101 Great Walt Disney World Tips

Posted by: Melissa May 13, 2015 Reading time: 21 minutes

If you’re working on planning your very first Walt Disney World trip, then all these “tips and tricks” can seem overwhelming. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here we have all you need to know about Walt Disney World. From dining tips to park tips, we have it all.

101. Have Fun

Before we start this list, I want you to know that your Disney trip will only be as fun as you make it. It doesn’t matter where you stay or what you do, if you have a positive attitude about your trip, you will have a great time no matter what.

100. Take Lots of Pictures

These will most likely be some of the memories your family remembers all their life. Make sure you take tons of pictures, so later on you can look back and reminisce.

99. Have a One-Month Until Disney Movie Countdown

There are a lot of rides at Walt Disney World that you can only fully enjoy if you know they story and watched the movie. So the month before you leave, watch one Disney movie everyday. This is a fun way to not only get excited for your trip, but also watch some movies you haven’t seen in awhile. My favorites to watch before my trip are Cinderella, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, and Toy Story.

98. Stay on Disney Property

It’s always more convenient to stay on Disney Property, especially if you want that full Disney experience. From transportation to dining, everything you’ll need is literally right there.

97. Don’t Rent a Car

If you are staying on Disney property, it isn’t necessary to rent a car. Disney’s Magical Express (a complimentary bus service to and from Disney resorts to the airport) is included with your stay, as well as transportation to and from anywhere on property. Including other resorts and Disney Springs.

96. Know Your Budget

Another one that might seem obvious, but it’s super important. Disney can be doable at any budget, so it isn’t necessary to spend tons of money if you can’t afford to.

95. Research Resort Locations

This is key. For example, if you are planning to spend a lot of time at Epcot, stay at an Epcot resort, which can even be within walking difference of the park itself. You can search by resort location on the Disney website.

94. Wait for Specials and Deals

Disney comes out with specials on packages for just about every season. This can save you a lot of money.

93. Buy More Park Tickets

The more days of park tickets you buy together, the less money each ticket becomes. Simple as that.

92. Give Yourself a Break in Between Park Days

You will get tired. Between the excitement and the amount of things to do, you’ll be exhausted after just one park day. Give yourself a day to recuperate before hitting the parks again.

91. Visit Parks During the Week

Again, this is obvious, but very useful. Just like any theme park, they’re going to be more crowded on weekends.

90. Make Fastpass+ Selections in Advance

It will save you loads of time if you take advantage of the Fastpass+ system. Book selections in advance to assure you get all the rides you want.

89. Book Early Morning Breakfasts

If you book a breakfast at Magic Kingdom for 8 a.m. but the park doesn’t open until 9 a.m., you have chance to get some nice pictures without crowds of people in them.

88. Watch the Welcome Show at Magic Kingdom

If you aren’t already excited about being at Disney World, you will be after this show! It takes place at the Magic Kingdom Entrance before the park officially opens.

87. The Monorail is Usually Faster than the Ferry Boat

If you’re in a hurry to get to Magic Kingdom, the Ferry Boat isn’t necessarily the fastest method of transportation.

86. Go Left

Once you enter a park, like Magic Kingdom, don’t go right. Everyone goes right. Go left and get on rides like the Pirates of the Caribbean with only a 5-minute wait.

85.Interact with the Characters

Make references to their movies and stories. Take a picture “kissing a frog” with Tiana or “shooting an bow and arrow” with Merida.

84. Ride Carousel of Progress for a Way to Cool Off and Relax

Florida weather gets hot, especially if you aren’t used to it. The Carousal of Progress at Magic Kingdom is a wonderful show and it includes seats and air conditioning!

83. Give Your Kids a History Lesson with the Hall of Presidents

I am a firm believer that you should take any and every chance to teach children (or adults) something when it’s possible. The Hall of Presidents is a great way to get to know some of our former presidents. Give them a quiz afterwards to see if they were paying attention!

