Planning a Disney trip? Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, navigating the Most Magical Place on Earth with kids requires a little strategy (and a sprinkle of pixie dust). I’ve rounded up the ultimate Disney hacks to save you time, money, and your sanity!
Here’s everything you need to know before you pack those Mickey ears!
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Booking & Planning Hacks
1. Pick the Right Time to Visit
Want lower crowds and better weather? The best months to visit are January, February, early May, and mid-September. Avoid major holidays and spring break if you can!
2. Set Price Alerts for Flights & Hotels
Use apps like Google Flights or Hopper to track price drops. For Disney resorts, check third-party sites like Undercover Tourist for potential discounts.
3. Stay at a Disney Value Resort for the Perks
If you’re staying on property, Disney’s All-Star Resorts, Pop Century, and Art of Animation offer the most budget-friendly options while still giving you perks like Early Theme Park Entry!
4. Use Gift Cards to Save on Your Trip
Buy Disney gift cards at Target (using a RedCard for 5% off) or Sam’s Club for a small discount, this adds up when paying for park tickets, food, and souvenirs! If you have a Kroger in your city, I suggest purchasing your gift cards from here, especially on double points days!
5. Make Dining Reservations ASAP
Want to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest? Reservations open 60 days in advance set an alarm and book early! 6am is your sweet spot!
Picture: Cinderella’s Royal Table
Park Day Hacks
6. Rope Drop = Your Best Friend
When you stay on Disney property, get to the park 30-60 minutes before opening to experience popular rides with shorter waits. Early risers, this is your time to shine!
7. Mobile Order Your Food & Skip the Lines
Use the My Disney Experience app to mobile order your meals ahead of time. Trust me, you don’t want to wait in a long line for a Mickey pretzel with a hungry toddler!
8. Use Rider Swap for Bigger Rides
Got little ones who can’t ride the big coasters? Rider Swap lets one adult ride while the other waits with the kids, then they switch, without waiting in line again!
9. Pack a Portable Fan & Cooling Towels
Florida heat is NO joke! Bring a clip-on stroller fan, cooling towels, and a misting spray bottle to stay cool.
10. Skip the Souvenir Shops & Buy Ahead
Disney souvenirs are pricey! Grab Disney-themed shirts, autograph books, and glow sticks from Amazon or Dollar Tree before your trip to save money.
Money-Saving Disney Hacks
11. Use Disney Lightening Lane Wisely
Want to skip the lines? Buy Lightening Lane and book your top rides ASAP. Prioritize rides like Slink Dog Dash, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Space Mountain these go fast!
12. Bring Your Own Snacks & Water Bottles
Save money by bringing granola bars, fruit snacks, and refillable water bottles Disney does have free water stations at most quick-service spots (even if it doesn’t taste the best!
13. Look for Free Activities in the Parks
Did you know about the free things to do at Disney? Try:
✔️ Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom (kids earn badges!)
✔️ Kidcot Fun Stops at EPCOT (collect travel cards from each country)
✔️ Pixie Dust at Sir Mickey’s (free glitter makeover at Magic Kingdom!)
14. Save on Parking with a Resort Reservation
If you dine at a Disney resort, you get complimentary parking for a few hours, perfect for exploring resorts or visiting Disney Springs!
Picture: My oldest and I used Rider Switch to ride TRON at Magic Kingdom, they had a seated area along with fans and a restroom near by.
Toddler & Kid-Friendly Disney Hacks
15. Use Stroller Parking Wisely
Stroller chaos is real! Mark yours with a stroller tag off Etsy so you can find it fast. Also, don’t leave valuables inside!
16. Pack a Change of Clothes (For Everyone!)
Water rides + melted Mickey bars = wardrobe changes. Always carry extra outfits for kids AND adults!
17. Create a DIY “Toddler Survival Kit”
Pack essentials like:
✔️ Small toys & stickers for long waits
✔️ Pacifiers & sippy cups (Disney doesn’t sell them!)
✔️ Disposable or Silicone bibs (makes meal cleanup easy!)
18. Take Advantage of Baby Care Centers
Need a quiet place to feed or change your baby? Each park has a Baby Care Center with air-conditioned rooms, changing tables, and rocking chairs!
BONUS: Disney Hacks You Probably Didn’t Know!
19. Watch Fireworks from a Secret Spot
Hate crowds? Try watching Magic Kingdom fireworks from the Contemporary Resort’s balcony or grab a seat at the Polynesian Beach less stress, same magical view! Tomorrowland is also a great spot if you’re not up for leaving the park.
20. Save on Memory Maker Photos
Want ride and character photos? Buy Memory Maker before your trip to save $30, or ask PhotoPass photographers to take pics with your phone for free!
21. Stay Late & Enjoy Lower Crowds
The last hour before park close is GOLDEN, ride wait times drop significantly!
Final Disney Hack: Have a Game Plan (But Be Flexible!)
Planning ahead is key, but sometimes, Disney magic happens when you least expect it! If a toddler meltdown or rainstorm changes your plans, roll with it!
Want more mom-approved Disney tips? Be sure to follow along for travel hacks, family-friendly fun, and everything you need to make your Disney trip stress-free!
✨ What’s YOUR favorite Disney hack? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️
