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

20. Arriving/going home Here’s a trick Disney veterans use.  Book an early flight on your arrival day and a late flight on your departure day.  You gain two extra days of touring at no extra cost!  And if you stay on-site at Disney World, you can utilize their bus transportation Disney Magical Express to deliver you to and from the airport.

12. Fastpass Fastpass is the Disney term for booking a time to experience the most popular rides and attractions with little or no wait.  You can book up to 3 per day per person (and even more when you’re done) up to 60 days before you go on My Disney Experience. 

13.  Transportation If you stay at a Disney hotel, you can take free transportation all around Disney World, including buses, boats and monorails. 

14.  Extra Magic Hours Almost every day, one of the Disney parks is open early or late for Disney hotel guests only. 

15.  Daily schedule If you go during the summer or holidays, the park hours will be extended.  Consider taking a mid-day break back at your hotel to swim and rest.  Winter hours are shorter and cooler temps make all-day touring more palatable. 

16.  Nighttime activities DO NOT miss the nighttime activities in the parks!  The fireworks, parades and shows will likely be the highlight of your trip.   Illuminations at Epcot, Wishes at Magic Kingdom, 

9. Restaurants In most cases, Disney table service restaurants require advanced dining reservations (ADR).  You can book your dining reservations up to 180 days out from your vacation.  The most popular restaurants, such as Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table, book up quickly. 

10.  Character meals Disney characters abound at the parks and even some resorts.  The best and most efficient way to see your favorite characters is at a character meal.  There are many to choose from.  Select your favorite(s) and book with your other dining reservations. 

11.  Understanding Disney World If you are picturing your local Six Flags, think again!  Disney World is like a large city (think San Francisco).  There are 4 major theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), two waterparks, two shopping/dining/nightlife areas (Disney Springs and the Boardwalk), 5 golf courses, mini golf, a campground, 20+ resort hotels, roads, highways, ...

5.  Where to stay? Seriously consider staying at a Disney resort hotel.  There are many advantages including: being closer to the parks, extra hours in the parks and free transportation to all Disney World has to offer.  On the other hand, if you are doing more than Disney on your vacation (Sea World, Universal, the beach), staying offsite will be ...