What is the most important thing to do before visiting Walt Disney World? What tips are there to point guests in the right direction? We've rounded up the top 50 Walt Disney World tips to help you enjoy your Disney vacation.
Much has changed at Walt Disney World in recent years. The closure of theme park resorts in 2020 has accelerated operational changes at Walt Disney World. For example, reservations for theme parks become important. The Fastpass+ system has been replaced by a new way to enter shorter attraction lines called Genie+. The Magical Express, which used to be a free airport transfer, is gone.
Even theme park bloggers revisit their excellent advice from three years ago to find outdated tips and tricks for any changes. When people give Disney advice, they must make sure it is current and accurate.
We wanted to give you some timeless and current tips for Walt Disney World. We have the top 50 picks for Walt Disney World. These are some of the top picks for your next Walt Disney World vacation.
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Top Tips for Walt Disney World: Before You Go
1.kaufenPre-Sale Discounts on Walt Disney World Tickets. Buy tickets in advance to save money and avoid queues at the box office. In addition, due to some other major changes in operations, there are many other benefits to purchasing tickets as far in advance as possible. In addition, tariffs will increase due to simple inflation. For example, buying tickets ten months in advance can save you money in the long run. Check ours tooAnalysis of the best Disney World discountsand listAll current Disney World discounts.
2.Once you have your tickets, go for it.Theme Park Reservations.Just because you have tickets to one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks doesn't mean you can get into the theme park. You still need a theme park reservation. This process will begin after the theme parks reopen in Summer 2020. We have created a resource to help you through this process.
Theme parks can run out of reservations. The earlier you book a theme park, the more likely it is that the park you want to visit will be available. You can change your booking if needed. However, reservations for theme parks are limited in the high season of the year. Better to prepare in advance.
3.Purchase allows you to save on a Disney vacationAdvance Disney Gift Cards.Some stores sell these products at a small discount, such as Target's "Red Card". These Disney Gift Cards allow you to shop at almost any location on the Walt Disney World Resort.
We encourage you to register online for these Disney Gift Cards. ODisney Gift Card WebsiteUnlike mobile wallets. However, you can transfer money. If the card is lost, you can transfer funds from your Disney Gift Card to another card to keep your Disney Gift Card balance safe.
4.When you arrive at Walt Disney World, you can rest easy knowing you've packed properly for your Disney vacation. Please bring comfortable clothes and shoes. Visiting a Walt Disney World theme park can be a long day. Since you are constantly on the move, appropriate footwear and clothing are important. We understand that you want to look good. However, if you don't like this cute outfit in the Florida weather, then you'll take our advice.
Central Florida's weather presents some challenges. If you come here in late fall or early spring, it can be cool in the morning and evening, but warm in the afternoon. You have to plan for different weather conditions.
Also, make sure you bring all your charging cables with you. You'll find that a fully charged mobile device is essential for a Disney vacation. Also, having a portable charger with you at the Disney theme parks can come in very handy as you use your phone a lot.
5.Our next pick for Walt Disney World is the food. Book table service in advance. There are many great restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort. Pre-ordered meals are in high demand.
Restaurant reservations can help you organize your day. A table meal at lunchtime can be a great amusement park break. You can book up to 60 days in advance. If you want a specific restaurant, we recommend that you do it 60 days after your reservation.
Currently, table reservations can be canceled two hours or more in advance. If canceled after this time, USD 10 per person will be charged for the reservation.
When using the reservationMein Disney Experience Systemto indicate whether you are celebrating something. This is also a good time to address any allergies or dietary concerns.
Deciding to dine at the table according to your schedule can also be helpful. For example, if you're planning a full-day visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom, table service is available for lunch.Iaque e YetiortiffinIt might just be what your team needs that day. Think of the great table service options available at Disney Springs or Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
6.Try visiting Walt Disney World a few weeks a year when there are fewer crowds. we wrote acrowd calendar guideHelp evaluate your options. We understand that during slower times of the year your team may not have access. However, switching from a traditionally busy week to a moderately busy week can save you time and money.
