There is so much to see and do during a Disney World Vacation that there are always things that you will miss. But what can you skip at Disney World to make the most of your time and money during your Disney Vacation?
1. Car Rental
The parking costs can add up at Disney World as can car rental costs. If you are staying at a Disney World Resort you will get picked up from Orlando International Airport by the Magical Express and during your vacation, you can use all the free Disney Transportation to get around. The Magical Express will also transfer you back to the airport when you have to go home (we call it the Tragical Express).
If you are just enjoying Disney World during your vacation, why not just use the free transport. This is what I do, and it gives me a really nice break from driving.
You find out more about doing Disney World without a car here.
2. Expensive Souvenirs
There are lots of great souvenirs to buy at Disney World and some can be really quite expensive. I’m not saying don’t buy anything but do be aware that you can buy official Disney Merchandise online before your vacation at the Shop Disney website.
3. Meeting Characters in the Parks
Save some time in the parks by making some dining reservations where you meet some Characters. There is a great selection of restaurants across Walt Disney World Resort that offer character dining experiences. You can meet the famous four, the Princesses and others at certain locations which will save time from lining up in the parks for character meets.
Do be aware that Breakfast usually works out as the cheapest option for character dining.
You can find out more details and our favorite Disney World Character meals here or by clicking the image below.
4. The Holidays and Big Crowds
Try not to be at Disney World during a holiday period as it will be busy. There are certain times of year where the crowds really build up at Disney World so try if you can not to book for these time and experience Disney World when it is not at its busiest.
You can read our article on the Best Times of Year to go to Disney World here.
5. Long Lines
Popular rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Avatar Flight of Passage can generate really long lines and long wait times. Avoid this by using Fast Passes as effectively as possible, getting to parks for rope drop and other strategies. Don’t worry we have already covered this in a previous post so take a look below.
You can read our 15 Helpful Line Hacks and Tips here or by clicking the image below.
6. Paying for Water
Save money by not buying expensive bottled water in the parks. Take a refillable water bottles into the parks with you (we use collapsible water bottles). You can refill at water points that are now being added to the parks or at drinking water fountains which you will find in all of the parks. You can also ask for a free cup of water at any quick service locations too.
You can find a selection of affordable drinks bottles on Amazon here.
7. The Magic Kingdom Opening Show
The Magic Kingdom opening show is an entertaining way to start your day but if you don’t watch it you can get yourself situated to enter one of the lands and get on some rides very quickly.
My tip would be to head straight for Big Thunder Mountain, then ride Splash Mountain and then Pirates of the Caribbean (first thing you will be able to get on these very quickly). You might even find that you can get on the Jungle Cruise pretty easily and even head over to Haunted Mansion where the wait times shouldn’t be too long.
8. Deluxe Resorts
Save some money by skipping a stay at a Deluxe Resort and go for a moderate. The moderate resorts are very good, and you can save a considerable amount of money. You can even upgrade your dining plan and still potentially save money.
9. A Crowded Monorail
Skip a crowded monorail by heading right to the back carriages. Everyone tends enter the doors closest to them and heading to back usually leads to the least crowded part of the monorail.
10. Skip Meals
This might sound a little silly, but you can easily skip a meal at Disney World. Whether you are eating at table service restaurants or quick service one’s there is such a wide variety of food choices you can easily get by on two meals and a snack in a day. This is especially true if you are going to have a buffet style meal which can be really filling believe me.
11.The Fireworks
Skip the fireworks at the parks (especially Magic Kingdom) and you find the wait times for rides drop dramatically. If you have seen them already during your vacation do give this a go as you will find the reduction in ride wait times can be quite considerable.
12.Early Mornings
Don’t do this all the time but if you have had a busy few days at Disney World take a break and skip an early morning start to recharge the batteries a little. Possibly sleep in a little and have a relaxing breakfast at your resort before heading to the parks.
13. Long Attractions
If you have limited time at Disney World then do be aware of long attractions like Carousel of Progress, The Hall of Presidents and The American Adventure. When you factor in your wait time along with showtime as well these attractions can take up a lot of time which may not benefit guests who are only at Disney World for a few days.
14. Busy Buses Straight After the Fireworks
Skip attempting to get a bus straight after the evening fireworks in any of the parks. You will always find that so many people will always leave as soon as the fireworks finish that you are better off staying in the park for at least another hour.
If you can’t wait, then make sure you are as close to the park entrance as possible to give you the best chance possible to get to your bus before the crowds.
You find some our Disney World Transportation tips right here (or click the image below).
15. The Afternoon Parade
Similar to skipping the fireworks you can also benefit from skipping the afternoon parade at Magic Kingdom. You will find it easier to get on some rides as crowds gather to see the parade.
16. The Crowds
Skip the crowds by studying the park maps before your vacation. There are various little short cuts at the parks where you can avoid the crowds when it is busy. You can also pass through the gift shops such as the Emporium on Main Street in Magic Kingdom where you can get from the park entrance to the hub area adjacent to Crystal Palace simply by passing through the Emporium and out through Casey’s Corner (great during parades and fireworks displays).
17. Busy Quick Service Restaurant
Skip quick service restaurants during busy periods by eating early before midday or waiting till later on in the afternoon (roughly from around 3pm) and you will find them a lot less busy. This will save you wasting too much time standing in line to be served as the quick service restaurants can get really busy during the traditional lunch time period.
18. Stress
Remember you are on vacation so don’t stress too much about stuff. Skip the stress wind back, relax and enjoy Disney World and all the wonderful things it has to offer. If you and your party are getting a little tired then take a break for as long as you need. Recharge those batteries, grab a drink or snack and then carry on enjoying the Disney Magic!
For some more help with planning your Disney World Vacation try these articles:
Mistakes you don’t want to make at Disney World
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Darren
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