Hints and Tips for WDW – ENJOY!
Last update 8/26/04
With a huge love of Disney World and numerous trips under our belts, we often are asked for some tips about the park. We love sharing our tips and experiences as it gives us a chance to mentally ‘revisit’ the parks. One problem that we have found is that after we get done talking about the parks there is always a ‘darn, I forgot to tell them’ tip that comes to mind – usually several. So that we don’t forget things (and so you can review them at your leisure), we’ve created this list of Hints and Tips for WDW.
These tips come from our experiences at the parks and properties as well as some other sources. Among those are Gary Winograd (friend and Disney cast member extraordinaire), the web, the Disney Magazine, and other friends and family.
We hope you enjoy your trip and find these tips helpful. If you find that anything has changed in these tips or have some to add, please let us know and it will be added. Have a great time!
· All of the parks have ‘FastPass’. This lets you ‘electronically’ stand in line while you do other things. FastPass is not available for all rides, just the ones with traditionally long lines (look for the FP symbol on the guide maps).
· FastPass only allows you to have one pass at a time. Chose carefully and look at the wait times and return times – sometimes it is better to just wait.
· FastPasses are good during the displayed time period. When the time comes due, go grab another one before you go on the ride. That way you are ‘in line’ for one ride while on the first ride.
· You can get another FastPass once your current pass is 2 hours old. Timing it right, you can have two going at once.
· If a ride closes for any reason while you have a FastPass, get a ‘Free Pass’ – It is good any day and any time, just tell them that the ride was down and when.
· There is usually a ‘special park early opening’ for guests. It varies and can get you an extra hour or so.
· When you check in you’ll get cards that are for ID and can be used for charging (if you wish). Always have your kids carry their cards with them. It will be priceless if they get separated from you.
· Watch your park passes. They use magnetic strips. Like your credit cards, they can be erased by putting them on the merchandise demagnetizers or having them next to your cell phone.
· Use the attraction boards. They list what rides are down and wait times.
· All the parks have quiet nooks to escape the crowds. Locations are listed under each park hints.
· Most people instinctively bear right. Go the other way. Visit the parks left to right or clockwise from where you enter. Also, pick the left line – it usually winds up being shorter.
· If someone in your party needs a wheel chair or stroller, they can be rented at the entrance to each park. Warning: they are first come, first serve.
· Look for ‘hidden Mickeys’. They are all over the park woven into pictures, architecture, even the man hole covers. There are actually clubs of HM searchers. (Check out the Mickey watch on the big worker on the mural at Norway. Also, one of the Vikings has Mickey ears instead of horns!)
· Wherever you stay, get an idea which direction the parks are located and when the fireworks are scheduled. You can often see the fireworks from balconies or beaches.
· Don’t waste a lot of pictures trying to get fireworks. It is very difficult and usually requires fast film and a tripod.
· If you have a large group or are going to let your kids wander away a little, color code yourselves. If everyone is wearing the same basic color it makes it easier to find each other and lets others know you are in a group.
· If your child is too small to ride, go anyway. They have ‘child swap’ at the rides – Mom rides while Dad watches the kids, then Dad rides on the next one while Mom watches the kids.
· Start to the left (Frontierland) and work your way clockwise. People instinctively bear right and head for Space Mountain.
· MK is usually more crowded on Fridays and the weekend (people trying to make a long weekend).
· If you are late for the day parade, head to Main Street. That is where the parade ends. You can cut through Adventureland, head over the bridge near the castle and cut through the shops on Main Street to get there fast.
· If you are late for the night parade (SpectroMagic), head to Frontierland. That is where the parade ends. You can cut through the shops and head over the bridge near the castle to Adventureland to get there fast.
· Small World is a great place to rest your feet. You can get a ride and entertainment while taking a break. The line looks long sometimes, but moves very quickly. As long as you can get under the main roof, it should only be a few minutes.
· If you are traveling with infants or very young children, visit Toontown and get a picture with Mickey.
· If you want to get up and down Main Street during or immediately after a parade, cut through the shops. Most of them (especially on the Emporium side) connect to each other via inside doorways.
· If you have a choice of lines on Space Mountain (and they are about the same length), pick the one on the right. There is more to see while you are in line.
