You're excited, really excited! You've purchased your tickets to Disney World in sunny Orlando. Whether it's your first trip to the parks and you've been saving for what feels like a lifetime for the trip, or you live in Florida and you're taking advantage of the incredible deals offered to Florida residents throughout the year, be sure to follow these last minute travel tips to make your experience at any of the Disney World parks more enjoyable! Don't be dopey! Be happy! |
Tip #1: Take a picture of your parking lot row!
I know. This sounds hokey, but take it from a woman who used to work at Disney World! I was used to parking in Cast Member lots, and after a wonderful day at Epcot with my mother-in-law and her sister, we proceeded to the tram, and I realized I did not look or listen to where we were parked. So, even though the Cast Members on the tram repeat where you are parked several times during your ride, eliminate the need for your memory to serve you well at the end of a tiring day (especially if you attended the Food and Wine Festival), and take a quick pic of either the row number on the ground, or the area and row sign at the tram stop. Almost everyone has a camera in their phone, so snap away!
The images above are from my visit to Disney World in March 2015--Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom, in order, top to bottom. Where's Magic Kingdom, you ask?! Well, in addition to remembering your row, you also have to remember whether you are a Hero or Villain, so you board the correct tram at the end of your day. During this year's visit, I happened to be a Villain!
Tip #2: Check out some shows to avoid long queues!
I lived in Orlando for 19 years before moving to the Netherlands, so take it from me, you will NOT, I repeat, NOT avoid at least one long queue (fancy word for line) during your fun-filled day at any of the parks, so pace yourself, and plan for a few queue-less breaks during your adventure. My favorites at Epcot this visit were the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats at the China pavilion, and Sbandieratori Di Sansepolcro--awesome flag throwers--at the Italy pavilion. Both shows were offered numerous times throughout the day. There were over 100 shows for us to choose from at Epcot that day which were all listed on the Times Guide available at the park. Some -thing and -time for everyone!
Tip #3: Enjoy the details and take lots of pictures!
This one seems simple enough, but I discussed numerous times with my daughter (who happened to purchase me my 4-day pass as an early birthday present, and then accompanied me to 3 of the parks on her days off) that too many people at the parks looked and sounded miserable! No smiles, children playing on phones or tablets, and adults yelling! Stop, breathe and smell the roses--yes, you can probably find roses at all of the parks, the landscaping is truly amazing! But seriously, the talented teams of people who imagined, designed and built these fabulous, magical places, incorporated so many unique details on buildings and benches, in grassy areas and gardens, that you will not run out of things to look at, talk about, and photograph. Instead of children playing games on devices, have them take pictures. Challenge them to find 20 different animals on the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, or 20 different topiary figures at Epcot. There's always the Hidden and not so hidden Mickeys and Minnies!
Tip #4: Stay refreshed with some tasty treats!
At the Magic Kingdom, I was warm and in need of something cool to drink, so my daughter suggested a Dole Whip,"A what?" I asked. I had never heard of such a thing, and I've been to the parks so many times I've lost count. She led me to the Aloha Isle in Adventureland; I had a Dole Whip Float, and she had a Dole Whip Cup. Both were delicious (I sampled hers) and hit the spot. When you're at the parks, try for something out of the ordinary, like the Whips (for all ages), or the ordinary, like a pitcher of sangria at the Spice Road Table restaurant at Epcot (for those 21 and up, of course!) Water fountains are free and everywhere too, so you'll stay hydrated! |
Tip #5: Now, about those long queues...
This one requires you to be not-so-last-minute, and arrange for some Fast Passes. The easiest way to do this is to download the app, My Disney Experience, which my daughter already had on her phone (she also has an annual pass), and choose the experiences where you'd like to avoid the long queues. I'll have more about this amazing app on tomorrow's Tech Tidbit Tuesday post. The sign above was for Soarin' at Epcot, for which unfortunately we did not arrange for Fast Passes fast enough, and did not want to wait 115 minutes to experience. Below is the sign for Expedition Everest, the thrilling ride at Animal Kingdom, where our Fast Passes saved us an extra 25 minute wait.
So, in review: Take a parking lot pic, schedule some shows, delight in the details, treat your taste buds, and choose Fast Passes first! Above all, have fun, and make even more magical memories with these last minute travel tips for Disney World!