Hi, I’m Bianca and I am a self-proclaimed Disney World fanatic. Am I in good company here? I sure hope so!
We try our best to visit Disney at least once every year or two (if budget allows). I have shared a good number of Disney-related features on here… a lot having to do with eating vegan in Disney and some budget. But for this post, I wanted to compile all of my Disney World knowledge – tips and thoughts worth mentioning from years of visiting, researching, and exploring.
From food allergies to rides and beyond… here are 85 things about Disney World that you may or may not have not known. I hope you walk away from this having learned at least one new thing! Enjoy, fellow Disney lovers.
Packing Tips
1. Grab rain ponchos at the dollar store. It is more than likely going to rain at least once and the ponchos in the parks are way more expensive than they need to be.
2. Pack a first aid kit for blisters. From bandaids to protective sprays and beyond. Trust me on this! Which brings me to…
3. Do not wear ankle socks. I repeat, do not wear ankle socks. Blisters galore. Wear socks with a high back for extra cushion.
4. Pack a misting fan. The Dollar Store usually sells them.
5. Pack a heavy-duty utility clip. This is great if you have a stroller and need to attach any sippy cups, bags, or items to the handle.
6. Shop Kohls, Target, or Wal-Mart for fun character shirts for kiddos (and yourself!) Way cheaper and you’ll be feeling extra magical with your Disney gear on.
7. Pack Post-it notes to cover automatic flush on public toilets. This is good for kids who may be afraid of the automatic flush.
8. Pack a bag of zip-lock bags for dirty or wet items. Especially if you are traveling with kids.
9. Carry a waterproof backpack with you. Your stuff is bound to get wet on some of the rides (hello, Splash Mountain).
10. Always bring a portable phone charger! Your phone battery will drain itself if you are using the MyDisneyExperience app, especially. A good way to avoid your battery being drained is to take a screenshot of your “day” with shows and FP times and set it as your lock screen. You won’t have to keep reloading app this way. But if you do need to charge fast, this portable charger is great.
11. Secretly buy some Disney souvenirs at a local store like Wal-Mart or Target and pack away for your kiddos… this way you won’t be blowing money in the parks on toys!
12. A fun craft for kids before you go is to make autograph books using Disney stickers, markers, etc. It can be much cheaper (and more fun) than buying a book in the park. Don’t forget to pack a thick sharpie, too! The thicker the marker, the easier it is for the characters to sign.
13. Take or pack an extra bag for any souvenirs you might buy while you are there. They might add up quicker than you think!
Veganism / Gluten-Free / Food Allergies
14. Make your dining reservations ahead online. When you do this, there is an option to check off your allergies/dietary concerns. You can also email SpecialDiets@DisneyWorld.com or call (407) 939-3463 to make sure the chef is aware ahead of time. If you don’t get a chance to do this, don’t worry. You can also let the server know on the spot. They will be as accommodating as possible!
15. Bring your own food and snacks to the park. Not a lot of theme parks allow this, but Disney does! Nuts, clif bars, luna bars, dried fruit, hummus and veggies, peanut butter sandwiches… whatever you’d like to have on hand. Bring!
16. The infamous pineapple dole whip is vegan and gluten-free. Grab some in Animal Kingdom or in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom.
17. The Peter Pan float is vegan! It is Sprite with lime soft-serve… just ask for no chocolate feather.
18. Beaches & Cream has vegan ice cream sundae options. It’s located at the Beach Club Resort, and you can easily get there by taking the back gateway from Epcot. And yes, the marshmallow sauce is vegan.
19. The “buttered” popcorn in Disney is not made with real butter– it is a blend of vegetable oils. Perfect snack while you wait for the parade – gluten-free, too.
20. Enjoy a vegan Mickey pretzel – vegan as is!
21. Stock up in the morning at your hotel. I would raid the cafeteria for bananas, apples, carrot sticks, and any other vegan options I saw. Convenient in a pinch.
22. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland has a vegan burger and bun with loads of toppings to choose from.
23. Sunshine Seasons (located in The Land… the same building as Soarin’) is loaded with allergy & vegan-friendly snacks, including: regular and chocolate soy milk, Enjoy Life cookies, vegan candy bars, fruits, veggies, and other vegan/gluten-free treats.
24. The Anaheim Produce cart at Hollywood Studios has a stand of fruit, veggies, hummus and pretzels, and pickles. Lots to choose from here.
25. Animal Kingdom also has the Harambe Fruit Market with a crazy-assortment of veggies… most notably their large pineapple spears. So refreshing.
26. There are Starbucks and Joffrey’s Coffee locations all over Disney property. Get your caffeine fix whenever you need it.
27. The pizza at Pizzafari in the Animal Kingdom can be made gluten-free.
28. Mickey Waffles can be made vegan – just ask for the chef.
29. If you are staying at Port Orleans French Quarter, be sure to ask for those amazing beignets – they can be made vegan when specified. Don’t hesitate to ask!
