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Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About

Disney experts pride themselves on their Disney knowledge, but there’s just so much information to remember. We’ve recently been sharing Walt Disney World tips that not everyone remembers. Let’s look at three more tips that most people forget.

  1. You can place mobile order anytime during park hours
  2. You can bring your own food
  3. You can send mail from Walt Disney World

Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About
Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About

Most Disney-owned quick service restaurants now offer mobile ordering, and are essentially using it exclusively. One way you can save time, and frustration, is to mobile order your food in advance. By the time lunch time actually rolls around your ideal pick-up time may not be available. You can place your mobile order anytime during park operating hours and select any available timeslot.

There’s been times when I have been at my home some 30 miles away and placed my order ahead time so I have one less thing to do when I am actually at the park itself. Be sure to familiarize yourself with how to use Disney’s Mobile Ordering.

Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About
Mobile Ordering at Flame Tree Barbecue

While Disney does have some fantastic food and beverages, some guests may prefer to bring their own food, or at least some of their own snacks. You can bring your own food into the theme parks and water parks, under certain guidelines. No glass or loose ice is allowed. And Disney’s official guidelines state that no preparation can be necessary such as cooking the food in any way.

Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About
Guest Relations at Magic Kingdom (photo is pre COVID-19)

You can send and receive mail at select locations at Walt Disney World. Every theme park has at least one mailbox at which you can slip in letters or postcards that have postage. You can also visit Guest Relations at the park to drop off letters or postcards to be sent out. The Front Desk at any Disney resort hotel can do so as well. If you need stamps you can purchase them at select merchandise shops. At the Disney resort hotels you can receive mail. You’ll just need to make sure the resort’s address is on the package and your name with the word “Guest” clearly written. There is a $6.00 handling fee for any packages received.

Here’s the first 3 tips we shared, and the second round of 3 tips most people forget about, in case you want to brush up on your expertise.

What are some of your lesser known Disney World tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments.

Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About

The post Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, Just For Fun, Observations, Trip Planning, disney dining, disney planning, Disney Tips

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Here’s 3 More Disney World Vacation Tips That Everyone Forgets About

There’s lots to know when planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Even seasoned Disney fans can forget some of the smaller details and tips. We aim to make our website and Lines app as helpful as possible. We’ve previously shared three tips for visiting Walt Disney World that practically everyone forgets about, and we figured we’d share three more.

  1. Parking and transportation opens about 45 minutes before opening
  2. Baby Care Centers and First Aid
  3. You can walk through attraction queues without riding
Here’s 3 More Disney World Vacation Tips That Everyone Forgets About
Avatar Flight of Passage Queue
Here’s 3 More Disney World Vacation Tips That Everyone Forgets About
Epcot Parking Tram Loop March 2020

Parking and transportation opens about 45 minutes before opening

One of the keys to maximizing your time and avoiding long lines at Walt Disney World is getting there early. The famed rope drop experience allows many guests to get multiple attractions under their belt in the first hour of park operation. The key is to get to the park itself well before opening.

Disney resort transportation from the hotels as well as the theme park parking lots generally open about 45 minutes prior to the scheduled opening time of the park. On busier days, like peak holidays, this can even be stretched to an hour before opening.

Here’s 3 More Disney World Vacation Tips That Everyone Forgets About
Distanced Parking at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Baby Care Centers and First Aid

Whether you’re a parent of an infant or a preschooler, Disney’s Baby Care Centers are a godsend. Each of the four parks has one. They are marked on the maps and MyDisneyExperience app, and are generally located near the center of each park. Any Cast Member should be able to direct you if you have any trouble finding it. Here you can purchase any forgotten baby supplies like diapers, pull-ups, wipes, pacifiers, baby food, and more. You can also change diapers in a space that is much less congested than the regular restrooms throughout the park. Nursing rooms are also available.

Here’s 3 More Disney World Vacation Tips That Everyone Forgets About
Animal Kingdom Baby Care Center Changing Area

Each park also has a First Aid Station, usually near the Baby Care Center. Here you can get help with basic medical needs including some over-the-counter medications. I have utilized them for allergic reactions and dehydration, and appreciate the wonderful Cast Members and RNs here so much.

