10 Helpful Disney World Vacation Tips

To help remedy many of the headaches and problems that can potentially arise when visiting Disney World we've put together this handy guide of top ten tips to ensure that you have a smooth journey through the magical lands of Disney! Whether it's pre-trip preparation, getting to the park or actually enjoying all that Disney has to offer, if there's an easier way to go about it you'll find it right here.

1. Save Money On Water - Before you actually arrive to the park, above all else, make sure you have one thing in hand: water! The Orlando area is extremely hot and humid, and while there is certainly no shortage of vendors and vending machines selling bottle water throughout the parks and resort areas, you'll be paying at least $2 per bottle if you're not prepared. A much more cost effective way to go about your vacation is to stop at a local grocery or general store before you actually make your way into the parks and stock up on a case or two of bottle water, which typically costs around $5 for a case of 24. This tip doesn't just apply to water though! Stocking up on soda is a great money saving plan as well.

2. Rain Precautions — For those that have never visited the Orlando area, it rains almost daily from the approximate hours of 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. And while this may sound like a major annoyance, there are a number of ways to ensure that the rain doesn't spoil your vacation plans. The most popular option for combating the rain  is a poncho. You can either pick one up at a local store, or find them offered  throughout Disney World. Many days the rain amounts to little more than a light sprinkle that lasts less than a half hour, and on these days a poncho is just the thing to help take your mind completely off the fact that it is raining. Another great way to beat the rain is to plan your meal to be around the 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. time frame, wait until the rain starts to come and then enjoy any of the great indoor dining experiences at Disney.

3. Magical Express Service - If you happen to be flying into the Orlando area via the Orlando International Airport (MCO), and will be staying at select Disney Resorts, then you'll definitely want to take advantage of Disney's Magical Express Service. With the Magical Express you'll find a courtesy shuttle waiting to take you to your hotel, and even have your bags dropped off to your room. This service can also be used on the return trip to the Orlando International Airport (MCO) as well. While most Disney resort hotels do offer Magical Express Service, there are a few that do not. Below is the list of Disney resorts that do NOT take advantage of the Magical Express Service.

• Disney's Vero Beach Resort
• Disney's Hilton Head Resort
• Disney's Swan Hotel
• Disney's Dolphin Hotel
• Shades of Green
• All Downtown Disney Resort area hotels

4. Your Key to the World Card — If you'll be staying at a Disney World hotel or resort, this is the perfect way to enjoy all of Disney World while conveniently keeping your finances in order! The Your Key to the World Card serves not only as your room key, but also as a means of payment for nearly everything found throughout Disney World (drinks, meals, souvenirs, etc.) If you choose this option when checking in to your hotel you'll be able to use your room key much like you would a debit card. All purchases will be charged to your room, and upon check-out you'll have one sheet that details all of your expenses made on the card. Convenient and simple, this is definitely something you'll want to take advantage of when staying on Disney property. 

5. Kid's Nite Out, Inc. - There's nothing more magical than witnessing the joy on your child's face as you share all that is Disney World, but we all know that it's also nice to have a little alone time every once in a while. And with Kid's Nite Out, Inc. parents can get just that. By using this in-room child care service when staying on Disney property parents will have the flexibility to enjoy a night at Pleasure Island, or anywhere else they desire, without the worry of having to watch out for the little ones. All you have to do is make reservations 24 hours in advance, and you'll be all set for a little free time during your vacation.

6. Extra Magic Hours — For those wishing to squeeze in extra amounts of magic into their vacation, or for those hoping to beat the crowds, Extra Magic Hours is definitely something you'll need to know about. Every day one of the four theme parks either opens its gates an hour early or stays open up three hours after the park's scheduled closing time. For those that want to see everything a park has to offer, the Extra Magic Hours is a great way to make the most of your day. On the other end of the spectrum, the parks are typically more crowded during their Extra Magic Hours day, so those looking to steer clear of the masses may want to make sure that a park isn't on its Extra Magic Hours day before visiting To find out the days that certain parks will be participating in Extra Magic Hours during your stay simply pick up one of the hours of operation fliers that are conveniently located throughout all the parks and resorts of Disney.

7. FASTPASS — Quite simply, the FASTPASS system is ingenious. Throughout the four theme parks of Disney World you'll find a number of rides and attractions that participate in this convenient service. If there is a certain ride you'd like to experience that does participate in the FASTPASS program, but you don't want to waste time in long lines, simply slide your theme park ticket through the FASTPASS machine. The FASTPASS machine will give you a ticket with a return time frame printed on it. You'll be able to go off and enjoy the rest of the park, then return during the time frame on your ticket and skip the long lines! To find rides that participate in the FASTPASS program you can browse any of our Disney World theme park guides found right here on Vacations Made Easy.

8. Package Delivery — If you're staying at a Disney World resort during your visit to Disney World you are able to take advantage of Disney's package delivery program. With this helpful program you are able to have any purchases made in a Disney World theme park sent from the store to your room. This is perfect for when you find a large item you can't pass up, but don't want to carry around all day.

9. Epcot's Mission: SPACE — If you'll be visiting Epcot during your Disney World vacation, you'll definitely want to stop by Epcot's Mission: SPACE. Just be sure you know what you're doing before you board this ride. Mission: SPACE offers two levels: Orange Team and Green Team. Both options are nearly identical, with the only difference being that the Orange Team is a very intense version of the ride that uses spinning to create centrifugal force. As this ride doesn't launch you high into the air, throw you through loops or outwardly appear to be intense in any way, many that can't physically handle extreme thrill rides may feel that they can tackle Mission: SPACE Orange Team. If you are even in the slightest of ways prone to motion sickness, or simply just don't like intense thrill rides, then you will very likely leave Mission: SPACE Orange Team extremely sick.

10. Kilimanjaro Safaris — Featuring a magnificently re-created African savanna with free-roaming animals indigenous to Africa, the Kilimanjaro Safaris of Animal Kingdom can easily transport you a continent away. And though you'll definitely want to experience this attraction when visiting Animal Kingdom, there is a small quirk you should be let in on to make the most of your visit. As the animals of Kilimanjaro Safaris are free-roaming, there are times when many of the animals will be hard to see. To ensure that you find the Kilimanjaro Safaris at its most active, it is recommended that you either take part in this ride when the park first opens or towards the end of the day as the park is closing. It is at these times you'll have the best luck at seeing the many different species in full view, and truly add to the magic of your visit.