82. Or the American Adventure at Epcot

Same goes for the American Adventure at Epcot. It gives us some great history about our wonderful country.

81. Visit Club Cool to Cool Off and Rehydrate

Club Cool at Epcot is where you can try sodas from all over the world. The best part is, the samples are free! Try the Beverly!

Bonus Tip!

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80. Make Fastpass Reservations for Early in the Morning

So you can make more later on. One you use your 3 Fastpasses for the day, you can make one at a time after that. So use them early in the morning so you have time to use more.

79. Watch the Parades from the Train Station

The train station is located at the entrance of Magic Kingdom and is a great place watch the parades from. Just make sure you get there early, it fills up fast.

78. Visit Tom Sawyer’s Island so Your Kids Can Let off Steam

Kids will be kids. They want to run around and play and get dirty. Tom Sawyer’s Island at Magic Kingdom is a great place for them to do that.

77. Visit Animal Kingdom First Thing in the Morning

Animal Kingdom doesn’t stay open that late, well not yet anyway. Plus the animals are much more active early in the morning.

76. Look Up Ride Height Requirements Before You Visit a Park

There’s nothing worse than promising your kids a ride on an attraction and then them being told they’re too short. You can look all this up on Disney World’s website.

75. Catch the Electrical Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon

Not many people know about this fun parade, located on the lagoon outside of Magic Kingdom. If you are staying in the Magic Kingdom area, you can even see it right from your resort.

74. Watch the Flag Retreat at Magic Kingdom

Everyday around 5 p.m., there is a Flag Retreat at Magic Kingdom featuring a military veteran. It’s a great experience to watch.

73. Listen to the Voices of Liberty in Epcot

Continuing the patriotic theme, don’t miss the Voices of Liberty at the American Adventure. It will give you goosebumps; I guarantee it.

72. Look for Hidden Details in the Parks

My favorite is the “tap dancing” benches at Magic Kingdom. When you walk down Main Street, to the right are benches and tables and you can hear “tap dancing” coming from the window above.

71. Cool Off in a Splash and Play Area

These can be found in just about every park. It’s mainly for kids, but hey who says an adult can’t walk through once or twice? I mean, we’re all just grown up kids anyway.

70. Visit a Frozen Sing Along at Hollywood Studios

Incase you haven’t had enough of the songs from Frozen.

69. Take a Picture of Your “Parking Lot Character”

When you get to parks like Magic Kingdom, you park in lots named after characters. If you don’t make a point to remember it, you will forget. Just snap a quick picture of the sign and you can look back incase you do forget.

68. Buy Some Disney Fine Art

There are multiple places on Disney World property where you can buy Disney inspired fine art, and it really is beautiful.

67. Get Pampered

Take a day off and get a massage or a pedicure, or both! Senses at Disney’s Grand Floridian Café is just as magical as the rest of the resort.

66. Run a Marathon

If you’re a runner and you love Disney, what better way to combine your two passions than to participate in a RunDisney Event. There are several marathon options from which you can choose. Go for it!

65. Go Bowling in Disney Springs

If you’re looking for something fun to do outside of the parks, try bowling at Splitsville in Disney Springs. They have a full menu too!

64. Go Mini Golfing

Or mini golfing! Did you know there is mini golfing on Disney property?

63. Breakfast Meals are Always Cheaper

If you’re looking to save some bucks, but still want a character experience, try breakfast instead of dinner.

62. Make Your Dining Reservations in Advance

This is imperative, especially for popular restaurants. You can make reservations up to 180 days in advance.

61. Eat Early or Late

If you eat lunch at, say, 11 o’clock instead of 12 or 1 o’clock, it will probably be less crowded. Same goes for dinner, make a 3 or 4 o’clock reservation or 8 or 9 o’clock reservation.

60. Buy a “Back Scratcher at the Polynesian Resort

This drink is neat because it actually comes with a wooden backscratcher than you get to keep! A drink with a free souvenir!

