Disney Tips and Tricks

If you’re looking for Disney tips and tricks, you’re in the right place! If you’re planning a Disney vacation, it can feel like a lot of work. It’s a lot with four theme parks, two water parks, thirty-four resorts, Disney Genie +, Advanced Dining Reservations, the Disney Dining Plan, etc.!

I wrote this post with general Disney World tips and tricks and some Hollywood Studios tips and tricks to help you navigate the Disney vacation planning process.

Before we start, let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Florida resident, theme park fan, mom of the Florida Travel with Kids-kids, and a Disney College of Knowledge graduate. I keep up with the latest Disney news; it’s my job! If you’re interested in saving money and time by booking with a Certified Disney Travel Agent, make sure to contact me!

General Disney World Tips and Tricks

Here are some general Disney tips and tricks in no particular order.

1. Download the My Disney Experience App

The very first thing you should do (after purchasing your tickets) is download the My Disney Experience App. You can do so many things with the app, including mobile ordering, maps, dining reservations, viewing ride wait times, and so much more.

2. Make Dining Reservations well in advance

You can book dining reservations up to 180 days in advance. Even at 180 days, some dining reservations are still hard to get. Make sure to book your dining reservations as early as possible.

3. Consider an annual pass for one member of your party

You can get the benefits of being an annual pass holder even if only one member of your party has an annual pass. Annual pass holders enjoy benefits like lower prices on stays in Disney Resorts, merchandise discounts, and more. It’s worth crunching the numbers to see if this tip will save you money.

4. Take advantage of Single Rider Lines

If your group is made up of adults or older kids, take advantage of Single Rider Lines. Yes, your group will be split up, but you’ll spend most of the time in the queue together. Using the Single Rider Line is a great tip for busy days or when you want to ride as many rides as possible.

5. Take advantage of Rider Switch

If you have little ones or party members who don’t like rides, take advantage of Rider Switch. Everyone waits in line together, and then one adult will ride while one stays with the child. After that, they will switch instead of waiting all over again. A bonus of this is that Cast Members will often let an older child ride with each parent, giving them the chance to ride twice!

6. Always use Mobile Ordering when available

Long lines? Not a problem. Always use Mobile Order (through the My Disney Experience App) when it’s available. Disney is adding new restaurants to Mobile Order all the time, so make sure to check before waiting in line.

7. Consider booking with a Disney Certified Travel Agent

I’ll talk more about this below, but consider using a certified Disney Travel Agent to book your vacation. This is one of the Disney tips and tricks that can save time and money by using an expert to plan your trip.

8. Purchase Disney Gift Cards with a Target RedCard

You can purchase Disney Gift Cards with a Target RedCard and save 5%! Gift cards are great for setting a budget for souvenirs or food purchases. This is one of my favorite Disney tips and tricks for families with kids. I always recommend that families purchase gift cards for kids in the amount they have for souvenirs; that way, there’s a set amount, and when it runs out, it runs out. Plus, you’re saving a little!

9. Know if the Disney Dining Plan is right for you or not

The Disney Dining Plan can save money, but it isn’t right for everyone. If you have vegetarians or light eaters in your group, the Disney Dining Plan might not save you any money at all. It’s also worth noting that not everyone has to be on the Dining Plan. You can order food for anyone, whether they’re on the Disney Dining Plan or not. So it might be worth it to purchase the plan for three people and split it with your group of 4 or 5 if you have light eaters.

10. Never pay rack rate for a hotel

Disney is almost always running promotions, so never pay rack rate (full price) for your hotel room. Make sure to contact me for current promotions.

11. Adults can order kids’ meals at counter-service restaurants

Did you know that adults can order kids’ meals at counter-service restaurants? This generally will not work at Table Service Restaurants, but adults can almost always order kids’ meals at counter service, even if the menu says 3-9.

12. You CAN bring your own snacks (but don’t bring ice!)

You can bring your own snacks into Disney World, but Disney has a new rule about ice. Don’t bring bags of ice; it’s not allowed anymore. Instead, buy some reusable ice packs to bring in your cooler.

13. Bring a poncho or umbrella

Disney World is in Florida, and rain is inevitable, so bring ponchos or an umbrella. Purchase these items ahead of time because they are pricey at the parks.

**Sorry for the Universal picture, I don’t have any photos at Disney in the rain. 

14. Bring your water bottle

You can ask for a cup of water at any quick-service dining location. You can either pour this into a reusable cup or use the new filling stations (more are being added all the time) to fill your water bottles. I love my Hydroflask and take it everywhere.