· Watch the lines on Pirates of the Caribbean. Both lines are usually open and people tend to pile up in one line. The other may let you sail through.
· Splash Mountain is much more than the big drop. If you aren’t wild about the drop, go on anyway and just close your eyes during the drop (and duck so you don’t get too wet).
· E-Ride nights cost a little extra (~$10 per person), but get you access after hours for the nine big rides. The lines are shorter and there is less of a crowd.
· Keep an eye out for the Water Pageant Electrical Parade. It starts near MK and winds past Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and ends up at Fort Wilderness. It usually starts right after the MK closes. (History lesson: It was first designed just for the grand opening. People liked it so much they kept it going. It is housed in a little inlet between the Grand Floridian and the MK – you can see it from the monorail.)
· Get there about an hour early for a really good view of the parades. Keep your eyes open because there are often good spots that suddenly open up.
· When watching the fireworks, don’t get too close to the castle (not past the end of Main Street). The angle and relative size of the castle blocks the view.
· After the park closes (after the fireworks), don’t rush out. Take your time and look in the shops. Take the ferry instead of the monorail to the TTC. No need to push with the crowds.
· Space Mountain seems fast, but the maximum speed is 27 MPH – the monorail goes faster! So does Thunder Mountain Railroad (33MPH)!
· Don’t forget to spin the car on Buzz Lightyear – there are targets on both sides. Watch for the orange robot in the first room. There is a 100,000 point target on his arm – just turn around when you pass.
· The quiet spots are on the side routes from both sides of the castle (one goes to Liberty Square, the other to Tomorrowland. There are also nice quiet places on a long path from the train station at Toontown to Space Mountain.
· Lines for rides are shorter during one of the parades. If you are watching the parade, watch it from near the ride of your choice and then book out as soon as the last float comes by. Everyone else is on the parade route.
· Don’t bother to take pictures in Haunted Mansion. Most of the stuff is behind glass and you’ll get a reflection or glare.
· When to ride:
· Splash Mountain – The first hour and a half and last hour that the park is open; During parades
· Pirates of the Caribbean – During parades
· Space Mountain – First thing in the morning; During parades
· Thunder Mountain Railroad – During parades; First thing in the morning.
· Winnie the Pooh – First thing in the morning. It has longer lines than you would think.
· Haunted Mansion – First thing in the morning; After 6PM; During parades
· Buzz Lightyear – During parades; An hour before closing
· Where to sit:
· Splash Mountain – To stay dry: second or third row on the left, duck during the big drop; To get wet: front row and sit up straight (bring a towel).
· Space Mountain – For a wilder ride, sit in the back.
· Thunder Mountain Railroad – Fast ride: sit in the back (but you will not have a good view); Slow ride: sit in the front (you will have a good view).
· Winnie the Pooh – Put kids in the front of the honey pot for best view.
· Buzz Lightyear – Right handed sit on the right; Lefties sit on left (the joystick is in the middle and you need your good hand for the ray gun. And take some practice shots early on the car in front of you to get familiar with how your ray gun aims.
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· Start at the back (World Showcase) and work your way forward. Most people work their way in.
· Epcot is generally less crowded on weekends.
· Epcot and MGM are easily put together. MGM closes early and Epcot stays open later. The boat from the Boardwalk Resort (exit near Canada’s pavilion) to MGM is a quick way to get back and forth.
· Good places to see Illuminations:
· The elevated terrace next to the Mitsukoshi restaurant in Japan. Above the people in front and often mistaken for an employee entrance. Go up the stairs near the store.
· The bridge between France and Great Britain. Not too many people and slightly elevated. It is an odd angle, but very nice.
· Watch which way the wind is blowing. Stay upwind for best views.
· The quiet spots are along the rose trail between Future World and World Showcase. There are also areas around the side attraction buildings, by the lagoon in World Showcase, and in areas around most countries.
· When to ride:
· Test Track – Early morning or late at night. During Illuminations is good. Get FastPass early – they run out between 12PM and 3PM.
· Body Wars – First thing in the morning or after 4PM. Don’t go after eating.
· Honey, I Shrunk the Audience – First thing in the morning or after 7PM.
