Planning a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida? After our recent adventure, I’m excited to share some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your visit. Here’s a detailed guide based on our experience to ensure you have a magical time!
1. Streamline Your Ticket and Park Reservations
Ticket Purchase:
Buy your Disney World tickets online to avoid long lines. Pick them up at the ‘Will Call’ entrance for added convenience. Tickets purchased in advance are often cheaper.
Booking Process:
Create an account with the same email used for all bookings. This will streamline your experience.
Each park requires separate reservations. Since capacity is limited, book your park days well in advance.
For assistance, Disney’s customer service is efficient and offers a call-back feature to avoid long wait times.
Genie+ Pass:
Invest in the Genie+ pass to skip long lines at popular attractions. The Lightning Lane feature allows you to book rides every two hours, so plan ahead and reserve spots early, even if it means scheduling rides for later in the day.
Utilize resources like Thrill Data to find out which rides are the most popular and how to schedule them effectively.
2. Master the Disney Experience App
App Essentials:
Download the Disney Experience app before your visit and sign in with the same email as your ticket purchase. This app is vital for planning your day, booking dining reservations, ordering food, and managing Genie+ selections.
The app provides real-time updates, so make sure it’s installed on a reliable phone.
Phone and Connectivity:
Bring a battery pack to keep your phone charged throughout the day. Disney’s Wi-Fi can help with connectivity issues, but it’s best to be prepared.
3. Navigate the Top Magic Kingdom Attractions
Must-Experience Rides:
Space Mountain: A thrilling, dark ride with sharp turns and sudden drops.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: A fun, fast-paced ride with exciting drops.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: A delightful ride with a smooth experience and charming scenes.
Splash Mountain: Enjoyable with minimal splash if you’re not in the back row.
Pirates of the Caribbean: A classic, well-executed boat ride through a pirate-themed adventure.
It’s a Small World: A heartwarming and nostalgic boat ride featuring dolls from around the world.
Consider Skipping:
Attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight, Winnie the Pooh, Tiki Bird Show, and Speedway may not justify long wait times, especially if you’re short on time.
4. Enjoy the Best Shows and Parades
Top Entertainment:
‘Disney Enchantment’ Show: Don’t miss this immersive experience with stunning projection effects extending from Cinderella’s Castle to Main Street, USA. The 50th anniversary celebration added an extra touch of magic, but the show is spectacular year-round.
Fireworks and Parades: The night parade is a highlight, but daytime parades and character performances are also fantastic. Be flexible if the night parade is canceled and enjoy other live entertainment.
5. Dining: What to Know
Vegetarian and Healthy Options:
Disney World’s food options for vegetarians can be limited and underwhelming. Consider bringing your own snacks, such as hummus sandwiches and theplas (Indian flatbreads).
Dining Reservations:
Make reservations for sit-down restaurants through the Disney app well in advance. Be prepared for potentially mediocre and overpriced meals. Don’t miss out on the Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream and pancakes—they’re adorable and a must-try!
6. Additional Tips for a Smooth Visit
Hydration and Essentials:
Carry a refillable water bottle. There are only a few water fountains, mostly near restrooms. Be prepared to buy water if needed.
Pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Bring extra layers for cooler months and include items like extra socks, deodorant, masks, and mints in your bag.
Souvenirs and Merchandise:
Disney merchandise can be expensive inside the parks. Shop at outlets or hotel gift shops for better deals. Disney items at the airport or on Amazon are often cheaper than in the park.
Accommodation and Transportation:
Opt for a hotel with free shuttles to Disney World and Disney Springs. We enjoyed staying at the Orlando World Center Marriott for its amenities, including a fantastic pool, shuttle service, and proximity to dining options.
Avoid renting a car if you can. Hotel shuttles are more convenient and cost-effective compared to daily parking fees and rental car expenses. For rideshare, be cautious of surge pricing and longer wait times.
Navigating Tolls:
If you must rent a car, be aware of Florida’s tolls. Consider purchasing a SunPass or Mini-SunPass, but be cautious of additional rental fees. It’s often more economical to rely on hotel shuttles or rideshare services.