You can walk through attraction queues without riding

Walt Disney World does an awesome job of creating queues for attractions that are entertaining and immersive. Disney is big on storytelling and the story usually begins the moment you walk into the queue. But, not every ride is for every person. If you want to join your group as they wait in line, or if you just want to experience one of the cool queues, you can walk through without having to get on the ride. Just let the Cast Member at the boarding area know you do not wish to ride and they will point you in the direction of the exit. Of course, you should check the Expected Wait Time in our Lines app first to make sure you won’t be waiting too long.

What are some of your lesser known Disney World tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments.

Here’s 3 More Disney World Vacation Tips That Everyone Forgets About

The post Here’s 3 More Disney World Vacation Tips That Everyone Forgets About appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, Observations, Park Hours, Trip Planning, disney planning, disney vacation tips, disney world vacation

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Holiday Crowds Increase – Disney World Wait Times for Monday, December 28, 2020

We’ve been waiting for the holiday crowds to truly materialize and it seems with the improve weather it’s happening. Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT had their busiest day of the past 30 days today. Ok well, today at Animal Kingdom ranked number 2 of the past 30, and EPCOT’s wait times are severely inflated. Our actual wait time data shows the waits are about half of what Disney posts.

Since it is the last Monday of 2020 we’ll look at attractions that make any Monday better, as well as the attraction at which we received actual wait times today. Speaking of, we received 151 actual wait times today from our Lines app users, thank you so much Liners!

Magic Kingdom Wait Times

Holiday Crowds Increase – Disney World Wait Times for Monday, December 28, 2020
Magic Kingdom Wait Times 12-28-2020

Soaring high above Tomorrowland on Astro Orbiter will improve any Monday. It had an average wait time today of 46 minutes. Its 7-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #9 for the past year.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had an average wait time today of 64 minutes. Its 7-day average is 60 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 40% of the posted wait time, meaning the actual wait time was around 26 minutes – talk about a wild ride!

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin had an average wait time today of 46 minutes. Its 7-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 40 minutes, so today ranks #2 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 61% of the posted wait time.

Who wouldn’t love to see an elephant fly on a Monday? Dumbo the Flying Elephant had an average wait time today of 26 minutes. Its 7-day average is 21 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #2 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 20 minutes, so today ranks #63 for the past year.

Peter Pan’s Flight had an average wait time today of 53 minutes. Its 7-day average is 45 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 40 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 88% of the posted wait time.

Space Mountain had an average wait time today of 72 minutes. Its 7-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #2 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 65% of the posted wait time.

Splash Mountain had an average wait time today of 78 minutes. Its 7-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 68% of the posted wait time.

The Haunted Mansion had an average wait time today of 33 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 76% of the posted wait time.

Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid had an average wait time today of 32 minutes. Its 7-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 26 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 55% of the posted wait time.

EPCOT Wait Times

Holiday Crowds Increase – Disney World Wait Times for Monday, December 28, 2020
EPCOT Wait Times 12-28-2020

How about spending your Monday with Jose, Panchito, and Donald? Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros had an average wait time today of 18 minutes. Its 7-day average is 9 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 9 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past year.

Soarin’ had an average wait time today of 81 minutes. Its 7-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 57% of the posted wait time.

Spaceship Earth had an average wait time today of 40 minutes. Its 7-day average is 20 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 21 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 42% of the posted wait time.

Test Track had an average wait time today of 95 minutes. Its 7-day average is 63 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 38% of the posted wait time.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends had an average wait time today of 21 minutes. Its 7-day average is 9 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 11 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 23% of the posted wait time.

A trip to Arendelle will help with the Monday blues. Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 53 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #19 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #148 for the past year.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Wait Times

Holiday Crowds Increase – Disney World Wait Times for Monday, December 28, 2020
Hollywood Studios Wait Times 12-28-2020

Rocking out to Phish, or ABBA, or I guess Aerosmith will do on a Monday. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith had an average wait time today of 49 minutes. Its 7-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #10 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 57 minutes, so today ranks #131 for the past year.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror had an average wait time today of 67 minutes. Its 7-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 60 minutes, so today ranks #4 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #60 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 88% of the posted wait time.

Toy Story Mania! had an average wait time today of 34 minutes. Its 7-day average is 36 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 84% of the posted wait time.

Slinky Dog Dash had an average wait time today of 71 minutes. Its 7-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #10 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 70 minutes, so today ranks #108 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 72% of the posted wait time.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway had an average wait time today of 40 minutes. Its 7-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #25 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 67% of the posted wait time.

