“I’M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!” If that famous phrase applies to YOU, then you definitely want to be up to speed on all the latest tips and tricks to make sure your vacation is the best it can be.

You may already be familiar with the tried-and-true tips, or even with some of the more recent major additions to a Disney Parks vacation, like the necessary booking of Park Pass reservations and the Disney Genie service (though if you’re in need of a starting point, we have one for you here). We’ll chat about those today, but we’re going to take a bit of a deeper dive with our list of the Best Tips for Anyone Going to Disney World!

Make Those Park Pass Reservations… IF Required!

Like it or loathe it, the Disney Park Pass Reservations system (an online tool that allows guests to make the required reservations to visit the four Walt Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios) is here to stay until AT LEAST mid-January 2024. (That’s as far out as you can currently make reservations.)

So making those Park Passes as EARLY AS POSSIBLE is both a Top Tip and a MUST-DO, and you can begin to make those reservations as soon as you have purchased valid park admission.

Now, I said that those Park Passes are required… and that is true. BUT there are certain instances where you don’t need to make an individual Park Pass, and being familiar with those will save you some time and frustration. These include — but aren’t limited to — the second park to which you might be Park Hopping and if you’ve purchased a 1-day, 1-park ticket for a specific park. Don’t worry — we give you the full rundown on all of the exceptions HERE.

Click HERE to learn the times when you DON’T need to make a Park Pass reservation!

Know When NOT to Purchase Disney Genie+

Disney Genie+ is an add-on service that allows guests to bypass Standby lines for several included park attractions and enter the Lightning Lane instead. (Click this link to learn all the ins-and-outs, including which attractions are included in each park with the purchase of Disney Genie+.) While this optional service can certainly be a timesaver, it’s also an additional purchase that may not be worth the dough in select instances.

For instance, we’ve found the most value in using Genie+ in Magic Kingdom. But in Animal Kingdom and EPCOT? Not so much. We’ve been using Disney Genie+ a LOT since Day One of its release, and have complied a list of instances where you may not need a Genie’s help as much as you think…

Is Genie+ NECESSARY Now in Disney World? We Spill the Tea.

Make Sure You Use the EXTRAS on Disney Genie+

Let’s say it makes sense for you on a given day to purchase Disney Genie+. Then don’t miss out on the EXTRAS! Starting March 20th, 2023, guests who purchase Disney Genie+ will also get FREE digital PhotoPass downloads for attraction photos taken on the day of their purchase!

You can also access some seriously fun Augmented Reality photo lenses located within My Disney Experience. (And I can speak from experience that these were a blast to use with my nephew during a recent visit.) Disney parks-themed audio experiences are also available for guests to use, which share fun facts about the attractions and other areas surrounding you in the parks.

Check out EVERYTHING included with  Disney Genie+ HERE

Modify Your Disney Genie + Selection

Did you know that you can now MODIFY your Disney Genie+ ride selection? The reason why this is a bigger deal than it seems is because being able to modify your reservations comes in handy when you’re relying on the 120-minute rule.

You see, the 120 minute rule allows you to make another Lightning Lane reservation, even if you haven’t been able to use your previous one yet. You just have to wait for that 2 hour cool-down period before you can select another ride.

Previously, you could only cancel then rebook a Lightning Lane reservation to make a change… and the app would totally reset your 120 minute countdown. But now, you can change up your Lightning Lane without your 120 minute countdown starting over. Whew!

Disney World Has CHANGED Genie+ — And We Love It

We know… it’s a lot. That’s why we explain this and MORE in this video:

Know the BEST Time to Visit EPCOT Festivals

You know that we LOVE EPCOT’s four seasonal Festivals around here (the Festival of the Arts, the Flower and Garden Festival, the Food and Wine Festival, and Festival of the Holidays)… especially because of ALL the extra FOOD!

But if you’re looking for the least-crowded time to attend one, consider visiting AFTER the Festival has kicked off, as opposed to the very busy Opening Day and following weekend, when the crowds are at their highest. Likewise, Festivals can increase in crowds towards their end date, too, with everyone trying to get those last Best of the Fest bites and sips in!

You’ll likely find that a mid-season Festival visit (even better if it’s on a weekday) tends to be a more relaxing experience overall.

