DISNEY WORLD TIPS & FAQs (Prior to 2020)

Travel…and the world has changed since we created this page, still there is some value to archiving this info. Check out our most up to date posting here.

Best time to go

Is it better to go in summer or fall? Weekends or weekdays?

Saving time and maximizing fun

Avoiding long lines, bad weather and epic meltdowns.

What you need to know

Meeting Disney characters, how to use the fast pass system, and more.

Where to stay

Staying at resorts, hotel, or vacation rental?

Shop Disney
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Best time to go

The best way to determine an ideal time to go is to view Disney’s 1 day ticket calendar. Days with lowest prices have been analyzed historically based on crowd/demand. You avoid crowds and pay a slightly cheaper price. We’ve traveled in the fall thinking there are no crowds and there was no walking space at 9PM on Wednesday in October!

Maximizing Fun Time

If you are staying at a resort, pay attention to extra magic hours where you can come an hour earlier or later than other guests. Get to the park early in the morning. Leave for lunch and have afternoon naps for the kids. This prevents tired meltdowns and renergize them to stay later. Enjoy some time at the pool or head back to the park when it’s much cooler and crowds die down. Park is actually busiest around 11 am- 5pm

Things to know

Don’t park your stroller in non designated spots, employees will move them. We thought someone stole our strollers only to find you can’t park them anywhere.

Avoid leaving Magic Kingdom 9:30-11:30 PM (or depending on when they close) There is a massive exodus after Fireworks which will cause long lines for monorail and ferry.

If you buy your ticket online you can link to your profile online and magic band and book fastpass. Everyone gets opportunity to use fastpass, it’s not an extra cost.

You can get signatures from the characters.

Where to Stay

Staying at resorts can be expensive and kids don’t want to leave because of amazing pools, but they offer additional perks like extra magic hours, free shuttle and free magic wristbands.

Hotel prices around Orlando are fairly cheap year round for those trying to save money.

Big groups should take advantage of the many vacation homes in the area at affordable prices, some are even mini resorts themselves.

What are the Most Popular Rides

Line up first in thing in the morning or get a fast pass to one of these most popular rides:

Magic Kingdom: 7 Dwarves Mine

Epcot: Soaring & Test Track

Animal Kingdom: Safari

Hollywood Studios: Toy Story

If you go early in the morning most rides are only a 10 minute wait. You can get more fast passes when you use them up but for the non popular rides

FAQ

SHOULD I GET A PARK HOPPER?

Not recommended if going with little kids. Enjoy the park one day at a time. It’s best for those who are older and want to experience the major attractions and can squeeze more in a day. Traveling between parks takes time too. Most likely the multi day passes are b est value, but usually if you stay 4 days or more.

WHAT’S THE CHILD SWAP POLICY LIKE?

If you are going to universal and Disney, Universal definitely has a better system in that there’s literally no wait. At Disney, child swap, the other parent has to go through the fast past system so that could take another 15-30 min, where Universal the wait is the duration of the ride. 

WHAT DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Disney rarely discounts. At best employee perk programs give $3-$5 off but then you are hit with transaction fees which is a moot point. Sometimes AMEX gives cash back. Avoid all the ads for free or discounted Disney Tickets, those are timeshare sales pitches and even if you are a tough person, you still lose a few hours of your day listening to their pitch which equates to the value of the ticket.

RECOMMENDED FOOD?

Definitely get the Dole Whip found in Magic Kingdom Tiki bar in Adventureland. Prior to Disney, the only place to get it is in the Dole Plantation in Honolulu. There are other locations to get it now but many just taste like slush so likely a knock off. We mostly ate offsite by bringing our own food as we’re not a fan of overpriced fast food at themeparks.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE IN ORLANDO?

Plenty of attractions! Aside from Seaworld, Universal and Legoland, there is the Holy Land Experience which is highly recommended even if you’re not religious for the historical aspect of it. Drive 2 hours out for Clearwater beach or Daytona Beach or just explore Florida’s natural beauty from gator preserves to natural springs.

If you didn’t get a chance to buy some of your souvinirs or you want to be prepared ahead of time to avoid wasting time at the stores, check out some of our recommendations below. These have been evaluated for value, use, sentimental value and more. Best of all Disney Store often offers coupons for additional savings which you might not get at the park

Product
Why We Recommend
Link

Disney Autograph Book and Pen

Serves as a souvenir, affordable and child can ask for signatures when taking pictures with Disney Characters

Disney Magic Band

These are free if you stay at the resort and reusable but if you’re staying offsite, it’s handy to pay bills, load fast pass etc

Buy from Disney Store

Cinderella Carriage Model Kit

If you need to bring home gifts this is a gorgeous one that someone can build and have a keepsake memory

Buy from Disney Store

Light Up Bubble Wand

Bring the magic home with a light up toy that can

be enjoyed at the park or home

Magic Kingdom Tips

Animal Kingdom Tips

Epcot Tips

Hollywood Studios Tips