An Idiot's Guide to WALT DISNEY WORLD | 2024

This is my updated introduction to Walt Disney World aimed mainly for first timers or those in need of a refresh. I’ll be covering a tour of the parks (including the water parks), as well as other things such as tickets, Genie+, Lightning Lanes, Disney Springs, Transportation, dining, resorts (value, moderate and deluxe) and many other things.
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UPDATES & CORRECTIONS:
(see pinned comment)
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WALT DISNEY WORLD PARK TOURS:
Magic Kingdom: • Disney’s Magic Kingdom...
Epcot: • Epcot RIDES & ATTRACTI...
Disney's Hollywood Studios: • Disney's Hollywood Stu...
Disney's Animal Kingdom: • Disney's Animal Kingdo...
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO PARK TOURS
Universal Studios Florida: • Universal Studios Flor...
Islands of Adventure: • Universal Islands of A...
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:33 - PART 1 - WHAT IS DISNEY WORLD?
1:47 - Magic Kingdom
2:50 - Epcot
4:10 - Hollywood Studios
5:05 - Animal kingdom
5:41 - Characters
6:43 - Blizzard Beach
7:15 - Typhoon Lagoon
7:43 - PART 2 - HOTEL RESORTS
7:58 - Value Resorts
9:34 - Moderate Resorts
10:06 - Deluxe Resorts
11:21 - Off Site Resorts
12:18 - Booking
12:40 - Time of Year
13:40 - Where to Book
14:33 - Tickets
15:49 - Third Party Tickets
16:13 - 14 Day Ticket
16:56 - Travel Packages
17:18 - PART 4 - MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE
18:45 - PART 5 Genie+ & Lightning Lanes
19:17 - Disney Genie
19:54 - Lightning Lane
20:50 - Individual Lightning Lane Selections
22:50 - Genie+
27:51 - Virtual Queue
29:39 - PART 6 - Transportation
33:40 - PART 7 - Dining
38:08 - PART 8 - Disney Springs
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MEARS CONNECT ALTERNATIVE
Sunshine Flyer: sunshineflyer.com/
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UK CAR HIRE (PRICES INCLUDE ALL CHARGES INCLUDING INSURANCES): www.uscarhire.com/
US CAR HIRE: Autoslash.com (insurances not included in quoted prices)
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FREE DINING OFFER 2024
Starting January 3, 2024, Disney+ subscribers have the opportunity to get a free dining plan when they purchase a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package. This package must include a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option. The offer is valid for arrivals on most nights from July 1 through September 30, 2024.
Please check official site for any changes to offer.
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MAGICBAND GUIDE
MagicBands
What: Waterproof wristbands that act as your Disney World key: park ticket, hotel key, payment method, and FastPass+ (when available).
Setup: Link to your Disney account, then use it for entry, payments, room access, and linking PhotoPass photos.
MagicBand+
Extra Features: Adds lights, vibrations, and gesture recognition for interactive experiences and syncing with shows. It's rechargeable, with 1-3 days of battery life.
Benefits: Same as MagicBands, plus interactive park quests and enhanced experiences during certain shows.
Getting Started
Buy: Online, via app, or in the park. Deals may be available for hotel guests and passholders.
Link: Use My Disney Experience to connect your band to your account.
Customize: Choose colors and personalize if ordered in advance.
Tips
Charge MagicBand+ nightly.
Bands are waterproof.
Secure with a PIN for purchases; deactivate if lost.
CONTACT:
For all business enquiries ⇢ [e-mail]
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MUSIC LICENCING:
Track: Ikson - Walk [Official]
Music provided by Ikson®
Listen: • #28 Walk (Official)

[@TheFrugalBrit]

UPDATES & CORRECTIONS: Last reviewed on : 30 May 2024 - The wrong graphic was used to display the hotels with skyliner access (in the transportation chapter). It should have said: Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach and Riviera. - the rooms at port orleans french quarter are not interally accessed. But the resort layout is a lot more compact compared to the other moderates. - When explaining the wait in a lightning lane, I explain in the video how it's always around 20 minutes. This is nearly always the case with the popular rides, but not for rides with short lines. E.g. If a ride has a stand by line queue of 5-20 minutes, it's unlikely you'll be waiting longer than 5 minutes in the lightning lane. It might have also been worth mentioning that the lightning lanes used for the virtual queue rides will typically be longer than 20 minutes (tron and Guardians). - When selecting your first genie+ reservations at 7am, you won't yet be able to see the return time window until after booking. This is because the times change so quickly at this time and likely wont be the same once you select it. The return times will show when reserving later in the day however. This was a change brought in last year.

