Let’s get you up to speed on all the latest tips and tricks to make sure your vacation is the best it can be! Walt Disney World has gone through a LOT of changes and it’s difficult to stay updated on the insider tips that you need to know. 

You may already be familiar with the tried-and-true tips for Park Pass reservations and the Disney Genie service (though if you’re in need of a starting point, we have one for you here). We’ll cover all you need to know so that you feel prepared to actually enjoy your trip!

It’s time to review the BEST tips for your vacation. We have a lot to cover, so buckle up and let’s get started.

Take That CRUCIAL Extra Step When Booking a Good Neighbor Hotel

MANY Good Neighbor Hotels are less expensive and still have the same hotel perks as the Disney-owned resorts. But in order to ACCESS those hotel perks, you’re gonna need to make sure Disney associates your Good Neighbor Hotel booking with your My Disney Experience account.

Simply, go to the Disney World website, click on the My Disney Experience tab, select the “My Plans” option from the drop-down menu, and log into your account. Click on the Resort Hotel and then choose to Link a Reservation. You’ll be asked to type in your last name and your hotel confirmation number.

Tour the NEW Drury Plaza Hotel Near Disney World With Us!

Use A Sneaky Money-Saving HACK

Sometimes, Disney offers limited-time park ticket discounts on their Special Offers, Deals, and Discounts page. But since these deals aren’t available for guests ALL the time, how can you still save on your park tickets all year round?

Start by looking at multi-day tickets on the Disney website where you’ll be asked to select a starting date. Note that if you play around with the start date, you could stumble upon some extra secret savings!

See Disney Deals and Discounts Here

Make Those Park Pass Reservations… IF Required!

Like it or loathe it, the Disney Park Pass Reservations system (an online tool that allows guests to make the required reservations to visit the four Walt Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios) is here to stay until AT LEAST mid-January 2024. (That’s as far out as you can currently make reservations.)

So, making those Park Passes as EARLY AS POSSIBLE is both a Top Tip and a MUST-DO, and you can begin to make those reservations as soon as you have purchased valid park admission.

Now, I said that those Park Passes are required… and that is true. BUT there are certain instances where you don’t need to make an individual Park Pass, and being familiar with those will save you some time and frustration. These include — but aren’t limited to — the second park to which you might be Park Hopping, and if you’ve purchased a 1-day, 1-park ticket for a specific park. Don’t worry — we give you the full rundown on all of the exceptions HERE.

Click HERE to learn the times when you DON’T need to make a Park Pass reservation!

Know When NOT to Purchase Disney Genie+

Disney Genie+ is an add-on service that allows guests to bypass Standby lines for several included park attractions and enter the Lightning Lane instead. (Click this link to learn all the ins-and-outs, including which attractions are included in each park with the purchase of Disney Genie+.) While this optional service can certainly be a timesaver, it’s also an additional purchase that may not be worth your hard-earned vacation dollars in select instances.

For example, we’ve found the most value in using Genie+ in Magic Kingdom. But in Animal Kingdom and EPCOT? Not so much. We’ve been using Disney Genie+ a LOT since Day One of its release, and have complied a list of instances where you may not need a Genie’s help as much as you think…

Is Genie+ NECESSARY Now in Disney World? We Spill the Tea.

Make Sure You Use the EXTRAS on Disney Genie+

If you do purchase Disney Genie+, then don’t miss out on the EXTRAS! Starting March 20th, 2023, guests who purchase Disney Genie+ will also get FREE digital PhotoPass downloads for attraction photos taken on the day of their purchase!

You can also access some seriously fun Augmented Reality photo lenses located within My Disney Experience. Disney parks-themed audio experiences are also available for guests to use, which share fun facts about the attractions and other areas surrounding you in the parks.

Check out EVERYTHING included with Disney Genie+ HERE

Modify Your Disney Genie + Selection

Did you know that you can now MODIFY your Disney Genie+ ride selection? The reason why this is a bigger deal than it seems is because being able to modify your reservations comes in handy when you’re relying on the 120-minute rule.