Taking the Falcon for a spin is a great way to improve your Monday mood. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run had an average wait time today of 65 minutes. Its 7-day average is 71 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 60 minutes, so today ranks #79 for the past year.

Rise of the Resistance is having a pretty decent day of operations. A few hiccups this morning, but it did get an early start and it is fairly on pace with the last 7 days.

Holiday Crowds Increase – Disney World Wait Times for Monday, December 28, 2020

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Wait Times

Holiday Crowds Increase – Disney World Wait Times for Monday, December 28, 2020
Animal Kingdom Wait Times 12-28-2020

DINOSAUR had an average wait time today of 71 minutes. Its 7-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 40 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month.  We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 96% of the posted wait time.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #2 for the past month. We received 9 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 63% of the posted wait time.

Seeing the incredible animals on safari definitely soothes the soul on a Monday. Kilimanjaro Safaris had an average wait time today of 34 minutes. Its 7-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #4 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #85 for the past year. We received 10 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 44% of the posted wait time.

Na’vi River Journey had an average wait time today of 84 minutes. Its 7-day average is 60 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #47 for the past year.

Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 80 minutes. Its 7-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 81 minutes, so today ranks #96 for the past year.

Holiday Crowds Increase – Disney World Wait Times for Monday, December 28, 2020

The post Holiday Crowds Increase – Disney World Wait Times for Monday, December 28, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Attractions, Observations, Trip Planning, disney attendance, disney crowds, disney planning, disney wait times

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What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

You’ve been planning your Disney World vacation for months (congratulations!!), and it’s about time to head out the door.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Disney’s Riviera Resort

But, instead of feeling excited, you might be spending more time worrying about things you could forget or what may go wrong during your trip! Whether you’ve gone to Disney once or ten times, it’s totally normal to get those pre-trip jitters.

However, we’re here to tell you about things that you don’t have to worry about the next time you go to Disney World (so you can get to relaxing even more quickly!).

Getting Sick in the Happiest Place on Earth

No matter how much we hope we won’t catch a cold in Disney World, sometimes it just happens (even though it’s a massive bummer when you want to ride Toy Story Mania three times in a row).

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Toy Story Mania

Although it can be frustrating when you or a family member gets sick while at the Most Magical Place on Earth, there are still ways to get around feeling ill during your vacation.

Motion Sickness

If you know that you are prone to nausea or lightheadedness after riding attractions, be sure to pack some Bonine or Dramamine with you before you head into the parks. Trust us — it can be a life-saver for the days you feel extra adventurous and ride Tower and Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster back-to-back!

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

If you take Bonine earlier in the day, it will probably help relieve some of that motion sickness so you can enjoy more in the parks.

Dehydration

After you’ve spent an entire day in Magic Kingdom in that boiling Florida sun walking 10,000 steps and then some, hydration is KEY to surviving in Disney World. But, when you’re running from Space Mountain to sit on Main Street for the Festival of Fantasy Parade, dehydration can creep up on you quickly if you’re not drinking enough water.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Festival of Fantasy

While we recommend to always have a hydrating drink with you, First Aid Stations are available around the parks if you feel faint or dehydrated. The Cast Members will give you a place to cool off for a bit and sports drink to rehydrate before you go back to pound the Disney World pavement.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Blizzard Beach First Aid

You can find where the nearest First Aid Station is located in each park by using the My Disney Experience app!

Medication Delivery

There’s no sure-fire way to get rid of a cold or the flu ASAP in Disney World, but you CAN have prescription medication delivered to your resort directly or to the First Aid Stations in each park to help curb your symptoms. Remember, if you have a contagious illness, it’s best to wait it out in your room!

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Gift Shop Medicine

Gift shops in the parks and resorts also keep a stock of different pain relief, stomach relief, allergy, and cold medications that you can pick up.

Although we’d all like to see and do everything we can in Disney World, one of the best ways to get better is to rest. It’s more important to take care of yourself so you can conquer a new day all rejuvenated and ready to go instead of pushing yourself too hard (and possibly making yourself feel worse).

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Mickey Waffles in Bed!

Note: since room service won’t initially be available when the parks reopen, make sure you have a few packaged items in your room just in case you need to spend a day inside!