[@cameronashton7150]

"expensive, really expensive and really really expensive" is pure comic genius!!

[@Rich-mb6bw]

People like you that give all the reviews and information for other people you never met is amazing. THANK YOU, THANK YOU for this.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Very welcome, I’m pleased you found it useful 😁😁👍

[@edvaira6891]

Does not surprise me that you were able to do a very complete overview of this ENTIRE IMMENSE complex in a breezy FORTY MINUTES!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

I wish Disney didn’t make things so complicated so I could make it in half the time 🙈

[@michaeloreto3222]

Literally perfect timing as always, now I'm planning a trip to Disney World and you give me another idiot's guide very greatful for you!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Very welcome, hope you have the best trip 😁

[@jimnirman161]

Stunningly detailed and beautifully made videos. Broadcast quality work. Helped a great deal when preparing for my Orlando visit last week.

[@justins9886]

Just so everyone knows, Be Our Guest restaurant is not a character meal where Belle or the Beast visit the table. You can see the Beast walkthrough each room but, that is all you get with him. As for sitting, I recommend The West Wing, it is dark and it features thunder and lightning effects but, the Beast’s portrait changing during the storms is worth it.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

That’s a good point thanks for sharing.

[@edvaira6891]

It is, however, an experience to do once-no real need to repeat it, as the food is Very OVERPRICED and, not exactly underwhelming but…quite Ordinary.

[@metallicnole4514]

When did planning a trip to disney world become so complicated?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Tell me about it!!

[@voiceoverguyharris]

You are making our 1st trip in May even more exciting thank you.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Very welcome, thanks for watching 😁

[@adammister27]

Amazing video. Attention to detail and transitions are superb!!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thanks a lot! 😁

[@honestmarc]

So professional. Impressive work. Concise. Bravo Frugal Brit!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you! 😁

[@PaulForan-fq1un]

Just got back from 2 weeks. Thanks for all your videos (including kennedy space center) they really helped give us a head start of where we wanted to go and the handy tips we needed (i drove my other half mad with the number of times I put your vids on!). Cheers.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

That’s amazing! Love to hear it, pass on my apologies to the Mrs 😁

[@TheDespicableThree]

Going back next year after what will have been 7 years. Watching this has made me realise it really is very different to what we once knew. Brilliantly done as always 👌

[@JasonHornbuckle-ti5fw]

Great and very informative video as always. Will def share with some newbie friends that are going. Much appreciated as always

[@kevincurran4067]

Perfect. Keep up the good work.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Kevin 😁

[@Laubie]

The tips in your videos really helped us a lot. Thank you very much and I look forward to more videos from you

[@ColtsFan288]

I am planning a first trip to WDW later this e and I cant stress how much your guide's helping me understand the basics. THANK YOU!

[@jeninaslicer352]

After this April, it’ll be a while before I go back. You’re on your phone most of the day. I bought three portable phone chargers for this trip. 😂 Thank you for sharing!

[@ThePrincessandtheDad]

I’m going this April and I totally agree! Epic universe after this trip

[@jeninaslicer352]

@@ThePrincessandtheDad yes! I can’t wait! I’m just as excited as you are about that

[@ThePrincessandtheDad]

@@jeninaslicer352 Epic Universe is going to be crazy, not taking away anything from Disney however each year we lose more and more perks and attractions, not to mention I spend an arm and a leg it’s the tickets that are pricey

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah I miss the old days.

[@keriworks]

Thank you. These videos are so incredibly helpful in terms of providing an idea of what to expect. I really appreciate your time and detail in all the videos you've created. It's a real gift! I'm slightly confused about the Genie+ ( get the Lightening Lane only rides, that was clear) when you purchase first thing in the morning, do you get to line up/reserve a few rides at different for that one price or do you purchase and then get one ride.

[@mr2swole141]

Your videos are amazing. So helpful and well spoken.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Appreciate that 😁

[@hailonearth]

Wondering why I haven't seen anything lately. Makes sense now lol. Great video !!!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Ha yeah this one took a while 🙈. Thank you!

[@hailonearth]

@@TheFrugalBrit Quality over quantity 👌 my dude !