7.Weigh all your options when considering transportation from the Orlando Airport to your hotel. The old Expresso Mágico, which included accommodation on site, no longer exists. However, some paid options are still functional. A rental car might be right for your group, especially since parking is now free at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Services like Uber and Lyft are growing in popularity. MickeyVisit has aResourceWe help you to decide this aspect of your holiday before the holidays.
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Purchasing tickets from Get Away Today is easy and convenient as all tickets are submitted electronically. They can pick up their voucher and go straight to the gate without having to queue at a counter. They also offer installment plans so you can pay for your vacation over time.
8.Depending on when you visit, some paid after-work activities may be an option for your vacation. If you visit from August to December, the Magic Kingdom awaits youHalloweenENatalAfter-Hour Parties Other paid after-hours events are held throughout the rest of the year at Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
These evening events are less crowded and offer unique entertainment and hospitality. These activities are separate from regular park admission. You must purchase separate tickets in advance to take advantage of this top Walt Disney World tip.
Let's say you decide to do one of these activities after work. In this case, we recommend that you do not use your regular day tickets to visit another Disney theme park during the day. We understand that you can feel like going to an amusement park every minute of the day. However, the night event runs until midnight or later. Paying admission twice a day is an expensive and long day.
9.live in aResort Walt Disney WorldFor many, the best tip for Walt Disney World. This offers many advantages for your vacation. In addition to being close to the theme parks, there are a number of advantages to staying locally.
Local visitors can buy tickets to the amusement park half an hour before the official opening. Available at all Disney hotelsFree transportation to theme parksand Disney Springs. This traffic includes direct routes to the Magic Kingdom. On-site guests can also purchase individual Lightning Passes to gain access to the most coveted attractions before other guests. Finally, hotel guests can book the restaurant ten days in advance.
You must take these advantages into account in your planning. We recommend staying on site as long as possible. However, we understand that hotels at Walt Disney World Resort can sometimes be expensive.
10.Despite high prices, guests should consider staying at Walt Disney World Resort luxury hotels. This additional opening hours only applies to guests of this class of hotel. On select nights, luxury hotel guests can enjoy additional time at Magic Kingdom or Epcot for free. The rush is significantly less than during the day.
11.The oldest and smartest Walt Disney World theme park tips are about getting to the theme parks early each morning. This advice is not as perfect as it used to be. However, the sooner you arrive, the better for you.
Please be at the designated Disney Theme Park entrance at least 45 minutes prior to opening time. On many days, the park opens earlier than scheduled. Be prepared to enjoy extra time at the theme park before most of the crowds arrive. Also, as the official opening time approaches, the actual lines to get into a theme park can be daunting.
When planning your trip, consider travel times to ensure you arrive when needed. Keep in mind that Disney theme parks may open earlier, but that doesn't mean attractions are open. You have to judge it as you go through the turnstiles.
12.The Magic Kingdom opens in stages, so your plans will vary depending on your ability to get into the theme park within the first half hour. Anyone can enter the Magic Kingdom theme park at least half an hour before the official opening. However, only guests with priority theme park entry rights can proceed beyond a certain point. If you manage to get there early, take that time to visit Fantasyland and Tomorrowland before most of the guests. If you don't arrive early, be sure to queue for Adventureland and plan the jungle cruise, as the queue at the attraction can get very long over time.
13.Take a photo of where you parked your car. After a long day at an amusement park, you want to avoid looking for your vehicle. Walt Disney World theme parks have huge parking lots. It's better to make sure you find your car than to get lost. Also, if you have a rental car, you won't notice it right away. Therefore, a photo will come in handy when walking from the amusement park to the car after sunset. Additionally, Disney's mobile app includes a location that tells you where you parked your car.
14.Benefit from free use of Walt Disney WorldTransportif possible. Bus, Disney Skyliner and boat transportation will take you from your Walt Disney World Resort hotel to the theme parks. If you're interested, Disney Transit can also take you to Disney Springs for shopping and dining.
