Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World

Throughout my years of visiting Walt Disney World and planning others vacations I have come up with a few different “Hacks” to help you make the most of your vacation. When you’re done reading this blog, my goal is that you find at least one new thing to try or something to apply during or while planning for your Disney vacation. Most of my tips are going to be Disney World specific, but some of these tips may be use at any other Disney parks around the world.

1. Don’t BUY bottle water– Water bottles in the park are soooooo expensive. If you want a water bottle, that’s great! But don’t buy them in the parks or at the resorts. If you’re driving to Orlando, bring a case of water with you. A bottle in the parks can cost upwards of $4 so the savings would be a drastic amount that will out way the inconvenience of lugging that case of water with you. If you’re flying, you have a few options. Some hotels sell cases of water, but the best way to save money is to catch an Uber of Lyft to a gas station or nearby grocery store when you arrive or on your way to the resort from the airport. The ride may cost you a few extra dollars to make the stop, but $3 for an entire case of water is more than worth the slight inconvenience to save you tons of money during your stay. You could also even have water delivered by Amazon. Although there may be a resort fee it still in the end will be less than buying 1 to 2 bottles of water a day in the parks. My number one trick in the parks is bring an empty reusable water bottle and ask the quick service restaurants for a “free” cup of water. I then use those waters to fill the bottle and carry it with me through out the parks.
2. Leave Your Refillable Mugs in the Room – If you choose to buy a refillable mug or you get one with your dining plan of choice, do not take them to the parks with you. It blows my mind when I see guests with backpacks and 4 or 5 refillable mugs hanging off them. The mugs are essentially just Disney themed plastic cups in the parks. The refillable mugs are only usable at quick service locations at the resorts, so save yourself the headache and leave them in the room unless you know you’ll be dining at another resort throughout your day.
3. Get the Free Buttons! – If you want a little extra recognition during your day, be sure to pick up a button on your way into the park if you’re celebrating any kind of special day. If it’s your first trip to the park, an anniversary, a birthday, or anything else you choose to celebrate, tell guest services or almost any merchandise location in the parks/resorts and they’ll give you a free button to wear. Throughout the day, cast members will pick up on it and you may be surprised by what pixie dust can be spread during your stay as a result. 
4. Visit the Boardwalk for Free Entertainment–I always recommend guests to visit the Boardwalk resort area. Being a Jersey girl, it is amazing to see how the decor truly represents the Atlantic City NJ. So, if you get a little extra time during your stay, head over to the Boardwalk for some amazing views, a cute pizza window, free live entertainment at night, and an incredible few hours of the best that Disney has to offer! The view alone will make you want to keep coming back. Don’t forget to try some Ample Hills Ice Cream!
5. Try Using a Travel Planner (agent) – If you are new to visiting Disney it can be overwhelming. Reach out to a Disney Specialized agent to help with the planning. If you are a seasoned Disney traveler, you can use an agent also! See as a travel planner I can be as hands on or hands off as you may like. If you are a newbie then I can help with it all from figuring out where to stay, which restaurants will fit your needs, doing you fastpasses and making an itinerary. If you are seasoned, I can just be a sounding board for you to bounce ideas off of. While you then say, “WHY should I use one if I know what I am doing?” Well here is the why, Disney had the commission already built into the price, so if you book online or the phone then that cast member will receive the commission if you book through me then your helping someone you know! We travel planners love to help anyone in any way that we can, so don’t get overwhelmed send us an email or a phone call and let us help guide those who need it.
6. Book Tickets in Packages to Benefit from Cancellation – Every once in a while you may feel the desire to buy your park tickets independently of your resort reservations. Something you should be aware of is that if you buy tickets in a stand-alone manner, the ticket is non-refundable. However, if you book your tickets in a package, the tickets are refundable by the same guidelines outlined for the package. Packages are refundable if cancelled at least 30 or more days prior to guest arrival. If you use a travel planner then we can guide you through this process.

Thanks for reading and I hope these 6 tips can help you with your Disney planning! Feel free to reach out with an Disney Destinations needs [email protected]