Tag: Character Dining

We Asked Our Readers: What Will It Take For You to Feel Safe Visiting Disney World Again? Here’s What They Said.

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 26, 2020

We wanted to know what safety measures our readers want to see Disney World implement when the parks reopen!

Animal Kingdom Entrance

While all of the Disney World parks remain closed until further notice, the resort has taken its first step towards reopening with Disney Springs starting a phased reopening on May 20th. This comes on the heels of the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland on May 11th, which made it the first Disney park to resume operations worldwide.

Both of these reopenings have included safety measures such as required face coverings for guests and Cast Members, social distancing protocols, and increased sanitization. So, now that things are beginning to reopen, we wanted to check in with our readers to see what health and safety measures they would like to see implemented in the parks at Disney World. Here are the results!

Now that we’ve seen the new health and safety protocols in action in Shanghai Disneyland and at Disney Springs, we have a better idea of what we might be able to expect in the domestic parks. So, since Disney has started to reopen its properties, we wanted to check in with our readers to get their thoughts. We reached out to our followers on Instagram to ask whether they think certain steps should be taken when Disney World reopens — let’s take a look at the responses!

Required Temperature Checks for Guests

To kick things off, we asked our followers whether or not they think temperature checks should be required for guests when the parks reopen. The overall response for temperature checks was positive — 77% said yes, and 23% said no.

Hollywood Studios

Temperature checks have been a common measure among other reopenings — they’re required at Shanghai Disneyland, Disney Springs, and Universal Orlando CityWalk. Overall, our readers said they would like to see this continue when the Disney World parks reopen as well.

Click here to learn more about the health and safety protocols implemented for the reopening of Disney Springs

Required Face Coverings for Guests

Next, we asked our followers whether they’re in favor of required face coverings for guests. This also received a favorable response — 68% said yes, and 32% said no.

Disney-themed Cloth Face Masks ©Disney

So, even though this measure received a slightly less positive response than temperature screenings, it was still favored overall, with two-thirds of the respondents in for the use of masks.

Learn more about our experience wearing a mask in Disney Springs here.

Limited Capacity in the Parks

In order to promote social distancing, many businesses that have reopened are limiting their capacity. In fact, the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force suggested that theme parks operate at no more than 50% capacity during Phase 1 in their reopening guidelines. And it seems that our readers are very much in favor of Disney limiting capacity in the theme parks — 91% said yes, and 9% said no.

Main Street, U.S.A

Of the ten questions we asked, this one received the most positive response.

Click here to learn more about the theme park reopening guidelines provided by the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force

Required Reservations to Get Into the Parks

In order to get ahead of potential bottlenecks and crowds, Shanghai Disneyland required that all tickets be purchased in advance for specific entry dates. Guests had to sign up for the specific date they planned to attend, as no walk-up tickets are available. Overall, our readers are in favor of reservations being required to get into the parks — 78% said yes, and 22% said no.

Walt Disney World

If Disney World requires guests to pre-register for entry into the park, that would reduce the chance of guests being turned away at the gate if capacity is reached. Universal, which is opening June 5th will not implement a reservation system.

Here’s what Disney CEO Bob Chapek said about the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland

Social Distancing of Six Feet Required in Queues

This is another measure we’ve seen implemented in Shanghai Disneyland. They’ve placed markers in queues to indicate the proper separation between parties. Our readers are also largely in favor of six feet of distancing being required in queues — 81% said yes, and 19% said no.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

While this would largely require guests to self-regulate, we received a pretty resounding “yes” from our readers on the social distancing measure!

Check out photos from the reopening day of Shanghai Disneyland!

Staggered and Distanced Seating on Attractions

Another policy being which is being implemented by theme parks like Universal is staggering seating on attractions. Essentially, with this procedure, alternating rows or seats are left empty in order to allow space between guests. And it looks like people were in the same boat here as with distanced queues — 81% said yes and 19% said no.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Ride Vehicle

As with other social distancing procedures we polled our readers on, this potential policy received an overall positive response!

We drove around an empty Disney World. Here’s what it looked like!