15.To make the most of your day at Walt Disney World, consider purchasing Genie+ and Lightning individual premium access. These benefits cost more. However, this service allows you to join shorter queues at many attractions.Assistant + SystemThis allows guests to book a return time to an attraction with less waiting time than queuing. This saves you from waiting in line at attractions.
Genie+ costs between $15 and $35 per person per day. That price seems hard to accept. However, it depends on how valuable your time at a theme park is to you. In other words, you trade money for time at the amusement park.
If you wish to purchase Genie+, please do so by 7am. If you're familiar with the Disneyland version, the Genie+ system doesn't work as well in Walt Disney World as it does in Disneyland. The Genie+ system at the Florida theme park is also experiencing other technical issues. Still, you don't want to wait until you're at a Disney theme park to decide whether to buy Genie+. Then it will be too late. Many others have already booked Genie+ points, as bookings start at 7am each morning. For more information and planning help, see ourassistant + guide.
16.If you have priority rides during your visit to the Walt Disney World theme parks, try early in the morning, during the last two hours of park operation, and during parades and fireworks. During this time, wait times for attractions should be at their lowest.
17.If you need to know a Disney character like Mickey Mouse, check the mobile app and park map to find out where characters are located across the four Walt Disney World theme parks. Queues for some characters will be extended. However, with a little planning, you should be able to reach your goals. we wrote apaper leaderhelp with this problem..
18.Another less stressful way to get to know a character is at a character dinner. Walt Disney World offers a variety of specialty dishes. These meals are more expensive than non-character meals. Still, Character Meals allow you to take a break from the theme park, enjoying some food and meeting four or more characters in the process. On a typical theme park day, it takes time to meet so many characters. This is also possible indoors with air conditioning.
Character dinners are a great way to get to know them without wasting time waiting in line to get your picture taken at an amusement park. There are many specialty restaurants. We list some of themOur recommended food guide.
19.Walt Disney World offers a driver exchange scheme. This is often called a subswap. This allows one adult in the group to wait with the child while the other adults follow, and they can switch. This system allows all adults in the group to experience the attractions with just one wait. This way, children who cannot use the attractions are not left alone. Feel free to use the driver exchange opportunity to experience this Walt Disney World tip.
20.For children, please bring your own stroller if possible. The ones you rent at Walt Disney World work great. However, they can only be used at Disney theme parks. If you can't take your stroller with you, consider renting one from a stroller company. This allows you to use it in hotels and on the go. Dealing with tired children at the end of an amusement park day without strollers is a challenge in itself.
21.In this context, the same regulations for wheelchairs and electric vehicles (ECVs) apply as in the last Walt Disney World tip. If anyone in your group needs a wheelchair or ECV, do not rent one at the park. In several hotels you can rent wheelchairs. If you need a scooter or ECV, many Orlando companies can rent them and deliver and pick you up at your hotel.
22.Walt Disney World offers DAS attraction passes if you have people with disabilities in your group. This is similar to how the Genie+ Lightning channels work.
Accessibility services for people with disabilities(DAS) Designed for Walt Disney World theme park guests who struggle with long lines. DAS allows guests to schedule return times comparable to currently published alternative queues for a specific attraction. DAS passes require pre-registration. Visit the Disney website for more information. Guests shouldn't be afraid to ask Disney about this service.
23.Some Walt Disney World attractions have individual lines. These rows are used to fill a single seat on an attraction with one person from a single driver row. Typically, single queues move faster than waiting queues. However, when using a solo line, don't sit with anyone in your group.
There are four attractions at Walt Disney World theme parks that require a single person to queue. These are Rock N' Roller Coaster and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom and Test Track at Epcot. All four can form a very long queue.
Expedition Everest utilizes individual queues to provide the best experience. The attraction's loading method allows for more room for a single rider than roller coaster style. The other three have some drawbacks that you should be aware of.
