Think you know a lot about Disney Parks and Resorts? As a dedicated fan, of course you do. Still, Disney Cast Members have a wealth of insider information to add that extra bit of magic to an already wonderful day. From avoiding a possible parking fiasco, to semi-secret snack tips, and even decoding the sometimes-frustrating FastPass+ system, the exceptionally friendly Disney Cast Members are happy to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with every inquisitive visitor.
We’ve polled several Disney Cast Members, and discovered that there are three big things they wish guests would do during a trip to a Disney park.
1. Check the Disney websites
This might seem simple and obvious. And it is, really. Yet it’s staggering how relatively few guests actually log on at all. They are then struck completely unaware when, say, Pirates of the Caribbean is undergoing a prolonged refurbishment or Epcot closes at 8pm on that specific day.
In a world dominated by smartphones and global internet connectivity, it’s easier than ever to gather information. You can plan much of your trip while monorailing between parks. But, before you leave home, Alex, a Magic Kingdom PhotoPass Cast Member from Kissimmee, advises going to the Walt Disney World website to check out the parks you’re likely to attend in a given visit. A simple awareness of the hours of operation, which change almost daily and are distinct between parks, will greatly enhance your stay, if only saving you the misfortune of staring forlornly at a nonfunctioning attraction or entire closed park.
The posted refurbishment schedule is particularly useful for avoiding unintended disappointment, specifically now, as the Disneyland Resort prepares for its 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, and a higher-than-typical number of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure attractions are closed for renovation. This includes a few of the favorites: Peter Pan’s Flight, Matterhorn, Soarin’ Over California and World of Color. If you aren’t keen for your children to find out the one ride they had their hearts set on is closed as they stand before it surrounded by sawhorses and scrim, Alex says get the scoop upfront. It’s much easier to make alternative plans ahead of time, than under the withering gaze of a frustrated toddler.
2. Never wait in a line that is 50-minutes or longer
There are no absolutes in the world, and especially not at a popular theme park. There are just too many people and factors involved. However, spending an hour, or more, in line for any single attraction, even one of your favorites, is a sacrifice the experts have learned to avoid. Now, if you are making a rare visit to Walt Disney World, perhaps even your family’s first, and the kids positively have to see Anna and Elsa, then yes, you’re probably going to have to stand in a significant line. As you should. But, semi-occasional visitors, and absolutely you regulars know how much more you can squeeze into a day if you forego a couple of the E-Ticket rides. It may be blasphemous to consider a Disney day without Soarin’ or Tower of Terror or Expedition Everest. When you get on virtually everything else, however, and about twice as much as you’re used to, it can more than make up for it.
Tamara, an immensely patient and helpful Fantasmic! Crowd-Control Cast Member, at Disneyland, knows firsthand you can get on most of the “big rides” during the parades and shows. “Indiana Jones Adventure can have an hour wait all day,” says Tamara, who can see the popular Disneyland attraction from her regular Fantasmic! Post. “Then from the time the parade starts, all through our show, until the end of the nighttime fireworks, guests are simply walking on.”
Other options, long exploited by the experts, include hitting the marquee rides early or at the very end of the night, and of course using FastPass+. These are not secret tactics, but they seem forgettable. There is no end to the masses who will, despite even reasonable judgment, get into a line just because there is one. “You can always come back later.” Tamara reminds us. “Fortunately you’ve got lots of options.”
To that end, don’t dismiss all the readily available wait-time apps, as well as the entirely accurate tip boards posted in every park. And keep your options open. You are really only limited by your own desires. If you absolutely have to ride Star Tours right now, be prepared to wait for it. If you remain flexible, you can catch most rides when the line isn’t necessarily prohibitive. This rarely applies to a new attraction or anything with the word ‘Frozen’ attached to it. Again, you will need to weigh your priorities and the level to which you are prepared to frustrate your family.
3. Spend your money as wisely as your time
A Disney vacation is a truly pricey prospect. Even a single day, at a single park, for the savviest of locals can get expensive. Unless you completely starve yourself and deny your children the joy of souvenir hoarding, you are going to spend a little money. To get the most for your Disney dollar, Elizabeth, a sommelier at the Disney California Adventure Mendocino Terrace, has a few suggestions.
“Meals are a necessary expense,” states Elizabeth, not necessarily biting the hand that feeds, “but there’s lots of opportunity to eat well, reasonably. Even snacking all day doesn’t have to break the bank.” The Mendocino Terrace offers a perfect example. A stop at the Terrace seems, and indeed can be a costly endeavor. The wary, though, may indulge themselves thoroughly and within reason. The hearty cheese and fruit plate is the perfect accompaniment to any of the Terrace’s fine libations. And again, you may not be descending upon a wine bar to save money, but this is one glorious part of this particular park, not to be eschewed for the sake of a few nickels. The delicious cheese and cracker snack just might be filling enough to limit your party to a glass rather than a full bottle of wine. This last bit was our own observation, not Elizabeth’s. While she’s willing to disseminate money-saving advice, she sells wine, and isn’t going to recommend not purchasing it.
Anyone who doesn’t know to save their gift shopping until the end of the day condemns themselves to more than simple, inconvenient lugging of bags; mentioned above. Especially with children involved, if you buy a souvenir before noon, count on the kids wanting another one by the time the sun sets. Nothing does more to help your little darlings forget the plush Pooh Bear you bought them this morning quite like a full day of candy, churros and Disney-powered adrenaline. Good luck getting out of the park without hitting any of the gift shops. Main Street is constructed that way for a reason, and has trapped shrewder parents than thou. Shop at the end, and privately mock the families fighting the losing battle amidst the light-up-balloon vendors.