59. Buy a Magical Stay Cocktail

This drink is the same concept, except instead of a backscratcher; you get a magic glow cube that you can put in any drink you want at home!

58. Buy a HippopotoMai-Tai at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

This one comes with a souvenir cup to take home! There are actually lots of drinks that have souvenir glasses throughout Disney World.

57. Visit During Food and Wine Festival and Skip Big Meals

Food and Wine Festival at Epcot is a great way to try new food and drinks. If you visit during this this time, you probably don’t need three full meals a day.

56. Lunch and Breakfast Reservations at Be Our Guest are Easier to Get

Everyone knows that Be Our Guest dinner reservations are hard to come by. Go for breakfast or lunch instead. They seem to have more availability.

55. Dine at Liberty Tree Tavern for a Less Busy Character Meal at MK

Most character meals are crazy; let’s face it. Liberty Tree Tavern is a lesser-known character meal. Chip and Dale visit during dinner time only, but the food is family-style and delicious!

54. Eat at Columbia Harbour House for a Relaxing Meal

When you think of a day at a theme park, you don’t necessarily think of it as relaxing. But there are places where you can have a meal in a peaceful setting, right in the middle of all the chaos. Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom is one of them, especially upstairs.

53. Dine at a Character Meal for Character Interactions

When we’re paying over $100 a ticket just to get into a Disney park, we definitely don’t want to waste our time waiting in line. Instead of waiting in line for a character meet and greet, do a character meal instead. This way you kill two birds with one stone.

52. Eat at Cosmic Rays Starlight Café for a Wide Range of Food

There is a lot of different places to eat at Disney parks, but if you have a lot of people, it can be hard to find somewhere that everyone likes. Cosmic Rays is a quick-service restaurant at Magic Kingdom that offers a huge range of different meals.

51. Use Your Snack Credit for Packaged Snacks to Take Home

Sometimes the amount of food on the dining plan can be a lot. Save some of those snack credits and buy packaged snacks like trail mix to take for the trip home.

50. Dine at Whispering Canyon Café for Bottomless Milkshakes

Need I say more?

Bonus Tip!

49. Request a Window Seat at Sanaa

Sanaa is located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you want a chance to watch the animals roam the savannah, request a table next to the window.

48. Make a Reservation for California Grill During Wishes

California Grill is sits right at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort and has a perfect view of Magic Kingdom. Dine during the Wishes fireworks show and you can watch them while you eat. Even if you don’t have a table next to the window, you can walk onto the balcony and watch them from there.

47. You Can Meet Mickey at Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort

There’s a few places at the Disney parks where you can meet the main mouse himself, but Chef Mickey’s is the only character meal where you can meet him. Reservations book up fast, so make them early!

46. You Can Meet Beast at Be Our Guest Dinner

Many people don’t know that you can actually meet Beast from Beauty and the Beast during dinner at Be Our Guest. But beware, it’s just Beast not Belle.

45. You Can Meet Minnie and Friends at Cape May Café

If you like meeting the fab 5 (minus Mickey), then Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a great place to do so. Unfortunately, Mickey doesn’t appear here, but it’s not as popular as Chef Mickey’s, so reservations are fairly easy to get.

44. Narcoossee’s is Now Serving Sunday Brunch

It’s around $70 a plate and includes an alcoholic drink, an appetizer, your entrée, and a dessert plate. Dishes include things like, Chicken and Waffles, Steak and Eggs, and Lobster Eggs Benedict.

43. And So is California Grill

“Brunch at the Top” is also jumping on the brunch bandwagon and is serving brunch options. The menu features fresh, market-driven dishes and a number of light cocktails.

42. There are Multiple Places You Can Get Sushi

Disney World is a great place to try all different kinds of foods and if sushi is something you want, there are a few different places you can get some. Kona Café and Morimoto Asia are just a few.

41. Dessert is Included in Dining Plan Meals

If you love dessert, you should know that it is included with all your meals if you are on the dining plan (except for breakfast).