Due to the single line on the test track, some experiences in the pre-show area were omitted.Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's RunSolo travelers often have the less exciting parts of the attraction ahead of them. However, for solo travelers, lines tend to be short and move quickly.
In contrast, the solo queue on the Rock N' Roller Coaster moves slowly. At attractions, there is often a wait before queuing time. It's worth noting that, at the time of writing, the Rock N' Roller Coaster is closed for renovations.
24.Be realistic about what you want to do on theme park day. Choose a destination for what you want to accomplish during your visit to the Walt Disney World theme parks. You won't be able to do everything. They want to have fun without feeling "obligated to have fun". Decide which sights, foods, and experiences are most important and focus on those. Anything else counts as a bonus.
25When it comes to avoiding "binge entertainment," taking an afternoon break is good advice from Walt Disney World. You can return to your hotel. You can also organize a later lunch outside the theme park. Historically, the busiest time at Disney theme parks is between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM each day. Taking a break from the sun and crowds will enhance your overall theme park experience.
We recommend that you take a nap at the hotel. This is a great suggestion if you're starting out with the park open or have young children (or adults) who need an afternoon nap. We know that leaving an amusement park sounds like a waste of money. Still, you'll get more out of your afternoon break and make your time more rewarding and enjoyable.
26.Wear sunglasses and a hat or visor to protect yourself from direct sunlight. It's also a good idea to use sunscreen. There are several areas with little or no sunlight in the Walt Disney World theme parks. For example, Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios is characterized by the fact that there are almost no shadows. Especially if you're not used to the Florida sun and heat, make sure you have good sun protection. We don't want your vacation to be remembered for a tan or Disney feel.
27.When visiting the Magic Kingdom, some indoor attractions are climate controlled and wait times are often short. While these sights aren't all that exciting, they will cool you down quickly. Country Bear Jamboree,Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, the glamorous Tiki Room and the Presidential Room fit the bill. All these attractions have their critics. Still, it's best to try it yourself. At least you took some time to enjoy the fresh air and relax in your seat.
28. Bring water and snacks to the amusement park. Within reason, Guests may bring non-alcoholic beverages and small amounts of food into Disney theme parks. Depending on the prices for drinks and food at the amusement park, you can save a lot of money. However, you cannot put loose ice in a cooler or container. Most restaurants offer guests a free glass of water if they don't bring their own.
29.DO NOT attempt to use a selfie stick at Walt Disney World. They are not allowed in Walt Disney World theme parks. If you somehow bring one into the park, the attraction will be closed. However,universal connectionApproved for use with mobile devices. The obvious difference is that the gimbal does not stretch compared to a selfie stick.
30.Please don't be the only one using the flash with your camera or mobile device. In almost all cases, using flash will not help improve the quality of your Walt Disney World photos. Spectacular pictures at night would be bad with the flash on. In addition, indoor attractions are also designed for low-light conditions. If you use your camera's flash, you won't be able to take a good picture and it will reduce your attractiveness to other people.
31.about fabulousRise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios, this attraction usually breaks down. Despite being a masterpiece among Disney theme park attractions, the system doesn't always work well. We do not recommend queuing for this attraction unless you are visiting the attraction at the beginning of theme park entry hours or within the last two hours of park entry hours.
If that attraction is inactive, the queue will move slowly once the attraction reopens. Priority will be given to those who purchase individual Lightning channels for Rise of the Resistance. In this case, the queue moves at a snail's pace.
To be fair, if this attraction doesn't crash due to the tricky driving technique it uses, the backup queue moves with ease. In these cases, a visit within the first hour of the park's opening makes sense. However, with “Rise of the Resistance” you are basically playing the lottery.
This attraction is known to close sometimes in the morning. On rare occasions, attractions are only open at certain times of the day. Based on historical data, the days when Rise of Resistance is likely not open in the morning and struggling to stay open are Tuesday and Thursday. We have no specific reason for this. Yet the data show just that. Good luck!
