these practical tips, you're well on your way to being a Disney World pro. Not to mention, you'll be saving time and money.

Related reading:

• Everything you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World Resort
• Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?
• New swan on the block: A review of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
• The cheapest place to stay at Disney World is a tent — so I tried it
• 9 things you should never, ever do at Disney

Home » Walt Disney World » Planning and Tips

Best Tips for Disney World 2024 | First-Timers & Pros

By Author Ziggy Oskwarek

Posted on Last updated: November 23, 2023

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A trip to Walt Disney World is one of the best vacations you can take, but the time you put into planning it will make all the difference in how well it turns out. That’s why we’ve put together our list of the Best Tips for Walt Disney World which will maximize the magic you have.

In this post, we will cover the Top 150 tips for planning a trip to Walt Disney World and having a blast once you are there. The tips that we give here are not only for first-time visitors but also Disney veterans who have been to the parks dozens of times.

After all, things are constantly changing at Walt Disney World, and the things you had to plan for just a year or two ago have probably changed drastically since. That’s why it’s important to keep updated on all the latest planning strategies for your upcoming trip.

Of course, not all vacations are the same of course, but we guarantee that no matter how many times you have been to Disney World, you will find some tips here that will help you get the most out of your vacation.

We’ve broken down our 150 tips into different categories including tips for beginners, booking, transportation, park touring, rides, dining, hotel tips, and saving money, just to name a few.

Of course, this is just scratching the surface of what you need to know. We’ve tried to make each tip brief, but we’ve included links to articles that cover each topic more in-depth if you want to learn more about it.

I’ll just say, you get out of a Disney World vacation what you put into it. If you fly by the seat of your pants, I can’t guarantee you will get the exact vacation you wanted. Instead, applying these tips to your touring strategy, you will get much more value for the money and time you are spending!

Before we get started, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we bring you the latest Disney vacation planning tips including how to save money, where to stay, and the best things to do. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!

Table of Contents

Tips for Beginners

In this first section, we will touch on some of the important aspects of your Disney World Vacation. These include things that first-time visitors or guests that haven’t visited in years! 

These tips are vital for you to get the most out of your trip. They might sound basic, but they are perfect ways for beginners to start prepping now!

1. Learn the Basics

When it comes to a Disney World vacation, it can be overwhelming! When it comes to things such as park reservations, 60-day dining reservations, park maps, and wait times, you’re probably wondering “Where do I begin?” 

The point is, you need to learn the basics. Our 2024 WDW planning guide is a good place to start. Read it. Learn the basics before branching off in the various planning phases of your trip. 

Even if you think you know everything you need to know, trust me, you probably don’t! It’s always good to do a refresher and touch up on things if you need to. Disney World is an ever-changing place that is in a constant state of flux and even I have a hard time keeping up with all the changes.

2. Learn the Disney Vocab

Something new visitors to Walt Disney World can easily take for granted is the Disney Vocab! You’ll hear popular acronyms such as ADRs ( Advanced Dining Reservations ) or DVC ( Disney Vacation Club ), that many experienced Disney Visitors don’t even think about anymore! 

Learn the most important ones such as:

• Annual Passes – Passes that allow guests to visit the parks all year.
• Cast Members – Disney Employees.
• Genie+ – A ride reservation service to skip the lines.
• Magic Bands – All-in-one devices you wear on your wrist that get you into your hotel room AND the parks.
• Monorail – The popular ‘Highway in the Sky’ that takes guests to three different Disney Resorts and Magic Kingdom.
• My Disney Experience – Disney’s popular app that basically allows you to do and plan everything.
• Park Hopping – The ability to visit multiple parks in one day.
• PhotoPass – A paid photo service that Disney offers in which dedicated Cast Members take pictures of you throughout your days in the parks. This also includes ride photos as well.
• Pin Trading – A popular pastime of Disney Cast Members and visitors is trading Disney Pins.
• Quick Service (or Counter Service) – Disney’s term for quicker dining meals. These can include snack stands or restaurants in which guests walk to a counter and bring their meal to their table. These do NOT include waiter service restaurants.
• Table Service – Disney’s term for sit-down restaurant offerings. These include all restaurants that involve sitting and getting waiter service.
• The Skyliner – The newest mode of transportation that transports guests on an overhead gondola-style system. Guests can visit both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios via The Disney Skyliner.

These just scratch the surface of the many popular terms and lingo used by guests. These are the most important ones but don’t worry you’ll pick up quickly.

3. Disney Requires Research

Whether it comes to dining options that your family finds exciting or maximizing your park days, research is imperative!

The fact that you’re on my website is a great start, and it shows that you know that research for a Disney World Vacation is necessary these days. When you take the time to research you set yourself up for the most success.

The most tedious research involves picking your Disney World Hotel if you’re staying on-site or what nearby hotels are great options if you choose not to stay on-site. Here are our picks for the best on-site resorts and off-site hotels throughout Disney World.

4. Set Up My Disney Experience App Before You Go

One of the key things you do immediately is set up a My Disney Experience account for each family member. While it’s not imperative to do it for small children or babies, it’s definitely essential for all of the older kids and adults in the group. 

It’s a quick process and it allows the entire family to have fun planning and looking ahead to your trip. The My Disney Experience app is the easiest way to do this but you could also do it on the website as well . 

Simply put, the My Disney Experience app allows you to do the following:

• Looking at and connecting your hotel reservations
• Planning out your park days with park maps and park reservations
• Look at wait times each day you are in the parks
• Order mobile food at any of the mobile food quick service locations
• Put your name in for a table-service restaurant without physically go there
• And SO much more!

5. Ask for a Special Occasion Button

If you’re celebrating an important date with someone in the group or family, be sure to tell a Disney Cast Member that you’d like a special occasion button! Whether it’s a 1st visit, an anniversary, or a honeymoon, by getting a special button let everyone else celebrate with you. 

Also, by wearing this special occasion button you might occasionally get a little extra Disney Magic…just wait and see!

6. Bring Comfortable Shoes

For people that aren’t used to walking a lot, a trip to Disney World can bring a lot of wear on your feet! In fact, it’s not uncommon for our family to walk 10 miles on some of our longer days! While you might not walk as much as us, it’s certainly vital that you wear comfortable shoes. 

Wearing flip-flops or sandals with little support will wreak havoc on your feet, and can cause you to lose some enjoyment on those longer days, limiting your ability to enjoy the rest of your trip. So bring the most comfortable walking shoes you can find.

7. Understand Disney World is Huge

There’s a reason that it’s called Disney World, and it’s certainly a world of its own. It’s hard for people to wrap their minds around how sprawling the Disney World campus is. It feels like an entire city, in fact, it’s more than 25,000 acres or 40 square miles.

In case you don’t know how big that is, Walt Disney World is roughly the size of San Francisco, California!

With four theme parks, two water parks, a massive shopping complex (Disney Spring), and over 25 hotels, visiting Disney World can be overwhelming for unsuspecting visitors.

8. Make a Packing List

Making a packing list for essentials on your Disney World Vacation. Needing to buy things in Disney World is never normally a smart idea, due to the fact that everything is marked up 2-3 times what you’d pay at home!

Make sure you bring the Florida essentials such as:

• Sunglasses 
• Ponchos 
• Bathing suits
• Light and airy clothes

All of these things you’ll likely need on your trip especially if you are traveling during the hotter months of the year, which is basically 10 months in Florida! You’ll likely have many more things on your list, but this is a good place to start!

Booking Walt Disney World Vacations

We just considered things prior to booking your Disney World Vacation, now we will consider the actual important things to look at WHEN you book your Disney Vacation. 

When it comes to booking a Disney World Vacation, it’s crucial to look at these things first, otherwise, you could make a massive mistake!

9. Prepare with Our Disney Newsletter

Disney World is in a neverending state of change and improvement as Walt once famously said about Disneyland “It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” And boy is that true about Disney World. 

If you don’t constantly research and look into “what’s new” it can be overwhelming to keep up with all the changes. 

Here’s a tip – For something even easier to give you all the imperative, vital information you need: Sign up for my newsletter here . We share the most important Disney parks news and latest planning tips and that will allow you to be kept up to date without needing to read and research constantly.

10. Go During the Least Busy Times of the Year

While our family has needed to go at both busy times and non-Disney times, I’ll tell you this: if at ALL possible, go during less busy times of the year. You will enjoy it so much more, and it’ll feel more like a vacation. 

So what are the least busy times of the year? 

Avoid popular holidays and school vacations. We understand this isn’t possible for some, and we totally understand that! But if you can, the best months to visit are January , mid to late August , and September . The crowds will be far lesser, and you’ll be able to fully maximize your time.

Consult our Disney World Crowd Calendar before picking any dates to see the least crowded times of the year.

11. Make Park Reservations IF You Need To

After January 9th, 2024, date-based tickets will NOT need to make park reservations anymore when entering the parks. Date-based tickets are the standard tickets for guests purchasing tickets these days.

The only time reservations will still be required after January 9th, 2024 is when guests are booking for student group tickets, convention tickets, or other types of ticket types.

And while we are glad the park reservation is mostly going away in 2024 it served a purpose during the pandemic, even if we felt it stuck around WAAAAAY too long.

But IF you still need to make park reservations based on your ticket type, I’d recommend doing so ASAP!

12. Use an Authorized Disney Travel Planner

One thing we are HUGE fans of for Disney World guests is using an Authorized Disney Travel Planner such as Show You the World Travel . 

With Disney World continually being a place that is changing and evolving practically by the day, it’s important to have someone by your side that knows all the rules. With a travel planner, you not only get help in assisting you in planning your Disney World Vacation you can also save a ton of money! 

They will help you find the very best promotional offers and discounts on your Disney World Vacation, and the best part is they don’t cost even one dollar extra! Plus the personalized service they give will make your trip even more magical.

Ready to Start Planning Your Disney Vacation?

If you feel overwhelmed planning a Disney vacation, use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as Show You the World Travel . They are experts on every Disney location and can tell you where to stay, what to do, how to save money, and give you personalized service for your most magical vacation ever!

13. Don’t Go Over Your Budget

Figuring out your vacation budget is important to maximizing your money. Trips to Walt Disney World can be incredibly pricey and if not budgeting properly, you can be in for a rude awakening when you get home. 

There’s no quicker way to ruin your wonderful vacation memories than to come home and wonder how you spent so much more money than you realized!

Even after paying for your hotel room, your park tickets, and your transportation, there are still additional costs once you get to Walt Disney World and that’s why having a good vacation budget is imperative prior to your trip. 

Our guide to Disney World costs will help plan your trip and understand the potential expenses involved.

14. You Can Book a Trip with Only $200

Many guests are surprised to know that if you book a Disney World Vacation Package you don’t need to have the entire cost upfront, which can be incredibly overwhelming! 

All you need is $200 to put down as a deposit, and then you can pay off the remaining balance incrementally, as long as it’s completely paid off 30 days prior to the start of your trip!

15. Find Out the Latest Attractions & Changes

It’s incredibly important to find out the latest and greatest attractions that have opened up in each of the parks. The wait times for these new attractions can be VERY long, so knowing exactly where they are located in the parks can be essential to planning out your day, assuming you are going to rope drop the parks in the morning. 

A couple of the newer rides (TRON and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout) are operating only with Genie+ Lightning Reservations or by joining a virtual queue. So finding out exactly how to do this prior to your trip will ensure you can get to enjoy both of these attractions. 

Read my Disney World Virtual Queue Guide which is full of tips to show you how to get in the virtual queues. 

In addition to the new rides, Disney regularly closes certain rides due to refurbishments and updates, closing them at certain times of the year. You could be disappointed expecting to ride on certain rides only for them to be closed during your visit for maintenance. 

Read our Disney World refurbishment and closure guide to see what will be open on your next visit.

Traveling & Transportation

The next part of our series on Disney World Tips is going to focus on traveling and transportation. There are many different aspects of transportation when it comes to a Disney World Vacation.

You need to take some of them to arrive in Orlando, and others once you are officially on Disney World property. Let’s touch on our favorite tips here.

16. Fly Into Orlando Airport (MCO)

While certain cities provide discounted flights to Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB), the ideal scenario is flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO).

It’s closer and is far more easily accessible to arrive at Disney World in a reasonable and efficient manner, whereas Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) can take over an hour to arrive at your hotel and be far more costly for transportation options. 

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is only around 30 minutes, depending on the traffic. Upon arrival at Orlando International Airport, you’re main options for getting to your hotel around Disney (whether on-site or off-site) are:

• Pay for a shuttle or bus service
• Pay for a private town car or limo service
• Pay for ride sharing (Uber or Lyft) 
• Pay for a taxi 

Each of these available options has its positives and its negatives and we’ve used each of them from time to time. For a detailed explanation of each of these available choices, check out my guide on getting from Orlando Airport to Disney World to help you find the best pick for your situation.

17. Low-Cost Airlines Are Not Always So Low Cost

With popular low-cost airlines running a number of flight options around the United States to Orlando, it’s important to fully ‘count the count’ when it comes to the total cost of your flight and not just the airfare cost. 

Airlines such as Frontier, Sun Country, Avelo, Spirit, Allegiant, Breeze, etc… regularly run flights to Orlando Airport sometimes under $100 a ticket! These can sound unbeatable and a no-brainer, and in some instances, they are! 

But unfamiliar travelers might not understand that these airlines charge a premium for literally EVERYTHING else. That means your seat assignment, carry-on bags, and checked-in bags, all can cost substantial amounts of money!

And if you don’t plan ahead of time or fully inspect the airlines’ rules, you can be out a LOT of money unexpectedly at the very start of your trip. Unfortunately, most families can’t pack extremely light to visit Walt Disney World, especially if they have small kids. 

These low-cost airlines aren’t always the way to go in these instances. My advice: do the research ahead of time , and check out the airlines’ rules and hidden costs prior to booking your trip. The worst thing would be to book a low-cost airline due to the flight price, and then end up paying more than one of the better and more reliable airlines!

18. Consider Renting a Car

While we normally advise against renting a car for most families staying at a Disney World Resort, for some families it actually makes sense to rent a car. If you’re planning on visiting other Orlando-based attractions, having a car on hand can be incredibly simple and easy to get around. 

It also can save you time as opposed to having to rely on the slow and frustrating Disney World Transportation at times. 

• Ability to leave the ‘Disney Bubble’ and visit other areas and attractions
• Having complete control and not needing to be reliant on anyone else 
• The cost of parking a car at a Disney Resort is once again free
• Can visit other Disney Resorts for meals more easily
• Don’t have to wait for slow Disney Buses

CONS: 

• Takes away the ability to fully be relaxed when having to worry about driving to places
• There are additional costs such as parking at the Disney Parks, gas, tolls
• Long walks from the parking lots to the front gates of Disney Parks

If staying onsite at a Disney World Resort, it makes far more sense NOT to need a rental car with free transportation practically everywhere. But if not staying at a Disney World Resort, we’d normally recommend having one, even if your hotel offers transportation to the parks.

Read our suggestions and tips in detail in our Guide to Renting a Car at Disney World .

Best Rental Car Company in Orlando

When you book a Rental Car in Orlando Florida Online, I personally recommend and use Discover Cars . They search for the best offers so you save the most money!

19. Use Disney’s Free Transportation

Many visitors would be surprised to know that Disney World Resort guests have free transportation to practically everywhere on Disney’s property and taking advantage of Disney’s free transportation is a smart and cost-effective way of maximizing your trip.

It also lets you fully embrace the hands-off mentality of not needing to do anything yourself and being fully immersed in “the world.” 

Yes, it can take a little bit of a learning curve to figure out how to get everywhere, but it’s something you absolutely should spend time doing prior to your trip.

With Disney buses, boats, monorail, and Disney’s Skyliner, you’ll be able to reach any Disney Park or Resort you care to visit. And while it can sometimes be slow and frustrating, it’ll save you money as opposed to needing to call an Uber or a taxi.