30. Visiting a quick-service ice cream stand? The pineapple bars are vegan.
31. The beautiful Be Our Guest restaurant has a vegan ratatouille directly on the menu.
32. BOMA located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel is a mostly-vegan buffet. It is well worth going out of your way for. You’ll also want to check out Jiko and Sanaa while you are there, as they are both awesome for vegan fare. Animal Kingdom Lodge in general has some great vegan-friendly restaurants.
33. Erin McKenna’s vegan bakery in Disney Springs has vegan and gluten-free treats galore, including donuts, cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon buns, and more.
34. If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, you can order a full vegan cake from Erin McKenna’s Bakery!
35. In Epcot, L’Artisan des Glaces in France has dairy-free sorbet in a few different flavors.
36. At Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land, you can grab a VEGAN grilled cheese sandwich! Make sure you specify vegan.
37. Speaking of Woody’s Lunch Box, the “totchos” can also be made vegan. These are tater tots with vegan chili and cheese on top!
38. If you are staying at the Polynesian resort, do not pass up the Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe. It can be made vegan, so be sure to ask your server.
39. Blaze Pizza in Disney Springs is a quick spot for an awesome vegan pizza. You can get all the veggies toppings you want for a flat price, plus vegan cheese.
40. If you want some dessert in Disney Springs, stop by Haagen Dazs – they now carry a couple vegan flavors.
41. Craving some chips and dip? Mexico in Epcot serves a large portion of tortilla chips and guacamole.
42. LeFou’s Brew from Gaston’s Tavern in the Magic Kingdom is vegan and gluten-free as is. Frozen apple slush topped with a fruity foam and marshmallow flavor. YUM.
43. Maple popcorn in Frontierland is vegan as is.
44. Believe it or a not, a lot of the snacks you find in gift shops are vegan and/or gluten-free. Make sure you double check the ingredients list… but you might be pleasantly surprised by how many options there really are.
Rides
45. Use Rider Swap if you have little ones that can’t ride. You can go on the ride first, and then your spouse can get right on after you.
46. Plan to go on the following rides to cool down and get off your feet for a bit (in the parks): The Living Seas with Nemo and Friends (EP), Journey of the Little Mermaid (MK), PeopleMover (MK), It’s A Small World (MK), The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros (EP), Spaceship Earth (EP), Walt Disney World Railroad (MK), Living with the Land (EP).
47. The best rides to go on at night: Expedition Everest (AK), Splash Mountain (MK), Thunder Mountain (MK), Astro Orbiter (MK), Tower of Terror (HS), Dumbo (MK), Seven Dwarves Mine Train (MK), Teacups (MK).
48. If you are not interested in watching fireworks at the park, make sure you hit all the major rides... their wait times will dip significantly during these times.
49. The parks may close at a certain time, but you can get into any line for a ride right up until. For example, if the park closes at 11, you can get in line for Space Mountain at 10:59!
50. Flight of Passage is notoriously tough to get a FastPass for (even 60 days in advance), but don’t give up. On the day of, a lot of spots open up due to cancellation. While you are waiting in line for something else, continue to refresh your MyDisneyExperience App for FOP. It may or may not work (it always depends), but I have heard success stories with this! Definitely worth a shot if you are dying to get on it.
51. If you don’t mind being split from your group, go in the single rider line (this is especially great for Test Track). It is WAY faster.
52. If you need a rest but want the kids to feel like they are on a ride, take the train around Magic Kingdom or ride the PeopleMover in Tomorrowland.
Budget Tips
53. Use Amazon Prime NOW for food. If you are an Amazon prime member, please look into this delivery service. You can grab a ton of food you want to have in your hotel room… and it will be delivered to you within 2 hours! This is great to have breakfast items at your resort without spending too much at Disney quick service or restaurant spots. I would also consider grabbing a loaf of bread with some peanut butter and jelly so you can pack lunch for the parks. Don’t get water bottles and snacks, too! Trust me… WAY CHEAPER.
54. Eat breakfast at the resort. Piggybacking off my last point, we like to eat breakfast at the hotel with items we bring ourselves… like some instant oatmeal, bananas and peanut butter, clif bars, etc. Or if you didn’t bring your own food, just hit up the resort cafeteria… it is most likely going to be cheaper to eat there than any restaurants in the park. Especially if you just grab a bowl of cereal or some yogurt with fruit and granola.
55. Consider a Disney Rewards credit card. This may not seem like a money-saving tip, but if you are looking for a credit card and go to Disney often, the Disney CHASE Credit Card is a must. I’ve had mine for over 10 years now and it has saved me thousands of dollars. I use this card FOR EVERYTHING… so by the time we go to Disney, I have at least a couple hundred to use! Often times, they even reward you with a ton of cash rewards just for opening a card. It’s worth looking at!
56. Stay at a value resort. You spend most of the time in the parks anyway, right? Pick from one of the value resorts, which usually start at around $80/night. They have cute theming, too!
