Disney World Hacks from an Ex Cast Member
Ok… If I’m perfectly honest, I just recovered this draft I wrote up years ago just after leaving my time working at the happiest place on Earth…Walt Disney World! I am aware that a handful of these tips probably no longer apply due to Covid changes throughout the parks and times changing, however if you are planning on visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida anytime soon, do use this as a guide as I some of these could definitely help you save some time and cash!
1. Fast passes
Ironically, this is the first one that has since been updated! Fast-pass lines have now been replaced with “lightning lanes” and Genie+, which are unfortunately no longer free. In saying that, this feature only costs $15 a day, which in the scheme of how much a Disney World trip may cost, is not an awful lot more. Anyway, my hack whilst I was there was to continuously refresh the screen in hopes of scoring that ride you’re after (as it won’t always show up as you’d like first time round!) Hopefully this still works!
2. Bring your own food where possible.
If the parks and resorts cost as much as they do, I’m sure you can imagine that the food there is not necessarily the cheapest. Unlike some attractions and theme parks around the world, Disney actually allows you to bring food in with you. On their website, it states “Guests are allowed to bring outside food and nonalcoholic beverage items into the park for self-consumption, provided they are not in glass containers and do not require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration or temperature control and do not have pungent odors.” – (Disneyworld.disney.go.com). Especially as a vegan or for those with dietary requirements, it can often be difficult to find suitable meals in the park, therefore this is great that Disney allows this.
3. Parade and fireworks are best times for rides
Now I suppose this one only really applies if you’re not fussed about missing the parades and firework display, or perhaps you’ve been there a few days and already seen them. Whilst half the park rushes to main street and the castle, I can guarantee you’ll have queues half the size at your favorite rides, score! (I mean they’ll likely still be winding queues, but significantly smaller.)
4. Best parade spot!
Speaking of parades, the best viewing spot for the parades are Frontierland at the rear of the park, which is where it starts from, (unless it’s an alternative parade that starts from Main Street – ask a cast member when you arrive.) I can guarantee most guests will be fighting for the perfect spot along Main Street for those spectacular castle views and charming buildings in the background, whereas Frontierland is likely to be a little quieter. Make sure you find your spot in time for the 3 o’clock kick off!
5. Best time to visit.
Speaking from experience, August through until about September is probably the best time to visit to avoid hectic crowds. Disney World hosts a few large events throughout the year such as Halloween parties, Christmas decorations, Easter celebrations and of course, New Year! Whilst these holiday periods are beautiful to experience, I’m really not sure if it’s worth fighting the crowds and queuing up hours for. The start of the year after New Year and after school holidays can be fairly quiet as well. Thankfully Orlando weather is quite nice majority of the year too.
6. If the queue is longer than 1 hour…dont bother!
Why waste a day lining up for one ride, however popular it is, when you could have been spending it elsewhere? In saying that, you could become lucky with the timing (perhaps during a firework display 😉 ). I remember when I first arrived there, the Pandora attractions had recently opened and were attracting 6 hour long queues! In all fairness, they were quite impressive, but I honestly can’t fathom spending a fortune on a family trip to Disney World, to spend majority of the day in a queue, and maybe squeeze in an hour for lunch! There are plenty more impressive attractions to experience.
7. Freebies!
Who doesn’t love an obnoxiously large badge to celebrate an occasion? Birthday, wedding, graduation, first time at Disney? If you share your story with someone at the ticketing office or information kiosks, they might just gift you a badge to wear and keep!
Head to Club Cool in Epcot if you’re a soda fan, to try different sodas from around the world, completely free.
I’m not certain if it’s still happening, but the Ghirardelli chocolate shop in Disney Springs used to offer free chocolate samples to guests (let’s be honest that’s the reason I used to visit everyday after work…)
8. Disney Springs
Other than just the free chocolate, Disney Springs comes alive in the evenings, and daytime too, with live music, entertainment, Disney stores galore and great food places! If you have a spare day or evening during your trip, don’t forget to visit this exciting precinct. You can make your way there on the Disney shuttles that travel between the parks and resorts.
9. Want shorter queue times?
Single rider lines! Not all of the attractions have this, but those that do (typically the roller coaster rides), I’d recommend single rider if you can bear splitting up from your mates for the ride!
10. Free Disney shuttles between parks, resorts and Disney Springs!
If staying at a Disney resort or even nearby to one, take full advantage of these free shuttles! There are multiple routes, all connecting between the parks, resorts and even Disney Springs. The monorail service is also free and connects Magic Kingdom to the three surrounding resorts.
11. Arrive before the park opens and hot foot it to the attraction with the longest queue
They don’t say the early bird gets the worm, for nothing! Here at Disney World it certainly pays to arrive early, even if it means waiting for a bit outside the gates. Perhaps just bring a game or two and some breakfast-to-go whilst you wait.
12. Events at resorts!
It’s not just the parks that have all the attractions and shows. The Fort Wilderness resort hosts nightly campfires with Chip ‘n’ Dale, try out your Waltz skills with Cinderella and Prince Charming at Grand Floridian around 4pm, and plenty of others, however some may be limited to resort guests. Check out whats on offer when you arrive.
13. Surprise rare character meet and greets…
If you’re in Epcot, there maaay be some surprise characters meeting between America and Italy, as well as between UK and France near the World Traveler Shop! Keep a look out in case!