Packing Every Little Thing You’ll Need

If you’re like us, you might be guilty of waiting until the last minute to pack (like the morning of your vacation sometimes). But, even if you plan and pack way ahead of time, leaving something important behind is a fear for many travelers.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Ears Section of World of Disney

While you may not want to forget the essentials, packing for Disney World doesn’t have to be a daunting thing. After all, you’re going on VACATION, friends!! If you’re not sure what to bring or you don’t want to leave something behind, follow along with the ultimate Disney packing list as you get everything together.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Rose Gold Suitcases

Although we all feel like we might need to pack 20 pairs of socks or eight pairs of shoes, there’s no need to overpack for your trip. If you leave something behind, you can always pop into a gift shop to pick up an extra pair of sunglasses or a new water bottle! (We don’t need to be told twice to go on a Disney World shopping spree! )

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Dapper Day Sunglasses

Note there are a few things banned in the parks, so leave items like selfie sticks and toy weapons behind. Who wants to go through the hassle of bringing something they won’t be able to use in the parks, anyways?

Plus, you can leave bulky items like pool towels and hairdryers behind since your Disney resort will provide them to you at no additional cost.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Pool Towels

You can also cut down on the amount you take with you by shipping things directly to your resort. The Disney resorts allow you to have anything from packages to groceries delivered right to your Disney resort.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Art of Animation Lobby

Even if your kid will only eat a certain kind of granola bar or you need enough diapers for two toddlers, you don’t have to worry about packing them. Get just what you need for the length of your trip delivered to your hotel instead of cramming it all in your already-full suitcases!

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Wilderness Lodge Lobby

Need even MORE packing advice? Watch our Ultimate Packing List video here!!

The “Perfect” Vacation

This is a big one, folks — things go wrong on vacations all the time. We can’t predict when our kids will have meltdowns or when you’ll be late for an Advance Dining Reservation. It’s important to roll with the flow when you’re in Disney World without freaking out if something doesn’t go exactly to plan.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Rise of the Resistance

Since there are plenty of unexpected factors that can’t be planned around, your plans could always change, depending on what is happening that day. If something DOES go wrong, though, Cast Members are there to help you fix things like dining reservations, ticket mishaps, and more. (Hey, you might even get lucky and snag one of those No Strings Attached Passes!)

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Pinocchio Pass

Besides, everyone in your party will not have the same definition of a “perfect” vacation. Your grandmother may just want to chill at one of the restaurants, while your kiddos could love doing all the character meet-and-greets. You may be the person who can hop on every attraction and stay in the parks from rope drop until closing, but someone else with you might REALLY need that afternoon nap.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Rope Drop

You’ll have to consider what everybody you’re with wants to do to make sure everyone has a magical vacation.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Disney World

It’s all about compromise, folks! Even if you DON’T want to watch PhilharMagic for the hundredth time, your family member could consider it one of the best parts of their vacation. Keep everyone’s opinions in mind and make time for each person’s favorites.

Not Finding a Good Spot for the Fireworks or Parades

You know the spiel where you “HAVE” to look for a spot at LEAST thirty minutes or more before the parade or fireworks start, or you won’t have a good place to watch them? If you’re looking for a very specific spot right in front of Cinderella Castle, this might be true. But, for the most part, you can still enjoy that Disney magic without sacrificing your time in the parks.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Happily Ever After

Now, when the parks reopen, there won’t even BE any fireworks or parades, so BAM — problem solved.  But once the parades and fireworks come back (and we know they will!), here are a few great tips to create a little more zen for you as you plan.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Fireworks will be canceled temporarily in Disney World, but they’ll be back!

We’ve found a few spots that are GREAT for fireworks viewings that most people don’t hang around during the show! These spots are best for folks who’ve seen the shows at least once before and already had the full experience. Although you might not be able to fully watch the projections, you can get a one-of-a-kind view of the fireworks in each park that offers them in places like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the entrance to Tomorrowland, and next to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Part of the fun of Disney vacations is trying new things, so maybe you can find a NEW favorite spot to watch the fireworks the next time you’re in Disney World!

Parades are a teensy bit different than the fireworks, however, since you can’t always find a spot to stand or sit if it’s crowded.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Festival of Fantasy

In general in Magic Kingdom, the very start or very end of the parade route is typically the easiest to get a close view last minute. But even if you happen to find a last-minute place standing next to a trash can or at the very end of Main Street, the parade is still just as enjoyable. You can take in all the floats, dancers, costumes, and music from wherever you’re at as the show passes by you (don’t forget to wave to Mickey!).

