Walt Disney World Vacation Planning TipsWalt Disney World: Answers to frequently asked questions about getting the most from a Walt Disney World vacation.
From Robert Niles
First time visitor? Get started with our introduction to theme park vacations.Posted November 8, 2003 at 11:37 AM
 Walt Disney World is the world's largest theme park resort. Located southwest of Orlando in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Disney World opened in 1971 with one theme park, the Magic Kingdom. Today, Disney World includes three other parks, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom, as well as two water parks and the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment district.
Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond. From Russell Meyer
All 4 parks have Fastpass, but it is not available for all attractions. If it's a big or marquee attraction, expect it to have fastpass, and use them wisely. Some Orlando Fastpass attractions include:Posted November 18, 2003 at 8:36 AM Magic Kingdom Space Mountain EPCOT Test Track Animal Kingdom Primeaval Whirl Disney/MGM Studios Tower of Terror It's very important to plan out your fastpass use, because frequently the fastpass return times will be 2 or more hours after you pick them up, and once you're holding a fastpass, you can't get another one until the one you're holding expires. Typically, on a busy summer day, you probably will only be able to use 2 or three fastpasses, so pick the attractions you'd most like to see before entering the park, and don't be surprised if all of the fastpasses for some attractions are completely gone before noon, or having return times 8 hours or later in the day.
From Robert Niles
Many people believe that you cannot get a second FastPass until the return time on your first has passed. Actually, that is not entirely true. You can't get a second FastPass until the first return time has passed OR two hours have passed -- whichever comes first. Posted November 18, 2003 at 8:21 PM So if your return time is three hours in the future, you can go ahead and collect a second FastPass for another attraction two hours after you pick up the first.
From Len Testa
Posted December 12, 2003 at 7:17 PM It's even more complicated that that, Robert. The "two hour rule" for FASTPASS was stopped earlier in 2003. Rather than try to explain the new system, I'll simply note that earliest time one can get another FASTPASS is now generally printed on the bottom of the current FASTPASS. Keep up the good work. Love the TSI site. Sincerely, Len
From Robert Niles
Interesting. The two-hour window was still in effect at Disneyland earlier this fall. I'll have to check next time I'm down in Anaheim.Posted December 12, 2003 at 8:08 PM
From PARINYA SAI
goodPosted December 18, 2003 at 10:35 AM
From Anthony Murphy
I would say to get the fastpass! Use the system to your advantage. It works really well at Animal Kingdom because there are so many trails around the big rides that have the fastpass. Also, if you plan on going on Test Track with your sanity, get the fastpass immediatly when you enter the park!Posted March 6, 2004 at 4:00 PM
From Chad Shelby
I have heard alot about Disney World being bad to visit during the summer. But would it still be pretty crowded in the end of june, considernig this is really the first week of summer and most kids up north are just getting out of school this week? Posted April 2, 2004 at 8:09 AM And would anybody with knowledge say it is as bad as going to the park during spring break?