· Where to sit:
· Test Track – The right side is better. Tall people go to the front (more leg room)
· Body Wars – The bumpiest rides are in the corners in the back (rows to your right as you line up).
· Honey, I Shrunk the Audience – The further back gets the best 3-D effect.
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· Don’t miss Fantasmic! It is amazing. The show is in a stadium just past Tower of Terror. Get there early.
· Prime Time Café is a really fun place to eat.
· Check out the reversed text display at Muppet 4D. It is for the hearing impaired. They can use glasses with small mirrors to enjoy the show and read the ‘subtitles’.
· Read the graffiti and boxes in Muppet 4D.
· Tower of Terror is an elevator drop. If you are claustrophobic, beware.
· Get to Fantasmic at least an hour early (hour and a half is best). Bring a snack. It is a large theater, but fills up. If there are two shows, grab the second – it is less crowded. And stay together! Don’t just save seats, you may get locked out!
· Bear to the left when entering the Back Lot tour. The front rail people get wet! When getting on the tram, get on last – the ones on the driver’s side get wet too!
· There is an exhibit on the life of Walt Disney behind Little Mermaid (next to the animator tour). It is a walk through with at short movie and quite interesting.
· Epcot and MGM are easily put together. MGM closes early and Epcot stays open later. The boat from MGM to the Boardwalk Resort (exit near Canada’s pavilion) is a quick way to get back and forth.
· Don’t take pictures on the Studio tour (the one where you see the animators). They forbid pictures and mean it. They’ll even ask you to leave if caught.
· When to ride:
· Rock ‘n Roller Coaster – Always busy. Get there first thing or use a FastPass.
· Who wants to be a Millionaire – Early shows are less crowded – better chance to get in the hot seat. If you want a chance at the fastest finger on stage (everyone gets one), get there 30 minutes before your FastPass and act happy and lively.
· Tower of Terror – End of the evening or during parades.
· Star Tours – Early or late in the day. Also tends to flow with Indiana Jones – go 5 minutes after an Indy show starts and avoid it right after a show ends.
· Indiana Jones – Get there early or you will be standing. The first show of the day is the most crowded.
· Where to sit:
· Rock ‘n Roller Coaster – The back is considered wilder and bumpier. Beware, it goes upside down.
· Tower of Terror – Back row middle doesn’t have a safety bar, just seat belts.
· Star Tours – Bumpiest seats are in the back corners (Right rows as you are boarding).
· Indiana Jones – Front row is best (closest to the fire and action).
· Muppet 4-D – The further back gets the best 3-D effect. (Watch behind you for the chef working the lights.)
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· Get there early and head for the safari. The animals like to sleep during the day. If you miss out in the morning, keep an eye out and get a Fastpass for late afternoon.
· There is a great quiet spot and fantastic picture spot (for the Tree of Life) just off the main trail between Asia and Africa.
· Use fast 400 ASA film for the Safari. It is bumpy and you will need the speed. Also, hold onto your camera!
· Watch out for the Rapids ride. You WILL get wet, you likely will get soaked! Still a great ride, just watch your cameras, shoes, and wallet! Wear a poncho if you want protection (if you don’t have one, all the stands have them, but they are likely put away under the counter).
· Rafiki’s outpost is quite interesting. If you are lucky you will see one of the animals getting a check-up.
· Rainforest Café is a great place to eat. Fun and good. A little pricey, but you can make a lunch-dinner out of it. Check on seating time early.
· When to ride:
· Kali River Rapids – First thing in the morning or after 4PM.
· Dinosaur – The first half hour or the last hour the park is open.
· Kilimanjara Safari – Animals are most active early morning and early afternoon. They also like rain and cool weather. They sleep during the day.
· It’s Tough to be a Bug – Early morning, late afternoon, and evening. Also during parades.
· Where to sit:
· Dinosaur – The back row is wilder than the front.
· Kilimanjara Safari – There are more animals on the driver’s side.
· It’s Tough to be a Bug – Sit in the back for the best effects. And don’t stand up too early.
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· Consider some time at DisneyQuest. It isn’t one of the ‘parks’, but is a play area. You can hook it with a shopping trip to Downtown Disney. If you like video and action games, this is the ultimate place.
