50 Tricks For Your Best Disney World Trip Ever

[@jkimchi]

1:16 Walk-up Waitlist 2:55 Adding Good Neighbor Hotel 4:26 Disney Restaurants on OpenTable 5:27 Extended Evening Hours 6:35 EPCOT Festivals 7:27 Skip Gift Shop Lines 8:31 Secret Water Oasis 9:32 Back Entrance 10:54 Cheaper FuelRods 11:52 Money-Saving Ticket Hack 13:43 Pick-up DFB e-Book 14:45 Reserve spot at MCO 15:25 Happy Hour 16:29 Best Show Seats 17:12 Ride Wait Times 18:05 Disney Springs 19:08 Running Late to Dining Res? 20:24 Great Backpack 21:55 Park Pass Reservations 23:19 Locker Rentals 24:08 Virtual Queue Time Drops 25:15 Secret Menus 26:12 Find Nearby Bathrooms 26:38 Stop Stroller Stress 27:20 Getting an ECV 28:43 Don’t Panic When Ride is Down 29:33 Skip These Restaurants 31:56 Pack Layers 32:38 Avoid This at Lego Store 33:59 Third Virtual Queue 34:37 Meet Rare Characters 35:39 When NOT to Buy Genie+ 37:47 Test a Lightcycle Before Ride 39:00 Play Disney Parks App 40:24 First Dibs Individual Lightning Lanes 41:23 Best Budget Friendly Restaurants 43:06 Extra Tram Ride 44:03 Disney Shirt 44:49 Use Genie+ For More Things 46:17 Request a Ride Seat 47:32 Turn on/off Hey Disney! 48:41 Best Spot for Happily Ever After 50:34 Avoid DW Transpo at Bad Times 52:17 Step INTO Suspicious Boxes 53:01 Change Up Genie+ Selections 54:15 Request a Room 56:03 Which Table Service is On-The-Go 57:30 Track Down Missing Car 58:22 Second Fantasmic! Show 59:21 Pack Extra Socks

[@Brooklyn_Mood]

THANK YOU!!

[@christinadevitt6011]

They should pay you for this LOL

[@irdonna]

What a trooper. Thank you so much!

[@KristynA13]

That was a very kind thing to do!

[@ninifire4282]

Best 🎉

[@Rassmaster]

Love the content, but I have a suggestion for these type of videos, which would be to put timestamps or chapters in the video progress bar to help with looking for a certain piece of advice especially when the videos are an hour long.

[@marksmall7790]

She talked about that right at the beginning right around 1:06, they will email all the details in a pdf. No need for time stamps, document is better if you are on the go.

[@mike9147]

YES!!!

[@kamhardee8558]

The team does have it in certain videos, maybe it’s something they’ll add to more videos as time goes on

[@kamhardee8558]

@@marksmall7790 yes for sure! But I feel like it’s still nice to be able to get the info in audio form and just being able to skip to the parts that are relevant to you and your trip

[@west-coast-willy]

I've wondered if doing that messes with the algorithm. Seems like creators are rewarded for long view times and finished videos, so I think they don't want people to click on their video and just skip to one chapter. 🤷

[@GetOffTheLawn]

Shout out to AJ for covering restaurants that might cause heightened anxiety. DFB just does it better.

[@zeroconsequences]

I'm more of a Disneyland man myself, and although I do plan on visiting WDW at some point in the far off future, I just enjoy watching these videos and sometimes have them on in the background while I work. Her voice is soothing and cute

[@tokyotrashbby]

i watch these videos every single day, as a former cast member this fills that spot in my heart, i miss my cast member life every single day n cherish those memories so so much, been going to disney my entire life very consistently but nothing beats the joy i felt being a cast member, thank you so much for keeping the magic alive through these videos, they're so special

[@darbbively3406]

AJ may be the only person like me who would go to Magic Kingdom just to ride the Peoplemover. I like that!

[@dankind64]

haha "family camel". we call the backpack person "the beast of burden" 😂

[@friscokidd1122]

I'm the "pack mule." Let's keep those honorary titles coming y'all!

[@angelabraunsdorf3087]

😢 ç ❤😅

[@ryanschroer]

I'm a wheelchair user and it was a laugh out loud moment when I heard "walk-up waitlist for ECVs."

