Top Disney Time-Saving Tips for Your Park Day
Maximize every magical moment and gain back an hour or two.
Your Disney day will probably run 7, 8, maybe even 12+ hours, and you’re going to want every single magical moment of it. Each park is packed with attractions, experiences, and photo ops you won’t want to miss. The trouble is, those little “lost” minutes here and there add up fast, and before you know it they start eating into the big plans on your itinerary.
To help protect your time (and keep your Disney day easy-going), here are my favorite time-saving tips. Together they can easily add up to an extra hour or two. Try them out and enjoy more of the magic without the frustration of watching time slip away.
Mobile Order, Mobile Order, Mobile Order!
If there’s one tip that makes your day run smoothly, it’s mobile ordering your meals. Most quick-service locations offer it, so you can skip the counter lines entirely by placing your order in the My Disney Experience app. I like to make my selections while we’re already waiting in line for a ride, then tap “I’m Here” once we’re on our way to the restaurant. It’s a quick, easy way to save time and beat the crowds.
Use Both Sides of the Line
Whether you’re in a security line, at counter service, or anywhere you see Cast Members behind a table or booth, remember this: you can use both sides of the line. One side is often much shorter than the other, and since most people instinctively head right, going left might just get you there faster.
This is super common at the Skyliner. You’ll usually see a long line of people on the right, so head left. It may feel like cutting, but you’re just reading the signs and following directions, and you’ll board before everyone else.
Take Advantage of Single Rider Lines
Single rider lines are a great way to cut down your wait on popular rides. Even if you’re not traveling solo, anyone age 7 and up who doesn’t mind riding separately from the group can use them. Right now, these rides offer a single rider option:
- Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios
- Test Track at EPCOT
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT
Book Your Next Lightning Lane ASAP
As soon as you scan in for your current Lightning Lane attraction, hop back on the app to book your next one. This is especially helpful in the Magic Kingdom. When you time it right, you’ll be bouncing from one ride to the next without missing a beat.
Know Your Transportation Options
Disney has an extensive transportation system, from buses to ferries, monorails to Skyliners. The most direct route can vary, so knowing your options lets you pivot quickly. Missed the bus? Maybe a nearby monorail or boat can save the day.
Rideshare for Special Situations
Sometimes a rideshare is a total game-changer. If you need to get from one resort to another for a dining reservation, or you’re trying to skip the post-fireworks rush, a quick Lyft or Uber will save you time and sanity. Just know where the drop-off points are for each park.
Prep Your Phone for Character Meets
When you’re in line to meet a character, get your phone ready. Have your camera app open and set to go, and you’ll save time and get that picture-perfect moment without fumbling or feeling rushed.
Fold the Stroller Early
Save yourself (and everyone else) some time by folding your stroller before it’s time to board the bus. It’s a simple step that keeps the line moving and avoids unnecessary delays.
Review the Park Map in Advance
A quick scan of the park map the night before is so helpful. You’ll know whether you want to go left or right the moment you walk in, and you can picture a smooth path from one attraction to the next. My Disney Experience has digital maps, or you can grab a paper copy in the park.
Breakfast on the Go
Starting the day with breakfast on the go is a simple way to hit the parks early and beat the lines. Pack some breakfast bars, fruit, or water bottles for a quick and easy morning meal, and you’ll skip the food court and catch that first bus out to the parks.
Request Your Check Early at Table Service
Enjoying a character meal or a leisurely table-service dinner? Asking for your check early is a clever little time-saver. At buffets or prix-fixe meals, you can request it when you order your drinks, so you’re ready to head out the moment you’re done eating or have met all the characters.
With these time-saving tips in your back pocket, you’ll have more time to explore, relax, and soak up every bit of the magic. Put them to work and you’ll have a smooth, frustration-free day without missing out on the big stuff. Questions? Reach out and I’ll help you find the fastest route to the magic.