If you are looking for those little Disney hacks that will make your trip that much easier, this is the post for you. As the planner, you are probably in charge of making all the tough decisions that go along with a Disney vacation. From where to stay, what to eat, how to get around Walt Disney World, and if Genie+ is the best choice for you.
As you are making all those big decisions, we want to make sure you that you are also aware of some hacks that can help along the way. These are our favorite tips when heading to Walt Disney World.
Bring a Stroller from Home
Although you are able to rent strollers from Disney directly at the Parks, or from other companies in the Orlando area, we think that having your own stroller is key to success. Not only will you know how to work the stroller, but your little ones will be more comfortable with it as you venture around the Parks.
Having your own stroller is also important because you will then be able to use it at the airport as well as at your Walt Disney World Resort. If you rent directly from Disney, you won’t have a stroller for the Resort. This can be tough on those late nights when you are making your way back to your Resort room.
Look into a nice, sturdy, comfortable stroller that is easy to fold up. Even if you have kids that typically don’t use a stroller at home, consider bringing one for Walt Disney World. Most adults aren’t used to all the miles they put in around the four Parks which means it will be even harder for little ones.
If they don’t need it right away in the morning, consider parking the stroller in a centrally located stroller parking area such as Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom. Leave it there as you make your way around the area and then pick it up as you head out.
Having a stroller from home is a huge hack that Disney pros use for their vacations.
Bring Portable Batteries
Staying connected is so important at Walt Disney World. Phones have become a huge part of a Walt Disney World vacation. Not only do we all use them to capture pictures and videos, but those visiting Walt Disney World also need them to connect to Disney’s My Disney Experience App.
My Disney Experience is the official app of Walt Disney World. It is through this app that Guests stay connected to the magic. From finding wait times, opening their Resort door, ordering food and so much more that app is essential to a good time. Because you are constantly on the app, your battery will drain quickly.
To avoid a dead cell phone, make sure you bring a portable charger from home and the cords you need as well. Be prepared with them in your Disney Park bag each morning and at night, make sure you charge them so they are ready to go each day.
Have Food Delivered
Another great pro hack is to use grocery delivery during your Walt Disney World vacation. To save some money, have water bottles, snacks, or other essentials delivered to your Disney Resort.
Save some money by having Amazon Fresh, Instacart or other delivery services bring some snacks and drinks to your Resort. Instead of spending money in the Parks on bottled water, bring your own. Have a granola bar for breakfast instead of paying for a cinnamon roll each morning.
We also like having quick snacks packed like fruit snacks, Cheez-Its, or gold fish to avoid the need to constantly purchase snacks in the Park each day.
Although we love the Disney treats, it is nice to save some money along the way by having our own snacks packed. It is also nice to have snacks in our Disney Resort room after a long morning or day in the Park.
Bring Water
We already mentioned this a little previously, but a huge hack for Disney is to bring your own water into the Parks. Disney allows Guests to bring nonalcoholic drinks in plastic containers into the Parks.
Take advantage of this when visiting. Order a case of water to be delivered or consider bringing a fun water bottle from home. Staying hydrated in Disney is so extremely important and having water with you helps make this happen.
Use Gift Cards
Consider the use of Disney gift cards to help you stick to a budget. Start by finding stores where you are able to get Disney gift cards at a discount. Once you have them, use them during your vacation as a budget guide.
You can give kids a gift card with their souvenir money or adults can use them at an EPCOT festival. Having gift cards is a good way to manage spending in the Parks during a trip.
Do the Math
I am a sucker for the Disney refillable mugs offered at Disney Resorts. Guests can purchase one of these well-themed mugs for around $22. With that purchase, they can then enjoy free refills of soda and coffee throughout their stay.
I love fountain Diet Coke, but make sure your process if this purchase is worth it for you. How much will you be at your Resort? Will you walk to refill it? Is it better to have pop delivered?
Don’t get sucked in as I do. Make sure you think about the cost and if it is worth it.
These are some of the top hacks that Disney pros have learned during their many visits to Walt Disney World. We hope that they help you have a magical time as you prepare for your magical visit.