Distanced Seating and Reduced Capacity in Restaurants

Many restaurants reopening across the country have required reduced capacity and social distancing. In fact, this is another element that was addressed by the Orange County Economic Task Force who suggested that restaurants reopen with 50% capacity during Phase 1. Reduced restaurant capacity and distanced seating is yet another precaution our readers would like extended to the parks — 89% said yes, and 11% said no.

Be Our Guest Restaurant

As a whole, the potential safety measures related to social distancing and reduced capacity were the most popular among our readers.

Click here to see which restaurants in Disney Springs were reopened in the first phase on May 20th

Ride Vehicles Disinfected After Every Guest

Another hot topic of discussion has been increased sanitization procedures. We asked our readers if they think that Cast Members should disinfect ride vehicles after every guest — 80% said yes, and 20% said no.

Rise of the Resistance Ride Vehicle

While Disney said that the reopening of Disney Springs includes “increased cleaning procedures,” there’s no official word yet on how this will translate to the Disney theme parks.

We asked our readers if they’re still planning a trip to Disney World in 2020. Here’s what they said.

Hotel Rooms Left Empty for 24 Hours Between Guests

We also wanted to see what our readers thought about hotel rooms being left empty for 24 hours between guests. And almost three-fourths were on board with this idea — 72% said no, and 28% said yes.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Room

So, while this wasn’t quite as overwhelming of a “yes” as the social distancing measures, overall people seem to be in favor.

Have you seen the recently renovated rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Character Meet and Greets Halted

This was an opinion on which our readers were much more divided. When asked if they think character meet and greets should be suspended — 52% said yes, and 48% said no.

Snow White

So this one was almost an even split! Since this was the first measure we asked which would involve something being completely removed instead of just changed, we weren’t too surprised to see this receive a less favorable response.

Check out our rankings of all the Mickey Mouse character meals!

Large Gathering Shows Like Fireworks and Parades Halted

Entertainment that draws a large crowd, like fireworks and parades, has caused particular concern given the difficulty of maintaining social distance with so many people. Shanghai Disneyland has put a stop to parades and fireworks for the time being, so it’s possible Disney World could do the same. We wanted to round out our list by asking our readers if they think large gathering shows like fireworks and parades should be halted. And while it was close to an even split, this is the only question that received an overall negative response — 48% said yes, and 52% said no.

Happily Ever After Fireworks

So again, even though the responses were almost half and half, this was the least popular potential safety measure among our readers!

So, while there were a few potential health protocols that our readers weren’t as jazzed about, overall, people were on board with most of the procedures we mentioned. And social distancing in queues, restaurants, and attractions was an overwhelmingly popular concept! We’ll have to see when Disney announces their own reopening plan what measures are announced with it!

Disney surveyed guests about upcoming visits. Here’s what they asked!

Which of these potential health and safety measures are you in favor of? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Character Dining, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, Character Meet and Greet, Cleanliness, disney hotel room, disney parades, disney world closure, disney world fireworks, face coverings, face masks, health and safety measures, sanitation, sanitizing, social distance, social distancing, social distancing in the parks, temperature checks, temperature screening, temperature screenings

Disney Food Disney Parks Disney Vacations Other

Don’t Listen To This BAD Advice: 8 Disney World Planning Tips That Are WAY Wrong!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 25, 2020

Everyone seems to have an opinion when it comes to planning that PERFECT Disney vacation. And while we know that our friends and relatives have best of intentions, they could actually be passing along tips that are not only unhelpful, but simply WRONG.

Mickey Mouse

Today, we’re sharing eight tips that we hare ALL. THE. TIME. that are flat out wrong! There is certainly a reason why some of this advice is given, but we’re going to break each one down and explain why you should throw these tips out the window — or at least think long and hard before following them — when you’re planning your next Disney World vacation!

“You HAVE to do X, Y, or Z.”

