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!

Comment Below

What did you think about this series about Disney World? Please leave me a note in the comments below.

Leave a Rating or Review on Itunes

Here’s a link to the podcast on iTunes. Thanks for listening, and for your review!

Additional Resources for Planning Your Trip to Disney World

55 Things To Know Before You Visit Disney World

Adding a Visit to Universal to Your Disney World Trip

The guidebook I recommend: Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

My Walt Disney World board on Pinterest

The Go Informed Podcast

Find all the episodes in the series 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation here.

Find all episodes of the Go Informed podcast here.

Join me on social media

Facebook.com/goinformednet

Instagram.com/goinformednet

Pinterest.com/goinformednet

This post contains affiliate links.

The post Tips for Your First Day in the Disney World Parks – Go Informed Podcast Episode 018 appeared first on Go Informed.

Today we go on a virtual walk around the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. You’ll learn about the layout of the park, what attractions you’ll find here, and tips for dining, shopping, and touring in Magic Kingdom.

These are the show notes for episode 13. Listen to the episode for lots of detail about this topic.

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

This is day 5 of the Go Informed podcast series 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation.

Magic Kingdom

View or download a Magic Kingdom park map on the Disney World website here.

Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. It was the first theme park to open at Disney World.

There are a lot of similarities to Disneyland but Magic Kingdom is bigger and is in the Disney Bubble.

You can arrive at the Magic Kingdom by bus, car, boat, monorail, and even on foot. When you plan your day at this park, make sure you know how to get to Magic Kingdom and how long it will take to get there. I’ll talk about some of these logistics on Day 10 in this series.

Animal lovers should check out episode 74 to learn about animal encounters in Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom Attractions, Restaurants, and Other Magic Discussed in This Episode

Main Street Train Station

Main Street USA

Main Street Bakery/Starbucks

Plaza Ice Cream Parlour

Cinderella’s Castle

Skipper Canteen Restaurant

Here’s the Skipper Canteen Menu

Dole Whip

Pirates of the Caribbean

Splash Mountain

Booking.com

Frontierland Railroad Station

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Tom Sawyer Island

Frontier Trading Post

Liberty Belle Riverboat

Liberty Tree Tavern

Sleepy Hollow

Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

The Haunted Mansion

Memento Mori

Peter Pan’s Flight

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Here’s my post about the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride.

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Here’s my post about using a breakfast reservation to get into the parks before official park opening time.

Big Top Souvenirs

Fantasyland Railroad Station

Tomorrowland Speedway

Space Mountain

Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover

Here’s my video from the time we saw Space Mountain with the lights on when we were riding the Peoplemover!

Carousel of Progress

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

The Partners Statue

Magic Kingdom Fireworks, Parades, and Shows

Learn more about the Magic Kingdom during Christmas in this post.

Leave a Rating or Review on Itunes

Here’s a link to the podcast on iTunes. Thanks for listening, and for your review!

Tomorrow’s episode, Day 6 of 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation, is a tour of the Epcot theme park. Click here to listen now.

Additional Resources for Planning Your Trip to Disney World

55 Things To Know Before You Visit Disney World

Adding a Visit to Universal to Your Disney World Trip

The guidebook I recommend: Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

My Walt Disney World board on Pinterest

The Go Informed Podcast

Find all the episodes in the series 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation here.

Find all episodes of the Go Informed podcast here.

Join me on social media

Facebook.com/goinformednet

Instagram.com/goinformednet

Pinterest.com/goinformednet

This post contains affiliate links.

The post Disney World Magic Kingdom Tour – Go Informed Podcast Episode 013 appeared first on Go Informed.

This is the first episode in the series 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation. Today we’re talking about the big picture: how big is Disney World, what you’ll find there, and what to expect.

Over these 10 episodes I’ll go into detail about these topics to help you make your Disney World vacation the best ever. These episodes will publish daily so be sure to subscribe to the Go Informed Podcast on your favorite podcast app and stay tuned!

These are the show notes for episode 9. 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.

First Disney World Basic: Disney World is BIG

Disney World isn’t just a giant Disneyland. It covers an area that’s about the same size as the city of San Francisco.

There are Four Theme Parks at Disney World

• Magic Kingdom
• Epcot
• Hollywood Studios
• Animal Kingdom

There are Over 30,000 Hotel Rooms at Disney World

On the Disney World property there are 36 hotels, plus a campground!

30,000 hotel rooms = LOTS of visitors every day of the year. Having a plan and knowing what to expect can help you beat these crowds.

Disney World Has Its Own Language

Disney jargon can be confusing. Listen to the next episode to learn some of the Disney World commonly used words and phrases.

Disney World Has Its Own Transportation System

This includes buses, trains, monorails, and boats, and a gondola system called the Disney Skyliner.

Learning About Disney World Before You Go Will Help You Build a Better Vacation

Stay tuned for the upcoming episodes to find out all about the parks, where to stay, and how to plan your touring at Disney World.

Tomorrow’s episode, Day 2 of 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation, will help you learn the language of Disney World. Click here to listen now.

Additional Resources for Planning Your Trip to Disney World

55 Things To Know Before You Visit Disney World

Adding a Visit to Universal to Your Disney World Trip

Universal Orlando and Disney World Books to Read Before You Go

My Walt Disney World board on Pinterest

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World is my favorite Disney World guide book.

The Go Informed Podcast

Find all the episodes in the series 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation here.

Find all episodes of the Go Informed podcast here.

