How to Get the Very Best Out of Your Walt Disney World Trip

Disney trips come in many shapes and sizes.  You may be headed to Disney World for a ten-day vacation with your entire family or just sneaking in a day at the park at the end of a business trip to Central Florida.  Regardless of the amount of time that you’re able to spend in at Disney World, there are useful tips that will help you get the best out of your trip!  Here is what you should keep in mind when planning your next trip!

1. FastPass+

Even if you are visiting for just a day, FastPass+ will make you visit to Disney World much more enjoyable.  FastPass+ enables you to reserve your spot in line for three attractions at any of the four theme parks.  You can schedule your FastPass+ selections in advance of arriving in the park or even as you are riding the tram from the parking lot. Keep in mind that once you use your initial three FastPass+ selections, guests can continue to make single selections out of the remaining FastPass+ selections at any of the theme parks!

2. ADRs/Mobile Ordering

Guests should put some thought into whether or not they want to take time out of their day to sit down and enjoy a meal at a table-service location or if they’d rather grab a quick snack or meal from any of the multiple quick-service locations.  Regardless of what decision you reach, make sure you plan the meal either with getting an advanced dining reservation at any of the table service restaurants.  If you choose to dine at a quick service location, consider using the Mobile Ordering function on your My Disney Experience account.  Mobile Ordering allows you to order your food in advance, skip the line, and pay for your food easily through the app.  Guests will enjoy skipping the line at busy meals times and deciding when they want to eat their meal!

3. Park Hours/Extra Magic Hours

Be sensitive to the park hours and what parks are hosting Extra Magic Hours when you visit.  If you only have a single-day ticket, you may want to consider visiting the park that has the longest park hours so you get your worth out of your ticket.  If you are able to visit for a longer period of time, you may want to avoid the parks participating in Extra Magic Hours as this can cause those parks to have more crowds on those days.

4. Special Events

Guests may also want to consider buying a ticket for one of the special events that Disney hosts across property throughout the year.  Seasonally, guests can enjoy holiday parties at Magic Kingdom with either Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  These events offer guests access to the attractions at the Magic Kingdom, as well as special entertainment options and merchandise.  Guests may also want to consider the After Hour Events that been offered at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. These events are limited, hard-ticket events that allow guests access to certain attractions, but also allows them to have unlimited ice cream, popcorn, and beverages during the event.

5. Discounts

When visiting the park, make sure you are taking advantage of any discounts available to you.  These discounts can be in the form of Florida resident, Disney Vacation Club, or passholder discounts.  These discounts can save you up to 20% off of food and merchandise, so you may want to consider upgrading to an annual pass since it may pay for itself with savings!

6. On Property

When visiting for more than a day, it always make sense to stay on property at one of the Disney resorts since this allows guests to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, as well as the reliable forms of Disney transportation.  It also helps guests feel like they are a part of the Disney magic since they won’t have to leave the “bubble” of Disney activity.

These tips are a great way to ensure that you are getting the most out of your vacation! What Disney tips or tricks are essential when you visit Disney World?

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