Top 10 Walt Disney World Tips
- Arrive at the parks early. It seems to be true that there is no slow time at Walt Disney World anymore. In order to get your money’s worth out of your vacation, arrive at the parks early-the earlier the better. If you can be there 20-30 minutes before park opening, your party can enjoy light crowds and the ability to ride your favorites without wasting a Fast Pass.
- Make an early morning dining reservation at a park without early Magic Hours. My family’s favorite thing to do is have breakfast at the Crystal Palace at 8 am on a day the park opens at 9. It’s amazing being inside the park with barely anyone else. The photos you can take this time of day will be unlike any others. It’s especially fun for us to stroll leisurely down Main Street taking in its’ beauty and magic at our own pace.
- Pick the right time of year to visit. While some families can only vacation in the summer when school is out, others may have more flexibility. It’s important that you keep in mind Florida weather. Heat & humidity are loved by some but hated by others. Those of you wanting to avoid heat in humidity, may prefer to travel during late fall or winter. These times of year also fun because of Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival, fall decorations and Christmas festivities.
- Make time for relaxing. A Walt Disney World vacation can be exhausting. On site resorts have wonderful swimming pools and spending an afternoon in one can be a great way to cool off during the hottest part of the day.
- Be sure to visit the new Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). For anyone who has not visited Downtown Disney lately, you will barely recognize it anymore. Packed full of new shops and dining options, it’s a destination of its’ own. Magic Bands work at all locations, as do Disney Gift Cards, so all it takes is a tap of your Mickey on your Magic Band to charge a meal or souvenir right to your room.
- Take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express. This luggage handling and free transportation to/from Orlando International Airport and your Walt Disney World Resort will save you time and money. There’s no need to rent a car or gather your luggage. Just hop aboard and let Disney worry about the rest. Any guest staying on Walt Disney World property is eligible for this wonderful service.
- Dress right. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. The miles you will log on a Walt Disney World vacation can be surprising. The better prepared you are for this, the more you will enjoy your vacation. If lots of walking may be too much for you or a member of your party, consider renting a scooter to make getting around easier.
- Stay hydrated. The Florida sun is a welcome part of any Walt Disney World vacation. But it can tire you out and combined with all of the walking required and it could add up to dehydration. If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan a snack credit can be used for bottled water. But any Quick Service or Table Service restaurant will give you a free cup of ice water if you ask. Save those snack credits for frozen Mickey bars!
- Book dining reservations & Fast Passes in advance. For all Walt Disney World guests, dining reservations can be booked 180 days in advance of check-in and Fast Passes can be booked 60 days in advance. While it may seem crazy to book a dining reservation 6 months in advance, in Walt Disney World it’s essential in order to be able to have those hard to get reservations.
- Use a travel agent. Not only will you support a local business, but you can have a stress free vacation where someone else does all of the work for you! Most travel agents offer free itinerary planning and will book dining reservations and Fast Passes for you. If you run into any problems while away, you have a point of contact to help make things right for you. Next time you are thinking of a vacation, please consider a local travel agent. You will pay the exact same price if you book it yourself, plus most agents offer a thank you gift or surprises along the way!
