Walt Disney World Hints and Tips

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Disclosure - this is a collaborative post

We have been going to Walt Disney Theme Parks for over a decade now and over the years you do pick up some hints and tips that can make your stay more enjoyable. If you are planning a visit to Walt Disney World soon then hopefully some of these may come in handy.

If it’s your first time visiting Walt Disney World or you are celebrating your birthday or anniversary, make sure you grab a badge. Badges can be found dotted around the parks and also at your Disney resort hotel. Cast members have the authority to choose visitors wearing the badges to give them a freebie. I received a huge ice cream which was a lovely treat.

While entering, you should also make sure that everyone in your group has the right entry ticket and pass. There are many different kinds depending on a whole range of situations, so this is something that you will just need to make sure that you get right. And sometimes it is going to help someone to make the most of it or make the day easier for them, such as getting them a Disney disability pass where necessary.

Take a water bottle in to the parks with you. There are water fountains scattered about which you can use to refill however most quick service dining restaurants have refill stations and you can fill your water bottle up at them and with cold water and ice. In the parks, Sunshine Seasons and Electric Umbrella at Epcot, Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom, Backlot Express in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Restaurantosaurus & Satu’li Canteen in Disney’s Animal Kingdom all have drink refill stations.

Now matter how sunny you think Florida is, always pack a light rain mac or poncho. You never know when rain will hit and trust me without a waterproof you will be soaked in seconds.

Purchase an autograph book and pen and always have it to hand. Some characters may just walk about and will be happy to stop for an autograph and photo.

Utilise your fast passes. If you are staying at a Disney Resort Hotel with a ticket package you can book up to 60 days in advance. Make sure you book as early as you can, you can always change your choices using the app should your plans change.  Once you have completed your three free fast passes you can then go on to book more, one at a time until the end of the day.

The Walt Disney World app keeps you up to date with current queue times, character locations, dining, temporary closures and entertainment. Free Wi-Fi internet is available in the theme parks and resort hotels at Walt Disney World.

Get a free drink at Epcot’s Club Cool, where there are eight flavours of Coke products from around the world. Make sure to have a cup of the Beverly. It’s an unusual flavour that you absolutely must try.

Plan your day carefully. The parks are huge and you don’t want to have rides planned that are scattered between lands meaning you have to walk back and forth all day. Choose a land to start in and make the most of that land before you move on. We find everyone tends to move clockwise so anticlockwise is usually less busy.

Resting throughout the day is so important. The days are long in the Disney parks with some parks open till midnight at times. Plan some rest times during the day, maybe see a show or stop for a coffee and cake.

Take the kids swimwear and a towel to the Magic Kingdom with you. In Fantasyland there is a small area that sprays out water when it's hot outside. The kids love it and it's a great way to cool down quickly.

Adults can always order from the kid’s menu, which is a great way to save money while still getting a meal that will satisfy smaller/moderate appetites.

Don’t get drawn into the Disney Vacation Club by the exciting  promotions while at Walt Disney World. Wait until you get home, research the Pros and Cons of Disney Vacation Club, and buy via the resale market if you’re going to buy at all.

Look out for the professional photographers. They are there to help create memories for you by snapping pictures of you and your family with iconic backdrops. I would recommend purchasing the memory maker which saves all your photos on.

If you’re staying at a Disney-owned hotel, you can have merchandise you purchase in the park sent to your hotel so you don’t have to carry it around all day.

Evenings are ideal for those who don’t want to wait in line during the day in the Florida heat. Queue times decrease dramatically around 7pm so it’s a great time to jump on the usually busy rides or meet your favourite characters.

If you are staying in the Walt Disney resort make sure you make use of your hotel amenities. It’s so easy to jump up out of bed each day and quickly head to the parks but it’s also nice to enjoy what your hotel has to offer. Take a dip in the pool, let the kids burn off some energy in the playground or have some family fun in the arcade.

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Have you visited Walt Disney World? Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit 

For more information on visiting Walt Disney World make sure you visit our  Walt Disney World posts 

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Michelle

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