The Disney World Tips You Need To Read Before Your Trip

I’ve pulled together so many practical Disney World tips to help you save time, avoid stress, and make the most of your vacation. From packing smart to figuring out transportation, these tips are based on my years visiting the park and as a former Disney cast member (and who is on a first-name basis with certain characters *wink wink*).

21 Disney World Tips You Need To Know Before You Go

First things first: a little planning goes a long way, both in thinking what you want from your vacation and what you pack. I like to suggest to have a plan for each day that is flexible. You may not get the ride reservation you want, or the line for certain rides is too long so you may change your choice. But these Disney World tips will help you skip long lines, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy every moment from arrival to fireworks.

1. Set Realistic Expectations

Disney World is massive consisting of 40+ square miles with four theme parks, two water parks, numerous resort hotels, and dozens of attractions. You won’t see everything in one trip, unless you hire the whole theme park (which is possible for an after hours booking for $$$$).

Most guests have 4 to 5 park days in their vacation, which is enough for a solid sampling of each park. But you won’t get every ride, show, or restaurant. And that’s okay. Part of the magic is the wonder of “next time” that keeps people coming back to Disney year after year (or multiple times a year).

Decide on a trip “vibe” and goals. It could be relaxed “we’ll see what we see” or “make it up as we go”, ride-heavy, or food-focused, or a mix, and plan accordingly. Choose a few must-dos each day and build your plans around them.

Starting your planning and vacation with realistic expectations makes it easier to enjoy the magic that does happen. Remember to experience the park and be “in the moment” and not a slave to the app and reservation times. There are so many Disney magic touches that differentiate it from other theme parks that you’ll see them if you’re looking for them. (Even something as simple as a cast member ‘drawing’ Mickey ears with a wet broom; the “marine-style rope” used at the Pirates of the Carribean queue; Rabbit’s interactive garden display at the Winnie-the-Pooh ride; and of course the spontaneous character appearances are just a few special Disney touches.

2. Use a Disney-Savvy Travel Agent

Authorized Disney travel agents can help with everything from hotel bookings to dining reservations, often at no extra cost to you. Ticket admission prices vary by park, by day of the week, and time of the year, so there’s large price variability. Even the “per day cost” of tickets decreases for stays longer than 5 days. It may be a relatively small amount more to visit parks for more days, though you’ll have increased accommodation and dining costs. It’s all a trade off but pick what aligns with your expectations and trip vibe. A travel agent can help navigate this and share experiences of others.

Travel agents are often the first to know about discounts, promos, or changes to the system. You’ll save time, effort, and money with expert guidance tailored to your trip. Sometimes it’s those little tips that spread some extra magic – like the free pixie dust you can get at Sir Mickey’s shop in Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom, the latest pricing promotions for travel agents, openings/closures of attractions and dining, or retail gift card discounts.

You’ll also learn the “language” and “rhythm” of Disney from someone with experience: Lightning Lane, Genie+, MagicBands, MemoryMaker, virtual queues, rope drop, nighttime shows, dining reservations, character meets. Disney World really is it’s own “world of magic” and speaking the language and understanding the rhythm decreases the “culture shock”. Just like immersing in local culture and language when traveling to another country, it’s the same preparation for your Disney World experience.

3. Plan Your Park Days Strategically

Start with high-demand parks like Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios when you’re fresh and energetic. Reserve the most popular rides first at the parks with Lightning Lane (7:00am ET reservations open via app). Animal Kingdom park is smaller and can be completed in a single day if you start at the safari, hurry through the park, and get lucky with those Lightning Lane reservations, particularly for the most-popular Avatar ride.

Avoid “park hopping” more than once a day. It adds travel time and can be exhausting. Group nearby parks or attractions to reduce transit, or choose a mid-range or luxury resort which are closer to the parks with less travel time. Depending on your party, you may want to include a rest day at the resort, or travel to Disney Springs or other resorts to avoid the bustle of theme parks.

Plan for rest periods. It could be during days or a whole day in your itinerary. On one of our trips with a 1 year old, 5 year old, and grandparents, we went for 10 days and returned to our mid-range resort for an early afternoon nap and recharge, before returning to the park. We included a rest day and time at the resort. This planning helped us maintain energy and see a lot of each park while having little kids and grandparents with us. Our goal was to enjoy our time as a family and the magic without the time pressure to see everything.

