Travel Hacks have never been more important than now, especially with the number of travel books that are touting the latest and greatest ways for you to save time and money.
Well if EVERYONE knows the secrets…they’re not really secrets are they?
The other thing to keep in mind is that there are dozens of hacks that aren’t applicable anymore. Things change constantly, so the biggest piece of advice that I can share is to be aware that things may not be the same now as they were on your last trip.
The Current List of Tips
- UBER
- Security Bag Checks
- Go Left
- Mobile Ordering
- Free Water Spots
- Special Pins
- Emporium after Fireworks
- Pirates of the Caribbean Seating
KNOW YOUR UBER DROP OFF POINT
This tip has changed recently, but there’s still a workaround.
Rideshare (UBER/LYFT) is having some pushback from Disney security at the resorts, which has basically been instructed to share if you don’t have a dining reservation – you may not be able to be dropped off at a Disney Resort. We had first-hand experience, which can be frustrating.
Here’s what we came up with: If you set up an 8am reservation at Steakhouse 71, you’ll be fine. If you really want to try your luck, you may be able to share with security that you missed getting the reservation but you’re looking to get a great breakfast by trying a walk-up.
If you’re not looking at getting breakfast, then you may want to just get dropped off at the TTC and using the monorail.
You never want to be stuck on the ferry, ever.
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SECURITY BAG CHECKS
Disney has regressed in its security procedures, which has created the need for this specific hack.
If you have an umbrella, a power bank or a glasses case, you’ll want to take them out of your bag before the bag check area and hold them out in front of you as you go through the metal detectors.
The current situation is that security guards will go through your entire bag, taking everything out and putting your stuff into a grey box. This was frustrating, as the efficiency at the Orlando International Airport makes this out-of-date practice at Disney eye-opening.
GO LEFT
This one is a fun hack, because it can have a real impact on your day.
If you come across a giant crowd in separate lines, like at Pecos Bills or Cosmic Rays, go against the crowd.
You’ll want to avoid bottlenecks and as soon as you train your brain that the person in front of you doesn’t have control on the happiness of your vacation – you’ll be happy to head to a different line.
MOBILE ORDER
Paying for meals shouldn’t take crazy amounts of time, so when you use Mobile Order, you get to save time by having your own waiting area to pick up the food that others had to wait way too long to order.
The other nice thing about this hack is that you’re able to see the full menu, along with customizable options all with the same app that you use for Lightning Lane and Advanced Dining Reservations. We’re looking at you Facebook…with your separate messaging app…like…cmon!
KNOW YOUR FREE WATER SPOTS
The Magic Kingdom is behind in installing cold water refill stations, unlike other parks on property.
Most refill stations right now are just dispensing warm/room temperature water, which will leave you wishing for a better option. Which is why this point will be helpful.
Ask for cups of water from Quick Service locations, even if you’re not planning to dine there. You can just go up to the mobile order pickup location and ask for a cup. It’s not going to cost you anything and will typically come with ice…which you can then put into your water bottle and be able to use the refill stations with ease.
The other tip is that you can get cold water from self-serve soda machines at the Monorail Resorts, like at Contempo Cafe in the Contemporary, Capt’ Cooks at the Polynesian and the Gasparilla Island Grill inside the Grand Floridian.
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SPECIAL PINS TO PURCHASE
Are you an Annual Passholder or a Disney Vacation Club owner? You may be able to purchase special edition pin sets at the Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland.
Just ask a Cast Member when you’re at the location…oh, and they’ve got an awesome pin board as well!
THE EMPORIUM IS MORE THAN ONE STORE
This is a huge hack, because you may want to get through the crowds that have stationed themselves in Main Street USA for a parade or fireworks.
You can actually go from Casey’s Corner through the connecting 5 stores to right beside the Fire Hall, grabbing some last minute souvenirs AND solid air conditioning as well;)
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PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN SEATING
Want to see all the best scenes? You’ll have to ride it twice to sit on the left AND the right side…but say you only have time to ride it once, what should you do?
You want to be on the LEFT side, because you’ll get the greatest number of high-visibility scenes without having to look over someone’s shoulder. The water may soak you, but I’ve been hit a few times on both right and left sides, so it’s less about where you sit and more about the luck of the cannon blasts!
Hope that you got some fun hacks, insights and tips that will allow you to enjoy your time at the Magic Kingdom that much more magical!