Join me on social media

Facebook.com/goinformednet

Instagram.com/goinformednet

Pinterest.com/goinformednet

This post contains affiliate links.

The post Disney World: The Basics – Go Informed Podcast Episode 009 appeared first on Go Informed.

Here’s a very quick look at what you’ll find at Walt Disney World’s four separate theme parks, even dining tips!

You can listen to free audio tours of each park on the Go Informed podcast! Find it on your favorite podcast app or click below to listen:

Magic Kingdom Audio Tour

Epcot Audio Tour

Hollywood Studios Audio Tour

Animal Kingdom Audio Tour

Get my 55 Top Disney World Tips here!

Click for more Disney World tips, including:

Disney World Weather Tips

My favorite books, podcasts, and websites for planning a Disney World vacation

A fabulous hack to get you first-in-line access at EPCOT’s Frozen ride

Why I think you should always get up for morning Extra Magic Hours

Tips to make it easier for your family to get up early on vacation

Going to Universal? Get those tips and hacks here!

For lots more information about Disney World, subscribe to the Go Informed Podcast.

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The post Walt Disney World’s Four Theme Parks appeared first on Go Informed.

One of the hottest tickets at Disney World right now is a FastPass+ for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This new addition to the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland is a beautiful mash-up of dark ride and mellow coaster.

The good news: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a ride most everyone will love.

The bad news: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a ride most everyone will love.

If you only get a FastPass+ for one Magic Kingdom attraction on your Disney World trip, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is it. No matter when you visit, or how early you get there, there will be a line for this ride. And it will probably be at least one hour long.

Getting to the Mine Train ride at park opening time

On a recent morning Extra Magic Hour opening, we were among the first in the park. Park workers herded the crowd using ropes – be aware that you can end up in a mob headed the opposite direction you want to go.

If you want to go to the Mine Train immediately, stay to the right heading up Main Street and follow the crowd over the bridge around the right-hand side of the castle. This will lead you directly to the Mine Train queue.

Getting there early may not help

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train does not necessarily start running at park opening time. Look for cast members near the entrance to the queue line and find out if the Mine Train has started operating for the day. At least on the day we were there, workers told us Mine Train operation wouldn’t begin until almost an hour after park opening.

So even if you are one of the first people in line, you might still have a one-hour wait to ride. Do yourself a favor and reserve a FastPass+ well in advance.

Then go ride Haunted Mansion five times instead of waiting that hour in the Mine Train line.

The Ride

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is beautifully executed, with some really charming scenes – particularly the end scene which I will not spoil by describing here. The format of the ride is a bit like Splash Mountain, where you have lots of storytelling at a slow pace, but also some thrill elements.

This is a roller coaster, but a good one for beginners. The ride is extremely quiet and smooth, and the drops and turns are enough to get your heart rate up but nothing like Space Mountain or Expedition Everest.

Luna and I think it’s tamer than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (definitely a smoother ride), and if you’ve done Splash Mountain this will be a piece of cake.

You should also know it’s a short ride – about two minutes long, but we think it’s absolutely FastPass+ worthy. We just wouldn’t wait in line more than 45 minutes for it.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is Wonderful at Night

Another cool thing about Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is the view when the train runs outside. We recommend riding Mine Train in the evening. The view over New Fantasyland is beautiful, and after dark you’ll see all the lovely lighting effects including the charming lanterns that light the surroundings of the Seven Dwarfs’ mountain.

Plus at night you won’t be blinded when you leave the dark interior and burst into Florida sunshine.

Not Recommended in the Rain

But whatever you do, don’t ride it in a rainstorm. We did that once and it was like going through a car wash in a convertible!

(You can read about that in this post: Disney World Weather Tips and Why August is a Great Time to Visit Orlando)

There is no photo kiosk at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and (gasp) no gift shop

Unlike virtually every other headline attraction in every theme park, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train does not have a gift shop at the end, or even a photo kiosk. This refreshing design can lead to confusion, so here’s what you need to know.

There are ride photos taken on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. If you are wearing your Magic Band, your photo will magically be added automatically to your Disney PhotoPass account. That’s it – no stopping to check your photo or buy anything.

Only guests wearing Magic Bands will get this ride photo, so this is one reason you may want to purchase a Magic Band if you stay off-site at Disney World. All on-site hotel guests receive complementary Magic Bands.

If you have purchased the Disney Memory Maker photo plan (which we highly recommend), your Mine Train photos will be included in the plan. And if you have Memory Maker, you get something extra-special.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride Video

If you wear your Magic Band and have purchased the Memory Maker package, in addition to your ride photo you will receive video of yourself on the ride! Just like the photos, this happens automatically and is loaded to your photo account, but only if you have a Magic Band and the Memory Maker plan.

If you don’t have Memory Maker you won’t see the video or have any option to purchase it.

Get Front-Of-The-Line Access Without a FastPass+

If you can’t get a FastPass+ you may still be able to cruise onto Seven Dwarfs Mine Train with an early breakfast reservation in the Magic Kingdom. Read this post for all my tips about using a breakfast reservation as a line hack at Disney World. And you can listen here to my discussion about this hack on the Go Informed podcast.

Are you planning a trip to Disney World?

Get my 55 Disney World top tips here!

Find out how to skip the line at Epcot’s Frozen Ride here!

Here are tips to help you get your family out of bed for park opening.

Listen to my 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation series on the Go Informed podcast.

The post Attraction Spotlight: Disney World’s Seven Dwarfs Mine Train appeared first on Go Informed.