4. Avoid Weekends When Possible

Weekends see heavier crowds due to locals and short-term vacationers. The difference in crowd sizes can be subjective when you’re in a sea of humanity waiting for a parade, but Disney’s scaled ticket pricing tends to reflect the increased demand for weekends.

If your schedule allows, aim for Tuesday through Thursday. Wait times are shorter, the atmosphere is calmer, and it’s easier to snag dining or ride reservations.

5. Book Park Reservations Early

Even if you already have your admission tickets, unless you selected date-based admission, you still need a park reservation for each day you plan to visit. Some other admission ticket types still require park reservations.

The key message is to make sure you have an admission ticket and a date reserved on the ticket or a separate park reservation so you’re good to enter the park on your desired day.

Park reservations can fill up weeks in advance, especially during school holidays or special events. Securing a park reservation or date-based admission early ensures you won’t miss out on your preferred parks.

6. Make Dining Reservations 60 Days in Advance

Dining reservations at popular restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest can book out weeks in advance.

The reservation window opens 60 days before your check-in at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Plan ahead and try to be online early to grab your top picks. Paul and I set our calendar reminder and divided up our desired reservations between us. We each had separate computers and started booking at 6:00am. We didn’t get all the reservations we wanted first time but we booked ‘backup’ times. We subscribed to MouseWatcher for dining reservation updates and eventually we got all the reservations we wanted.

Another super tip is to check reservations 1 to 2 nights before your desired booking. Guests will cancel bookings just outside 24 hours of the reservation to avoid the cancellation fee, so reservations can open up at the last minute.

7. Look for Discounts on Disney Gift Cards

Retailers like Target (with a Target RedCard), Sam’s Club, or BJ’s often offer discounted Disney gift cards.

You can use these to pay for everything from tickets to meals and souvenirs, saving 5 to 10% on your total trip spend. You add them to your account as a credit. These work even with travel agents who will coach you through paying down the balance of your trip with these cards.

8. Know the Free Transportation Options

Disney offers free buses, monorail, small ferries, and the Skyliner gondola network to move between parks, resorts, and Disney Springs.

Learn which routes connect your resort to the parks. Some resorts also offer faster or more scenic routes like the Skyliner to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. Sometimes it’s just fun to travel the river, monorail, or on the Skyliner.

9. Consider Travel Time Between Parks and Resorts

It can take 30 to 60 minutes to get from your resort to a park gate. Add extra time for bag checks and lines.

Plan buffer time around dining reservations or Genie+ return times so you’re not rushed or late. Budget resorts are farther from the parks and Deluxe resorts are closer to the parks so plan accordingly.

Use the Disney App to see the real-time arrivals and departures of Disney buses from stops. You’ll find buses to multiple destinations use the same bus stop so always check the electronic signage of upcoming buses and the digital sign on the bus.

Which Disney Resorts Can You Walk to a Park?

If you want to avoid car or bus travel and are willing to walk 15 minutes or less to an entrance consider staying at one of Disney’s Deluxe resorts. Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, and BoardWalk Inn are near EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance, and are also connected to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT via the Skyliner.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake Tower, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian Village resorts within walking distance to Magic Kingdom.

The Moderate class hotel Caribbean Beach Resort is connected to the Skyliner with access to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT without getting in a car, bus, or ferry.

Don’t underestimate the value of walking distance to parks and transportation network, particularly when considering wait time for monorails, etc at the end of the day. But you’ve also just walked miles during the day in the park and may not want that final walk back to the hotel room – it’s up to you. Feel free to experiment and enjoy the convenience of close park location in these Deluxe resorts.

10. Pack Light and Smart

Comfort is key. You’ll be walking 15,000+ steps a day, so choose breathable clothes and broken-in shoes.

Pack small essentials like a rain jacket, sunscreen, snacks, and portable phone chargers. Leave room for souvenirs and avoid lugging around unnecessary extras. Refillable water bottles, hat, and sunglasses are a must to make it through the Florida heat. There’s a reason why so many Cast Members have broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses, water bottles, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer hanging from their belts.

