8 Things Smart Disney World Visitors Always Do
How the pros do Disney World - 8 insider tips.
As an Orlando local, I get to experience Disney World at its best… and its most chaotic. And I have learned that the difference between a trip you’ll remember for a lifetime—and one you’ll want to forget—often comes down to just a few smart decisions. Many of them need to be made before you even set foot in Walt Disney World.
Let’s begin with the one decision that shapes everything else.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over time—one thing I didn’t fully appreciate on my first few trips—it’s this:
#8 Where you stay… matters.
Not just the name of the resort. Not just the price tag. But the actual location, layout, and room category. All of it.
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Disney World is massive. And your resort experience can either make your trip feel effortless, or leave you constantly trying to catch up.
In the beginning, I made the same mistake a lot of people make: I booked the cheapest room I could find. I figured I wouldn’t be in the room much anyway.
But here’s what I didn’t realize. the pros know that the resort is part of the magic. And the right room—at the right resort—completely changes how a day at Disney feels.
Let’s talk location.
One of my subscribers mentioned in a video I posted that he books his hotel closest to where he will be spending most of his time. So if that’s Magic Kingdom for a holiday party, that might mean a Monorail resort—like the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, or Contemporary. Waking up, grabbing coffee, and gliding into the park in under 15 minutes? Theres nothing like it.
Same goes for EPCOT, maybe for the Food and Wine and Festival. Within walking distance are Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, yacht and Beach Club or the the Skyliner Resorts like—Caribbean Beach and Pop Century.
But it’s not just about which resort—it’s where in that resort.
Room category makes a difference.
Garden view vs. theme park view. Standard location vs. preferred.
A room closer to the lobby or transportation might save me 15 to 20 minutes of walking multiple times a day. That adds up. And when you’ve got strollers or tired legs, that shorter walk feels like a gift.
Theme park views are more than just a splurge—they're an experience.
Watching fireworks from my balcony, hearing the distant music of Happily Ever After while in pajamas, sipping coffee as the sun rises over the castle in the distance… it’s surreal. It stays with you.
Even at moderate and value resorts, the right room location matters.
At places like Caribbean Beach or Coronado Springs, where things are more spread out, choosing a preferred room can save serious steps—and serious time. I have several videos on the best room locations at the Disney Moderate resorts, I linked them below.
And here’s a little tip I’ve learned:
If you're staying somewhere like Disney Springs or Flamingo Crossings, those spots might not have monorail access or in-park views… but they can still be magical. Some of them offer spacious rooms, and free breakfast.They’re especially great for longer stays, or when I want more amenities for the same price as a Disney Value Resort.
But whatever the choice, smart disney world travelers do not to treat the hotel as an afterthought.
#7 Arrive Early. Earlier than you think.
If there’s one decision that shapes the entire arc of my Disney day… it’s this one. I arrive early. Earlier than I think I need to. And then I plan for delays on top of that.
Because if you want a smooth, high-impact, low-stress Disney day—especially during peak seasons—early arrival is the golden ticket.
Let me break it down.
Staying at a Disney resort? Great. That gives you Early Theme Park Entry—30 minutes before the official park opening. But here’s the thing: if you show up right at that 30-minute mark, you’re already late.
I aim to arrive at the park gates at least 45 minutes before Early Entry even begins. So if Early Entry is at 8 a.m.? I’m walking through security by 7:15. It sounds extreme, but that head start lets me walk onto one or two of the biggest rides before the crowds pour in.
And here’s where most people get tripped up: transportation. Disney buses, boats, and Skyliner all say they start running 45 minutes before park open—but those first buses can be full, delayed, or randomly spaced. So I budget 45 to 60 extra minutes just for transit, even if I’m staying onsite.
Most longer bus rides are around 15 minutes but you also need to factor in waiting for the bus to arrive, which can add 20 minutes. Need to know how to get around Disney World? I have a great video for that too - i posted the link below.
Once I’m inside the park, it’s like being in another world. The walkways are calm. The music sounds great. Cast members are greeting guests. This is when I get those empty park photos, walk onto a headliner attraction, and sometimes, squeeze in two rides while novices are having a big breakfast.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Dining reservations? Smart travelers know to check in 15 minutes early—always. It allows you to request a window seat or to just get seated faster.
