Even if you are not a pro at all things Disney yet, you can tackle Disney World like a pro with these 9 tips. Learn the benefits of staying on site, when to book Fastpass+ reservations and more.
Stay On-Site
To completely immerse yourself in the Disney bubble, stay at a Disney Resort. Your stay will be magical from beginning to end, not to mention all the perks of staying on-site. Disney pros realize the savings of staying offsite do not outweigh the benefits of staying on site. These include: Magical Express, Transportation to parks, Extra Magic Hours, early Fastpass booking, themed resort pools and solid Magic Bands for everyone in your group.
Make Advanced Dining Reservations
Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) are a must for certain restaurants at Walt Disney World. Do not disappoint your group by believing you will be able to walk into any restaurant at Disney without a reservation. Popular restaurants to book ADRs for include: Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom, Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom, Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and more.
Book Fastpass+ On Available Day
For guests staying at a Disney World Resort book your Fastpass+ 60 days out from your arrival date. Those not staying at a Disney Resort can book at 30 days out. Take advantage of booking your Fastpass+ on your available day at 7am (EST). You will be able to book from your arrival day + 10 days. Pro tip: Start at the end of your trip to make Fastpass+ and work backwards, since everyone with your dates will also be booking Fastpass+ and most likely start with Day 1, this gives you an advantage. Go for the hard to get Fastpass+ attractions first while working backwards, these include Frozen Ever After in Epcot and Flight of Avatar in Animal Kingdom.
Download My Disney Experience App
The My Disney Experience App is a free smartphone app and a must have to conquer Disney World like a pro. This app includes park maps and so much more. Check attraction wait times, find out where Characters are in the parks, view and edit your Fastpass+ reservations, locate a restroom and more.
Arrive At The Parks Early
The term “Rope Drop” means arriving at the parks before or right as they open. There are many benefits to arriving at Rope Drop and Disney Pros take advantage of the early morning hours. Do not book any Fastpass+ reservations first thing in the morning, instead take advantage of low early morning crowds to accomplish attractions before the parks start filling up.
Get A Celebration Button
Celebration Buttons are a great free souvenir for guests. If you are celebrating anything on your vacation, there is a button for that. While its not guaranteed, guests sometimes get lucky and receive a free treat in honor of their celebration. Therefore, wear your celebration button proudly! Read, where to find Celebration Buttons.
Current Celebration Buttons (Subject to change):
- Happy Birthday
- Happily Ever After
- 1st Visit
- I’m Celebrating: (Fill In The Blank)
Bring A Portable Charger
Between pictures, videos and checking the My Disney Experience App, the battery on your phone may not last the whole day. Bring a portable charger to be able to charge on the go. Pro Tip: Buy a Fuelrod charger prior to your trip and save $5 versus Disney Prices. This is a one-time fee. Then, pack your Fuelrod and swap out your used Fuelrod for a fully charged one at any time, with an unlimited number of swaps! Read, where to swap your Fuelrod at Disney World.
Use Rider Switch
Another thing Disney World Pros do is use Rider Switch. This is for families with younger children. Rider Switch is available at rides that have a height restriction such as Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Soarin. Essentially you will be allowed to ride with your older children while your partner waits with the younger child and then you swap places and your partner rides again with the younger kids, without having to wait in line again.
Use A Travel Agent
Disney Travel agents are available for guests at no cost to you! Meet Kari – the couponing to Disney travel specialist. She will watch for extra discounts, help with dining reservations and more.
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.