We’ve got more tips on what to pack for Disney World here.

11. Download the My Disney Experience App and opt for the MagicBand+

This app acts as your digital hub inside the parks. It shows real-time ride wait times, park maps, mobile food ordering, and your schedule. We used it regularly for real-time bus transport departure times when going between resorts, parks, and Downtown Disney.

Without the app, managing Genie+, Lightning Lanes, or even dining reservations is much harder. Install the app and get familiar with it before your trip. You can change your profile avatar in the app and ensure you group all members of your party together in a group so you can manage Lightning Lane reservations easily.

The MagicBand+ makes park entry easier, claiming your Lightning Lane reservations at the ride, Memory Maker photos, resort room entry, making purchases in the park, and more. Paul opted for the plain blue band (blue is his favorite color) but my daughters and I opted for character bands for extra magic. It is an added expense, particularly for multiple people in your party, but the convenience is helpful. The bands are waterproof and guests report the battery lasting 2-3 years or longer, so you’ll get good value if you re-use the MagicBand on a return visit.

Disney used to sell a “non-plus” version of MagicBand but I can only see the MagicBand+ sold now which comes with enhanced park experiences at designated scanning spots, and a rechargeable battery.

12. Consider the Memory Maker for Photos

Memory Maker gives you unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass pictures by Disney photographers, including ride photos and shots with characters. It’s linked to your MagicBand or app, so you can scan after rides (you know, that candid photo of you screaming down the rollercoaster) or with PhotoPass photographers in the parks (the folks in green park shirts with professional cameras).

The one-time cost covers your whole trip and is worth it if you plan to meet characters, do special events, or want family photos without the photo-taker missing from the shot. Pre-purchase before your trip to save a little extra and you won’t be fumbling for the photo with the character.

In our recent trip with little kids we realized how valuable the Memory Maker was during the day. This trip had a lot more character meets with our little kids so it was super helpful using the MagicBand at the photo op for great photos. The photographer also adds special filters to insert characters and settings into the photos. I enjoyed seeing the photos at the end of the day of the poses of Paul and H when they left the group during the day.

It’s a fun supplement to your own photos.

13. Don’t Skip Genie+ for Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios

Genie+ is a paid add-on that gives you access to Lightning Lanes which are reserved times to enter a ride, effectively letting you skip the standby lines at popular rides.

At Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, this can save hours of waiting. Rides like Peter Pan’s Flight and Slinky Dog Dash are notoriously slow-moving lines. It’s almost a must for the Avatar ride in Animal Kingdom and in the Star Wars outpost rides in Hollywood Studios as they are so popular.

14. Have Groceries Delivered to the Resort

Ordering groceries to your hotel is a simple way to save time and money. Services like Instacart, Amazon, or Garden Grocer deliver right to Disney resorts.

Stock up on essentials like breakfast items, snacks, or even allergy-friendly foods. You can request bell services at your resort to hold your order until you’re ready. Bell services are well experienced with managing grocery deliveries but keep an eye on delivery notifications so you can be there quickly after it’s delivered.

Having snacks on hand helps avoid meltdowns, cuts back on food costs, and keeps your park bag stocked without daily lines or high prices.

Check out this post on bringing food into Disney.

When You’re At The Park

Once inside the park (or even arriving at the resort), knowing how to pace your day and use the features available to you can keep your experience smooth and fun. These Disney World tips for parks and resorts will help you enjoy your stay and your park experience.

15. Know When to Book Lightning Lanes

You can book your first Genie+ Lightning Lane at 7:00 a.m. (Eastern US Time) every park day, regardless of where you’re staying.

Setting an alarm and booking early ensures you’ll get top-tier attractions before they’re gone. Lightning Lane slots can fill up in minutes. We have at least 2 people ready with the Disney app open and divide the rides we want to get. We make sure we have all guests in the “family group” so we can reserve for them too – you don’t have to reserve individually.

16. Use Rope Drop to Maximize Ride Time

“Rope drop” refers to arriving before the park officially opens and being in line for the “rope to drop” and entry is permitted. This allows you to be among the first on popular rides. Resort guests can enter earlier than non-resort guests by queuing in a separate signed area near the entrance.