40. So is a Refillable Mug

A refillable mug is also included in your dining plan. So, free soft drinks, tea, and coffee at all times at your resort. Win!

39. And Also Most Character Buffets

What a lot of people don’t know is that most character breakfasts are also included in your dining plan, except for a couple like Cinderella’s Royal Table.

38. Disney Often Offers Free Dining Specials

Sometimes Disney will send out what they call “pins” and these “pins” can get you things like free dining. You can also get free dining when Disney offers it during their specials. So be on the lookout!

37. Eat Dinner at the Crystal Palace During Wishes

Crystal Palace has a lovely view of Cinderella Castle and if you make a reservation During Wishes, you can see the fireworks right from your table.

36. You Can Meet Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot

Many people think that the only place you can meet princesses is at Cinderella’s Royal Table and we all know that can be a bit pricey, but luckily, you can meet some at Akershus Royal Banquet at Epcot too.

35. You Can Get a Dole Whip at the Polynesian Resort

Which means you can get a Dole Whip when you’re not at Magic Kingdom! Score!

34. Take the Boat from Disney Springs to Port Orleans

Port Orleans is one of my favorite places in all of Disney World. Sometimes, if I’m not staying there, I like to take a boat ride from Disney Springs, to just walk around and take in the atmosphere.

33. Go Resort Hopping

Disney World resorts are like a world of their own. Go resort hopping to see all the beautiful resorts that make up Walt Disney World Resort. Don’t forget to stop at some of the bars!

32. Port Orleans Riverside has Royal Guest Rooms

Besides regular guest rooms, Port Orleans Riverside also has royal themed guest rooms. They’re nothing short of amazing.

31. Caribbean Beach Resort has Pirate Rooms

Caribbean Beach Resort offers pirate guest rooms, aside from their regular guest rooms. Perfect for the little pirate in your family.

30. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has Family Suites

If you want the convenience of a large room with spate areas, but don’t want to spend big bucks in the villas, the suites at the Art of Animation Resort are a perfect option. They sleep up to 6 adults.

29. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is within Walking Distance of Disney Springs

If you love Disney Springs, stay at Saratoga Springs Resort, you can actually walk to Disney Springs from the resort.

28. Stay in the Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge for Better Animal Viewing

Animal Kingdom Lodge is made up of two “houses”, Kidani Village and Jamba House. Kidani is known to have “better” and more visible views of the animals.

27. Book a Boardwalk View

If you are staying at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, make sure you book the “Boardwalk View” Room. Not only do you get a beautiful view of the water and Boardwalk area, but you can also see Illuminations from your balcony.

26. Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resort have a Sand-Bottom Pool

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club are two separate resorts, but share a ginormous main pool. It’s neat because it’s the only pool on Disney property that has one.

25. Get a Beignet from Port Orleans French Quarter

If you love the sweet, warm, deliciousness that is beignets, fear not! You can find them at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter.

24. Listen to the Live Band at the Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian is grand in itself, but add a live band, and it makes it even grander! Stop by and listen for a little while, maybe even have a drink at the bar.

23. Watch YeHaa Bob at Port Orleans Riverside

He’s arguably Disney’s best entertainer. He can be found at Port Orleans Riverside in the evening, but beware the seats fill up fast!

22. Go Fishing

There are many, many activities that you can participate in at Disney World and fishing is a great one. There are multiple places you can go fishing including Disney’s Boardwalk and the Grand Floridian Resort.

21. Take a Horse and Carriage Ride at Port Orleans

Port Orleans Riverside’s quaint, charming atmosphere is one of a kind and there’s no better way to see it all than to take a horse and carriage ride.

20. Visit the Disney Horses at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Speaking of horses, you can visit where all the Disney World horses live at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This includes Cinderella’s horse!

19. You Can Stay on Disney Property without Staying at a Disney Resort

Near the Disney Springs area, there are tons of different hotels that aren’t owned by Disney, but are still very close to Disney World. Most even have transportation to the parks.

