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Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks From The Experts!

Visiting Walt Disney World is one of my favorite things in the whole world. Unforunately, I don’t get to go nearly as often as I would like. When we do get to go, I research for weeks in advance to figure out exactly what we should do and how. This year, I decided there HAD to be a better way. I’ve asked friends, bloggers and Disney experts for their favorite Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks and here is what they said. I’ve included links to the bloggers included. Make sure to click through and take a look around. Many have multiple Disney posts that can help with your planning! Tips that are in italics are mine! Check back often as I will be adding more tips as I get them!

Note: Links may be affilate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. (but that doesn’t affect the price to you)

Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks: Before You Go

  • Consider staying onsite. Visitors who do get to plan their trip before people who stay offsite. What does that mean? You get to make dining reservations and get your Fast Passes early. It’s 180 days to the start of your vacation to book dining and things like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. And 60 Days for FastPass+. For either the booking window opens at 7am EST so set those alarm clocks! ~ Tip from Ashley of TeachableMommy.com
  • Book your FastPasses for early in the day so you can take advantage of the in-person FastPass booking after you use your daily ones. ~ Tip from Carla of MOMeo Magazine
  • Visiting at the holidays? We loved the Mickey’s Christmas because it allowed us to basically walk on the most popular rides. ~ Tip from Mike of MikesBloggityBlog.com (read about his trip through the link)
  • Traveling with someone with Special Needs? Look into applying for the  Disney Parks Disability Access Service Card (DAS Card). ~ Tip from Jennifer of MumDadCuppaKids.com (link to her Disney with Special Needs post)
  •  Don’t wait for two hours to get a fireworks spot. Reserve Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing ahead of time. ~ Tip from Disney Fan Chris L.
  • Download the Disney App! You can order & pay for your food (available at most but not all restaurants) on the app, with the time you’re going to arrive, it’ll save you from standing in line! You walk into the restaurant and you’re food is hot and ready. ~ Tip from Shannon of Shasher’s Life.

Visting Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks: When You Arrive

  • If it’s a special occasion (just married, first visit, Birthday etc..) you can pop into the shops along Main Street and ask for a free button to commemorate your celebration. Most people visit town hall customer service to get these buttons but the line can be 30 + minutes. You won’t wait more then a minute in the shops! ~ Tip from Ryan of immrfabulous.com
  • Visit guest services to see what will be the highlights and character sites that day. ~ Tip from Lisa at StuffToDoWithYourKidsInKitchnerWaterloo
  • Use Uber to get from the hotel to the parks. It saves tons of time! ~Tip from Ladena of MyFamilyStuff
  • If it’s your first visit, you’ve got to make time for the classics in Magic Kingdom like it’s a small world or Peter Pan’s Flight. No you don’t need to do them every single time, but they’re certainly something you need to experience at least once. If you plan on making multiple visits, pick a spot to take a photo during each visit. You’ll treasure them so much seeing how everyone changes between each visit. ~ Tip from Lynn of AlwaysMovingMommy and MyPixieDustDiary
  • You can take water bottles (with secure lids) onto rides, but drinks with just lids – like from a quick service place – are not allowed as they’re more likely to spill. Finish those beforehand to avoid delays. ~ Tip from Danielle of BusyMom’sHelper. She also has a DIY Disney Activity & Autograph Book to download!
  • You don’t have to use an autograph book to get autographs. Check out these fun alternatives! Also, you can visit the Orlando Disney outlets to grab Disney memorabilia for less than at the parks. ~ Tips from Whitney of BeautyInTheMess.
  • If you LOVE pictures and are willing to stop and have them taken, get the Memory Maker. We are loving having pictures without them all being selfies! Also, you can ask that they take them with your phone as well as their camera. Plus their pics automatically download to your Disney App.

Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks: Not to Miss Rides & How to Make Them More Awesome

  • Everyone agrees that you MUST experience the new Avatar ride at Animal Kingdom. Unfortunately, everyone has heard that tip so get your Fast Passes as early as possible or you may be waiting for 4 hours to ride!
  • Ride the People Mover in Tomorrowland. It is a great way to sit for a few minutes during a hectic day and it goes inside Space Mountain and other rides for a sneak peak without having to ride the rides.
  • Looking for a more intense experience on Star Tours? Sit in the last row! You’ll feel every awesome hyperspace jump, deep in your chest. ~ Tip from  Amiyrah of 4hatsandfrugal.com
  • My must do, personally, is to ride the train around Walt Disney World. Walt loved trains and taking the grand circle tour is my nerdy way of seeing his parks like he would have enjoyed them. ~ Tip from Patty of NoGuiltLife.com
  • Check out upcoming Disney ride closures before you go. This keeps you from playing up the MOST AMAZING RIDE EVER only to figure out that it is closed once you get there.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks: Fun Things To Do That Aren’t Rides

  • Buy a hidden mickey book and look for them. Make it a contest within your party. We LOVE this. ~ Tip from Jennifer a Disney Vacation Planner (Call her…she can book it all for you at no additional cost to you!)
  • The best interactive experience for the kids was Enchanted Tales with Belle in Magic Kingdom. Each kid was assigned a character to play. ~ Tip from Disney fan, Amy A.
  • Catch dinner at Homecoming at Disney Springs. We had one of the best dinners of my life and they were awesome with the kids. ~ Tip from Disney fan, Lisa C.

My favourite tip is to check out our Walt Disney World Food Picks and Pans. It’s all the things Evan and I ate while we were at Disney and loved…or not.

 Have a tip or trick? Comment below or email it to me to have it added!

Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks From The Experts!