disney world parks Archives - Go Informed

Tips for Your First Day in the Disney World Parks – Go Informed Podcast Episode 018

Sue Winter — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 10:00:51 +0000

Episode 18: Tips for Your First Day in the Disney World Parks

Hit the ground running on your first day in the Disney World parks. Learn how to use your Magic Band to get into the park, what time you should get there, how to avoid a meltdown, and how to keep the magic going for your entire Disney World vacation.

These are the show notes for episode 18. Click the Play button to listen to the episode for lots more detail about this topic.

Or listen on your favorite podcast app! Just search for the Go Informed Podcast.

This is day 10 of the Go Informed podcast series 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation.

Starting Your Day at the Disney World Parks

Don’t forget to bring your ticket or Magic Band to the park!

Top Tip: Be there first!

Plan to arrive at the park at least 30 minutes before the scheduled opening time.

You can listen to me talk about strategies for early mornings at Disney World on episode 19 of the Disney Hack podcast.

Bring a backpack or bag with your supplies, like hats, sunscreen, and a poncho. Check out the previous episode to find out more about the things you should buy before you go to Disney World.

Wear shoes that you could run a marathon in. And good socks so you can avoid blisters.

Have a plan so you know where you’re going first, and make sure that everyone you’re with agrees with the plan before you get there.

How do you get your family up and moving for a day at the park? Get my tips to help you Master Your Theme Park Morning here.

Getting Into the Disney World Parks

There will be a security check before you enter the park. This may be right before the park gate, or before you get on the monorail or boat. Here is Disney’s info about the current security procedures.

Security will need to look into any bag you’re carrying. You may also have to pass through a metal detector.

Here’s Disney’s list of what you can/cannot bring into the Disney World parks.

Instead of turnstiles, Disney World’s park gates have posts with scanners to scan your ticket or Magic Band.

After you scan your ticket or Magic Band, you’ll also scan your fingerprint into the system. Remember which finger you use for the scanner – you’ll need to scan this same finger every time you enter a Disney World park.

If you arrive before park opening, you may still have to wait even after you get through the ticket gate. This is called rope drop and it means you’ll be one of the first people on the rides.

Don’t forget to pick up a park map when you first walk in the gate.

If you’re planning to visit Magic Kingdom during morning Extra Magic Hour, I have a bonus podcast episode about this topic. Unlock and listen here.

Booking.com

Tips to Make Your Day in the Disney World Parks Easier

Pay attention to the attraction wait times. You can watch wait times on the My Disney Experience app or the Lines app.

Here’s a link to the TouringPlans.com website I mention in this episode. If you own a copy of the excellent Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World you get a discount on the TouringPlans.com subscription.

Keep an eye on the weather. Use a weather app like Weather Channel.

Plan to shop in the afternoon. Ride lines are almost always shortest in the morning so use the morning for rides.

Take breaks, have snacks, and stay hydrated! You can get free ice water from any quick service counter.

Don’t force your kids to do something they don’t want to do. Pay attention to what they love and focus your time on this.

Get lots of pictures. Use Disney’s PhotoPass photographers.

Wash your hands. Purell or anti-bacterial wipes are nice to have on hand.

Stay flexible. Lots of things can affect how your day plays out. Consider hopping to another park if you have a park hopper ticket.

Know your theme park etiquette. Review all the tips from Miss Maven’s theme park charm school before you go.

Using Your Magic Band in the Disney World Parks

Ride Photos: There will be a Magic Band scanner under the photo screens when you get off the ride. Tap your Magic Band to the reader when you see your photo come up on the screen. This will automagically add the photo to your Memory Maker account.

FastPass+: Tap your Magic Band to the scanner at the start of the Fast Pass line at the attraction queue.

Pay for Purchases: At most every cash register in Disney World, you’ll find a Magic Band scanner. Just tap your band and enter your PIN to make a purchase. You’ll set up the PIN when you check in to your Disney World hotel.

