Disney World Secrets: 6 Tips and Tricks from a Disney World Pro

Do you really need help with your Disney vacation? The entire resort is designed to be easy to understand and navigate, but there are a few Disney World secrets you can use to save money, get around more quickly, and enhance your vacation.

Planning Your Trip

1. Hope for a room upgrade: Pick the resort you want, but book the least expensive category available. When you arrive, unless the resort is at absolute capacity, you will be upgraded to a better room. This tip works better if you travel in the off season, and can save you hundreds of dollars on your trip. For example, if you book a “standard view” room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you may be upgraded to a “Savannah View” free of charge upon check in. The difference between these two rooms? Over $100 per night! This is not guaranteed, so if you absolutely must see the pool, the animals, or some other resort site, you should book in advance. Ifyou are willing to take a small risk, you may be rewarded with a nice surprise upon check in.
2. Be persistent when booking dining reservations: Dining reservations open up 180 days in advance—but you need to be quick if you want to snag some of the hottest offerings. Le Cellier, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and the Coral Reef are tough reservations to get, especially if you have a large group. If you are told that there are no reservations available, make sure you keep calling back each day. Cancellations do happen—and sometimes, additional tables are added at peak times, so don’t give up.

Rides:

3. Use Fastpasses: Don’t overlook Fastpasses for rides! Lines fill up quickly, and a Fastpass allows you to stroll right on to the ride at a designated time without waiting. It only takes a second (and a valid park ticket) to get a Fastpass, and it will save you hours of waiting.
4. Use child switch: If you are traveling with small children, or children who can’t or won’t go on a ride, you can use the child switch program to allow one adult to ride at a time, without waiting in line twice. Let the ride attendant know you want to do a child switch, and they will give you a special ticket, allowing the second adult (and up to two other riders) to use the Fastpass line.

Food:

5. Consider an appetizer: If you are not on the dining plan, and want to experience some of the great table service restaurants without spending a fortune, order an appetizer for your dinner. Like all of Disney’s food offerings, appetizers are huge, and you can even combine two to try—just let your server know you want it for your main course, so it doesn’t arrive early.
6. Order a kids meal: If you have a small appetite, consider ordering a kids meal at a counter service restaurant. They often come complete with dessert and drink, and are the perfect size for smaller adults. You can also split an adult meal with a friend—many of these items are big enough for sharing.

Any day in Disney is a great day, but you can add to the fun, and save a little cash by following these Disney World secrets.