My family and I are avid Disney goers. We've gone for so many years that I feel like I should share some tips to get the best out of your trip!
1. Watch the FastPasses
You are now only allowed to have three FastPasses per day. If the ride you want is full, look at the fast pass list every 30 min to see if the ride has any openings. If it canceled one of your other ones and book it!
2. Don't eat at the parks for every meal
Park meals are expensive! Bring snacks (or buy a few) or eat big meals to save you some money!
3. If you want to ride rides, go during meal time
Many families do not eat often or have made dining reservations for lunch/dinner. This is one of the best times to ride rides because everyone is eating!
4. If you want to ride rides, skip the fireworks!
Even though all of the firework shows are amazing if you're not a big fan, skip them! Ride times are the lowest during the firework shows!
5. If you want to meet characters, go to character dining!
Instead of waiting in long lines and maybe not being able to see the characters, go to character breakfast! There are a bunch of characters there!
6. Load your card onto your magic bad
To save time, you can set your card up on your magic band. When buying anything in a park you can use the magic band instead of digging to find your card.
7. Bring/buy a poncho
In Florida, no matter where you are it's going to rain. It happens and you don't want to be stuck wasting ride time from the rain.
8. Bring a backpack
My family always brings a backpack. You can put your wallet, ponchos, snacks, maps, and everything you need in it and bring it into the park with you! It is a life saver.
9. Buy the souvenir cups and popcorn buckets
If your family gets hangry like mine when you are in the parks between the long stretch of meals, buy the souvenir popcorn buckets and cups. The refills are cheap and you can use them in all parks! (They are also able to attach to your backpack so you don't have to hold them!)
10. Wear comfortable shoes
Yes, you are on vacation. Yes, it's Florida so you think you should wear flip flops. But don't do it. You will walk many miles a day and be miserable if you wear flip flops. Be smart, wear shoes that are comfortable to wear.
11. Bring battery powered fans
This is Disney and it's Florida! IT'S HOT! Bring that fan to make you happy while waiting in lines!
12. Be there when the parks open!
This is a biggie because you want to maximize your time. But also you might be able to get a few rides in before the rush starts!
13. Buy Disney Ears on Etsy or Amazon
Ears on Etsy or Amazon are much cheaper than buying them from the parks!
14. Stay at a Disney Resort
By staying at a resort, you can have free shuttle to the parks and other Disney destinations!
15. Don't be afraid to watch shows
At Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios there are shows you can watch. If you're tired or want a rest, stop by and watch! They are entertaining and worth it!
16. Bring a portable charger
We all like to take pics and videos and that means your phone will die quickly! This is the one that Disney recommends!
man running in forestPhoto by 
