Our Top 20 Disney World Tips For Rookies

Going to Walt Disney World as often as I have means I’ve learned a thing or two along the way. Whether you’re a rookie or seasoned traveler, there are always so many fun and exciting changes that come to the Happiest Place on Earth. As a rookie though, you’ve probably heard about all there is to do and see on your trip. I’m here to help make your upcoming vacation to the happiest place on earth as fun-filled as possible. Here are our top 20 Disney World tips for rookies.

1. Book Your FastPass Early

Whether you call Walt Disney World’s extraordinary customer service, or you purchase your theme park tickets through the My Disney Experience website, the next thing you should always do is book your FastPass selections for the duration of your trip. As a rookie Disney traveler, chances are you’re going to want to ride each and every attraction Walt Disney World has to offer. And you should! Doing so, though, can mean an awfully long wait time in the Florida heat - especially if you’re visiting during their peak seasons. When you’re going to the parks for the first time, you want to ride as many things as possible, and thankfully, due to the My Disney Experience website, you can customize preferred times and dates for all the rides you’ll sure to be screaming your head off on! My recommendation: get a FastPass for Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain and the Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom.

2. Book Disney’s Magical Express

Immediately after booking your flight and hotel, book Disney’s Magical Express. This complimentary transportation takes you directly from the airport to your hotel. The 45-minute to an hour drive is spent watching old Mickey Mouse cartoons, tips on what to expect at your Walt Disney World resort, new rides, and of course, a friendly, Disney-employed bus driver who makes your travel time feel like nothing. The best part about utilizing Disney’s Magical Express is that you won’t have to pick up your luggage at baggage claim and lug them around with you. Your luggage will *magically* appear at your hotel later on, so as soon as you check in at your hotel, grab a ride on your hotel’s complimentary transportation and head on over to the parks.

3. Check-in At Your Hotel Before Your Visit

One of the many perks of utilizing the My Disney Experience website is that you can do hotel check-in before you even arrive on Walt Disney property. This allows you to start your magical vacation that much faster! I have two trips coming up in September and October and I’m already checked-in for both!

4. Link Your Credit Card to Your MagicBand

Another perk is that you can link your credit card to your MagicBand. I love doing this because it gives me the flexibility to cutback on the baggage I’d normally bring to the purse, like my backpack or a purse. Further, it eliminates the chance of me accidentally leaving my credit card at a restaurant, register, or even slipping out of my bag (which has happened to me before!) The last thing you want is to be dealing with having to cancel your credit card in the event you lost it somewhere in the parks.