Kids can also use their Magic Band to make purchases in the Disney World parks. They will need to know the PIN to make these charges.

PhotoPass/Memory Maker: PhotoPass photographers will scan your Magic Band when they take your picture. This adds your pictures directly to your Memory Maker account.

Start Thinking Ahead

Pay attention to how this day unfolds. Don’t be afraid to alter future plans based on your experience on this first day.

Last-minute dining reservations often come up, and it’s easy to change FastPass+ and dining reservations right from the My Disney Experience app.

Have a Magical Vacation!

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10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation

Sue Winter — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 10:05:50 +0000

Disney World Tips To Help You Build A Better Vacation

Over 7 hours! That’s how much FREE Disney World advice I’ve packed into my podcast series 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation!

These ten episodes will to take you from Disney World rookie to savvy pro. You’ll learn how to prepare for your trip, where to stay when you visit Disney World, what you’ll find in the parks, and even get a lesson in Disney-speak. All on the free Go Informed podcast, episodes 9-18.

Beginning on January 29, a new episode will publish each day. Be sure to subscribe to Go Informed in your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss any of these valuable tips! Or click below to listen right here.

Day 1: The Basics

Find out the basics about Disney World’s theme parks, hotels, and layout in this introductory episode.

Get the show notes for Day 1: The Basics here.

Day 2: Disney World Commonly Used Words and Phrases

Learning the Disney World lingo can really help with your planning and research. In this episode I define some of the most commonly used words, abbreviations, and phrases in the Disney World lexicon.

Get the show notes for Day 2: Disney World Commonly Used Words and Phrases here.

Day 3: Where to Stay When You Visit Disney World

Listen to this episode to learn all about your lodging options when you visit Disney World. Find out what to expect, whether you choose to stay in an on-site Disney World resort or elsewhere in Orlando.

Get the show notes for Day 3: Where to Stay When You Visit Disney World here.

Booking.com

Day 4: Making Dining and FastPass+ Reservations at Disney World

Planning for your Disney World trip includes making advance reservations for dining and attractions. Find out just how far in advance you can make these reservations, how to book them, and why you should take advantage of this system.

Get the show notes for Day 4: Making Dining and FastPass+ Reservations at Disney World here.

Day 5: Magic Kingdom Tour

Take a virtual tour of the Magic Kingdom theme park. Learn about the layout of the park, what attractions you’ll find here, and tips for dining, shopping, and touring in Magic Kingdom.

Get the show notes for Day 5: Disney World Magic Kingdom Tour here.

Day 6: Epcot Tour

Take a virtual tour of the Epcot theme park. Learn about the layout of the park, what attractions you’ll find here, and tips for dining, shopping, and touring in Epcot. Plus find out why it’s called Epcot!

Get the show notes for Day 6: Epcot Tour here.

Day 7: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Tour

Take a virtual tour of Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Learn about the layout of the park, what attractions you’ll find here, and tips for dining, shopping, and touring in Hollywood Studios. Plus a sneak preview of what’s coming to Hollywood Studios later in 2018 and in 2019.

Get the show notes for Day 7: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Tour here.

Day 8: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tour

Take a virtual tour of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Learn about the layout of the park, what attractions you’ll find here, and tips for dining, shopping, and touring in Animal Kingdom. Includes advice for how to beat the crowds at the Flight of Passage ride in the new land Pandora: World of Avatar.

Get the show notes for Day 8: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tour here.

Day 9: Getting Ready For Your Disney World Trip

Tips for how to get ready for your visit to Walt Disney World. Includes tips for planning your trip, what to buy before you get there, and how to prepare for your time in the parks.

Get the show notes for Day 9: Getting Ready for Your Disney World Trip here.

Day 10: Tips For Your First Day in the Disney World Parks

Hit the ground running on your first day in the Disney World parks. Learn how you use your Magic Band to get into the park, what time you should get there, how to avoid a meltdown, and how to keep the magic going for your entire vacation.

Get the show notes for Day 10: Tips for Your First Day in the Disney World Parks here.