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.
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1. Pick up a Special Gift
Stop 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.
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.
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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).
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.
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!
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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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
NikkyJ
Planning a trip soon? If so, read the Disney Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!
(Original Article Date: November 21, 2018/Updated June 8, 2022)
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.
Hi!
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/