Credit: Edited by Inside the Magic
Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort can be a magical experience, but the place where dreams come true can also turn into an absolute nightmare for guests going in unprepared. Fortunately, there are several steps they can take to avoid most of the vacation hassles.
Seasoned park-hoppers are more than likely well aware that storming the Magic Kingdom on any day is no easy feat, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways around the crowds, events, and ungodly wait times. One professional Disney traveler offers their experience of how newbies to the parks can get the most out of their visit, even if it’s their very first time.
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In her new book,Walt Disney World Hacks:Second Edition,author Susan Veness shares over 350 tips in this comprehensive guide to the Disney parks. While several other sites and texts deal in similar materials, Veness’s book takes the time to address some of the more complex elements like Genie+ management and coordinating during special events. However, her “Newbie Alerts” should have even decorated Disney veterans paying attention.
A “Newbie’s” Guide to Disney World
In her book, Veness shares several points that benefit any first-timer’s trip (and even those needing a refresher course in park etiquette). On the subject of new guests, the author shared the following with Inside the Magic.
“Newbies were definitely at the top of my mind when I wrote ‘Walt Disney World Hacks’ because I learned so much from long-time visitors when I was new to the parks. It really helps to have a friend take you by the hand, so to speak, and pass on the tips and tricks they’ve learned over the years, as well as pointing out lots of ways to save time and money that new visitors aren’t likely to know. More than anything, I hope the book’s Newbie Alerts help readers by highlighting the basics, and they can then pick and choose from the rest to fit with their individual style of planning and touring.”
In a book of over 350 different tips to making it through the happy havoc of a Disney vacation, it can be easy to be overwhelmed. However, Veness revealed two massive traps that many Disney guests fall into and how to avoid them.
“You Can’t Do It All”
It’s no secret that the Walt Disney World Resort offers a lot of rides, attractions, activities, and experiences, so many visitors are pushed into sensory overload. However, Veness writes precisely how this can be handled.
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Veness writes,
“Walt Disney World is enormous. The theme parks alone most nearly one hundred major shows and attractions, plus a wealth of other diversions, and that’s before you add in the water parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. You can’t do it all in a week, or even two weeks, so it’s important to prioritize. As far in advance as possible, sit down with your family or fellow travelers and choose your top three attraction priorities for each day. Make those your Genie+ selections. Choose your next three priorities and mark them for additional Genie+ selections, or the next three attractions your visit. As you narrow down your priorities, that overwhelmed, chaotic feeling you’re having will turn into a workable daily schedule.”
Inside the Magic has touched on the rule of three before, but Veness goes into much more detail on how to use it to a guest’s advantage. Additionally, it’s not the only trip-saving advice the author offers.
Take a Midday Break
If there’s one Disney sin many of us are likely guilty of committing, it’s trying to do it all in one day. Since many vacations have been ruined by burnout. Many of us only get to Disney World once or maybe twice a year, so it’s understandable when we fall prey to the common pitfall. However, Vaness illustrates the importance of taking a breather after spending hours at the parks.
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Vaness writes,
“When you’ve paid all that money for a vacation with Mickey and friends, the very idea of not squeezing every penny out of it seems unthinkable. However, while taking a midday break each day, or every other day, during your stay is the most counterintuitive thing you can do, it’s also the one decision you’ll sing the praises of when you return home. By planning for time out of the parks at midday, you’ll escape the worst of the heat and humidity as well as avoid lines when they are at their longest per not only that, but the parks are at their most magical at night, and you won’t burn out before the fireworks begin.”
The author not only points out the physical stress of hoofing it through the parks all day but also the financial implications of spending too much time back at the resort. However, a poor attitude and a cranky, tired traveler can quickly suck the magic out of any kingdom.
Susan Veness has much more to say in her book, but she also shared with us the biggest takeaway both newbies and Disney park regulars can benefit from.
“The two most important tips to remember are also the hardest: be flexible enough to ditch your plans if you need to, and slow down enough to let the magic can catch up with you.”
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These tips, tricks, and hundreds more can be found in Veness’ book, Walt Disney World Hacks: Second Edition,available wherever books are sold, April 2, 2024.
Inside the Magic would like to thank Mrs. Veness for sharing her work with us and helping readers plan better Disney World vacations.
Do you have a favorite Disney vacation hack? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!
