Lets be honest, traveling to Disney World can be very stressful. So why do people call it a vacation? Perhaps they know something that you don’t. So take some tips from a former cast member so you don’t have to take a vacation from your next vacation.
1) Don’t travel during peak season, summer, Christmas and New Years, and spring break parks can be really full and lines can be hours. (in fact its not worth your money to go at New Years Magic Kingdom has reached capacity at 10am)
2) Don’t wait in long lines for popular rides. Get a Fast Pass (at entrance of ride). Magic Kingdom- Peter Pans Adventure, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain. Epcot- Soarin, Mission: Space, Test Track. Hollywood Studios- Tower of Terror, Rockin Rollercoaster. Animal Kingdom- Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest.
3) Make a reservation at a full service restaurant. Whether you purchase a dinning plan or not if you really want to take advantage of what Disney offers try the food. Get adventurous and try Jiko an African themed restaurant, or Boma the African buffet both located in Animal Kingdom Lodge. Try restaurant Marrakesh located in Morocco at Epcot. Want to go all out eat at Cinderella’s Castle inside Magic kingdom.
4) Never leave Magic Kingdom until the last day, I have seen vacations completely ruined by this. To visit all four parks I recommend a 6 day vacation. The day you arrive don’t run to a park hang in the resort a while visit the pool. Then try your vacation in this order: day two Epcot (to me feels like the biggest park and maybe somewhat boring) Day three: Magic Kingdom (the best one) Day four: Hollywood Studios. Day five: Animal Kingdom (this park opens early and closes early 5pm so take advantage and go back to your favorite park). Day six: end your vacation on a good note!
5) You don’t have to stay in the park all day; head back to the resort for an hour or so, take a dip in the pool or a much needed nap.
6) Buying souvenirs can add up pretty fast in Disney so as you visit the parks make note of some of the cool things that you see. If you are staying on Disney property they will deliver photos and souvenirs to your resort. If you want to not buy an extra piece of luggage to travel back home with then go to Downtown Disney and go into the biggest Disney souvenir store on the property. They have everything from apparel to kitchen accessories to toys. Of course if you still buy too much Disney also sells luggage.
7) Take advantage of your trip and let Disney take your pictures for you. Disney Photopass is very genius take it to the Disney photographers throughout the parks and get family portraits just remember to get your pictures later that night you may lose them when loading the next days on there. You can get the pass from the photographer.
The biggest tip I can give anyone traveling to the parks is to basically have fun. Be that kid again and wear the funny goofy hat. Have fun on your next trip!
