INSIDER DISNEY TIPS

TRAVEL ADVISORS’ ADVICE FOR MAXIMIZING THE MAGIC

AAA Washington Travel Advisors love Disney, and they’ve got the insider tips to prove it. Here’s some of their favorite advice for your next Disney vacation!

Katelin Smith Rockne

Bring a portable phone charger; you’ll be using the app a lot!
The app makes it easy to find nearby (often hidden!) restrooms.
A day at Disney can involve 5-10 miles of walking; prepare with some pre-vacation walks, or indulge in a post-park massage.
Mobile order food to avoid the lines, especially with popular items like the (delicious) Dole Whip.

Audrey Deel

Decorate your stroller so it’s easy to spot: a bright ribbon during the day, and battery-powered string lights at night.
Take your Cinderella Castle picture slightly off center; it looks better, and it’s less crowded.
Collect celebration buttons: simply mention to cashiers (or someone at City Hall) if it’s your birthday, anniversary, or first time at the park, and they should hand you a commemorative button.
The Disneyland® App makes it easy to find character greetings, stations for nursing mothers and other less-visible destinations.

Andrew Monstera

Save shopping for the end of the day to avoid hauling souvenirs around the park. Most stores are open an hour later than other attractions.
Purchase a Walt Disney World® Refillable Mugs; it’s a nice souvenir and you can refill it limitlessly across the Resorts!
Strongly consider lodging on Disney property; the experience is seamless and the amenities are worth it.
If visiting Disneyland®, be sure to check whether or not guests need park reservations as they are still required for non-date based tickets at Walt Disney World®.

AMY ROSS

Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disneyland® Resort gives you access to all your photos at no additional cost – attraction photos and photos by photographers.
If you park your car at Disneyland®, the Toy Story lot is the most convenient, with a short walk and a bag-check before the shuttle ride.
If you have a ticket for a special event – such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, consider taking the morning off from the theme parks. Your event ticket gains you access to very short attraction lines and special meet & greets, and you’ll want to have energy to experience it all!
If you collect celebration buttons (see Audrey’s tip above), be sure to wear them in the park! The Cast Members will celebrate your milestones with you (and sometimes strangers, too!)

Amy Wescott

Bring a rain poncho just in case there’s a downpour. There are ponchos available in the park, too.
Use Merchandise Mobile Checkout (within the app, in the “+” menu): Scan your items, pay on your phone, show the QR code to an in-store cast member, and you’re good to go — no lines!
At rope-drop (when rides first open each day), instead of heading directly for the most popular attraction — Star Wars™: Rise of the Resistance — check out other favorites, like Space Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, or the Matterhorn Bobsleds — then hit Rise of the Resistance once the first wave of guests has thinned out.
Order food early to ensure it’s ready when you’re hungry! Place your mobile order on the app while waiting in line for an attraction; when the attraction is done, hit “I’m Here,” and the food should be ready for pick up when you arrive at the restaurant!

¹As to Disney artwork, logos, and properties: ©Disney

  ²Parks, attractions, entertainment, experiences, services, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.