Visiting Walt Disney World can be one of the most fun and exciting trips you take as a couple or family, and of course, you want it to be the best it possibly can. There are many small things you can do that will make your Disney trip wonderful and unforgettable and here are the top 9.
9 Super Secret Tips to Really Rock Your Disney Trip
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Research & Plan ahead
There are so many things to see and do, and depending on your children’s ages, your family’s preferences and your needs, it is so helpful to do a little research and know what your priorities are before you even go. Thankfully
there is much information online for you and you can even call Disney and speak to one of their representatives. They are so helpful and very accommodating, so don’t hesitate to enlist them for help.
Related: How to Get a Free Disney World Vacation
If you have special needs, or dietary issues, those are things they will be of a major help with, and they truly don’t mind. They always treat you well and take care of you and will do whatever it takes to make you happy. Don’t ever think you can’t ask for something that would help your situation be a better one, because they want you to be a happy customer.
The parks can get congested and chaotic at certain times of the year, especially Magic Kingdom, so if you have a little one who you know HAS to see a certain Princess, find out where you need to be to make that happen for them and work it into your plan early. You may feel like you’ve got enough time to fit things in, but sometimes the lines and the crowds can change during the day and the next thing you know, you’ve missed out on the one thing you truly wanted to do.
Get the Disney App
This app will make everything go so much better for you. It has maps and lots of important information. It allows you to get fast passes early, and it saves your plans for you, so when you can’t remember what you booked for what time, it will be right there at your fingertips. You can view restaurant info and see menus on it, and even see wait times if you are trying to decide where to go next.
You can also view any photos they take of you at the parks and they sometimes add cute videos as well on there. So fun.
You will not be sorry you got it at all!
Eat your lunch either early or after the lunch hour, or make reservations ahead of time.
If you pack food, you will be good to go, and just need to find a spot to stop and park yourselves, but if you are planning to eat lunch there at the parks, chances are, you’ll be hungry about the same time as everyone else there. The lines at many of the places to eat, especially the ones where there is counter service and the ones that are less expensive, will be long. It can also be tricky to find a seat if you hit it in the crowded time. If you can, pack a snack to have in mid-morning, and then go to lunch after 1 pm, and it is much better. Don’t miss these awesome Disney Dining tips as well!
If you are park hopping that day, allow time for traveling between the parks
Between Epcot and Magic Kingdom you can take the monorail over, and not have to move your car, but sometimes there can be long lines for it. If you have reserved fast passes or dining plans at another park, you need to be sure to allow plenty of time to get over there. Sometimes too, the place you chose to eat, or the ride can be far back in the other park, and if you’re not sure where exactly it is, you can end up missing your reservation.
Book your fast passes and dining reservations at least a few weeks ahead if possible
This may seem like overkill, but some of the rides that are the most popular will not have fast passes available even a week early. The wait times can be over an hour for some on busy days and having a fast pass for those type of rides is such an amazing feeling, so it is totally worth it.
Also, some of the more popular restaurants are the same way. They will fill up and you won’t be able to get in, so go ahead and leave yourself space in between those plans but get them booked. It is so well worth it!
Get the magic bands
Magic bands are wrist band type bracelets that have your personal ticket or pass information uploaded in them. You choose them ahead of time and you can even get whatever color you want. They have your name inside of them, but otherwise, just Mickey ears on the outside. They work the way your ticket or pass would but you don’t have to keep taking the passes out of your pockets or bag every time you need to scan one. This is something you need not only to get into a park, but for photos, fast passes and more. They come free with an annual pass but cost about $15 per person otherwise.
If you have a large family, and have to try to keep track of everyone’s passes, which can be really frustrating when you’re trying to keep hold of kids, money, drinks and everything else, this saves a huge headache!
Pass your kids off in line to your spouse so you can both get a chance to ride the rides
There will be some rides that you will both want to ride and your kids won’t. You can stand in line and then take turns passing the toddler (or whoever) and that way you both can get on the ride, even if it’s not together.
Be prepared to pin trade if that’s something you are interested in
Pin trading is something that has become so popular at the parks over the past ten years or more. The employees and guests wear lanyards that display their favorite pins and collections, and some are there looking to trade. If you see one on an employee that you want, they have to trade you for it if you ask, so have some less favorites available so you can do that. It is fun and many people are very receptive to trading.
Take advantage of the extras
In each park there are different and fun activities for your kids to do, and they are free. For example, at Animal Kingdom, there is a program called the Wilderness Explorers, like in the movie, UP, where your kids can learn and explore all over the park at different stations and get their passports stamped and earn badges. It is really neat and educational at the same time.
At Magic Kingdom, they have an interactive Sorcerer’s card game they can play. You go into the Guest services area at the front of the park and ask for some cards and they will show you how to play and give you cards to start the game with. Then in various places in the park there are windows and such with neat effects that go along with the cards and you can collect and build your deck.
There are generally fun buttons for events or birthdays that you can ask for as well. Guest services is very helpful about those things in all the parks.