20. Don’t Skip a Ride on the Disney Skyliner

The newest in Disney’s Transportation opened in 2019 and is called the Disney Skyliner . This gondola lift system takes guests around several of Disney’s Resorts while also bringing guests to both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. 

If you get a chance to take the Skyliner on your Disney World trip, don’t miss out on it! It’s absolutely worth it and it’s an incredibly fun and enjoyable way to get around while giving you some terrific views from 60 feet above the ground.

21. Check Bus Times on My Disney Experience Before Leaving

Gone are the days of needing to wait 45 minutes to an hour for the bus prior to your visit to the Disney Parks from your Disney Resort. Now you only need to check the My Disney Experience app for the next time the buses will be arriving at your resort. 

By clicking on the My Disney Experience app from your resort room, simply follow these instructions to find out when the next bus is arriving for the park you plan on attending. 

• Click ‘Resort Hotel’ from the home screen
• Then click ‘See Bus Time’

This will allow you to see the next available bus time, allowing you to plan to make it to the bus stop in time! 

Just remember, the bus times listed aren’t always perfect, but they normally are close.

22. If You Are in a Hurry Use Ride-Sharing

When you’re in a rush, waiting for Disney transportation can be more frustrating and seemingly slow than ever! We’ve had far too many occasions when we’ve waited for a Disney Bus only to be late to a dining reservation or a show we didn’t want to miss! 

In these instances, use a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft . We normally use Uber and we’ve never had any issues. It’s incredibly affordable to get anywhere on Disney’s property, normally $10-$20 depending on the size of the Uber and the time of day you call one. 

Even if you aren’t in a hurry, and you need to visit another Disney World Resort, calling an Uber or Lyft can also be an efficient use of your time. With Disney transportation not normally allowing you to easily get from one resort to another, a ridesharing service can save you tons of valuable time for your trip.

23. Save Time in Line at the Airport

Last year, the Orlando International Airport (MCO) introduced a new reservation system called MCO Reserve that operates from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm each day allowing guests to make a dedicated reservation to go through security. 

You simply go here and make your reservation. Flights between the times of 6:30 am and 8:30 pm are eligible for this service and you’ll need to select your reservation slot at least 72 hours prior to your flight. 

This can be an incredibly efficient use of your time, considering the fact that TSA Security lines can be easily 45-60 minutes for guests leaving Orlando International Airport. And if you’re already running late, every minute counts! 

Take advantage of this exclusive line so that you won’t be spending unnecessary time at the airport.

24. Some Days Are Better for Booking Your Flight

While it’s true that deals can happen at any time and any day, according to Skyscanner’s data, historically, Tuesday is the best day to book flights for an upcoming trip. Normally airlines launch their discounts on Monday nights, meaning that on Tuesdays you will likely find the best savings. 

In addition to Tuesdays being the best to find deals, it’s also been said that around 5:00 am is the best time of day to find the very best prices. So if you can book on Tuesday at 5:00 am you’ll likely be in the best shape!

25. Don’t Lose Your Car

Ever lost your car in a parking lot before? When parking at a Disney World theme park , water park, or Disney Springs, there’s a new feature on the My Disney Experience app that allows you to find your car at the end of the day. 

It’s super simple! All you need to do is open the app and tap the car locator card on your home screen. Once you follow the prompts and enter in your parking information, the car locator will help fill in the additional details. 

When you’re ready at the end of a long day to find your vehicle in a massive parking lot, simply go back to the car locator on the app, and it’ll use ‘Location Services’ GPS tracking to help point you in the right direction to get back to your car.

26. Don’t Forget About Walking

While you absolutely should take advantage of free Disney transportation when you need it, another solid option is walking! While you can’t walk everywhere on Disney’s property, there are many places you can walk efficiently, if walking is your thing. 

For instance here are some of our favorite walks:

• EPCOT to Hollywood Studios – With an easy walkway connecting both parks, you can simply get from one park entrance to the other in less than 30 minutes by simply walking. That also means all the EPCOT Boardwalk-area resorts are easily walkable to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios including Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Boardwalk Inn Resort, and Swan and Dolphin Resorts.
• Magic Kingdom to all 3 monorail resorts – With the newly opened walking pathway from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom, you can now easily reach Magic Kingdom from all 3 monorail resorts (the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian, and the Contemporary Resorts). 
• Saratoga Springs Resort to Disney Springs – One of our favorite walks is the easy walking path from Disney’s Saratoga Springs to Disney Springs. It’s an enticing reason to stay at Saratoga Springs, allowing you to easily access Disney Springs without needing to rely on Disney transportation.

Touring the Parks Tips

The next part of our Disney World Tips is when it comes to the many aspects of visiting the Disney Theme Parks. What are our favorite tips when planning your vacation to maximize your park days? Here are our favorites.

27. Book Enough Park Days

While there’s certainly a balance needed when it comes to booking more park days, it doesn’t hurt to book MORE days in the parks than fewer .

Our family gets exhausted generally after 6-7 hours in the parks, especially in the hotter months of the year. So rather than forcing ourselves to stay in the parks, why not go back to your hotel and relax and visit the same park another day? 

Disney World Park tickets get incredibly cheap to purchase after the first 4 days per day, so purchase more park days than you think you’ll need and if you can’t see everything you want the first day you’re there, make a backup plan to visit that same park on another day later on your trip.

28. Skip Park Hopper If Possible

When purchasing the park hopper option on your tickets, it can add hundreds of dollars to your family’s vacation costs, and in most instances, it is completely unnecessary especially if you’re going to stay in Disney World for a week or more! 

With careful planning and maximizing your days out as much as possible, you can easily spend a full day in every Disney Theme Park! With dining options, entertainment choices, nighttime shows, and more, by spending the full day in each park, you’ll have more than enough to do and see! 

Park hopping in Disney World does have its benefits, but worst-case scenario, you can always visit that park you were planning on attending another day instead of paying extra for this feature.

29. Use a Touring Plan

A touring plan is a cheat sheet that enables you to save hours visiting the parks each day. It factors in many different facets of your trip and your family’s interests, to fully maximize your time each day while setting you up for the highest amounts of success without needlessly wasting time in lines. 

We can’t recommend setting up a touring plan highly enough! 

A good place to start is by reading our touring plan for Hollywood Studios . This will help you to factor in the many things you want to consider when planning your day. You can then do the same thing when visiting EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom.

30. Rope Drop is a MUST

If you want to fully maximize minimal wait times and low crowds in the parks, ‘rope dropping’ is your very best bet! In short, rope dropping simply means that you arrive at the theme park PRIOR to the park’s official opening time each day. 

When a park opens in the morning, the first 30-60 minutes always have the shortest wait times and by rope dropping it you can effectively walk on many of the rides since you’re there prior to park opening time. 

Lines for certain attractions can easily reach 2-3 hours during busier times of the year, and by rope dropping you can knock out one or two of these more popular attractions by getting on them with minimal to no waits.

31. Rope Drop is Not Always the Best for the Most Popular Ride

While we normally suggest rope-dropping the most popular rides, in some cases, it actually isn’t the best strategy. 

For instance, two of the most popular rides Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios and Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom have incredibly long queues, preshows, and overall ride experiences. The entire ride experience even if you practically walk into the pre-show videos is still likely over 20 minutes! 

So if you choose to rope drop these two attractions, you’ll lose your advantage of being able to get on multiple rides during your “rope dropping window” of time before the mass crowds of guests arrive.

If you have a long list of “MUST DO” rides, you may be better off taking advantage of getting on 2-3 other rides during the rope-dropping window, and saving the other for later.

And if possible, either pay for an Individual Lightning Lane for these rides OR wait until just prior to park closing time and get in line. A hidden secret is wait times at the end of the day are a fraction of their listed times!

32. Use Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Hours

If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort or another eligible nearby hotel, you’ll want to make sure of Early Theme Park Entry which enables guests to enter the parks 30 minutes prior to the opening times.

This happens every day and at all 4 of the Disney Theme Parks! Meaning that if Magic Kingdom shows the official park opening time of 9:00 am, you’ll be able to enter at 8:30 instead! Those 30 minutes can be vital to getting on a few additional rides with practically zero wait time! 

For instance, if Early Entry is at 8:30 am, plan on arriving at the park between 8:00 and 8:15. If you are NOT staying at a Disney Resort, I’d suggest arriving 15-30 minutes prior to official opening time. If the official opening time is at 9:00 am, I’d suggest getting to the park between 8:30 and 8:45 am. 

If staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort , you’ll be able to enjoy another perk called Extended Evening Hours which runs on select nights each week. This perk allows you to enjoy the park two hours AFTER the official closing time of the park. 

We love Disney nights in the parks, and having two extra hours with minimal wait times on the rides is awesome! Take advantage of both of these perks if at all possible!

33. Do One of the Water Parks if Staying for 7 Days or More

While we don’t recommend the water parks on shorter visits, if you’re visiting for a week or longer, we wholeheartedly recommend visiting one of the Disney water parks . While we enjoy both, we prefer Typhoon Lagoon for the overall theming and family fun!

These parks don’t get the crowds of the theme parks and can be so much fun for families to enjoy a hot Florida day without baking in the sun.

34. Take a Midday Break

One of our families’ favorite tips to enjoy the parks fully is by taking a midday break! The parks in the early afternoon can be brutal in the sun, taking away from your ability to fully enjoy your time without sweating to death. 

Our advice: get to the parks early, leave the park in the early afternoon to go by the pool or take a nap, and go back to the parks later in the afternoon/early evening to enjoy the best possible time: evening time! 

This will keep the kids and the adults happy and refreshed!

35. Do the Most Popular Ride at the End of the Night

A well-known secret amongst hardcore Disney fans is to wait until the end of the night to enjoy the best rides. The wait times at the end of the night are greatly exaggerated to dissuade guests from getting in line prior to park closing and are in fact, MUCH SHORTER. 

So if you can’t get on Flight of Passage, Rise of the Resistance, Space Mountain, etc… first thing in the morning or during the day sometime, get in line 15-20 minutes prior to the park closing time. You’ll be surprised how short the line is!

For instance, if Rise of the Resistance shows a 60-minute wait, it will likely only be 15 to 30 minutes long since Disney wants to discourage guests from getting in line that late.

36. Use Disney’s Photographers for Professional Photos

If choosing to get the PhotoPass package on your Disney Tickets, you can take advantage of the professional Disney photographers that are stationed throughout the Disney Parks. Sometimes there are lines, but these are usually very short. 

These photos come out spectacular and you might as well take advantage of a perk you purchased. 

But even if you DIDN’T purchase the PhotoPass package, you can still use these photographers! Say what?! Yup, if you get in line and hand them your smartphone, they’ll use your phone to grab a great family shot for you! Free professional photos taken for you by a photographer? Yes, please!

37. Bring a Backpack to the Parks

While I never used to bring a backpack to the parks, I actually am glad I do now! Yes, you’ll have to do a 2-minute bag check upon arrival at the parks, but it’s quick! And having a backpack can make your day a lot easier. 

Having a backpack in the theme parks allows you to bring things such as: 

• Ponchos or umbrellas
• Change of clothes for the kids
• Handheld or battery fans
• Spray misters
• Prescription medications
• First-aid kits
• Wireless external chargers for your devices
• Pins or lanyards
• Credit cards
• Autograph Books
• Games for your kids
• Bottled waters
• And so much more! 

But keep in mind, there are some things you can’t put in your bag and bring into the parks. The main ones are alcoholic beverages, glass containers, illegal substances, firearms, or weapons of any kind. There are some more, for a full list of prohibited items, see Disney’s official list here.

38. Park-Hop to EPCOT in the Evening

The absolute best park to get food in at Disney World is EPCOT! So what better way is there than to spend your evenings there walking World Showcase? 

One of our favorite things to do is visit a different park in the morning, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, or Magic Kingdom, and then park hop to EPCOT in the afternoon and evening.  

At EPCOT you can enjoy the nighttime fireworks while also taking a stroll around World Showcase and enjoying one of the 4 yearly festivals enabling you to take part in fun drinks and food tastings. 

We love nights in EPCOT and we highly suggest you take advantage of them.

39. There are Two Entrances to EPCOT

Many visitors are surprised to know that there are actually two entrances to EPCOT. 

First, there’s the front entrance which is where the bulk of guests will come from. All those that park or are coming into EPCOT from a Disney Bus will get dropped off. That entrance is near the giant sphere, known as Spaceship Earth. 

Then there’s the backside entrance which is called the International Gateway and it’s near France in World Showcase. This entrance is where the Disney Skyliner will bring guests as well as the Disney Friendship Boats will drop off. It’s also the entrance that guests coming from the Boardwalk-area resorts will walk into. 

Knowing that there are two entrances and exits allows you to best plan your day, doing the attractions near that entrance first.

40. Don’t Plan Too Much

While some families do better with tedious minute-to-minute planning, many do not. Even though it’s hard to do nowadays, there is something fun and spontaneous about leaving certain days or times of the day open and relaxed. 

By literally running nonstop you’re going to take away some of the enjoyment of your trip and this enables grumpier parents or tired kids to take a needed rest or nap. 

Less is more sometimes, and by giving your family some downtime, everyone will be in a better mood to enjoy the trip and have better memories from their trip.

Attractions

The next part of our favorite Disney World Tips is going to focus on specific attractions and how to get the most out of your days while in the parks. Let’s discuss the DOs and DON’T when it comes to Disney World Park Attractions.

41. Determine Must-Do Attractions Ahead of Time

While I might REALLY look forward to certain attractions on a trip, you might not. The same holds true for every family. That’s why it’s essential to research rides and attractions prior to your trip. 

It’s possible you might be able to cross off certain things from your family’s list prior to your day there. That will allow you to essentially do the things that are most important to YOUR family. Our Best Disney World attractions list will give you a good start on what to choose.

I suggest prioritizing the attractions in each park and perhaps even numbering them in order of preference. This ensures you get to do the very best rides and if you have time, do some of the ones you didn’t have ranked as high. 

Then as you do them, cross them off the list, and continue to do this until you get to do as many as you can in the course of a day.

42. Review Height Requirements

One of the worst ways to ruin the start of your day is by not checking and reviewing height requirements PRIOR to your day. It’s a common occurrence to see parents frustrated that they’ve waited a long time for a certain attraction only for their little one not to measure up to the height requirement. 

Rather than waiting in line and THEN finding out, check to see if your child meets the height requirements before you get in line for a certain attraction. Check our Disney World Heights Guide first . Doing this in the planning stages saves time and unnecessary frustration and tears.

43. Use Genie+ to Get More Done

While FastPass and FastPass Plus are both things of the past, Disney has replaced them with a paid add-on service called Genie+ and Lightning Lanes (Previously Fast Pass Lanes). 

While the idea of paying additional money on top of an already expensive Disney World Vacation and Disney Park tickets, purchasing Genie+ can be a worthwhile pursuit in some instances. The keyword here is “some.”

If you do purchase Genie+ you’ll be able to plan out your days and get a lot more done in less time.

We normally recommend it in Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. EPCOT and Animal Kingdom in our opinion don’t merit the purchase due to the sheer lack of attractions in both of these parks. 

Keep in mind that just because you purchase Genie+ doesn’t mean you’ll have access to reserving EVERY ride. Some rides are so popular that Disney charges additional money and these rides need to be purchased a la carte as Individual Lightning Lane Reservations . 

It’s the age-old adage of time vs money. If you value maximizing your time as much as possible, even at the cost of paying extra money, the purchase of Genie+ can be worth it. 

Read our article on whether it’s worth it to purchase Genie+ where we go more in-depth on the topic.

44. You Can Modify Genie+ Reservations

Disney’s rule for Genie+ Reservations has always been that you can make a new ride reservation either after you use your first one or after a 120-minute cool-down between making reservations.

