As someone who has visited Disney World multiple times, I know that planning a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth can be overwhelming. With millions of people visiting the parks each year, there is a lot of advice out there, both good and bad. However, there are a few tactics that can help ensure your trip has a little extra pixie dust, and one of those is by being mindful of car parking safety.
Whether you’re staying on or off-property, it’s important to keep car parking safety in mind. By doing a little pre-planning, you can save yourself from a lot of Disney-induced headaches and ensure that your car is safe while you’re enjoying the parks. In this article, I’ll share some tips and tricks for staying safe while parking at Disney World, as well as other tactics for enhancing the Disney magic and saving money.
Key Takeaways
- Plan ahead to ensure car parking safety and prevent park day meltdowns
- Take advantage of money-saving tactics like refillable mugs and popcorn buckets
- Don’t neglect dining reservations and rest days to enhance the Disney magic
Staying Off-Property
When planning a trip to Disney World, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is where to stay. While staying on-property can provide access to a lot of extras like free transportation to the parks and extra time in the parks, it can also be more expensive. On the other hand, staying off-property can save you money, but you’ll miss out on some of the perks of staying on-property.
One of the biggest advantages of staying on-property is the ability to book both Lightning Lane ride selections and dining reservations before anyone else. This can be a big deal for planning-focused Disney guests. Off-property guests, on the other hand, aren’t able to book Lightning Lane reservations until 7 a.m. the day of their visit to that park. This means that your favorite ride may not even be available by then.
However, staying off-property has its own advantages. For example, you can save money on accommodations and food, and you’ll have more options for restaurants and activities outside of the Disney bubble. Additionally, if you’re driving to the parks, you’ll have more control over your transportation and won’t have to rely on Disney transportation.
When staying off-property, it’s important to consider car parking safety. Make sure to park in a well-lit area and lock your car doors. Don’t leave any valuables in your car, and if you have to leave something in your car, make sure it’s out of sight. It’s also a good idea to take a picture of where you parked so you can easily find your car at the end of the day.
Overall, the decision to stay on or off-property depends on your budget, preferences, and priorities. While staying on-property can provide a more immersive Disney experience, staying off-property can save you money and provide more flexibility.
Not taking advantage of refillable mugs
As a frequent Disney World visitor, I have learned that not taking advantage of the refillable mugs is a mistake. For one price, you can get a reusable mug that can be filled for free all day every day of your trip for up to two weeks at all resort hotel properties, even if it isn’t your home base hotel. This means you can enjoy free coffee, soda, and anything you get from the drink stations.
The refillable mugs are lidded with a handle and are insulated, which means your cold beverages will stay cooler longer, even in the blistering Florida sun. The Treasured Family Travels website says that the refillable mug is absolutely the best deal at Disney World.
Disney Dining notes that whether or not you buy a mug depends on how many non-water beverages you consume. For instance, just a cup of coffee at Pop Century Resort costs $3.49, so over five days that equates to $17.45, which is nearly the cost of the refillable mug. Even if you only use the fountain beverage station twice a day, it would be worth it even for just a few days on the property.
Don’t forget that you can fill up your cup with Powerade in the morning to get ahead of your hydration goals for the day. Just like single-use water bottles, drinks like Powerade are more expensive at Disney Parks, so utilize those refillable mug savings.
By not taking advantage of the refillable mugs, you could be missing out on significant savings during your Disney World trip. So, make sure to grab a refillable mug and enjoy unlimited free beverages throughout your stay.
Forgetting Your Park Reservation
As a frequent visitor to Disney World, I know how important it is to make park reservations in advance. The park reservation system was introduced following the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to manage capacity. Even if you have tickets, you won’t be able to enter the park without a reservation. It’s crucial not to forget to make your reservations.
According to Disney Tourist Blog, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are the two parks that consistently hit their reservation limits. However, it’s possible to make a reservation on the same day of your park visit if the park hasn’t run out of reservations.
To ensure availability, it’s recommended to make your park reservations when you purchase your tickets, as per USA Today. If the park you want to visit isn’t available on the day you want to go, you can keep checking to see if it becomes available or add on a Park Hopper pass. The Park Hopper pass allows you to change parks after 2 p.m.
The number of park reservations you can make depends on the kind of tickets you have or if you’re an Annual Passholder. According to WDW Prep School, you can have 3-5 park reservations at any one time. Once you use a park reservation, you can make another one for the next open day in your vacation itinerary.
It’s important to note that there is no definite end date for the park reservation system as of now, even though Bob Iger has said he will look into the reservation system now that he is in charge again.
Paying full price
When planning a trip to Disney World, it can be tempting to pay full price for everything, but with a little bit of pre-planning, you can save a lot of money. One of the best ways to save money is by purchasing discounted Disney gift cards. While it may seem like using cash is a better value, gift cards can be purchased at a discount of between 5-10% at stores like Target.
