Whether you've been to Walt Disney World a hundred times, or you're about to make your first trip to Orlando to meet the Mouse, there is some basic lingo that everyone should know. This magical land basically has its own language, and you don't want to be the only person in the parks not having a clue what anyone is talking about, right? Here are a few of the most common acronyms used throughout the World, and what they will mean to you on your vacation!
1. WDW (Walt Disney World)
The place where dreams come true. We'll start with the obvious one. Walt Disney World is made up of four theme parks (yes, there's more than just Magic Kingdom!), two water parks, over 20 Disney-themed resorts, and Disney Springs, the shopping and dining center. This is the place where all the magic happens in central Florida!
2. CM (Cast Member).
The people who keep literally everything up and running so that you can enjoy your vacation. A Cast Member is anyone who works for the Walt Disney Company, whether that be the person making your burger for lunch, the person sweeping up the napkins you accidentally dropped on the ground, or the managers in charge of both of those workers. Their job is to make your vacation as stress-free and fun as possible, so treat them well and they won't disappoint.
3. MDE (My Disney Experience).
The super cool app that lets you plan the majority of your trip right on your phone. The My Disney Experience app gives you the opportunity to make dining reservations, check attraction wait times, and even book Fast Pass Plus reservations. There are so many fun aspects on the app, so check it out on your next trip!
4. ME (Magical Express).
The pumpkin-turned-coach that transports you to your resort. If you're staying at one of the hotels on the Walt Disney World property, you can arrange to take a Magical Express bus from the Orlando airport right to your vacation digs. This service will even transport your luggage for you.
5. TTC (Transportation and Ticket Center).
The hub of all your practical Disney vacation needs. This place is exactly what it seems to be. Here, you can purchase tickets to any of the WDW theme or water parks, and you can also catch the ferry to Magic Kingdom or the monorail to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or any of the resorts on the loop!
6. FP+ (Fast Pass Plus).
The best way to get on popular rides without waiting an hour in line. The Fast Pass Plus service gives you the opportunity to choose a few attractions that you want to make sure you ride, and then gives you a specific time to come back to them, granting you a slightly shorter wait time than those in the standby line. It allows you to plan the rest of your day around your most important attractions, which is great!
7. PH (Park Hopper).
The key to visiting multiple places in the same 24 hours. A standard Disney theme park ticket only allows you to visit one park per day. If you're feeling like maybe you wanna get to Disney's Hollywood Studios early in the morning so you can ride Toy Story Midway Mania, but want to then spend the rest of your day at EPCOT drinking around World Showcase, the Park Hopper option is for you!
8. EMH (Extra Magic Hours).
Your opportunity to be in the park earlier or stay later than the general public. Extra Magic Hours are offered to Disney resort Guests as a chance to experience a little more magic than everyone else. On certain days, specific parks will open up an hour early or stay open a few hours later so you can ride some of the busier attractions or meet the more popular characters! It's an awesome little incentive to stay at one of the hotels on property.
9. DDP (Disney Dining Plan).
A great tool for those who love to eat! The Disney Dining Plan allows you to choose a dining package, complete with quick-service, table-service, and snack options. These plans give you a lot of chances to eat, so if you are a foodie I would highly suggest looking into this!
10. ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation).
How to make sure you've got a table at the busiest restaurants. Making your dining reservations ahead of time ensures that you are able to meet the Fab Five at Chef Mickey's, or see the Irish dancers at Raglan Road, or eat with the princesses at Cinderella's Royal Table. It is highly suggested, especially during heavy crowd times of the year.
11. ECV (Electronic Convenience Vehicle)
The people that will run you over if you're in their way. OK, that's not always the case. Most people who have to use a scooter are patient with Guests who choose to jump in front of them while walking somewhere. Having traveled to the parks multiple times with someone who uses a scooter, however, I've seen how often it happens and if your ankles get nipped, it's probably because you were trying to get ahead of them and most times it's your fault, not theirs.
12. DVC (Disney Vacation Club).
A cool way to stay at lots of different WDW resorts. As a member of Disney Vacation Club, you buy points that can get you rooms in a variety of different resorts, not only at WDW but also at the other Disney Parks throughout the world. You can also use them for Disney Cruises, Adventures By Disney, and a bunch of other cool experiences.
13. AP (Annual Passholder).
The lucky people who get to go to the parks as many times a year as they want. Annual Passholders are usually people who live close to WDW or are able to make a trip there several times a year. There are all kinds of benefits that come with an annual pass, including loads of discounts on food, merchandise, resort rooms, and tours, so if you hit up WDW a lot, it's quite beneficial in the long run!
14. WWWDD (What Would Walt Disney Do)?
The most important thought any Disney fan can have. While working for Walt Disney World, I thought about this often. Any time I was dealing with a grumpy Guest or an annoying child, I tried to picture myself in Walt's shoes and think about how he would handle the situation. Even now, I still do this as a Guest at the parks, making sure I respect all Cast Members, characters, other Guests and the parks themselves, and treat them the way Walt would have.
