an independent travel agent with Escapes.ca
DISNEYWORLD TIPS & TRICKS
Staying on site gives several benefits including Magical Express, early/late park access, advanced Fast Pass reservations, Magic Bands (room key, payment system and ride access) free, free parking, and the ability to have purchases delivered to your room.
You can easily fill your days without ever stepping in side the parks. Go golfing, rent a boat, fish, take a trail ride, shop in Disney Springs or swim at your resort's pool - there's plenty to do! Plan non-park days and save your sanity!
Breakfast reservations can get you early access to the Magic Kingdom before the park opens. Get that coveted castle shot with no one in your way!
Celebrating something? A birthday, an anniversary, even your first visit? Visit Guest Services when you enter the parks to get a free pin. You may even find yourself on the receiving end of a free dessert!
Give yourself 60-90 minutes to travel by internal transportation systems, especially during peak times, especially if you have a reservation somewhere to be at.
Disney offers several behind the scenes tours, festivals and special events. Ask me about all the different ways to add a little extra magic to your trip.
Worried about running out of battery for your phone? For $30 you can buy yourself a fueling rod, available at all parks and resorts. When you need a fresh rod, exchange at the vending machine for a new one to charge up your phone.
Some Disney rooms have kitchenettes and all rooms have at least a mini fridge. Some of the villas even have full kitchens. Have groceries delivered to your room and save some money on food.
Several restaurants offer dining packages that give you priority seating to some of the shows, such as Fantasmic or the Happily Ever After Fireworks.
Disneyworld is roughly the size of Manhattan. It's HUGE! Consider staying at a hotel like the Yacht Club or Beach Club for to be walking distance from Epcot, or The Contemporary to be walking distance from The Magic Kingdom.
Some Disney hotels offer 1, 2 and even 3 bedroom options fitting 9-10 people. It's easier than ever to travel as a group!
Orlando weather can be unpredictable. Buy your family rain ponchos at home and save yourself money.
You can get free ice water from any quick service restaurant with a soda fountain. So, don't stress about loading up your pack for the day!
Want to stay at more than one resort? Totally doable. Disney will even move your bags between resorts so when you arrive at your new hotel after a day in the parks, your bags will be in your new room.
Take advantage of Switch Pass when not everyone in your party can ride. Part of the party can go on the ride while the other waits with the baby/the stuff. Tell the operator you're doing Switch, and they'll give you a pass so the other person can go on without waiting in line!
Attractions don't close when the park closes, and shops typically stay open about an hour after park close, so if you're around at the end of the day, linger. Let the crowds disperse while you take advantage of some shorter lines.
There is free internet in the parks, so download the My Disney App and keep track of all your fast pass reservations, or Facebook Live your ride on Slash Mountain to get your friends jealous.
Bring a sharpie for your souvenir books. That way characters like Mickey, The Beast or Pluto have a fighting change at producing a legible autograph.