You may hear your enthusiastic neighbor or aunt tell you ALL about the absolute best ride, resort, or restaurant that you MUST do in order to have a perfect vacation. Simply put, no one HAS to do the same exact things on their trip as someone else! Vacations should be a personalized adventure that works for THAT vacationer and their party.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Can’t afford to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for an entire week, but Aunt Suzie is insisting it’s the ONLY hotel worth staying at? Don’t try to stretch your personal budget to make it work, and don’t beat yourself up over it if the numbers just don’t add up.

You can have a WONDERFUL vacation at any resort, plus you can still visit the Polynesian (or any resort for that matter) for a meal or just to walk around and explore!

Mickey at ‘Ohana’s character breakfast!

The same philosophy applies to rides. Do you absolutely despise roller coasters? Then don’t force yourself to ride them! One bad ride experience can really bring down your whole day.

Same thing goes with kiddos — if they’re too scared to ride, don’t force them to ride! Finding what works for YOUR family — not your neighbor, cousin, or mailman’s family — is going to be the best bet.

Tower of Terror might be TOO scary for some in your party!

FYI — that’s why we’re here. We’ve done it ALL…and our team has over 20 people on it who have been to Disney World in hundreds of circumstances. Keep an eye on the DFB YouTube channel and here on the blog. We won’t tell you what you HAVE to do. We’ll share our experiences with you so that you can figure out what you WANT to do with your family.

“Kids don’t like Epcot — just skip that park.”

Epcot is often INCORRECTLY touted as the “adult park” with nothing to offer little kids. Epcot is really no different than any of the other parks in that there is something to do for EVERYONE. In fact, some kids enjoy Epcot more than any other park! (80’s Epcot Kids Stand UP!)

Even during popular “grown-up” events like the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, there is plenty to keep young ones entertained.

Walt Disney World’s Epcot

Many of the popular attractions in Epcot DO have a height requirement, like Soarin’ Over the World or Test Track, but we find most kids love these attractions when they’re tall enough to ride (which may be younger than you think!).

Test Track

Elsewhere in the park, kids can meet Nemo, Crush, and the gang over at the Seas with Nemo and Friends, go on a fun boat ride through the Land Pavilion on Living with the Land, and more.

And we can’t forget Frozen Ever After is located in the Norway Pavilion in World Showcase and is still INCREDIBLY popular with kids — plus it has no height requirement!

Frozen Ever After Ride

Epcot is about to become even MORE popular with the kids when the all-new ride, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, opens this summer in the France Pavilion.

New Remy Topiary

Epcot is also a great park to do some character meet and greets. In World Showcase, you can meet LOADS of characters in their native countries, including Mulan, Belle, and Snow White.

Snow White in the Germany Pavilion

If character dining is more your jam, Epcot has two excellent options: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion for those looking to meet the princesses, and Garden Grill in The Land Pavilion, where you’ll meet Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale!

“You can’t do a spontaneous trip anymore.”

We think half of the fun of any Disney World vacation is the planning! People love to start planning their Disney trips as early as possible, sometimes before their current trip is even over! This can lead many to believe that a spontaneous, last-minute trip is impossible to achieve.

Cinderella Castle

Between making advance dining reservations, FastPass+ reservations, and making sure you get the best resort hotel room possible, there’s certainly a lot to think about before you ever make it to the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Slinky Dog in Toy Story Land

But the idea that you can’t do a GREAT spontaneous trip is just not true! You can get really good last-minute dining and same-day FastPass+ reservations if you’re willing to hunt for them!

We don’t recommend you solely rely on booking everything day-of as this doesn’t necessarily work out every time, but you don’t have to have everything planned 180 days out if you don’t want to!

Haunted Mansion

If you missed that hard-to-get dining reservation, keep checking! Often, a dining reservation will pop up last minute as folks are always changing and adjusting their plans. That means if you’re refreshing the My Disney Experience app throughout the day, you could possibly snag a great table! There are also some great restaurants where you can usually get a table without a reservation.

