Top 10 Disney Tips for First Time Visitors

After our 12^th visit to Disney, I thought it would be a great idea to share tips for new visitors to the parks. Going to Disney can be daunting the first time, even for a spreadsheet planner like me. You want it to be perfect for your family, so attempt to plan it in minute detail, often with no idea where to start. Here are our top 10 tips to get you started.

Know which way to turn in the parks
When entering the parks, most people turn right for some unknown reason. If you go the right way, you will undoubtedly get on rides quicker. That’s straight on for Seven Dwarves and Big Thunder Railroad in Magic Kingdom and left for Avatar and N’aavi River in Animal Kingdom and Toy Story World and Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood studios all covered. It does not seem to work the same in Epcot because of the lower number of rides, so you will just have to check when you get there which has the lowest queues or get your Fast Passes in advance. This takes me nicely on to the next two points.
Download the My Disney Experience App
This is invaluable and you get free Wi-Fi in the parks so will not use up your data allowance. You will be able to see queue lengths, get fast passes, order food ready to pick up, get the times for the parades and more.
Get your fast passes in advance
Even if you do not know what you will be doing each day, put a rough plan together and get your fast passes online before you go. If you are staying at a Disney Hotel you can book these 60 days in advance and if not then 30 days in advance. It does mean that the most popular rides tend to go early to people staying at Disney hotels, usually Avatar, Star Wars and Toy Story rides. In Epcot and Hollywood Studios you can only hold a fast pass for one big ride so visit more than once and ride a different one each time. If you do not end up using your fast passes, cancel them before they are due to expire. It helps people out who might want that pass on the day.
Bring your own costumes
If you intend to do Bibiddi-Bobbidi Boutique, bring your own costumes for the kids. The experience is amazing but costume prices are on top and it is already an expensive activity.
Bring a water bottle
Parks have water filling stations dotted around. Do not pay for expensive bottles of water when you can get it free. Use the money for snacks or mementos instead. We recommend Dole Whips – yum!
Mobile order
If you want to be efficient with your time then use the Disney app to mobile order your food. This will save you from the long lines at food counters and give you more time to spend doing fun things. Not all food outlets offer this service, our favourites are: Woody’s Lunch Box at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom.
Book your character dining in advance
If there is a must do character-dining spot your kids really want to go to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Cinderella’s Castle dining experience with the princesses can sell out fast. If it has sold out then you can also book Aarhus in Epcot to see Elsa and Anna, in our opinion this is better value as well. For any dining in the parks it pays to book ahead. Don’t forget to cancel in advance if you can’t attend or you may get charged depending on the restaurant.
Go in the evening to Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
The parks tend to be quieter in the evening and we find it much more enchanting at night. Everything is lit up and the night parades and fireworks are spectacular. You also get the benefit of missing the afternoon showers and it being cooler. So laze by the pool in the day or visit another attraction, and then go out for a night of fun in the parks.
Watch the shows
Do not try to cram all the rides into your first day at each park, spread it out. Disney puts on some amazing shows and generally, the queues are much easier. Fill the time in between your fast passes watching parades or other entertainment spots. Our favourites are Fantasmic in Hollywood Studios, The Lion King in Animal Kingdom, Voices of Liberty in Epcot and Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom. You can get details of times for all the shows in the app or each park produces a times guide which you can pick up at the entrance.
Take a break
Visiting Disney Parks every day can be tiring. Make sure to take time out to relax and see the other sights Florida has to offer. We recommend Gatorland and Kennedy Space Centre for alternative days out.

My personal service includes pre-departure letters from Mickey for children, recommended daily itineraries, fast pass booking, excursion booking and on vacation help if needed. If you would like me to organize your perfect Disney Holiday, get in touch on 02921 283143 or email me on paula@worldexplorerholidays.co.uk.