Walt Disney World has changed a lot since 2020. Some services returned, some disappeared, and new systems landed. This means some of our traditional Walt Disney World Tips are no longer relevant. Here is our updated Walt Disney World Top 10 Tips to save time, money, and stress.
Create a vacation plan.
We all like to relax on vacation, taking each day as it comes, but Walt Disney World is one vacation you must plan!
Walt Disney World is massive, and it’s impossible to do everything in just a few days. Being disorganized and running between parks will lead to disaster. If you don’t create a plan for each day, you may miss out on your must-do attractions.
As part of your planning process, you may want to consider Dining Reservations, Early Theme Park Entry (if staying in a resort that has access), Extended Evening Hours (if staying in a Deluxe Resort), Lightning Lane Single Attractions, and Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
In your plan, decide what your must-do rides and shows are for each park. Then build the day around them. Aim to rope drop (park opening), take a mid-day break, and return in the evening when lines often ease.
Our Free Walt Disney World Planners are a great resource to help create a perfect Walt Disney World Vacation Plan.
Decide whether you want to buy Lightning Lane Passes.
FastPass+ is long gone. Disney Genie+ is gone, too. In their place are three paid skip-the-line options: Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Lightning Lane, and the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass. They’re faster than standby, but they’re not free, and costs can add up fast.
You don’t need to buy any of these, but if you do, you may ride more attractions. However, if you decide to buy, Multi Pass or Single Lightning Lane, do not leave it too late, as the best reservation slots go quickly. Upon arrival in the US, Guests of Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels can purchase passes up to 7 days in advance of their stay. Guests staying elsewhere can purchase passes up to 3 days in advance of their park visit.
You must understand all about the Lightning Lane options as soon as possible. Read our Guide to Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass to learn more.
Do you need a Park Pass?
The majority of guests, who have date-based tickets, no longer need a Park Reservation. Some tickets (e.g., certain non-dated or Annual Pass types) may still need reservations—check your ticket details.
If you think you might need a reservation, read our Guide to Disney Park Pass.
Book dining reservations in advance
The most popular dining venues get fully booked quickly.
A 60-day Advanced Dining Reservation window applies, and you can book via My Disney Experience. Walt Disney World Resort guests, and select other hotels, can reserve 60 days before arrival and make up to 10 days of Advance Dining Reservations that same day.
Make sure your reservations are made as soon as possible. While standby lists can exist, there are no guarantees you will get a reservation on the day.
Mobile Order your meals.
I think Mobile Ordering is one of the most fantastic time savers at Walt Disney World. It is amazing how many guests don’t use it.
The idea is simple: via the My Disney Experience app, you can order your food and prepay using the Disney Dining Plan or a stored credit card. Once you get to your restaurant, hit the “I’m here” button, and you will be notified where to collect your order.
Order breakfast while you’re in line for a ride, and pick an off-peak lunch window (e.g., 10:45–11:30 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m.). It’s the easiest queue you’ll skip all day.
Pace yourself and be prepared for changes in the weather.
You can’t do Walt Disney World in just 1 or 2 days. If you go charging around the World on your first day, trying to do all those big attractions, you will burn out.
Dehydration and sunstroke are easy to acquire but easy to prevent. Carry water and drink regularly. There are plenty of free water points at all parks.
The Orlando heat can be heavy going, especially in the summer months. It would help if you planned to have a break during your day and possibly return to the park in the evening.
Guests visiting Walt Disney World might need sunscreen, a hat, and waterproof clothing on any day. Have a rainy day plan for what to do if the weather turns.
Our Guide to Orlando Weather has plenty of other tips to beat the heat.
Make sure the kids are tall enough to ride.
Make sure everyone who wants to is big enough to ride. Disney enforces height limits rigidly. If the kids are too small, it does not mean others have to miss out. Rider Switch allows guests with small children to take turns riding while another adult stays with the child.
Read our Guide to Rider Switch to learn more. You can see all the current height restrictions at Walt Disney World here.
Only pack essentials in your park bag
What are the things you must take into the park?
Make a list of what you need, e.g., camera, autograph book, poncho. Pack your bag the night before and check it before leaving in the morning.
However, there is a difference between being prepared and being too prepared. Remember, you will be carrying your bag all day. We have created a guide, which includes details of what we think you should fit in your Walt Disney World park bag.
Take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours
We never used to think Extra Magic Hours were a great benefit. However, we believe both Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours are a great benefit and the main reason to stay on-site.
Early Theme Park Entry started in 2021 and replaced Extra Magic Hours. All Walt Disney World Resort guests and guests at other select hotels can gain 30-minute early entry to any theme park each day.
Extended Evening Hours are only available for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts. Guests staying at one of these resorts can enjoy extended evening hours in select theme parks on select nights.
Extended evening hours are typically held at Magic Kingdom park on Wednesdays and EPCOT on Mondays.
These extended hours are a fantastic benefit for guests staying at Disney Resorts. Off-site guests often find large crowds already in the park when they enter later in the day. Try to complete some of the resort’s most popular attractions during these periods.
Live in the My Disney Experience app.
Online access is essential at Walt Disney World; we even previously said it was our Number 1 Walt Disney World Top. WiFi is available throughout all parks and resorts at Walt Disney World.
Having access to WiFi (or 4G/5G) allows you to access My Disney Experience. My Disney Experience is a free online guide to Walt Disney World to enable guests to plan their vacations.
Through the App, you can: confirm park hours, wait times, make Lightning Lane selections, make dining reservations, see showtimes, access maps, and enjoy a range of other features.
Turn on notifications, keep your phone charged, and enable location services for smoother in-park features.
Read More
Visit our Beginners Guide to Walt Disney World to learn more. Our guide includes all the latest information on the reopening of Walt Disney World.
