DisneyFanatic.com The Latest News, Advice, and Perspective from Disney Fans for Disney Fans!

6. Behind the Scenes tours Are you a Disney World veteran?  Consider taking a behind-the-scenes tour, for a “peek behind the curtain”.  Popular tours include “Keys to the Kingdom” at Magic Kingdom, where you can visit the underground utilidors, “Backstage Magic”, a 7-hour tour that visits three different parks, and “Wild Africa Trek”, a three-hour, expert-led wildlife experience at Disney’s Animal ...

7. Fireworks cruises Want to see Epcot’s IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth in spectacular style? Consider renting a Pontoon Boat from the Yacht and Beach Club Marina or the Boardwalk Marina!  A driver will take you on a ride around the boardwalk and then park your boat under the bridge separating the UK and France in Epcot’s World Showcase.  Or, take ...

8. Flag retreat Celebrate America each afternoon in Town Square at the Magic Kingdom. At 5pm, Flag Retreat takes place with ample pomp and pageantry. Around 4:45 each evening, the area surrounding the flag pole in Town Square is cordoned off by Disney security guards and Main Street cast members. At promptly 5pm, the Walt Disney World Band strikes up ...

9. Children’s activities Special children’s activities you should consider are “Sword in the Stone”, where Merlin challenges young guests to pull the sword from the stone in regular presentations in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom, and Jedi Training at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where a 20- to 25-minute session takes place on a special stage adjacent to Star Tours. The Jedi Master ...

10. Disney Visa character meet Do you have a Disney Visa credit or debit card?  If so, you can access a special “members-only” character experience at Epcot, near the Imagination Pavilion or Star Wars characters at the Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios.  There is rarely a long line and the characters will spend more time than normal with your family.  Take ...

2. Dining reservations If you were unable to get reservations (ADR) to the restaurant of your choice, you might still get in. As your trip nears, keep checking the My Disney Experience website or app.  Due to no show penalties, guests cancel reservations all the time.  Or, ask the hostess/host if they have had any cancellations, and sometimes you’ll be ...

3. Parades At the Magic Kingdom, consider watching the parades from back in Frontierland.  The crowds are much thinner back there and as a bonus, sometimes the parade will start from the back of the park, allowing you to resume riding attractions sooner.  

4. Illuminations Every night at Epcot, the day concludes with the spectacular Illuminations laser, light and fireworks show.  If you are not in a hurry to leave after the show, watch from the back of the park in World Showcase.  Afterwards, gently stroll back to the front of the park, enjoying the lights and atmosphere.  Take advantage of Photopass photographers ...

5. Kids Epcot has always been considered more of an adult park, with its themes of history, science and technology.  Over the years, the park has become more kid-friendly.  In World Showcase, the kids can collect stamps for every country visited. The Kidcot stations at each country are wonderful. Friendly cast members help kids make their own souvenirs, and with ...

6. Epcot dining tip If you don’t mind leaving the park for a little while, head out the International Gateway (between the UK and France) and go over to the Boardwalk area. There are a lot of great dining options at the surrounding hotels.  Some of my favorites are Flying Fish at the Boardwalk, Fountain at the Dolphin and Beaches ...