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Essential Tips You NEED To Know Before Your Disney Trip

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is an exciting experience, but knowing a few key details before you go can make your vacation even more magical. After our recent visit in March, we’ve compiled some important tips to help guests have a smooth and enjoyable time at the Disney Parks and Resorts. By preparing for the unexpected and setting realistic expectations, you can ensure a trip filled with memories and magic.


Be Prepared for Flights

Flying to Walt Disney World? Flights are currently more expensive than usual, and delays or cancellations are increasingly common. While weather plays a role in some disruptions, pilot shortages and other issues have also been affecting travel schedules. Here’s how to prepare:

  • Avoid scheduling important plans on your arrival day: Delays can throw off tightly planned itineraries, so give yourself flexibility.
  • Pack essentials in your carry-on: Include a change of clothes, swimsuits, and any must-have items in case your checked luggage gets delayed or you experience an unexpected layover.
  • Plan for worst-case scenarios: While it’s not fun to think about delays, being prepared can save you stress later on.
A family of four, two adults and two children, gather excitedly around a smartphone. The kids wear fun, themed headbands: one with pink sparkly mouse ears and the other with a blue alien hat. The adults smile warmly as they join in the moment of joy.
Credit: Disney

Resort Rooms and Early Check-In

With many Guests heading to Walt Disney World, resort rooms are rarely ready before the official 4:00 PM check-in time. Here’s how to make the most of your arrival day:

  • Drop your luggage with Bell Services: They can hold your bags while you explore the parks, Disney Springs, or your resort’s pool.
  • Pack your park bag or pool gear in your carry-on: This ensures you’re ready to dive into the fun as soon as you arrive.
  • Utilize online check-in: The My Disney Experience app provides real-time updates on your room’s readiness, allowing you to plan your day without worrying about when your room will be available.

Delivery Services Can Save the Day

One of the most convenient ways to streamline your Disney vacation is by using grocery delivery services. We used Walmart during our trip and found it incredibly helpful. Here’s why delivery services are a game-changer:

  • Convenient for snacks and essentials: Have items like water, snacks, and breakfast foods delivered directly to your Disney Resort.
  • Perfect for families with young children: Delivery services like Amazon, Walmart, or Garden Grocer can supply diapers, baby food, and other necessities.
  • Bell Services can assist: Disney’s Bell Services will hold your items and can refrigerate perishable goods. Be sure to tip the Cast Members who assist you!

Crowds Are Back

Walt Disney World is bustling with Guests, and the parks can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to large crowds. Here’s how to navigate busy parks:

  • Set expectations: Knowing the parks will be busy helps you mentally prepare.
  • Have a plan: Research attractions, prioritize must-dos, and consider using Lightning Lane to minimize wait times.
  • Pack your patience: Whether it’s waiting for buses, attractions, or restrooms, a little extra patience goes a long way in ensuring a magical day.

Lines May Look Longer Than They Are

One surprising discovery during our trip was how deceiving some queue lines appeared. For example:

  • Space Mountain: We saw the line stretch towards Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor, but the wait was under an hour since the indoor queue wasn’t being used.
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: The line extended into the main walkway in Frontierland but moved quickly due to unused indoor spaces.

Pro Tip: Check the My Disney Experience app for estimated wait times rather than relying solely on the visual length of a queue.

A group of people are riding a roller coaster in a dark environment with colorful light streaks creating a sense of motion and excitement. The passengers appear thrilled, with some screaming and others smiling as they hold onto the safety bar, enjoying the iconic Disney experience on Space Mountain.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Mastering the My Disney Experience App

The My Disney Experience app is your ultimate tool for navigating the parks. From accessing park tickets to booking Lightning Lane, this app is indispensable. Here’s what you can do with it:

  • Access your tickets and resort room: Use the app as your digital key for park entry and resort access.
  • Check wait times: Stay updated on real-time attraction wait times.
  • Book dining reservations and mobile orders: Simplify meals by pre-ordering food or securing reservations.
  • Plan ahead: Familiarize yourself with the app before your trip to avoid frustration on vacation.
A little girl looking up at Spaceship Earth inside of EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort.
Credit: Disney

Make the Most of Your Magical Trip

With these tips in mind, you can avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a smoother, more magical Disney vacation. From preparing for potential travel delays to mastering the My Disney Experience app, planning ahead will help you make the most of your time in the parks and at your resort. Walt Disney World offers endless opportunities for fun and adventure, and a little preparation ensures you’re ready to soak it all in.

We hope these insights help you plan an unforgettable Disney vacation. Remember, the magic is all about creating memories with the people you love, and with a little preparation, your trip is sure to be one for the storybooks!

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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