Our travel agents are the Disney experts. When booking your Disney vacation and parks visit through Trip Concierge, you will have a real live Genie that will make your dreams come true. We even have some extra pixie dust to get those coveted dinner reservations for your little ones.
1. Use Genie+ or Lightning Lane Early
- Tip: Book high-demand rides early using Disney’s Genie+ service or individual Lightning Lane passes. Popular attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or Avatar: Flight of Passage can have long wait times, so securing a spot early ensures you save hours.
- Bonus: The earlier you book, the more rides you can fit into your day since you can reserve another attraction once you’ve scanned into your first ride.
2. Arrive Before Park Opening (Rope Drop)
- Tip: Be at the entrance 30-60 minutes before the park officially opens (a strategy known as “rope drop”). The first couple of hours have the shortest lines, especially for top attractions.
- Bonus: Staying at a Disney Resort hotel often grants you Early Theme Park Entry, giving you even more time to enjoy the park.
3. Mobile Order Food to Skip the Lines
- Tip: Use the Disney app to mobile order meals and snacks in advance. This saves you time waiting in food lines, especially during peak hours.
- Bonus: Popular treats like Dole Whip or Mickey-shaped pretzels can run out, so pre-order to secure yours.
4. Take Advantage of Parade and Fireworks Timing
- Tip: Ride popular attractions during parades and fireworks shows when crowds are gathered in central viewing areas. This is a great time to hit rides with normally long waits.
- Bonus: If you prefer to watch the parade, choose a spot along the route 30-45 minutes early for the best views.
5. Pack Essentials to Stay Comfortable
- Tip: Bring portable phone chargers, refillable water bottles, and weather essentials (ponchos or sunscreen). Staying hydrated and comfortable is key to enjoying the day.
- Bonus: Water is free at most quick-service locations, so you can refill bottles instead of purchasing drinks.
6. Character Meet-and-Greets: Know Where to Go
- Tip: Use the Disney app to check real-time locations for character meet-and-greets. Early morning and late afternoon often have shorter waits for popular characters like Mickey and Minnie.
- Bonus: Try hidden spots like Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Magic Kingdom, where lines are typically shorter.
7. Don’t Miss the Hidden Gems
- Tip: Disney parks are full of lesser-known attractions that can provide magical experiences without long waits, like Tom Sawyer Island, Enchanted Tiki Room, or Walt Disney Presents.
- Bonus: Ask cast members about “Hidden Mickeys” scattered throughout the parks for a fun scavenger hunt activity.
8. Stay for Park Closing (Kiss Goodnight)
- Tip: Many guests leave after the fireworks, but staying until the park closes can give you access to shorter lines. Attractions often stay open right up until closing.
- Bonus: Enjoy a quieter, more serene atmosphere and catch special closing moments, like Magic Kingdom’s “Kiss Goodnight” farewell show.
With these tips, you’ll maximize your time, minimize stress, and enjoy all the magic Disney parks have to offer!
