What to do there
AFTER CHECK IN
You are here! Welcome! After checking into your Disney World hotel, there are several things you can do to make the most of your time. Explore! It’s so much fun to find your bearings and see what’s offered at your hotel. Most hotels have Arcades, Quick Service, Gift Shops and Pools along with other amenities. Alternatively if you have park tickets you can just head to the park and start jumping on rides!
In January 2025, Resort guests will have free access to the water parks - Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach - on the day they check in. Be sure to check which water park is open at that time.
Plan your Park Day!
Here are some things to be familiar with before starting your Disney day:
Weather:
The weather in Florida can change rapidly. Make sure to check your weather forecast and pack appropriately. Ponchos are a great item to keep in your park bag - just in case. Pack your own because they are more expensive in the parks. Cooling towels, and portable fans help for the high heat of the day.
Keep hydrated and plan for breaks. We cannot stress this enough. It’s tiring experiencing all that Disney has to offer. There are shady areas and indoor attractions to soak up some needed AC. It’s also a great idea to book a Table Service lunch during mid-day high temps!
What to include in your Park Bag:
Taking too much? Too little? Make sure you’re prepared for a long day in the park. You won’t miss any park necessities with our printable checklist part of our Insider Info Digital Bundle!
In case you need to store dry clothes, extra supplies or luggage there are lockers available for Rental in all 4 parks.
Theme Parks:
Each park has so much to see, eat & ride, you don’t want to miss a thing!
Check out our 101 on the parks in Disney World here! We talk about our favorites, the must-sees, which Characters are where and the best places to eat.
If you want a deeper dive into how to plan for your park days, you can purchase our Digital Download Bundle at Travel Hacks. It’s chock-full of Disney information so you don’t miss a thing.
Park Hours:
Park hours can change throughout the year. Make sure to double check your parks hours on My Disney Experience. Want to stay in the park even later? There are After Hours tickets available in select parks on specific days. Find out more here.
Early Park Entry:
Take advantage of the Early Park Entry benefit for Disney Resort guests. This allows you to enter a designated park 30 minutes before the regular opening time. This is a great time to hit popular attractions with shorter wait times
See our Parks 101 pages for tips on your attraction game plan.
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. At Magic Kingdom the only lands that are open during Rope Drop are Fantasyland & Tomorrowland. The rest of the lands open up at park entry. Expect a big crowd waiting for the rope to well, drop!
To get our Main Street 101 Rope Dropping strategy, click here.
Rope Drop Crowds in Fantasyland
Entering the Park:
So many times we have seen families getting confused and delayed at the park entrance. Here are the basics:
First you go through the security screening line - this includes strollers, ECVs and bag checks (if needed).
Next, when you get to the front of the line, you need to have either your magic band, card or phone ready to “tap in.” You will then need to place a finger on the scanner to enter the park. Each member of your family will need to do this (Parents, you can use your finger for small children).
*Main Street 101 Tip: If you go into another park during your stay you must use the same finger. Also if you “tap in” for your child, you must always be the parent to “tap in” at the front gate.
Cast Members will be there to help with any problems.
Virtual Queues:
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure & Guardians of the Galaxy: Require Virtual Queue reservations (this just digitally reserves your place in line) For resort guests, the Virtual Queue opens at 7:00 AM.
*Main Street 101 Tip - be ready to secure your spot at 7am on the dot! Not kidding, they go quick!!!
My Disney Experience App
Click the Virtual Queue you want to join
Follow the instructions
Attractions with Low Wait Times:
Check the My Disney Experience App for attractions with lower wait times and slot them into your day when you have breaks. This can include classics, shows and newer attractions that tend to have shorter queues early in the day.
Utilize Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass:
Guests can book up to 3 MULTI PASS return times and 2 LIGHTNING LANE SINGLE PASSES in advance. Guests staying at a Disney World Resort can book 7 days in advance and guests not staying at a Disney world resort can book up to 3 days in advance. Guests can book up to 3 Multi Pass experiences in 1 park each day and Guests can now buy purchase all at once prior to visiting.
Learn more about ride selections here.
If Needed, Utilize DAS (Disney’s Accessibility Service):
DAS helps those with conditions, disabilities or disorders that makes it challenging to remain in lines for extended periods of time. If you or a member in your party needs assistance, a guest must pre-register for DAS as soon as 30 days before a park visit and no less than 2 days prior. Learn more here.