From brenda marsh
I don't know what up north schools are just getting out in late June - we live in Michigan and my kids are out on June 3 this year.Posted April 17, 2004 at 4:40 PM
From Michele D
I live in PA and the school my kids go to is out on June 9 (our last day was originally supposed to be June 3, but was extended because of all the snow days!) I booked our Disney vacation the week on 6/5 to 6/12 so now they're missing the 3 last days of school. I'm thinking the crowds won't be as bad. All other schools in my area aren't out until mid-late June. We'll see in a couple of weeks!Posted May 18, 2004 at 2:32 PM
From Jason Moore
good luck with that! different areas get out different times. for example, we here in Florida are done this week.Posted May 19, 2004 at 9:12 AM
From Adrian Walker
We in Britain finish in (approx) 6-7 weeks time.Posted May 26, 2004 at 6:35 AM
From Christian Nicely
I am a big time Disney Fan.Posted August 1, 2004 at 9:36 AM Epcot does not have fastpasses to Body Wars. Just: Mission Space Test Track Honey I Shrunk the Audience Malestrom
From Chad Shelby
and living with the landPosted August 1, 2004 at 2:46 PM
From PM 24-7
Great Tips and Great Re-post. This info is always useful...Posted August 2, 2004 at 3:38 PM Supplement: According to Frommer's "Florida 2004 Guide," the worst days of the week to visit each park are: On Multi-park days: Disney parks in Orlando can/should be done in 3 days (with a park-hopper pass)...With half-way decent planning you will have the time to do everything you want to do and have time to spare. I suggest combining the Animal Kingdom and DisneyMGM Park into the same day (doing the Animal Kingdom in the morning and utilizing MGM for Lunch and Dinner---SciFi Diner and 50's Prime Time being my favorites). Know how the parks are laid out and plan ahead of time (use the strategies for each park outlined in Robert's Article and or check out other postings within these articles for tips on each park). Nothing is worse than making the mistake of fast-passing Winnie the Pooh at 2-1/2 hours wait---not worth a 10 min wait---and having to wait for 2 hours to get another fast pass). Also, the following tip has greatly improved our trip to Epcot/Magic Kingdom the last couple of times we visited: Spend the Day at Magic Kingdom then go back to your hotel in the mid-afternoon. Go to Epcot that evening to watch the parade and Illuminations. You now have those things taken care of so when you spend your day at Epcot (and you will need a whole day) you can be shopping for souvenirs right before you head back to the hotel (while everyone else is hanging out around the lake for Illuminations).
From MaryAnn S
We live in central NJ and my son's last day of school was June 23 of this year. Our schools always get out late June.Posted August 1, 2004 at 5:51 PM
From Christian Nicely
Anywhere Around the World Showcase is a good view for the fireworks in Epcot. I always loved to watch it from France, Italy and on the bridges connecting countries. I advise not to watch near Mexico and Canada because it is crowded.Posted August 1, 2004 at 6:21 PM
From Anthony Murphy
Italy is the best place because you can see the globe! Also, make sure that you go to Animal Kingdon immediatly when it opens because it tends to close early and you must get a fastpass for the signature ride, the safaris because they fill up fast and the animals might sleep during the day!Posted February 27, 2005 at 6:13 PM
From Doug Bennett
Hey what are the crowds like in late august? we are there from the 20th to the 26th, is this enough time to see every thing? Any helpful tips for some aussie wanting to see as much as possible?Posted June 24, 2005 at 4:30 PM
From Sherly C.
i think you should go early in the morning because that's when less people come according to my experince. a lot of people go in the summer so august is a good idea. it's also a little cooler. one time, i went to universal and i almost died of dehydration.Posted June 24, 2005 at 7:23 PM
From Deborah Davis
Most Florida kids go back to school in early August, so you shouldn't have to compete with the locals and many of the tourists will be done with their vacations by then. I wouldn't expect the crowds to be too bad. It will be very hot, though, so bring sunscreen. Posted June 25, 2005 at 1:14 PM
From Trevor Bowen
first trip to WDW in 10 years...any truth to the rumer that not all fast pass stations are connected? i.e., able to get more than one pass at a time?Posted July 5, 2005 at 1:33 PM
From Stuart Ogilvie
I am goin to Orlando on the 16th July until 30th July i stay in the Uk will Walt Disney World be crowded in that time?Posted July 6, 2005 at 2:48 PM
From Russell Meyer
Yes, and likely very hot as well. You might want to make non-theme park plans for the weekend days of your stay (NASA, beach, Miami, etc...).Posted July 6, 2005 at 2:59 PM
From Anthony Murphy
I am going there tommorow! Yay!Posted July 6, 2005 at 4:49 PM
From Ang Jalbert
I've just discovered the "Theme Park Insider" Amazing! I have gotten many great tips. My question is...How busy is WDW from the 2nd of Jan to the 5th? I'm hoping the rush is over. Also any idea where I would find tips on Sea World? Keep up the great work!Posted July 29, 2005 at 7:41 PM
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