14. Character dining
If you would like to meet a certain popular character and would rather not wait in a long queue in the sun, check to see if they are at any character dining experiences. Instead of waiting, you can enjoy your meal and the characters will all come around to your table! Talk about table service!
15. Cirque Du Soleil (maybe?)
Not entirely Disney related, but if you fancy watching Cirque Du Soleil in their rehearsal session for free, head on down to Disney Springs around 4pm any day! (Again, not entirely sure if this is still happening, but do check if you get chance to visit Disney Springs.) Otherwise of course you can always attend a show there!
16. Frontierland hoedown happening!
This is one that is not really advertised but a great time if you happen to catch it! Everyday at 5pm (and possibly some other surprise timings) in Frontierland, a crowd of cowboys, cowgirls and some questionable furry friends like to come out of hibernation for a lively ole dance. Join the fun!
17. Its not really a secret, but don’t miss visiting Rafiki at Animal Kingdom!
It is a bit hidden since you need to catch a train through the jungle upto the animal centre, but worth it! Theres even a petting zoo there with goats! My favourite. And Rafiki is the best character, not biased at all…
18. Resorts have some of the best food.
It’s easy to forget about the resort eateries when there are 4 enormous theme parks each with plenty of food stops! But if you get chance, have a look into the resort restaurants, the food was so much better in my opinion when I was there. Unfortunately I can’t really comment on dietaries at this stage, as I was sadly still consuming animal products back then, but I’ve heard that they have been bringing out a lot more plant-based and dietary options which is great to hear!
19. Want a fun character interaction?
The lesser known Country Bears often meet in Frontierland until 3pm. Their names are Wendell, Shaker, Liverlips and Big Al, and are simply the best to meet! Even better, there’s no large queue to wait for them, they’re free roaming bears, as they should be! Find them and ask them where their hula hoops are…
20. The best rides at night:
Ride Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror and Splash Mountain at night!! (If you’re not fussed about the evening performances and shows of course.) Believe me these rides at night amplify the experience tenfold, so much fun! (The only downside is perhaps being a little drenched from Splash Mountain on a cold evening, #worthit).
21. Resort hop.
If you get the chance, dedicate one day to exploring the many Walt Disney World resorts. Some of them are spectacular, especially with the commitment to detail and storytelling. Each resort has its own theming and quirk to it, making it all the more fascinating. Head to the Grand Floridian for lake views of the castle, a posh high tea experience and to visit the beautiful wedding pavilion, or perhaps make your way to Port Orleans for a nice relaxed afternoon strolling the streets of New Orleans (don’t forget to try the beignets!)
22. Main Street crowded?
Sneak through Casey’s Corner and through the gift shops! This is especially prevalent after parades and the fireworks. Trying to escape the park after the fireworks is a NIGHTMARE! Instead of squeezing through crowds down the road, quietly slip through the stores on the right hand side, they all connect up (but don’t tell anyone else…)
23. If parking, photograph your carpark spot!
Trust me, you’ll thank me later. That’s all.
24. NYE viewing spot:
If you do find yourself there on NYE, if you’d rather not spend your evening squeezing through crowds for the fireworks, find yourself a nice spot on the beach just across the lake at the Polynesian Resort! The TTC is always an option too, but of the course the beach is the nicer sounding location.
25. Early park access.
If you want early access to the park, book an early breakfast reservation at Crystal Palace! It opens before the park does, and if you say you have reservation you can go in and explore the park before the crowds!
26. Stay in a budget Disney Resort!
…yes they do exist! Pop Century and Fort Wilderness for instance. You’ll save $20 a day on the parking fees without the need to hire a car, by making use of the Disney shuttles between resorts and parks! Resort guests are also entitled to enjoy the extra magic hours before and after the park closes.
27. Don’t forget your reusable cup when dining at the restaurants!
Take a drink to go when leaving any table service restaurant. Most restaurants in the parks and resorts have refillable drink stations. A cold drink to cool you down for the rest of your day in the park will be very welcoming.
28. Ride Soarin’ barefoot.
Try and score the front middle seats for the best experience, and take your shoes off. It really feels like you’re flying throughout the world.
29. Scoring a restaurant booking.
For some of those hard to get into restaurants (such as Be Our Guest), keep checking the night before for any last minute cancellations. It’s not guaranteed that you’ll find one, but it’s always worth a shot, it worked for me and few times. Another way is to consider having a rather early lunch, as those times are often available to book.
30. Dress comfortably!
I know its so tempting to dress your absolute best for Disney to get all of the photo opportunities, but I’m telling you after an hour in the Florida heat and humidity, crowds of people and thrilling rides, you’ll wish you dressed for comfort! Who says comfy clothes can’t look good anyway?
Anyway I think that’s more than enough to kickstart your Disney World trip! I hope some of these help you out on your trip and you have a magical time. Let me know if you use any of these, I love hearing other people’s Disney experiences.
Mel x
melissaclairestevens
My name is Mel, and I have a passion for protecting the beautiful Earth we live on, and sharing ways this can be done. I create Earth inspired macrame and crochet designs with a focus on practical use and sustainability. Yoga classes are designed to help cultivate self awareness, presence and encourage a conscious approach to a fulfilling life.