Unfortunately, for a while, if you attempted to change a Genie+ Reservation the 120-minute rule would be completely reset every time you change your reservation. 

That has now changed! You can now adjust your ride reservations and the 120 minutes will NOT reset! This makes it much simpler and easier to adjust reservations if you need to without worrying about getting on fewer attractions over the course of the day.

45. Use an Alarm for Genie+ Reservations

Seconds and minutes can make or break getting your Genie+ Reservations! That’s why we recommend setting an alarm on your phone at 7:00 am when you can select your first Genie+ Reservation and then each subsequent booking time (normally 120 minutes after each one). 

This will ensure you don’t waste valuable time in getting your next reservation. Stacking reservation after reservation is your best way to line up your day with the highest amount of attractions possible.

46. Become an Expert of the Virtual Queue

There are currently two attractions that utilize virtual queues, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle Run . While you can also purchase Individual Lightning Lanes for these two rides, you don’t need to if you’re able to get in the virtual queue. 

How do these queues work? 

Literally within seconds at 7:00 am and then at 1:00 pm again when the queue reopens all spots are completely filled and there are no spots available left in the queue. Here’s what you need to do:

• Make sure everyone in your party has a park reservation for the park you’re visiting that day
• Get familiar with the virtual queue steps and where it’s found on the My Disney Experience app
• At 6:00 am click ‘Confirm Your Party’ to make sure everyone is found and connected so it’s one less thing you need to do when the queue opens 
• Immediately at 7:00 am continue to click either ‘Refresh’ or drag down at the top to refresh the screen. Once you see “Join Virtual Queue” click on it immediately. 
• If you get in, you’ll see a Boarding Group Number. If you don’t get it, it’ll say all boarding groups are filled. 

That’s really it! If you don’t get in the queue at 7:00 am, try again at 1:00 pm and set an alarm a few minutes before so you don’t forget. Keep in mind, you need to be in the actual Disney Theme Park at 1:00 pm to join the queue. In the 7:00 am queue, you can be anywhere to join the queue. 

Once in the queue, you’ll have an hour AFTER your boarding group is called to enter the attraction queue. You should receive a notification on the app that your boarding group was called, assuming you turn on your app’s notifications. But if not, check the app from time to time and monitor it.

47. Use Single Rider to Save Time

Another way to maximize your time in the parks is to use the Single Rider lines . There are currently four attractions that utilize single-rider lines that allow you to get on attractions incredibly fast, normally a tiny fraction of the projected wait times. The four attractions are:

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios
• Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios
• Test Track at EPCOT
• Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom 

Remember though, that your party will be separated by using the single rider lines. You’ll be sitting with someone else in order to save time. This might only be an option for older kids, teens, and adults that would feel comfortable sitting with a stranger.

48. Find Characters in My Disney Experience App

Meeting the characters in the parks can be a highlight for families with small children, but finding them has always been challenging. However, now with the My Disney Experience app, you can find most of the characters quite easily. 

The app lists ‘who’ and ‘where’ the characters will be meeting in the parks. Simply quick the location services button at the bottom of the app. This will show you a map of the park you’re visiting, then at the top, sort by ‘Characters.’ 

This will show you the map with all the characters on it. You can then click on them and see the schedule with the times they will be in those locations and then plan to meet them at those times and locations.

49. Check Wait Times in MDE App

While you can of course see the wait times on posted boards throughout the parks as well as above the actual attractions, what’s even easier is checking on the My Disney Experience app! 

Simply go to the ride attraction ‘Tip Board’ and you’ll see the current wait times for each attraction in the parks. If you need to change the park simply click on ‘Change Park’ at the top. 

If you click on the individual attractions, you can even see the Forecasted Wait Times for the rest of the day. This can be a great way to plan the rest of your day. These aren’t perfect, but they are normally good indicators based on historical data.

50. You Can Bail at the Last Minute

If something happens and you need to leave the line for whatever reason (Child gets scared, you have an anxiety attack, have to use the bathroom, etc…) you can exit the line up until you actually get on the ride. 

Even if it affects just 1 person in the group, they can stay in line and exit at the very end right before you get on the ride. The rest of the group can still ride if they’d like.

51. Ask For a Front Seat

Some things are just better, and sitting in the front row is one of those things. If you didn’t know, you can ask for a front-row seat on Disney attractions. You might have to wait a few minutes longer, but in our view, it’s totally worth it! 

Simply ask a Disney Cast Member as you’re about to board where you’d like to sit, whether it’s in the front, the back, or anywhere else!

52. How to Ride Rise of the Resistance

One of the crown jewels of the attractions at Disney World is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance . This immersive ride experience is worth a visit even for non-Star Wars fans, but lines can get massively long!

Here are our tips to ensure you can ride it. Each of these ways will work, and here are our preferences in order of what we’d recommend:

• Rope drop Rise of the Resistance as soon as the park opens in the morning. If you have the ability to come for ‘Early Entry’ get there a few minutes before the ‘Early Entry’ time begins. If you don’t have ‘Early Entry’, then get there prior to the official park opening time. 
• Get in line less than 30 minutes before the park’s closing time. This can be risky because there’s always a chance the ride could be down and not reopen, which does happen quite a bit with this attraction. If the ride is open, it’s likely your wait could be less than 20 minutes, even if the ‘Wait Time’ shows a lot longer.
• If you arrive at the park too late in the morning and the line is already LOOOOONG, then check the ‘Estimated Wait Times’ in the My Disney Experience app. There will likely be lulls during the day, and go during one of those times. 
• And lastly to ensure you can get on it, purchase the Individual Lightning Lane for this attraction. The price will range from $20 – $25 per person depending on what day you are visiting Hollywood Studios. 

All of these have their positives and their negatives. The first option will be the safest bet, but it will limit your ability to get on other rides with minimal wait times early in the morning. Our post on using the standby queue with Rise of the Resistance explains the strategies more.

Purchasing the Individual Lightning Lane is incredibly costly for a family, and it normally is the last option for families. But we can understand why some would just want to purchase it and not have to plan it out or worry about not getting on it.

53. Visit the Parks When It’s Raining

For our family, some of our favorite and funniest memories in Disney World have been during a storm, and most simply don’t want to “ride it out” in a Disney World Theme Park. Storms can happen frequently in Florida, especially during the summer months. They come hard and they generally end quickly. 

The best part about storms is people hate them and run for the exits as soon as the rain starts! 

My advice: find a safe place to ‘ride it out’ and wait 20-30 minutes, and there’s a good chance the sun will be back or at the very least the storm will be subsiding. You’ll now have reduced wait times and likely a few degrees cooler weather. 

And if you aren’t currently in a Disney Park, consider going to a Disney Park prior to it raining or after it begins . You might look crazy initially, but you’ll have a great Magical Day in just a little bit, assuming the storm is a shorter one.

54. Get Your Spot for the Fireworks Early

Don’t be surprised on busier days in the parks if you see people camping out and staking their claims for spots for the fireworks hours before they start! While we find this unnecessary, we’d absolutely recommend getting there early to ensure you get a great spot. 

Here is our suggestion for Magic Kingdom: Get there 60 minutes early to make sure you get a great spot at Cinderella’s Castle on slower days. Get there closer to 90 minutes early if you are visiting Magic Kingdom during a particularly busy day or holiday time. 

Try to be in a location where you can easily see the Castle’s projections and the fireworks above. We normally like to be in the area around the Partners statue or Walt and Mickey directly in front of the castle.

If you’re in the center there or around that area, you will have an unbelievable view of Happily Ever After ! 

At EPCOT, you don’t need to be there as early since the areas to watch them are plentiful around World Showcase. We’d suggest looking for a good place around the World Showcase Lagoon normally between 30 and 45 minutes prior to the show. 

At Hollywood Studios , I’d suggest the same for the ‘Wonderful World of Animation’ show as in EPCOT. 

For Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios , we almost always recommend trying to go to the 2nd viewing of the night if at all possible. Lines for the 1st viewing can get long. If you need to see the 1st viewing, get in line for it about an hour in advance of the showtime.

55. Skip the Fireworks to Ride More Attractions

While the fireworks shows can be incredible, it’s possible that some families just have zero desire to see them or be crowded around thousands of people. If that’s the case, skipping the fireworks could ensure you get on even more attractions with minimal wait times. 

And it’s possible you could simply walk on attractions while also getting a backdrop of the fireworks, which could make for incredible views! You’ll likely feel like you have the park to yourself for 30-45 minutes as people watch the nighttime shows.

56. Ride Outdoor Attractions at Night

Some outdoor attractions are just more fun to enjoy at night. They’re a little extra scary or just bring a completely different level of unpredictability to them. 

My favorite attractions at night are Slinky Dog Dash and Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, Big Thunder Mountain, TRON Lightcycle Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the PeopleMover at the Magic Kingdom, Test Track at EPCOT, and Expedition Everest at the Animal Kingdom.

Disney World Resort Hotel Tips

This next section of our Disney World Tips will focus on our favorite tips for staying on-site at a Walt Disney World Resort.

57. Stay On-Site for Best Overall Experience

There are hundreds and hundreds of hotels near the Walt Disney World campus not to mention even more vacation rentals! These could offer spectacular deals at a fraction of the cost of staying at a Disney World Resort. 

But if you truly want the best all-around experience and truly be immersed in the Disney Experience, we always suggest staying inside the ‘Disney Bubble’ and staying at a Disney World Resort . Practically every time we hear a bad Disney experience it involves staying off-site and driving back and forth with screaming kids. 

While it adds expense to an already expensive trip, staying inside the bubble allows you to take advantage of Disney transportation, extended park hours, and so much more! At the very least, we suggest staying on-site at least once for your trip.

Best Way to Save Big $$$ on Disney Resorts

If you want to potentially save thousands of dollars on your next trip to Disney World, I personally recommend David’s DVC Rentals . They consistently have the best prices and biggest selection of Disney Villas that will make you ask yourself: “How do they do it?”

58. Value Resorts for Avid Park-Goers

While the Disney Value Resorts certainly aren’t fancy and don’t exude luxury or sophistication, they can be a nice entry point for families looking to stay on-site. 

While they can be a little gimmicky and feature over-the-top decorations, they are a lot of fun for the whole family, especially families with small kids. They are also incredibly clean in keeping up with the Disney Brand you expect. 

Value Resorts are the cheapest Disney World Hotels , and they tend to be fairly affordable. You’ll often find them at rates in the low $100s nightly.

59. Book a Split Stay

If your family is researching Disney World hotels and you can’t decide between a few hotels, guess what, you don’t need to! By booking a split stay , you can stay at multiple resorts! We’ve done this more times than I can care to count, sometimes staying at 3 different Disney Resorts on one trip. 

This can also make a Disney trip more affordable by perhaps starting at a Value Resort and then splurging with a night or two at a Moderate or Deluxe Resort. Always start with the lesser of the hotels and end with the fancier one. It’ll end your trip on a high note! 

Perhaps even consider spending more time at the hotel as opposed to the parks when you’re staying at the nicer of the resorts as well to fully enjoy your splurge. 

Disney makes this so easy for guests to enjoy a split stay by transporting their luggage from their first hotel to their second one. Just call the bellhop as you finish packing your stuff up, and they’ll come to get your bags and transport them for you automatically! 

Now you can enjoy your day and go check into your second resort later in the day and find your bags there waiting for you.

60. Stay Club Level for More Luxury

Another thing that’s absolutely worth a splurge is to stay at Club Level during your Disney World trip. This could be a perfect idea if you’re planning on spending more time at your resort. Club Level allows you to enjoy a few extra perks and amenities, such as snacks and even alcoholic beverages. But be prepared, it does come at a hefty cost. 

Not all Club Levels are the same quality, and some are better than others. Our favorites are the Kilimanjaro Club at Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Chronos Club at the Gran Destino Tower.

61. Make Time for a Resort Day

Park days are wonderful but a resort day can sometimes be even more wonderful! If you’re going to spend the money to stay at a Disney World Resort, why not make time to actually spend at the resort relaxing? 

What’s surprising to us is that kids often enjoy their days by the resort pool more than they do in the Disney Parks! There are many amazing Disney World pools to choose from after all!

Don’t take these days for granted, they can be a great way to explore and see the many activities and amenities your Disney World Resort has to offer. 

You’ll find yourself feeling refreshed at the end of the day, as opposed to being exhausted. It might give you and your family a much-needed refuel to start another park day the following day.

62. Do the Activities at Your Resort

Every Disney World Resort has an activities schedule for things that are taking place around the resort. These can be things such as pool games, campfire activities, arts and crafts, sports, and movies under the stars. 

Make sure you check the daily schedule and see what things appeal to your family. Try to attend a few of these activities, and it could enhance the trip for the whole family or at least a few members of the family.

63. Explore Other Resorts

One of our favorite things to do is to visit the other Disney World Resorts . Whether it’s to pin-trade, shop, go to other resort restaurants, or just explore the overall theming of the resort! 

This is a great way to see the many different resorts that Disney World has to offer, and perhaps even give you an idea for a place you want to stay on a future Disney World Vacation.

64. Do Laundry and Pack Less

One way to ensure you don’t need to pack MORE is to do a load or two of laundry. You can easily do this at Disney World Resorts as each hotel has a laundry area where you can do your laundry.

We’ve done this on most of our trips, allowing us to pack lighter than we normally would. It can be a lifesaver and allow you to bring a slightly smaller bag! 

65. You Can Go Camping

If you didn’t know, Disney World has a campground on its site and it’s considered the cheapest way to stay on Disney World Property! Yes, this is the Fort Wilderness Campground. 

For less than $80 a night during the slower times of the year, you can have your own campsite that will sleep up to 10 guests! You can bring a pop-up camper or a camper van-type vehicle and up to 2 tents on a site. 

Fort Wilderness is a great place for families that enjoy camping, as there are more entertainment and recreational options than any other Disney World Resort! With loads of things to do for kids and fun theming, guests will love Fort Wilderness.

And the best part of all is you are a simple boat ride away from the magic at Magic Kingdom, great if you will be spending a lot of time there.

Dining Tips

The next part of our Disney World Tips is our dining tips suggestions. These tips will focus on how to fully maximize your vacation by focusing on the most important aspects of Disney Dining by ensuring you save money and get the most out of dining at Disney World.

66. Make Dining Reservations 60+ Days in Advance

For guests that haven’t been to Disney World since before 2020, you might remember a time when you could make advance dining reservations at the 180-day mark, 6 months prior to your Disney World Vacation. That has now changed and it’s been dropped to only 60 days prior. 

But for guests that have never been to Disney World, 60 days might be a shock! Yes, you should make your dining reservations at the 60-day mark if you truly plan on getting the best overall dining experience. This will give you the best chances of visiting the restaurants you truly want to visit. 

Remember to make a note of the 60-day mark prior to the start of your trip so you don’t forget. We also suggest setting an alarm or a calendar reminder to wake you up prior to 6:00 am on that day. 

Go on the My Disney Experience app or the Disney World website to begin booking your restaurants. I’d suggest trying at 5:45 or 5:50 am, sometimes you’ll be able to get in a few minutes early.

67. Keep Checking for ADRs

There’s a good chance that one or a few of the restaurants that you wanted to visit had no dining reservations available when you tried to book them. The good news is you can keep checking and sometimes they’ll pop up. 

Guests often cancel their dining reservations the day of or the day before, opening up reservations for other guests and we’ve often had great results within the 24-hour mark of finding restaurants we didn’t think we’d ever get! 

Keep in mind that Disney charges a per-person fee if guests don’t show up for their dining reservations and don’t cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Read more tips about booking restaurants in our Guide to Advance Dining Reservations at Disney World .

