You are spending a lot of money so you want to get the most out of your Walt Disney World vacation. One of the ways you can get a better value for your money is by maximizing your time. With so much to do in one destination, you don’t want to spend your day waiting in lines. You are already one step ahead, you are doing your research and preplanning. If you already have your Fastpasses and optimized your park strategy, you can still save time with these parks tips that will have you moving effectively and efficiently so you can get to the next best thing. 

Mobile Order

Do not wait in a counter service line if mobile order is available for that location. You save time waiting, deciding and ordering. We like to order while waiting in line for an attraction and then submit the order when we get out and start walking to the quick service location. 

Use Both Sides of the Line

In most security and counter service lines you will see a cast member behind a table or in a little booth type platform – you can and should use both sides. Typically there will be a long line on one of the sides, simply go to the other side. Research has shown that most people will head to the right so the line to the left will be shorter but I do not know how accurate that is.

When going through security to get through faster and keep your family together you should line up on opposite sides. The security guard will go through one bag and turn to the other side to do the other.

Organize Your Park Bag with Ziploc

To get through security even faster, use clear bags to organize your park bag. Security needs to open every single pocket and bag to see what is inside. If you use cosmetic bags or anything else to organize it is going to take time going through everything and when they put it back its always a mess!! I use clear plastic bags so they can take them out, look and put them right back. It keeps things organized so you can get it quickly when you need it and makes security a breeze. 

Look for a Single Rider Line 

Even if you are not a single rider you can use this great feature to save time waiting in lines. As long as you are not riding with children under 7 or timid children who would not want to ride alone you can use it. Just know your party will be separated. Click Here for the list of attractions that offer this feature.

Get Your 4th Fastpass

Once you have used your 3 preplanned Fastpasses for the day you can get a 4th Fastpass. To make the most of this, start looking for your 4th as soon as you swipe your magic band to redeem your 3rd. This works best in Magic Kingdom where there are ton of attractions offering the service. You can book your 4th Fastpass while you are in line and be off to the next thing as soon as you have finished riding!

Understand Your Transportation Options

There are so many ways to get from one place to another at Walt Disney World. Not only is it important to know the most direct route if you understand the transportation system and all your alternatives you can easily adapt if you just miss a bus, or if the line for the monorail is a mile deep.

Use Minnie Van/ Ride Share

One of those alternatives is to use a ride share like Uber or Lyft. If you have to go between resorts for a dining reservation or want to avoid the mass exodus after the fireworks this will save you so much time. My favorite time to use one of these services is after a night in EPCOT, once the nighttime show has finished I leave through the International Gateway and get an uber from the Beach Club – it saves the walk back to the front of the park.

Have Your Camera Ready

When you are waiting in line to meet a character it goes so much more quickly if you have everything ready. You are just standing there waiting you might as well get your camera, autograph book and pen ready. If you are in line for quick service have your order ready before you get to the cast member, if you are going to get in line make sure everyone has their magic bands ready to scan. The other HUGE one is if you are waiting for a bus, fold your stroller before it is your turn to get on. It is so simple but you would be surprised how many people miss this!! 

Another great way to save time in the parks is to have an optimized park plan tailored to you. I offer this complimentary to my travelers but if you booked elsewhere and would still like assistance I would love to help. My fee for a touring plan is $50 per park day and it will save you HOURS. Click the button below to schedule a call to discuss your interests.

 

Are you feeling overwhelmed with everything that goes into a Disney vacation?

I understand how you’re feeling, I know all too well how easy it can be at the beginning to start researching online, just to find yourself 3 hours down the line more confused than when you started. But don’t panic! I can help you plan your dream Disney vacation without any of the stress of hassle – starting with the ‘A Disney Trip without Overwhelm, 5 Easy Steps’ Guide. These 5 steps will help keep you focused on organizing the best trip ever while giving you peace of mind that everything will be done, and nothing will be left out.

 

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