Disney Trip Tips

I'm currently experiencing PDD - Post Disney Depression - and I heard the only cure is planning another Disney trip! While I'm dreaming of meeting Mickey and eating Mickey waffles, here's some pointers from our most recent Disney trip:

GO IN SEPTEMBER, JANUARY OR FEBRUARY.

These are lower crowd times of the year. We went at the end of January/beginning of February and managed some incredible wait times (20 minutes for the Frozen ride?!). Be aware that there are some running events and festivals that occur in these months that could increase crowds. Check Disney's website for DisneyRUN events and other websites/blogs for crowd calendars.

ROPE DROP. AND STAY LATE.

We rope dropped every morning and it made a HUGE difference. We were one of the first to ride Splash Mountain, River Journey, and Rock N' Roll Roller Coaster.

TRY TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION/FASTPASSES AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

We didn't plan our trip until a month before, so it was difficult to manage some of the dining reservations we wanted. That being said, we did get lucky for Be Our Guest breakfast and found a time slot that opened up several days before our day at Magic Kingdom. So don't worry - you still might manage a reservation. Reservations start up to six months early and fast passes 60 days out, so planning ahead will be your friend. Rides like Snow White Mine Train and anything at the new Avatar section disappear fast so book as early as possible. Also don't go too crazy with dining reservations - you will be charged if you do not cancel your reservation up to 24 hours ahead (however, they will waiver the fee the first time if you say you did not know about the fee). 

GO ON RIDES DURING THE PARADES AND FIREWORKS SHOW.

I understand a lot of people love these aspects of the Disney parks, but Will and I are all about the rides. Besides right when the park opens and right before it closes, this is the best time to hop on your favorite rides. We rode Pirates of the Caribbean twice during one of the parades. You can even schedule the parade onto your Disney app so you know when to start heading to your favorite rides.

TOM SAWYER'S ISLAND IS A GREAT PLACE TO COOL DOWN.

I'm not sure how it is during the busiest seasons, but during our stay Tom Sawyer's Island was generally pretty un-crowded and there are a lot of "caves" you can explore that are very cool due to the lack of sun! We cooled down here for about thirty minutes every day we visited Magic Kingdom.

YOU CAN USE LYFT TO GET TO THE PARKS.

We used it the first day at Magic Kingdom because the bus was taking forever - however, do be warned - they drop you off at the parking lots instead of the bus lots, so you have to take the monorail or boat to get to the Magic Kingdom.

SIGN UP FOR EMAIL LISTS FOR DEALS.

We stayed at the Coronado which was undergoing renovations, so we got a discount. Plus we booked a package so we got more of a discount. But then ON TOP OF THAT, we received a discount with a personalized discount code I received via email. I did have to reserve the hotel on the phone instead of online because of these discounts - but they gave it to me happily! Yay for savings!

KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO WANT TO GO BACK.

BRB. Currently planning a girls trip, a weekend, a half marathon, a honeymoon, and a birthday trip to Disney?