50 Essential Disney World Travel Tips 

“If you only go once a year”…girl, that’s a lot! 😂😂

I put an AirTag on my 4 year olds shoe when we went in April. Even the best kids can get lost in the crowds! Luckily, we never had to use it, but it was so nice to have that peace of mind. I’ve seen so many parents frantically looking for lost kiddos, and AirTags are a great solution to that.

Get physically ready before your trip! Prepare yourself for LOTS of walking and standing. Walking everyday a month or 2 before your trip will help you a long way in the parks.

Pro tip: if you didn’t use genie+ all day, you can walk up to guest services and get a refund for it. I had this happen last time I went to Epcot. We were able to do all the rides without it

Make yourself a checklist and check it off when you do it. DFB knows what they are talking about. I took a backpack with me since I was by myself and simply took a small umbrella, rain jacket, some emergency meds, wallet with id, and two bottles of water along with hand sanitizer on a keychain. I was able to put stuff in my backpack as needed and kept my hands free. Great trip and I learned everything from DFB! Phenomenal info!!!

Love this video! My favorite travel tip is to bring a clean garbage bag for dirty clothes. I use it as a hamper the entire trip, they are waterproof so perfect for those not so dry bathing suits. And then at the end of the trip you can press the garbage bag down to fit in your luggage and squeeze out the air!

Please do a video like this for Disneyland. I feel Disneyland deserves the thorough treatment especially for those that want to travel to the west coast for the first time

For people who suffer from motion sickness, they might want to consider purchasing a Relief Band. Yes, they're a little pricey, but I can tell you from experience, they WORK! I'm 62, and over the last few years, my tolerance for spinning and up and down movement (Soarin,' Flight Of Passage, Guardians Of The Galaxy, roller coaster, etc....) was growing less and less. So I bit the bullet and forked over the money for a Relief Band. It proved to be a game changer, and I can once again ride everything.

Sleep in, eat brunch, hit the parks in the evening/night. Naps at Disney hit different.

We just got back from our Disney World trip and I can tell you two things: Keep checking for canceled reservations. I got us in to Space 220 two days before our EPCOT trip because someone canceled. I cannot guarantee anything but it has never let me down. Study wait times. We started about two weeks before we went and whenever we were bored we checked wait times in the parks we were going to. We figured out what to hit during our early time, when were the downtimes, and we figured out we didn’t need Genie+ because all the waits were reasonable! It helped us and got us hyped up for our vacation!

Not really a travel tip, but sometimes you should wait to see the wait times at night. You’d be surprised just how low they can get for some rides. Last two times I’ve gone this year (MK and EPCOT), Test Track and Mission Space were a walk on, Frozen had about a 40 minute wait (better than 80+ if you ask me). The MK mountains were each about 10-20 mins, Haunted Mansion and Pirates were a walk on, Seven D was at 40 (again better than 80+), and Peter Pan was at 20 minutes. Just something to keep in mind :) (Plus some of these rides can give you a nice view of the fireworks. I didn’t say it here, but Peoplemover, if timed just right, has a really sweet view of the fireworks. Another reason it’s top 3 of the resort imo)

Split stays are also really nice for convenience. You can stay at the hotels that are walking distance to the park you are at that day. It makes traveling with babies and kids that still need naps so much easier. Walk back for lunch, and then get all rested up to go back to see the park at night!

I brought my 12yo cousin to DW at the end of Aug and marathoned DFB videos to get caught up on the changes. I took special note of waterproof shoes and Ziploc baggies. I wore two different pair of Crocs while running errands to decide if I wanted to bring them but wasnt dazzled. I ended up at Skechers one day and they have Croc type shoes but with much better arch support. I bought them and used them for most of the trip. They were great. 5* would recommend. I also brought Ziploc baggies and we did actually use them for electronics and water rides but especially for the ginormous caramel apple the kid wanted but couldn't finish in one sitting, also for other snacks. Great tips DFB, thanks.

I have not been back to Disney since the early 90s. Back then you just had your park ticket and you went. And it was magical and it was fun, and it was exciting and I never wanted it to end! NOW….So many complications, everything is ruled by an app and everything is so expensive and there’s so many rules. Things that require reservations and you have to be first in line for everything or up early to just reserve a place to eat. seems like it took away some of the magic and the innocence of what that park was supposed to be!

Perfect timing, I'm leaving for Disney World tomorrow!

