If you have been to Walt Disney World and spent most of your time waiting in line, chances are you aren't doing it right! With proper planning and efficiency, it is easy to make the most of your day by spending more time experiencing the magic versus standing in treacherous lines. With these tips, you can do Walt Disney World like a pro!
Arrive early.
It is a common misconception that the park gates open at the posted park opening time, however, this is not the case. The parks open much sooner. A term used widely in the Disney community is "rope drop!" Rope drop is exactly how it sounds, it is the moment in which the cast members drop the rope and send the guests on their way throughout the park. With that being said though, rope drop and the park opening time are two different things! Meaning, guests can enter the park prior to the official opening time! The best way to gauge what time to arrive is by always arriving one hour before the posted opening time. Guests are typically allowed through the turnstiles approximately 20 to 30 minutes prior to the official opening and then rope drop is typically 10 to 15 minutes later. Which means, it is possible to have ridden your first ride before the park is actually open! This allows you to ride the biggest and most popular rides before the lines are crazy long.
Plan out your day.
Once you have arrived at the park, make sure you know what ride or rides you are going to head towards after rope drop. Know how long you are going to spend at each park or if you plan to spend the whole day at a park. Know where you are going to eat and when. The more planning you do early, the less you have to think and the more you can enjoy! Every single detail does not have to be planned, however, having a general understanding allows you to have a plan yet still have the ability to go with the flow.
Utilize Disney's FastPass system.
FastPasses allow guests to bypass the line and basically walk straight on to the ride or attraction of their choosing. This not only saves time but it makes you feel cool because you walk by all the people waiting in line. FastPassing though is a science. Guests can only schedule three a day, so you must choose wisely! An additional stipulation is that the rides are divided into tiers and you are only allowed to schedule one Tier 1 per day. Tier 1 attractions are exactly what they sound like- the most popular attractions. A few Tier 1 attractions include anything in Toy Story Land, the World of Avatar attractions, Test Track and Soarin'. This tier system prevents guests from hogging all of the FastPasses for the most popular attractions. Once you have booked your Tier 1 FastPass, you can book any two Tier 2 FastPasses of your choice. There is truly no right or wrong when booking FastPasses, however, if you want to make the most of the remainder of your day, book them when the lines will be the longest. Though each line fluctuates, a general rule of thumb is that the lines will be the longest in the afternoons. So go ahead and book those FastPasses then! FastPasses open up sixty days in advance if you're staying on property and thirty days if you're staying off property. Accordingly, the earlier you book, the higher the chances you are going to get the times and attractions you want!
Don't just ride the closest ride.
Lines fluctuate throughout the day and just because a ride is close that doesn't mean it is the best time to ride it! For example, the low thrill attractions typically have shorter wait times later in the evening because many of the children are going to bed. So, the typical hour-plus wait times for rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Spaceship Earth, go down to below 30 minutes as the day goes on. This tactic also applies to characters as well! Disney also has an interactive app that allows guests to follow wait times throughout the day. Accordingly, if you see something that looks good, begin heading that way! Yes, sometimes zig-zagging throughout the park can get a bit redundant and exhausting. However, you will have to wait less if you walk more!
Don't forget to rest.
Let's be real, as much as a day at Disney can be fun, it can also be tiring as well. Every Disney professional has a rest spot in every park. This allows you to get off your feet, slip into the air conditioning and out of the Florida heat! Everyone's rest spot is different, however, here are some of my personal favorites! Magic Kingdom: The PeopleMover and Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress. Both always have short waits and allow you to kick up your feet and get out of the sun! Epcot: Impressions de France (a.k.a. the French film). It's a hidden gem, tucked in the back of the park with cushioned seats and soothing music. Hollywood Studios: Voyage of the Little Mermaid. A relaxing, fun and indoor show with the classic story you know and love. Last but not least, Animal Kingdom: Festival of the Lion King. This show is hands down the best rest spot of them all! It's a fun show which seats a large number of people and it gets the whole family involved! Resting is crucial if you plan to stay at the park all day.
Have fun!
Walt Disney World can truly be the happiest place on Earth if you make it. Soak in every moment and create memories that will last a lifetime! But don't forget to have fun!
Wishing you the best of luck on your next trip to Walt Disney World!
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