What better trip can you imagine than a few days at the happiest place on Earth? That’s right, absolutely nothing! Disney World in Orlando, Florida is so much fun and absolutely magical, but how can you make the most of your trip? And more importantly, how can you save your time and money? Here are some helpful hints to set your trip on the right foot!
1. Check for deals and packages for your particular dates.
Disney often has specials and deals for your packages, but make sure you search which ones are available so you book for the right dates! There is a package deal running right now with a free dining plan, but it only runs certain dates in October, November, and December. If you have the right dates, however, you can save so much money!
2. Take advantage of the shuttles.
The shuttles are free and so convenient. They run to and from all Disney resorts and parks, making your lives much easier. Don’t waste money on a rental car or an Uber if you’re staying on property.
3. Stay on property, but be mindful of your choices.
That being said, opt to stay on property if you can! The rooms are nice, you get the full Disney experience even at your hotel, there’s food options so you don’t always have to go out for a full meal, and you have those wonderful shuttles. Be mindful, however, of where you stay. Prices vary greatly. For college students, I always suggest the Value Resorts (All Star Sports, Music, and Movies) because you get the best deals usually.
4. Use those fastpasses, and as early as possible!
Every guest gets three Fastpasses a day automatically included in their park tickets. Use them! More importantly, use them earlier in the morning if possible! Once you’ve used all three, you can get more one at a time for the day, meaning more time for fun!
5. Get the best fireworks spot in Epcot.
The IllumiNations: Reflections of the Earth fireworks show in Epcot is so spectacular because it takes place in the lake of the World Showcase and truly encompasses the beauty of the countries of the world. One of the best spots for this show is in between the two gift shops right at the entrance to the World Showcase between Canada and Mexico. This is the absolute best spot to view these fireworks!
6. Get special event buttons from Guest Services.
Going to Disney for any special event at all? Stop by Guest Services to get free buttons for every guest in your party. Sometimes you’ll even get special treatment from cast members!
7. Be mindful of extra magic hours.
Some days certain parks open early or stay open late for guests staying on property, so make sure to ask your concierge! These are great opportunities to get to your favorite rides fast and with short waits.
8. Use Uber if staying off property.
Uber is significantly cheaper than taxis! Often times they’re easier to get as well because of the flexibility of the app.
9. Hit the large, newer rides first.
Wait times for these newer rides can easily hit 90+ minutes within 30 minutes of the park opening, eventually reaching up to over 3 hours sometimes later in the day! Go to the park with a game plan for your first few rides so you can quickly hit the ones you absolutely want. Some of the largest lines in each park are Frozen Ever After, Soarin’, and Test Track in Epcot; The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom; the Na’vi River Journey, Avatar Flight of Passage, and Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom; and Toy Story Midway Mania!, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and Rockin’ Rollercoaster in Hollywood Studios.
10. Download and use the app!
This app is so resourceful! You can check and update Fastpass times, check wait times, see where and when characters will be, make food reservations, check out menus, and so much more! If there is any one piece of advice I can give you to make the most of your Disney trip, it would most definitely be to download and use this app!