Before you book your resort, make sure you check the bottom of Disney World’s website and click the link for deals and promotions. If you book a stay and find out later on your dates, qualify for a promotional discount, call and have your trip canceled and rebooked under the promotion.

Picking Your Hotel

Your choice in a hotel will be based on a variety of factors, including theming and price. Consider the value your choice resort presents and whether it makes sense to downgrade. For us, saving the money staying somewhere like All-Star Movies is worth it to help us afford a longer trip. Moderate Resorts often present a much better value than deluxe resorts. However, most deluxe resorts offer convenience and proximity to parks.

Stay for More Than Four Days

There are four theme parks and a lot more to do, so give yourself time.

Avoid Park Hopper Tickets

For the most part, there is quite a bit of distance between parks. It rarely makes sense to park hop, and when you buy multi-day tickets, you are paying a premium on each day, just for the option.

Take Advantage of Extra Magic Hours

As you plan which parks to visit each day, consider what days each park has Extra Magic Hours. Prioritize Morning Howers to take advantage of the parks before they get busy.

Plan a Day Off

You walk a lot at Walt Disney World, and there is usually quite a bit of heat to contend with. So, work some time to relax into your vacation schedule.

Make Time For Disney Springs

Disney Springs has some of the best food in Walt Disney World and a whole lot of entertainment. Don’t just squeeze in one visit. Give yourself a chance to go on two or three nights during your trip.

Mark Your Calendar for Dining Reservations

You can make reservations at 7:00 AM EST (4:00 AM PST) 180 days in advance of check-in. Be prepared to act fast for popular restaurants during peak season.

Call for Reservations

If booking online doesn’t work out try calling and speaking to a Cast Member. Dealing with a person is sometimes helpful as they might be inclined to go the extra mile for you, whereas a machine will not.

Celebrate Something

You can enjoy various perks throughout your stay if Cast Members know you are celebrating something. Ask for a button at registration or any Guest Relations booth. Note it in dining and room reservations as well.

Study Wait Times in MDE

Download My Disney Experience as soon as you can and learn it features. Study the park maps and get an idea of all of the wait times by checking regularly.

Schedule Late Morning Fastpasses

Don’t make Fastpasses for too early in the morning. That is when you can walk on. Schedule for a little later when the park is filling in more.

Bring Your Own Bottled Water

Stay hydrated without paying too much for a bottle of water. You can bring your water. Twenty-four bottles of Dasani costs roughly what one bottle costs inside a Disney park.

Pack Convenience Items

OTC remedies, sunscreen, and other conveniences are way overpriced at the hotels. Pack what you need, so you don’t have to pay the price out of desperation. Use your stroller for storage, we have a guide for the best double strollers for Disney to check out

Wear comfortable Shoes

Break in a pair of walking or running shoes a couple of weeks before your trip.

Don’t Use Mobile Check-In

You can use the My Disney Experience app to check into your room remotely. While this is a convenient feature and your phone can also act as a room key, Checking in with a live Cast Member is always best if you have any special requests or want to ask for an upgrade.

Use Uber for expediency

Lyft is the app behind the official Disney Minnie Van, but Uber usually has very good promotions that can save you a lot and get you around much quicker than the Disney buses.

Fastpass Opportunities

To get a Fastpass for a popular ride, refresh your screen often until you find availability and snag it.

Take a Midday Break

Use the busiest time of day to have dining reservations so you can take a breather and cool down during peak hours.

What’s your best Disney World tips?

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