· When you enter, the elevator takes you to the top floor. Head right down to the bottom and work your way up then down. Go against the main stream.
· The pirate game is fantastic. So is the roller coaster one (don’t do it if you are claustrophobic).
· Team up for the remote control jeeps in the maze. One person drives while others shout out directions.
· Not for kids. If you want to go and have kids with you on the trip, consider the ‘sitting services’ at the resorts. The kids have a lot of fun and the ‘sitters’ are well trained and have special events scheduled.
· Head over to Downtown Disney to go shopping before you go to Pleasure Island. Take a little time and walk around Pleasure Island during the day. It will give you a chance to look around and get familiar with the place. A lot easier without crowds in the daytime than crowded at night.
· The parks tend to empty out a bit in mid-afternoon.
· Don’t bother with flip-flops or sandals – they make you take them off on the rides. Pick up some water shoes (like waterproof slippers). Those are allowed. If you don’t bring them along, they are available at the park. (Dorney Park uses them too)
· If it starts to rain, don’t panic. They have lightning radar and shut down when strikes are 5 miles or less away.
· If the park shuts down, don’t panic. The storms usually pass quickly. While they are shut down a lot of people give up and leave. Afterward the park is much less crowded. Just grab a bite to eat or do a little shopping.
· The TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center) is the transportation hub for everywhere.
· If you are going to the MK from the TTC, take the monorail at the Polynesian – less of a line during rush time. It is a short walk to get to the Polynesian – just aim for the Great Hall. The monorail is on the 2nd floor. (Oh, if you bear left when entering, there are rest rooms and an ATM there for your convenience.)
· At the back of Epcot (World Showcase) next to the Canada area (about 4:00 if US is at 12) is an exit. It will take you to Boardwalk and Yacht Club. There is a shuttle boat that takes you over to MGM. (and vice versa). You can also rent a surrey bike for a ride.
· If you have a car, use it – especially if you are going to Downtown Disney. If you go to Epcot, park at Boardwalk or Yacht Club and head in the back way. Same thing for MGM, but take the boat over. For MK, head to the Polynesian and take the monorail. For Animal Kingdom, just use the parking lot.
· There is a traveler’s radio station (WTIR 1680 AM) that gives traffic reports, weather, attraction tips, and general info. It is designed for tourists.
· Check out the ‘Refillable Mugs’. Yes, you have to carry them, but they can save bucks when you’re thirsty.
· Grab some breakfast food. Milk can be kept in the fridge in the room (they usually have a little fridge). You can eat breakfast while getting ready. Saves money and time. You can either stop outside the park on the way in or pick up some in Fort Wilderness (the main store, the Meadows, is in the middle of the campground and another store, Settlement Trading Post, is across from Pioneer Hall – the boat from MK is the best way to get there quickly.)
· Trail’s End Buffeteria in Fort Wilderness has a great buffet dinner. (Ask if Gary Winograd is working & say hi for us!) You can get there easily from MK by boat to Fort Wilderness. Great way to get a late afternoon dinner and then head back to MK for the evening. You can get there from your hotel via the buses (you may need to transfer at the TTC).
· MGM’s Prime Time Café is a really fun place to eat with home style cooking. Aunt Esther will make sure you eat your veggies!
· Eating a good Linner (Lunch-Dinner) is a good way to beat the crowd, take a break, and get a price break. Also a Character breakfast is fun, fills you up, and then you can keep going until after the park closes with just a snack.
· Rainforest Café is fun (it is at the Marketplace and in Animal Kingdom). It is a bit pricey, but the food and atmosphere are terrific! They have pagers so you can still wander a bit.
· Pizza in the room can be a special treat. The price is decent, the pizza great. And it can be eaten after you get back to the room after the parks have closed.
· If you want to do a special dinner or lunch, call ahead (even before you leave to go to WDW) and you can likely get priority seating. If it is a very special dinner, make sure you have reservations as soon as possible. Some special meals require reservation (luau and Hoop-dee-doo). If you pick up your tickets at the dinner, give yourself some extra time (about 15-20 min). Call 407-WDW-DINE.