Take a look at the crowds on the Opening Day of the 2023 Flower & Garden Festival

Know and Use Walk-Up Waitlists EARLY at Participating Table Service Restaurants

Aaaah, Walk-Up Waitlist… this seriously handy feature is available through the My Disney Experience app and allows guests to view and snag reservations at Table Service restaurants that have available seating for walk-up guests! (In fact, the Tip Board in the free Disney Genie service can show you all of the restaurants that currently have availability!)

BUT here’s where our tip comes in…. We know that the phrase “walk-up” implies “RIGHT NOW.” But it’s quite possible that a restaurant may not have that walk-up availability for a few hours out (if at all). So if you haven’t lined up an Advance Dining Reservation, but suddenly relaxing at a nice sit-down meal seems like a good idea during a busy park day, we recommend checking out Walk-up Waitlist availability EARLY in the day to aim for the most convenient time possible.

Learn how to use the Walk-up Waitlist feature HERE!

And here’s another great way to snag a table…

ANOTHER Way to Get Into the BEST Disney World Restaurants

Have you heard all the rave reviews for spots like Morimoto Asia, Jaleo, or Wine Bar George? Would you love to visit Raglan Road, but just can’t land an Advance Dining Reservation?

What if I were to tell you there’s another way? You see, several popular restaurants in Disney Springs are also open for booking on OpenTable.com! And you might come upon available seating even at a restaurant that appears fully booked via My Disney Experience. It certainly never hurts to check!

Click HERE  to check out ALL the dining options in Disney Springs!

Find Out Ride Wait Times in ADVANCE

You may already know that you can find Wait Times for park attractions posted at the entrance to the ride itself OR on the My Disney Experience app. But did you know that you can also use the app to see Forecasted Wait Times??? It’s true!

You can use the Ride and Attractions Tip Board within My Disney Experience. Or if you search a specific ride and click to learn more about it, you can access the Forecasted Wait Times and see the times a line typically dips a bit throughout the day.

Now, just like a weather forecast, these are not guaranteed Wait Times. But they are decent estimates based on frequent traffic patterns within the park, and are well worth checking out.

Keep Calm and Carry On… When a Ride Goes Down

OH, NO! You’ve been absolutely itching to ride Tower of Terror in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, only to see THIS on My Disney Experience… The dreaded “Temporarily Closed” message!

Our lil’ tip here is to not worry tooooo terribly much about it. You see, “temporarily” means exactly that — the closure is temporary, and may very well not last all day. Certain rides shut down whenever there is lightning in the area, for example. Once the storm passes, then your personal storm of not being able to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train passes, as well. Just check the app or stop by the ride from time to time to check the status, and find other rides to enjoy in the meantime. Trust us — there are plenty!

Click here for a A Complete List of the Attractions that Close When There’s Bad Weather in Disney World

Know How to Find the Nearest Bathrooms

We’ve already chatted about a few ways the My Disney Experience app can be a great tool for things you’re probably already thinking about when it comes to Disney World… like RIDES and FOOD! But this handy free app can help you with those things you may not be thinking of in advance.

In fact, you may not be thinking of them until YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO while in the parks. What I’m saying is… you can use a filter in the My Disney Experience app to find the closest restroom!

Oh, and also find Character Greeting locations, PhotoPass locations, and much more. 😉

Learn about ALL of the features on My Disney Experience HERE!

Download a DIFFERENT Free App

Okay, you get the point… the My Disney Experience app offers several helpful tools. But how about a FREE Disney app that will simply enhance the FUN?

The Play Disney Parks App offers games and trivia to amuse your family while waiting in line. AND it even gives you MORE to do in the parks with interactive experiences such as using the app as your own Datapad in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Have a MagicBand+? You can use it to become a Bounty Hunter in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge when paired with the Play Disney Parks app. AND you can play DuckTales World Showcase Adventure (“WOO-HOO!”) in EPCOT! You can check out this new game here.

Relax Knowing You Already Have the BEST Seat for a Show

Oh, I LOVE Fantasmic! And I’m SO excited for the upcoming return of the Happily Ever After Fireworks in Magic Kingdom. I can’t wait to see my favorite act at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series during the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. (That would be Boyz II Men.) The thing is…

… I’m hardly the only one! If you would like to take the stress out of finding a seat or great area to view a popular show at the SAME TIME AS EVERYONE ELSE, then you might find terrific value in booking a Dining Package or Dessert Party for a specific show, which pairs a dining opportunity with the best viewing areas in one fell swoop that’s bookable in advance!

