So you're going to Disney World, aka "The Happiest Place on Earth"! I'm jealous! Dole whips, the rides, the atmosphere, the characters sightings, the parks (yes, the rides and the parks are in different categories)! Seriously, just thinking about it makes me want to clear my savings and take a day trip (because that is literally all I can afford #brokecollegestudent). I've been pretty lucky in my life. I've been to Disney World six times, and each time only gets better and better! To be honest, I've read all of the travel books and blogs about going to Disney World and have clearly gained my own experience from going so much. I've also become the go-to person in my circle of friends and family for all things Disney. (I really love Disney). So, since summer vacation is coming up and you're going to see the Mouse himself, I thought I would share a few of my favorite tips and tricks on how to make your trip the trip of a lifetime!

1. Stay on Disney Property

Yes, it looks expensive, but if you have the ability to go through AAA, use a government discount, etc. do it! There are so many perks to staying on Disney Property! If you do, you can use magic hours where you get extra time in the parks be it in the morning or at night! You can meet your favorite characters in the hotel! The activities coordinators at the hotels are simply amazing! And if that's not enough here's one of my favorites, they have buses that will take you directly to the park. Yes, yes, I know that other hotels have buses that will do the same thing, but take it from someone who has taken that route, they park in the lower 40 of the bus lot whereas Disney buses will basically drop you at the entrance!

2. Fast Passes & Switch Passes

You may have heard about these, but for those of you who have not let me tell you, they are a life saver when it comes to getting on rides! A few years back, Disney released an app that let you keep track of wait times at each park. Now, they have upped their game with the Fast Pass+ option when you buy tickets. Fast Pass+ allows you to make your fast pass reservations for up to 60 days before your trip to the parks! Rides such as Soarin' can take up to four hours in a regular line, and up to two in the fast pass line. I definitely recommend you taking advantage of these perks! Now Switch passes are awesome for parents with kids! This is like a fast pass that allows one person to go on a ride and then give the pass to the other person so they can get on. Switch passes can be used by 4 people which is perfect for families that are traveling together be it two sets of parents with their kids or parents and grandparents. Switch passes allows everybody to enjoy rides!

3. Get to the Park Early & Stay late

This is honestly where I have come to appreciate extra magic hours during my stays at Disney! The earlier you are at the parks, the better spot in line you get! If you stay until closing time, you get to watch the fireworks! My personal favorite is at EPCOT center!

4. Talk to the Employees

I know that sounds strange, but you have people from all over the world from all walks of life surrounding you! Ask them questions, talk to them and learn from them! They are all incredibly friendly!

5. Parkhoppers

Okay, so this is personally my second favorite perk that Disney has. There is extra cost to this perk, but I personally love it! Parkhopper tickets give you the ability to jump from park to park in one day! I can be in Hollywood Studios in the morning and by 2 pm I can be in EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, or Animal Kingdom and stay for fireworks! For me it is honestly worth the extra cost.

6. Go to Shows

All of the theme parks have amazing shows! But my favorite show is at Hollywood Studios. It is the "Indiana Jones Stunt Show"! The "Indiana Jones Stunt Show" is an interactive stunt show that allows audience members to help recreate a scene from an Indiana Jones movie! The first time I saw it, I assumed that the audience members they chose were Disney employees. That is until my step-dad was chosen to be part of the show. My other favorite show was the "Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show", but unfortunately Disney closed this show to expand the park and make room for the new Star Wars and Toy Story expansion.

7. Buy a Souvenir Cup!

Believe me, I know! They are a bit pricey, BUT, when you use a souvenir cup you are privy to unlimited FREE refills in all of the parks and resorts! Seriously though, save yourself some money in the long run!.

8. Food and Drinks

So I am personally a fan of the Disney Dining Plan because I HATE leaving the parks. But for those of you who aren't in the mood for the dining plan or a souvenir cup you are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages as long as they are not in glass bottles. But just remember, you have to lug that stuff around all. day. long. Of course, like everywhere else, you are entitled to free ice water.

9. Full Service Restaurants

So you've always dreamed of dining in Cinderella's castle, or maybe a gourmet Parisian restaurant! Ohh maybe you want to be a guest of Belle and the Beast! Or you want to meet the Disney Princesses at a nice Norwegian breakfast! Well if you don't make a reservation at least six months in advance, you will not be able to find a seat. Don't freak out though! You can make your reservation over the phone at (407)WDW-DINE (939-9463) or over the My Disney Experience App!

10. PhotoPasses

So you're going to want to remember this amazing trip right? Don't forget to add the photo pass! Now, I know that everybody has a budget and that this might not fit into that budget. But don't sweat that! The Photographers at Disney are more than happy to take your picture with your camera!

11. The Most Important Tip

Just have fun!