[@colepulkrabek3414]

Here is a air travel tip, Allegiant air, Swoop, and Flair Airlines fly into Orlando Sanford Airport instead of MCO so it’s a little bit of a longer drive to WDW. You will either need to rent a car or call a ride share like UBER or Lyft or get a taxi as there is no Mears connect or Sunshine flyer busses at SFB yet. Despite being farther to WDW than MCO is, the security lines at SFB are WAY better than MCO’s security lines. If you are flying out of Sanford I highly suggest bringing a refillable water bottle for after security as bottles of water in Sanford airport are really overpriced I also advise you to bring your own snacks as a lot of the shopping and dining options are limited and/or might be closed.

[@cc_snipergirl]

Don't forget TPA. The drive may be longer from Tampa, but Orlando traffic is an absolute nightmare to deal with. It's a much less stressful drive from Tampa. The airport is also very nice and efficient. But yes, the longer drive also means you'd have to figure out a way to get from A to B.

[@ninifire4282]

1:16 Walk-up Waitlist Fills up early day off usually by noon. Plan restaurants early. 2:55 Adding Good Neighbor Hotel 4:26 Disney Restaurants on OpenTable

[@dankind64]

"Living with the Land.. the best ride at Epcot". AJ gets it 🥹🖤

[@penelopepitstop762]

I love that ride too.

[@-Clair-de-lune-]

I’m going to Disney for a band trip ( and also my birthday) so I’ve just been looking at all your videos and I can’t stop

[@helenabeeson1220]

Could you guys do a video about themed snacks and food? E.g. anything that looks like or is based on a disney character?

[@SonicBoom00]

Love the fact that Bob is inspiring you to set boundaries for guests! 🥸

[@jiji6663]

The walk up waitlist saved my butt. I could not get a reservation for Space 220, so walked there with my family and managed to get a table for dinner. It was amazing :D

[@ninifire4282]

It’s so helpful

[@Smileymiley916]

I cannot wait to go in September. It’s been ten years since my first visit! This will be my husband’s first time ever. 6 more months!

[@stacyyanney8127]

I'm counting down too! Sept 10th arrival! And I was there last year..but the trip got a bit sidelined by Hurricane Ian..I'm sooo excited to be going back! Not ashamed to be a Dis*nerd!!!

[@Smileymiley916]

@@stacyyanney8127 I’ll get there on the 11th! I’m staying till the 20th. Planning on 6 park days, the Halloween Party, and a full rest day. My birthday is September 16th and I’m so excited to spend it in DW!

[@foxsonmama]

Counting down to our September trip as well!

[@cherrone86]

Thank you for talking about the dining promo card in your emails. I had no idea about it until you went into detail, which made me call and inquire. The first call, unfortunately the employee probably wasn't clear on how to handle the issue so I was told I couldn't get it but to call back and check, which of course I did, and lo and behold I got the promo card as well as a few other items I had no idea about prior to booking my trip. Your channel and blog is ABSOLUTELY INVALUABLE!!! Thank you again!

[@katiekat6013]

What is a promo card?

[@cherrone86]

@@katiekat6013 it was a dining promo card that is given if you book within certain parameters of a Disney vacation and I wouldn’t have known there was anything to be had if I hadn’t read about it in the DFB blog.

[@disneybob612]

On our last trip Le Cellier was full with people waiting and just for the heck of it we asked if there was a walk up list for two. They said perhaps 45 minutes? And we said that’s fine. We were sitting at our table, talking to our waiter in 15 minutes. At dinner time

[@richardmercer2337]

Le Cellier is nice but has a history of overstating waits. Not sure it's worth the hastle. It's just steak, people! Now the Maple Crème Brûlée, THAT's worth the trouble! You likely won't find that anywhere else...

[@-Bert-]

Got a walk-up spot for Nomad Lounge that was only a 10 min wait during my last trip. I was surprised because I went at around 5PM so you’d think people would be flooding it for food and drinks.

[@_chaeji]

Could you guys make a video on what disability accomodations are like now with lightning lanes? / Tips and tricks for travelling with someone with one? I love watching your videos btw!