18.Participate in a Campfire Night

Some resorts have a campfire night, which for a price, you can roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Some even include characters!

17. Watch a Movie Under the Stars

Many of the hotels offer a movie under the stars night where they play a Disney movie outside on a big screen. Weather permitting of course.

16. Visit Animal Kingdom Lodge to See Animals

If you want to spend some time with the animals, but Animal Kingdom isn’t on your list, visit Animal Kingdom Lodge. There are tons of different animals there and you don’t have to pay to visit other resorts.

15. Visit During Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Epcot is always beautiful, but Epcot during Flower & Garden Festival is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Topiaries shaped as Disney characters, flowers in full bloom, and small food stands are just a few of the reasons Flower & Garden Festival is so wonderful.

14. Take Advantage of Gift Shop Promotions

Sometimes gift shops on Disney property offer fun promotions. For example, if you spend $50 or more, you can get a Disney throw blanket for only $19.99. Sometimes you can get something really cool for a great price.

13. Surprise Your Kids with Souvenirs from Home

Speaking of souvenirs, they can get expensive, especially in the parks. If you’re on a budget, take advantage of the deals online or in stores and buy your kids souvenirs ahead of time. Don’t tell them, and then surprise them while you’re on your trip.

12. Link Your Credit Card to Your Magic Band

Carrying around a wallet or purse can be a hassle. If you use credit cards anyway, just link them to your magic band. This way you can buy the things you want at the park without having to worry about losing your cards.

11. Make Use Of Shortcuts

There’s a shortcut from the back of Storybook Circus into Tomorrowland that helps you dodge the crowds. Just head towards the Disney World Railroad entrance and look to your right – you’ll see the shortcut!

10. Check Out Specialized Shops in the Park

You’ll notice that there are gift shops in the park that you can’t find anywhere else. For example, next to Splash Mountain, you can find a gift shop with fun Splash Mountain themed merchandise.

9. Don’t Carry Your Souvenirs

Nobody likes carrying souvenirs around the parks all day. Luckily, you don’t have to. If you are staying on Disney property, you can have them sent straight to your resort. If you are staying off property, you can have them held at the entrance of the park for when you leave.

8. Get a Button if you are Celebrating

You can get celebratory buttons at your resort or at the parks. These buttons can celebrate anything from birthdays to engagements. Plus, if you are wearing one, you get extra attention from cast members!

7. Let Them Know you are Celebrating Ahead of Time

Speaking of celebrating, when you make your resort or dining reservations, call and let them know if you are celebrating something special. You might get a few surprises!

6. Rent a Boat

There’s no better way to relax and see all the beauty that is Walt Disney World Resort than to rent a boat and explore. There are many different types of boats you can rent, including pontoon boats and two person motorboats.

5. Make a DIY Autograph Book

Autograph books are always a must, especially if it’s your children’s first visit. There are many different websites that give great examples of how to make your own. You can even include a picture of your kids and the characters next to their signatures.

4. Bring Ponchos from Home

It rains at Disney World, a lot. If you want to avoid spending big bucks on ponchos you’ll probably only use once or twice, bring your own. You can find some at stores like Wal-Mart for less than five dollars.

3. Watch Wishes from the Polynesian Resort Beach

Disney’s Polynesian Village is a beautiful place to spend time walking the beach and eating Dole Whips. If you visit later at night, you can watch Wishes from the beach. They even pipe the music to go along with it throughout the lobby and beach area.

2. There’s Free Sunscreen and Band-Aids in the Park

This has saved our family so many times. Just visit the first-aid office, there’s one located in every park.

1. Take the Keys to the Kingdom Tour (Or Any Tour)

The best experience I’ve ever had was taking the Key’s to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom. If you are a big Disney fan and want to learn how the park operates and all the little secrets that make up the park, then this tour is a must. Also, lunch is included!

If you’ve made it all the way to the end of this list, I hope you’ve found at least one tip that would help you out. At least a little! Do you have any tips that you would add to the list?

101 Fabulous Walt Disney World Tips