Are you planning a trip to Disney World? It’s an expensive vacation, and it requires a lot of planning, so you’re probably looking for some tips and tricks to make your trip go smoothly!

We asked our followers what some of their favorite Disney World hacks are, and their responses could help you on your next trip!

Be prepared for ANYTHING

It comes as no surprise that the weather in Florida is unpredictable. It can be hard to plan for every situation but you can sure try! One of our readers said “Be prepared for ANYTHING…rain, heat, crowds, etc. Pack sunscreen, rain gear, a water bottle, and any other essentials in a bag or backpack.” In the summer, it can feel like it rains every single day. We recommend bringing clothes for cooler mornings and evenings, rain jackets and ponchos, and comfortable shoes.

Click Here for Our 2023 Packing List

Watch fireworks OUTSIDE of the park

Being prepared can also mean planning to avoid crowds and this next hack does just that! One reader wrote “Watch the MK fireworks from the beach of the Polynesian with a Dole whip” while another said, “Watch the fireworks on top of California Grill.” The crowds during the fireworks can be overwhelming.

A great alternative if big crowds aren’t your thing is to watch the fireworks from outside of the park. California Grill is a restaurant that sits on top of the Contemporary Resort, and it does provide a great viewing area for the fireworks. Although you can’t see the castle projections as well, California Grill does pipe in the music to their two outside balconies. You do need a dining reservation to go up to the restaurant, but if you dine earlier in the evening and keep your receipt, you can go back to the balcony at fireworks time.

Watching from the beach at the Polynesian Resort is also a great option. If you get there early enough, you might just get a seat! So hop on the monorail from the Magic Kingdom, grab a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai, and relax, knowing that you won’t have to fight the crowds when everyone is trying to leave Magic Kingdom after the show ends.

Check Out These Restaurants With A Fireworks View

Buy Disney Gift Cards

The cost of a Disney trip can add up quickly. This next hack is to help you pay for your trip! One follower wrote, “Buy a bunch of Disney gift cards in the months leading up to your vacation.” Another reader adds, “It’s definitely not new but I love saving 5% by purchasing our Disney Gift Cards at Target using my Red Card, the savings really add up.”

Target, Costco, and Best Buy have offered deals or discounts on Disney Gift Cards before. Be sure to keep an eye out at your local stores for any savings! Every little bit can add up.

Rent DVC Points

Speaking of saving money, this next hack could save you hundreds! One follower wrote, “To save money on Deluxe resorts…rent DVC points.” It’s true. You can save hundreds by renting DVC points from an owner. You could rent points and get a room for 30-50% LESS than it would cost you to book the room directly through Disney, especially when it comes to studios.

Click Here to Learn More About Renting DVC Points

Book Dining Reservations During Hot Parts of the Day

It can get HOT in the summer at Disney World. One follower said, “during hot months, book an ADR for late lunch.” Try to grab a later lunch for 1-3 PM to avoid the hottest part of the day. This will give you a break from the heat but also a break from the peak crowds.

The parks have plenty of indoor restaurants to choose from. So keep this in mind if you are traveling to the parks during those hot summer months!

Bring Items With You

This hack can save you money! One follower wrote, “Instead of buying light-up toys for nighttime fireworks or shows, bring glow stick bracelets and necklaces.” You can easily grab a pack of glow sticks from Amazon for the whole family to share. Those Disney light-up toys aren’t cheap and they can break as well.

And you’re going to love our graphic tees for your next Disney World trip! Click here to see the whole collection!

Use This Virtual Queue Hack

Many guests can stress about getting a spot on the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or the newly added, TRON Lightcycle/Run. Well, this next hack could save your nerves! One follower wrote “Use Time.Is for the correct time for virtual queues. We have Time.Is open on one phone while the other has the virtual queue open in the MDE app.” Time.is is a website that shows you the exact time based on your location.

A few seconds can make a difference when trying to get a boarding group for these popular rides.

The faster you are at getting a boarding group, typically the lower your boarding group number. This means you could get to ride earlier in the day! We think this is a hack we’ll be using very soon for TRON Lightcycle/Run.

Click Here For Our Virtual Queue Tips for TRON

There are so many tips out there to help you have a magical vacation. We want to thank our readers for sharing their Disney tips. For more Disney tips and tricks, be sure to follow Disney Food Blog!

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What is your favorite Disney World hack? Let us know below!

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