Options include — but aren’t limited to — Fantasmic! Dining Packages in Hollywood Studios, the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Parties in Magic Kingdom, and the Concert Series (or Candlelight Processional for the holiday season) that take place during EPCOT’s Festivals.

You can find the full list of Dining Packages here, and the full list of Dessert Parties HERE!

Whew! That’s one less thing you have to think about.

Opt for the SECOND Showing of Fantasmic!

It was — and still is! — a big, BIG deal when the nighttime spectacular Fantasmic returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios last November, after having been suspended since the parks reopened from their temporary closure in 2020. This beloved production includes fireworks, water effects, lasers, and projections presented with classic Disney songs… and more Disney characters than you can shake a pair of Minnie Ears at!

Fantasmic is often performed only once per night. However, during Disney World’s busier seasons, TWO showings are often offered. And we’ve found that it’s WAY easier to get a seat (and is generally less crowded overall) during the second, later showtime. If it works well with your group to catch the second show, it comes highly recommended!

Click HERE  for a complete list of showtimes for Fantasmic!

Get FuelRods For Less

So, now you already know about several ways to use TWO Disney apps while in Disney World. That use of your phone doesn’t even count taking your vacation pictures, texting far away family members if you need to, or whatever other hundred million things you use your phone for.

All that to say, your phone’s battery can get drained pretty quickly in the World. Disney World has portable FuelRod charger dispensers located around the Resort. You can purchase a FuelRod right there for $30, then switch it out as needed for a freshly charged one for free at any of the FuelRod stations. And this is great! But do you know what’s better? Getting one for less!

You can purchase a FuelRod kit on Amazon for $23 prior to your trip, OR get TWO FuelRods for $35 and toss ’em in your suitcase before you leave home. Done and done!

Find The BEST Spot To View the Happily Ever After Fireworks

Did I mention how pumped I am that Happily Ever After is coming back to Magic Kingdom SOON (April 3rd, to be exact)?? Well, if you’re as excited as we are to see it, we want to help you find the BEST spot to watch it.

Let’s say you choose to pass on the Fireworks Dessert Party Option we mentioned earlier. There are still plenty of great spots from which to watch the show — but you’ll have a bit of a different experience depending on which you choose. AND you’re going to have to wait for it. (Cue Hamilton soundtrack!)

Want to be right in the heart of things? You and your group can chill right in front of the Castle for 60-90 minutes prior to showtime. (Be ready to make some CLOSE neighbors here.) This will give you the best view of the projections directly on the Castle.

But, believe it or not, it won’t give you the best view of the actual fireworks. Those can be had a bit back from the Castle near the Partners Statue. (Say “Hi!” to Walt and Mickey for us!)

But did you know that the Main Street, U.S.A. projections, which made their debut with Disney Enchantment, will also be part of Happily Ever After when it returns? That’s right!

So, you can stake out a spot “right in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.” about 45 minutes prior to showtime (or even less time, if you want to be farther back, closer to the Train station — just bear in mind that this provides the furthest view of the on-Castle projections).

See a Random Box on the Pavement? Do THIS…

If you just so happen to see one of these on the ground in a park…

… STEP INSIDE IT! It’s a Cast Member “Clap Box,” and you’ll enjoy your own personal round of applause!

It really is the little things…

Do NOT Dine Here (If You Have Anxiety)

Obviously we love the food at Disney World restaurants. (Of course!) But another thing that makes dining in Disney World so special is the immersive atmosphere of the restaurants themselves. The thing is, some spots are higher-energy (also known as “louder”) than others. If you or one of your loved ones struggles with anxiety or perhaps has a sensory issue, it can be difficult to know where to dine.

We have a few tools that we hope will help. If you click here, you’ll find restaurants you may want to avoid if you are concerned that an atmosphere may cause some anxiety. And you can click here to see how we categorize Character Meals by typical noise level. We also have a page where you can locate all of our posts about where you can escape in each park to take a bit of the edge off.

These are the Best Places to Escape in Disney World When Your Anxiety is Through the Roof

Research Value for Your Money at Various Disney Restaurants

Are you excited for the Disney Dining Plan to return? We are, too. But in the meantime, as the Dining Plan still — at press time — remains suspended, all guests must pay out of pocket for meals. And we all want the most value for our money, right?

