Disney Parks Tips & Tricks
If you want to get the best experience at the parks, you have to do what the pros do.
Avoid Fantasyland to start the day
If you want to avoid the crowds of young families at Fantasyland in Walt Disney World and Disneyland, it's best to steer clear early in the day. Since it's the first area visitors see after passing through the castle, it quickly becomes a hotspot for families with young children. For a more peaceful experience, consider returning later in the day when kids may be melting down or falling asleep. This way, you can enjoy the attractions with shorter lines and quieter surroundings.
Park Essentials
Many have come before you and many will come after. Don’t get cute when it comes to the essentials. At 9 am you may try to rationalize that you don’t need your phone battery pack only to realize your phone is dead by 1:30 pm and your kid is melting down. These are the key items your need before you head out the door.
*Backpack for parks: Large enough to hold a day’s worth of supplies but not so bulky that you’ll have trouble navigating through crowds.
*Poncho: Keep a few in your backpack or stroller just in case! They are available on site but can be pricey.
*Gallon Sized Ziploc Bags: helpful for stashing cell phones and cameras on water rides.
*Masks: bring several masks into the park each day just in case they become wet/dirty. Wash in the sink in the evenings and hang to dry in the shower. Disposable masks are a great option as well. Gators are not allowed.
*External phone charger: you will use your MDE app and camera regularly so it is helpful to have an external charger on hand. If you need to purchase one, Fuel Rods are located all over Disney parks and are another option for keeping your phone charged! I’d recommend purchasing it ahead of time in order to save money.
*Costume: bring your favorite costume to avoid buying one at the park.
*Glow items: purchase Dollar Tree glow items ahead of time for a FUN surprise in the evening.
*Sunglasses and sunscreen
*Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
Plan a pool break
I can already hear your response to this…”we didn’t come to Disney World or Disneyland to go hang at the pool, Noelle!” I know, I know, I know, but hear me out. In an average day at any park you are going to amass around 8-9,000 steps. That is a ton of walking and a ton of doing. If you plan on going from open to close, I would urge you build in a pool break. This is especially important if you have kids under the age of 12. Giving everyone a chance to unwind by the pool and cool off will give you a much needed boost to head back into the parks for the evening activities. In both California and Florida, the afternoon stretch from 3-6 pm can get miserable. My recommendation is to get up early and go hard until 2 pm. Work in a snack around 10:30 or 11 am and each a late lunch at a quick service restaurant. Head back to your hotel and get geared up for the pool. Around 5:30 or 6, head back to the park for dinner and evening activities. You will be shocked at how much more enjoyable the evening is with a little park break built in.
BYO Water & Snacks
Disney will allow you to bring outside food and drinks into the parks. You are not allowed to bring a cooler, but you can bring a small insulated bag with ice packs and/or a small backpack to carry drinks and snacks. I highly suggest bringing your own drinks into the park. Bottled water in the parks and resorts can cost $3.50/bottle. If you do not want to bring extra drinks, all quick service dining locations will provide ice water free of charge. You can order groceries and they will deliver them to your Disney Resort Hotel! You can select the date and time that you would like your delivery. I recommend using Instacart or PrimeNow for grocery delivery. You will need to meet the driver at the resort for delivery. There are a few limited grocery items available in your resort gift shop if needed. Just be sure that you are available to meet your driver if you use Instacart or PrimeNow. If you would like your groceries delivered and held at Bell Services until your arrival, I recommend ordering through Garden Grocer.
Memory Maker Photos
Memory Maker is an incredible way to enjoy unlimited digital Disney Photo Pass photos captured at hundreds of locations throughout Walt Disney World- including many attractions and dining locations. The photos are conveniently connected to your online Disney account with the touch of your Magic Band!
You can view, download, and share your Disney Photo Pass memories on the My Disney Experience App or at mydisneyphotopass.com. Pictures will appear in your MDE app within minutes of taking them.
There is no need to purchase each photo individually! You can simply enjoy your vacation knowing that all your memories are being captured for you since you purchased the Memory Maker ahead of time.
Disney Photo Pass photos currently expire 30 days from the date the photo was taken so be sure to download them to your computer once you get home from your vacation!
Masks are no longer required in photos when being taken by a Photo Pass Photographers.