Welcome back to planDisney, Barbara!
There’s never a bad time to visit my Happy Place, Walt Disney World Resort. Even when there are tons of Mouseketeers wandering around the theme parks in busier seasons like summertime and around the winter holidays, there’s still fun to be had.
For instance, while you’re visiting, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will be in full swing. I highly recommend that you spend a day or an evening exploring all of the global cuisine that this fest offers. Check out
this Foodie Guide to start mapping out which Global Marketplaces that you want to visit. I love the smaller portions because that means more room for a variety of flavors.
The first week of September could see a slight decrease in attendance because most school breaks are over by then and it’s not quite the peak of the holiday season. However, like Scar says, you’ll want to “Be Prepared”! If you haven’t already, download the
My Disney Experience App, which will be your go-to for your Walt Disney Wold Resort vacation. Look at the Disney Parks’ maps, explore the food options, and create a list of must-do attractions. The more that you become familiar with the app, locations, and experiences before your vacation, the more you’ll be able to relax and focus on the sights around you.
When it comes to minimizing attraction wait times, your best bet is to purchase a
Lightning Lane Pass. As long as you have linked theme park tickets, you can make this purchase in the My Disney Experience App as early as 7 a.m. EST up to 7 days in advance (and for the entire length of your visit) if you’re staying at an eligible hotel like a Disney Resorts Collection hotel or up to 3 days in advance if you aren’t staying on property. Having access to the Lightning Lane will drastically decrease the time that you’ll wait in line for many attractions.
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass will cover most attractions with Lightning Lanes at the theme park(s) that you have access to on a particular day. At most theme parks, there is a tiered system for attractions. You can book up to 3 experience selections in advance with your Multi Pass (one attraction can be from a list of rides that are in the higher group; the others from the lower group). Once you’ve scanned into your first attraction’s Lightning Lane, you can immediately go to the My Disney Experience App and book another attraction from either group to keep your Lightning Lanes flowing.
There’s also a Lightning Lane Single Pass. This is for those top-tier attractions like TRON Lightcycle / Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. You do not need to purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass in order to also get a Single Pass.
AN EXTRA GEM: If you don’t want to purchase access to the Lighting Lane, I recommend that you arrive very early to the theme parks. Staying on property? Take advantage of the 30-minute Early Theme Park Entry. Also, many attractions’ queues are shorter during nighttime entertainment showings. Also, plan a meal or break during the middle of the day when queues are the longest.
I’m sending pixie dust your way, Barbara. So, make a wish and hold on tight. If you need additional help planning your vacation,
reach out to us here at planDisney.
Magic always,
LeAndra