Frequently asked questions
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What Park should I visit first?
This is entirely your choice! All the parks are fantastic and do not need to be completed in a certain "order". That said, Magic Kingdom is the O.G. park - it's a must see!
What are the most thrilling rides?
Magic Kingdom:
Tron LifeCycle Run
Space Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Tianas Bayou Adventure (opening June 2024)
Epcot:
Guardians of the Galaxy
Mission Space
Test Track
Hollywood Studios:
Rise of the Resistance
Rockin Rollercoaster
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Slinky Dog Dash
Animal Kingdom:
Expedition Everest
Avatar Flight of Passage
DINOSAUR
Are there height restrictions on rides?
The majority of rides in all Parks are open to riders of any size. BUT, a few of the faster and buzzier rides do have height requirements for the safety of the Guests.
Click here for height requirements by ride.
What is "Rope Drop"?
Rope Drop is another way to refer to Park opening. It allows you to maximize your park day and even enjoy some more popular rides before they get too crowded. If you are a Resort guest, you also have access to the Parks 30 minutes early. There’s a right way and wrong way to Rope Drop.
Click here for more insider tips on Rope Drop.
Will I have to wait in long lines?
Wait times for the more popular attractions can get quite long (hour+). To avoid long wait times get to the park at opening and prioritze the rides you want to do while the crowds are lower. Or wait until crowd levels drop towards closing and ride the more popular attractions then. Alternatively you can use the Lightning Lanes to dramatically cut down on wait times for certain attractions by either purchasing Genie+ or a paid Individual Lightning Lane.
Click here for more insider tips on Genie+.
What is the best way to see the fireworks?
Magic Kingdom - Watching the fireworks from Main Street or the Hub in front of Cinderella Castle can not be beat! You will also have a great view of the light projections on the Castle and Main Street. Outside of the Park you can view the Fireworks (but not the projections) from one of the Monorail resorts - Contemporary balcony or walkway to Bay Tower; the beach from either the Polynesian Resort or Grand Floridian.
*Main Street 101 Pro Tip- the TTC has pretty good views if you want to make a quick exit for the night!
We want to stay until the park closes - do we have to be out of the park at the posted close time?
Cast Members (aka Disney Employees) will shut down the queues for rides at the end of the night. As long as you have been let through the line gate you will be permitted to ride the ride! Cast Members will start to encourage Guests to make their way out of the Parks at closing. Generally you will have about an hour to make your way out of the Park post closing time. And a few shops will remain open past park close if you need a quick snack or drink for the trip home!
Whats the best way to deal with crowds?
Rope Drop (aka right when the Park opens) and towards the end of the night are the least crowded times to visit the parks. But crowds are part of the Disney experience - take it slow, and allow for additional time to get from place to place.
Are the parks big? Will there be a lot of walking?
Yes, there is going to be some walking! Generally many more steps on your average day. We recommend comfortable shoes, breaks throughout the day and utilizing Disney transportation whenever possible. If you have mobility concerns Disney does allow for Mobility Scooters that can be rented from each of the Parks as well as a variety of locations in the Orlando area. Note: ECV scooters can run out on a busy day so prepare early.
Are strollers really necessary?
Even if your kids don’t regularly use a stroller back at home, we think they are helpful. Disney days are long and there is a lot of walking for little feet - not to mention the heat! There are several options for renting strollers in Orlando.
What is a Cast Member?
Cast Members is the term Disney uses for their employees. Had a nice experience with a Cast Member? You can send a Cast Compliment through the My Disney Experience App which is basically a positive review!
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What is a Park Hopper Pass?
These allow you the flexibility to move from park to park. So for example, you could start your day in Magic Kingdom and spend the afternoon in Hollywood Studios.
Note: You need to select either Single Day or Park Hoppers for the duration of your trip - you cannot mix and match and have a one day hopper and 2 single park days.
What is Genie+?
NOTE: GENIE+ will be changing on July 24th. It will now be called LIGHTNING LANE MULTI PASS. Click here to learn more.
Genie+ is a paid daily service available through the My Disney Experience App that allows you to bypass the standby queues and enter at the Lightning Lanes for specific attractions. The price changes daily based on how crowded the parks are and which parks you are visiting, generally between $15-$39 per person per day.
What is a Lightning Lane?
A Lightning Lane allows you to skip the standby queue for priority boarding to certain attractions. Basically it’s a faster way to get through the queue. You purchase these on the My Disney Experience App by clicking to Tip Board.
What is an Individual Lightning Lane?
NOTE: Individual Lightning Lane will be changing on July 24th and will now be called LIGHTNING LANE SINGLE PASS. Learn more here.
We get it. This gets confusing. An Individual Lightning Lane is a paid attraction for the most popular ride(s) in each park. It is NOT included in Genie+ and has to be booked the day of your park visit as early as 7am. You are allowed up to 2 Individual Lightning Lanes per day. You do not need to purchase Genie+ to be able to book these rides. You purchase these on the My Disney Experience App by clicking to Tip Board. Prices range from $7-25 per person.
Currently, paid Individual Lightning Lane passes are available for:
Tron Lifecycle / Run (Magic Kingdom)
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Epcot)
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistence (Hollywood Studios)
Avatar Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom)
What is PhotoPass?
PhotoPass is a free service letting professional photographers take your photos throughout the parks. Sometimes there will even be special Disney magic added to your photos! You can then purchase individual photos if you desire or buy a Memory Maker package to have digital downloads to all your photos.
What is Memory Maker?
Memory Maker is a photo package that gives you digital copies of all of your PhotoPass photos. It is a fun add-on, we do this every time! You can still go to PhotoPass photographers without having the Memory Maker photo package to have your photograph taken, you just need to purchase images via My Disney Experience a la carte.