Keep in mind, the 120-minute rule allows you to make another Lightning Lane reservation, even if you haven’t been able to use your previous one yet. You just have to wait for that 2-hour cool-down period before you can select another ride.

Previously, you could only cancel then rebook a Lightning Lane reservation to make a change… and the app would totally reset your 120-minute countdown. But now, you can change up your Lightning Lane without your 120-minute countdown starting over. Whew!

Disney World Has CHANGED Genie+ — And We Love It

Visit EPCOT Festivals Mid-Season

You know that we LOVE EPCOT’s four seasonal Festivals around here (the Festival of the Arts, the Flower and Garden Festival, the Food and Wine Festival, and Festival of the Holidays)… especially because of ALL the extra FOOD!

But if you’re looking for the least-crowded time to attend one, consider visiting AFTER the Festival has kicked off, as opposed to the very busy Opening Day and following weekend, when the crowds are at their highest. Likewise, Festivals can increase in crowds towards their end date, too, with everyone trying to get those last Best of the Fest bites and sips in!

You’ll likely find that a mid-season Festival visit (even better if it’s on a weekday) tends to be a more relaxing experience overall.

Take a look at the crowds on the Opening Day of the 2023 Flower & Garden Festival

Use Walk-Up Waitlists SOONER Rather Than LATER at Participating Table Service Restaurants

If you don’t get an Advance Dining Reservation for a Disney restaurant but decide the day of your visit that being able to sit down and eat a nice meal really DOES sound cozy, there’s STILL hope for you to do just that! But you gotta act FAST. The My Disney Experience App has a dining tip board that shows you which table service restaurants currently have walk-up waitlists open the day of your visit — meaning you still have the chance to grab a seat even WITHOUT a reservation handy. Look for “Walk-Up List” availability within Disney Genie!

 

In this scenario, a walk-up spot might not be available for several hours later. The sooner you can check on the walk-up waitlist for a restaurant— even BEFORE the hunger strikes — the more likely you’ll be able to get an earlier return time.

Learn how to use the Walk-up Waitlist feature HERE!

Or give this a try to snag a table…

Score a Table at the BEST Disney Restaurants

Are you trying to score a table at Morimoto Asia or The Boathouse? We know that trying to snag a reservation at popular restaurants at Walt Disney World can be difficult.

 So, don’t forget that restaurants in Disney Springs are also open for booking on OpenTable.com! And you might come upon available seating even at a restaurant that appears fully booked via My Disney Experience. It certainly never hurts to check!

Click HERE  to check out ALL the dining options in Disney Springs!

Running late? Call!

What happens when you DO get stuck in traffic and you’re running late for your Advance Dining Reservation?

Call the restaurant and see if they can hold your ressie while you weave your way around that awful Orlando traffic.

Find Out Ride Wait Times in ADVANCE

You may already know that you can find Wait Times for park attractions posted at the entrance to the ride itself OR on the My Disney Experience app. But did you know that you can also use the app to see Forecasted Wait Times? It’s true!

You can use the Ride and Attractions Tip Board within My Disney Experience. Or if you search a specific ride and click to learn more about it, you can access the Forecasted Wait Times and see the times a line typically dips a bit throughout the day.

Now, just like a weather forecast, these are not guaranteed Wait Times. But they are decent estimates based on frequent traffic patterns within the park and are well worth checking out.

Keep Calm and Carry On… When a Ride Goes Down

Should you panic when you’ve been waiting all week to ride Tower of Terror in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, only to see the dreaded “Temporarily Closed” message on My Disney Experience? NO, stay calm.

 Certain rides shut down whenever there is lightning in the area, for example. Just check the app or stop by the ride from time to time to check the status and find other rides to enjoy in the meantime. Trust us — there are plenty!

Click here for a Complete List of the Attractions that Close When There’s Bad Weather in Disney World

Find A Secret Water Oasis

We want you to stay hydrated! You can request a free water cup at quick service locations OR refill your reusable water bottles. 