32.Don't let the rainy weather slow you down. Be sure to bring a rain poncho or umbrella. Walt Disney World theme parks are great fun, even on a rainy day. Most attractions are indoors.
On rainy days, fewer residents visit Walt Disney World theme parks. The rain will also reduce the number of tourists. People stay in their hotels and hope the rain stops. This leaves more space in the theme park for your enjoyment. Although the park is far from empty, queue times for attractions are significantly shorter on rainy days. For example, this could be a great opportunity for your group to ride together.Ace Adventures of Ratatouille by RemyMore than once a day at Epcot.
33.If you visit us when there are two performancesfabulous!At Disney Hollywood Studios, we recommend watching the second scene. While not always the case, the line-in for later shows is often much shorter. You can usually find better seats at the last show. By the way, be careful sitting in the front unless you don't mind being in the splash zone.
34.With the evening's extravaganza in mind, also plan where you want to see the show. This is very important for the night fireworks and projection shows in the magic realm. The show at the end of a day at the theme park showcases what Disney does best. They must not be lost.
35.All of the World Showcase countries don't have much to explore at Epcot. Feel free to explore all the intricate details Disney actors have put into these areas. Keep this in mind when walking from one attraction to another. Of course, the selection of goods will be huge. Even if you don't buy anything, it's still fun to browse. This Walt Disney World tip leads to a great find.
36.Even when the amusement park day comes to an end, you can still line up for the attractions. If the park is not yet officially closed, you can join the queue. After waiting in line, you can still enjoy the attractions after the theme park closes. The line in front of the attraction will close, but the attraction itself will not close until all guests in the line have entered the attraction.
For example, you might leave a top attraction late at night and hope for a shorter wait. when you join the queuetight dog raceFour minutes before the theme park closes, you can still enjoy this attraction if you have to wait an hour. Plus, after a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, you can step out of Hollywood Studios and enjoy the theme park at a more relaxed pace. Feel free to take a few photos, but don't piss off security by taking too long. In a way, lining up for attractions just before closing time can buy you more time at the amusement park.
37.Merchandise stores will remain open even after Disney theme parks close. Not all of them stay open, but the main ones open at least half an hour after the park's official closing time. Stores on Main Street America in the Magic Kingdom have been known to remain open for an hour or more after the park officially closes. Here's another way to extend your theme park day.
38.If your vacation allows, consider visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom at night. Pandora's territory looks impressive at night. Also, many attractions have the shortest lines in the late afternoon and evening. If you decide to go with this strategy, find out about Animal Kingdom opening hours in advance. Animal Kingdom closed before other Walt Disney World theme parks.
39.Some of Walt Disney World's best attractions use a virtual queuing system. For example,Tron Lightcyle/Run currently uses virtual queues.The only two ways to ride this roller coaster are to pay for a separate Lightning Pass or secure a spot in the virtual queue. There are currently no alternative queues, so virtual queues are your only option for free travel. We've created virtual queue resources to help you.
With My Disney Experience, you must be ready by 7am on the day you want to join the virtual queue. If not, you will have another chance at 1pm. Make sure you have an up-to-date version of the Walt Disney World mobile app.
40.Use mobile ordering. In most cases, the wait time for food and drinks is significantly less when ordering on the go. Many customers do not use the mobile ordering system, which offers the option of ordering meals at the counter.
41.For non-alcoholic beverage lovers, some Walt Disney World counter-service restaurants offer free refills on drinks during your meal. At Epcot, Sunshine Seasons, Connections Eatery and Regal Eagle Smokehouse allow free refills. Beverage refill stations are available on the Backlot Express at Hollywood Studios and at ABC kiosks at Disney's Hollywood Studios.dragon restaurantThe Satu'li Canteen at Disney's Animal Kingdom has a beverage refill station with free refills.
42.You can purchase guest refillable cups at any of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Resort mugs are $22. For that price, get unlimited top-ups for 14 days at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel. When looking at soda prices, this is a great tip for saving money at Walt Disney World. If you plan on dining at the Walt Disney World Resort food court, the value goes up significantly.