· Fort Wilderness cabins are a great place for families. There is a separate bedroom with a double bed and bunk bed for the kids. There is a living room with a Murphy bed for mom and dad. They also have a small kitchen with a full refrigerator, stove, and microwave. You can save money by bringing in breakfasts and making some lunches. The rates aren’t outrageous either.
· Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian are all on the Magic Kingdom monorail route. Easy access to the Magic Kingdom. Polynesian is also within walking distance of the TTC.
· Boardwalk and Yacht Club are right outside Epcot’s back entrance. They are also a short boat ride away from MGM.
· Use package delivery with purchases. They will send them to your room for you or will even send them to your house (great if you do a lot of shopping at one place or have something fragile). Don’t do it on the last day – it takes until noon the next day to deliver the package.
· Pin trading is real big. Even if you don’t trade, check out some of the pins and consider getting some of the special issues (don’t know which are special? Just ask a cast member). It could be a good investment – some have doubled in value already.
· An evening of shopping at Disney Marketplace can put all of your souvenir shopping into one trip. They have most of everything offered throughout the parks. Add the stuff at the Emporium (MK) and you have near everything except the super specials. (But if you see something you really want – get it. It may not be anywhere else.)
· If you think you might go back down again within a year and/or are spending more than 5 days within a year at the parks, look into an annual pass. They are about 50% more than the long Park Hopper pass (5 day standard Park Hopper ~$220; Annual Pass ~$349). It gives you discounts around the park and there are banks of rooms at special ‘annual pass holder’ discounts. You can save more money than packages if you work it right.
· American Express gets you special discounts, reservations, information, and perks (like a fanny bag).
· Don’t try to do everything. Be flexible! Enjoy what you do get to do. There is more to do than you have time – even if you are there a month! Make a list of don’t miss items and aim for them.
· Make as many reservations ahead of time as you can at 407-WDW-DISNEY.
· Watch for the park hours. They don’t close at the same time. Animal Kingdom usually closes first, followed by MGM, then Magic Kingdom, and finally Epcot.
· Look for our brick on the Walk Around the World. It is brick W03751 and is located at the end of the ramp from the monorail at the MK. It is between the kiosk and the railing to your left.
· Ask the cast members – Anything. They are glad to help. If you want advice or help, just ask.
· If you have a problem – anything – just ask the front desk or park information for help. They can get you a doctor if you don’t feel well or help arrange for a prescription refill to be delivered if you run out or forget.
· Use the lockers. There are sets at the entrances of all the parks. (MK – under the station; Epcot – to the right when you enter; MGM – to the right near the gas station) They cost a couple of bucks, but are yours all day long.
· If you have a late flight, ask them to hold your bags. They can also extend the room checkout time to 1PM or sometimes later if you ask nice and they have the space.
· Kevin Neary (who writes the trivia books with Dave Smith) used to work at the Disney Store in King of Prussia.
· You aren’t there to watch TV, but the on-site channels tell about specials and weather. And the cartoons can keep the kids occupied while you get ready.
· Need a haircut? Try out the barber on Main Street in MK. I don’t think he gives shaves anymore… not since ‘the accident’ <grin!>.
· A lot of people are using cell phones and handie-talkies to keep in contact with others in their parties. They work well and are permitted (for now at least – they are really being abused and may be banned). Think about using them if you plan to split up, but use them with discretion and look for ones with silent alert and earphones.
· Yes, it rains. Don’t worry. Usually it is just showers that pop in and out. When it starts all the vendors start selling ponchos.
· Pack a light jacket or sweater – no matter when you go. It can always get nippy.
· Check out the weather on the Weather Channel or on one of Disney’s info channels. You can also check out WTIR 1680AM.
· For a cruise the cabins are large. In comparison to a hotel they are small. Pack carefully. There is enough room, but it is tight.
· The environment is more like a hotel during a convention than a normal hotel (lot of loudness and door noise). It shouldn’t spoil the trip, but it is likely to happen. Just be prepared for it.
· Call home before you board. Once on board, a call home will run $7 a minute!
· Board early! Check out the dinner seating and review the paperwork and schedules. If you don’t like the seating times, you can change it but you have to do it early.
· If you want to dine at Palo (over 18 dining), you have to reserve early on the first day – the earlier the better.