15. Make sure to schedule a day or two of downtime

Disney World can be a lot, especially for small kids. Make sure to schedule a day or two of downtime. Disney Resorts are wonderful destinations on their own, so it’s worth it to spend a day or two exploring your resort (or any other Disney Resort!)

16. Refillable Drink Mugs and Refillable Popcorn Buckets can be a great deal

The refillable mugs and popcorn buckets can be a great deal if those are items that you intend to purchase anyway. Make sure to purchase them at the beginning of your trip.

17. Figure out if you need Genie +

Disney Genie + (not to be confused with Disney Genie) is what replaced the Fast Pass system. It can be confusing, and you may or may not need it. Take time to learn about it and whether or not you’ll need it during your trip. If you can travel during a less busy time, you may not need it!

18. Head to the popular rides during the fireworks or parade

Riding popular rides during the fireworks or parade is a great idea as most people are watching the fireworks or parade and not riding rides.

19. *Or* watch the second parade when available

If a second parade is an option, watch it and spend the time during the first parade riding rides.

20. Buy glowy things in advance

It’s tempting to buy glow sticks or light-up toys at Disney. Save yourself a lot of money and buy things like glow sticks or even glow paint (available on Amazon, not in the parks!) in advance.

21. Stay in a Disney hotel

Yes, staying in a Disney hotel is generally a bit more expensive, but Disney does have some economical options. Staying in a Disney resort makes the entire trip more magical, so see if it fits within your budget!

22. Don’t wear new shoes

One of the best Disney tips and tricks is never wear new shoes! Make sure to bring shoes that are broken in and comfortable. I like Teva Tirra sandals, but wear whatever is comfortable for you and not brand new. Ouch!

23. Bring your own straws

Disney has launched a lot of new green initiatives, which is awesome! However, some people aren’t a fan of the new paper straws. You can avoid issues with paper straws by bringing stainless steel or silicone straws. This is one of those Disney tips and tricks that you might not think about, but is very useful.

Hollywood Studios Tip and Tricks

Hollywood Studios can be difficult to navigate thanks to the popularity of Galaxy’s Edge, but don’t worry; I’m here to help. I’ll share more park-specific tips in the future, but for now, let’s talk about Hollywood Studios.

24. Everyone is heading to Galaxy’s Edge, so go somewhere else!

Galaxy’s Edge is not really new anymore but is still the biggest draw to the park, so head to other parts of the park at park opening and go to Galaxy’s Edge later.

25. Don’t forget to register 4-12-year-olds for the Jedi Training Academy (sorry, adults!)

Don’t forget that registration is required for the Jedi Training Adacemony. Sorry, adults, this is for kids 4-12 only. I know I’m disappointed too.

26. Ask to be the Pilot on the Millennium Falcon.

The Pilot is, by far, the best spot on the ride, so make sure to request it if you can. It’s worth waiting a few extra minutes.

27. The Jawas will trade with you – bring something that you don’t mind giving away.

This lesser-known tip is a lot of fun: bring something small to trade with the Jawas.

28. Make reservations early for Oga’s Canteen and Building a Lightsaber

Make sure to make those reservations as soon as possible, up to 180 days in advance.

29. Learn about the new things coming!

This list of Disney tips and tricks used to have a lot of Fast Pass information, which of course I had to remove. I decided to replace this one with talking about NEW things at Hollywood Studios! Check out Monsters Inc at Hollywood Studios news, I’m excited about this one!

30. Rockin Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror Line tip

Head toward the wall with the door after the line merges into the smaller room. When the door opens, you’ll be at the front of the line. Yes, just like on Escape from Gringott’s at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Disney tips and tricks

I hope these 30 Disney tips and tricks helped you learn something new for your next Disney vacation.

Do you want more Disney vacation ideas?

• 25 Free Things at Disney World
• 7 things to know about the Disney Skyliner
• 15 Disney Secrets that may surprise you!
• Where to find Dole Whip at Disney World
• Star Wars Land vs. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Booking your Disney Vacation

If you want to work with a Disney Travel Agent, contact me today, and I’d love to help you!

I highly recommend buying your tickets through Undercover Tourist if you choose not to use a Travel Agent. There are a lot of really scammy sites out there, so make sure you’re booking through an approved partner (like Undercover Tourist) or an approved Travel Agent!

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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