10 Killer Tips For Budgeting and Planning Your Disney Trip

7. Know about Extra Magic Hours and Fastpasses before you go

Two more perks of staying at a Disney Hotel that gives you more for your money are the bonuses of Extra Magic Hours and Fastpasses. Extra Magic Hours are times when the various Disney Parks are open earlier or later than normal to guests of WDW resorts, enabling them to experience more magic in the parks. The Magic Kingdom, for example, which usually opens from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., has had Extra Magic Hours that enable resort guests to stay until midnight or later, allowing them access to rides and restaurants that would normally be incredibly crowded after most of the crowds have gone. Disney Hotel guests are also allowed to reserve Fastpasses up to 60 days before they even step foot in the park, which means they get first pick. Getting Fastpasses this early can save your family a headache and sore feet while in the park because you won’t necessarily have to wait 120 minutes to ride Space Mountain. Remember that Extra Magic Hours are only available at specific parks on specific days, so you need research these before you go, as well as which rides you’ll want to Fastpass in order to make your life easier.