Now and then, you’ll spot a FREE water station set up at a counter-service location such as Scat Cat’s Club — Cafe at Port Orleans French Quarter or the table-service restaurant, Spice Road Table, in EPCOT. These water stations are available for all guests and include disposable Disney cups. And yes, this is delicious, refreshing water — not the Floridian swamp water that tastes horrific.

Everywhere You Can Find FREE Water in Disney World

Know How to Find the Nearest Bathrooms

The My Disney Experience app is handier than you think!

Yes, you can use a filter in the My Disney Experience app to find the closest restroom!

Oh, and also find Character Greeting locations, PhotoPass locations, and much more.

Learn about ALL of the features on My Disney Experience HERE!

Download a DIFFERENT Free App

Yep, the My Disney Experience app offers several helpful tools. But how about a FREE Disney app that will simply enhance the FUN?

The Play Disney Parks App offers games and trivia to amuse your family while waiting in line. AND it even gives you MORE to do in the parks with interactive experiences such as using the app as your own Datapad in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Have a MagicBand+? You can use it to become a Bounty Hunter in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge when paired with the Play Disney Parks app. AND you can play DuckTales World Showcase Adventure (“WOO-HOO!”) in EPCOT! You can check out this new game here.

Everything You NEED to Know About the NEW Rise of the Resistance Feature in the Play Disney Parks App!

Guarantee The BEST Show Seats

If watching the Disney shows are your number one priority, then THIS next tip may lead to one of your best investments YET. Disney’s Dining Packages allow guests to reserve a meal at one of the select park restaurants to be paired with guaranteed reserved seating for a show.

Options include — but aren’t limited to — Fantasmic! Dining Packages in Hollywood Studios, the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Parties in Magic Kingdom, and the Concert Series (or Candlelight Processional for the holiday season) that take place during EPCOT’s Festivals.

You can find the full list of Dining Packages here, and the full list of Dessert Parties HERE!

Opt for the SECOND Showing of Fantasmic!

This beloved production includes fireworks, water effects, lasers, and projections presented with classic Disney songs… and lots of Disney characters!

Fantasmic is often performed only once per night. However, during Disney World’s busier seasons, TWO showings are often offered. And we’ve found that it’s WAY easier to get a seat (and is generally less crowded overall) during the second, later showtime. If it works well with your group to catch the second show, it comes highly recommended!

Click HERE  for a complete list of showtimes for Fantasmic!

Get FuelRods for Cheaper

Between the My Disney Experience App and taking HUNDREDS of pictures with your favorite Disney pals, you’ll likely be using your phone a LOT on your Disney trip. So, you might find your phone battery dying quickly.

Yes, Disney World has portable FuelRod charger dispensers located around the Resort. You can purchase a FuelRod right there for $30, then switch it out as needed for a freshly charged one for free at any of the FuelRod stations. But you can get one for less!

You can purchase a FuelRod kit on Amazon for $23 prior to your trip, OR get TWO FuelRods for $35 and toss ’em in your suitcase before you leave home.

Find The BEST Spot to View the Happily Ever After Fireworks

We are so excited that Happily Ever After is coming back to Magic Kingdom SOON (April 3rd, to be exact)! We want to help you find the BEST spot to watch it.

Let’s say you choose to pass on the Fireworks Dessert Party Option we mentioned earlier. There are still plenty of great spots from which to watch the show — but you’ll have a bit of a different experience depending on which you choose.

Want to be right in the heart of things? You and your group can chill right in front of the Castle for 60-90 minutes prior to showtime. (Be ready to make some CLOSE neighbors here.) This will give you the best view of the projections directly on the Castle.

But believe it or not, it won’t give you the best view of the actual fireworks. Those can be had a bit back from the Castle near the Partners Statue. (Say “Hi!” to Walt and Mickey for us!)

But did you know that the Main Street, U.S.A. projections, which made their debut with Disney Enchantment, will also be part of Happily Ever After when it returns? That’s right!

So, you can stake out a spot “right in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.” about 45 minutes prior to showtime (or even less time, if you want to be farther back, closer to the Train station — just bear in mind that this provides the furthest view of the on-Castle projections).