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What is the best way to meet Characters?
There are two solid choices to meet the Characters you want to see:
1. Character Meet Ups - These vary by parks, and will be posted in your My Disney Experience App along with wait times.
2. Character Dining - These are sit down meals that feature various characters that generally come by your table for hugs and photos. The price for these meals is a little more than regular meals but you do get guaranteed Characters and a break in the AC!
What do you do when you meet a Character?
Characters love to meet kids of all ages - there is no one too young or two old! We love to give a hug and say hi to our favorite friends, but that is completely your preference! And most Characters meet ups in the Parks have PhotoPass options - either photographers or automatic cameras that link to your My Disney Experience. Make sure to ask if you need to scan your Magic Band at that location to save your photos!
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What do we do if it’s really hot?
The Florida heat can be a lot all year round - but especially in the summer. We have a couple strategies for staying cool:
• Taking breaks - heading back to your resort midday to beat the peak heat and hit the pool
• Schedule inside table service lunches during the midday heat
• Stop by shows and attractions with AC
• Cooling towels and fans - We always carry cooling towels and portable fans in our park bags
• Stay hydrated - Remember to hydrate! Bottles of water are sold everywhere and most quick service counters offer it for free! It’s also a great idea to pack a reusable water bottle from home to save on water bottle costs!
• Electrolyte Packs added to water helps keep you hydrated
• Walk in the shade whenever possible
• Bring an umbrella for extra shade
• Wear sunscreen!
What if it rains?
Even if it rains, it's still a magical day! Since weather can be unpredictable in Florida, we recommend coming prepared in case the weather turns. We bring disposable ponchos from Amazon which are much cheaper than buying in the parks. You can also use ponchos as stroller covers in a pinch. We dont find umbrellas necessary.
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What if my little one has an accident?
Don't worry - Disney has seen it all before! In each of the Parks there are really great Baby Care Centers where you can have a quiet moment to regroup and freshen up. They also have all you need to get on with your day - diapers, wipes, clothing and various first-aid items. Accidents happen - it's ok!
Is there a place where I can nurse/feed my baby?
The Baby Care Centers in each of the Parks offer private nursing rooms, along with kitchen areas with sinks and microwaves. It's a great place to take a quiet moment in the AC while you nurse/feed.
What if we feel ill or need first aid in the parks?
Find your nearest Cast Member and they can help you. There are also First Aid stations located with the Baby Care Centers in each of the Parks. They will have various over-the-counter medications and first aid available there.
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Do I really need dining reservations?
Yea, you kinda do. You will need dining reservations for any sit down dining, including Character Dining. If you are staying at a Disney Resort you can start to book your dining reservations for your entire trip at 6am 60 days before your checkin date. Everyone else can make the dining reservations 60 days in advance. We recommend you book as early as possible because some restaurants are extremely difficult to get. You do not need dining reservations for "Quick Service" dining. The easiest way to make reservations is on the My Disney Experience App. You can also book online or via phone at 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463)
How do I make dining reservations?
You can make dining reservations through My Disney Experience.
I missed my dining reservation window what do I do?
You have a couple options:
• You can still enjoy the quick service restaurants in the Parks and Resorts.
• You can check back periodically to see if dining reservations open up due to cancellations.
• You can use a third party like MouseWatcher or Mouse Dining to get alerts if reservation windows open up.
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Do I need a car to get around?
Nope! A car isn’t necessary for your trip to WDW. For transport from the airport we recommend Uber or Lyft, You can also book a shuttle bus through Mears Connect.
If you are a guest of one of the Resorts, there are bus options to the Parks and Disney Springs. Depending on the resort there might also be Skyliner or boat options as well!
Types of Disney Transportation:
1) Monorail: This elevated outside rail runs throughout areas of Disney. There are 3 lines, The Resort Line, The Express Line & The EPCOT line.
2) Buses: Buses take guests to the parks, water parks, resorts and Disney Springs. They run pretty frequently.
3) Skyliner: This is a gondola lift which takes guests from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios to certain resorts. It’s a nice break and fun to spot the parks from the sky.
4) FriendshipBoats, Water Taxi, Ferryboats & The Sassagoula River Cruise: FriendshipBoats run from Hollywood Studios to the BoardWalk, Ferryboats connect the Magic Kingdom to the TTC as well as certain resorts and the Sassagoula stops by certain resorts on its way to Disney Springs.
5) Minnie Vans: Bookable through Lyft, these adorable vans take guests throughout Disney World.
6) Lyft/Uber: Great options from the airport as well as getting around the Disney Bubble. There are usually certain Rideshare pickup spots so keep an eye out.
7) Rental Cars: Not necessary at all, but if you need a rental car there are parking options throughout Disney.
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Any suggestions on inexpensive souveniers?
Yes! Collecting signatures of your favorite Characters is a great momento of your trip! We also love collecting pressed pennies - plus they dont take up as much room to pack! For smaller children you can also pack a few special items from your local big box store at home and bring them out as a special surprise! This also works great for saving a few bucks on Princess dresses!
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That was a lot of walking - How do i help my feet?
We know! Bring an extra pair of shoes and swap them every other day. This will help with pain areas and blisters. We also swear by compression socks at night!
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Does Disney allow dogs?
Good news! There are certain resorts in Walt Disney World that are pet-friendly!
They are:
Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside
What can my dog do while we are in the parks?
Pets are not allowed in the parks, only service animals. Pets are welcome at ‘Best Friends Pet Hotel’ for overnight & daycare boarding, more info here!