Hey there, Sylvia!
Thank you so much for stopping by planDisney again. It means a lot that you've included us in your planning needs. I know how important your trip to Walt Disney World is, so let me help make sure everything is practically perfect.
To maximize your time at the parks, I have a few tips I'd love to share. First is
Early Theme Park Entry. An exclusive perk for Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. This benefit lets you enter the park 30 minutes before they open to the public. Combine this with 'rope dropping,' which means arriving at the parks 30 minutes to an hour before opening, so you're among the first Guests let inside. Cast Members guide Guests with a rope, holding back entry to certain areas until the official opening, hence the term 'rope drop.' By being close to the ropes, you can enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times. This dynamic duo is a strategy I highly recommend! Bonus tip: arrive at the bus stations early to catch the first bus and make the most of your early entry.
Another tip: use
Lightning Lane passes. Lightning Lanes give you access to a priority line, separate from the standard standby line. They are only available to Guests who purchase them, which can significantly cut your wait times. Be sure to book your Lightning Lanes in the My Disney Experience app. If you're staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can book Lightning Lanes up to 7 days in advance for the length of your stay. If you're staying offsite, you can book 3 days in advance for each day of your visit. The
benefits of staying onsite make a magical trip more convenient!
One of my favorite tips is to try a
Disney After Hours event. I had the pleasure of enjoying one at EPCOT, and it has become a family tradition for my son's birthday every year. We were able to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind nine times in a row! Because these events have limited capacity, crowds are low, and there's something magical about being at the parks late at night. The DJ and music really add to the experience. It's truly a unique event that I highly recommend! This event costs extra and sells out quickly, so please keep that in mind.
Sylvia, I hope this information helps and that you now feel confident enough to make the best decisions for your trip. Please come back and visit if you have any more questions!
Your personal planning companion,
Michelle