43.You don't feel like you have to order a full entree with your meal. Everyone can order children's menus at over-the-counter restaurants. These smaller versions of main dishes can be a filling meal. We recommend serving it with grilled cheese at Woody's Lunch Box at Hollywood Studios or in a cheeseburger capsule at Satu'li Cafeteria at Animal Kingdom.
Sharing meals at non-buffet restaurants is also a good plan. Depending on the serving size of some main courses, these can easily be shared. Plus, you can enjoy even more delicious food at Walt Disney World when you share it.
44.If you have any food allergies or concerns, don't be afraid to speak up. Walt Disney World handles all matters of food with excellence. Plus, these fancy foods at Walt Disney World are often as good as any. The Walt Disney World website and mobile app recommend items for almost every allergy and food issue.
If you're still worried, try eating at a restaurant that offers table service. When we do this, real chefs often come out of the kitchen to talk about allergies and make sure we're enjoying the food.
45.If you don't get the table service reservation you want, don't give up. Many same-day dining reservations are possible under the current Walt Disney World dining table cancellation policy. On the mornings of these meals, we struggled to sit down to dinner. Don't miss out on the hard-to-find table reservations.
46.You can try Crystal Palace breakfast and lunch tips.KristallpalastOffers a special buffet at the Magic Kingdom. Breakfast is served until approximately 10:45 am. Lunch officially starts at 11am. If you want to try the breakfast options and then choose some lunch options from the buffet's second course, make a reservation around 10:30 am. This allows you to enjoy a more complete meal at this restaurant. Winnie the Pooh and his friends love to entertain you at the Crystal Palace buffet. This "trick" can be performed at several other Walt Disney World buffets.
47.Consider dining at other locations in the Walt Disney World Resort alongside the four theme parks. The Walt Disney World Resort has some of the best dining options in the world. Great dining options can be found at Walt Disney World hotels. In addition, Disney Springs offers guests more than 20 different table service options and even more counter service options. In general, the quality of food outside the theme parks is better than inside the Disney theme parks.
Please note that when staying at the Walt Disney World Resort, consider having breakfast at the hotel. Upon arrival at the theme park, you can enjoy the views instead of eating.
48.There is a Starbucks location in every Walt Disney World and Disney Springs theme park. You can use your Starbucks app or gift card at these locations. However, you cannot redeem Star Awards at Starbucks at all four Walt Disney World theme parks. However, you will earn "stars" for purchases made with your Starbucks account.
However, you can redeem your Starbucks rewards at two Disney Springs locations. Plus, you can use Starbucks Rewards and take advantage of the mobile ordering system at Orlando International Airport and Disney Springs locations.
49.Walt Disney World sells refillable popcorn buckets. This can come in handy if you're looking for an inexpensive snack while on vacation.
Popcorn bucket prices vary. It depends on the bucket design. Popcorn buckets range from $13 to more than double for higher-end options. $2.25 per full bucket.
Disney says that popcorn buckets can be refilled during a stay. The popcorn bucket can be refilled at any place that sells popcorn. Of course, keep in mind that Disneyland prices and availability are subject to change at any time.
Flavored popcorn refills are available in some cases. Usually, flavored popcorn refills cost the same as regular popcorn. At Epcot, visitors can usually find maple-flavored popcorn in the Canada Pavilion.
50.For even cheaper prices on authentic Disney merchandise, you can visit the Disney Character Warehouse. There are two malls in the Orlando area. However, we cannot guarantee much. It's fun to shop for deals.
Plan your trip to Walt Disney World!
Of course, this list of tips could go on and on. That's why MickeyVisit has created so many resources to help you on your vacation. We also offer a free newsletter to keep you up to date with theme park news. Check out some of our other vacation planning resources below.
- Roundup Cowboy BBQ
- Walt Disney World Dates to Avoid
- Hollywood Studios Screenplay
- Night Vision Guide
- dinner guide