Time is money when visiting Walt Disney World, and most of us don’t want to spend it in line. The reality is that Walt Disney World is busy, and lines and crowds are back.
Knowing this, we do have a few great ways that you can maximize your time in the Parks by skipping the lines like a pro. Use these tips during your next Walt Disney World vacation to enjoy more of the magic with less time in line.
Get There Early
This tip isn’t a favorite of many because it involves setting the alarm. If you want to beat the crowds, get to the Parks early. This doesn’t mean showing up when the Parks open, but instead being there 30 minutes before opening.
Although this might not be thrilling when the alarm goes off, getting in front of the large crowd that will build throughout the day will make it all worth it.
Early Entry
Your morning can start even earlier for those staying at a Disney Resort. Head to the Parks during early entry. You can enter any four main Disney Parks thirty minutes before a posted opening.
You might not think thirty minutes is a lot of time, but it will make a huge difference when it comes to crowds. During those thirty minutes, you can easily experience a top attraction in the Park and be on your way to your next adventure before the regular Park Guests are allowed in.
This is a fantastic option for those staying at a Disney Resort.
Evening Time
On the other hand, think about staying at the Parks late. Park hours will start to extend as the summer hours arrive. If traveling with a group, consider sticking it out past dark. Not only is this a fun time to be in the Parks, but the crowds will also be lower.
Guests staying at a Deluxe Disney Resort can enjoy extended evening hours. These are planned at EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select evenings. During this time, Guests of these Resorts can stay at the Parks after closing. Again this is a great way to experience lower crowds.
Use Mobile Ordering
Our first few times were about maximizing your time regarding rides; however, it is also essential to do this regarding food. If you plan on having your meals at a quick-service location, make sure you know how to use mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app.
When thinking about when you want to eat, if you prefer lower crowds, schedule your meals outside the main times. Avoiding supper between five and seven can be extremely helpful.
As the crowds grow, it is even more important to take time to have a plan for eating. This will prevent stress and meltdowns when people are hungry and have long waits.
Use Genie+
This option might not be popular, but it is an excellent way to maximize your time in the Parks and skip long waits. Guests can purchase Genie+ through the My Disney Experience app. The price varies based on crowd levels but ranges between $15 to $35 per person.
Once purchased, Genie+ allows Guests to book Lightning Lanes for specific attractions throughout the day. Guests are given an hour window for their Lightning Lane when they can visit the attractions and bypass the standby line.
Although Genie+ is an additional cost, it is a great way to bypass long lines and maximize your time in the Parks.
Not all rides are created equal when it comes to Genie+, so make sure you take some time to research to get the most out of your investment.
Related: How to Prioritize Your Genie+ Selections
Individual Lightning Lanes
If your group is focused on the top rides at Walt Disney World, such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or TRON: Lightcyle Run, consider investing in an Individual Lightning Lane. Individual Lightning Lanes are the top rides in each of the four Parks that aren’t included with Genie+.
Like Genie+, Guests can purchase these each day to bypass long waits. They are again given an hour return window, just like with Genie+. Pricing again is flexible but well worth it if you want to ride the top rides in Disney with low waits.
Avoid the Afternoons
If you are looking for ways to skip long lines, consider leaving the Parks in the middle of the day. This is when the Parks get the busiest and when you will find the most extended lines. Maximize your time by heading out.
Consider enjoying your Disney Resort, having a good meal, or napping. This will allow you to avoid standing in long lines during the day’s heat and enjoy doing other things at Disney.
Use My Disney Experience
Finally, use the My Disney Experience app to stay updated on wait times throughout your day in the Park. Don’t waste time walking back and forth around the Park only to discover long wait times. Use the app to see what waits will look like before you make your plan.
Use that to help save you steps and frustration throughout the day. You can also consider using the Tips feature in the app to help look at predicted wait times.
Those are some of the best ways to maximize your time in the Park while skipping long wait just like a Disney Pro. We hope you can use them on your next trip to Walt Disney World and spend less time in line and more time enjoying the magic.