[@alyssastolarski3342]

I’m going to Disney in October! I love your videos:)

[@iamnotadisneyadult]

i hope you have the most amazing time! wishing you safe travels and lots of happiness while there 💗

[@Happyhungryhubby]

Super fan!!! planning our trip next year and this has been most helpful. Saving and going to definitely get added to the DFB list

[@-Bert-]

Heading back to the parks for Food & Wine in September! Love watching DFB so I’m always prepared for anything that could go wrong

[@spiritedreviewexc]

im not. Im being really annoying about checking in with the Disney Planner. I also got more storage on my phone just so i can take videos while im there. It was stressful, but thats one thing i got done.

[@servantleader2014]

I'm watching this video from South Africa! Love watching them while I travel.

[@allywells2884]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I never would have thought to link my Hilton stay with our tickets. We're only staying at a Disney property for 3 nights, but we have 6 day park tickets. This is why I always watch your channel! Appreciate it!

[@GetOffTheLawn]

I tried the mobile gift shop check out last time I was there. 2 thumbs up!

[@mmspagnolo85]

I love how excited AJ and DFB gets about Steakhouse 71, but honestly I didn't love this restaurant when we were there in February. Dinner was only pretty good, and maybe that's because I'm not a big steak eater and I ate the 'wrong' things there. But the thing that really gets me is the location. I'm sorry but I felt like I was eating dinner inside any Holiday Inn dining venue -- even with all the cute Walt Disney pics decorating the walls. The lack of windows and natural light really bugged me, especially since Steakhouse 71 is located in one of the liveliest resorts with so much to see. and incredible views of water and parks. It just felt like we were in an back store room.

[@acesenpai98]

Trick #1 find a Time Machine Trick #2 go back to almost anytime before Chapek became chairman of parks and resorts Trick #3 aim for about the year 2000 or anytime before that depending on what you wanted to spend, wanted to do, etc.

[@emilyg1239]

I love this content, with all the titles

[@coolbean87]

Thank you AJ!! I’m going for the first time in early April where there will be a lot of crowds will be, so im excited to watch this!

[@kaylasargent2590]

AJ, thank you so much for the tip about OpenTable! I’ve been scouring MDE for a Boathouse reservation for a week to no avail, but checked OpenTable and got one no problem! I’m already dreaming about those filet mignon sliders!

[@weeyenawyong2430]

14:47 is a good tip

[@biankabryant5175]

No matter how many times I end up in Disney World, I always end up in the all-you-can-eat restaurants. I still haven't been to Morimoto for Duck. Boma is my weakness. I fall for it everytime and Rainforest cafe.

[@biankabryant5175]

I always go to Morimoto express for octopus 🐙 🙂

[@biankabryant5175]

Sam's Club has the scan in store mobile check out. I always use it, the people in line are always steaming mad when I bypass them😃

[@MondaysMakeMeVomit]

I’ll be there next week, and we love all-u-can-eat too lol, any suggestions for good Disney buffets?

[@jessw12345]

Can you do a in-depth video on Disney Spring. I know you mention it in other videos but the last dedicated video I could find that you did was 5 years ago!

[@mcleigh66]

Best backpack: 21 pocket vest. I don't need to carry a backpack or purse in the parks when I'm wearing it. I love mine.

[@meowdust18]

the Olaf backpack at 20:45 is my grail!! I have never been to the parks yet (planning to next summer though) and I can't find that loungefly for less than $200 online 😭

[@nisha8893]

I’m going in 10 days for a whole week! Can’t wait!

[@marilynm5024]

Yak and Yeti was booked up. We were able to get a reservation by calling Yak and Yeti directly, cause we are Landrys select members.

[@kennedyharris2627]

Omg thank you so much for the tips

[@shanelleperez5700]

YESS YOU SAID IT AGAIN “FESTIVAL OF THE FARTS” 😂 hehe always makes me laugh when I hear that randomly

[@olivierrvd5567]

51: go to animal kingdom lodge jambo house, boma, jiko, moroccan restaurant at epcot and sci fi dinner etc

[@penelopepitstop762]

We stayed at the Dolphin in January. It was our first time to stay (officially) at a non Disney resort. I was really worried about linking everything and transportation, but it was all easy! Next time we plan to stay at the Swan! But, I will add one thing. Make sure you bring your DL to the parks, at least on the first day. We had a minor hiccup with my ticket and I didn’t bring my DL. Long story short, we had to go to a special line but it all worked out. I got scared though! 😂

[@tracyjacobs5889]

Were the employees able to help you with the Disney app and make sure everything was linked correctly? That’s my concern about the Swan and Dolphin.