See a Random Box on the Pavement? Do THIS…

If you just so happen to see one of these on the ground in a park…

… STEP INSIDE IT! It’s a Cast Member “Clap Box,” and you’ll enjoy your own personal round of applause!

Do NOT Dine Here (If You Have Anxiety)

Obviously, we love the food at Disney World restaurants. (Of course!) But another thing that makes dining in Disney World so special is the immersive atmosphere of the restaurants themselves. The thing is some spots are higher-energy (also known as “louder”) than others. If you or one of your loved ones struggles with anxiety or perhaps has a sensory issue, it can be difficult to know where to dine.

Don’t worry, we have a few tools that we hope will help. If you click here, you’ll find restaurants you may want to avoid if you are concerned that an atmosphere may cause some anxiety. And you can click here to see how we categorize Character Meals by typical noise level. We also have a page where you can locate all of our posts about where you can escape in each park to take a bit of the edge off.

These are the Best Places to Escape in Disney World When Your Anxiety is Through the Roof

Research Value for Your Money at Various Disney Restaurants

Are you missing the Disney Dining Plan ? We are, too. But in the meantime, as the Dining Plan still — at press time — remains suspended, all guests must pay out of pocket for meals. And we all want the most value for our money, right?

We have LOTS of suggestions for spots that serve great food while giving you the MOST out of your overall experience. Now, we’ll quickly drop a few here: Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and EPCOT’s Garden Grill for a TOP NOTCH Character Meal. But there’s plenty more idea where that came from, and you can find them all here!

Oh, and guess what? We have a list for Counter Service locations, too!

These are the BEST Value Restaurants at Disney World for 2023

Test a TRON Coaster Seat BEFORE You Ride

TRON Lightcyle / Run opens on April 4th in Magic Kingdom! We’ve actually had a chance to ride it already, and we share everything you need to know here.

Something good to know in advance is that you’ll be riding a Lightcycle in this attraction, which means that your will be leaning forward, as you might on a bike, and there are also leg and back restraints. The unique position might cause some guests concern. So, Disney offers a tester seat outside of the attraction so you can gauge your comfort level.

If you decide it’s not a great fit, you can then request the adaptive seating option by speaking to a Cast Member so you can still ride and, ultimately… ENTER THE GRID!

Will I Fit on TRON Lightcycle / Run in Disney World?

While we’re on that topic…

Request A Specific Ride Seat

Not all seats are created equal when it comes to some Disney World rides. For instance, riding in the very back seat of Big Thunder Mountain gives you THE Wildest Ride of all on The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!

Did you know you can ask a Cast Member to put you in a certain seat? Now, a word or two: sometimes, accommodations may not be able to be made. And, if they can be made, this strategy will likely add to your wait time. But you may likely find that worthwhile to experience what might be a familiar attraction in a new way!

Click here for our Guide to the Best and Worst Ride Seats in Magic Kingdom

Take One Simple Step to Make Getting a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass Easier

Currently, there is one attraction that REQUIRES that guests secure a Boarding Pass via a Virtual Queue to ride: it’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT. And when TRON Lightcycle / Run opens on April 4th, it will also utilize a Virtual Queue through the My Disney Experience app.

I kid you not — Virtual Queues for new and in-demand attractions can fill up in seconds. SECONDS! So, first things first: get to know the process in advance by visiting our Virtual Queue page.

And now, here’s the tip: to make things go more quickly when the Virtual Queue opens, you can confirm your party up to an hour in advance before you try to score a space in a Boarding Group via the My Disney Experience app.

Virtual Queues typically open twice per day: at 7AM and then again at 1PM. So, to prepare for the 7AM opening, beginning at 6AM, you can tap into the Virtual Queue and set your party so that you have fewer steps when Boarding Groups become available. On the app, under “Join Virtual Queue,” you’ll find a button that says “Confirm Your Party.” (Our screenshot below shows the button from when Remy’s Raratouille Adventure previously used a Virtual Queue.)