Cooling towels inside of a large zip lock bag is an essential, on a hot day in the park. For travel from the airport,We used Mears express. It was great right on time, and private.

Thank you SO MUCH for including the info about Disability Access! I am currently planning a WDW trip, and two ppl in our party are disabled. One has “invisible” disabilities & cannot stand for long periods. I’m so grateful to learn about these programs. 🙏😊

I did the cost analysis of TSA Pre vs Clear and TSA Pre was a better value. Being able to get through the line faster makes travel a lot less aggravating. That Orlando initiative sounds great! You have to complete an in person interview for fingerprints, ID verification and background check and sometimes these offices locally take in more than just TSA Pre appointments so you have to either wait in lines or schedule an appointment in advance. Having a dedicated one for TSA pre and it's in Orlando is a game changer. TSA Pre also allows you to bring I believe two children per adult no need to get it for your entire family. And if your in the military (active or reserve) you automatically have TSA pre, just make sure to use your DOD ID as your traveler ID#. Also save it to your profile so it's automatically in future travel. Unfortunately dependents and I believe retirees do not qualify to get TSA Pre for free.

Walk Behind the tree in Animal Kingdom to avoid the major crowded pathways-they all connect and MDE won’t show them. Also, don’t let a cast member tell you that “you must have a baby” to use rider swap.

I also recommend having Ziploc bags and hand sanitizer

My wish list: 1.) Annual Passes not just Pixie Dust. 2.) Resort guests should get free parking at their resort. 3.) Extend Skyliner to all resorts & MCO 4.) Bring back free fast passes. 5.) Complimentary magic bands.

AJ: The car locator feature Me: You mean the PANIC button?

Last trip in August, we decided to go with carry-on bags only (we didn't want to lose our luggage). 2 carry-on for a family of 5 (plus everyone had their backpacks). So, I brought a foldable bag from the dollar store, the size of a carry-on. we packed souvenirs in the luggage and the dirty clothes in the bag. It was perfect! Thank you DFB !

I’m about to do a 3 way split stay! 2 nights Coronado Springs, 2 nights Saratoga Springs, 2 night Port Orleans Riverside. Couldn’t be more excited 🤩

About inhaler and others items that trigger security. The best tip is to give these items to a kid that doesn't have a bag. The kid carries the items in front of him so security can see them and voila! No need for bag check! Thank you to the cast member who told us the tip!

My husband, three kids, and myself are leaving for our Disney vacation this Saturday! We are so excited and this is our children’s first Disney trip. We have been watching your videos every day in preparation for our trip. These videos have been fantastic and just make us more excited. The last time we were at Disney was December of 2016 for our honeymoon and this trip is long overdue! We will be in Magic Kingdom on Tuesday and hope to some how run into you there!

I work in the airline industry. Checking a bag to/from Europe is a bad idea right now. Major airports such as LHR, AMS, CDG, FCO, MXP are short staffed, outdated baggage facilities, pilot shortages, mechanic shortages and overall struggle with all the volume of ‘revenge’ travel happening right now.

AJ talking about Disney + that DFB Bed Music are my happy place

Thanks for all the tips! I'm a freshman in high school and I'm going to Disney world for the first time this year for a school music department trip. I've never really been to amusement parks because I have so many siblings, so I'm super excited and feel so lucky. I think the tips will really come in handy for a first timber. We're going to be driving their (It's like a 14-hour trip!) which is good because I love riding in any vehicle and were actually going to sleep on the bus! We're going to spend 1 day driving there and one driving back and then we will have 3 days to roam the parks, and I'm pretty sure we will get to play our instruments during the second day. What's even better is that I'm going to miss some school! I don't think I've ever been this excited about something, and I can hardly believe it's really happening. I know no one's really interested in all this, but I'm just too exited not to share😊

Thanks for these very timely tips! My husband and I are visiting in 2 weeks, so I'm feeling much more prepared.

My trip is on MLK weekend in 2023. I'm bringing 2 of my best girlfriends & they've never ever been. I've been to WDW a good handful of times. I'm so excited to show them everything I can in 3 days, & I've been heavily watching DFB. Thank you so much for your content- I've been a fan since your 1st video EVER! :)

Thanks for talking about DAS. This is the first time I have heard you mention it. A whole video on DAS would be helpful.