To get the best gift card deals, it may take a little time to research and understand the various discounts and rewards available. However, as long as you aren’t putting yourself into debt, it’s nice to save a bit of money on a trip. You can combine your gift cards up to $1,000 on the Disney Gift Card site and keep track of them using your Disney account login information.
Using gift cards can also help you budget your spending on the trip. By pre-purchasing gift cards, you can limit your spending and avoid overspending on impulse purchases. Plus, gift cards can be used to pay for everything on Disney property, including snacks and souvenirs.
It’s important to note that while gift cards can help you save money, it’s also important to prioritize safety when it comes to carrying and using them. Be sure to keep your gift cards in a safe place and only carry what you need for the day. Additionally, be cautious when purchasing gift cards from third-party sellers and only purchase from reputable sources to avoid scams and fraud.
By taking advantage of discounted gift cards and other programs, you can save money on your Disney World trip without sacrificing the magic of the experience.
Forgetting an External Battery
As someone who has visited Disney World multiple times, I know the importance of having a charged phone. With the My Disney Experience App and the need to capture magical moments with photos, it’s easy for your phone to run out of battery quickly. That’s why I always recommend bringing an external battery or power bank with you to the parks.
While charging areas are available throughout the parks, it’s much more convenient to have a battery pack with you. According to How To Disney, charging packs are easy to pack and are relatively affordable. By bringing your own external battery, you can avoid rental fees and have the peace of mind that your phone will stay charged throughout the day.
Forgetting an external battery can lead to missed photo opportunities and even safety concerns. In case of an emergency, having a charged phone is crucial. Don’t let a dead phone put a damper on your Disney World experience. Remember to pack an external battery or power bank and keep your phone charged on the go.
Always Paying for Water
As a frequent visitor to Disney World, I have learned that one way to save money is by getting free ice water. Most quick-service restaurants, food kiosks, and stands that serve fountain beverages offer free cups of ice water upon request. You can even save the ice cubes in a refillable water bottle or your resort mug and refill it at a water fountain for more ice-cold water. Water fountains and bottle refill areas are often located near restrooms for easy access.
While some of the water fountain water may taste mediocre, there are some spots that are cold and refreshing. For example, the fountain between the Crystal Palace restaurant and The Emporium on Main Street USA is a great spot for some refreshing water. Additionally, you can always stop by one of the Disney World Starbucks locations for their patented triple-filtered water. Although there may be a wait in line, it’s still free, and you get to enjoy some much-needed air conditioning while you wait.
By taking advantage of the free ice water at Disney World, you can save money and stay hydrated throughout your visit. Plus, it’s an easy way to cool off on a hot day!
Not Taking Advantage of Popcorn Buckets
As a frequent visitor to Disney parks, I highly recommend taking advantage of the popcorn bucket deal. For just $2.20, you can get unlimited popcorn refills, even with buckets purchased in the past. This is an amazing deal and one of the best budget snacks in the parks, according to Magical Guides.
While you can also purchase a non-refillable popcorn box for $5.50, it’s worth the extra cost to get a proper bucket that can be filled again and again. Keep in mind that the classic butter flavor is the only one included in the refill price, but there are several other kinds of popcorn available throughout Disney World. For example, you can try the tasty maple popcorn in Canada at EPCOT or Kat Saka’s kettle corn in Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios.
If you’re looking for a particular kind of popcorn bucket, it’s best to check out places that thematically make the most sense. For instance, if you want an animal or “The Lion King” design, head to Animal Kingdom. On the other hand, if you’re a “Star Wars” fan, your best bet for themed buckets is at Hollywood Studios. However, keep in mind that some of the buckets are very popular and may sell out quickly.
If you decide not to take advantage of the popcorn bucket deal, you’ll be missing out on a great opportunity to enjoy a delicious snack at a low price point. Plus, you’ll be able to keep your souvenir bucket as a reminder of your magical trip to Disney World.
Neglecting Dining Reservations
As an experienced Disney World traveler, I know that dining reservations are a crucial aspect of any Disney World vacation. Neglecting to make dining reservations can lead to long wait times or even being turned away from popular dining locations.
While some dining locations might have limited availability for walk-ups, it’s important to keep in mind that some locations don’t offer walk-up dining at all. Therefore, it’s essential to plan ahead and make dining reservations before you get to the parks. Reservations typically open up 60 days before your trip.
If you’re traveling during less busy times of the year, you can relax a little more about making dining reservations because they won’t disappear as quickly. However, if your Disney World vacation is a major milestone in your life, it’s worth making reservations as soon as you can.
