Disney World Training

So you want to go to Disney World? Let me teach you everything I know! Below is a list of posts that you need to read. You can also find all the posts below and tons of guest posts under the Disney World training category.

The planning basics:

Getting to know the Magic Kingdom:

Getting to know the Animal Kingdom:

Getting to know Epcot:

Getting to know Hollywood Studios:

Hotels at Disney World:

Pop Century (written by me)

Iphone/Android apps

Even more posts about anything and everything:

Tour the parks with my tip sheets

I have had tons of guests posts on various topics at Disney World. Be sure to browse through my Disney World training category to read them all!

Add to favorites

{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Mary September 26, 2010 at 1:01 pm

Hello, With help from your site, I have saved enough for me, my husband and 2.5 year old son to go to Disney California. I am runing into obsticles planning for the trip and I need your help. We can arrive early (my son wakes up at about 5:30am every day) but we must leave by 10:00/10:30 for his nap. Then we can go back at around 1:30/2:00. He loves Disney Pixars Cars movie. Would you suggest anything specific for his age range/ love of Cars movie? Thanks for all your help.

2 Kristin December 13, 2010 at 3:51 pm

Hi, my family is so excited to be traveling to DisneyWorld in 22 days, my husband is running his 1st ever marathon in the Disney Marathon with the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. This will be our 3rd trip in 3 years, but it is our first traveling with a 1 year old. Do you have any advice on doing Disney with a little one.
Thanks so much, Love your site!

3 stephanie harris December 20, 2010 at 12:57 am

Hi Kristin,

My entire family wants to take a disney cruise in 2012. Have you gone on one and can you offer any advice?

4 Kristin from Couponing to Disney December 26, 2010 at 4:46 pm: I’ve never been on a cruise. I’m sorry. :(

Reply
5 Melissa August 15, 2011 at 10:42 am: The Disney Cruises are amazing! You won’t be let down in any way. We too are planning a cruise for 2012 with our family. I am counting down the days now.

Reply
6 Deb Tee September 15, 2011 at 4:20 pm: I went on Disney’s Dream in Feb. 2011…it was AMAZING!! Learned a ton and can help you make your dreams come true…just emal me @ deb@mouseworldtravel.com

Reply

7 Starsha January 11, 2011 at 7:38 pm

We are planning a disney world trip and have found a great deal on a military website. I was wondering if we could bring a cooler of food into the parks? I cant seem to find that answer any where.

8 Rachel January 23, 2011 at 5:46 pm: We have always taken coolers in to WDW (Florida). We pack a lunch and even bring drinks for our family of 9. You can store them in a locker for a small fee, but we put them into the bottom of our stroller. We can eat when the kids are hungry without having to check our map. They do check your cooler upon entering, but they do that for my purse too. Just remember not to bring anything alcoholic, glass, or sharp (like a steak knife that could be considered a weapon). I hope that helps and it will certainly save you $

Reply
9 Michelle A May 23, 2011 at 2:30 pm: Starsha,

Yes you can take a soft sided cooler in the any of the parks. We just went to Disney in March and we took our lunch in to all of the parks! It was a great way to save a little more money! We also took a color full of drinks for us and our little one!

Reply

10 Courtney January 23, 2011 at 9:41 am

Rope drop link above doesn’t appear to take you to the rope drop section rather the fast past section. Curious as to what the rope drop is!

Thanks,
Courtney

11 Misty Mc March 22, 2011 at 10:37 pm: Here is the link to the rope drop posting:
http://www.couponingtodisney.com/2010/02/09/day-13-of-disney-training-what-is-rope-drop/

Reply

12 Liz April 3, 2011 at 3:38 pm

I have a quick question. In 2009 (I think it was) if you visited Disney on your Birthday, you got free admission. Then last year if you volunteered at or with a participating charity, you were given a 1 day free admission ticket. Have you heard of them doing any freebie type thing this year? Ohhh, how we need a disney trip so bad! :P hehe.

13 Lucy April 21, 2011 at 5:46 pm

I love Disney. It has been several years since we have gone but everytime we go we have a blast.