68. Eat Quick Service to Save Time & Money

While we love the table-service restaurants throughout Disney World, don’t discount the quick-service meal options as well. Quick-service restaurants at Disney World are more casual and fast-service meals that don’t require a waiter and are more cafeteria-style in nature. These meals are significantly cheaper and sometimes not necessarily any lesser in quality. 

While some of these meals can be your standard run-of-the-mill chicken tenders and hamburgers, there are truly some great quick service offerings these days at Disney World. For example, Disney Springs is loaded with terrific quick service options such as Pizza Ponte, The Polite Pig, D’Luxe Burger, and Chicken Guy. 

But the Disney Parks have them as well, including two of our favorites: Satu’li Canteen at Animal Kingdom and Docking Bay 7 at Hollywood Studios.

69. Use Mobile Order

Almost all of the quick service options in the parks utilize Disney mobile ordering . What this simply means is that on the My Disney Experience app you can choose your restaurant and the time frame for what you’d like to order.

 This will save you a TON of time as opposed to needing to wait in line (which you still can do if you prefer). 

Once you are ready to order something go on the app and order your food and the time you’d like to eat. Then when your return window arrives make sure you are near the restaurant and inform the app by selecting “I’m Here” to let them know they can begin preparing your food. 

The app will notify you when your food is ready and by telling you where to go to pick up your food. It’s a quick learning curve, but it’ll save you immensely once you get the hang of it.

70. Skip the Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan (DDP) hasn’t returned yet since the reopening of the parks in 2020. But when it does return in 2024, I’d suggest skipping it. From our experience, the majority of guests spend MORE money when purchasing the dining plan than guests that do not. 

There are tips and ways you can make the dining plan work that require careful planning and meticulous calculations, but the vast majority of people purchase the DDP due to the idea of simplicity and not having to think about paying once they arrive at Disney World. 

They like the idea of an “all-inclusive” meal plan with known costs ahead of time as opposed to variables of their expenses. If doing Disney World on a budget is of top priority to you, I’d suggest skipping the dining plan altogether, you’ll almost always save money!

71. Check In Online to Save Time

Guests staying at a Disney World Resort can use the online check-in feature through the My Disney Experience to save more time during the check-in process. This enables you to even skip going to the front desk altogether if you want to, informing you directly through the app when your room is ready. 

The app will even give you your room number and tell you how to get to your room, so there is no need to visit the front desk when you arrive.

72. Try The Resort Restaurants

All of the Deluxe Resorts have restaurants on-site that you can enjoy and most of the Moderate Resorts also have a restaurant as well. Most of them are really good and I’d suggest eating at your resort’s restaurants at least once! 

In fact, some of the resort restaurants are the best restaurants on Disney World Property. Not to mention eating at them will save you considerable time and prevent you from having to leave your resort to grab food. 

Another thing you can try is visiting other nearby resorts and eating at their restaurants. Many of the Disney World Resorts are conveniently located next to each other. Make plans to eat at one of those other restaurants if they look appealing and it will also allow you to explore a different Disney World Resort as well.

We cover our favorites in the post Best Disney World Resort Restaurants .

73. Do a Dessert Party for Premium Fireworks Seat

If you’d like to take the stress out of finding a good location for the fireworks or have to stand in place for an hour plus, then book a Dessert Party ! These paid experiences allow you to enjoy a premium dining opportunity with the best viewing areas for the fireworks show. 

While both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios have dining packages to ensure a seat for their nighttime shows, only Disney’s Magic Kingdom has dessert parties at this time. 

In fact, there are a number of different desert party options at Magic Kingdom, ranging in price from $99 to $129 per adult. Children between the ages of 3-9 are $59 to $75. Check out the Disney World site to see all of the different dessert party options.

74. Drink a Beer at the Magic Kingdom

When Magic Kingdom opened its doors in 1971, it was known as a dry park, not selling alcohol of any kind. This tradition continued for 41 years until 2012 when Disney officially broke the rules and began selling alcoholic beverages at select restaurants. 

Finally, you can now grab a beer or other alcoholic beverages at 7 different restaurants around Magic Kingdom! But keep in mind, you need to consume it inside the restaurant.

Read “ Where to Buy Beer and Alcohol at the Magic Kingdom ” for our top choices and what to drink in each restaurant.

75. Dole Whip and Other Famous Disney Snacks

Disney World is known for its “snack culture” with a number of premium snack offerings that have guests coming back for more and more. While they do sell loads of traditional offerings such as popcorn, pretzels, and funnel cakes, Disney has a number of famous snacks you won’t find anywhere else! 

For example, Disney fans couldn’t imagine their lives without the famous Dole Whip, which is one of our favorite snacks at the Magic Kingdom and is also found at multiple spots throughout Walt Disney World. This famous refreshing pineapple-based treat is incredibly refreshing on a hot Florida Day. 

You’ll also have to try a Disney Turkey Leg! These mouthwatering smoked treats are a tradition at Disney World and just taste better in the parks. 

The most newly popular snack offering found at Disney Springs is a Gideon’s Cookie! These giant half-pound cookies are incredible and every month they offer new flavors. Be prepared though, lines can get very long here! 

To see all the many different snack offerings and our favorites at each of the parks, click here .

76. Some Restaurants Give More Value for Money

It’s absolutely true that some Disney World Restaurants will make you feel as if you overpaid for what you purchased. That’s why we recommend visiting the restaurants that will give you the most value for your money. 

One thing we’d suggest trying is visiting one of the all-you-can-eat meals for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and then filling up as much as possible on that, and then eating lighter the rest of the day. 

A few of our favorites in this category are: Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, and Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

However, there are also some non-buffet meals that offer outstanding table service prices for incredibly good meals. 

Check the menus first to see if they will appeal to you but our favorites in this category are: Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, 50s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Spice Road Table at EPCOT.

77. Always Ask for Secret Menu Items

If you want to get in on a little secret, it’s that many of the lounges and restaurants throughout Disney World offer secret menu items! Ask your waiter or a Disney Cast Member working at the lounge, quick service location, or table-service restaurant if there are any secret menu items. 

The exciting thing about this is that they won’t be posted or talked about anywhere or on another blog! So you can become the first person to discover a secret menu item! Talk about a fun discovery you can make with the whole family.

78. Always Book Reservations Near Your Location

One of the most important aspects of booking your table-service restaurants is the proximity to where you are going to be on that day. Plan your restaurants so that they make the most geographical sense. 

For instance, if you are visiting the Magic Kingdom during the day, it likely doesn’t make sense for you to reserve a restaurant that will be in Animal Kingdom. 

If you want to book one of the EPCOT restaurants, you may want to visit another park during the day, then go to EPCOT that evening for dinner.

The point is to plan out your days so that where you are eating is nearby and not too far in proximity. It’ll save you time and hassle as there won’t be a lot of travel time to get to your location.

79. If You Aren’t Hungry Get the Kids Menu

Most adults think that they can only order from the kid’s menu if they have children or if their kids want a particular item. That’s not the case at all! Anyone can order from the kids menu and it’s a great way to not waste food and save significant amounts of money. 

While you won’t get as much quantity of food if you have a larger appetite, kids’ meals will likely give you just enough of a boost that you don’t feel overstuffed as you continue on with your day.

80. You Can Split Meals

Certain restaurants outside Disney will charge you surcharges or plate fees if you split a meal with someone else, but not Disney! This is invaluable if you either have a smaller appetite or you want to limit the cost of your dinner. 

My wife and I do this frequently to save money if we want to try something that looks amazing but we don’t want to necessarily pay for (2) entrees. One of us will order an appetizer and one of us will order an entree and we can split both. 

It’s one way to be able to enjoy a really fancy dinner at a significantly more affordable price.

81. Eat During Non-peak Hours

Part of enjoying a Disney World Vacation is doing the opposite of what the common consensus is. For instance, if others are eating dinner at 6:00 pm, try eating at 4:00 pm or 8:00 pm. You’ll get to enjoy quiet times in the parks while everyone else is at dinner. 

You’ll have less crowded lines for food and your wait times will be significantly less. You’ll also have a much easier time if you’re looking to visit a table-service restaurant during these non-peak hours.

82. Contact Disney for Allergy Concerns

Disney World is terrific for guests that have a load of different allergy concerns when it comes to food. When you make your dining reservations, you can even note it so that the restaurant knows ahead of time. Also, upon arriving at the restaurant inform your waiter immediately. Oftentimes a chef will come over to your table and explain the different options. 

Every time we’ve brought up dietary concerns, the chefs and waitstaff go above and beyond trying to cater to every guest’s concerns, unlike any other place I’ve ever been. You can always call the restaurant in advance of your trip and inform them as well if you’re worried.

83. Don’t Sleep on the Lounges

One of the most overlooked and underappreciated places to eat in Disney World is the various different lounges scattered all over the parks and the resorts. Often these lounges have terrific food, and the best part of all is there is normally minimal wait time or reservations required! 

You’ll often get similar quality food to the nearby table-service restaurants for a fraction of the cost! For instance, at Space 220 in EPCOT the cost of dinner is a set price of $79 per adult and $29 for children. 

Instead, you can go to the Space 220 Lounge which is the same restaurant and experience, with the same awesome atmosphere and enjoy an appetizer that starts at only $12! 

There are a number of awesome lounges with really quality food including some of our favorites: Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom, Geyser Point Bar & Grill at the Wilderness Lodge Resort, and Three Bridges Bar & Grill at the Coronado Springs Resort.

READ: Best Bars & Lounges at Disney World

84. Go Back in Time at 50’s Prime Time

Practically a yearly tradition for our family is visiting the 50’s Prime Time Cafe ! If you want one of the truly unique experiences in all of Walt Disney World, the 50’s Prime Time is absolutely worth a visit! 

This 1950s-themed cafe will bring you back in time as you travel to Mom’s house as she cooks up some of the classic family traditions. All the servers here are one big happy family, and don’t be surprised if they tell you to eat your veggies and keep your elbows off the table. 

It’s a nostalgic place that will bring you back in time while bringing some family-friendly fun and it’s a great place to bring the whole family from young kids to grandparents.

85. Make Multiple Reservations for Big Parties

Trying to find larger reservations for bigger groups can be incredibly challenging in Disney World, limiting your opportunities to visit the restaurants you really want to go to. We often have this problem in our family as we travel in a pack!

Here’s a piece of advice: make two separate reservations. If you can get both reservations for around the same time when you arrive at the restaurant you can explain the situation, and they will likely try to fit you in so that you can seat close to each other. 

Sometimes they will give you a large table allowing you to all fit together, other times they can’t. But at least with two reservations, you’ll be eating in the same place at the same time.

86. Have Lunch at One of the Monorail Resorts if Magic Kingdom is Packed

A good way to break up a long day in Magic Kingdom while also giving you a new Disney World Resort to explore is by having lunch at one of the nearby Monorail Resorts. There are three Monorail Resorts : Grand Floridian Resort & Spa , the Contemporary Resort , and the Polynesian Village Resort . 

Each of these resorts has great options for food, both quick service and table-service restaurants. Doing this will break up your day, giving your family some R&R while also getting you out of the hot sun for a little while. 

Then, by the time lunch is over and everyone is refreshed, you can take the monorail back into the park and enjoy more rides and attractions.

87. You Can Actually Eat Inside Cinderella Castle

If you didn’t know, you can actually eat inside Cinderella’s Castle at the restaurant called Cinderella’s Royal Table. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The prices here are expensive and it is a fixed pricing menu, but it’s an experience you won’t forget

Young kids will especially enjoy seeing the beautiful interior of the castle. The princesses can vary but you could get to meet several Disney Princesses including Jasmine, Aurora, Snow White, Ariela, and of course your host Cinderella!

88. Make ADRs Right Before Park Close

If your family is OK with going European-style and having a later dinner, making a dining reservation in the parks just before the park closing time is an awesome way to end the night! Not only will you likely get the restaurant to yourself, but you’ll also get to experience the park to yourself as you depart the restaurant. 

There’s something awesome about leaving Magic Kingdom or any of the Disney World Parks with practically zero guests in the park and getting some spectacular photos to end the night. These reservations are a hidden gem and are actually easier to get than the prime-time 5:00 pm -7:00 pm reservations.

Saving Money

In this next section, we will now talk about our absolute favorite ways to save money on your Disney World Vacation.

89. Keep Checking for Discounts

Some guests get worried if they book their vacation too far away they won’t be able to take advantage of future discounts, and this actually isn’t the case! 

If you book a Disney World Vacation either through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , such as Show You the World Travel , or directly through Disney yourself, you’ll be able to take advantage of future discounts if they come out.

The advantage of having a Disney Vacation Planner is they will be proactive in working for you and knowing when all the deals and discounts come out and then apply them retroactively for you, as opposed to you having to continue to monitor it and do it yourself. 

By doing it yourself there’s a good chance you won’t see the newest deal and end up paying more than you need to.

90. Buy Discounted Disney Tickets

Buying Disney Park TIckets can be incredibly costly so if there’s any way to save any money at all when it comes to buying tickets you should look into it! The problem is, there are a lot of scams when it comes to discounted Disney tickets, and unsuspecting first-time Disney guests can sometimes get caught purchasing these tickets. 

There are a few reputable Disney Ticket sites that will allow you to save some money on the purchase of Disney tickets. We invite you to check out our Guide to Discounted Disney World Tickets which will show you what tickets to look for and if they’re worth buying.

Cheapest Discount Disney World Tickets

If you are looking to save money on Disney World theme park tickets, our personal recommendation is Orlando Vacation . They almost always have the best prices on multi-day tickets and can save you $20-$60 per ticket over buying direct from Disney.

91. Use Credit Card Points

There are a number of different ways you can use credit card points to save on a trip to Walt Disney World. You can utilize travel credit cards that will mitigate the cost of your hotel or airfare costs. There are other credit cards that will reimburse you in the form of statement credits for any travel-related expenses. 

There are also several hotel chains around Disney World that will enable you to use hotel rewards points, such as the Swan and Dolphin Hotels, which are owned by Marriott. And if you are a Marriott Bonvoy Member, you can book these hotels for normally 30-40,000 points per night. 

Staying at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels is one of our favorite gems due to the fact that they are actually on Disney’s Property and are within walking distance to both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. 

There are other popular hotel chains near Disney Springs, within walking distance including Holiday Inn (IHG), Hilton, and Wyndham. 

For a full discussion of off-site hotels and the ones we recommend where you can use credit card points, I suggest you read our list of the best hotels near Disney World .

92. Take Advantage of Disney Visa Card Perks

If you’re a frequent Disney World guest, taking advantage of the Disney Visa Card could be a smart decision for you. With Disney Dream Rewards dollars being accrued on purchases and special financing and room discounts exclusive for Disney Visa Card members, it could totally be worth having a Disney Visa Card. 

You’ll also get exclusive access including special meet and greets in the park and complimentary photos from select locations. For a full list of benefits and perks and to see whether it’s worth it to get the Disney Visa, go here .

93. Use Disney Gift Cards

Something we’ve written about a lot if you want to save money is by purchasing Disney Gift Cards in advance of your trip. This is an easy way to save anywhere from 5-10% off your Disney World Vacation. 

While it requires a little bit of effort and planning, it isn’t exactly rocket science. The easiest way to do it is to get them at Target with a Red Card for an easy 5% off discount, but there are more than a dozen places to get them and save money.

94. Check All Options for Lowest Prices on Hotels

While most people looking to visit Disney World look directly on Disney’s Official Site, and while this could be an easy and straightforward option, it isn’t always the best and most affordable option. In fact, we’d encourage you to check several different options for the lowest prices including:

• Disney’s Official Site
• Through a Third-Party Company
• Using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as Show You the World Travel 

Third-party sites such as Orbitz or Expedia can sometimes save you a little bit of money on the nightly rate for a Disney Hotel. Just keep in mind their cancellation policies usually aren’t as loose as Disney’s. 