Once you hit that button, the app will find the people who are linked to your account. You’ll select each person that you want to add to your group, and choose, again, to “Confirm Party.” And that’s one less step you’ll have to take to save those crucial seconds when the Virtual Queue opens!

Virtual Queues: How To Get a Boarding Group for Disney’s Most Popular Rides

Be Wary of Extended Evening Hours

For guests staying at one of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, you’ll have the Extended Evening Hours benefit — which allows you to stay at select parks on select days up to two hours after they close for everyone else.

But here’s the thing — not every ride will be available for you to ride, and even fewer shows and quick services will be available for you to visit.

Check out the list of open attractions before you make evening plans. 

Get in on an EXCLUSIVE Virtual Queue Opportunity

Currently, the Virtual Queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind offers a THIRD opportunity at 6PM for guests who are eligible to attend Extended Evening Hours on select dates when offered in EPCOT. (You can find out more about who qualifies for this perk here.)

Though it has not yet been confirmed if TRON Lightcycle/Run will also be available via a Virtual Queue during Extended Evening Hours at Magic Kingdom, we believe it is likely. So, if you want to know the full scoop on how to score this unique benefit, you can learn all about Extended Evening Hours (AND Early Theme Park Entry, which ALL  Disney World hotels guests can enjoy) HERE. 

Learn all about EXTRA THEME PARK HOURS for Disney World Hotel guests HERE!

Look For a Back Entrance

Want to experience part of an EPCOT exhibit without going on its main attraction? You probably can! Just look for a back entrance!

For example, if you want to visit the aquariums inside The Seas pavilion — but you don’t really want the Big Blue World song stuck in your head all day after riding The Seas with Nemo and Friends  — then just head to the left of the pavilion, find the gift shop, and enter through that way instead. Then, you can explore the aquariums at your leisure, with no Nemo ride necessary.

The same is true over at the Imagination pavilion — just skip the Figment attraction and jump over to the play zone by entering in through Figment’s gift shop.

Remember there’s also a “back” entrance/exit to EPCOT called the International Gateway located between the United Kingdom and France pavilions. It can connect you over to various EPCOT-area resorts as well as the Disney Skyliner — which can take you to even MORE resorts AND Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

EPCOT vs. Magic Kingdom: Which Disney World Park is Best?

Know How to Use “Hey, Disney!” AND How NOT To

A new complimentary perk is currently in the process of rolling out to guests at the Disney World hotels. “Hey, Disney!” offers “custom voice assistance” to guests. The service, which works with Alexa on Amazon Echo devices, can assist guests with things like room amenities, guest services, planning, and weather info… AND it will bring along LOTS of extra Disney MAGIC to make all of these things a lot more FUN!

Want to dive right into using “Hey, Disney!” when it becomes available in hotels rooms throughout the Resort? The top of the device will have a button that looks like this: ⊘ and upon arrival it should be red (the device is muted). Simply press the button to unmute it and use the smart speaker. To start using the “Hey, Disney!” device, guests may touch the interactive screen (tap “Hey Disney, start the magic!”), or say one of the wake words: “Hey Disney” or “Alexa.”

But let’s say you don’t want to use “Hey, Disney!” Maybe you have privacy concerns, or maybe you just don’t want to add another screen to your vacation. No worries — just don’t press that red button at all. Disney shares the following on the Walt Disney World website: “You’ll know the device is listening to your request when the blue bar lights up. You can always turn the microphone off by pushing the button on the top of the device, which will turn on a red ring to indicate it’s muted.” Disney also states that, if you prefer, you can keep the device muted throughout your stay.

“Hey, Disney!” is currently being tested at select rooms in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. We recently stayed in one of those rooms and got to use the device, and you can check it out here!

See “Hey Disney!” in ACTION at Disney World HERE!

Don’t Just Invest in a Good Backpack… Get a GREAT Backpack

Having a good park bag in Disney is ESSENTIAL. 

You want to look for a bag that is lightweight and comfortable.