14 Melissa May 3, 2011 at 10:45 am

Thank you so much for all the tips. I have 5 children a 7 year old boy, 5 year old BBG triplets and a 15 month old girl. Our older daughter has severe cerebral palsy and really wants to meet the princesses. We tried Make a Wish but they turned us down until she gets on a feeding tube or oxygen. We would like to make the trip before that happens so she can enjoy herself and isn’t too sick to have fun. My spouse has to go to Orlando next May for a business and we can get some of our plane tickets for free. So we are trying to save enough money to go. I don’t think this oppertunity will come up again so we want to jump on it. Thanks for the tips, I am hoping we can save enough money to go.
Melissa

15 Cierese May 20, 2011 at 7:54 pm

I’m sorry to hear that you all got turned down for MAW. I know of a child that went down and didn’t have either FT or O2, but that was several years ago. Wonder if things have changed? I see you have a 7 yr old and 5 yr olds as well. All you need is just one school age child to take advantage of the YES programs. (Youth Education Series -go thru individual enrollment) You don’t have to be with a ‘group’ for this and if you need any other help, email me! We were able to get 5 day hopper passes for around $170 each. I would keep trying for MAW and see if you have a friend or another family member that could try for you. I know that’s how my client got to go – a family friend did it with out them knowing. Good luck!!

16 Cierese May 20, 2011 at 7:56 pm: cierese@yahoo.com…. oooh silly me!! http://www.disneyyouth.com/register/?location=WDW&program=individual-enrollment

Reply

17 Nikki August 8, 2011 at 5:40 pm

Melissa,

My oldest daughter (Kailey 9yrs) also has severe cerebral palsy (spastic quadriplegia), she does have a feeding tube so we were able to go with MAW, but we’ve also gone since on our own. We had a fantastic time and I would also recommend you keep trying with MAW. But if you can’t seem to get accepted, GO ANYWAY!! I cannot tell you enough, how special of an experience it is, for all of the kids, but Disney always makes it super special for Kailey and not to mention easy for us! They have great accomodations inside the park, for discreet changings, feedings, etc. They also have wonderful wheelchair viewing areas for parades and shows, and all the characters give, in my opinion, a little extra time for us and Kailey. It’s one place I can say without a doubt, is a place Kailey LOVES to go, even though she’s non-verbal. Also, a lot of the rides allow you to roll a wheelchair right onto the ride, which saves my back and a lot of time! I would love to tell you more but this will turn into a novel. If you’d ever like to talk (even if it’s not about Disney) my email is greeneducks@aol.com. I live in Portland Oregon and would love to answer any question you have or even just to talk. We’re currently planning our 3rd trip to WDW with our kids (Kailey 9, Ellie 8, and Zach 3), but my husband and I have been a few times beyond that. I really hope you get a chance to experience WDW with your kids, you’re right, that the opportunity will not always be there. And I understand that statement more than anybody!

Nikki

18 Kelly May 3, 2011 at 3:59 pm

Hi I’m Kelly and like you I love Disney so much. I just applied there did you know their hiring? I’ve been goiong their ever since I was little and now I have my beautiful duaghter who I’ve also beedn able to take there already, shes 2. She loves Disney just as much as me, I think I lost count of how many Mickeys and Goofys she has. I’m also saving for Disney by babysitting, doing surveys and just not spending money. So far we’re at about $700 with my surveys. Thank you for the great ideas of how to save with coupons. If you also need and info about Dianey World please write I love talking about it and know alot. Its the best place in the world.

19 PAM May 4, 2011 at 11:11 am

Hi,
We are going to Disneyworld in August. This is the first time we are using the dining plan, and I was wondering if there were any sit down dinners you recommened? We are defenitly going to chef mickey and dinner with the princess’s at Epcot because only 1 not 2. Thanks!! Orlando fun tickets was the cheepest site I found for tickets. Is there one you have found that was cheeper? pam

20 Barbara May 28, 2011 at 12:57 pm

We are flying to Cal. in July to go to Disneyland with my son & his family. I have never been there although I was in Florida a few times. Can anyone tell me how to get tickets cheaper ? Also does anyone know how it compares to Disney World in Fl. Any help would be appreciated.

21 Kimberly June 12, 2011 at 11:29 am

Looking for a good value for a place to stay for my family–we have 3 families actually going–Myself and DH, 2 small kids (we can all stay in 1 room), then 1 set of grandparents and an Uncle. So is it best to get 3 rooms at Pop Century (which looks like the most recommended of the value resorts) or is it better to go some other way?

22 Corey July 2, 2011 at 11:30 pm: I’d go with the Pop Century plan. Not too much money, and if you call to make your reservation, you can request the rooms together. It would also cost you the least of all of the resorts, with the added benefit of dedicated buses.

Reply

23 Megan June 13, 2011 at 8:35 pm

Hi! We are going to DW on Oct 31 and are staying at the All Star Music Resort. I was wondering if anyone has ever stayed there before and how much you liked/disliked it? Did I make a good or bad choice in staying here? Thanks!