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Mickey Mouse

However, if you’re willing to shell out some extra cash for an extra great place to watch a show, there are multiple dining packages in the parks that will give you a VIP viewing section. You can snack on some desserts as you watch Happily Ever After, feast on a great lunch before Festival of Fantasy, or have a nice dinner with your family before watching Fantasmic!

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Happily Ever After…Now With Alcohol!

Disney Resorts even offer some great fireworks viewing locations, like Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort! Dinner and a show sound like a great evening, right??

Although we totally understand the stress of worrying about things that could go wrong during your vacation after all that planning, take a deep breath and ENJOY it! You still get to go to the Most Magical Place on Earth with your family. So, if you’re feeling worried, remember a very important lesson from Timon and Pumbaa — hakuna matata, friends!

For more great tips and solutions to problems…

What are some of the things you worry about the most before your Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Entertainment, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney attractions, Disney fireworks, disney news, disney parades, disney planning, disney rides, Disney Tips, Disney World, Packing List, resort delivery

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5 Experiences You’ll Regret Not Trying When Disney World Reopens

We sure are missing the Disney Parks right now, and there are some things that we really hope we’ll get to do when they reopen.

Happily Ever After

With so many wonderful ways to enjoy Walt Disney World, it’s impossible to do it all. But whether you’ve been to the World dozens of times or you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we don’t want you to finish your trip with any regrets. Here are five Walt Disney World experiences you’ll regret not trying.

Asking a Cast Member for Their Recommendation

If you’re here, then that means that you know to turn to the experts when looking for suggestions about your Disney trip. But there are some experts you might be overlooking, and their input can make a big difference to your trip. We’re talking about Cast Members!

Walt Disney World Cast Member

Who is MORE expert than the Cast Members who bring magic to Disney guests day in and day out? Not only are Cast Members a big piece of what makes Disney World go ’round, but they are also an excellent resource for recommendations once you’re on your trip!

Le Petit Cafe Cast Members

If you’re ever on the fence about something — where to eat, what to do next, etc. — ask a Cast Member! They’ll offer their personal preferences and pieces of advice that may be super surprising and can make for an awesome twist to your Disney day. We’re not just talking about the Cast Members in the lobby of your resort hotel either. Talk to your waitstaff, attractions attendants, and custodial staff for tips!

If they have that telltale oval name tag on, chances are they can offer advice on just about any question you may have!

Cast Member

Want some ideas about what to ask? Take the risk and have the Cast Member choose for you what to order when you’re dining! We do this a lot since the Cast knows the menu at their dining location better than anyone else.

We also recommend asking for their take on what you should do on your resort day (since you might get some ideas you would have missed out on) and for their favorite attractions and tips!

Click here to watch a video on some WEIRD rituals the Disney World Cast has! 

Dining with an Imagineer

If you’re like us, you’re still thinking of things you wish you would have done when you COULD go to Disney. Maybe one of those things is a super fancy dining experience? It’s probably not surprising that that’s DEFINITELY on the list for us! Though we love fancy meals like the Chef’s Table at Victoria & Albert’s, we’re thinking something a little more unique today!

Grand Floridian Lobby

Did you know you can dine with a Disney Imagineer in Disney World? These are the folks who come up with all of the crazy tech, beautiful designs, and awesome experiences that we take part in every day we’re in Disney. The Dine with an Imagineer offering allows you to sit down with one of these super bright minds, pick their brain, and enjoy a delicious meal!

Our Dine with an Imagineer Table — Our Imagineer is sitting at the middle right

This offering is usually available at Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for up to 11 guests. You can typically book this experience on the first Thursday of every month at 5:30PM for $97.98 (tax and gratuity included). And you can pay an extra  $30 if you want to add the optional wine pairing. A four-course meal and a casual chat with an Imagineer? Yes, please!

You can also enjoy this experience at The Hollywood Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios. You can typically book this version of the experience on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12PM for $89.46. Remember, park admission is required and not included in this option!

Hollywood Brown Derby

This truly is a bucket list experience and we definitely wish we could take advantage of it right now. If you’re planning a trip for when the parks reopen, you can book this experience online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. Remember guests must be 14 years or older to attend.

