55 Things To Know Before You Visit Disney World
34 – Bring a backpack
Bring a lightweight backpack that you can carry in the parks. This is great for carrying a jacket, souvenirs you buy, and, if it’s summer, your absolutely-must-have poncho.
A small backpack leaves your hands free and can easily go on any ride at Disney World.
Most of the thrill rides have a pouch that will hold a small bag or your Mickey ears. And if there isn’t a pouch (I’m looking at you, Tower of Terror), I feel like I can clutch a backpack more securely than a park shopping bag.
The backpack we always carry is like this. I like it because it folds really small when empty but it holds a lot when we need it to.
35 – Charge your phone
Make sure your phone holds a charge, and plug it in every night. You will be using it constantly to check line waiting times, review your Lightning Lane reservations, mobile-order food, and take pictures.
In a pinch, there are also outlets around the parks where you can charge up. A small external battery can also give you that extra juice when your power starts running low.
36 – Wear the right shoes
As I mentioned in tip #11, you will be doing A LOT of walking at Disney World. And I didn’t even touch on how much standing in line you’ll endure. This is no time to wear those cute shoes or flip-flops.
Be ready to walk a marathon, or two
Disney World is like a marathon, and you should wear shoes appropriate for long-distance running. When you do your training (Tip #11), pay attention to which shoes best support your feet on those long walks. These are the shoes you should bring to Disney World. Two pairs of them. (Here’s one good reason why you need two pairs of shoes.)
And don’t forget to bring socks designed for endurance too. Extra pairs so you can change during the day if you need to.
37 – Wear sunscreen
It’s Florida and you’ll spend lots of time outside. Don’t forget to put on your sunscreen, and carry some into the parks so you can reapply.
Remember to bring high SPF lip balm too!
38 – Get a free pin
Disney loves to recognize guests’ special occasions. If your trip commemorates a birthday, anniversary, first-time visit, or a whole host of other celebrations, be sure to ask at your hotel or at Guest Services for a celebration pin.
These buttons are free and are a great example of Disney “extra magic”.
And make sure you wear your button into the parks. You never know what sort of special treatment (“pixie dust” in Disney-parlance) you’ll receive from the cast members and other guests.
39 – Buy some Mickey ears
Of course you need Mickey ears! This is Disney World after all.
40 – Use the Photopass photographers
Located throughout the parks, Disney World Photopass photographers are on-hand to capture your vacation memories. They wear khaki vests and are always carrying cameras.
Photopass photographers will take your photo with their camera and sync these photos to your My Disney Experience account. You can purchase individual prints, or if you’ve purchased the Memory Maker package, every image taken by these photographers is already paid for. (See tip #19)
Get your picture taken for free
Photopass photographers will also take your picture using your camera or phone – just ask.
Take advantage of this opportunity to get group photos. You might just end up with the best Christmas card picture ever!
41 – Take breaks
It is so easy to get caught up in the excitement at Disney World, but make sure you slow down occasionally and take a break. A breather early in the day will help head off an afternoon meltdown.
Pay attention to how you and everyone in your group is feeling. And stop when you first start to feel tired.
Just a few minutes every hour or so can make a big difference in your energy level all day.
Yes, you can find Zen in a theme park! Here’s 7 ways to do it.
42 – Have a snack
Give in to the temptation. You’re using a lot of energy at Disney World and this is one time that snacking is totally recommended. A well-timed snack will give you an extra boost and a quick break too.
From ice cream to popcorn to fruit, at Disney World the perfect treat is usually just steps away.
Epcot’s World Showcase is an exceptionally good place to find snacks, since each country’s pavilion features lots of authentic food choices.
You can bring your own snacks into the Disney World parks
You can also save money, and control your snack options, by bringing your own food into the Disney parks. A lot of guests order snacks from Amazon and have them delivered directly to the hotel, which saves both money and luggage space.
43 – Stay hydrated
Touring the Disney World parks is an endurance event, and your body needs lots of water to stay in peak condition.
Make sure you drink lots of fluids, especially water, when visiting the parks.
Ask for a free cup of ice water
Instead of carrying water bottles, you can get free ice water at any Disney World counter-service dining location. Even if you don’t order anything else. Just walk up to the counter and ask.
44 – Watch out for parades
Especially in Magic Kingdom park, parades can cause major crowd congestion and block access to a route you may be planning to navigate.
Parades and street performances happen at all times during the day. The daily park schedule is posted on the My Disney Experience app and the paper Times Guide you find at the park entrance. Be sure to take a look at the schedule and plan your touring accordingly.
Fireworks can also cause big bottlenecks, and a crowded exit route when they end. If you want to avoid the crowd, try to time your exit from the park either during the fireworks or before they start.
Check the park map for the parade route
Park maps show the parade route, so if you want to watch a parade you’ll know where to grab a spot to see it. And if you want to avoid a parade, pay attention – you’ll need to steer yourself around this area.
Once a parade has started it can be very hard, or impossible, to cross the route. In Magic Kingdom, use the Disney World railroad to navigate the perimeter of the park and move around the parade instead of through it.
