Planning a Disney World vacation can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can create magical memories without the stress. Whether it’s booking the best dining spots, skipping long lines, or saving money on souvenirs, these Disney hacks will help you navigate your trip like a pro!
1. Book Your Vacation Early to Secure the Best Perks
Disney allows you to book your trip with just a $200 deposit, making it easy to lock in your plans. Booking at least six months in advance is essential, as dining reservations and some experiences fill up quickly.
2. Prioritize Advanced Dining Reservations
Character dining experiences and popular restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Chef Mickey’s and Ohana book up fast. Make reservations as soon as they become available (typically 60 days before your visit). If you’re unsure of your schedule, book anyway—you can cancel up to 24hours in advance at no charge.
3. Stay at a Disney Resort for Extra Perks
Staying on property means free park transportation, early access to Lightning Lane reservations, and immersive Disney magic 24/7. Value resorts offer budget-friendly options while still delivering the full Disney experience.
4. Plan Around Extra Magic Hours
Resort guests get exclusive early or late access to select parks, but this can sometimes make the parks more crowded than usual. Early entry is most helpful for guest that aren’t looking to ride the high ticket attractions ( seven dwarfs, slinky dog etc..).
*View my post “Top 10 Attractions for Young Kids at Disney World” for suggestions. *
5. Schedule Rest Days
It’s tempting to maximize park time, but taking a break for resort pool time, Disney Springs, or a mini-golf game at Fantasia Gardens can make your trip more enjoyable. Disney Resorts also host kid friendly activities throughout the day such as Mickey tie dye and pool games depending on the resort.
6. Be Ready for Florida Weather
Florida rain showers happen almost daily. Bring ponchos, small umbrellas, and extra socks to stay dry and comfortable. Crocs and water proof stroller coves are also a huge life saver when you get hit with that mid-day Florida shower.
7. Bring Something for Characters to Sign
An autograph book is great, but a unique idea is to have characters sign a picture frame mat, tote bag, or even a T-shirt to create a special keepsake. Don’t forget a sharpie or other writing tool as as the characters do not carry their own.
8. Book a Character Dining Experience
Skip the long meet-and-greet lines by booking a character meal where Disney favorites come right to your table. Keep in mind that breakfast and lunch are the cheapest options when it come to character dinning. Try to snag a reservation for before park open at a restaurant like Crystal Palace and get a chance to enter an empty Magic Kingdom.
9. Claim Your Parade & Fireworks Spot Early
The best viewing areas for Disney’s nighttime shows fill up quickly. Arrive at least 30-60 minutes early for prime locations. On the other hand, if you want to avoid the crowds but still see some the fireworks pick a spot behind the castle near the carousel. This area is les crowded and you still get a decent view of the fireworks, minus the projections.
10. Consider VIP Experiences and Dessert Parties
Want to avoid the crowds? Booking a VIP tour, Fantasmic dining package, or a dessert party for fireworks ensures a stress-free, prime viewing experience. You can find a list of these experiences on the Disney webpage under Enchanting Extras Collection.
11. Buy Disney Trading Pins in Advance
Buying pins in bulk from eBay or Amazon is a cost-effective way to let your kids participate in the fun of Disney pin trading without breaking the bank. You can trade from the various Mickey pin boards set up in different shops or directly with a cast member.
12. Grab a Free Celebration Button
Disney offers free buttons for birthdays, anniversaries, and more. Cast members often offer extra magic to those wearing them.
13. Use a Third-Party Stroller Rental
Disney’s rental strollers can’t leave the parks, but third-party companies will deliver a stroller to your resort and pick it up when you leave. Try Orlando Stroller Rentals or Kingdom Strollers to name a couple.
14. Explore Disney’s Boardwalk
This hidden gem offers entertainment, dining, and a nostalgic turn-of-the-century boardwalk feel—all without a park ticket. At night they often offer free kid friendly entertainment or you can enjoy a leisurely ride on a friendship boat.
15. Dine at a Resort Hotel Restaurant
Resort restaurants are less crowded and often offer unique dining experiences. Try Whispering Canyon Cafe for a fun, interactive meal or Hoop De Doo Musical Revue- a singing, dancing, comedy show great for all ages. One of my families personal favorites is Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera Resort for their art inspired character breakfast.
16. Spend Time at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is the perfect spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s a great place to grab souvenirs without wasting park time. You can also enjoy a ride on of the (free) water taxi’s, let your kids cool off in the various water features, explore the giant Lego store or let your kids take a ride on the market place train.
17. Dedicate Two Days to Magic Kingdom
With 37 attractions and countless experiences, squeezing Magic Kingdom into one day can be exhausting. Plan for two days if possible. If two days isn’t an option know which rides/attractions are your top priorities before you go.
18. Surprise Kids with an In-Room Celebration
Disney’s florist department offers in-room surprises like plush toys, balloons, and banners to create extra magic. This provides a great way to add that extra magic to your trip.
19. Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect to walk 20,000-30,000 steps a day. Prioritize comfort over style and pack extra socks. Crocs with socks have been my kids go to every time.
20. Check Out Fort Wilderness Activities
Beyond the parks, Disney offers horseback riding, archery, wagon rides, and campfire sing-alongs at Fort Wilderness.
21. Use Lightning Lane Wisely
Reserve high-demand attractions (like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) first and save the lower demand rides for your next pick. You can change your ride times up until you scan in if you aren’t happy with your original selection.
22. Take Advantage of Rider Switch
Parents with little ones can use Rider Switch to take turns on thrill rides without waiting in line twice. If you have one child that is able to ride and one that isn’t this also allows the child that can ride a chance to do so twice (once with each parent).
23. Skip Paying for Bottled Water
Any quick-service restaurant or Starbucks will give you a free cup of ice water—just ask!
24. Stick to Your Budget with Disney Gift Cards
Pre-load Disney gift cards for souvenirs and dining to help stay within your spending limits.
25. Set Realistic Expectations with Your Kids
Rides break down, schedules change, and unexpected events happen. Instead of promising experiences, frame them as possibilities to avoid disappointment.
For more information check out the “know before you go” section of Disney World’s official website to ensure your up to date on everything before you go.
With these hacks, your Disney World trip will be smoother, more magical, and filled with unforgettable moments. Happy planning!