Disney Parks Tips and Tricks

As I am off on my holiday to Florida, I wanted to be able to provide relevant content for you as my readers. Trouble is, I have never been before! Having hypothetical posts are ok but I really wanted to get some insight into what it is like to visit Florida, Orlando and of course Disney World. So, I have asked some blogging friends to step in to give us their experience and views from travelling to this part of the world.

Today’s post comes from Laura and she is providing her Disney Parks tips and tricks…

I am Laura From MissLJbeauty.com. A little known fact about me is I am a tad bit Disney obsessed. I am now more of a closeted Disney fan. I have been to Disney in Florida and Disneyland Paris. You may have guessed this if you already follow me as one of my dogs is a Dalmatian. I have loved that movie from the first time I clapped eyes on it. I love everything about Disney. I love the sparkle, the lights the characters the whole Disney world experience. There is nothing more magical than the first time you walk up Main Street and glimpse the castle for the very first time. There is also no other place in the world where you can feel so childlike and happy to just be happy. It really is the happiest place in the world. 

I wanted to share my more practical Disney parks tips and tricks with you. So if you are heading to Florida then you need to check this out. There are also a few recommendations in here too: 

1. Take advantage of Fastpass. You can book up to three of the big rides in any park the morning and three in the evening via the Disney app.  This will provide you with the times of when you can skip the queue of that ride, giving you so much more time in the parks. I have seen wait times at some of the big ride of up to 4 hours. So save the hassle and book it asap. This will also give you a start on planning your day. If there are places you need to hit have a plan. It is so easy to get sidetracked in Disney and miss out on things you really want to do if you are in a big group or large family. Get everyone to pick their top two rides or things to do and plan around this. 

2. Start at the back of any park. Everyone gets taken in by the bright lights of the front of the park and why wouldn’t you. But to optimise your day go back to front. The rides are quieter at the back. 

3. Always make restaurant bookings. This can be done 6 months in advance. If you have a particular restaurant you need to go to, make that booking! I had most of mine booked but I tried to wing a few but this was a bit of a nightmare when you are there as they are so popular. So booking is key. Personally I recommend Jiko the cooking place in Animal Kingdom Lodge and San Angel in Epcot; both are magical. If you like milkshakes and a proper American diner you need to try sci-fi Dine-in Theater in Hollywood studios.

4. Whilst I am talking food, the portions are huge. I mean HUGE! It is acceptable in Disney to order the children’s option. I did this all the time as I was finding I was wasting so much. Another option is, of course, to share meals. I have never had a problem doing this in any of the restaurants. The waiter will always bring you an extra plate to divide the food up. Talking as a Brit, the sizes were a huge shock, especially if you have already had a starter! By sharing your meals you are saving some cash and also have room for the dessert. 

5. You have not lived until you have had a dole whip. OH MY GOSH, this is food heaven! This is a non-dairy pineapple ice cream style float or if you prefer, you can have it non-floating. The original vendor of this tasty snack is the Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland, at the Tiki juice bar. I have to say leave a bit of time as the queues here can be huge but it is so worth the wait. 

6. You can get free water in Disney. There is a myth that you have to buy or bring bottled water. But you can pop into any cafe and get some nice free iced water. You will need it even on the coolest day. Stay hydrated! 

7.  Pack a bag. In that bag put in waterproof ponchos, some water, a spare camera battery or battery charging bank, baby wipes, a small antibacterial gel, plasters for falls or worse blisters, snacks if you want to save a bit of cash (Disney is expensive after all) and any medical equipment you need. I pack my inhaler and take one of the boxes with a prescription on it just in case.

8. Hidden Mickeys. Every park in Disney and the Disney hotels are covered in hidden Mickeys. This is a super fun game to play. You can find hidden mickeys everywhere from roofs of buildings to engravings on trees. How many can you find? 

9. Shoes. Wear comfortable shoes. Do not break in new shoes or sandals– I got caught out with this. I wore super cute shoes on my first day not realising you are walking miles each day and I had to buy some Mickey crocs to ease my poor feet. The pain was unbelievable. 

10. Reapply suncream. This one is easy to overlook but stop in the park and take a look around there are a lot of very burnt people! Take a couple of minutes to protect yourself as even on a cloudy day the Florida sun is strong. No one wants sunstroke to wreck the trip of a lifetime. 

I hope you enjoyed my tips and tricks for a fun-filled trip to Disney Parks. Have a great time and enjoy every minute. 

Thank you so much for these tips and tricks, Laura. If you loved this post and want to read more of what Laura has to say, check out her website here or you can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

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