We have LOTS of suggestions for spots that serve great food while giving you the MOST out of your overall experience. Now, we’ll quickly drop a few here: Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and EPCOT’s Garden Grill for a TOP NOTCH Character Meal. But there’s plenty more idea where that came from, and you can find them all here!

These are the BEST Value Restaurants at Disney World for 2023

Oh, and guess what? We have a list for Counter Service locations, too!

Test a TRON Coaster Seat BEFORE You Ride

TRON Lightcyle / Run opens on April 4th in Magic Kingdom! We’ve actually had a chance to ride it already, and we share everything you need to know here.

Something good to know in advance is that you’ll be riding a Lightcycle in this attraction, which means that your will be leaning forward, as you might on a bike, and there are also leg and back restraints. The unique position might cause some guests concern. So Disney offers a tester seat outside of the attraction so you can gauge your comfort level.

If you decide it’s not a great fit, you can then request the adaptive seating option by speaking to a Cast Member so you can still ride and, ultimately… ENTER THE GRID!

While we’re on that topic…

Request A Specific Ride Seat

Not all seats are created equal when it comes to some Disney World rides. For instance, riding in the very back seat of Big Thunder Mountain gives you THE Wildest Ride of all on The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!

Did you know you can ask a Cast Member to put you in a certain seat? Now, a word or two: sometimes, accommodations may not be able to be made. And, if they can be made, this strategy will likely add to your wait time. But you may likely find that worthwhile to experience what might be a familiar attraction in a new way!

Click here for our Guide to the Best and Worst Ride Seats in Magic Kingdom

Take One Simple Step to Make Getting a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass Easier

Currently, there is one attraction that REQUIRES that guests secure a Boarding Pass via a Virtual Queue to ride: it’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT. And when TRON Lightcycle / Run opens on April 4th, it will also utilize a Virtual Queue through the My Disney Experience app.

I kid you not — Virtual Queues for new and in-demand attractions can fill up in seconds. SECONDS! So, first things first: get to know the process in advance by visiting our Virtual Queue page.

And now, here’s the tip: to make things go more quickly when the Virtual Queue opens, you can confirm your party up to an hour in advance before you try to score a space in a Boarding Group via the My Disney Experience app.

Virtual Queues typically open twice per day: at 7AM and then again at 1PM. So, to prepare for the 7AM opening, beginning at 6AM, you can tap into the Virtual Queue and set your party so that you have fewer steps when Boarding Groups become available. On the app, under “Join Virtual Queue,” you’ll find a button that says “Confirm Your Party.” (Our screenshot below shows the button from when Remy’s Raratouille Adventure previously used a Virtual Queue.)

Once you hit that button, the app will find the people who are linked to your account. You’ll select each person that you want to add to your group, and choose, again, to “Confirm Party.” And that’s one less step you’ll have to take to save those crucial seconds when the Virtual Queue opens!

Virtual Queues: How To Get a Boarding Group for Disney’s Most Popular Rides

Get in on an EXCLUSIVE Virtual Queue Opportunity

Currently, the Virtual Queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind offers a THIRD opportunity at 6PM for guests who are eligible to attend Extended Evening Hours on select dates when offered in EPCOT. (You can find out more about who qualifies for this perk here.)

Though it has not yet been confirmed if TRON Lightcycle/Run will also be available via a Virtual Queue during Extended Evening Hours at Magic Kingdom, we believe it is likely. So, if you want to know the full scoop on how to score this unique benefit, you can learn all about Extended Evening Hours (AND Early Theme Park Entry, which ALL  Disney World hotels guests can enjoy) HERE. 

Learn all about EXTRA THEME PARK HOURS for Disney World Hotel guests HERE!

Know How to Use “Hey, Disney!” AND How NOT To

A new complimentary perk is currently in the process of rolling out to guests at the Disney World hotels. “Hey, Disney!” offers “custom voice assistance” to guests. The service, which works with Alexa on Amazon Echo devices, can assist guests with things like room amenities, guest services, planning, and weather info… AND it will bring along LOTS of extra Disney MAGIC to make all of these things a lot more FUN!

