15 Disney World Tips You Need to Know Before Your Next Vacation

By Brinton Parker
Flickr user Atiq Nazri
Flickr user Atiq Nazri

The folks at FamilyFun Magazine are, as you might have guessed, experts at fun family activities. And because a Walt Disney World vacation is the epitome of joyful leisure, that means they know a thing or two about the beloved Orlando theme parks! Using all of its expertise and fun-savvy, FamilyFun compiled a list of tips and tricks that will make your next Disney World trip out-of-control amazing. Check out 15 of the magazine's best ways to beat the heat (and lines) at WDW, and you'll never want your vacation to end.

Flickr user jeffchristiansen

  1. The least crowded — which means least expensive — month to visit Disney World is September, so try planning your next trip for the early Fall.
  2. Try your best to get a FastPass for Peter Pan's Flight when visiting Magic Kingdom, because the ride is short yet popular. It's no fun to wait hours in the sun for a two-minute experience!
  3. After hours in the humidity, Animal Kingdom visitors can cool off during a showing of Finding Nemo the Musical, which has air conditioning and comfy seats.
Flickr user jeffchristiansen

  1. While the makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique tend to cost a small fortune, there's a way to experience the princess magic without a full makeover. Simply "share a wish" with a fairy godmother, and she'll sprinkle your little ones with fairy dust!
  2. If you're looking to get a bit of a break during your visit to Epcot, try swinging by The Land; it offers a seated movie experience and a soothing boat ride.
  3. The best value for food in the Animal Kingdom park is Flame Tree Barbecue, which has large Southern BBQ plates that families can share.
Flickr user dawnashley

  1. The Dumbo ride in Magic Kingdom is great for families — according to FamilyFun, it has a short wait time, a kids' play area, and a pager system for waiting parents.
  2. MyMagic+ keeps track of your Fastpasses and helps you maintain an interactive itinerary throughout your stay.
  3. At Epcot, you can cool off at Club Cool thanks to free soda-tasting dispensers filled with international beverages.
Flickr user christiantlambert

  1. Disney hotel guests are entitled to a complimentary MagicBand before their stay.
  2. Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom is a great picnic spot for families; try packing snacks and relaxing in the shade for a break from the Disney hustle and bustle.
  3. According to FamilyFun, "Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Swan, and Dolphin all share a boat shuttle to Epcot's back entrance and Hollywood Studios — and there's never a line at this gate."
Flickr user jeffchristiansen

  1. Frozen enthusiasts can see Anna and Elsa in the flesh at the daily Royal Welcome Parade, which takes place at the Hollywood Studios park at 11 a.m.
  2. Staying at a Disney hotel entitles visitors to extra Magic Hours, which means early entry into designated parks.
  3. The animals at Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safaris are most active while it's still early and cool, so try this attraction first when you arrive at the park.