Meet your Favorite Characters:
If Character Meet-and-Greets are important to you, consider meeting your favorite Characters early in the day to avoid long lines. You can see who is at the parks each day on the My Disney Experience App, just click on the map and select ‘Characters’. We also talk about where to find your favorite Characters in each of our Parks 101 pages here!
Entertainment Shows:
There are Broadway-style shows, parades, fireworks and cavalcades throughout the day. Check the current schedule on your My Disney Experience App.
Festival of the Lion King Show
Mobile Ordering for Meals:
Use mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience App for Quick-Service meals to save time. Just add your order, go to the location at the arrival time and pick up your food. It’s a game changer when you’re on a tight schedule.
Dining Reservations:
If you have dining reservations, make sure to arrive on time to avoid cancellation fees. We get it plans change, if you need to cancel or modify a dining reservation, you can do so on the My Disney Experience App but must do so a set time period before your reservation time. And some dining locations do not offer modifications and will charge a hefty fee for a cancellation or no-show. Double check your dining confirmation email for their policies on cancellations and modifications.
Read more about Disney’s dining cancellations here so you know!
Transportation:
Disney transportation is generally the most popular way to get around. There are Disney Bus options from all hotels along with the Monorail, Skyliner - and even boat transportation! Buses and boats even go to Disney Springs.
If you want even faster service, we recommend either Lyft/Minnie Van or Uber.
*Main Street 101 Tip - Uber-a-plenty! We never have a long wait for a Rideshare
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.
Monorail goes through the Contemporary Resort
• If you have your own car or rental car, you will be directed to park in the designated parking areas. At Magic Kingdom this is the TTC, and you will need to take either the Monorail or Boat to the Park entrance.
Baby Care Centers
There are Baby Care Center in all 4 Parks. Here you can purchase essentials for little ones, such as diapers, formula, snacks and over-the-counter-medication. The Baby Care Centers also offer private nursing rooms, changing tables, kitchens, and feeding areas with high-chairs. This is also a great area to escape the heat and relax indoors for a bit! In case of a lost child, they will be escorted and looked after at the Baby Care Centers until a guardian comes.
Stroller Parking
Unfortunately strollers are generally not allowed on ride lines and queues and must be parked in designated stroller parking areas. Just look for signs, other parked strollers or as a Cast Member.
Line Activities
We get it waiting in lines stinks! Since strollers are generally not allowed on ride lines and queues, make sure you have small things to occupy the kiddos ie, fidgets, coloring packs and we’ve seen lots of families play Disney Charades on their mobile devices! Another fun thing are the Disney PhotoPass Lenses on the My Disney Experience App.
Lots of Non-Ride Park Fun:
Rides, Characters and shows aren’t the only cool things to experience at Disney. You’ll find loads of activities at the resorts and parks. Here are just some of the fun things to check out!
Pin Trading: All around the Disney bubble you’ll see black Mickey boards filled with little pins. You can buy a starter pack in gift shops and trade for ones you like! Hunt for favorite characters!
Scavenger Hunts: There are fun scavenger hunts within the parks and resorts that offer special exclusive rewards! Depending on the time of year, some are holiday and festival based.
Play Disney Parks App: Play Disney Parks is a mobile app that connects guests to the park through interactive scavenger hunts and missions with some fun surprises! It’s another fun way to explore the parks and have fun while you wait on lines!
Bounty Hunters in Hollywood Studios
Hidden Mickeys: Did you know that there are hidden Mickey’s throughout Disney World? In fact, there are approximately 1,000! Here is one of the oldest and smallest in all of Disney. Can you spot it?
Holiday Based Activities: Disney has unique celebrations around holiday seasons. In winter be sure to check out the famous Gingerbread house in the Grand Floridian, The Christmas trees in Disney Springs, Halloween festivities and The Grand Cottage in Springtime featuring easter treats and elaborately decorated Easter eggs.
Resort Activities: Resorts have lots to do, be sure to check in with your resort lobby or pool side to see what they have going on that day. Activities can be Mickey Tie-dyes, painting classes, campfires, mosaic art, under the stars movies, and crafts.
There are also an assortment of other things to do including boat rentals, sports, bike rentals, arcades, gyms and even horse drawn carriage rides.
Make Your Own: There are several super cool customization experiences in Disney World. In Magic Kingdom, make your own Tron action figure, in Animal Kingdom, design your own Avatar, in Hollywood Studios, make your own light saber or build your own droid. In Epcot make your own glass art at the Glaskunst shop in Germany.