Always check all your available options first. Make sure when you are checking Disney’s Official Site that you see if there are any special offers. 

Booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner might not save you money over the cost of the price through Disney immediately BUT it could save you money in the long haul because if there’s a new promotion or discount that comes out prior to your trip, a good vacation planner will make sure you get the best possible rate.

95. Use DVC Points for Massive Savings

The 4th option for staying at a Disney World Resort is by using DVC Points to stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort . This has been one of our families’ main ways of being able to afford to stay at nicer Disney World Properties. 

Renting DVC Points from a reputable company or seller could save you substantial amounts of money, sometimes 50-60% off the cost of staying at the same hotel when purchasing directly through Disney. 

It’s a fairly simple process to do this. I’d recommend using a larger and more reputable company such as David’s Vacation Club Rentals. They offer the best prices and have a huge selection of rooms available.

96. The Longer You Stay the Less You Pay

The cost of park tickets is substantially more expensive per day on the first 4 days. Disney has purposely priced tickets to make it more affordable for families staying longer periods of time. 

For instance, 1-day park tickets start at $109 per day whereas 7-day tickets start at only $69 per day. Staying longer might not cost you as much money as you think.

97. Cook in Your Room

Something our family has been doing more and more on recent Disney World stays is ordering groceries and food. There are a number of different ways you can do this, including through apps such as Amazon and Door Dash in which you can order groceries and have them delivered at your resort . It’s much cheaper than you’d think it would be!

You can of course also go out yourself if you have a vehicle and do some grocery shopping and bring food into your hotel room. Cooking in your room can be an incredibly cost-effective way to save significant amounts of money, but you’ll need to book a resort with a kitchen, another reason to consider staying at a DVC Resort .

98. Bring Food to the Parks

The thought of bringing food into the Disney Parks doesn’t even cross the minds of most families. It’s true, Disney has some rules on ‘what’ you can bring to the parks and what you can’t bring (including loose ice or alcohol), as far as food goes, as long as it fits in your bag or a smaller cooler, you’re good to go! 

For example, packing snacks or food for kids or the whole family can be an extremely cost-effective way for budget-conscious families to not be reliant on Disney’s high costs to feed the whole family. You can even bring a sandwich or salad if you don’t want to buy lunch.

99. Stay Off-Site for Max Savings

While most times we are bigger fans of staying on Disney’s property, there are some times when we actually prefer staying off-site. And if you’re looking for the best bang for your dollar, staying at some of the nearby off-site hotels will absolutely provide you with that. 

Even some of the off-site hotels aren’t even truly “off-site” as they are still technically on Disney World’s property, giving you easy and convenient access without having to pay the same prices for similar quality as you would if it were an official Disney Resort. 

There are a number of hotels around Disney that offer more space for larger families, including multiple bedrooms while giving some of the same perks of Disney Resort Guests by having the designation of being ‘Disney’s Good Neighbor Hotels.’ 

For a list of our favorite options to save money and stay off-site, check this post out here . Just keep in mind just because they seem significantly cheaper than Disney, almost all of the off-site hotels have hidden costs including nightly resort fees and additional taxes. Make sure you fully count the cost.

Top 3 Places to Stay in Orlando

Ultimate Luxury : Four Seasons Resort Orlando – Five Star Dining and Best Luxury Hotel in Orlando. On-site with many of the same perks as Disney Resort guests.

My Favorite: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress – Best Pool and Amenities, Close location

Budget Hotel Near Disney : Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Great Value and upscale feel at a low price

100. Get Free Water

One of the most common hacks you’ll find on every Disney Blog is asking for free water. It still irks me when I see people buying $4 bottles of water when you can literally just ask for a cup of free water. 

You can visit practically any quick-service restaurant and many of the smaller snack areas and ask for a free cup of water and they’ll likely give it to you. And if they can’t, they’ll inform you of where you can go and grab a cup of water. 

Not to mention there are also water fountains located nearby almost every bathroom, great for filling up those water bottles.

101. Buy Disney Merch Outside the Parks

Disney merchandise in the theme parks and in Disney Springs can get incredibly costly for families that are looking for the greatest new merch. One thing our family does in preparation for every trip is purchase our merchandise ahead of time on the Internet. 

A few of our favorite places that have great and unique designs, sometimes even better than official Disney Merch are Tee Public , Etsy , and Amazon . Many of the Amazon designs are official Disney Merch, but they’re normally cheaper online than in the parks.

102. Buy Disney Pins on eBay

Pin trading at Walt Disney World is one of our favorite pastimes, and a great way to save money is by purchasing them ahead of time on eBay. 

There are a number of sellers that regularly sell official Disney pins on eBay for a small fraction of the cost of purchasing pins in the parks. You can buy bulk packages and sometimes the seller will even bring them to your Disney Resort at the start of your trip. 

If not, you can have them shipped to your house prior to your trip. This is a great way to have a bunch of trading pins that you can then use to trade for pins that you really want in the parks.

103. Get the Refillable Drink Mug Immediately

As soon as you arrive at your Disney World Resort, get your refillable drink mug ! These fun multi-colored collectibles are a great way for everyone in the family to have their own mug that they bring everywhere with them. 

You’ll be able to use them to fill up on coffee, soda, tea, hot cocoa, and water whenever you want as your resort or other Disney World Resorts. 

They are worth the money and will ensure you don’t need to spend another dollar on non-alcoholic beverages at your resort. Just make sure you get them as soon as you get there to maximize its usage.

104. Don’t Forget Your Annual Passholder Discounts

If you’re a Disney World Annual Passholder , make sure you ask about discounts everywhere you go. There are plenty of discounts at merchandise stores and ordering food at restaurants. 

Nothing would be worse than spending full price on something when you could have gotten 20%-30% off if you realized it! If you happen to make this mistake, you can usually return your item for free, then just re-buy it with the discount.

105. Don’t Wait Too Long to Book Flights

There’s a balance in booking your flights, you don’t want to book too early and you don’t want to book too late. One thing that helps is when you use an airline like Southwest, you can easily change your flights if a better deal comes out closer to your trip. 

If not, it’s better to buy them earlier rather than later, especially if traveling during a busier time of the year. It’s rare that peak travel times get cheaper as the dates get closer, so it’s far better to be locked into flights rather than worrying about the prices getting outrageous or there being limited options of flights available.

106. Take Advantage of the Freebies

With trips to Walt Disney World getting more and more expensive, it’s useful to know of the best freebies in the parks! What are our favorite freebies in the parks? 

• Celebration Buttons – If you’re celebrating an important day or someone in your group is be sure to ask a Cast Member anywhere for a celebration button! They’ll be given to you for free and it’s possible you’ll get some additional Pixie Dust from extra special Disney Cast Members. 
• Kidcot Stations – These fun stations around EPCOT allow kids to engage in some fun activities and take part in a scavenger hunt of sorts. It’s totally free and involves some stickers and activities. The kids LOVE it. 
• Free Parking – Guests staying in a Disney World Resort receive free parking as well as guests with Annual Passes. 
• Coke Samples at Club Cool – Visit Club Cool in Epcot for free samples of Coke products from different countries around the world. Be sure to try the “Beverly” Coke from Italy. Some guests love it and some hate it! 
• Free Concerts – During both the Flower & Garden Festival and the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT , they offer free concerts at EPCOT on the American Adventure Pavilion in World Showcase. They get some fairly popular performers so check the schedule prior to your trip and are worth seeing. 
• Transportation – This might seem like a no-brainer but having the ability to ride the Disney Skyliner , the Disney Monorail , or take a beautiful scenic boat ride around the various different lakes is a worthwhile perk that is certainly worth repeating. All of Disney’s Transportation options are free and that’s worth something. 

There are loads more free things to do in the parks, but these are just some of our favorite freebies.

Traveling with Children

In our next section on our favorite Disney World Tips, we are going to focus on our favorite tips for Traveling with Children.

107. Do at Least One Character Meal

One of the highlights of our yearly Disney trips growing up was the character meals and many families regularly tell us that character meals are a highlight for them too. While they can be expensive and the food isn’t necessarily “fine dining” they are a memorable time, especially for families with small kids. 

We recommend booking at least one of them on your upcoming Disney trip. Ideally, you don’t plan these character meals on the same day as a long park day. Trying to cram everything into an already full schedule, can make for an especially long day.

These character meals can be found both in the Disney Parks and at some of the Disney Resorts but don’t plan too much on the morning or evening of your character meal. That way you can fully enjoy the experience without feeling too rushed. 

Look at all the different menus and decide which one would be most appealing to your family and book it.

108. Get a Stroller Outside the Parks

If you aren’t going to bring your own stroller, the next best alternative is renting one outside of Disney. Disney rentals for strollers are incredibly costly and doing that day after day will rack up a high cost. 

I’d recommend using a company like Kingdom Strollers , which has a great reputation and has been around for 20 years. They will bring your stroller directly to your hotel or they can meet you somewhere.

109. Decorate Your Stroller

There aren’t many stroller companies and chances are many other guests at the Disney Parks have the exact same stroller as you. There’s also the chance that Cast Members will need to move your stroller if it’s parked in the wrong spot. 

Our advice is to decorate your stroller and make it stand out . This will make it easier to find if Cast Members have to move it, and it will prevent someone from accidentally taking it. 

Use brightly colored ribbons or cloth to decorate the handle of the stroller or something shiny or even a sign so it stands out clearly as day.

110. Use Apple AirTags to Not Lose Anything (or Anyone)

One of our favorite tips we’ve recently heard about is using Apple AirTags. These little tags can be attached to a stroller, a backpack, or even your child! 

If you are paranoid about your little toddler running off, by putting an Apple AirTag in a secure pocket of theirs, you’ll be able to quickly and easily find them. 

You can also use these on wheelchairs, strollers, or even your vehicle to help you find your things a lot easier.

111. EPCOT Isn’t Just for Adults Anymore

For many years EPCOT had the designation of being an adult park and quite boring for kids. Now with fun interactive experiences and scavenger hunts such as Kidcot around World Showcase, EPCOT has really upped it anty for families with small kids. 

What are some of our other favorite activities that EPCOT has for kids? 

• Kidcot – This World Showcase scavenger hunts or sorts will have kids exploring and learning about the different 11 countries featured in World Showcase.
• Project Tomorrow – Is at the exit of Spaceship Earth with a number of fun games and activities themed to the future.
• ImageWorks – An entertaining interactive space at the exit of Journey Into Imagination with Figment.
• Playground – There’s a playground area near Test Track to let the little ones blow off steam.

Here are some of our favorite attractions that kids tend to love:

• Frozen Ever After – A Frozen-themed boat ride
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros – A relaxing boat ride in the Mexico Pavilion that follows the Three Caballeros.
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – This 3D ride is an adorable way to track down Remy in Gusteau’s kitchen.
• Turtle Talk With Crush – Here’s a fun way for kids to be able to speak to Crush from Finding Nemo. Families and children of all ages will LOVE this.
• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival – An 18-minute 3D show of Disney and Pixar short films.
• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along – A singalong experience in the France Theater.
• Journey Into Imagination with Figment – Enjoy meeting Figment on this cute dark ride as Figment take you on a journey through the senses and of course imagination.
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends – Look for Nemo in this adorable clam-mobile vehicle that follows the characters of Finding Nemo. Be sure to explore the large aquarium after the ride.
• Journey of Water – This is an interactive walk-through path that teaches about the water cycle using Moana to help. Relaxing and quite fun.

112. Prepare the Kids for Long Lines

Whether or not you get Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes, chances are, you’re still going to have to wait in some pretty long lines. And if you’re visiting during a peak travel period, there’s no getting away from them. 

To make the time pass faster for everyone, I recommend downloading some fun games such as Heads Up and the Play Disney app that the whole family can enjoy while waiting in line. It’ll make the line-waiting experience MUCH more enjoyable.

113. Tom Sawyer Island is Great for Kids

An oft-overlooked attraction area for kids is Tom Sawyer Island, and I’m here to tell you, kids LOVE it. They can run around, stretch their legs, and they’ll feel completely removed from Magic Kingdom. 

Kids will get to explore the caves and play in Fort Longhorn. It has hills to climb and a fun rope bridge to explore. They’ll even get to play with noisy air rifles and cannons, what’s not to love?!

114. Take Advantage of Rider Switch

If you’re not aware, Disney has a way so that everyone that wants to get on a particular attraction can do so without having to get in line multiple times and that’s through a program called ‘ Rider Switch .’ 

Sometimes your young ones are too afraid to ride a particular ride or they don’t measure up, and instead of one of the parents missing out on the attraction, by using Rider Switch you don’t have to worry about anyone missing out on a ride. 

Simply ask a Cast Member prior to getting in line to see if the ride offers Rider Switch. Once you’re at the attraction, inform the greeting Cast Member with your entire group that you’d like to use Rider Switch. 

The one adult and others who will not be riding initially will be issued a Ride Switch entitlement by the Cast Member and asked to wait in a designated area. 

Once the first group rides the attraction they come back and the second group can then get on the attraction. The adult in the first group can then take over and watch the small child or children that couldn’t ride so the 2nd adult and/or any kids can ride.

115. Get an Ice Cream Sundae at Beaches & Cream

A tradition for our family each year is getting an Ice Cream Sundae at Beaches & Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort! If you’re not familiar, these tasty sundaes are unforgettable and to get the true experience order the Kitchen Sink Sundae ! 

It’s an 8-scoop ice cream sundae that is literally topped with every single topping that they have. It’s massive and can surely feed the entire family! It’s worth doing and it’s an unforgettable experience.

If you don’t want something so big, go for one of the other sundaes. Our favorite is the No Way Jose, which is peanut butter sundae!

The section of our favorite Disney World Tips is the ‘Bonus Tips’ that don’t necessarily fit in one of the other categories but can surely enhance your overall trip.

116. Use MagicBand+ for More Interaction in the Parks

The new generation MagicBand system is called the MagicBand+ and it allows for even more interaction when visiting the parks. 

This new system has many of the old features such as being able to open your Disney hotel room door, enter the Disney parks (with valid admission), pay for purchases around Disney World, check into your Lightning Lanes, and even connect your PhotoPass images to your Disney account. 

You’ll also be able to get some more interaction throughout the parks, including interaction with the 50th golden statues that were placed throughout the 4 theme parks in celebration of the 50th anniversary. You’ll get special interaction during some of the nighttime shows and fireworks at the different parks as well. 

And since this is an ever-evolving technology there will likely be more and more interactive activities throughout the parks with the MagicBand+ Technology.

117. You Can Get Your Starbucks Fix at Disney World

All four of Disney World’s Theme Parks and Disney Springs have at least one Starbucks location in it. So if you aren’t the biggest fan of Joffrey’s Coffee, you can also visit a Starbucks location to get your fix. 

You’ll likely need some caffeine to keep you energized during long park days, and there’s nothing like a morning and afternoon pick-me-up at Starbucks.

118. Play a Round of Golf

If you are looking for something relaxing to do, Disney has (4) golf courses on Disney World Property, and they are easy to book. Simply go here , fill out the information, and find the available tee times for the course you want to play at. 

There are also discounts available for Disney Cast Members and Disney Annual Passholders, so make sure to ask.

The Oak Trail Golf Course is a 9-hole course, whereas Magnolia, the Palm, and Lake Buena Vista are all 18 holes. The first three are all found at the same location near Magic Kingdom whereas Lake Buena Vista is located at the Saratoga Springs Resort.

119. Plan at Least One Evening at Disney Springs

Some of our favorite evenings are our nights in Disney Springs. It’s here that you’ll find the very best of Disney Dining and restaurant options. Several of our top Restaurants in Walt Disney World are found in Disney Springs and you truly can’t go wrong. 

It’s a great place for both adults and children with loads of shopping and dining opportunities. If you get there early and go on a weeknight you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some Happy Hour locations and grab a cocktail while you explore.