Via Napoli

Same applies to FastPasses. Keep checking the My Disney Experience app for last-minute awesome FastPasses — you never know what you’ll find! Even if you can’t manage to snag those popular FastPass+ reservations, it doesn’t mean you can’t ride!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom

You can always strategize to get a shorter standby experience, whether that’s by riding first thing in the morning or last thing at night, waiting in a Single Rider queue if that’s available, or even looking into the possibility of a ticketed after-hour event where the crowds are typically lower.

“Don’t go during the busy season or the holidays!”

One of the most popular WRONG pieces of advice we hear is to never go during the holiday season, or to never go when the parks are “crowded.” For starters, some people simply CAN’T go any other time of the year due to school or work schedules, hence the crowds! If that’s the only time your family can find to visit, you can still have a great time!

Magic Kingdom at Christmas!

The important thing here is to manage your expectations and plan ahead. Setting your priorities for what is MOST important to get done will make all the difference on your trip. We aren’t saying it won’t be crowded — it WILL likely be crowded, and depending on when you visit, you may not be able to do EVERYTHING on your wish list…

Holiday Crowds at Magic Kingdom

…but there ARE some unique pros of going specifically during the holiday season. If you go in November and December, the weather will be much less rainy and hot than in the summer months, and the decorations are beautiful! There are a lot of limited-time events and happenings throughout Walt Disney World at this time of year, like the Gingerbread displays at many resorts, that are truly special to witness.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Christmas Tree

Another perk of visiting in the “busy season” — there’s MORE time to do it all. The parks can often stay open till 11PM or later (Magic Kingdom often stays open till 1AM or later many nights during the summer!) so you’ll have more time to check off your to-do list!

Even with heavier crowds, if you don’t mind a late evening you can cover a ton of ground.

You Can Stay in Magic Kingdom LATE During the Busy Summers!

Perhaps most importantly, don’t assume that if you DON’T go during those “busy seasons” that you’ll avoid crowds altogether. There can be crowds almost year-round these days, so don’t stress on finding that ‘magic’ low-crowd week. Pick what time works for your family and plan accordingly.

“You HAVE to get the Disney Dining Plan; it’s a great value!”

Harkening back to our first incorrect yet often heard tip, lots of folks insist everyone should get the Disney Dining Plan. While the Dining Plan is right for some people, it can be very wrong for others.

When you crunch the numbers you might find that it is actually harder than you think to save money on the Dining Plan unless you’re maxing it out everywhere you go.

Ribeye Steak from California Grill

Back in the day, it may have been easier to score a great deal with the Dining Plan, but now you can only really save money if you dine at the most expensive restaurants, AND order the most expensive meals on the menu, AND take advantage of the one alcoholic beverage that comes with your meal, AND get the most expensive snacks you can.

Cocktails at Topolino’s Terrace

This can be extra problematic if you have a kiddo that’s old enough to be considered an “adult” by Disney’s pricing standards but isn’t quite big enough to scoff down an adult-sized meal. It also is hard to get the best value if you have a picky eater in your party or a vegan or vegetarian diner — simple entrees like chicken nuggets or meat-free options are typically some of the cheaper items in restaurants.

Dr Falls Signature Grilled Steak from Skipper Canteen

One big benefit of the Disney Dining Plan is the added convenience of essentially “pre-paying” for all of your meals. However, keep in mind that you will still need to take care of tips out-of-pocket, as this does NOT come included on the Dining Plan.

Now, we’ve got you covered here, too! Our DFB Guide has TONS of additional information on the Disney Dining Plan, including the pros and cons in determining whether or not it’s right for your family! We break down the numbers FOR you, so you can figure out easily whether the dining plan is the right choice for you.

“Stuff your kid’s shoes to make them taller so they can get on a ride.”

You may be surprised at how often we hear this next tip in passing (even celebrities are guilty of doing it!). The height requirements for each attraction are there for your child’s safety. Stuffing their shoes to give them that extra inch so they can ride could put them in harm’s way, as the seating restraints are not designed for people under that height.

Rise of the Resistance Height Requirement

We shouldn’t have to explain this much further — please keep your child safe! Cast Members will measure how tall your kiddo is, but if they aren’t tall enough, the Cast Member will put safety first and won’t allow them to ride.

