Walt Disney World tips: how to plan like a pro

Fast passes, fireworks and a sprinkle of insider magic. Here’s how to make your Walt Disney World dreams run smoothly.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida is as exciting as it gets. But with four theme parks, two water parks and endless entertainment, knowing a few shortcuts can make all the difference to how much you enjoy your visit. 

Becky Allen-Gurr, Personal Travel Expert at Kuoni Chester, has just returned from her own Disney adventure and is here to share her top tips so you can skip straight to the fun.

First things first: get park-ready

The My Disney Experience app is your golden ticket. Download it before you leave the UK, link the app to your park tickets and save them to your phone’s Wallet for digital entry. Nobody wants to be faffing with tech at the gates while Mickey and friends are waiting.

Master the art of park hopping

You’ll need a reservation to enter your first park each day, but after that, you’re free to hop. Once you’ve scanned into your first park, you can use the app to check availability and head to a second one later in the day, no extra reservation needed.

Feast mode: Disney dining hacks

Those Mickey-shaped treats aren’t the only thing in demand. Dining reservations disappear fast, especially for the most popular spots. UK guests can book tables 60 days before departure, so reserve a couple of options per day (it’s free to book) and cancel closer to the time if you need to. Flexibility equals freedom – and fewer hangry meltdowns.

Event season: after-hours adventures

Some of Disney’s best moments happen after dark. Special ticketed events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are unforgettable but sell out fast. Check out the latest Disney events here and book early if you fancy after-hours adventures with fewer crowds and bonus fireworks.

Early birds catch the rides

Disney’s version of "the early bird catches the worm" is called rope dropping. It’s worth the early alarm. Parks now open the gates before official hours so you can line up for the ride you want first. When the clock strikes opening time, you’re already in prime position.

Glide above it all: the Disney Skyliner

If you’re staying at a hotel connected to the Disney Skyliner, like Disney's Art of Animation Resort or Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, you can glide straight to Hollywood Studios or Epcot for free. It’s a peaceful, scenic way to skip the bus queues, but be warned, if you’re planning to rope drop, give yourself extra time. Skyliner queues can build up fast in the early mornings.

Cool-down corners for little legs

Got little ones flagging? Head to one of Disney’s Baby Care Centres – calm, cool havens hidden around the parks, complete with comfy seating, feeding and changing facilities and Disney films on loop. Animal Kingdom’s is the largest and a perfect pit stop for babies and toddlers between safari rides and snack stops.

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort

Accessibility Made Easy at Disney

In-person registration for Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) is no longer available at the parks, so make sure you apply before you go. The system is now fully virtual and must be completed up to 30 days before you travel.

You’ll need a quick live video chat with a Disney cast member to set it up. No documents are needed, but the guest registering for DAS must join the call, and Disney will take their photo. The DAS card covers the guest plus up to three others in the travel party. Find out more here.

Virtual queues: beat the lines

Some of the hottest rides use Virtual Queues, which you join through the app. They open at 7am sharp each day. You’ll need a valid park reservation to join. Attractions offering virtual queues can change daily, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the app the night before.

Showtime secrets

Festival of The Lion King in Animal Kingdom is pure joy. Live singing, aerial stunts and all the Disney dazzle you could wish for. The best part? No extra cost. Turn up about 20 minutes early to grab a great seat without the scramble.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Disney vibes, zero tickets required

If you’re planning a park-free day, or don’t have tickets but still want a little Disney magic during your holiday, head to Disney Springs. It’s buzzing with shops, restaurants and that electric Disney atmosphere. It’s free to enter (and park). From there, hop onto Disney’s free buses and explore the resort hotels. Each one has a whimsical theme, from Polynesian beaches to Victorian grandeur, and you’ll find great dining, shops and sometimes even live music along the way. Just a heads-up: swimming pools are only for hotel guests.

Best seats for the big bangs

Disney’s nightly fireworks over Magic Kingdom are a must-see, lighting up the sky every evening at 9pm. Watch from the train station near the park entrance for a speedy exit once the final spark falls. If you’re planning to head back in afterwards, stand near the entrance to the land you’re heading to next.

This feature was created on 9th April 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.