Read our list of the best Disney Springs restaurants to compare the best ones for your family.

120. Bring a Power Bank

Long days in Disney World call for a lot of cell phone battery usage. With the constant need to use the My Disney Experience app and the likelihood of needing your cell phone throughout the day, I highly suggest bringing a power bank or some kind of portable phone charger. 

If you forget one you can rent them in the parks ( from FuelRod for example ), but you’ll spend a lot more money. 

Our advice: order them ahead of time and charge them each night when you get back to the room. These banks will help get you through long days while keeping your devices charged, which is becoming more and more important with a trip to Disney.

121. Plan for the Weather

Planning for Florida’s weather is MUST-DO for all times of the year. It will be either hot or EXTREMELY hot. 

For families not used to the extreme sun or humidity, packing the proper essentials is vital to fully enjoy the trip for everyone in your group. This can include sunscreen, sun protection for small children, and perhaps portable fans. 

If traveling during the busy periods, especially the hot summer months of June – September, you’ll likely endure many sun showers during the middle of the day. These storms can be incredibly heavy and even lead to flooding at times. 

That’s why we recommend bringing ponchos and umbrellas from home. You can likely find them at your nearest dollar store and pay ⅓ the price as you would in Walt Disney World.

Hurricane season in Disney World is from July – October as well, which can affect or disrupt your trip. Make sure you plan accordingly and perhaps consider purchasing trip insurance if you’re traveling during these times. 

Then, from December to February, you actually could get some really chilly nights and early mornings while walking in the parks. The weather fluctuates more during these months and the lows of the day can be quite chilly. I’d suggest packing a few sweaters or hoodies if you are coming then.

122. Get Free Medical Care at a First Aid Station

All of the Disney Parks and water parks have First Aid Stations that can help you or your child in the event of an accident. A couple of years ago, I ripped up my foot pretty good at Blizzard Beach and the nurse seamlessly bandaged me up and I was good to go within 5-minutes. 

Use these stations if you need to, you can stock up on medication samples, allergy medicine, cough drops, tissues, Band-Aids, pain relievers, or antacids. Even if you are just feeling dehydrated and run down, these stations will provide you with a free Powerade to build back up your electrolytes.

123. Use DAS If You Have a Disability

If you have any kind of disability, look into Disability Access Service or (DAS). This service is a wonderful service that will allow disabled guests to take their families on rides or attractions without needing to wait in line. 

It is specifically designed to assist guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a convention queue environment due to a disability. All qualifying guests along with up to 5 additional members of their party can schedule return times for expedited line access. 

Simply visit any Guest Relations tent in the parks to add DAS if you have a disability to see if you qualify.

124. Look Out for Hidden Mickeys

There are thousands of hidden Mickey heads throughout the Walt Disney World campus. There are even books showing you how to find all of the Hidden Mickeys.

 A fun thing to do with kids is to attempt to find and spot all the secret and not-so-secret locations of the Hidden Mickeys throughout the Disney World property.

125. Free Wi-Fi in Parks and Resorts

For guests needing Wi-Fi, you’ll be happy to know you can find a connection almost anywhere on the Disney World property. This is a wonderful perk, allowing International Guests to be connected immediately to their devices and contact their families back home via FaceTime or WhatsApp. 

Many hotels offer Wi-Fi at an expensive nightly charge but Disney offers this for free both at the theme parks and at all of the resorts. The Wi-Fi has gotten better as they’ve recently increased the bandwidth and the quality of the speed.

126. Bring Your Own Chewing Gum

Many guests are surprised to find that Disney World does NOT sell chewing gum anywhere on the property. 

So if you are accustomed to chewing gum during the day or would like it for any aspect of your trip, purchase it in advance and bring it with you. You can also order it on DoorDash and have it delivered to your room if you need gum during your vacation.

127. Use the Genie+ Extras

Starting back in March of 2023, guests who purchase Genie+ for the day will also be able to receive free digital PhotoPass downloads for attraction photos that are taken on the day they purchase Genie+. 

This is a nice new perk that allows you to get some fun attraction photos that you can save to your phone and post on social media. There are also other extras like audio tours of the theme parks and AR filters for creating some pretty fun photos in famous spots like in front of Cinderella Castle.

128. Use the Exclusive Late Virtual Queue Distribution Time Slot

A quiet hidden gem for guests that want to get a third opportunity to join a virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Tron Lightcycle Run can now join a queue at 6:00 pm IF you qualify for Extended Evening Hours access at EPCOT or Magic Kingdom.

This third opportunity will not run EVERY night but only on the select nights that EPCOT or Magic Kingdom have Extended Evening Hours nights.

Keep in mind this perk is only for guests staying at Deluxe Disney Resorts or Villas. For a full list of qualifying hotels, our Extended Evening Hours Guide .

129. Use MDE App to Find the Nearest Restroom

One thing Disney World does NOT have a shortage of and that is restrooms, and thank goodness for that! 

To find the nearest restrooms from where you are currently standing, simply sort on the park map on the My Disney Experience by ‘Restrooms.’ The map will then show you all the restrooms near you. Simply walk to the nearest one.

130. Rent an ECV Outside the Parks

Just like strollers, ECVs or electronic conveyance vehicles can be VERY costly to rent at the parks. Not to mention they also can sell out very quickly in the morning if you don’t get one first thing. 

We recommend using a reputable outside company allowing you to save significant amounts of money while also being assured you will have an ECV for your entire trip. We like Buena Vista Rentals for ECV rentals as they are always reliable and at a good price. We cover all your options in our Guide to Renting a Scooter at Disney World .

131. Store Your Luggage with Bell Services for More Time in the Parks

A popular thing our family enjoys doing is parking our luggage with bell services. This can be done either when arriving at your resort and your room isn’t quite ready OR if you’re leaving later in the day and you need to check out of your room. 

This allows you to simply drop your stuff off without needlessly carrying it around or worrying about it. Spend your time enjoying every last minute as opposed to waiting around unnecessarily.

132. Book Extra Experiences

If you want to save time and plan the right way, booking your additional experiences prior to your trip is the smart way to go. Things such as building your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop and the Droid Depot in Galaxy’s Edge and Fireworks Desserts party can sell out quickly! 

This also includes all of the VIP tours and Behind the Scenes tours . These additional experiences are very popular and you’ll be ensured you get to do the things you want to do the most if you book them weeks or months prior to the start of your vacation.

133. Don’t Miss Beacons of Magic

One of the greatest and most popular additions during the 50th Anniversary Celebration was the recently added Beacons of Magic on Spaceship Earth at night. 

This nighttime illumination show features beautiful projections along the symbol of EPCOT and it runs from dusk until after the EPCOT Fireworks each night. It happens every 15 minutes or so and is absolutely worth watching!

134. Don’t Forget The Electrical Water Pageant

An underrated gem that runs nightly on Bay Lake outside of Magic Kingdom is called the Electrical Water Pageant. 

This nighttime light parade was originally created for the dedication of the Polynesian Resort in 1971, but due to its popularity, it still runs regularly. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.

135. Be Flexible

While a trip to Disney World these days requires careful planning and attention to detail, don’t lose track of the fact that it’s supposed to be a fun trip! If you’re too inflexible things are going to come up that will completely derail your trip. 

Rather than letting it ruin your day or your trip, try to remain flexible and spontaneous. Sometimes things happen and these things can be completely out of your control. Kids don’t feel good, attractions break down, wait times end up longer than expected, the weather affects your day, etc…

Just remain flexible and go with the flow, and you’ll have a great trip despite unexpected hurdles.

Tips for the Disney Pros

These last set of tips are focused on Disney Vacationers that aren’t on their first rodeo. No, these are for seasoned Disney World travelers that know most of the ins and outs but are just looking for a little bit of that secret sauce.

136. Don’t Carry Your Merchandise All Day

Rather than having to carry your recently purchased merchandise around with you all day, send it to your Disney World Resort ! They’ll do this for free for you if you’re staying on-site, it’ll likely get sent to your hotel gift shop. 

If you’re not staying at a Disney World Resort, you can still have your merchandise sent to the front of the park so you can simply pick it up at the end of the night.

137. Do Shopping at End of the Day

Rather than waste valuable time in the middle of the day to do your shopping in crowded stores, wait until the end of the night. Most Disney shops stay open at least an hour after the park closes. This is a great way to shop with far fewer people in the stores as well.

138. Learn Something New with a Tour

Our entire family has been to Disney World dozens if not 100+ times over the years and one of the ways we’ve recently been adding something new to our trips is with a tour! These backstage and VIP tours can be an incredible way to pick up on a little bit of extra Disney Magic. 

While they do include an extra cost, in our view, it is well worth it! We absolutely loved the Wild Africa Trek in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

139. Skip EPCOT on Weekends

EPCOT is a favorite park on the weekends of Florida locals looking to hang out and enjoy the many yearly festivals. We’ve learned time after time from years of experience to avoid EPCOT on the weekends since it gets packed and lines are incredibly long for EVERYTHING. 

Instead, if you go during the week and spend your time enjoying the festivals in the early hours from 11:00 am until the early afternoon you’ll likely find yourself being the only one in line for the different themed kiosks. Trust me, it’s the way to go!

140. Snack and Drink Around the World

To fully embrace EPCOT I think two days are required. One day to enjoy all of the experiences and rides in the Future World Pavilions and another day to take your time in World Showcase to do shopping and snacking around the World Showcase . 

While we understand not everyone has two days to dedicate to EPCOT, if it is all possible, it will absolutely be worth your while if you are a foodie! Drinking Around the World Showcase is also super fun, always done in moderation of course.

EPCOT has the best and most varied food and drink options out of all the Disney World Parks, and there’s no way you’ll be able to try everything you want.

141. Use a Notification Service for Hard Dining Reservations

There are a number of notification services available now to allow guests to snag those hard-to-get dining reservations . We’ve used several of them to varying degrees of success. They can be vital in the days before your trip to get some of the reservations you never thought you’d get. 

Our favorite one that we’ve had the most success with is Mouse Watcher. It is a paid service but we’ve used it many times to score hard-to-get reservations, and in our view, it is worth it! They’ll inform you immediately when a reservation pops up, allowing you to get it quickly, before anyone else.

142. Stay Late at the Magic Kingdom

While all the parks are magical after dark, the one that shines the most is Disney’s Magic Kingdom . There’s something special about being in the parks with Main Street U.S.A. completely lit up while being engrossed in the Happily Ever After fireworks and projection show. 

The ambiance of Magic Kingdom is like nowhere else, and enjoying late nights in Magic Kingdom is unparalleled if at all possible. We’d suggest taking advantage of the later night hours at Magic Kingdom by using Extended Evening Hours if at all possible.

143. Watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from Outside the Park

If you aren’t in Magic Kingdom when the Happily Ever After Fireworks show is running, there are a number of other places you can watch it. A few of our favorites are:

• The beach from the nearby Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• The Top of the World Lounge in the Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary (Only for DVC Members)
• The 4th-floor observation deck at the Contemporary Resort 
• Nearby signature restaurants California Grill and Narcosees, which can be found at the Contemporary Resort and the Grand Floridian Resort respectively 
• Fireworks dessert boat cruises

144. Best Location for Magic Kingdom Parades

If you want the absolute best spot to be for Magic Kingdom Parades then go to the flagpole on Main Street U.S.A. and find a spot near the curb that is facing the castle.

From this location, you will be able to see the parades coming directly to you while having a beautiful backdrop of the castle behind the parade. You can’t beat it!

145. Attraction Wait Times are Not Always What They Seem

One of our favorite little-known facts is that wait times are deceiving. You can’t always trust them and often times they are a fraction of the posted times.

This is especially true at the end of the night when wait times can sometimes show an hour plus but are in actuality less than 10 minutes! We’ve found this out time after time in the parks at night.

146. Let Disney Know If You Are Celebrating Something

By wearing those Celebration Pins you can let Disney Cast Members show you a little extra Disney Magic by informing them that you are celebrating something. Don’t expect too much, but we’ve often found ourselves to be recipients of free desserts and other freebies while wearing our celebration pins. It’s worth it!

147. Eat an Early Breakfast Inside the Parks

One of our favorite things to do is to snag early morning breakfast reservations in the parks. This will allow you to enjoy the parks completely to yourself while you walk to your breakfast location. 

You can also use this window to allow yourself to get in line before other guests can even enter the park. Talk about a great way to be the first in line!

148. Always See the Second Showing of Fantasmic!

Lines for the first showing of Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios can be incredibly long! If your family can stand staying up later on your Hollywood Studios night, I wholeheartedly recommend you wait until the second showing of Fantasmic. 

Yes, it will require you to stay up late, but it’s MUCH more enjoyable with minimal waits. It will also be a lot easier to exit the park at the end of the night, with far fewer people in the park.

149. Have Dinner with a Disney Imagineer

Prior to the pandemic, guests visiting the Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios could have dinner with an Imagineer. This was a wonderful way for guests to ask the questions they’ve always wanted to ask in regard to the attractions, shows, or anything about Walt Disney World.

While this hasn’t come back yet, we hope it does soon!

150. You Don’t Always Need a Dining Reservation

Disney recently added a Walk-Up Waitlist feature to the My Disney Experience app allowing you to get into restaurants that you didn’t previously have a reservation for. This is a great way for you to sneak in and snag a table-service dining opportunity at a place you weren’t able to get an advance dining reservation for. 

Simply check the app and check the restaurants in the park. If they have Walk-Up availability, it’ll show how long it’ll be until you can get in, and it’ll allow you to join the list if you so choose. 

Another thing you can attempt to do is simply walk up to the restaurant if you are nearby and talk to the hostess. If you are with a smaller group, I think you’d be surprised how often they’ll be able to accommodate you. 

I’ve always been a reservation fan, but practically every time I attempt a walk-in when it’s just the 2 of us, they’re able to get us into the restaurant. 

That wraps up our look at the best Walt Disney World tips. We hope that we shared some suggestions that will take your trip to the next level and save you some time and money along the way!

If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, here are some other popular articles where you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.

• Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• Disney World Crowd Calendar
• When are the Best Times to Visit Disney World?

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about our best Disney World vacation tips…

• Which is your favorite tip?
• What tips you have learned over the years that can help others have a better vacation?

Let us know in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this article, as always I appreciate it if you’d share it with others via social media.  I work hard at making this website into a useful resource for you and your family to plan your visit to the Disney Parks and I hope it can help you! Thanks 🙂

My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.

Monday 7th of August 2023

Wow!! Excellent Guide and suggestions. Helps so we won't miss out. Thanks Ziggy.

Monday 12th of June 2023

Wow, so much useful information. Thankyou for taking the time to put it together.

Ziggy Oskwarek

Saturday 17th of June 2023

Hi Pamela, thanks for your comment. Glad it was helpful! :)

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

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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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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.

Magic Kingdom Roller Coasters: ALL RANKED for 2023!

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!

Yachtsman Steakhouse is Disney’s Best Kept Dining Secret, And Here’s Why (FULL REVIEW)

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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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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42 Disney World and Disneyland Tips for a Magical Vacation

Whether it's your first time or 50th, these Disneyland and Disney World tips will help you plan the ultimate Disney vacation.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Millions of guests visit Disney’s California and Florida theme parks each year to see Mickey and pals, experience innovative rides , watch the fireworks over the castle, eat Dole Whips and Mickey pretzels , and make happy memories with their families and friends. These days, planning the perfect Disney vacation requires a little more effort than just buying tickets and showing up, but don’t worry. With dozens of tips covering where to stay, when to go , how to use virtual queues, and how to save money, you’ll be an expert in no time. We included general information and tricks to maximize fun and save time and money, plus specific Disney World and Disneyland tips so you have the best theme park experience. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, or the first time in forever, we’ve gathered more than 40 Disney tips so you can plan the most magical vacation. 