24 Caitlin June 16, 2011 at 8:52 pm: I’ve stayed in this resort and I really enjoyed it! It’s also in walking distance of the other All Star resorts as well so we ate in a different cafeteria every night to check out the other hotels!

Reply

25 Kristin June 27, 2011 at 12:09 pm

I am going to have so much fun with this, I now know how to get my Disney kicks when I am not at Disney lol.

26 c July 21, 2011 at 8:16 am

I like Disney (world) but not the lines or the heat. We are taking my middle child, son, for his 4th birthday. We live just outside of Orlando so it’s a right of passage for kids here. We took our other son (7 now) when he turned 5, and will be taking our daughter (5mo) when she turns 4 or 5. I don’t recommend anyone goes to Disney with kids under 4 or 5.. It will be a waste of money truthfully. I have gone nearly every year from the time I was born and don’t remember any trips before age 6. My oldest kid’s dad works for Disney, so thank goodness for cheap tickets. A word of warning – the summer months have tons of extra tourists, and they like to stand very close. Sweat and all. Don’t be afraid to ask them to please get off of you. Chances are they wont know what you’re saying anyway. I think the only other negative about the Happiest Place on Earth would be the unpredictable (or, for us Florida natives, Predictable) Florida Thunderstorms. When they happen at night/firework time, the firework shows have been known to be cancelled… I wouldn’t tell my kids about it (after learning from the last time!) until the show starts, then say “surprise!” or something…. Those are just some of my tips, from someone who lives in the area and has been there a bazillion and one times… :)

Ohhhhh PS, Buy online!! Save money :)

27 Lisa Shanahan August 23, 2011 at 8:02 pm

My husband, 12 year old daughter and I just got back from our last Summer Hoorah! As we so named it. Just a few tips for people planning on going soon. We had originally booked three nights at the All-Star sports resorts through Disney, but when our dates changed, originally we were booked Saturday through Monday night, checking out Tuesday, we had to cancel 2 of the days, and since Disney did not have the 2 new nights we wanted Thursday and Friday, we kept the one night, Saturday and went through Expedia for Thursday and Friday. It rained Thursday, so we did not go straight from work to one of the parks (we live about 1 1/2 hours away) we went directly to the All Star Movie resort, and were told that we do not have a reservation and there are no rooms available, and sorry Disney cannot help you (the error was from Disney’s side, not Expedia). After 2.5 hours on the phone with Expedia & the front desk, the manager miraculously found us a room, which was awful, my daughter and I have allergies & asthma & we both had to take our inhalers, we called the front desk, and they miraculously found us another room, which smelled of moth balls, was moldy and had food and other things under the bed. On Saturday, we checked into the All-Star Sports resort (this one was booked through Disney) and the room was great. Clean & comfortable. My tips is if you plan on staying on property – always, I mean always book through Disney, or you will be treated like a second class citizen. Ok, so my first time staying on property was a bit of a disaster, but I love the parks. Another tip we got was while in line behind the rope at Hollywood Studios, there are 2 places you can wait behind the rope, the one most people go to is straight in when you walk through the turnstiles, but if you go to the left and stand behind the line there are less people there, when the rope drops take everyone in your party directly to Toy Story Mania, the wait will be less than 20 mins, we were 7th on the ride. Then as soon as you get off the ride, go over to the Fast Pass line (the line looks scary and long, but it moves really fast) now we have another fast pass to ride again after 1 pm, which is fine, cause now the regular line wait time is up to 80 mins. The only downfall with this is if you want to get a Fast Pass to another ride. Don’t send someone to get fast passes while you get in line for the ride, Disney is smarter than that, and they will walk you out of the line to the back. Hope these tips help someone else.

28 Mandi September 6, 2011 at 12:58 pm

I have looked all over the site and a little on AllEars. Maybe I need to take a break to get my head wrapped around it all. But I’m trying to compare resorts. I’m looking at a moderate-deluxe that’s good for my huband, kids, and I. We’re looking to be going between march and april of 2012. By then our kids will be just shy of 2 and 4. What are your suggestions??

Thanks!

29 PixieMichele September 13, 2011 at 9:01 pm: Mandi, see if you can get in on free dining, right now the end date is March 29th, but you have to book by October 29th. The free dining plan can save you a ton of money!
Choosing your resort is all about what type of theme you like and what you want to get out of your resort. If you want the benefit of the monorail you need to stay at the Grand Floridian, Contemporary or Polynesian (my pick!) if you want a deluxe resort but don’t have to be on the monorail then that broadens your selections.
My favorite moderate resort is the Coronado Springs; for many reasons! I have a Disney web content page that i can send you the link to, you can do virtual tours of all the resorts, let me know if you’d like me to send that!

