There is so much more involved in planning a Walt Disney World getaway then simply arranging your transportation, picking a place to stay, buying tickets to get in, and jumping on some rides. With more and more features and attractions being added to the resort all the time, you want to make certain you get the most magical experience possible while keeping it cost-effective at the same time.
With all the options for Disney lodging, restaurants, attractions, and activities, many people aren’t sure where to even begin outlining their vacation agenda and instantly become overwhelmed. However, it’s important to stick it out and get all the inside information you can because serious preparation and strategic thinking is the key to ensuring your time both inside and outside the enchanted gates is maximized to the fullest. The tips below will help give you a much-needed starting point.
Top Disney Secrets
Some of the most well-kept Disney World secrets are the very ones that will make a significant difference in your overall experience. First of all, those with smaller children who don’t meet the height requirements for thrill rides need not miss out on the excitement. The Rider Switch Service (or Stroller Pass) allows one parent and older children to get on the ride while the other waits with the younger children, and once the first rider is back, the second parent will be escorted to the front of the line for their turn.
Second, if you’re celebrating a special occasion, don’t be afraid to let everyone know it by picking up an identifying button from Guest Services so you can be showered with extra attention throughout your day at the park.
Want to bring home plenty of souvenirs but don’t necessarily want to have to walk around with them all day? There’s a solution for that too. Simply send them to the front of the park through the package pickup service and have them waiting for you whenever you’re ready to leave.
It can be difficult knowing exactly where to settle in for the Magic Kingdom fireworks among the huge crowds of people. Luckily, if you know to book a table at the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party, you’ll have one of the best and most comfortable views in the entire park.
Character Dining and Other Food Suggestions
Character dining is probably high on your list of things to do at the resort. This will help you get quality time in with the characters without having to wait in ridiculous lines around the parks. Make reservations plenty of time in advance and consider these top dining choices: Cape May Café, 1900 Park Fare, Akershus Restaurant in the Norway Pavilion, Tusker House, and of course, Cinderella’s Royal Table. Those who want to do Disney on a budget will find it helps to pack their own snacks, split meals, order from the kid’s menu, and find any one of the spots around the park that offer free water cups and drink refills.
Useful Ride Advice
The FastPass+ is one of the most worthwhile Disney purchases you can make, as it will end up saving you hours of waiting time. You can reserve ride and show times for some of the more popular attractions and not have to worry about missing out on something else because you spent so much time in line. It also helps if you don’t mind getting into the single rider line, which goes much faster as people are pulled to fill in empty seats as needed.
Another tip is to head to the back of the park as soon as you arrive. Most people get caught up right in the front and work their way backwards, so if you do the opposite, there’s a good chance you could eliminate a lot of delays. Rides you definitely don’t want to miss include The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Star Tours, Soarin’, and Expedition Everest.
Benefits of Disney Vacation Rentals
Your accommodations will have a tremendous impact on how relaxed and happy you are throughout your trip. If you’re truly looking for the best place to stay in Disney World, forget about all the overcrowded resort hotels and opt instead for a private home vacation rental. Disney vacation rentals provide guests with numerous amenities and are in a prime location that allows for quick and easy transportation to the theme parks, as well as to explore the many other fun activities around Orlando.
Use these tips and tricks to help make sure you don’t miss out on any part of the magic of Disney.