Star Tours

Keep in mind that if you run into this issue, you can take advantage of Disney’s Rider Switch program so everyone else in your party can still experience the attraction while one adult waits outside with the child(then they get a chance to ride without waiting in the full line!).

FYI, let us suggest from experience a very GOOD piece of advice — check out the ride height requirements BEFORE you go to Disney World. That way, nobody ends up waiting hours for a ride just to find out they’re too small to experience it. Many tears could ensue… .

“[Fill in the blank] restaurant is a must-do or a must-skip.”

Those well-meaning friends and relatives really want to make sure you have the best Disney World vacation possible (or is it THEIR best Disney vacation possible? ). Unfortunately, that could result in some unhelpful advice like this gem we hear alllll the time!

Tomahawk Veal Chop

If your Uncle Mike HATES Mexican food, chances are he’s gonna tell you to avoid La Cantina de San Angel in Epcot at all costs. But what if you LOVE Mexican food (like SO MANY of our readers who almost crowned this spot their favorite fast food spot in Disney World!)? Who do you trust?

La Cantina de San Angel

Ultimately, no one can determine what restaurant is a must-do for your family EXCEPT FOR YOU! Experience the restaurant for yourself and give a try before you pass judgment! There’s so much more that goes into picking the perfect restaurant besides just the menu!

Le Cellier Steakhouse

Everyone’s tastes and preferences are different (that’s why Disney has such a wide variety of options to choose from!). Here at DFB, it is our goal to share what the restaurant is like instead of whether it’s “good” or “bad.” So, read our reviews to get a good understanding of what’s available at each restaurant and what the atmosphere is like. Then decide for YOURSELF if your family might like to try it.

“Wait until your kids are X years old or they won’t enjoy it.”

Some folks may recommend you wait until your kids reach a certain age or a certain height to even bother considering a trip to Disney World. But we all know that every family is different and every kid ‘ages’ differently! There are pros and cons for just about every age, so consider when YOU want your kids to visit, and don’t worry about what others say! Only you can know what’s best for your family.

Even Babies Are Enchanted by Snow White!

Even if they won’t remember it as clearly as you will, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go! If you want to (and are able to) go — GO! You can make some incredible memories with your littlest ones if you take them early (plus, under three, they get in for FREE!).

At the end of the day, you might have to crunch numbers, talk to your family, or do some research when you get advice on how to best plan your Disney World vacation! We have tons of additional articles and videos all about making sure your next Disney trip is the best for YOU! To learn more about how to work around bad advice (and what to do instead!), check out our video below!

What is the most overheard bit of Disney World advice that you don’t follow because you know it’s not true for your family? Share with us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Character Dining, Counter-Service, disney dining tips, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Hard to Get Reservations, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, advance dining reservation, disney dining plan, Disney With Kids, Disney World, disney world dining, disney world planning, FastPass+, FastPass+ Reservations, peak season, Rider Switch

Disney Parks

10 Secret Tips to Make Your Disney World Vacation WAY Easier!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 19, 2020

Here at Disney Food Blog, we’re ALWAYS snacking on cookies, cupcakes, and more to tell you which of Disney World treats you don’t want to miss, but we’re also constantly on the lookout for new crumbs of wisdom for how to have the best overall experience possible on our Disney World vacations (see what we did there?)!

Bee Cupcake at Animal Kingdom!

Our Disney World habits have helped us pick up quite a few tricks over the years which have, until now, stayed pretty much under-the-radar — meaning you’re not likely to find them in any guidebooks or Facebook groups!

We’re sharing our top ten most-handy bits of advice when it comes to prepping for your next trip to Disney World! Let’s get right down to business!

1. Take Screenshots of Your Itinerary on the My Disney Experience App

Capturing a screenshot image of your scheduled FastPasses or Advance Dining Reservations will really help save your phone battery at the parks! That battery life will start to dwindle FAST with all the opening and closing of the My Disney Experience app you can do in a day!