Note that Dine with an Imagineer won’t be available immediately when the parks reopen, but we’ll let you know when it’s back!

We reviewed Dine with an Imagineer! Click here to check it out!

Getting a Professional, Personal Photopass Session

Maybe you haven’t thought of this one yet, but you definitely should have it on your radar! Photopass and Memory Maker are great ways to get photos while you’re in the parks, but did you know that you can upgrade to a professional, and personal Photopass session?

PhotoPass outside of Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios

There are even a few different options for photoshoots so that you can pick one that fits your needs and your budget! Back in February, Disney released the new Capture Your Moment photo sessions in Magic Kingdom for $50. These sessions get you and your fam a 20-minute shoot to help commemorate celebrations and milestones during regular park hours. Neat! You can book Capture Your Moment by calling 407-939-7758.

©Disney

Guests can also opt to use Disney Fine Art Photography! This service is a little bit more on the pricy side but there are more options to choose from. Depending on your package, these sessions could incorporate lighting, staging, and other techniques.

Pricing ranges from $225 for a Mini Portrait Session at a Resort to $1,999+ for a private, 5-location family portrait session in Magic Kingdom before the park opens. Book these experiences by calling (407) 934-4004.

©Disney

Making memories with the family is such a cherished thing and we’re missing Disney memories more than ever right now. When we get back to the parks, we’ll definitely be looking for the best ways to capture the memories, and these shoots are a great option!

Click here to learn all you need to know about the Capture Your Moment sessions!

Doing a Food or Drink Crawl

Our next suggestion is one that’s near and dear to our hearts. You’ve just gotta do a Disney food or drink crawl when you’re on your next trip — ESPECIALLY if you’ve never done one before! And, hey, if you have done one before, we say it’s time to embark on another!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort with Monorail Access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot

Food and drink crawls are a great way to experience some menu items and dining locations that you might otherwise miss out on. Our DFB crawls are crafted SPECIFICALLY so that you chow down on the best of the best and check out some awesome locations along the way.

Baymax Cupcake

Consider trying a transportation-based crawl like the Skyliner Pub Crawl, with tasty libations from Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Or try the Monorail Crawl for eats from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa!

Disney Skyliner

There are other crawls, too! One of our most FAMOUS crawls is the Cupcake Crawl and we can also recommend the Epcot Classics Snack Crawl! Whatever crawl you choose to tackle, you’re sure to have a fun time AND try some new things!

Click here to learn more about the Skyliner Pub Crawl!

Asking for the Best Seat on a Roller Coaster

Last, but certainly not least, we have a fairly simple idea that a LOT of guests have never thought about before! It’s easy, and you’ll regret NOT doing it once you know it’s a thing! You may want to request the best seat on a roller coaster!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Whatever your favorite coaster in the park — be it Space Mountain, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, or Slinky Dog Dash — there’s a seat that will make the ride a little more fun for you! This is an easy trick that can seriously perfect your ride experience.

Space Mountain

Okay, here’s the tip: If you’re looking for a smoother ride with great views, request a seat in the front. Want a more thrilling and all-around WILDER ride? Ask a Cast Member to seat you in the very BACK of the coaster! Thanks to SCIENCE, the front gets the slowest, smoothest ride while the back gets whipped around from the pull of the rest of the train!

Slinky Dog in Toy Story Land

Take it from us, there’s nothing quite like a ride in the very back on Big Thunder Mountain. If you’re a thrill-seeker, this can really make the difference between a good ride and a GREAT one!

Big Thunder Mountain in Disney World

And that’s all we wrote! Avoid those regrets by trying out these Disney experiences when you get back to Disney World. Most of these are small, some don’t cost a penny, and they’re all uniquely Disney. They really are a blast! Check out our DFB Video below for even more tips for your next trip.

What’s one thing you regret not doing on a Walt Disney World vacation, and what’s your advice to help others avoid it? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

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  3. 5 Souvenirs We REALLY Regret Buying in Disney World!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Entertainment, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, capture your moment, cast member, Cast Member Recommendation, Citricos, dining with an imagineer, Disney Crawl, Disney Fine Art Photography, disney planning, disney regret, disney regrets, Disney World, Drink Crawl, Food Crawl, Hollywood Brown Derby, Memory Maker, PhotoPass, rollercoaster, Rollercoaster tips, Snack Crawl