What’s In Our Bag?! DFB Reporters Share Their Secrets in Disney World

Don’t Forget a Hoodie or Sweater

YES, Orlando gets HOT AND humid ;-D! But don’t be caught by surprise that it also gets COLD. Now, will you experience a chill in August? No, probably not… at least not outdoors.

But due to the very chilly air-conditioning, I carry at least a lightweight sweater in my park bag year-round. Sometimes an evening can be chillier than expected or a rainstorm can leave you chilled.

So, just toss a cardigan-style sweater or hoodie into your suitcase no matter the season.

The Ultimate Packing List for Disney World Pros

Store Your Stuff

Don’t want to carry your souvenirs around all day long? Rent a theme park locker!

Locker rentals are available at the front of all four parks (and the water parks, too)! You can rent one through the self-service kiosk inside the lockers’ location — or if you’re planning on paying via MagicBand — just head over to the nearest gift shop for cast member assistance. 

Small lockers cost $10 per day, large lockers cost $12 (except at the water parks, where they’ll cost $15), and Jumbo lockers (which are only available at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT) will cost $15 per day, as well.

If you’re using a park hopper, keep in mind that lockers DO NOT TRANSFER from one park to the next like ECVs and stroller rentals do — so once you’re done with one park locker, you’ll have to rent a completely NEW park locker to store your stuff at the next location.

38 Things You Didn’t Know Guest Services Could Do For You in Disney World

Enjoy To-Go Dining from a Table Service Restaurant

Craving Sanaa’s fantastic Bread Service, but don’t necessarily want to dine in Sanaa on a particular day? That’s where Mobile Order Table Service To-Go comes in! Mobile Order Table Service To-Go is a dining feature on the My Disney Experience app.

Participating restaurants in Disney World Resort hotels present food for pickup, which guests can then carry to another area of the Resort to eat… So perhaps a little Sanaa Bread Service picnic is in order, yes?

See all of the restaurants that offer Table Service To-Go AND how to use it here!

Skip Gift Shop Lines

Instead of waiting in a huge line with your arms full of new souvenirs such as a Spirit Jersey, Loungefly bag, and Minnie Mouse Ears, consider using Mobile Merchandise Checkout, which you can use to pay for all of your merchandise via the My Disney Experience App.

Simply scroll down to the merchandise mobile checkout function, choose the shop you’re currently in, and scan the barcodes of the items you want to add to your cart. Then, when you’re ready, you can pay for it all right there in the middle of the store — with no waiting in line necessary! Be sure to link your card info to your My Disney Experience App ahead of time, AND don’t forget to show a cast member at the front of the shop your digital receipt before you leave the store. Easy-peasy!

Click HERE for a step-by-step guide to Mobile Checkout!

Hit Up Happy Hour

Drinks, food, upbeat atmospheres, and ALL at HALF the price? You may be surprised to find out how many restaurants in Disney Springs offer some great Happy Hour deals during the week. Spots like Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, House of Blues, Jaleo (it’s known as Sangria Hour there!), Terralina Craft Italian, Paradiso 37, Frontera Cocina, and MORE are known to host Happy Hour. CHEERS!

Check the Disney Springs website to find out the Happy Hours offerings during your trip! You may also see pop-up signs in Disney Springs while you’re out and about, notifying you of some of these fun deals.

Speaking of Disney Springs…

Give Yourself ENOUGH TIME to Get to Disney Springs

Are you driving to Disney Springs? Well, if you plan on going to Disney Springs for an evening or on a weekend, be sure to allow PLENTY of time to get there and to find a place to park.

Seriously, we can’t stress this enough. Between traffic in the immediate area from guests and locals alike and navigating some pretty huge parking garages, it doesn’t hurt to factor in an extra hour JUST for travel to Disney Springs.

What Happens When Disney Springs Hits Capacity and You Have a Reservation?

Avoid Stroller Stress

It’s pretty easy to find a designated spot to park your stroller so your whole family can enjoy riding “it’s a small world” — or whatever ride you choose — together. Wanna know what’s not as easy? Finding your stroller AFTER the ride!