Want to dive right into using “Hey, Disney!” when it becomes available in hotels rooms throughout the Resort? The top of the device will have a button that looks like this: ⊘ and upon arrival it should be red (the device is muted). Simply press the button to unmute it and use the smart speaker. To start using the “Hey, Disney!” device, guests may touch the interactive screen (tap “Hey Disney, start the magic!”), or say one of the wake words: “Hey Disney” or “Alexa.”

But let’s say you don’t want to use “Hey, Disney!” Maybe you have privacy concerns, or maybe you just don’t want to add another screen to your vacation. No worries — just don’t press that red button at all. Disney shares the following on the Walt Disney World website: “You’ll know the device is listening to your request when the blue bar lights up. You can always turn the microphone off by pushing the button on the top of the device, which will turn on a red ring to indicate it’s muted.” Disney also states that, if your prefer, you can keep the device muted throughout your stay.

“Hey, Disney!” is currently being tested at select rooms in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. We recently stayed in one of those rooms and got to use the device, and you can check it out here!

See “Hey Disney!” in ACTION at Disney World HERE!

Don’t Forget a Hoodie or Sweater

YES, Orlando gets HOT, HOT, HOT… AND humid ;-D! But don’t be caught by surprise that it also gets COLD. Now, will you experience a chill in August? No, probably not… at least not outdoors.

But I tend to call the sometimes extreme air-conditioning used in these parts “Florida Winter,” and I carry at least a lightweight hoodie in my park bag no matter the time of year. If you get caught in one of those late-afternoon rain showers and go into a shop or an indoor show after getting really wet, the air conditioning may feel great for a brief moment… until it doesn’t.

So, just toss a cardigan-style sweater or hoodie into your suitcase no matter the season. We really don’t think you’ll regret it.

Enjoy To-Go Dining from a Table Service Restaurant

Craving Sanaa’s fantastic Bread Service, but don’t necessarily want to dine in Sanaa on a particular day? That’s where Mobile Order Table Service To-Go comes in! Mobile Order Table Service To Go is a dining feature on the My Disney Experience app.

Participating restaurants in Disney World Resort hotels present food for pickup, which guests can then carry to another area of the Resort to eat… So perhaps a little Sanaa Bread Service picnic is in order, yes?

See all of the restaurants that offer Table Service To-Go AND how to use it here!

Skip the Merchandise Lines

Picture it: You’re in EPCOT’s Creations Shop. Your arms are full with your new souvenir Spirit Jersey, Loungefly bag, and Minnie Mouse Ears. And the checkout lines are… LOOOONG. Allow me to introduce you to Mobile Merchandise Checkout, which you can use to pay for all of your merchandise via the My Disney Experience App.

Simply scroll down to the merchandise mobile checkout function, choose the shop you’re currently in, and scan the barcodes of the items you want to add to your cart. Then, when you’re ready, you can pay for it all right there in the middle of the store — with no waiting in line necessary! Be sure to link your card info to your My Disney Experience App ahead of time, AND don’t forget to show a cast member at the front of the shop your digital receipt before you leave the store. Easy-peasy!

Click HERE for a step-by-step guide to Mobile Checkout!

Happy Hour, Anyone?

YES, you CAN enjoy Happy Hour in Disney World! You may be surprised to find out how many restaurants in Disney Springs offer some great Happy Hour deals during the week. Spots like Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, House of Blues, Jaleo (it’s known as Sangria Hour there!), Terralina Craft Italian, Paradiso 37, Frontera Cocina, and MORE are known to host Happy Hour. CHEERS!

Check the Disney Springs website to find out the Happy Hours offerings during your trip! You may also see pop-up signs in Disney Springs while you’re out and about, notifying you of some of these fun deals.

Speaking of Disney Springs…

Give Yourself ENOUGH TIME To Get To Disney Springs

Do you plan on bringing your car or a rental to drive yourself around Disney World? Well, if you plan on going to Disney Springs for an evening or on a weekend, be sure to allow PLENTY of time to get there and to find a place to park.

Seriously, we can’t stress this enough. Between traffic in the immediate area from guests and locals alike and navigating some pretty huge parking garages, it doesn’t hurt to factor in an extra hour JUST for travel to Disney Springs. Even if you do end up with extra time on your hands before, say, your evening dining reservation, you can enjoy some window shopping while you wait and relax knowing that you don’t have to rush.

Avoid Stroller Stress

It’s pretty easy to find a designated spot to park your stroller so your whole family can enjoy riding “it’s a small world” — or whatever ride you choose — together. Wanna know what’s not as easy? Finding your stroller AFTER the ride!