Fireworks viewing? The pros scout thier spot an hour in advance if they want a good one—especially if they’re aiming for Main Street or in front of the castle. People start camping out early, and it fills up fast.
Knowing your park hours also matters.
Magic Kingdom usually closes at 9 or 10 p.m., but there are nights—especially with events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party—when it shuts down as early as 6 p.m.
If you didn’t plan ahead, that can be a big surprise. Years ago the parks were opens late, often midnight, or even 1am but those days are long gone.
I prefer longer even hours because it’s so hot in th summer months. We would go in after the sun went down and have several hours of cooler park time. But now the parks close shortly after sunset in the summer.
So smart Disney World travelers start looking for park hours about 6 weeks in advance that’s about the tim Disney posts them.
Here’s the bottom line:
I’d rather start early, ride what I love, and take a midday break… than sleep in and spend the whole day in lines, frustrated, and chasing the clock.
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#6 Plan a Resort Day
This is the tip I used to ignore—and honestly, I regret it.
In the early days, every trip was a full-speed sprint. Rope drop to fireworks, park after park, day after day. I thought if I wasn’t going full throttle, I was wasting the trip. But all that did was wear me down. And worse? I missed out on one of the most underrated experiences Disney has to offer.
The resorts.
See, smart travelers build in one full resort day every trip. No park reservations. No plans beyond sleeping in a little, grabbing breakfast at a relaxed pace, and then… just seeing where the day takes them.
Because Disney resorts aren’t just places to sleep. They’re destinations.
Whether I’m at a sprawling deluxe like Animal Kingdom Lodge—with savannah views and fire pits—or a charming moderate like Port Orleans French Quarter with its lantern-lit pathways and boat rides to Disney Springs… the atmosphere alone is worth savoring.
Themed pools are often better than the ones at water parks.
Seriously. At the Yacht and Beach Club, there’s a full-on sand-bottom pool with a lazy river and a slide built into a shipwreck. At Art of Animation, there’s the massive Big Blue Pool with underwater music—yes, music under the water.
Then there are the activities. I’ve stumbled upon poolside trivia, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts… even marshmallow roasting. And at night? Movies Under the Stars.
It’s this magical, low-key moment where kids curl up in beach chairs or on blankets under the sky, watching Disney classics while parents sip something cold and just breathe.
You start to realize: this is Disney too. Not just the rides. Not just the parades. But this quiet joy. This slower pace. This space to just exist inside the magic.
And here’s the bonus: a resort day gives your legs a break, your energy a reset, and your mind a chance to fall back in love with where you are.
It’s the breath between the chapters. The pause that makes the next park day even better.
So yeah… the smartest Disney visitors I know? They plan a day to do “nothing.” And it turns out… it’s everything.
#5 Use the My Disney Experience App
This one’s a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many guests don’t download the mobile app, or worse, don’t use it to its fullest potential.
The My Disney Experience app is a game-changer. It’s the Swiss Army knife of Disney park planning. And I use it for almost everything.
First thing’s first: mobile ordering. I skip the lines at quick-service spots by ordering meals, snacks, and drinks ahead of time. Just tap on the app, customize my order, and set a pick-up window. When I walk up, it’s ready. No waiting. No “I’m hungry” meltdowns.
Then there’s the app’s integration with Lightning Lanes. I’ve got all my reservations in the app. I can adjust, cancel, or add new selections with a tap of my finger. And if there’s a ride I really want to do, I can adjust my plans on the fly to work it in.
It’s also where I track my Memory Maker photos. If I’m taking ride photos, character meet-and-greets, or candid shots—bam, they’re saved to my account.
And don’t even get me started on tickets. I no longer need to buy expensive magic bands. I just pull my phone out of my pocket, tap it on the scanner, and I’m in. And I can manage everyone’ tickets and lightning lane passes from one phone.
Honestly, I don’t know how people do Disney without the app. It’s like having a personal assistant in your pocket.