Without Genie+, it’s your best chance at getting on major attractions with little to no wait, especially before noon. When visiting Animal Kingdom, go straight for the safari before long queues and use your Lightning Lane reservation for the Avatar ride.

17. Take Advantage of Rider Switch

Traveling with kids who don’t meet height requirements to ride on their own? Rider Switch lets one adult wait with the child while the other rides, then you switch.

This feature saves time and lets both adults enjoy thrill rides without standing in line twice.

Which Rides at Disney World Have Rider Switch?

Magic Kingdom Park

• The Barnstormer
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• TRON Lightcycle / Run

EPCOT

• Frozen Ever After
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Mission: SPACE
• Soarin’
• Test Track

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours® – The Adventures Continue
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• DINOSAUR
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®
• Kali River Rapids
• Na’vi River Journey

18. Mobile Order Your Meals

Skip the lines by ordering quick-service meals via the Disney app. Select a return time, customize your order, and pick it up with zero wait.

During peak hours, popular spots can have long lines even for burgers. Ordering ahead saves time and gives you more flexibility. This was super helpful for us when Paul needed a “second lunch” and quick order hot dog was ready when we exited Turtle Talk with Crush.

19. Take Breaks to Avoid Burnout

Heat, crowds, and noise can lead to sensory overload, particularly for kids. Schedule down time in air-conditioned attractions, shaded areas, or back at your hotel.

Midday breaks can make evening fireworks and parades much more enjoyable.

20. Ask for Free Celebration Buttons

Celebrating a birthday, honeymoon, or first visit? Visit Guest Services for a free celebration button.

Wear those buttons proudly! Cast Members often go out of their way to make special occasions more magical, sometimes with surprise treats or greetings. Some guests will also be ‘collectible pin traders’ with cast members.

21. Don’t Miss the Nighttime Shows

Nighttime spectaculars like Happily Ever After fireworks and show on Main St Magic Kingdom, or Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios are highlights of the day.

Arrive early to secure a spot, bring snacks, and enjoy the show. They’re unforgettable and worth staying up for, even with tired feet. Depending on time of year, the temperatures can cool so a jacket is useful. Also consider packing dinner as queues for good seating can overlap with typical meal times.

Disney World Tips FAQs

Here are answers to the most common questions that come up when planning a Disney World trip.

What is the 120 minute rule at Disney World?

When using Genie+, you can book another Lightning Lane 120 minutes after park opening or your last booking, whichever comes first.

This allows you to stack multiple Lightning Lane rides, especially for later in the day.

What is the cheapest month to go to Disney?

Late August and mid-September usually offer the lowest ticket prices and hotel rates.

It’s hot, but crowds are smaller because schools are back in session. Discounts are often available during this time too. Park entry prices also vary by day so consider your travel days and park days to balance your flight and accommodation costs and park entry costs.

How many days in Disney World is enough?

Four to five days gives you one full day in each park, plus a buffer or rest day, or a second day in your favorite park.

This allows time to sample each park, figure out what you like and don’t like, and what you’d like to revisit.

How early does Disney let you in to the parks?

Guests at Disney Resort hotels can enter the parks 30 minutes before official opening during Early Entry. Look for the special signage and roped area directing resort guests to the Early Entry zone near the main entrance.

Even non-resort guests are often allowed through the gates early to line up at attractions, though rides won’t open until posted hours.

The Wrap Up

Disney World is magical, but a little planning makes it even better. Use these Disney World tips to save money, reduce stress, and make more memories.

From booking the right ride reservations to grabbing the perfect dinner spot, knowing what to expect is half the challenge.

Take it one day at a time, stay flexible, and most of all, have fun! There’s so much magic and wonder at Disney World, we keep going back – again and again.

About the Author

My name is Sommer and I am a retired international tour guide and former Disney cast member, having traversed the globe from Europe to Africa, to North and South America, and finishing my career in Australia and New Zealand. My Australian husband and my American self are based in Minnesota, USA to raise our family and are sharing our travel wonders with the world.

Starting October 2025, I will be an independent travel agent and can book your flights, accommodation, tours and more to your gateway of wonder! Click here for more.