It's finally summer time, and with summer time comes Disney trips for the majority of Floridians and even those in other states. Whether you've been once, a million times or have never been to Disney, there are certain tricks that are great to know to help your trip run smoothly. I myself have been to Disney at least once a year since the time I was four, have taken countless family vacations there and have even owned a platinum annual pass, so I am definitely an expert when it comes to Disney- my favorite place on Earth.
1. Do Not Pay For Water
You can go to any restaurant or stand that has a soda fountain and they will give you a free curtesy cup of water and ice. In fact, many restaurants prepare the cups of water in advance so they can hand them to you as soon as you ask. You can ask for as many as you need all day long, so don't waste your money on a water bottle.
2. Download The My Disney Experience App
This app can be incredibly helpful, especially if you link it up to your account. Once linked, you can use the app to create and see hotel and restaurant reservations along with booking and keeping track of your fast passes. This app is great for showing you all the plans you have throughout the day so you don't miss a meal or ride. It also shows you the wait times of rides in any of the parks, so you can hop on a ride while the line is short.
3. Download The Game Heads Up!
"Heads Up!" is a free app that is sure to provide entertainment to people of all ages while standing in line. There are all kinds of decks to choose from that come for free with the app and are suitable for all ages. You are also able to purchase a few more decks if you choose to do so. The game really does make the wait time go by much faster.
4. Take Break Days
Obviously if you are going for one day this tip doesn't apply to you, however, if you are going for a week then definitely do this. Many people that take family vacations at Disney will visit a park everyday, however, it becomes very hard to enjoy the parks on day four and five, so instead break up the days with other activities like chilling at the hotel pool, visiting Disney Springs, visiting one of the water parks or even doing something else fun and relaxing in the Orlando area.
5. Don't Get Park Hopper Passes
Park hopping can be fun, but only if you have been to the parks a bunch and are just trying to hit a few of your favorites, however, for new comers it just ends up being overly expensive, frustrating and exhausting. Just spend the entire day at one park- it will be more enjoyable to take your time and see everything. If you have limited time and do decide to get a park hopper pass, use it to do Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios since those are the two smallest parks.
6. Try Parks Other Than Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is wonderful, don't get me wrong. It's what you picture when you think of Disney, and I like to consider Cinderella's Castle to be my second home, however, as I have gotten older, I have begun to appreciate Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom even more. They tend to have fewer children and with rides like Soarin', Rock 'n' Rollercoaster and Mt. Everest, you are bound to have a great time.
7. Stay At A Disney Resort
There are all different levels of Disney Resorts from the fairly priced value resort to the luxurious Grand Floridian. If you have to stay at a hotel, I highly recommend staying at one of Disney's. You will be able to save money by riding the bus or monorail in instead of paying for parking, and there all have fun pools, arcades, gift shops and restaurants to make your stay more enjoyable.
8. Make Reservations In Advance
Many of Disney's nicest restaurants inside and outside of the parks will fill up quickly, so as soon as you know the dates of your trip, plan where and when you want to eat so that you know you can get in. It is also a good idea to book your fast passes early since the more popular rides will run out of them sooner.