[@penelopepitstop762]

@@tracyjacobs5889 I never had to ask them for help. I was able to do it by myself lol. And I was nervous about that. It was very easy. I would not hesitate to stay there again. My husband booked the hotel using his Marriott-Bonvoy points and I purchased the park tickets separately on Disney’s website. No issues at all linking them. I had the tickets in my phone, but we ended up getting card tickets on our first park day. (That’s when I needed my DL and since I didn’t have it on me, we had to go to another line.) They also offer bus transportation that pick up 45 minutes before park opening including the extra 30 minutes. The only “con” and I think AJ mentioned it, is for MK they drop you off at the transportation center which means you have to then take the monorail to MK. Of course that takes a little extra time. So next time we plan to Uber to and from MK. The boats are fine for Epcot and HS and hotel bus is fine for AK.

[@cannaconsult]

​@tracyjacobs5889 You can get help at any theme park. Guest services is exceptional 👌

[@cannaconsult]

​@@penelopepitstop762Everyone has to take the Monorail or the Ferry to the main gate of the Magic Kingdom because of the Lake there... Uber or not❤ No uber pick ups right at the main gate. The buses, Monorail, or the Ferry, are your choices, with smaller boats to some of the closest resorts. ❤

[@penelopepitstop762]

@@cannaconsult you are right! Now that I think about it, I remember seeing the rise sharing lines. Hmmm… I guess Uber will still be quicker (than the bus) but we will plan to leave earlier!

[@The_Alexandra_B]

The other thing about Disney springs we didn’t expect since our last visit was going through security. So add some extra time for that as well!

[@dowchief5757]

This is my comfort account ❤️😂

[@abysyndiaye5716]

41:48 We don’t actually see animals from our windows in Africa!! Please don’t make people believe that happens all the time. Africa is diverse and we don’t see zebras and giraffes everywhere. Maybe in some specific resorts in Kenya, Tanzania … just like in AK. They don’t roam in the city! And in most countries in Africa there are no such animals. Thanks for the great content though! Preparing our trips for WDW and Cruse in August!

[@mercedeshall3306]

Thank you again!

[@mgseggerman]

Two comments - Columbia Harbor House - when I went there in 2019 the lobster roll cost only a little more than the hot dog sold on the cart outside and second tip - one clean preferably new pair of socks for each day (long enough up the leg)

[@ryanarmstrong3385]

I love this video

[@cynthiaferguson6116]

Can you use the Car Locator feature to save the location your Offsite Hotel Shuttle dropped you off?

[@CoasterOutlaws]

Also Virtual Queue is active during party times!

[@agnlovhed]

Good thing I directed my colleague to DFB when she mentioned that she was going to Florida...!

[@karikober8599]

Couldn't get the pdf to work...tried different ways and gave me an error

[@cortleighluxenberg6175]

What are the fuel rods? Would it and external battery pack work as well

[@gerrysalvati7311]

Going in may. Can’t freakin wait

[@paulettejamrog1878]

Wondering where I can buy the backpacks featured in video?

[@TechWaveReal]

Thank you for helpping plan my disney trip

[@baileyhauck-kr7fz]

Question about fuel rods! I went to Disney in 2020 and I still have my fuel rod from that trip. I held onto it because I’m a hoarder 😅 and I’m wondering if I could just replace that one in the park and save myself $30USD all together?

[@kelseyaartman4481]

Yes, absolutely! I purchased one in 2019 and have never had a problem swapping them. While on Disney property in the US (DL or WDW, parks or resorts), you get unlimited swaps for your FuelRod.

[@terrytrexler9340]

Is the Garden Grill in Epcot still a family style restaurant?

