You can visit Walt Disney World like a pro with 10 simple Disney tips. These ten tips will help you navigate Disney Parks like an expert. They aren’t tricky tips, but they can make a huge difference in your Disney experience.
10. Set a Budget
Disney pros show up at Walt Disney World with a budget in mind. They know getting wrapped up in Disney magic, and pixie dust can be easy. Because of this, they make sure they have a set budget in mind for souvenirs, snacks, and meals.
Doing this before even arriving at Walt Disney World is a good pro tip. It keeps you focused when you arrive and helps you navigate your decisions when it comes to spending.
This is also a good pro tip when it comes to little ones. If you can give them a Disney gift card with their budget, this can help them manage their spending.
Get ready for the magic with a clear, set budget before you arrive.
9. Study the Map
Disney pros know that the Walt Disney World Resort is massive. They know that showing up in the Disney Parks and hoping to navigate them successfully isn’t a good plan. The pros have taken time to study the Disney Parks maps ahead of time.
Although you cannot navigate the Parks like a pro on your first visit, if you take time to study the maps of the Disney Parks ahead of time, you will set yourself up for success. Having an overall idea of where lands are located throughout the Disney Parks will make navigating easier when you arrive.
Take time to learn which Disney Parks host the main rides you want to visit and where lands are located within the Disney Parks. Doing this will make your experience a lot less stressful.
8. My Disney Experience App
A considerable part of your Walt Disney World experience will be using the My Disney Experience app. This app, Disney pros know, is the key to Disney magic. Through this app, Guests can access important information such as wait times, show times, dining, Genie+, and so much more.
Because of this focus, Disney pros will take time to download the app before their vacation. After downloading the app, take time to navigate the app. We have some great posts at How to Disney about essential areas to know on the app.
Taking time to learn about the app’s offerings before arriving at Walt Disney World can set you up for success. My Disney Experience has so much to offer Guests, but you need to take time to learn about the app before you arrive.
7. Advanced Dining Reservations
When heading to Walt Disney World, Disney pros know that booking dining early is essential. Guests can book dining starting 60 days before check-in. Although two months early might not seem necessary; however, many of the top dining locations throughout Walt Disney World book up that early.
If you want to enjoy some of the great dining options throughout Walt Disney World, be prepared to make those reservations at the 60-day mark. Pros know that this is the best way to ensure your ability to experience these great restaurants.
6. Genie+
No matter how they feel about Genie+, the new reservation system for experiences at Disney, Disney pros know that it is essential to understand this new system. Genie+ is the system that allows Guests to book experiences throughout their day.
Guests can add Genie+ to their day for a price ranging from $15 to $30 per day per person. Once purchased, Guests can choose experiences and then use the Lightning Lane, skipping the standby lines.
Disney pros know that Genie+ can be a fantastic way to navigate the Parks with lower wait times.
5. Have a Plan
Don’t show up at Walt Disney World without a plan. Even Disney pros who can visit Disney magic a lot throughout the year know that it is vital to have a general plan when they arrive. When heading into Disney Park for the day, it is crucial to have an overall plan.
Having an overall plan can help you navigate the Parks more efficiently and also helps make sure that you visit those must-do experiences. Before you get ready to visit a Disney Park, take time to think about what you want to get done. This might be rides, shows, snacks, or just visiting the shops.
Even If you plan to relax and not rush, knowing this before you enter the Park can be extremely helpful.
4. Bring Food
Disney pros know that even though there are great snacks and food options throughout the Parks, it is lovely to have your snacks. Disney pros know that those hunger pains will hit when you are in the middle of a line. Having some great snacks can make this a lot easier to deal with.
Pack those goldfish, gummy snacks, and cheerios so everyone can grab a quick snack.
3. Rope Drop
Disney pros like to sleep in but know that being at the Parks for rope drop is key to navigating the crowds. Rope drop refers to when the Parks official open to Guests. Those wanting to experience low crowds will want to take advantage of this early time in the Park.
Those wanting to experience rope drop should plan on being at the Parks anywhere from 60 to 30 minutes before the listed opening. For those staying at a Disney Park, remember you can take advantage of early entry, where you can enter the Parks 30 minutes before opening. Keep that in mind when making your arrival plans.
Early mornings are Disney pro’s favorite time to be at the Park. It has lower wait times and allows you to navigate the Parks easier.
2. Take Breaks
As much as Disney pros love time in Disney Parks, they also know that taking breaks is vital to keeping everyone happy. These breaks can be in a Disney Park or at your Disney Resort.
Disney pros know that planning breaks throughout the day can allow everyone to rest, reset, refresh, and be ready for the evening in the Parks.
Breaks can be at the swimming pool, a nap at your Resort, or just enjoying some slower attractions at the Parks. No matter what you prefer for your break, make sure you take time to take one.
1. Flexible
Finally, Disney pros know that flexibility is key to a successful Disney vacation. Although they know going in with a plan and knowing how to navigate the Park and the app, they also know that being able to be flexible is going to set them up for success and magic.
When you are visiting Disney Parks, know that plans will go wrong. Rides break down, it rains, and kids (young and old) melt down. Be okay with all of it and allow yourself to adjust those plans. Take a more extended break, skip out on the ride, or cancel the dining plans. All of that is going to be okay.
Be flexible; you will still have tons of magic and pixie dust.
These ten tips will help you rock Disney like a pro. We hope that they will help you prepare for your trip with confidence.