I learn something new every video! Thank you so much for always being out of here and getting the info to those of us just as obsessed! I've used the tips I've learned on here for several vacations and have had an amazing time! Keep up the awesome work

Better option is to get Global entry instead of Only TSA PRECHECK but ALSO Clear! Having Clear is a game changer!! Global entry automatically gives you expedited processing on international trips and tsa pre check on domestic trips! It’s $100 for 5 years…way better deal than just getting TSA PRE

I'm 29 seconds into the video & I'm already appreciating the new editing!!

Super Valuable Info! Thanks AJ And All Of You There At DFB! Soooo Looking Forward To My WDW Trip In September 2023! I Know It's A While Away! But I'm Super Jazzed!😉💖

Our last trip is August 2019. Cooling towel is really helpful. Can’t wait for our next trip this coming December 🥳🎉 Thank you AJ for all you do👍🏼

We had some pretty mediocre experiences trying to use a mini van. They were so expensive but with a 4 year old needing a car seat in a regular vehicle, our hands were tied. Not only could we not actually get one most of the time, but even when we did order one for our dinner reservation, a driver never came. Luckily We talked to a cast member at the hotel and she ordered us a Mears van. We wished we had known we could use that from day one. They were so much cheaper and they always arrived within a few minutes. Another tip: after magic kingdom order a pickup at the Contemporary and just walk over so you don’t have to wait to get to the TTC.

i have never heard of anyone getting dining reservations at that 5:45am spot. it is 6am est when they open up!

On our first trip (2004) we highly underestimated how chilly it got at night I still own the $65 blanket that we bought to stay warm while watching the parade.

Dining in Disneys air tag tip helped me for my trip to Greece! I highly recommend!

Thanks for this video !! I’ve made a list of everything I need !! Can’t wait to head over there in December !

I would say sign in to my Disney experience online for the 5:45am dining reservations. On the app I kept getting an error message

I have had tea pre check for 6 years and it is amazing

I recently went to Disneyland. I took a backpack, a carry on and a collapsible duffel bag inside the carry on. I bought a lot and used the extra duffel bag as a third bag. I walk through TSA with all 3 bags. When they asked for volunteers to check in their bags for free, I checked both the carry on and the duffel for free. And TAS Pre check is worth the money, $85 and it is good for 5 years in any USA airport.

Thanks for much for the tips. I will be going to DW in October of next year and I will be using these tips. Thanks in advance. 😀

I love what you do

Thank yall for this video ill be in Disney world in 2 weeks!!!!!

Love the video! 😍

I send all these videos to my family, gotta hint subtly yk 😌

The biggest thing you forgot to mention (or maybe I missed it in the video) but that is PORTABLE CHARGER!! Omg. Last time I went to Disney there was absolutely no where to charge my phone! Not even at Starbuck or restaurants! They want you to rent out their portable chargers for $30 which I thought it was ridiculous. Definitely don’t forget to bring your portable charger and make sure to completely charge it before entering the park!♥️

Wow one hour. YASSSSSS

TSA PreCheck is also included with Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. Global Entry is $100 for 5 years and includes expedited entry into the USA by air. NEXUS is my favorite, however, since it includes both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for $50 for 5 years, and includes additional benefits when entering Canada as well. Global Entry has enrollment centers all over the United States, whereas NEXUS has enrollment centers at airports in Canada as well as certain locations at or near the Canadian border.

I lost my glasses doing the Space Mountain ride back in 2010 and luckily they showed up in lost and found two days later! Can't quite put air tags on those though lol

I can't wait to go next month.

On our last trip. My husband and I flew out and landed midday. We went to Downtown Disney for the evening and used the first days ticket the next day. On another trip, We went to one of the mini golf course the morning after checking out then used the busses to get back grab our luggage and go to the airport.

Hi AJ i love your Disney News i am going to Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party

I love this channel and I watch daily, but I don’t get the fascination with the restrooms

Being from Minnesota, I get a chuckle every time some video talks about 40+ degrees being chilly enough to wear hats and gloves and all that. I know people (not me--I'm not that inclined) who wear shorts when it gets over 30.

Thank you for making your videos! They really help with my trips. And they are just fun to watch. And if you haven’t already heard, a friend told me that kite tails in animal kingdom is going away! :( I don’t know if it’s true but, maybe it is and if it is here is some info for next Disney news video. Anyway love your vids, and they make me happy. I hope your read this and I hope you have a great day! 😊

27:48 For all of my fellow gum-haters, gum isn't the only food you can use for this tip! Usually I use Starbursts or fruit gummies, and they work just as well.

