8 Things Smart Disney World Visitors Always Do

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.

And by the way, I make videos about Orlando vacations. Subscribe to my channel now so you can have more fun.  

#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!

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Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.

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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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