Nearly a quarter of a million people visit Disney World every day. Each one of them on the search for an incredible experience filled with joy.
If you’ve been to Disney World before, you’ve probably picked up a few tricks already or you’re looking for some advice to make it an even better trip the next time. If you’ve never visited the magical place, you’re in for the time of your life but you should arm yourself with some essential knowledge, first.
Check out these 7 helpful tips for visiting Disney World to ensure that you have an unforgettable time at one of the most exciting theme parks in the world.
1. Save on Resort Rooms when Visiting Disney World
There’s no doubt that one of the best ways to truly experience Dinsey World is to stay in one of the resorts. You can find timeshare via Disney Vacation club and if you aren’t a member yourself, you can ‘rent’ or ‘buy’ points from someone who is a member.
Check out Animal Kingdom Villas resale for points that are up for grabs! You’ll save a ton of money by renting points rather than buying your own timeshare or booking resort rooms.
2. Visit During Low Season
There’s no surprise that Disney gets packed with raving crowds which can be a bit maddening and make it difficult for you to see and do everything you want. While it is busy most of the year, there are a couple of times when the crowds thin out a bit and the queues shorten.
A particularly quiet time is after Thanksgiving Break and before Christmas Break. This is the sweet spot where you can get the most out of visiting Disney World.
The winter months (mid-January to March) are generally much quieter as are weekdays during this time. Pack some warm clothes and head out for a day of adventure!
You can use a Crowd Calendar to find the least crowded days of the year and plan your trip accordingly.
3. Make Dining Reservations
If you’ve got your eyes (and stomach) set on a specific spot to eat while visiting Disney Land, you need to make reservations. You can make a reservation up to 180 days before the first day of your stay.
The best part is that you can cancel by midnight prior to your reservation, so you can book a couple of different restaurants if you haven’t quite decided.
Restaurants get very busy and if you can’t find a reservation closer to your day of arrival, try OpenTable.
4. Time-Saving Tips for Visiting Disney World
With so many attractions, rides, and sites as well as the long lines, you need to make the most of your time by employing some of these time-saving tips.
- Arrive at the park before it opens as mornings are the least crowded
- Use Single Rider Lines which are the shortest
- Book FastPass + reservations for unmissable attractions
- Stores stay open longer than rides so leave the shopping until last
- Start your day at the back of the park to avoid long lines
- Avoid the long lines at Extra Magic Hours parks
- The Resort Monorail has shorter lines than the Express Monorail
- Schedule check-in for Friday as Saturday is a very busy check-in day
Do your best to maximize your time so that you can enjoy as much as possible on your visit. It’s impossible to avoid lines but with these tips, you can cut down wasted time.
5. Disney World Cost-Saving Tips
It’s no secret that Disney World is expensive. And while you want to make the most of your visit, there are some tricks to help you avoid throwing unnecessary money down the drain.
- Don’t pay for water as dining locations offer it for FREE
- Rent strollers outside of Disney World
- Check all your receipts for coupons as they are quite common
- Uber is cheaper than local taxis
- Purchase tickets well in advance
- Annual passes are only economical if you plan to visit 11-12 times
- Purchase Disney gift cards that provide fuel points
- Purchase souvenirs, ponchos, etc. outside Disney World
- Airline prices vary according to airports so consider different options
The best way to save some money is to plan your day. Know where you’re going to eat, how you’re going to get there and what you want to buy. Of course, there will be unexpected costs but you’ll be able to stick closer to your budget with a bit of preparation.
6. Book FastPass + Reservations in Advance
A FastPass+ allows you to reserve selected rides and attractions, entertainment, and Character Greetings at Disney World. If you want to maximize your time by skipping the long lines, or you have your heart set on a specific attraction, book your FastPass + Reservation in advance.
Think carefully about the attractions and the type of lines they attract. For example, Peter Pan’s Flight has notoriously long and slow-moving lines, as does Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Book your FastPass+ selections for the morning slots so that you can get in line early.
7. Dress Comfortably
This seems like a silly mention, but it is one of the most overlooked tips for visiting Disney. Remember, the park is huge. You will be walking around and on your feet for most of the day.
It’s important you wear comfortable shoes that you’re happy to walk some solid miles in. Similarly, think about the outfit that you choose to ensure it’s suitable for all the rides and something that you will be comfortable spending hours in.
Prepare for unexpected rain by bringing a poncho, so that when other visitors run for cover, you can stay in line and benefit from the lack of people.
Are You Excited About Your Trip to Disney World?
Now that you’re prepared with the best tips and tricks out there, all that is left to do is plan your trip to Disney World. Use this list to help you create your own unique adventure.
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