Kidcot: This is a really fun experience for the little ones in Epcot. At one of the gift shops purchase their Kidcot passport and pop by each Kidcot location around the World Showcase. Cast Members will fill in their ‘passport’ with stickers and a message from their country. It’s a fun way to get them involved!
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: This is a special experience in Magic Kingdom where Cast Members give younger guests the royal treatment and turn them into Princesses and Knights! This experience needs to be booked 60 days in advance – however you can stop by for a free pixie-dusting at any time.
Send a letter from Magic Kingdom: Fill out a postcard or letter and take the letter to Guests Relations in City Hall at Magic Kingdom to have them hand stamp your mail. Pick up postage at several locations and pop it in the mail collection box on Main Street!
Get your hair cut at the Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom: Did you know you can get your hair cut on Main Street? This old-timey Barber shop offers first cuts, kids cuts, adult cuts and even beard trims.
Glass Blowing: Stop by Crystal Arts on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom to watch Glass-blowing artisans craft beautiful one of a kind creations.
Cake Decorating Class: Guests can decorate your very own Character Dome Cake at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. This 90 minute class does require advanced reservation and is on the pricier side at $199 which covers 2 guests decorating 1 cake.
Capture Your Moment: This is a personalized 20 minute photo session with a photographer. Guests can capture a special day or remember a special occasion, such as an engagement or reunion!
Eat Mickey Shaped Foods!: There are so many Mickey shaped treats throughout Disney World. Don’t skip the Mickey waffles, ice creams, pretzels and beignets!
Fireworks and Nighttime Celebrations
There are fireworks or nighttime shows every night in Disney World. Double check the times of your park visit.
Happily Ever After - Magic Kingdom roughly around 8:45pm
Luminous The Symphony of Us - Epcot roughly around 9pm
Electrical Water Pageant 8:25 PM to 10:30pm
Fantasmic! - Hollywood Studios 8:30 & 10:00pm
Wonderful World of Animation - Hollywood Studios roughly around 9pm
Tree of Life Awakenings - Before Park closes
Grab your seats early if you want a front seat at Happily Ever After. We prefer to watch it from the end of Main Street, it’s still a great view and it illuminates Main Street! Also it’s an easier way to beat the crowds and jet out to the buses after a long day.
There’s even special parties and dining packages offered during these night time celebrations!:
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Seats & Sweets
Celebration at the Top at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package
Ride Height Requirements:
Some rides and attractions have height restrictions. Make sure that everyone in your party can ride the rides before jumping on the lines.
Magic Kingdom Park:
The Barnstormer – Guests must be 35 inches (89 centimeters) or taller
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Guests must be 38 inches (97 centimeters) or taller
Space Mountain – Guests must be 44 inches (113 centimeters) or taller
Tomorrowland Speedway – Guests must be 32 inches (82 centimeters) or taller
TRON Lightcycle / Run – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
Any Height:
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
A Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
EPCOT:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Guests must be 42 inches (107 centimeters) or taller
Mission: SPACE – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
Soarin’ Around the World – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
Test Track – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
Any Height:
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
Alien Swirling Saucers – Guests must be 32 inches (81 centimeters) or taller
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Guests must be 38" (97 cm) or taller
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
Slinky Dog Dash – Guests must be 38 inches (97 centimeters) or taller
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Guests must be 40" (102 cm) or taller
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
Any Height:
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park:
Avatar Flight of Passage – Guests must be 44 inches (112 centimeters) or taller
DINOSAUR – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – Guests must be 44 inches (113 centimeters) or taller
Kali River Rapids – Guests must be 38 inches (97 centimeters) or taller
Any Height:
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park:
Bay Slides – Guests must be 60 inches (152 centimeters) or shorter
Crush ‘n’ Gusher – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
Humunga Kowabunga – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
Ketchakiddee Creek – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or shorter
Any Height:
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park:
Chairlift – Guests must be 32 inches (82 centimeters) or taller
Downhill Double Dipper – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
Slush Gusher – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
Summit Plummet – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
Tike’s Peak – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or shorter
Any Height:
Explore the Park:
We recommend really taking your time to explore the parks. The ambience, the theming and the hidden gems are part of the Disney Magic. The level of detail in Animal Kingdom is outstanding. Sometimes its hard to just stop and soak it in, you’re running for a lightning lane, kids are tired, your feet are sore — but it’s really important for YOU to enjoy the magic as well!
So, now that you’ve learned the ropes, check out our guides to all 4 Disney Parks or other fun things to do around the Disney Bubble!