[@robertkahro4565]

Can't believe we are still talking about Fuel Rods. $30 to barely half charge a newer iPhone. OR $30 at BestBuy to purchase something with over 10X the capacity which lasts all day and negates the need to find a station to flip/trade. Yup. No Fuel Rods in my pack. EVER!

[@sam.p21]

Have you stayed at the Drury hotel?

[@stellamaurina1611]

Hi can you buy individual lightning Lane at 7 am if staying at a Disney hotel for 2 parks? Example I am going to park hop from Magic Kingdom to Epcot and want to buy Tron and Cosmic. Thanks for all you do!!!

[@TheOrderofDylan]

Yes you can. I did this in February for Cosmic and Flight of Passage. Just as long as the you remember you can’t enter the 2nd park until park hopping hours begin.

[@InMyCruisingEra]

How will Tron operate during parties like MNSSHP ?

[@mattseverance8176]

Just got back from 7 nights at Disney (2 at Poly & 5 at Beach Club). Poly was the best. Our poly rom has a full bath and another bath with a sink and a shower. With 5 in our room it was clutch. The bathroom at beach club was tiny ( toilet and tub) the double vanity did not have a door… not good for family if 5. Breakfast at Grand Floridian Cafe was bad. Breakfast at Ale & Compass at Yacht club was Fantastic! Kona Cafe was very good for dinner. Mama Melrose at Hollywood was not good - Avoid it. The Mexican restaurant at Epcot was good. Guardians is the best ride and Rise of the Resistance was the coolest experience. Toy Story mania was really fun and my kids favorite ride along with Seven Dwarves.

[@jacitucci]

Oh no, we have a Fantasmic Dining Package with Mama Melrose for lunch! What did you order?

[@penelopepitstop762]

@@jacitucci we’ve eaten there on the Fantasmic dining package and liked it. We all got steak though. I mean it wasn’t superb by any means, but we enjoyed it.

[@mattseverance8176]

We got chicken parm Just not much taste. We also got the calamari and it was bad. So maybe avoid those things.

[@hilaryelworthy1464]

The my Disney experience app is not letting me book any reservations for dining. It has been like this for over a month. I always booked this way but have had to phone in all my reservations. No amount of help offered by Disney has solved this problem. It’s not only me either…..a friend is having same issue…no idea why but it’s very frustrating

[@TodaysEscapade]

Question, what about staying at the Fort, do you get early access since it's Disney property or does it have to be a Disney hotel? Thanks

[@katiekat6013]

All resorts on Disney property do and that includes fort wilderness and swan/dolphin.

[@thecarpenter4]

Is walk-up waitlist really the best term for people who didn’t reserve an ECV?

[@meganhudson5287]

Anyone else having issues with the pdf list?

[@penelopepitstop762]

Question about Soarin’… is top row the same as the front row? We always ask for front row, center. Just wondering if that’s the same.

[@MrNBreezy215]

No. There's a top and bottom row on Soarin'. Front row and center is best view on both but you're up a little higher on the top row. You'll know if you're on the bottom because you'll see people's feet dangling if you look up a little.

[@penelopepitstop762]

@@MrNBreezy215 I’m confused. You said no, top and bottom, but then you said front row center is best. Usually there are people behind us, so does that mean we’ve been sitting in the bottom? We don’t usually see feet. Maybe we will say “top row, center” next time and see if that’s even better. Thank you!

[@jadecoloredglasses5822]

On Soarin’ there are 3 seating sections (a, b, and c) and each section has 3 rows (1, 2, and 3). B is the center section and will have the least screen distortion. Row 1 will be both the “front” (when you board and the seats are at ground level) and the “top” (when the ride starts and the seats lift up into the air). Hope that helps!

[@penelopepitstop762]

@@jadecoloredglasses5822 thank you! Thanks to both of you for answering my silly question. 😁

[@MariaNYC-m4x]

are the fuel rops still swaping at the parks in 2023?

[@mmpp4149]

I didn't get the advice about ticket prices. Can someone please explain?