We like to take this hack one step further by saving the image as our home screen — that way, all we have to do is “jiggle” our phone to see our plans that day! On an iPhone, you can take a screenshot by simultaneously pressing the power button on the side of the phone and one of the volume buttons. Then go into settings and select your image as your background! GENIUS!

2. Also, Take Photos of Your Hard Tickets and MagicBands

By now you probably think we’re a little obsessed with taking pictures of everything — annnnd you wouldn’t be wrong! But we do it for a reason — it’s saved our skins a number of times in the parks!

Pirate Minnie MagicBand

That’s because it’s a lot easier for Cast Members to help you replace something you’ve lost if you have a record of “having it” in the first place! Hard tickets, Photopass cards, and back of your MagicBand (with its number visible) are all things we always snap a quick pic of — just in case we misplace any of them! Disney can look them up by their number and help you get a replacement that much faster.

3. Consider Buying Disney Gift Cards Ahead of Time

If you’re looking to curb some of your vacation spending habits and save a little money at the same time, consider buying some prepaid Disney gift cards before you head off to Disney World!

©Disney

They can really help you stay on budget PLUS if you shop at Target, a Target RedCard gives you 5% off your purchase of Disney gift cards! Grab your rain ponchos and any last-minute toilettes for your vacation while you’re at it!

4. Be on the Lookout for Extra Fees

From rental fees, to cancellation fees, to parking fees, and every fee in between, fees are a pesky problem to have at Disney World if you don’t know about them in advance!

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

To keep hidden fees from sneaking up on you, here are some common culprits!

Nightly Parking Fees For Disney World Resort Guests

Disney World Resorts began charging an overnight parking fee in March of 2018. Here are the current rates being charged:

Disney World’s Value Resorts: $15 per night
Disney World Moderate Resorts: $20 per night
Disney World Deluxe Resorts & Deluxe Villas: $25 per night
Valet parking is available at certain resorts for $33 per night

Riviera Resort Entrance

Note: Disney Vacation Club members are NOT charged for parking when using their DVC points to book a room or when staying at a Deluxe Villa because the cost is included in membership dues. For campers, one parking space is complimentary per campsite for guests at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground.

Staying Offsite Fees

If you’re planning on staying somewhere offsite, be prepared for additional fees like the cost of parking at the Disney theme parks.

Theme park parking is complimentary for Walt Disney World hotel guests and Annual Passholders, but everyone else will be paying:

$25 per day for standard parking
$45-$50 per day for preferred parking
$30 per day for oversized parking

Does Everyone Want To Ride Splash Mountain??

Once you pay at one Disney World theme park, you won’t have to pay again if you decide to visit more than one park in a day — just save your receipt! And if you’re a Walt Disney World resort guest or passholder you can upgrade to preferred parking by paying the difference between the standard rate and the preferred rate. Free parking is available at Disney’s Water Parks as well as ESPN Wide World of Sports and at Disney Springs.

Gratuity

Tips can really add up quick at Disney World! Even if you’ve already paid for all of your meals ahead of time with a Disney Dining Plan, note that gratuity isn’t included.

The Farmer at California Grill

We highly recommend budgeting an extra 18-20% of your planned table service meals to cover the tip of your hard-working server. Keep in mind, if you have a party of 6 or more, an 18% gratuity will automatically be added to your bill. And if you’re using a Tables in Wonderland card, you’ll also have an 18% gratuity added to your check no matter your party’s size.

5. There Are Special Perks for Kids Under Three

But enough about fees! Let’s talk about something A LOT more pleasant — FREEBIES! And if you have any children under the age of three, then lucky you! There are all sorts of great ways you can save some money! For instance, children under the age of three are allowed to eat off of a parent’s plate for free! This is especially nice at buffets where you’re free to make a plate for your toddler and one for yourself.

Piatta Alla Parmigiana con Pollo

And did you know children under the age of three don’t need a park ticket to get inside any of the Disney parks? Just remember, though, that if you plan to fly to Disney they might not be TOTALLY free — while Disney World lets kids under three in for free, children two and up require a full-priced plane ticket to fly. So if you’re in that two to three age range, keep that in mind!

