Unlocking Disney Magic: An Insider Guide with Leslie Harvey
Dec 27, 2023
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Leslie Harvey, a Disney expert and co-host of the Disney Deciphered Podcast, shares invaluable insights for planning the perfect Disney vacation. She reveals the best times to visit, top accommodations, and dining spots that families will love. Discover how to navigate park logistics, optimize your experience with Disney's Genie+ service, and save money with insider tips. Leslie also emphasizes the importance of early trip planning and highlights unique experiences at both Disneyland and Disney World, making this a must-listen for any Disney enthusiast!
Utilize tools like Genie Plus to optimize your park touring and minimize wait times.
Consider factors such as the number of park days, where to stay, and making use of the available tools and services.
Disney park guests staying on-site have the advantage of making Lightning Lane reservations at 7 a.m., while off-site guests can only make reservations once the park opens.
Identify underappreciated or less crowded attractions to avoid long wait times.
Plan one table service meal per day and use mobile ordering for quick-service meals to optimize dining experience.
Deep dives
Optimizing Your Disney Experience
When planning a trip to Disneyland or Disney World, it's important to optimize your experience by utilizing tools like Genie Plus and Lightning Lanes. Genie Plus replaces the previous FastPass system and provides access to Lightning Lanes, which allow for shorter wait times on popular rides. By strategically selecting rides and return times, you can maximize your park touring and minimize wait times. It's recommended to dedicate a day to each park, with Magic Kingdom being a must-visit park due to the abundance of attractions. Additionally, staying on Disney property can provide benefits such as early entry and easier transportation. Overall, with proper planning and knowledge of the available tools, you can make the most of your Disney vacation.
Deciding Between Disneyland and Disney World
Both Disneyland and Disney World offer unique experiences, but there are some key differences to consider. Disneyland in California has two parks, Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure, and staying on-property is not as crucial. Disney World in Florida has four parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, and staying on-property can provide added convenience and perks. The scale of Disney World is much larger, requiring more planning and time to fully explore each park. Ultimately, the decision between the two destinations depends on personal preferences and factors such as travel distance, available time, and budget.
The Benefits of Genie Plus
Genie Plus is a valuable tool for maximizing your Disney experience. With Genie Plus, you gain access to Lightning Lanes, which provide shorter wait times for popular rides. While it comes at an additional cost, the benefits of Genie Plus include the ability to book return times for rides, strategically plan your day, and make the most of your time in the parks. By understanding the system and planning ahead, you can skip the longer queues and enjoy more attractions. While it may require some research and learning, the investment in Genie Plus can greatly enhance your Disney vacation.
Tips for Planning your Disney Trip
When planning your Disney trip, consider factors such as the number of park days, where to stay, and making use of the available tools and services. Dedicate a day to each park and prioritize key attractions based on personal preferences. Staying on Disney property can provide added convenience and benefits like early entry, while off-property accommodations can offer cost savings. Utilize tools like Genie Plus to optimize your park touring and minimize wait times. Additionally, research and learn about the various options and services available to make the most of your Disney experience.
Disney Park Reservations and Lightning Lanes
Disney park guests staying on-site have the advantage of making Lightning Lane reservations at 7 a.m., while off-site guests can only make reservations once the park opens. This gives on-site guests the opportunity to secure reservations during high crowd periods that off-site guests may miss out on. Lightning Lane reservations have a one-hour window, and there is some flexibility with scanning into the ride up to five minutes before and 15 minutes after the reservation window. Disney cast members can make adjustments on the fly, taking into consideration unforeseen circumstances that may cause delays for guests.
Optimizing Ride Selection and Wait Times
Some rides, like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom, can have long standby lines that are not worth the wait. It is important to identify underappreciated or less crowded attractions, especially when traveling with young kids. For instance, heading to Winnie the Pooh in the back corners of Disneyland's Pitter Country in the morning can result in shorter wait times. Utilizing resources like the Disney app, which provides wait time information for all rides, and touring plans subscription service can help optimize ride selection and avoid long wait times.
Planning Meals and Souvenirs
When it comes to dining, Disney offers both table service and quick-service options. Table service restaurants provide a more formal dining experience, and character meals allow guests to see their favorite Disney characters while enjoying a meal. It is recommended to plan one table service meal per day and use mobile ordering for quick-service meals. Pre-booking reservations for table service restaurants is advisable, and utilizing discount gift cards or discount resellers can help save money on dining expenses. When it comes to souvenirs, setting a budget in advance and considering creative alternatives, like pre-purchased gifts from Tinker Bell or discounted Disney gift cards, can help manage costs.
Tips for Traveling with Kids and Large Groups
The recommended age to take a child to Disney is before they turn three, as they often have a connection to Disney characters and believe in their magic. For older kids, around six to nine years old, they may have a better understanding and be tall enough to enjoy more rides. Additionally, paying attention to convenience, such as choosing hotels with transportation connections or close proximity to the parks, is beneficial when traveling with young children. It is also important to plan breaks, have realistic expectations, and consider splitting up in larger groups to accommodate different interests. Bringing strollers, planning character meet-and-greets in advance, and packing snacks or baby food are additional tips for a smoother experience.
Upcoming Changes and Cost-Saving Strategies
In 2024, Disney plans to make changes to its theme park services, including the Genie Plus system. Keeping an eye on available discounts, sale periods, and hotel promotions can help save costs on a Disney trip. Buying tickets from discount resellers and researching various hacks, such as using Disney gift cards or taking advantage of certain credit card benefits, can provide additional savings. It is also worth noting that while some international Disney parks offer unique experiences, they may not be comparable to the ones in the United States. However, if incorporating them into a larger travel itinerary, visiting international Disney parks can enrich the overall experience.
#149: Disney expert Leslie Harvey shares insider tips for a magical Disney vacation with strategies designed to save time, money, and stress. She offers insights on the best times to visit the Disney parks, top accommodation, best dining spots, and must-see attractions. Leslie also shares tactics to optimize the in-park experience through services like Genie+ and Skyliner, and so much more.
Leslie Harvey is the co-host of the Disney Deciphered Podcast and the founder of Trips With Tykes, a family travel blog dedicated to streamlining the intricacies of journeys with children of all ages. She is also a freelance travel writer whose work has appeared in numerous digital travel publications, including The Points Guy and Lonely Planet.
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