If you do forget to make reservations, there are a handful of locations that usually have availability. According to The Mouse For Less, some of these locations include The Plaza or The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom, Coral Reef or Nine Dragons at EPCOT, Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios, and Yak and Yeti at Animal Kingdom.
It’s also worth checking the My Disney Experience App for dining availabilities starting a week before your trip because you might be able to score a cancellation reservation. Overall, it’s crucial to plan ahead and make dining reservations to ensure a seamless and enjoyable Disney World vacation.
Skipping Rest Days
As a seasoned Disney World adventurer, I know the importance of taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks. Skipping rest days can lead to exhaustion and a less enjoyable vacation experience. During my visits to Disney World, I have found that there are plenty of ways to relax and recharge without missing out on the magic.
According to Mickey Blog, sleeping in or taking naps throughout the day is a great way to start a rest day. After some much-needed rest, head over to the pool to soak up some sun and enjoy the resort’s amenities. If you’re up for some adventure, consider heading to Disney Springs for some shopping or resort hopping to see the non-park Disney sights.
Kenny the Pirate suggests spending a rest day at The Boardwalk. Here, you can indulge in delicious food, browse through shops, and enjoy the stunning views of the river. You can even rent bikes to take a scenic ride around Crescent Lake. In the evening, catch a movie playing on the Village Green and grab a sweet treat at Beaches and Cream.
While rest days are essential, it’s important to keep safety in mind when traveling to Disney World. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. If you’re driving to the parks, make sure to follow all parking rules and regulations to ensure a safe and stress-free experience.
Not Downloading the App
As someone who is planning a trip to Disney World, I highly recommend downloading the My Disney Experience App. Even if you don’t plan on using Genie+ or Lightning Lane during your Disney World vacation, the app is a must-have. It can be a lifesaver and something guests absolutely need for their trip, particularly newcomers.
Beyond the more complex uses of the app, it also includes a map so you know where you are, which can be really helpful if you’re desperately searching for a bathroom or need to make a reservation on time. But if you choose not to download the app, you’ll miss out on a lot of useful information.
For instance, if you’re looking to attend as many spectacle events as possible during your Disney World adventure, the app can be a big help. The app includes all the information you’ll need to get to all the parades or fireworks on time. You can also find out when different characters will be out for their meet-and-greet sessions as well as where they’ll be in the different parks.
In summary, not downloading the My Disney Experience App can lead to missed opportunities and a less enjoyable trip. So, I highly recommend downloading the app and taking advantage of all the helpful features it has to offer.
Over Planning
As a seasoned Disney World traveler, I know that over-planning can lead to disappointment and unnecessary stress. It’s important to keep your schedule somewhat open to allow for spontaneous moments of magic. A midday break or early night can be just what you need to recharge and fully enjoy the rest of your vacation.
According to Insider, a week-long trip is the ideal length for a Disney World vacation. This gives you enough time to see everything you want while still allowing for relaxation. It’s important to remember that Disney World is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed through.
Creating a loose plan with reservations and must-do activities is key. This allows for flexibility and the opportunity for spur-of-the-moment surprises. Over-planning can also lead to disappointment if things don’t go exactly as planned.
In summary, I recommend keeping your Disney World vacation schedule somewhat open to allow for spontaneity and relaxation. A loose plan with must-do activities and reservations is the perfect balance for a magical and stress-free vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different parking options available at Walt Disney World?
There are several parking options available at Walt Disney World. Guests can park at the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. There are also parking lots available for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels.
How much does it cost to park at Walt Disney World?
The cost of parking at Walt Disney World varies depending on the type of parking and the length of stay. Standard parking at the theme parks costs $25 per day, while preferred parking costs $45-$50 per day. Parking at the water parks costs $25 per day, and parking at Disney Springs is free.
Is there a Parking Fee for Disney Resort Guests?
Disney Resort guests receive complimentary standard theme park parking during their stay. Valet parking is available at deluxe resorts for $33 per night, and the valet charge includes the standard parking charge. Complimentary valet parking is available for guests with disabilities.
Are there Any Parking Restrictions at Walt Disney World?
There are some parking restrictions at Walt Disney World. Oversized vehicles, such as RVs and buses, are not permitted in the standard parking lots. There are designated parking areas for oversized vehicles. Additionally, all vehicles are subject to search before entering the parking lots.
Which parking structure is closest to Magic Kingdom?
The Magic Kingdom parking lot is located across from the entrance to the park. It is accessible via the monorail or ferryboat from the Transportation and Ticket Center.
Can I purchase a parking pass for multiple days at Walt Disney World?
Yes, guests can purchase a parking pass for multiple days at Walt Disney World. The pass is valid for the length of stay and can be used at any of the theme parks or water parks.