#4 Buy Lightning Lane!
At some point, you’ll have to make a choice: Stand in long lines all day, or spend a little more to make the wait times disappear.
Look, I get it. I used to be skeptical of the Lightning Lane. But trust me—after one trip where I skipped it? I regretted it. Big time.
You’ll see the wait times—sometimes over an hour or two—and that’s not even counting the ride breakdowns or the “technical difficulties.” Meanwhile, Lightning Lane guests? They’re zooming past you with a smile on their faces.
Yes it is an extra expense and yes it used to be free, but if you care about your time and the overall vibe of your trip—just buy it.
Because after all, there’s only so much time in a Disney day. And I’d rather not spend it standing still. Not when I can be riding more, enjoying more, and doing more.
#3 Book Everything Early
I can’t stress this enough: book early. Smart travelers want the best prices, the best options, and the best availability—so they book in advance.
They start by making their hotel reservations the moment they can. If you’re familiar with cruising, this is the same idea. As far as I’m concerned, staying onsite at Disney is a huge part of the experience.
Then comes dining reservations.
The smart ones lock those in 60 days before they arrive. Disney restaurants can get full fast, and the popular ones—like Beaches and Cream or Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? They’re gone before you can blink. So, I make my list early and get everything set before it’s time to log in and make the reservations.
But it’s not just dining.
I also make my Lightning Lane reservations 7 days before my visit. Disney gives you a 7-day window to secure your top picks, and I take full advantage of it. Fast passes are a thing of the past—Lightning Lanes are the way to keep your day flowing smoothly.
And here’s a bonus: any discounts? I apply them as soon as they become available. That way, I get the best price without sacrificing the experience. And if you use a travel agent, like the ones at Magical Vacations Travel, they will do this for you automatically, so you don’t have to pay attention to offers yourself.
Here’s the truth about Disney world discounts and offers. They are usually very limited. While they seem like these big broad offers that span several months, there are really a limited number of offers earmarked for each hotel and room category per night. And when they reach capacity - that’s it. You’re back to paying full price or having to change hotels.
#2 Stay On Disney World Property and Explore More than Just the Parks
A lot of people think staying at Disney resorts is just for the proximity to the parks—and that’s definitely part of it. But the resorts offer a whole lot more.
From the theming to the convenience, staying onsite gives you access to everything that makes Disney special. Whether it’s shopping at Disney Springs, grabbing a bite at a resort restaurant, or catching a movie under the stars, there’s so much to do beyond the theme parks.
People who travel to Orlando often, know that disney world property is beautiful, but once you leave Disney, you’re facing an incredible amount of traffic. Sometimes the traffic to leave Disney after the parks close backs up for several miles. It can easily take an extra 60-90 minutes to leave property - especially if you’re headed to Davenport or Kissimmee.
Then there’s the shady businesses that surround disney, the tourist traps and chain restaurants.
Smart travelers stay on site because they are immersed in teh Disney magic 24/7. For more budget friendly options you can check out Flamingo Crossings, a new hotel and dining district - located on Disney property near Animal Kingdom, and of course all the hotels in Disney Springs.
#1 When to Go to Walt Disney World
Smart travelers choose the best times time visit Walt Disney World. But when is that?
Alright, let’s talk about one of the biggest questions people have when planning a Disney World trip—when should you go? And honestly, the answer totally depends on what matters most to you: low crowds, good weather, or special events. If you’re looking to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, aim for mid-January through early February or late August into September—those are the sweet spots when most kids are in school and the parks feel way more relaxed.
But keep in mind, Florida weather can be wild. Summer brings the heat and those classic afternoon thunderstorms, while winter might surprise you with a chilly morning or two. So, do a little research, check crowd calendars, and decide what trade-offs you’re comfortable with. Trust me, a little planning here goes a long way in making your trip way more magical. Have you ever tried going during a “low crowd” week? It’s a total game changer.
So that’s it—eight things smart people always do on a Walt Disney World trip. Do you have a good tip for Walt Disney World? Share it with us in the comments below!
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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New Experiences Announced for the Disney Destiny
Disney Cruise Line provided some new details about the Disney Destiny. Here’s what we know so far.