Related: Disneyland vs. Disney World — Everything You Need to Know About Both Theme Park Resorts

Courtesy of Disney

Disney Tips and Tricks

Start booking hotels, tickets, and dining reservations months in advance..

Popular experiences such as character meals and after-hours events can book up quickly, and park reservations — still required to enter — can sell out on popular days. A last-minute Disney trip is doable, but it’s best to plan at least two months ahead to maximize your dining, hotel, and park choices. 

Visit during off-peak times.

Want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed theme park experience? Plan your Disney vacation for off-peak periods. Avoid major holidays and school breaks; January and February can be great months to visit, along with late summer and early fall after kids return to school. 

Stay on property.

From adorably themed rooms to early park access to free transportation around the resort, Disney hotels offer guests lots of magical perks. Staying immersed in the Disney bubble is especially worth it for first-time visitors. 

And consider splurging on a club-level room.

These top-tier accommodations include access to a lounge serving up tasty eats and drinks (including free alcoholic beverages) all day long. 

Download the Disney World or Disneyland app.

Find real-time ride wait times, dining reservations, mobile food ordering, hotel information, and Genie+ (more on that next) in the resort’s helpful — and necessary — app.

Learn about Disney Genie+ before your trip.

Disney’s free FastPass system was replaced with a paid service that allows guests to make selections for expedited ride access via Lightning Lanes. During busy months, it can be worth buying to maximize your ride time, but you might be able to skip it during off-peak seasons. We’ve broken down the intricacies of the system in a dedicated Genie+ guide . 

The longer you stay, the less you pay per day.

Admission for Disney World starts at $109 for a one-day ticket, but seven-day tickets begin at $69 per day. Depending on your budget and vacation length, it might be worth it to add the extra day. 

Use mobile ordering.

Skip food lines at some quick-service locations by using the mobile ordering feature in the app.

Check the height requirements of any rides your children want to experience.

Traveling with small kids? You might want to check ride height requirements online before you go to avoid having any disappointed kiddos. 

Take advantage of the rider switch service.

If you’re visiting with a child that isn’t tall enough to ride or have someone in your party that doesn’t want to ride, you can split the group in two with rider switch and trade off waiting with the non-riders without losing your spot in line. 

Look over the ride refurbishment schedule.

Rides undergo scheduled refurbishment from time to time, so check the calendar online to see if any of your favorite attractions will be unavailable during your trip.

Scan the calendar for special events and extra park hours, too.

While you’re looking at the resort calendar , make a note of the park hours (including early entry and extended hours for select hotel guests), nighttime spectacular and parade times, and any festivals or specially ticketed events (like Halloween and holiday happenings).

Celebrate the holidays early.

Want to see the parks decked out for Halloween or the holidays, but don’t want to deal with the crowds? Plan to visit early in the holiday season (early September for Halloween and early November or December — avoiding Thanksgiving week — for the holidays).

Make it to the parks for rope drop.

To maximize the number of attractions you experience in a day, arrive at the parks a little before opening (30 to 45 minutes) so you can be one of the first in and knock out a few major attractions before the lines get too long. 

Prepare kids for long lines.

No matter when you visit, you’re bound to wait in at least a few lines. Download app games to keep kids occupied and entertained in line so the time flies.  

Make a midday table-service restaurant reservation.

If you’re getting to the parks early, you’ll want to take a break around midday to prepare for the afternoon. Instead of grabbing a quick bite, book a longer lunch at a table-service restaurant so you can take the time to cool off from the sun and rest your feet before hitting the rides again. 

Or, leave the park to take a break.

For a more restorative break, head back to your hotel for an afternoon nap or to splash in the pool. Avoid the midday crowds and heat and arrive back in the parks refreshed for a night of rides, fireworks, and fun. 

Apply for a DAS pass if you need one.

If you or someone in your party has a disability, you may be eligible for the Disability Access Service. For more details about this service and who can use it, check out our DAS guide .

Book at least one character dining experience.

If seeing characters is important to your crew, plan at least one dining experience to guarantee a little face time with your favorites. Instead of waiting in line to get their photos and autographs, the characters will come right up to you for a meet and greet.

Ask for a free special occasion button.

Celebrating something? Whether it’s a birthday, first visit, honeymoon , anniversary, reunion, or any other festive occasion, let a cast member know so they can give you a free celebratory button. 

Consider a VIP tour.

For the ultimate luxurious Disney World or Disneyland experience, book a VIP tour. Your friendly and super-knowledgeable guide will help you plan the perfect Disney day, escort you to the front of ride lines, and provide lots of fun facts about the park along the way. 

Bring the essentials.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, wipes, a hair tie, any over-the-counter medications — be sure to stash the essentials in a fanny pack or backpack.   

Invest in FuelRods.

Speaking of essentials, you’ll need a portable charger, and FuelRods are a great choice. There are places to exchange these little portable chargers all around Disney parks, and after you buy one, you can swap them out for free for limitless phone charging throughout the day.

Wear your most comfortable shoes.

You can easily walk miles around Disney parks, so you’ll want to wear your most comfortable sneakers or sandals . 

Look out for hidden Mickeys.

There are Mickey heads hidden throughout the park in discreet (and not-so-discreet) locations, so keep your eyes peeled for those three iconic circles. 

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Disney World Tips 

See all four parks..

While Magic Kingdom is the most iconic Disney World theme park, each of the four parks is well worth a visit. If you have the time, it’s a great idea to budget a day for each theme park. 

Get familiar with on-property transportation options.

Because the property is so expansive (it’s the size of San Francisco!), you’ll need a little help getting around. Thankfully, Disney World has you covered with an extensive, included transportation system of buses, boats, gondolas, and the famous Monorail. 

Go resort hopping.

There are more than 20 hotels at Walt Disney World, and thanks to their fun themes, many are worth visiting in their own right. Spot giraffes from dinner at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, grab a Dole Whip or tiki drink at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and stroll the lively promenade at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. 

Don’t miss Disney Springs.

This dining, shopping, and entertainment district has something for everyone, and it’s a great place to go for a bite to eat after a day at the theme parks. 

Prepare for summer storms.

Summer rainstorms are common in Florida, so having a poncho or umbrella on hand is always helpful.  

Disneyland Tips

Book a nearby hotel to save money..

While staying at a Disney hotel offers plenty of perks, travelers hoping to save money will be happy to know that there are tons of affordable hotels within walking distance of the park.

Or, splurge and stay on site for exclusive perks.

In addition to the Disney hotel benefits listed above, guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa can take advantage of a special Disney California Adventure Park entrance connected to the hotel. 

Get immersed in Disney history.

As the first Disney park, Disneyland is packed with history and nostalgia. You can experience that yourself when you ride still-operating opening-day attractions and spot Walt’s apartment. 

Spend the extra money on Park Hopper passes.

Hopping between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park takes just a two-minute walk, so we recommend getting a Park Hopper ticket so you can experience both in one day.

How to Save Money at Disney World and Disneyland

Bring your own snacks..

Did you know you can bring snacks to the theme parks? Stashing a few items in your bag can help you save a few bucks on pricey in-park eats. 

Use the ticket calendar to save money.

Disneyland and Disney World use dynamic ticket pricing, so the tickets are more expensive on busier days. That typically means that tickets during holidays, school breaks, and weekends are more expensive, while midweek tickets during off-peak times cost less. Visiting during these less crowded times may require some flexibility, but you’ll be rewarded with shorter lines and lower prices.  

Use points to book a hotel.

There are major chain hotels very close to both Disneyland and Disney World. You can easily find Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and more properties near Disneyland Resort. The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are Marriott Bonvoy properties located close to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

Check for special offers.

Always check to see what special offers are available on the Disney website — there may be a money-saving package available for your trip.

Include a resort day in your itinerary.

Tickets are one of the greatest costs for a Disney vacation, so spend a day outside the parks taking advantage of your hotel’s included amenities and activities. 

Don’t pay for water.

You can always ask for free cups of water at Disneyland and Disney World dining locations, so you don’t need to shell out for a bottle every time you’re thirsty. Better yet, bring a water bottle to refill throughout the day so you can stay hydrated.

Buy T-shirts (and other souvenirs) before your trip.

Target, Walmart, and H&M — so many retailers sell relatively inexpensive Disney apparel these days, so this is an easy way to save money on your Disney trip.

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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.

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Disney World Trip Planning Tips

42 tips for planning a disney world vacation in 2023.

Want to know the best way to plan a Walt Disney World vacation in 2023? Our Disney World trip planning tips come from decades of experience making trips to Orlando, plus feedback and advice from Guide2WDW readers.

Whether you’re a Type-A planner who never saw a spreadsheet they didn’t love or a spontaneous free spirit who prefers to wing it, you will want to read these tips. You’ll find out what you absolutely must do before you go to Orlando, what items you should pack, and how to maximize your time while visiting Disney World. Our Disney World Trip Planning Tips are organized into the following sections:

• Tips on How to Plan a Disney World Vacation: The basics of WDW trip planning
• Tips on When To Visit Disney World: Advice on which days to plan your trip
• Tips on What to Do Before You Go: From purchasing tickets to dining reservations, these are the things you absolutely must do before going to Disney.
• Tips on What to Pack for a Disney World Vacation: Be prepared for rain and heat with our packing tips
• Tips for Planning Out Your Disney World Vacation: More in-depth tips and tricks for making an amazing plan for your Disney World trip
• Tips for While You Visit Disney World:  Things you should do while you’re visiting the parks.

Table of Contents

Tips on How to Plan a Disney World Vacation

1) 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.

2) 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 .

3) Pick the right hotel to stay at. When picking a hotel, you should consider your budget, the hotel’s location, and if they have any Disney World transportation or perks. Disney World’s official resorts will have the best access to the parks, great theming, and hotel guest perks like Early Entry. However, these hotels will be the most expensive options. Off-property hotels will save you a lot of money, and they accept rewards points. However, they will have the most limited transportation options to the parks. Disney’s Good Neighbor resorts are third party hotels that have access to certain official resort perks, but will be much more affordable.

4) Decide if you should work with a travel agent. Travel agents like our friends at Vacationeer can be a huge help for your vacation, at no extra cost to you. As the official travel agency of Guide2WDW, Vacationeer’s Disney experts can help you plan your trip, book your hotel, purchase tickets, find the best deals, make park reservations and dining reservations — basically everything we’re about to cover in the rest of this article. If you’re interested in getting free help planning your Disney World vacation, you can contact Vacationeer here.

5) Check your inbox for Unique Offer Codes. Disney will send out personalized, non-transferrable offer codes to guests that they want to nudge towards booking a Disney World vacation. These Unique Offer Codes (formerly known as PIN codes) can be some of the best Disney World discounts available. You can increase your odds of getting one of these codes by signing up for free Disney accounts.  Check out our guide on how to get a Unique Offer Code to find links and get more information.

6) 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.

Guide2WDW reader Stan shared his strategy for making a plan plus using Lightning Lane:

We went to the four parks and Blizzard Beach during our week there, so we were pretty busy. It definitely helped to have things mapped out ahead of time. We used Lightning Lane 2-3 times per day for the key rides, and it worked out great. If you Lightning Lane the busiest ride of an area, you can usually work it out so you enjoy the surrounding attractions and then just walk onto the busiest ride during your one hour window. Taking advantage of Lightning Lane and planning out which attractions we would go on, we never waited more than 15 minutes for a ride.

Tips on When To Visit Disney World

7) Don’t visit Magic Kingdom on Mondays. Do not visit the 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. Currently, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the best days to visit Magic Kingdom . Visit one of the other three parks on Monday, as they will be much less crowded.

8) Know which seasonal events are happening.  Check out our list of the seasonal events at Walt Disney World. They can help you decide which time of year you want to visit, as the special events can really add some unique fun to your vacation. They can also tell you which times not to visit. If you’re interested in a runDisney event, the race weekends are a must. But if you aren’t interested in running through the parks, avoid those weekends as they will be quite crowded.

9) Plan around the Food & Wine Festival crowds. The  Epcot Food and Wine Festival makes July through November a great time to visit Walt Disney World, but watch out for the weekends. Epcot can get VERY crowded on the weekends. If you are at Disney World for vacation, try a different park at those times and hit up Epcot during the week — the crowds are much better then.

10) When the heat is on, the crowds get low. While summer used to be consistently very crowded, July has actually become a good month for crowds after the July 4th holiday has passed. August and September are even better for crowds, since school usually has started back up. Just be warned: it gets very hot during these months. Be sure to pack plenty of items to cool off during your Disney World vacation , such as a Frogg Togg .

11) 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!

12) Early December is a great time to go. Guide2WDW reader Sandy shares their favorite time to go to Disney World:

The best time of the year to go to WDW is the first full week in December. We have gone the last 3 years at this time and we just can’t explain it. You have to experience it for yourself. The first time we went at this time, I walked into the Magic Kingdom (the first day of our trip) and cried. I was so caught up in the “magic.” The atmosphere and feeling that you will get is absolutely incredible. Where else would you want to be than Disney World during the Christmas Holiday. We always go for 8 days and you can get on rides with “NO” wait. We have found that by the 7th or 8th day of our trip that the crowds start to build. Since our first visit during this time of year, we have converted my older brother, my younger brother, all of our Disney geek friends, and finally convinced my mother to come on vacation with us this year – she has never been to Disney. Everybody loved going this time of year. Try it, you’ll like it.

13) The first week of October means shorter wait times. Guide2WDW reader Ellen let us know that she loves visiting during the first week in October.

The first week of October is a fantastic time to go to Disney World: the parks are practically empty. Even on the weekends, the LONGEST we waited in line was 10 minutes. We literally rode  Space Mountain twice within 15 minutes. I talked to several people who said every year was like that.

Tips on What to Do Before You Go

14) Purchase Disney Gift Cards. Before you even purchase your tickets, you should buy some Disney Gift Cards. You can always get them for 5% off at Target with a RedCard, or you can save up to 20% with certain grocery rewards. Read about how we save on Disney Gift Cards here: The Disney Target Gift Card Hack . How We Save Up to 20% on Disney World Gift Cards .

15) Purchase your Disney World tickets. You MUST buy your Disney World tickets before you head to Orlando. Don’t wait until you get to the park. You need a ticket in order to make a Park Pass Reservation, which is required to get into the park. If you wait until the day of, you might not be able to get into the parks. Buy your tickets as early as you can, link them to your Disney World account, and make your park reservations.

16) Choose the right type of ticket. First of all, decide if you want a single park per day ticket, or pay extra for Park Hopper ticket. A Park Hopper ticket lets you go to a different park after 2 PM ( check out the current Park Hopper rules here ). You can also add on a Water Park and Sports option to your tickets, which allow for a certain number of visits to Disney World’s other attractions, such as Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Mini Golf, and Oak Trail Golf Course.

17) Look out for deals. Disney World often runs deals on vacation packages or hotel rooms . One advantage of working with a travel agent is that they will help you find the best deals, and the travel agents at Vacationeer can apply new promotions, even after you’ve booked.

18) Make Park Pass Reservations. As early as you can, you should make your Park Pass reservations on DisneyWorld.com . Park Pass Reservations are required for entry into the park in addition to theme park tickets. You need to make a reservation for every day of your trip, and your reservation will be for a specific park. If you have a single park per day ticket, that will be the only park you can visit that day. If you have a Park Hopper ticket, your reservation determines which park you must enter first. Find out more about Park Pass Reservations here .

19) Make dining reservations as early as possible. Some dining reservations are extremely hard to get. How early can you make Disney World dining reservations? 60 days ahead of time at 5:45 am Eastern. Check out our Disney World Dining Reservation Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to make advanced dining reservations.

20) Download the Disney World App. 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 and wait times. 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 .

21) Purchase MagicBands through your reservation. If you make a reservation through Disney World, you can purchase MagicBands or MagicBand+ at a discount. 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.

