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The Secret’s Out – Disney World Tips & Tricks We Almost Didn’t Share

I’m hesitant to share these Walt Disney World secrets, but I’m assuming that since you are here, you are serious about planning your next trip. These Tips & Tricks for enjoying a Disney trip have come from many years of researching websites, reading books and talking with other Disney-obsessed people. Oh, and lots of trips to the most magical place on earth! Give one or more of these a try on your next trip. Feel free to chime in with others you know.

1) Magic Kingdom To Yourself

Well, at least Main Street USA and Cinderella’s Castle? Book an early ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation) at Crystal Palace for breakfast with Pooh and Friends. Schedule your meal before the official park opening time and you can enjoy an almost empty park as you walk toward the restaurant at the end of Main Street USA. It’s very likely you will see characters preparing for park opening. Have your camera and autograph book ready! Tip: You can use this trick in other Disney parks.

2) Go To A Party

During the Halloween and Christmas seasons, the Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, respectively. Typically, the Magic Kingdom closes at 7:00 pm to regular guests, and the party runs from 7:00 until midnight for those who have purchased this separate party ticket. However, party-goers can enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 pm. In effect, you can enjoy 8 hours in the Magic Kingdom. Party tickets are cheaper than a one-day ticket, so this is a great way to save $$$.

3) Ice Water Is Free!

Free? At Disney?  You bet!  As you’re traveling around Disney Parks you can get free ice water from any of the counter service/quick service restaurants.  Bottled water can cost a pretty penny, so opt for the free option and you’ll save a good deal of money each day of your trip!

4) Shop ‘til You Drop

Well, sort of. Want to browse the gift shops and buy some souvenirs during your trip, but hate to miss any of the great attractions and shows? At the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, the shops stay open one hour after the last attraction has closed- so you can save your last minute shopping to the very last minute and not miss any late night rides! Here’s a list of our 9 favorite Disney souvenirs!

5) Disney Characters

While most people associate character meet and greets with Magic Kingdom, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that many Disney characters are at the Animal Kingdom. With this park not being as busy as the other parks, the lines are shorter and make it more enjoyable to get those character autographs and pictures. Plus, at Animal Kingdom, you will see characters you can’t find anywhere else. Characters that can ONLY be seen in regular meets at Animal Kingdom include: Baloo, King Louie, Dug, Russell, Pocahontas, and Rafiki.

6) Fastpass+

Make your Fastpass+ reservations for early in the day, but not too early. Lines are the shortest right when the park opens, so try to time your Fastpass+ selections for an hour and a half to two hours after opening. This will be when the crowds start hitting the parks. Then, when your Fastpass+ selections are done, use the My Disney Experience app to add another one! You can also view, manage, and preselect future Fast Pass on the app as well!

Bonus Tip!

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best Disney travel deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius! Discover More >



7) Fireworks

Magic Kingdom’s fireworks are spectacular, but did you know that there are ways to see them outside of the park? The Contemporary’s California Grill offers its diners an amazing view from the top of the Contemporary, which is a definite bonus to getting a great meal. What about a couple of options that don’t require you to pay any money? The beach at the Polynesian Village Resort offers a great view over the water of the fireworks, and, like the California Grill, they will play the music from the fireworks. Lastly, the ferry docks at the Transportation and Ticket Center is a great place to see the fireworks, and this option has the fewest crowds. If you time it right, you could even watch the fireworks while riding a ferry. All of these options offer something slightly different, so try out one of them next time you go to Disney World!

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best price for your vacation, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!

About Jimmie Jones

Jimmie is a retired school teacher from Texas, who has been going to Disney World for 25 years. He has experience in taking large groups to Disney, in addition to taking his own children and grandchildren. Jimmie and his wife Rhonda make annual trips to Disney World, Disneyland, and sail on the Disney Cruise Line.

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