Whether you’re Team Heroes or Team Villains, the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, has epic magic in store. From a Cruella de Vil-inspired piano bar to a “Disney Hercules” stage show, you’ll find all-new adventures at sea plus plenty of returning guest favorites. (Photo above: Disney Destiny Grand Hall.)
Disney Destiny Grand Hall
Disney Destiny will debut on Nov. 20 in Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale. The ship will sail four- and five-day itineraries that visit Nassau and Disney's two private islands in the Bahamas, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, and Castaway Cay.
As part of the media preview at the Disney Destiny Showcase, Disney offered a peek behind the scenes at some of the experiences onboard. Some are heroic, some are a little more nefarious, but all embrace the dynamic duality of every great Disney story. Here are a few of Disney Destiny’s must-dos.
Behind the Scenes at “Disney Hercules”
Disney offered a sneak peek at the all-new “Disney Hercules” show coming to the Disney Destiny. A panel of the creative team offered details on how this classic Walt Disney Animation Studios film is coming to life in the Walt Disney Theater. Show Director Kevin Wilson explained that “Disney Hercules” will feature all the same music and characters, but that “the music, we were able to make it a little more pop, contemporary.”
Disney Hercules show on the Disney Destiny
The show will also feature a new song, “Shooting Star,” which was originally supposed to be in the film but never made the final cut. The set, too, will juxtapose a modern aesthetic and a Grecian feel. Michael Serna, executive creative director, points out that staircases coming from stage right and stage left will propel scene transitions, lending a more modern touch. Meanwhile, there will be a Grecian aesthetic with pillars and a gazebo.
As for the costumes? Think fashion. Show Director Marcel Wilson shares that the gods and goddesses have “beautiful, enormous headpieces that are ornate, and dramatic draping. Even our Grecian townspeople, it’s not fashion, but it still gives a runway vibe, so we still have the Grecian aesthetic.” And of course, expect the Disney Destiny theme of light vs. darkness to appear here, too—some of the costumes will light up!
If you’ve seen “Disney The Tale of Moana” onboard the Disney Treasure, you’ll be familiar with the show’s puppets. Creative Director Jeff Conover explains: “We love puppetry. We love to play with scale. It brings the emotions to another level.” He shared a peek at a brand-new rendering showcasing Hercules battling the hydra, featuring puppets!
“The concept art here, for me, captures exactly what we’re trying to achieve,” said Conover. “Larger than life. We’re doing some really interesting stuff, not just with the hydra, but also with some of the titans from the film and utilizing some technology here at the Walt Disney Theater that has never been used before.”
Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King
A new restaurant, Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, will debut aboard the Disney Destiny. From windows overlooking different times of day on the savanna to tranquil instrumental music playing in the background, this restaurant will reflect the heart of the “Lion King” story. “When you step into this space, you’re transformed into the Pride Lands,” said Show Director Paul Bryant. “Can you guys hear the soundscape? We really wanted to dive into the authenticity of the musicians and their instruments.”
Pridelands: Feast of The Lion King
Disney also offered a peek at cast costumes, place settings, and even a hyena sipper featuring Ed and a Timon popcorn bucket! As for the food and drink, Disney offered two drinks coming to Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King—Can You Feel the Rum Tonight? and Smily Yet Satisfying (a sweet, gummy-inspired beverage perfect for the kids and the kids at heart). The food was inspired by the Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King menu.
De Vil’s Piano Lounge: No evening is complete without a devilish drink or two with Cruella De Vil herself. A preview of De Vil’s lounge featured the Hollywood Regency architecture, glamorous cocktails, and a spotted piano that will be onboard the Disney Destiny. And just like at the lounge itself, this evening’s guests were recruited for a little musical mischief.
The lounge will feature strawberry shortcake popcorn and specialty cocktails. The Fashionista consists of strawberry and banana-infused tequila. The zero-proof Fearless Sir Galahad has a syrupy sweet scent and spicy flavor profile.
