5. Meals
If you are planning to do a quick-service meal, go at off-times, to avoid the crowds. Eat lunch before 11:30 or after 1:30, for example. If you make a reservation for a table-service restaurant, make it for the hot part of the day, or after you’ve toured the park for 3-4 hours. Your family (and your feet) will appreciate it! Consider sharing meals, as portion sizes are quite large.
6. Afternoon break
If you are staying at a Disney resort, consider returning to your hotel after lunch, for a swim and/or nap, especially in the hot summer months. If not, at least plan a meal to give yourself a rest in the air-conditioning. You might even want to try one of the nearby hotels for a meal, just to get away from the crowds for a while. Hop on a resort boat and travel to one of the eMagic Kingdom Resorts. If you are visiting during the off-season, when park hours are shorter, consider seeing some of the Magic Kingdom shows and parades, to give your family a little rest.
7. Less popular attractions
Plan to ride/visit the less popular attractions during the most crowded parts of the day, usually right around lunch to mid-afternoon. Attractions such as Peoplemover, Carousel of Progress, Dumbo, Teacups, Barnstormer, Main Street Railroad, Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, Enchanted Tiki Room and Hall of Presidents rarely have long lines.
8. Parades/Fireworks
Do NOT, I repeat do NOT miss the Magic Kingdom parades, fireworks and castle projection shows! These will likely be the highlight of your day! Disney excels at these types of events. Plant yourself at least an hour early to reserve the best spots. *Secret tip: Watch the parades from Frontierland-the crowds are much smaller.
