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Top Tips for a Successful Quick Trip to Disney

We always love to have a week or more to spend at Walt Disney World on vacation; however, this isn’t always possible. Sometimes, the longest vacation we can get to the Walt Disney World Resort is a quick weekend or a few days.

Although we are happy with any time we can get at Walt Disney World, enjoying a quick trip takes slightly different planning. If you are considering taking a quick trip down to Walt Disney World, we have some top tips for a successful experience. Use these to have a magical time, even if it is quick.

mickey and minnie flight
mickey and minnie flight

Take the Early Flight

The first step to enjoying a quick trip to Walt Disney World is to get there early. Maximize your time by booking the earliest flight possible. It might be hard to set that alarm to reach the airport, but when you can be in Disney Park for lunch, it is well worth it.

Early flights are a good idea for any vacation as they are less likely to be disrupted due to weather, maintenance, and delays. Still, they become even more critical when you have limited time in your destination.

Once you arrive at Disney, you can quickly drop your bags off at the bell service in your Disney resort and head to the Magic Kingdom or another Disney park for a great afternoon of magic.

Family planning
Family planning

Have a Plan

You will want a plan with a limited time in the parks. Don’t waste time determining what to do once you are in Disney. Instead, make a must-do list for the time that you are there. Know what is a priority to maximize your time in the parks.

If you go in with a mission, no matter what that is for you, the trip will feel more successful overall. When you have a goal and a mission, you can get more done and experience more of the magic in less time.

Disney Genie+
Credit: Disney

Use Genie+ and individual Lightning Lanes

If you only have a short time to experience your favorite rides, shows, and attractions, you don’t want to waste it waiting in line. Instead, purchase both Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes. These paid features will allow you to bypass the long standby lines built throughout the day.

Investing in these two features allows you to experience more magic with fewer lines. Individual Lightning Lanes will get you quick access to some of the top rides in Walt Disney World. The top attractions, such as Tron: Lightcyle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, offer this option. If it is essential to your trip to experience these rides, then purchasing an Individual Lghtnign Lane will not only ensure you a chance to ride but also allow you to choose a time to do so. This ability is a big bonus When trying to get a lot done.

Genie+ will allow you to experience multiple rides, shows, character meet and greets, and more throughout the parks. Once you purchase Genie+, you can book experiences that are important to you and ensure a quick wait time.

We know these features cost more, which isn’t ideal; however, they can help you maximize your time during a short vacation.

Skip Table Service Meals

If you don’t have your heart set on a specific table service meal during your quick trip, we recommend skipping them. These dining experiences are great; however, they take up much time. For those who don’t wish to spend 90 minutes enjoying a meal, quick service will be your preferred dining option.

mobile order
Credit: Disney

Use Mobile Order

When eating at quick service locations, make sure you use mobile order. This feature is found in the My Disney Experience app. Through mobile ordering, you can preorder your food. Once your window is opened, you can hit the “Prepare My Order,” your food will be ready quickly.

This can save you an extended amount of time in line at quick service locations during meal time. The lines to order get long, and preparing the food takes a while. As mobile order has a pickup area, this food is typically ready faster.

We love eating at Walt Disney World, but with a shorter trip, we don’t want to waste time waiting on food.

Haunted Mansion, Magic Kingdom
Credit: V Mills

Revisit Your Favorites

During a quick trip to Walt Disney World, it can be easy only to experience a ride once and then move on. If you have favorites, set up a plan that gives time for revisiting. Even during a quick trip, you can have time to visit your favorites more than once. Genie+ can help with this process as well. Get to the parks early and use Genie+ for a second ride.

Calypso Pool, Disney's All-Star Music Resort
Credit: V Mills

Relax

Even during a quick trip to Walt Disney World, schedule some time to relax. This a vacation, after all. It can be easy to want to do and see everything while you are there. You don’t want to be exhausted and not be able to enjoy what time you do have. Make time to relax at the pool, enjoy a nap, or take in a show. This is important even during a short trip to Walt Disney World. Relaxing will refresh everyone!

Only some trips to Walt Disney World can be long, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t all magical. When planning for a short trip to Walt Disney World, make sure you take into consideration these tips. They will help set you up for success and allow you to enjoy as much magic as possible.

 

 

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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