Disney World can be an overwhelming vacation when it comes to planning. With the following tips, it doesn’t have to be!
1. Make Advanced Dining Reservations
Disney opens the booking window one hundred and eighty days in advance for all guests to secure their dining reservations. Beginning at 6 am EST you will be able to access the dining reservations’ inventory through your My Disney Experience account or by calling into Disney Dining beginning at 7 am EST via 1-407-939-3463.
Many of the most coveted reservations, for example, Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom, will be scooped up fast so if there are specific restaurants and times you would like to secure make sure you are on ready to book as soon as they open.
Make sure to have your credit card ready as Disney requires a credit card to hold your reservation. Your card will not be charged unless you do not show to your reservation and then each person will be charged with a $10 “no-show fee.”
2. Maximize your Fastpasses
The goal at Disney is to not ever have to wait in long lines for rides or attractions. You can minimize your wait time buy utilizing Disney’s Fastpass system.
All guests staying onsite at Disney resorts can book three Fastpasses per day, sixty days in advance of their check-in date beginning 7 am EST through their My Disney Experience account. All guests who are not staying on Disney property are able to book thirty days in advance also beginning at 7 am EST.
Decide what rides and attractions are must-dos for your family and of those then pick the most popular which you will be guaranteed to wait at without a Fastpass.
After you have used your three Fastpasses you can get one more at a time for the remainder of your day either through the Fastpass kiosks located throughout the parks or your My Disney Experience app you can download to your iPhone or Android.
3. Take Advantage of Free Transportation
If you are staying on Disney property you have the added benefits of free transportation. Disney offers their Magical Express shuttle from the Orlando airport and back that you are welcome to use. They will even pick up and deliver your luggage right to your hotel room!
Throughout Disney there are many different modes of transportation to get around; the Monorail, buses, boats and beginning this year Disney’s Skyliner!
4. Everything in Disney Takes Longer Than You May Expect
Be sure to give yourself lots of wiggle room in your daily plans for travel. Just getting from your resort to the park will take a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour. As a whole, you will find that walking between attractions in the parks, dining, taking transportation, and almost everything at Disney takes longer than expected. Try to go with the flow and enjoy yourself by having leniency in your daily itineraries.
5. Disney’s Rider Switch Pass
Disney offers a unique way to allow the whole family to get in on the fun with their Rider Switch Pass. This pass allows one parent to stay with the kids who don’t meet the height requirements for an attraction while the other parent hits the rides with those who do. When the riding parent is done, the waiting parent can use the pass by going to the Fastpass return line. You can obtain these passes from a cast member at the entrance of the rides with height requirements.
6. Photopass Photographers
One of the best uses of your money, if you’re interested in pictures, is purchasing the Memory Maker Photo Package which will give you access to all the pictures you have taken throughout the parks and resorts by the Photopass Photographers. A little hint though that if you aren’t interested in buying the photo package the Photopass Photographers will take your picture for free using your camera. Just ask them and they’re happy to oblige!
7. Disney World is Tiring!
I’ve heard it said Disney is not a vacation, it’s a trip and I feel this holds worth. There is a lot of walking in the Florida heat and it’s a fast-paced environment. I would advise investing in a good pair of sneakers and comfortable clothing, especially for children.
Make sure to really relax and enjoy yourself. Disney World is huge, there’s no way you will be able to do everything during your stay so don’t try to. Enjoy yourself, and tell yourself whatever you don’t experience this trip, you’ll catch the next time!
8. Disney World doesn’t have to be expensive
There is an abundance of things you can do to keep costs down during your Disney vacation. If possible, plan your vacation during a less expensive time of year if your schedule allows it. Disney allows guests to bring their own food into the park. You can buy discounted souvenirs at nearby outlets.
Consider working with a travel agent who can help in saving you the most amount of money possible. They will monitor your vacation, applying any future savings that Disney puts out and will come well equipped with a plethora of tips and tricks to not only save you the most money but ensure you have the most magical vacation ever!
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