Not only do lots of strollers look alike, but occasionally, Cast Members may need to move strollers to a nearby location in order to accommodate operational needs in the park. Our advice? DECORATE your stroller with an easy-to-identify object.

It doesn’t need to be fancy — a brightly colored cloth tied on the handle can do the trick, or some bit of shiny flair or a sign. Just something you can be on the lookout for that will catch your eye during the occasional stroller search.

Need an ECV? Please Read This…

Perhaps a member of your group has mobility issues, and you plan to rent a wheelchair or electric conveyance vehicle (or ECV). Then you should be aware that we have seen ECVs selling out more recently in the parks (most frequently at Magic Kingdom).

So we recommend arriving to your chosen park as EARLY AS POSSIBLE to minimize the risk of not getting an ECV. If you are a Disney Resort hotel guest with the benefit of Early Theme Park Entry, take full advantage of that extra 30 minutes, since it can make all the difference.

Know that, if the ECVs are sold out, you can be placed on a Wait List. But, as with the Waitlist feature for dining we chatted about earlier, those wait times can vary widely. And if you can’t go without an ECV, you may find some peace of mind by renting from an outside company (many of which can deliver an ECV to your Resort).

Your Guide to Wheelchair and ECV Accessible Rides in Disney World

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for RARE Disney Characters

Is there anything better than meeting and hugging your favorite Disney pal in person? NO. THERE IS NOT. So we’ve provided this list of where you can find all of the Character Meet-and-Greet locations in Disney World, and you can also find them on — you guessed it! — the My Disney Experience app.

But guess what? Sometimes, the Character Spots on those lists don’t actually account for all of the Characters that may make appearances in the parks. You may just so happen upon some RARELY SEEN Disney friends!

For instance, we recently saw Max Goof in his Powerline costume at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Grand Avenue near the entrance to Galaxy’s Edge. The Incredibles crew has been seen at several areas around the perimeter of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. You may be surprised with a greeting in EPCOT’s World Showplace between the United Kingdom and Canada pavilions or just to the left side when facing The American Adventure.

Now, there are no guarantees… but you never know! We can say, though, that the areas mentioned above are where we’ve had the most luck being surprised by special Character Greetings!

Get in on the SECRETS… Secret MENU ITEMS!

Wanna be a little extra on your vacation? Why not ask a Cast Member at the restaurants or lounges you visit if there are any dishes or drinks available that aren’t listed on the menu… otherwise known as a Secret Menu item!

We have a whole list of secret items we’ve learned about over the years (that we’re clearly not very good at keeping. 😉 ). My personal favorite is The Shadow at Belle Vue Lounge, but the whole thing with Secret Menu items is that they’re… well, SECRET! So you may make a whole new discovery all your own! (And if you do, would you be an awful secret keeper — just in this instance 😉 — and share it with us, please?)

Get in on the SECRETS here!

Reserve Your Place in the Security Line at Orlando International Airport

We know… no one likes to think about their Disney World vacation ending. But we do have a great-to-know tip that at least makes the process easier. Last year, the Orlando International Airport (MCO) introduced MCO Reserve, a reservation system that allows you to check in and go through security at your selected time. MCO Reserve includes a faster, exclusive line so that you won’t be spending hours in airport security.

You can make your MCO Reserve security reservations between 6:30AM and 8:30PM. Just make sure to select your reservation slot at least 72 hours before your flight! You can learn exactly how to do it here.

Know How to Get ALL The Best Dining Tips

We are in the parks literally EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. And that, of course, includes grabbing a meal or a snack (or three). The knowledge gained from years of dining (30+!) in Disney World and working on this website have gone into our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, and we’ve got LOTS more to share!

The 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is PACKED with tips and planning tools! We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

You’ll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Find the Tips That YOU Need

While we have covered the tips that we hope will help all Disney World guests, perhaps you’re looking for something a little more specific to your group. Are you traveling with a toddler? Are you hoping to dine well while sticking to a budget? Is it your first trip to Disney World and you’re not sure where to start? Does someone in your group have special dietary needs? We’ve put together a page with posts gathered by various topics including those and others, and you can visit it by clicking here. We hope it helps!

And we hope that this video — with even MORE tips than those you’ll find above — helps, too!