· Plan your excursions early – right after boarding is best. Have an idea of what you would like to do (swim, beach, snorkel, shop, bus tour) before you leave home and match up with what is available when you get your papers.
· Spa times fill up fast too. Make reservations when you board.
· If you are looking for a quiet, cool, unoccupied deck chair try Deck 4 (the jogger deck).
· Allow up to 3 hours for your bags to get to your cabin. Make sure you carry on medication and valuables.
· Check out the location of your room. We wound up across from the laundry storage and crew quarters. They use it at all hours and the door slams. If you wind up there, go to guest services and ask to have your room changed due to noise. They’ll try to ‘tell them to be quiet’, but it doesn’t work. They don’t mean to make a lot of noise, but they have a lot to do and it just happens.
· Wander the boat when you get on board. Take some special time to just explore. (But don’t be late for the life boat drill.)
· Keep an eye on the water near the ship. Often there are flying fish leaping our of the way.
· The laundry has only ONE ironing board (3 laundries on board). The heaviest times of use are 4:30-6PM. Do your ironing early – or bring your own. Also do your laundry early, there aren’t many washers. Don’t abandon your laundry – others will remove it when done if you aren’t around.
· Get a bottomless mug right away – there are 3 colors to choose from (red, yellow, and blue). If you want a special color, try a ‘real’ bar (especially ESPN’s). Put your name and cabin number on it. Take it anywhere – even the bars!
· Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and milk are available 24/7. (On the Magic it is on 9th deck aft by the breakfast buffet.)
· Check out the overlook by the bridge. Great view and you can do your best Titanic impression!
· They love to take pictures and sell them. If you don’t want to be bothered, just politely tell them you aren’t interested.
· Formal and semi-formal dinners – All types of clothes are fine (except jeans and shorts). You’ll see everything from tuxedos to dress casual. A suit or sport coat/slacks is the norm. A nice sport shirt on boys is the norm.
· Don’t feel locked into lunch. There are burgers and other fast foods available on deck all the time – and they are included, and good! Don’t forget that you can take them back to your room too.
· Room service is free (except for some drinks and tips).
· Breakfast buffets are available. You can send one or two people out to get food and bring it back to your cabin to eat while you get ready for the day.
· Internet is available at a PC lounge and in the ‘teenagers’ area. Cost is about $0.75 a minute or $90 for the week (good if using more than 20 min per day). If you plan to use it a lot or for writing/chatting to home it is a good deal. You can share your password with the other members of your family (but have to take turns). Several instant messengers and mail systems allow for browser use. The browser that they use on board is not very friendly, but usable. It is a satellite link and usually available (watch for storms). It is a slow connection, but they are working on it. Plans are to have connections in each stateroom for your laptop.
· Bar tipping is included in prices. Guidelines for server cruise tips are included in the handouts. Normally they are given at the final meal of the cruise. Envelopes are available at guest services.
· One night of the cruise has a desert bar. Don’t miss it. (and take a larger belt along!)
· Watch out for the sun! It is very strong and the steady breeze will fool you!
· St. Thomas/St. John – If you don’t want to go shopping or want to really snorkel, forego the excursions. Grab a taxi and head to the downtown ferry to St. John. Once in St. John, get a taxi to one of the north coves for some real snorkeling. You can rent equipment or bring your own. As you head north you will hit the following coves: Hawksnest Bay (great snorkeling, private, no services; Trunk Bay (not as good, a preserve, lot of people, has services); Cinnamon Bay (fair); Maho Bay (terrific but far – watch your time, no services).
· Castaway Cay – Disney’s island. A nice place and the chefs make some great food for lunch. It is a beach party environment. There is an adult area up the beach. Head out early or have one person in your group head out early to reserve a spot. If you plan to snorkel, you have to wear a safety vest. The snorkeling is ‘safe’ – there are a bunch of fish and some ‘treasures’, but they manage it to reduce danger and in doing so reduce the amount and variety of fish. For great snorkeling try St. John.
Well, that’s about it… We plan to keep adding to this list with each trip. If you have any tips to share, let us know and we’ll add them in! We hope you find this helpful. Enjoy your trip! (…and if you want a personal guide, just take us along!) TTFN!