For the tip “Download park tickets” How does this work exactly? How do you add a ticket to your Apple Pay/wallet. I can’t figure it out.

HI AJ!! 🥰💜

Double up on your insol inserts for your shoe comfort. You'll be thankful you did

Hey, AJ & team! Great video as always, but one potential correction. I stopped by Guest Services at Magic Kingdom a few days ago to inquire about portable translation devices, and they said that they hadn’t returned post-pandemic, and they couldn’t say when / if they might return. :-/

29:01 The point about boots sounds like sometimes you don’t have to take off your shoes but you always do so it didn’t make a lot of sense. As in regardless of the having metal in them you have to take off boots.

Great video! AJ, could you tell us what duffle bag you use, please? I bought one once but it came apart after just one flight..... A study one is so important! Thank you!

I gotta side with the portable neck fan...I have one I wear at work, and I specifically bought one with a USB c charger like my phone so I could use my battery pack to charge either on the go.

Airfare idea 💡! Southwest airlines is a God send for us. They go from our airport to Orlando for WAY cheaper than any other airline BUT you can only see those prices on their website/app.

TSA Pre Tip. Some Travel Credit Cards reimburse you the $85 fee. For example, the Southwest CC will. I think Marriott does too. Plus you should get a CC that has includes insurance for rental cars.

TSA pre-check is exclusive for American citizens?

Aloha AJ, We did just that , Checked the park hours, And they changed the park hours AFTER we made our reservations in July. Not happy!

Comment to #1 is that when everybody stays away from MK on holiday after hours events makes the park empty that day. Wish I could change my days back for last week of September trip

Parking is free for Disney hotel guests now 😍

If you're not going to be pushing a stroller around....whats the best park bag for a family of four? Do you run into trouble with rides and having a backpack or bag?? Thank you 😊

Do you guys know if the lyft Minnie van can be used from the airport to the hotel?

I'm in my 60 days time frame, off property, and every morning the app and site both are not working till exactly 6a. I'm on at 545a est, but can not get on at all till 6

Can we put hot drinks in the reusable mugs after we get home? Or only cold drinks?

Heya! You said to be TSA ✅, but will having CLEAR work as well?

You have some errors regarding das. You can pre-book 2 rides per day if you pre register and then you can choose 1 at a time.

As someone that works with airlines. Hooper is terrible to get in touch with if u need help, heard multiple stories. They are great tools. But book with airline directly if your not flying soon. Cause the farther out u book the more likely the flight is going to change this happens with all airlines as they look at their schedules to see whats needed and what can be cancel.

I’m a able to use a boarding pass this isn’t registered to my name? For example me and my dad are both going but he will sit out on cosmic rewind. Can I go twice using mine and his boarding pass?

Do Minnie Vans do afterhours like midnight after the very merry Christmas?

I do have a question. Can the Minnie Vans accommodate a mobility scooter, the kind that can break down into several parts?

Can you give some links to collapsable bag?

Take all the breaks you can.

For some reason, whenever I'm looking for something specific, like I was for this, it just becomes the next video.

Hi. Not to do with this video, I recently saw a video that you can't record In parks anymore. Disney is starting in Japan. Have you heard anything about that. I love your channel. You are so helpful.

Aloha AJ We have one teen and one old fogey that don't have smart phones, so we are getting the teen a magic bank plus. Will this be okay? Can I put All park passes on one phone?

I'm American but my husband isn't. Can I get TSA precheck for us both?

This is probably a naive question, but do you need park tickets to get checked into your resort? I would prefer to check into my resort, then use my park ticket the same day.

TSA Pre-Check OR Global entry. Global entry includes TSA Pre-Check and a quicker entry for international travel. Global Entry is $10 more every 5 years, but both are worth it.

One thing that's is important just because you have dining reservations does not mean you will get taken at that time...be prepared to wait up to an hour or more especially if it's busy..

GOd loves u

Isn't our tickets park tickets on the Disney experience app? Why would we need to also put on phone?

How do you find cheaper flights

So I guess you're closing up shop now, having given ALL the essential tips. I will miss you!!! (kidding of course )🙄

Are AIR TAGS or Tile Mates usable with an android phone?

Capri sun pouches will trigger the security at the parks. Ask me how I know