Anyone who has ever been to one of the many Disney parks around the world will know that there are a lot of things to do at the parks. There are some times when it can even be a little bit difficult to decide what to do and the best way to spend your precious park time.
Luckily, there are some tips on things that you should do and some things that you should definitely skip that will help to maximize your fun in the Disney parks and make sure that the vacation is just as magical as you had hoped it would be.
To see 5 things you have to do on your next Disney trip and 5 you should skip, keep reading!
10 Do: Try To Visit On A Week Day
Let's be honest, the Disney parks are really busy. They're super popular with visitors from around the world, meaning that it's pretty much impossible to completely avoid the big crowds and lines. But, there are certain non-peak times that can help to ensure that the parks will be just a little bit less full when you visit.
Everyone knows that visiting during certain months like May, June, October, and November can cut down on the crowds, but scheduling your trip for a weekday instead of the weekend can help with this as well!
9 Don't: Forget About Mobile Ordering
The rides in the Disney parks are definitely not the only place where the lines are long. There are also some serious lines at the quick service food places! Although getting a churro, a Dole Whip, or other treat at the Disney parks is a must for many visitors, it's never fun to stand in line before you order.
This is why remembering to use the mobile ordering feature on the app is key! This allows you to skip the line and simply walk up to grab your snack once it's finished.
8 Do: Try A Different Restaurant
Everyone has their favorite restaurant in the Disney parks. Many people make reservations for their favorites quite a while in advance and really look forward to eating there when they get to the park. While there's totally nothing wrong with enjoying a certain restaurant, why not branch out?
Some restaurants, like Be Our Guest, are so popular that it can be hard to get a reservation. Going to a more underrated restaurant can be a good way to try something new while also not being stressed about trying to get in. You might find a new favorite!
7 Don't: Forget The Cash
Many people that visit the Disney parks think that all they need with them is their credit card, mobile app, or magic band and that they can pay for everything that way. While this is true for restaurants and buying Disney souvenirs in the stores, it's not exactly the case for everything.
If you're looking to pick up a Mickey balloon at one of the kiosks or you want to tip the staff picking up your hotel room each morning, you'll need some cash with you. Remember to pack at least a little for things like this!
6 Do: Plan Your Day
It's definitely no exaggeration to say that there are a lot of things to do in the Disney parks. It can be pretty overwhelming to just try to get there with no plan and decide what you're going to do for your entire day in the parks.
This is why making a plan before you get there is really important. That way, you can have all your reservations and fast passes booked ahead of time and you'll know exactly when you're going to be riding certain rides or going to certain restaurants.
5 Don't: Rely On The Buses
While using the buses at Disney to get from place to place may seem like a great idea, it's definitely not always your best choice. There are other options for how to get around the parks that are definitely a better option. If you're trying to make it to a reservation, you're not going to want to get on a bus to get there because they can often be delayed or make several stops along the way, meaning that you might not make it on time. Definitely make sure you're careful with your choice of transportation!
4 Do: Time Your Fast Passes
There are certain rides in the Disney parks that are going to be busier at certain times of the day. Some rides are going to be really busy early in the day because they're close to the entrances to the park, while other rides are going to be busy later on in the day as more people get to the park.
Because of this, it's important to time your Fast Passes for different rides so that you'll never have to wait in line. Try to do a little research on the wait times for your favorite rides and time your Fast Passes accordingly.
3 Don't: Buy Water
We know, this one sounds totally crazy. It gets so hot outside and it would be crazy not to get some water while you're in the parks. Don't worry - we're not saying to rely on Dole Whips and Flo's V8 Cafe shakes to keep you hydrated!
Because the Disney parks offer free water, there's no reason to pay for a bottle of it. When it's hot out, quick service stations have free water out and available. If you don't see them, just ask a cast member for a cup of water and they'll bring you one!
2 Do: Wear Your Celebration Button
If you're visiting the parks for a special reason like graduation, a birthday, or a honeymoon, the cast members will pin a special celebration button to your clothes that will announce that you're celebrating something. While this may just seem like a cute souvenir, it's so much more!
If you've gotten a celebration button for any reason, make sure you wear it while you're at the park. Cast members will notice it and might make your trip a little bit more magical to make sure that the special celebration goes just right.
1 Don't: Forget The Phone Charger
Being at the Disney parks all day means you're probably going to be using your phone a lot. From booking Fast Passes in the app to mobile ordering snacks and taking pictures with all your favorite characters, there's going to be a lot of drain on your battery.
Because of this, it's important to make sure you pack a portable phone charger to make sure that your battery doesn't run out before you're done with your day at Disney. You can even buy a portable charger in the parks and then swap it out for a fresh one each time it runs out if you don't already have one.