Disney Lovers Share 20 Of Their Most Valuable Disney Park Travel Hacks

"Being nice to cast members increases your chances of magical moments."

Stephanie

• Published in Disney
• October 10, 2024

Planning a Disney trip can be an epic adventure in itself. There are so many things to consider, from getting there to what to bring to how to make sure the whole family gets the most out of the experience.

In fact, planning for the trip can be more exhausting than the trip itself! And this is especially true if you're traveling with children or a large group of friends or family.

Luckily, there are plenty of Disney enthusiasts around who know what's what when it comes to visiting the famous theme parks. After all, they've been so many times already; they know all the best hacks to ensure the smoothest and most enjoyable Disney adventures.

For first-timers, these invaluable tips and tricks can be a game-changer. So, we've listed 20 of the best Disney park hacks for you below.

From avoiding long lines to discovering the best ways to travel, what to wear, and how to take full advantage of what's on offer, we've got all the answers and more. So, get ready to be eager and prepare to take down lots of helpful planning hacks.

Keep scrolling to find out 20 of the best Disney park hacks from the people who know best. Don't forget to grab a pen and paper!

20 Disney fanatics shared their most helpful hacks for visiting the famous theme parks.

1. Prepare to handover a lot of cash.

"Accept that it's expensive. I used to try to save on this and that, but to have a really good time, splurging on sit-down meals and Lightning Lane is worth it. Also, pack a good park bag with ponchos, medicine, fans, Wet Ones, and water."

2. Beat the crowds.

"Go on popular rides during the parades or fireworks. The lines will be shorter."

3. Collect the pins.

"My husband and I always get the celebration pins. Usually, when we're at Disney, we're celebrating our wedding anniversary, but even celebrating getting my master's degree deserved a celebration pin.

Anything worth celebrating, get a pin! Cast members will congratulate you, you might get special treats at restaurants, characters will make a big fuss, and you may even get some magical moments!

None of this is guaranteed, but odds are you'll get some pleasant surprises at some point from having a celebration pin."

4. Go in October.

"Go to Disneyland during October. Halloween is a great time of year without the crowds of the holidays or summer. It's also really nice weather in California — cooling off but not cold!"

5. Keep left.

"Always use the left line to get onto your ride faster."

6. Bring a change of shoes.

"Bring at least two different pairs of sneakers/running shoes to rotate each day."

7. Order ahead.

"Order a popular food item at 6 a.m. and set a time to pick it up. Popular items can sometimes be out by 9 or 10 a.m."

8. Rideshare wisdom.

"If you're using rideshare, walk to a nearby hotel instead of the designated pick-up spot. That way, you avoid a lot of the surge charging and long waits."

9. Book on-site accommodation.

"Stay on property at Walt Disney World! The perks of using the bus system to get around and getting early entry to the parks make it worth it, even if it means waiting a bit longer to save.

We always try to book through David's Vacation Club Rentals, a third-party rental company. On our last trip, we stayed at Old Key West with nine people and saved a bunch of money this way, and we still got all those great Deluxe Resorts perks.

Old Key West was built a long time ago and has undergone some refreshes. Because it was built so long ago, it's one of the most spacious resorts on Disney property. For the price, it can't be beat!"

10. Have a late dinner.

"Make the latest restaurant reservations possible so you can exit the park when nearly no one is there to ruin your pics."

11. Bring cooling towels.

"If you’re going in the summer, bring cooling towels."

12. Take advantage of the discounts.

"I know this won't apply to everyone, but military families can get HUGE Disney discounts. We get discounts on tickets, certain hotels, and cruises through Disney. A little less of a hack, but not enough military families know about it!"

13. Check the apps.

"We live in Orlando and go to Walt Disney World frequently. One of my biggest hacks for hard-to-get reservations at sit-down restaurants is to check the app around two hours before the time you want to go.

Guests may cancel reservations in the app until two hours before or will be charged, so nine times out of 10, you can find what you want. If you are especially stressed about hard-to-get stuff, several websites will text you when your desired place and time become available for a small fee."

14. Use a travel agent.

"Use a travel agent. They can help you get the most out of your money and it's free.

They help with planning, booking reservations, and knowing everything there is to know. Disney isn't just a 'show up' kind of vacation.

There is a ton involved and it can be overwhelming. A good travel agent can make everything simpler and more enjoyable."

15. Get the kids meals.

"Kids' meals are still a good amount of food for an adult. Use mobile ordering if you feel any shame."

16. Be nice.

"Being nice to cast members increases your chances of magical moments, and it’s the right thing to do."

17. Stay hydrated.

"All quick-service restaurants give you free cups of water."

18. Everywhere is an hour away.

"Less of a hack but more of a rule of thumb; expect it to take an hour to get wherever you want to go from wherever you are."

19. Order groceries.

"If you are staying on-site, have a grocery order delivered to your resort. Get things like a case of water, soda, small snacks for waiting in line, and easy breakfast options for when you are on the go in the morning for rope drop.

Remember, you can bring nearly any food or drinks into the park so it's nice to save a little money but mostly it's just more convenient."

20. Use the photographers.

"You can ask the photographers to use your camera to take photos! They were always so kind and would make sure to get good photos."

What are your thoughts on these Disney park hacks? We hope you found some interesting and valuable tips for your next trip!

As always, we'd love to hear your opinions on this story. You can share your thoughts (and your own most helpful Disney hacks) with us in the comment section.

Stephanie