10 Quick Hacks For Those Planning a Walt Disney World Getaway
If you’re in the process of planning a Walt Disney World getaway, there are many things you can do to save time, money or just to add a little bit of extra pixie-dust to your visit. That’s where we come in! Check out some of MickeyBlogs quick hacks for having a perfect Disney getaway!
1. You DON’T Have to Schedule Your FastPasses or Dining Reservations In Order
Ask any Disney regular or travel agent how they make their FastPass and Dining Reservations and chances are they’ll tell you they book the most sought after reservations first! When it comes to making your reservations online with My Disney Experience, you don’t need to make these reservations in order. Rather, get the important ones out of the way first. When it comes to FastPasses start with popular rides like Slinky Dog Dash and Flight of Passage then go back and book in the other FastPasses covering your stay. When it comes to dining reservations, Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Bon Voyage Breakfast and TREX should all be top priorities!
2. Try to Book FastPasses for Attractions With the Longest Wait Times
Not all FastPasses at Disney are created equal. In order to maximize the 3 FastPasses that you get per day, gravitate toward those that you know are going to have the longest lines. Using your allocation for Flight of Passage where lines regularly exceed an hour is a much better use of a FastPass at Animal Kingdom rather than It’s Tough To Be a Bug which you can usually walk right onto without a FastPass. For a sense of wait times, check out the My Disney Parks App which gives line wait times in real time! Or check out one of our handy FastPass guides here.
3. Try and Get and 8am Reservation at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall if You’re Frozen Fans
If riding Frozen Ever After is top of the priority list or meeting Anna and Elsa is a must-do then combine your Frozen-themed Epcot visit with a breakfast dining reservation at Akershus. An 8 am reservation means you can typically enter the park before it opens to the public. From 8-9 am you can enjoy breakfast with your favorite Disney princesses before hopping in line from the adjacent Frozen Ever After attraction when it officially opens at 9am. This means little to no wait times. Afterwards, pop next door to say hello to Anna and Elsa and you’ve had a Frozen-themed morning with little to no effort (and waiting!).
4. Pay Off Your Balance With Disney Gift Cards
Many first-time visitors don’t realize this but when you are ready to pay off your Walt Disney World vacation package balance you can actually do this with Disney Gift Cards. This is a great way for those looking to save a little bit of money as retailers like Target, Costco and Sam’s Club will often sell these cards at a discount to members. At Sam’s, you can currently get a $50 Disney Gift Card for $47. Trust me! All those $3 add up when you planning a lengthy stay!
5. Go Against the Grain at Magic Kingdom and Other Parks
If you plan on arriving at the parks as soon as they open, a great way to beat the crowds is by watching the heaving morning traffic and deliberately go in the opposite direction. At Magic Kingdom, you can get a quiet relaxing start to the day by avoiding Fantasyland first thing in the morning and instead tackling Adventureland, Liberty Square and Frontierland. At Animal Kingdom, book a FastPass for Flight of Passage later in the day and instead of making a beeline for Pandora – The World of Avatar start at Dinoland U.S.A for a kinder gentler approach the park!
6. Save at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique By Bringing Your Own Costume
If you will be visiting Disney with your little princess than Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique located in Cinderella’s Castle is a rite of passage. However, you can save a hefty chunk of change by picking up a princess dress at your local departments store and bringing it with you. Castle Couture Packages at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with hair, makeup and an outfit often cost nearly $300. Bring the dress with you, get an updo and you’ll save yourself $200!
7. Save at Be Our Guest by Making a Reservation for Breakfast or Lunch
Be Our Guest Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in all of Walt Disney World and it’s easy to understand why. The experience of walking into this delightful recreation of Beast’s Castle from Beauty and the Beast is nothing short of magical. However, you can save yourself money or for those on the Disney Dining plan dining credits by booking a breakfast or lunch spot over dinner. The cuisine during the first two meals of the day is still wonderful, it still gets brought to your table (though you grab drinks on your own) and it’s available at a fraction of the cost! For those on the Disney Dining Plan dining here for breakfast or lunch also only sets you back one quick service dining credit per person as opposed to the two table service credits everyone in your party will be charged if you wait until dinner!
8. Get a Refillable Resort Mug Even If You Aren’t on the Dining Plan
One of the perks of getting a Disney Dining Plan is the refillable resort mug! Your mug can be used for unlimited refills at drink stations throughout your resort meaning you can fuel up as often as you like without having to pay out of pocket. Many guests don’t realize that you have the ability to purchase the mug even if you aren’t on the Dining Plan. Just pick one up at the food court of your resort. The cost is under $20 and with drinks (like most food items) at Disney having a high mark-up you’ll quickly find that they pay for themselves! If you don’t want to get one for the whole family you can also share!
For more info on resort mugs check out this article.
9. Stay for the Kiss Goodnight at the Magic Kingdom
When the “Happily Ever After” have finished for the night don’t leave the theme parks with the heaving masses. You’ll only encounter long transportation lines and restless crowds. Instead, stay behind. Many of the shops on Main Street stay open after the lands of the park have officially closed making it the perfect time to pick up those last-minute souvenirs. Also, you’ll have a chance to check out the Kiss Goodnight. This slightly under-the-radar nightly sendoff is favorite with Disney regulars and a nice way to end your evening.
For more information on the Kiss Goodnight check out this article.
10. Check Out the FREE Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at Fort WIlderness
Walt Disney World is actually filled with a hefty handful of FREE activities and there have been many a blog article dedicated to this topic. However, our favorite freebie definitely has to be a visit to the Campfire Sing-A-Long. Simply hop the boat from Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness for an evening of good music, a roaring fire, Chip n’ Dale, S’mores and more! The event is held nightly and is free to attend. However, S’mores making kits are available for purchase for those that didn’t bring your own! The event is immediately followed by Movies Under the Stars making the perfect low-cost Disney night out for your family!
These are just a few of the many tips, tricks and planning advice we share regularly at MickeyBlog. Keep following along!
Thinking about a visit to Disney? Getting started is easy! Simply fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels.
Why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you get the best discounts for your Disney World vacation package, assist with making dining, Fastpass and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party reservations and can even help you plan an itinerary filled with extra special seasonal touches. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Contact me at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or on Facebook and let’s get planning!