FastPass Touchpoint

This little tip might really help you plan out when you should go to Disney World if you have children under three! The difference between going a few weeks before your child turns three or after their birthday could mean spending hundreds of dollars more!

6. Don’t Forget About Rider Switch

Worried about bringing a small child along and not getting to enjoy the thrill rides? Don’t forget about a magical little thing called Rider Switch! With Rider Switch, you and your partner won’t have to wait in line twice if you have a child who’s too small or doesn’t want to ride.

Here’s how it works: the person riding can let a Cast Member know they want to use Rider Switch BEFORE they get in line, and they’ll give them a special pass to give to the last Cast Member they encounter before boarding.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

When they’re done, they go outside and switch places with the second person, who can hop in the FastPass line to ride without a lengthy wait! Rider Switch has been around for years and it has been a lifesaver for those of us who travel frequently with small kiddos in tow!

7. Start in the Back

Many guests get hung up on the first few attractions they encounter when the parks open (ever noticed Spaceship Earth in Epcot has a LONG wait in the morning?!), but for the shortest wait times, always head to the back!

Big Thunder Mountain

Lots of times you can knock out some pretty popular rides without a FastPass if you head straight to the back of a park and get on ‘em right away! Then you can relax and enjoy a more leisurely pace while working your way back up to the front of the park for the rest of the day.

Keep in mind this doesn’t ALWAYS work — Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a good example of this. The most popular attractions are at the back of this park, like Slinky Dog Dash and all of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, so everyone ELSE will likely be rushing to the back of this park first. In general, this tip works well for the other three parks.

8. Be Ready to Meet Disney Characters

Chances are you’ll probably run into some “colorful characters” at Disney World, especially if you’ll be enjoying a character meal at one of the park’s many dining locations.

To make life even easier for your Disney pals, bring a Sharpie marker from home which is a lot easier for characters with fuzzy or big-gloved hands to hold. They can even sign your shirt or backpack with it (as long as you’re not wearing it)! (Just don’t let it fall into your toddlers’ hands or they could do some SERIOUS damage!)

Goofy

We also like to keep our autograph books in a Ziploc bag we brought from home. That way, we don’t have to worry if it rains or our bag gets splashed on a ride.

Asking an attending Cast Member BEFORE you get in line how long the character will be out is also a really good idea. Characters can only be out for about 20 minutes at a time, so by asking, you can decide if it’s worth the wait or something you should circle back later on to see!

9. Know How to Exit Magic Kingdom on a Crowded Day (Without a Major Headache)

Did you know many of the gift shops on Main Street, U.S.A. are connected? That means if there are heavy crowds due to a parade or fireworks show ending, you can sometimes escape a little faster and a little easier through the gift shops.

Hello from the Magic Kingdom!

We also like to exit the park through the gift shop to get a nice, cool blast of AC before waiting at the bus stop (which can be a long, HOT wait!).

This exit strategy is also really helpful when it’s raining. You can practically get to the front of the park from Adventureland by entering at Casey’s Corner and exiting through the Emporium. There is a break between some of the buildings on the other side of Main Street, U.S.A., but the same general rule applies when exiting the park from Tomorrowland as well!

10. Always Check the Special Offers Tab Before You Book (and Check It After, Too)

Disney room and package discounts and offers are usually released closer to your travel date, so while something might not be available right when you book your trip, keep checking. Disney doesn’t advertise this, but you can usually get in on any deals by re-booking your reservation with the new discount applied!

Hi Mickey and Minnie!

Keep in mind, most special offers cannot be combined and some promotions, such as Disney World’s Free Dining offer, and they tend to fill up especially FAST! That’s why we always like to recommend our trusted travel agency, Small World Vacations. If a special offer is announced after Small World Vacations helps you make your arrangements, they’ll even help you get the discount applied to your vacation without you having to do any of the legwork!

We hope we helped provide you with a few not-so-common tips to make the most of your trip. A LOT of work goes into planning the perfect Disney World vacation both before you go AND once you’re there, so knowing how to work around common problems and some tips to save time or money can be a huge help!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
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