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8 Game-Changing Tips Disney Insiders Don’t Want You to Know

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Every Disney veteran has tips for conquering Walt Disney World that they swear by. These tips may help them skip lines, snag hard-to-get Fastpasses, or see elusive characters. However, oftentimes they are also wary to disclose their tips to others. Here’s a list of tips that Disney insiders don’t want you to know.

8. Use Extra Magic Hours Wisely

Extra Magic Hours are great. They allow you to either arrive early or stay late in at least one park every day. They can oftentimes be the key to seeing the parks quickly during busy travel times. On one trip around New Year’s Eve my family was able to go in the Magic Kingdom only for two nights and still do all the attractions we wanted to do. They seriously cut our wait times down.

7. Stay In The Parks When It Rains

In Florida, it rains almost every afternoon during the summer. Instead of going back to your resort when the weather is bad, take advantage of the shorter wait times, or enjoy some of the indoor shows. Pack ponchos or raincoats, and if you’re like me, and hate getting your feet wet in the rain, pack some lightweight shoes that will dry off quickly that you can wear while the weather is less than ideal.

6. Make Use of Epcot’s Back Gate

Did you know that there is a back gate at Epcot? It allows guests staying at the Epcot area resorts to either walk or use boat transportation to directly enter World Showcase. The same boat will also take you to Hollywood Studios. When we are already in the area and need to get to another park, my family likes to walk to the Beach Club Resort from the back gate and catch a bus from there. It prevents us from walking all the way back to the front of the park to catch a bus, and also gives us a few moments to appreciate the Beach Club’s beautiful lobby.

5. Watch Parades from Frontierland Instead of Main Street U.S.A.

Guests always choose their parade viewing locations early at Disney World, but the guests that watch the parade on Main Street have to line up particularly early. I suggest finding a spot in the somewhat less crowded Frontierland. On days when more than one nighttime parade is offered, try to go to the second one because many people leave right after they see the first one. Doing this also allows you to take advantage of short wait times while the first parade is occurring.

4. Try to Schedule Your 3 Fastpasses in the Morning

When you schedule your three Fastpasses in the morning, it will allow you to select a fourth Fastpass from your phone sooner, rather than if your original three were spread out throughout the day. The earlier you are able to select your fourth Fastpass, the more will also be available for the day. This will hopefully allow you to get a Fastpass for a more popular attraction where it is needed.

3. Leave the Parks in the Afternoon to Recharge

If you’ve ever been to Disney before, you’ve witnessed children and adults who were just way too exhausted to enjoy the magic. Everyone can get worn out, especially when the weather is hot. The key to enjoying your vacation is to take breaks when you need them. If you do not want to travel all the way back to your own hotel for a rest, feel free to hop onto Disney transportation to go to another nearby resort. Take a break to cool down while listening to the pianist in the lobby of the Grand Floridian, or rest in one of the comfortable chairs at the Wilderness Lodge.

2. Keep Looking for Dining Reservations That You Want

Does your little princess have her heart set on eating at Beast’s castle? Does your travel gang want to dine with Mickey and friends at Chef Mickey’s? If so, remember that there are some restaurants that book up early, and the sooner that you can make a reservation, the better. However, if you are later booking your vacation and are having trouble finding dining reservations for restaurants that you want, don’t fret. Simply make a reservation at a second choice restaurant as a backup, and then keep checking for cancelled reservations at your top choice restaurants. Guests cancel reservations all the time, especially the week before, so the key is persistence. Chances are that you will find just the right option for your travel party.

Bonus Tip!

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best Disney travel deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius! Discover More >



1. Look for Resort Discounts

I am always amazed by the amount of guests that have their minds made up that they cannot afford to stay at a Disney resort when they have not even looked at the prices. Disney does a great job providing resorts at several different price levels. To save even more on resort rooms, be sure to check out the special offers page on the Disney website. If you have already booked your vacation when a cheaper rate becomes available on the page, remember that you can call the reservation center to speak with a cast member who will help you cancel your original reservation and book a new one under the cheaper rate. With the discounts, I find it is usually the same price or cheaper to stay on property than to commute from off the property.

I hope that these tips help you and your travel party to have an enjoyable vacation at the happiest place on earth!

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best Walt Disney World deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!

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About Ashley

Ashley is a college student who is obsessed with all things Disney. Her family has been traveling to Disney World for as long as she can remember, so she learned how to plan a Disney vacation like a pro at a young age. When she is not strolling through Magic Kingdom she can be found debating over which Disney Characters are the best with her sorority sisters, as well as planning her next vacation to visit Mickey.

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