The Sanctum: Guests will be able to venture into a world of powerful sorcerers inside The Sanctum, a lounge inspired by Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange.” Designers were inspired by the New York Sanctum, with some details from the film’s Chamber of Relics, plus suspended spell books and other enchanting Easter eggs.
While the drinks themselves are impressive, even more breathtaking are the interactive elements that give this space an otherworldly feel. Said Sophie Leroux, assistant cruise director: “The first time I saw this [Circle of the Cosmos], I thought, ‘Is that glass supposed to be upside down?’ It is. That’s one of the coolest parts!”
Grand Hall: Another Marvel Super Hero makes an appearance in the Grand Hall: T’Challa, aka Black Panther. While the Grand Hall statue is the bronze sculpture typical of all Disney Cruise Line Grand Halls, this is the first time the team is bringing in silver accents, reminiscent of the Black Panther’s suit. You can also see purple accents, which is the vibranium activating in the Black Panther’s suit.
“This is a whole new look and feel,” said Walt Disney Imagineer Beth Burkhardt says of the Grand Hall. “Lighting is used in a new way, so we can completely transform the space…It’s going to be changing to each hero or, very possibly, some villains making their way to the Grand Hall.” Expect epic shifts in lighting for our heroes and a more eerie transformation for certain villains, plus a breathtaking chandelier inspired by the meteorite that brought vibranium to Wakanda.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Spy Photos of New “Magical Express Style”Buses at Disney World
Magical Express look-alike buses have been spotted in Disney World, Port Canaveral.
What are these new buses doing at Walt Disney World? And why are they painted in a similar livery as the old Magical Express buses? I’m a huge nerd when it comes to Disney World transportation, here’s what I’ve been noticing.
New Academy buses have been spotted shuttleing Disney Cruise Line guests between Disney World and Port Canaveral.
Most of us Disney-fans know that Disney’s Magical Express was a complimentary transportation service that shuttled guests between Orlando International Airport and Disney World. The program ended in January 2022.
Magical Express was operated by Mears Transportation Group for many years. Mears also operated the Disney Cruise Line buses that serviced Port Canaveral.
But in 2022, the Disney Cruise Line contract was awarded to Academy Transporation, one of the largest transportation companies in America.
Mears continues to offer airport transportation to Disney World, known as Mears Connect, but it is unaffiliated with Disney. They use the very same buses, just without Disney branding.
Mears, who owned all of the Magical Express buses began removing the Disney graphics on the buses in late 2021. What was left were stripped-down blue buses, without any graphics or references to Disney.
Former Magical Express bus with Disney graphics removed.
In early 2022, Mears began adding its own graphics to the former Magical Express buses. Today, there is a variety of designs that Mears uses but you can spot the Magical Express blue paint from miles away.
Lately, however, brand-new buses have been spotted around Orlando. Specifically on 528 between Disney World and Port Canaveral, and on Walt Disney World property. They have that classic Magical Express blue paint.
An Academy logo is on the front, across a white panel. That white panel is nearly identical to the look of the former Magical Express buses.
These are brand-new buses, not repainted or rebranded.
One of several new Academy buses spotted near Walt Disney World. It’s painted in a similar livery as the former Magical Express buses.
So then, why is Academy taking delivery of new buses painted in the basic Magical Express livery?
Disney Cruise Line buses are navy blue with Disney characters and branding.
When Academy was awarded the Disney Cruise Line contract, it ordered several brand-new buses in the classic navy blue color. Shortly thereafter, the buses began arriving in Orlando and were eventually outfitted with DCL graphics.
Spy photo taken in July 2023 of a new Disney Cruise Line bus, operated by Academy Bus, just before getting Disney branding and graphics.
Disney and Academy obviously have something in mind for these new buses. Could it be the return of Disney’s Magical Express?
When Mears operated both Magical Express and Disney Cruise Line buses, it was common for Mears to use Disney Cruise Line buses as Magical Express buses, when needed.
It’s worth noting that Disney cited low ridership on Disney’s Magical Express as the reason for stopping this service.
These new Academy buses look nearly identical to the former Magical Express buses, just without the graphics. Several of these buses have been spotted in Disney World and in Port Canaveral.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
How the pros do Disney World - 8 insider tips.