Reply

30 Valerie September 22, 2011 at 10:27 am

Hi!! I was just wondering if anyone knew when the gingerbread houses were going to be up for this 2011 Christmas season?? Thanks!!

31 Valerie September 22, 2011 at 10:28 am

I forgot to add: in Walt Disney World, FL.

32 PixieMichele October 26, 2011 at 11:12 am

We always go the second week of November and it’s normally up by then. I think they start construction after the Halloween festivities end. It’s for sure up by Thanksgiving weekend, but we always go before and have never missed it. I don’t care for gingerbread myself but it’s a sight to behold and the smell is divine!

33 Valerie October 26, 2011 at 2:03 pm: Thank you very much!! I was thinking of going Veteran’s day weekend!!

Reply

34 Naomi Lijoi October 26, 2011 at 7:41 am

Is it true that ice water is free throughout the parks? Thanks!

35 PixieMichele October 26, 2011 at 11:09 am: Naomi-You can purchase bottled water throughout the parks ($3), or use a Disney dining plan snack credit for a water.
You can also go into any quick service dining location and request a cup of water. It comes from the pop machine so it’s ice cold and filtered and delicious! Plus it’s FREE which automatically makes everything taste better! :)

Reply

36 amy November 1, 2011 at 12:36 pm

Does anyone know where I can find out if and when they are having the electrical parade in January 2012?

37 PixieMichele November 7, 2011 at 9:34 pm: Hi Amy,

Is there a specific date in 2012 you’re looking for? I have them on my agent screen and can email the pdf but i’m not sure how to post it on these chat boxes. If you want me to email it to you just send me a message to Michele@PixieVacations.com

Reply

38 Sara November 7, 2011 at 9:16 pm

STROLLER QUESTION/INPUT NEEDED!! I have a 2 yr old and a 7yr old {at time of our trip in March 2012}. My 2yr old of course will need stroller, and my 7yr old likely will to. I am not taking a stroller with me but wanting to rent one. Have been reading that NOT renting from the parks directly is a good idea because you have to leave it at the gate and carry all your kids/junk back to your hotel at the end of the day. I am wanting to rent from one of the stroller rental company’s local to Orland area. My question i geuss, is is there a double stroller option that works for a 7yr old and a 2yr old? The double strollers available only have a 50# weight limit per seat. My 7yr is more then 50#. They offer a heavy duty option {like a special needs chair but not so “special needs” looking} but its only a single. I do not want to rent 2 strollers!! help help help!!!

39 PixieMichele November 7, 2011 at 9:36 pm: Hi Sara,

Yes, you can rent strollers for cheaper by going through companies outside of the parks. One that my agency uses is Magic Strollers. They deliver and pick up the stroller so you don’t have to worry about it, it’s there when you check-in and they’ll pick it up when you check out. It is more affordable as well. You can check out all the types of strollers that they offer, etc on the website http://www.magicstrollers.com/

Reply

40 Lisa November 10, 2011 at 3:11 pm

Just wondering if there are any deals for next February/March time? I am tring to find the best deal. Are there any sites to look at? Thank you

41 PixieMichele November 10, 2011 at 5:32 pm: There aren’t 2013 discounts out yet but you can always check http://www.mousesavers.com for historical discounts to give you an idea of what MIGHT be available.
Don’t forget you can also just put down your $200 deposit on the most affordable package you can currently find and then apply promotions or discounts later. If you have a travel agent they’ll monitor your reservation for you.

Reply

42 Ashli November 10, 2011 at 4:35 pm

I am so overwhelmed. I want our family of 5- (13,10,8) to go to disneyworld at spring break. I want to go cheap but still stay in a Disney resort. I need help! Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

43 PixieMichele November 10, 2011 at 5:30 pm

Ashli, your family of 5 has several options for still staying on property at WDW! There are family suites at the All Star value locations, the newest value resort-the Art of Animation, will be opening soon and you can fit 5 people at the Port Orleans Riverside b/c there’s a trundle under one of the beds. Don’t sweat it! Let me know if you need help!

44 PixieMichele December 1, 2011 at 5:52 pm: Ashli! There is a Spring Room Offer that could help save your family money for your spring break trip! Email me for a free quote if you like! Michele@PixieVacations.com

Reply