[@jungin22]

I LOVE your channels and I watch almost every videos BUT can you please make your volume higher? 🙏 I listen during my commute and having it so loud just to hear your voice, i have to turn up the vol. To 15 (i normally keep it at 7) it makes me jump everytime my GPS speaks..😖

[@spiritedreviewexc]

if i want to go to the Tron gift shop but not want to ride the ride, can I? Im not sure if anyone answered that question and thats kind of a silly question to ask my Disney Planner. (and i don't have access to her) if you cant find a decent charger, then you can bring a cube and oh i dont know maybe charge your phone the night before. I mean duh, or just bring a plug with you. I think some of the indoor seats in Disney have plugs in the table. (i dont know though cause last time i went i was like 10 and i didn´t have a phone at the time we had walkie talkies i think)

[@jadecoloredglasses5822]

You can definitely go in the gift shop without riding the ride, and that’s true for any attraction! Right now it seems like the Tron gift shop will actually be sharing the building with Space Mountain’s gift shop. It’s currently closed so it can be renovated but I assume it will reopen before or at the same time that Tron opens.

[@MariaNYC-m4x]

i want the email with the pdf, but didnt understand where to send the email, please?

[@MannyEmm]

AJ…..we need one for Disneyland.

[@TheSeventhOutlaw]

This, florida's a no-go zone.

[@xlizzieeeee]

I’m going to Disneyland… can I bring my backpack on the rides?

[@SamSitar]

disney should sell new annual passes to replace those which aren't renewed. they should also have an overnight shelter for people who want to avoid morning sell outs.

[@yaniracuevas3411]

Having trouble trying to link my hotel. Any suggestions??

[@katiekat6013]

Did you type in the confirmation number and last name?

[@mattburris7874]

Fuel Rods don’t seem like it the best route, you can get off of Amazon small cheap portable batteries, if you lose it, no big deal. They will recharge at the hotel overnight and be ready to go. For like 10-15 bucks.

[@lulu73029]

i tried to get the pdf but it says the page doesn’t exist

[@jenndpbudgets]

I need a car locator when I go to Walmart lol

[@saffiregoat6432]

Can u maybe as time stamps

[@GelliesJourneys]

Wait, did they bring back the free Fuel Rod swapping? I thought they charged you now.

[@doggie721]

I usually earn disney gift cards taking surveys and stuff so I can enjoy more food and stuff in the parks

[@donaldwatts9201]

What if you are needing a special diet??

[@mattstorace9985]

Anyone have a guess how the Tron coaster will work during Halloween party after hours ?

[@0Chelle0]

I'm assuming they will have transitioned to the regular lightning lane and standby at that point. I suggest getting your G+ either the morning of or day before. And get your lightning lame booked asap. The standby might be slightly crazy.

[@viviantamara5889]

I have never been able to call the restaurant itself... how do u get the direct number of restaurant? I only find the disney dining number.

[@katiekat6013]

Exactly!

[@carymundy]

Is that someone *standing* on the Tron coaster?????😮

[@pepethefrog2]

omg I’m the 1500 like, when I pressed the button it went from 1.4k to 1.5k lol

[@judypalmieri3341]

Did anyone notice the sky I the video at 13:22? In the upper lt corner it says GOD!

[@TheSeventhOutlaw]

No.

[@jheloproductions7619]

Put time stamps

[@ctrawick3]

Disney is such a joke now; reduced everything at stupidly high prices. We can certainly pay them, but I simply will not be played for a fool in doing so.

[@Laurie911]

I like watching your videos but at the same time there is so much information that it makes us not want to go. It’s overwhelming. I miss the days when we just showed up buy your tickets and just enjoy the day and you didn’t need any other info.

[@karenw717]

What is your must do every trip?

[@horacecomegna335]

First trick, go to Universal Studios, not Disney! 😂😂😂

[@janicericciuti9035]

refresh

[@caymansalesperson8381]

I don’t want to have to plan days in advance to enjoy even one good ride. It is not possible at Disney. They over sell the park, it is horribly crowded, if you do not pre book , you get Nothing. Literally NOTHING. We had a party of 8, we didn’t get to ride even one ride. This park is the biggest rip off ever. If you do not have a US smartphone you cannot even eat lunch. Awful, awful awful. Do not waste your money.

[@laserpipes2869]

W

[@BigBlueProdz]

first???

[@CommandoG331]

The best tip Don't go en masse until fast pass etc comes back.