22) You do not need to make Lightning Lane reservations in advance. With Disney World’s old FastPass+ system, you needed to make front-of-the-line reservations 60 days ahead of time. With Lightning Lane, everything is done on the day of, including purchasing Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane reservations. Check out our Guide 2 Disney Genie for all the information on how to use that system.

Tips on What to Pack for a Disney World Vacation

23) Always pack rain gear. 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.

24) Don’t buy these items at Disney World. Speaking of ponchos, here are some other items you shouldn’t buy at WDW: Water Bottles (instead pack a reusable water bottle or get free ice water at counter service restaurants), overpriced Neon Doodads (if your kids really want them, pack some from Amazon or the Dollar Store), tickets, and Disney Gift Cards.

25) Pack an external battery and short charging cable. We’ve covered how the Disney World app is essential to use at WDW. Between using the app, taking pictures, and playing games in line, your phone battery will drain faster at Disney World. Always pack an extra battery and a short charging cable to be able to conveniently recharge your devices throughout the day.

26) A small cooler can be a Disney World essential. You are allowed to bring coolers into the park, but you will need to use reusable ice packs as loose ice is not allowed in the park. This is great if you want to pack your lunch for the day. Coolers can also be very useful for your drive to Orlando and your hotel room, as Guide2WDW reader Karen let us know.

We just got back from a trip to WDW. We drove from North Carolina to Orlando, so we had packed a small cooler in the car for the drive down. We took sodas, bottled water and some snacks. Not every hotel room will have a fridge. I had heard about people renting refrigerators for their room, but there is an ice vending machine on each floor. We just kept changing out the ice each morning or evening when it had melted and kept things cold. We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, so we went to the Mercantile and bought pints of milk every other day or so, some small boxes of cereal and some other “breakfast” foods and just kept ice in the cooler. We kept the milk cold and didn’t have to buy breakfast everyday. We also had cold water and sodas for whenever. So, I would recommend packing a small cooler and just keeping ice in it. Save your money on a fridge for souvenirs!

27) Pack Clothing By Day. Guide2WDW reader Becky shares a super organized way to save precious time during the mornings at Disney World.

We put our clothing together in outfits and packed them that way. When we got ready each day, we weren’t trying to figure out what we wanted to wear and what would go together. This is great for everyone, but especially people with kids. Let your kids put together outfits before the trip, pack them so that when you pick it up you have the whole outfit together, you dress, and you’re off!

28) 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.

29) 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.

Tips for Planning Out Your Disney World Vacation

30) Our ideal Disney World planning itinerary. Above, we laid out the bare minimum you should plan each day. Here is what we consider the sweet spot for an itinerary that gives each day structure, but allows for spontaneity.

• For each day, list the park or parks you are going to visit. If it’s a resting day or a Disney Springs day, list that out.
• List each dining reservation that you have.
• List a handful of “must-do” or “hope-to-do” items each day. This can be a ride, a snack you want to try, a show you want to see, or really anything else you can find at the parks you are visiting that day. The key is to not go overboard. Pick 1-5 per day. This will help you make sure you get your must-dos done, but don’t feel overwhelmed by planning out every minute.

31) 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!

32) 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.

33) 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.

34) Know that not every ride is for everybody. Disney World is fun for everyone, but that doesn’t mean that you’re going to enjoy every single attraction. Guide2WDW reader Luis shared how they researched WDW attractions to figure out what they wanted to do.

Since time is so limited once you start your Disney World vacation, it’s super important to choose how you spend your time wisely. After our first trip to Disney, we calculated that we spent at least a quarter of our time on attractions (including waiting in line) that we wouldn’t have gone on had we known what to expect. The solution for first timers is YouTube. Simply search for a POV video of the attraction you aren’t sure of. You don’t have to spoil the ride by seeing the entire video, you’ll know within 20 seconds or so whether it would interest you or not. It can save you a lot of time throughout the parks.

35) 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.

36) 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.

37) Pay attention to extra hours, parties, and special events. Disney World hours and crowd size will be affected by special events. For example, Magic Kingdom closes on 7 PM on nights during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. If you don’t have a ticket to those events, you may want to avoid going to Magic Kingdom on those days — especially if you have a single park per day ticket. Also, the parks with Extended Evening Hours get more crowded on those days. If you don’t have access to that perk, you should avoid the park that has Extended Evening Hours on those days.

38) Don’t overplan. We are a huge fan of having a general plan for your Disney World vacation. However, if every minute of every day is scheduled out, your fun vacation might feel more like an exhausting to-do list. Some planning is inevitable and necessary, but leave some room for spontaneity and discovery at the parks. You may be surprised by what you stumble upon.

39) 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
• Make a hotel reservation and travel arrangements
• Make dining reservations 60 days ahead of time (optional, but encouraged)

Planning Tips for While You Visit Disney World

40) 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.

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.

41) Set a meeting landmark with your party. When visiting the parks, we always set up a landmark with our party to meet up at in case we get separated and one of our cellphones runs out of battery. The key is that we pick a more obscure, less visited landmark, so that it’s easier to remember and easier to spot the other person among the crowd. Some examples: Fire Station at Magic Kingdom, Miss Piggy fountain at Hollywood Studios, Club Cool at Epcot, and the entrance of Pizzafari at Animal Kingdom.

42) 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.

How To Plan a Disney World Vacation

Planning a trip to Disney World? These Disney World trip planning tips are just the beginning. Get in touch with our friends at Vacationeer for free Disney World vacation planning.  Their travel agents can help you plan your vacation for no extra cost. They are Disney experts, so they’ll have their own recommendations and advice. Plus, they can help with dining and hotel reservations at Disney World.

If you want to be as prepared as possible, check out our Disney World Guides , including an in-depth Disney Genie Guide . Our resources will help you plan your Disney World trip and get the most out of your vacation. And don’t miss our other Disney World Tips and Tricks . We have hundreds of quick bits of advice for visiting WDW.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation

Space Mountain by Benjamin D. Esham ( CC )

Planning a Disney World vacation requires some research. Walt Disney World is a huge place (47 square miles — that’s almost twice as large as Manhattan!) with so many things to do and see that even after more than 60 visits, we have not begun to do it all.

Just a quick summary of SOME of what’s available at Disney World:

• 4 major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• 2 water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
• Over 20 large resorts
• 4 golf courses
• 2 mini-golf courses
• numerous lakes offering water sports, boating and fishing
• dinner shows
• BoardWalk entertainment district
• Disney Springs shopping and dining district

So it’s not surprising that you’re a little confused about where to begin.

You’ll need to decide the following, in roughly this order:

1. When you’re going.

Check our Disney World FAQ for hints on the best and worst times of year for planning a Disney World vacation . Obviously your budget, kids’ school schedules and other factors will influence your decision as well.

If you are interested in learning when discounts for Walt Disney World resorts and vacation packages became available in past years, we maintain a chart listing that historical information .

2. What you’re going to do when you get there.

Seems kind of early in the planning process, doesn’t it? I mean, you haven’t even decided on a hotel yet! Well, trust us, you need to do some research before you go any further. There is so much to do, and everyone does something slightly different. Depending on the parks and attractions you want to visit, you may find certain hotels and resorts are much more convenient.

You’ll need some good basic help with planning, and something that will give you an overview of the attractions, the entertainment, etc. We list the best guidebooks on our Disney Guidebooks page.

3. How long you’re staying.

You probably thought that was part of #1 above, didn’t you? But after you learn how much there is to do, you may re-think your plans. Our first visit to Walt Disney World was 4 days. We thought that would be plenty of time. Wrong! We had to skip a lot of things we really wanted to try.

If you want to visit all four theme parks and actually experience the majority of the attractions, parades and shows, you will need at least 5 full days! (Epcot can easily take 2 days all by itself, because in a sense it’s the equivalent of 2 theme parks: Future World and World Showcase).

If you would like to do the major attractions at the theme parks without racing around like a maniac, or you want to try some of the “extras,” like water parks or golf, allow more days. In fact, we think a one-week trip is optimum for a first-timer who wants to enjoy the full experience. Tickets are the most expensive part of most people’s Disney World vacations, and Disney has set up its ticket pricing to encourage trips longer than 4 days: 7-day tickets don’t cost that much more than 4-day tickets.

4. How you’re getting there.

For this, consult the Transportation page here on the site . If you will be flying to Florida, it is a good idea to start checking out airfares right away, and keep checking them. The fares fluctuate wildly and if you catch a good one, you’ll need to grab it quickly.

5. What kind of theme park tickets to buy.

Because Walt Disney World tickets are so expensive (you’ll probably spend more on tickets than you will on your hotel room) this is a critical decision. Look over your itinerary, get out your calculator, take a look at the prices and figure out which tickets make sense for your situation.

Once you’ve decided on what tickets to buy, check out the Ticket Discounts page here on MouseSavers.com to find the best deal on them.

6. Where you will be staying.

First you’ll have to decide whether to stay at an official Disney resort, or at a nearby “off-property” resort. This is a complex decision for many people, to say the least. Keep in mind that while we use the term “off-property” to describe the non-Disney hotels, many of them are quite close and some are actually physically located on Disney-owned land. They just aren’t owned and run by Disney.

Each of the official Disney resorts is unique and special, and the ability to leave the real world behind and experience the Disney magic 24/7 is part of the fun for many people. The Deluxe Disney resorts are especially stunning. When you stay at a Disney resort hotel, you get access to Early Theme Park Entry and some other perks. Staying at a Disney resort gives you direct access to the Disney buses, boats and monorails so you can take a break from driving. The Disney resorts have much larger pools and more recreation options than most off-site hotels.

If you are trying to save as much money as possible, an off-property resort is usually going to be the best value. Families of 5 or more usually find that off-property resorts are an especially good deal, because most of the 5-person options at Disney’s resorts are quite pricey. Good off-property hotels often have larger rooms with more amenities than the official Disney hotels (especially compared to the Value and Moderate resorts, which have standard rooms that feel a bit motel-like). A quality off-property hotel will have service at least as good as a Disney resort, and a “luxury” hotel like the Four Seasons Orlando  will typically have better service. If you stay off-property, you will probably want to  rent a car , which is an additional expense, but it is generally a faster and better way to get around than the Disney transportation system.

The bottom line is that you can have an excellent vacation staying either on or off property. We have done it both ways multiple times, and we can assure you there are no right or wrong answers. We recommend exploring both options and figuring the bottom-line price and what you get with each. If you can afford to stay more days with one option, we recommend going that way; we’ll always advocate for staying longer if you can swing it. If neither one jumps out as being obviously better for you and this is your “once in a lifetime” trip, we’d go with a Disney resort just to get the full experience. If you think you’ll come back, just pick one option at random; you can always try it the other way on your next visit.

• If you’re considering an on-site resort stay , first read our analysis of the basic differences and best values among the Disney resorts . We have lots of information here on MouseSavers.com about discounts at Disney’s resorts as well as discounts on Disney’s vacation packages . If you will be staying for 5 nights or more at a Disney resort, that’s a big investment and we hope you’ll seriously consider contacting a Disney Specialist travel agent . It costs you nothing to have someone else keep track of all the resort discounts and find you the best deal. They will even rebook your resort reservations if a better discount becomes available. We recommend an excellent Disney Specialist travel agent here on MouseSavers.com.
• If you’re considering non-Disney / off-site hotels — and they’re worth considering, especially if you are on a tight budget and/or have a family of 5 or more — we have visited over a hundred of them around Walt Disney World and picked the very best ones for the MouseSavers Preferred Hotels page. You can book them yourself via the special discount links on our website.

7. How you’re getting from the airport to your hotel (if you’re flying).

There are lots of options. Visit our Transportation page to learn how to save on your transportation to and from the airport.

That’s it!

Seriously, everything else is “gravy.” You can make reservations for your meals , book special events and do all kinds of other planning , but these are the basics. Enjoy your planning!

By the way, if you’re just starting to plan your Disney World vacation and wondering how you are going to afford it, be sure to read the page titled Ways to Save for Your Disney Vacation – a collection of tips and tricks to help you sock away the money for your next trip.

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The 2024 Guide To Disney World Itineraries for EVERY Type Of Visitor

Updated: March 18th, 2024

Disney vacations are for kids. Right?

But it’s also one of the most popular spots for weddings, honeymoons, proposals, family reunions, and even school field trips and team competitions.

There’s much to cover at the four Disney World parks. But we will go through each park to give you an idea of the best restaurants, attractions, and shows you might consider checking out.  While you may not get to  everything  on each itinerary, it will definitely help get your plans in motion!

Before you skip Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll need to decide whether you plan to use Disney’s Genie+ planning tool or are willing to purchase Individual Lightning Lanes for those high-demand attractions. Your budget and your priorities will be the ultimate deciding factor in whether or not this tool will work for you. The two parks we think you can get the most value out of the Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lane options are in Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, which are both heavy hitters in terms of attractions.

You can still get a lot accomplished without it, but if your goal is to complete as much as each park has to offer, you’ll want to take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours  if you can.

You’ll also want to pre-plan any table service meals you want to enjoy during your Disney World vacation. Advanced Dining Reservations for Disney World table service restaurants open up 60 days prior to your vacation, and the most popular dining locations book up quickly!

So, that means not only do you want to figure out where you want to eat as early as you can, but you may also want to set an alarm on your calendar to book those reservations as early as 6AM EST on that 60-day mark!

Disney World is comprised of four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and dining district, two miniature golf courses, over 20 resorts, and more than 200 restaurants and lounges. So even though hundreds of thousands of guests visit Disney World every year, no two trips are ever the same. You can tailor your Disney experience to your preference. Looking for thrills and some Broadway-quality shows? Disney’s got you covered! Looking to relax in a hammock or lounge by a pool with a fruity frosty drink? Disney can provide that, too.

Depending on who’s in your group, you can tailor your Disney plans to fit everyone’s needs. But don’t stress out, we did the work for you to help find an itinerary that can fit almost any visitor in your group!

• Best Disney World Itinerary for a 5 Day Trip
• Best Disney World Itinerary for a 7 Day Trip
• Best Disney World Itinerary for Toddlers
• Best Disney World Itinerary for Adults
• Best Disney World Itinerary for Couples
• Best Disney World Itinerary for a 2-Year Old
• Best Disney World Itinerary for a 3-Year Old
• Best Disney World Itinerary for a 4-Year Old
• Best Disney World Itinerary for a 5-Year Old
• Best Disney World Itinerary for a 6-Year Old
• Best Disney World Itinerary for a 7-Year Old
• Disney World for the Fan Who Has Done It All
• Disney World for Guests with Sensory Issues, Autism, or NeuroDiversity
• Disney World for Guests with ADHD
• Disney World for Visually Impaired or Blind Guests
• Disney World for Guests with Mobility Issues
• Disney World for Expectant Mothers
• Disney World in Large Groups

So whether you’re planning a solo trip, a trip with your pals, or even a honeymoon, we’ve got an itinerary to help you accomplish your Disney vacation goals! We also have handy checklists for each park so you can prioritize your own goals and not miss a thing!

Keep following AllEars for the latest Disney news, tips, and travel info, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Join the AllEars.net Newsletter  to get a list of ways to have the Perfect Day at Disney Springs! Click here to get started!

What is your favorite thing to do in the Disney Parks? Let us know in the comments below!

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DFB Video: 50 Essential Disney World Travel Tips

By Stephen Bynum Leave a Comment

It’s the video YOU’VE been waiting for!

Hello from EPCOT!

We’ve got ALL the essential Disney World travel tips coming YOUR way, here on DFB Guide!

Check out our video below about the 50 Essential Disney World Travel Tips. 

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

We know disney. you can, too..

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!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

What’s your favorite travel tip from the video? Let us know in the comments below.

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Disney just showed off some REAL details for the Disney Treasure.

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