Not only do lots of strollers look alike, but occasionally, Cast Members may need to move strollers to a nearby location in order to accommodate operational needs in the park. Our advice? DECORATE your stroller with an easy-to-identify object.

It doesn’t need to be fancy — a brightly colored cloth tied on the handle can do the trick, or some bit of shiny flair or a sign. Just something you can be on the lookout for that will catch your eye during the occasional stroller search.

Everything You Need to Know About Stroller Rentals in Disney World

Need an ECV? Please Read This…

Perhaps a member of your group has mobility issues, and you plan to rent a wheelchair or electric conveyance vehicle (or ECV). Then you should be aware that we have seen ECVs selling out more recently in the parks (most frequently at Magic Kingdom).

So, we recommend arriving to your chosen park as EARLY AS POSSIBLE to minimize the risk of not getting an ECV. If you are a Disney Resort hotel guest with the benefit of Early Theme Park Entry, take full advantage of that extra 30 minutes, since it can make all the difference.

Know that, if the ECVs are sold out, you can be placed on a Wait List. But, as with the Waitlist feature for dining we chatted about earlier, those wait times can vary widely. And if you can’t go without an ECV, you may find some peace of mind by renting from an outside company (many of which can deliver an ECV to your Resort).

Your Guide to Wheelchair and ECV Accessible Rides in Disney World

Watch for RARE Disney Characters

Is there anything better than meeting and hugging your favorite Disney pal in person? NO. THERE IS NOT. So, we’ve provided this list of where you can find all of the Character Meet-and-Greet locations in Disney World, and you can also find them on — you guessed it! — the My Disney Experience app.

But guess what? Sometimes, the Character Spots on those lists don’t actually account for all of the Characters that may make appearances in the parks. You may just so happen upon some RARELY SEEN Disney friends!

For instance, we recently saw Max Goof in his Powerline costume at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Grand Avenue near the entrance to Galaxy’s Edge. The Incredibles crew has been seen at several areas around the perimeter of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. You may be surprised with a greeting in EPCOT’s World Showplace between the United Kingdom and Canada pavilions or just to the left side when facing The American Adventure.

Now, there are no guarantees… but you never know! We can say, though, that the areas mentioned above are where we’ve had the most luck being surprised by special Character Greetings!

18 Rules to Follow Now That “Normal” Character Meet-and-Greets Are Back in Disney World

Get in on Secret MENU ITEMS!

Wanna be a little extra on your vacation? Why not ask a Cast Member at the restaurants or lounges you visit if there are any dishes or drinks available that aren’t listed on the menu… otherwise known as a Secret Menu item!

We have a whole list of secret items we’ve learned about over the years (that we’re clearly not very good at keeping. ). My personal favorite is The Shadow at Belle Vue Lounge, but the whole thing with Secret Menu items is that they’re… well, SECRET! So, you may make a whole new discovery all your own! (And if you do, would you be an awful secret keeper — just in this instance — and share it with us, please?)

Get in on the SECRETS here!

Reserve Your Place in the Security Line at Orlando International Airport

We know what a huge bummer it is when your Disney World vacation is ending. However, we have a tip to at least make the process of departing easier. Last year, the Orlando International Airport (MCO) introduced MCO Reserve, a reservation system that allows you to check in and go through security at your selected time. MCO Reserve includes a faster, exclusive line so that you won’t be spending hours in airport security.

You can make your MCO Reserve security reservations between 6:30AM and 8:30PM. Just make sure to select your reservation slot at least 72 hours before your flight! You can learn exactly how to do it here.

How To Make Your Next Orlando Airport Experience LESS Stressful

Find the Tips That YOU Need

Are you still looking for tips specific to your traveling party? Perhaps you are traveling with a small child or with someone with special dietary needs.

We’ve put together a page with posts gathered by various topics including those and others, and you can visit it by clicking here. We truly want your Walt Disney World vacation to be memorable!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

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What tip do you like to share with friends and/or first-time visitors to Walt Disney World? Looking forward to hearing from you in the comments below!

The post Disney World Tips and Advice for 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.