57. Find fun outside of the parks. If you are staying on Disney property for more than a couple days, schedule in a few non-park days. You will be saving on ticket prices (obviously) and there are so many other places to find fun! Disney Springs, other resorts, etc. In particular, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great resort to visit for animal viewings, restaurants, and more. Or you could just relax at your own resort and have a pool day!
58. Buy clothing and souvenirs outside of park. Walmart, Target, Dollar Store… there are Disney toys and trinkets EVERYWHERE! Pack a few secretly so you can surprise your kiddos while in Disney. This may curb their need and want while browsing souvenir shops.
59. Utilize the FREE Disney Magical Express. Few things in life are free, but this transportation service is if you are staying on Disney property. So please take advantage of it. If you don’t want to rent a car to get to Disney and park-to-park, this is your ticket to a free ride to and from airport (both ways).
60. Skip the park hopper. If you are not strapped for time to hit multiple parks, then take it easy and do one park per day. You can save a couple hundred by sparing the park hopper option. Plus, it forces you to slow down and truly enjoy each park.
61. Tap water is FREE. Just ask at any quick service counter!
62. Stock up on glow sticks from your local Dollar Store. They are significantly more expensive in the park, trust me. Your kids are going to want to glow during the nighttime shows and festivities, and you’ll have everyone covered if you pick these up for $1 beforehand.
63. You can order off the kids menu if you’d like a smaller portion for cheap. Don’t be shy!
64. If you are on a budget but want to treat your kiddos, buy them a prepaid Disney gift card with whatever amount you decide on. Let them know that it is their money to spend on what they wish, but once it is spent, that is that! It may not only teach them the importance of their “dollars” but will keep you on track financially.
65. Pressed pennies are a fun and cheap souvenir. They have themed machines all over the resorts and parks.
General Tips
66. Prep toddler for vacation with the vaca DVD. It’s free, just request it!
67. Visit all the main Disney characters in Epcot with a fast pass. The Character Spot is perfect to hit Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Goofy, Chip and Dale, etc. all at once without having to wait in a crazy line (as long as you have a Fast Pass!)
68. Utilize baby care centers. Changing stations, AC, rocking chairs, diapers, wipes, first aid, anything you need to chill out with your babe and catch your breath. How incredible is that?
69. If you are a gum chewer, bring your own. Gum is not sold on Disney property.
70. Bring your own stroller or rent from an outside company. The Disney strollers are not comfortable and if you are going for some comfort (especially if your baby/toddler will nap in stroller) you’ll want a little extra. Kingdom Strollers is one place that people like to rent from. They will drop it off to your resort!
71. Speaking or strollers, make sure you use a ribbon or something to mark your stroller. There will be hundreds and it won’t be fun if you can’t easily find yours.
72. Write your cell number on the inside of your child’s magic band. Just in case it is lost OR your child gets lost! You can never be too cautious.
73. Download the MyDisneyExperience app. From your daily schedule to ride times to managing your fast pass selections and reservations… this is a necessary download.
74. If you’re staying at a Disney resort, ask to have merchandise you purchase in the park sent back to your room. No need to carry it around – it’ll be waiting for you later.
75. Eat at off-times. You guessed it – everyone will be trying to eat lunch at lunch. Instead of eating at 12, try maybe 10:45-11, and so on. During lunch, try to get on rides that may be slower due to the lunch rush.
76. Make fast pass selections well in advance. If you are staying at a Disney resort, you can do this 60 days in advance. Mark the date in your calendars and get to it!
77. Take an Uber to other resorts and/or Universal for the day. An uber is a cheap and easy way to get to Universal Studios (if you plan on going). This is MUCH easier and cheaper than renting a car. You can also do this get to other resorts, if you do not feel like making a couple bus stops.
78. PhotoPass Cast Members will take a photo of you and your family for free with your own phone – no need to have purchased the Memory Maker. Never be afraid to ask!
79. Schedule a breakfast reservation before the park opens – you’ll be able to get inside park walls before everyone else and beat the crowds. Then you can run to your favorite rides when you are done!
80. When riding Soarin’, ask to be seated in the front row (or wait for the front spot to open up) so that you won’t see feet dangling in front of you (takes away from the experience).
81. Keep an eye out for hidden Mickeys. They are everywhere… make it a game while you wait in lines or are simply strolling around.
82. Instagram photo opp over at the purple wall. Disney World has a number of “walls” that are Instagram-worthy backdrops. One of the most infamous walls is the purple wall in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, located next to Tomorrowland Terrace. Find it for a photo opp!
83. Take a walk over to the Boardwalk and Beach Club resorts via passageway from the World Showcase.
84. Wait for the Goodnight Kiss at Magic Kingdom. If you stay in the park until closing, you may get to see the Goodnight Kiss at the castle.
85. Mention a special occasion if you are celebrating. You may or may not be treated with something, but it is worth a shot.
What did I miss? Add your own tips in the comments, because I always love a good Disney World tip! xx bianca