[@jonnypies]

Rock n rolla coaster is currently closed. You mention its an attraction still at hollywood studios. Great video though.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

It’ll be open in the summer though 👍

[@bryanthecelticsfan]

I love your channel and all your vids!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Bryan! 😁😁

[@realgg.offical]

Great video as usual. Quick question. I'm going mid February next year. What is usual crowds like ? Cheers

[@ashleybritten9014]

Despite being a regular at the parks now, I’m still a huge fan of your work. Thank you! Out of curiosity, what are your number 1 favourite attractions in each park?

[@rowan5229]

Boss video mate, very informative 😊

[@daxhausentraveller8488]

Fb . What a great , enjoyable and informative vid . Great quality expect nothing less . Dax

[@Alfymendes]

Super review, great description

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@nickpavlidis5735]

For the magic bands, if you buy it online, how can you get your tickets to be put in it ? Can you have Disney to do it for you and you pick it up from your hotel?

[@markcunningham597]

Another well produced informative video we haven't been to Disney for years usually go to universal and seaworld parks plan to do epcot in Sept do you have any thoughts on under cover tourist who does individual tickets Tia

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! I don’t have experience with third party vendors in the US, but I hear lots of people recommend them.

[@charliejay1775]

I’m heading over in early May, now within the 60 day window to book dining reservations. I have been constantly getting a time out error on the Disney site and app when I'm using my iPhone or personal laptop. I have now made reservations for 4 locations but was only able to avoid the time out error by using an incognito window on my work laptop (which uses a VPN). Hopefully other UK travellers don't encounter the same issue. Anyway, great video as usual. I'm there from April 29th to May 18th, in your experience is that a good time in terms of weather and crowd levels?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah that’s a good time, I did those exact dates I’m 2023. Yeah I find Disney’s website very annoying unless I use a vpn. Recall having a similar issue last year.

[@nickpavlidis5735]

In the monthly section you show, does green mean less people or more? I’m wondering if it’s very full in September

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Hi Nick! Yes green means lower crowds 👍

[@Sezbez]

I'm curious about the free waterpark entry for onsite guests in 2025, so if you purchase a 14 day park pass this will automatically include the water parks or if you stay on site you will literally get entry to these for free? Thank you! love your videos

[@TheFrugalBrit]

That’s it yes. If you get the UK 14 day ticket you get water parks included. Or if you stay at a Disney hotel, you won’t need a water park ticket to visit.

[@disneystarmichaeltownes]

I'm Watching It Right Now On KZbin Thank You

[@TheFrugalBrit]

😁😁

[@DeepFckingValue]

I’m planning on going in November from Ireland and when trying to book tickets from Disney I only get the opportunity to book either 7 or 14 days. I only want a 4 day pass, how do I do this do you know?

[@petergeorge4160]

Visiting again in April. This time we will not visit the Parks. After 30 plus years we are Park’d out. Mostly go to gulf coast. However we are going to Typhoon Lagoon daily. Do you know if we can get a reasonable priced pass for Typhoon Lagoon? Thanks.

[@petergeorge4160]

We are from England. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Hi Peter, if you buy tickets in the US (or using a vpn if from uk) they’re currently offering a season pass for the water parks until mid May for 80 dollars.

[@petergeorge4160]

@@TheFrugalBrit thank you. Will probably buy them in Disney Springs ticket office. I assume they are paper card type and not download types. Thanks again. 😀

[@nickpavlidis5735]

The Mickey’s not so spooky Halloween party tickets go on sale from may every year so that would be a good time to book theme park tickets too.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Good knowledge 👍

[@NeverGiveUpz]

Hey Frugal, found you recently. Wife and I are visiting June 2nd, 2 questions. Will we melt with the heat, and I wanna rent a car, how is it driving in FL, never driven outside England lol Thanks mate

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Driving over there is easier in my opinion, lots more space on the roads. You will find yourself drifting over to the right if you’re not used to it though, so just plant the front left wheel over to the left. You will melt I’m afraid 😂 But as long as you’re prepared, and take precautions, it’ll be great. The heat is never a factor for me personally when I’m booking.

[@user-fl9hx7wh1o]

You mention in the video that the Skyliner is available from the Port Orleans French Quarter. I don’t think this is correct as we are going there in the summer but nothing we have seen suggests the Skyliner is available from this hotel

[@TheFrugalBrit]

You’re absolutely right, I’ve used the wrong graphic for that. It should have said: Pop century; Art of Animation; Riviera and Caribbean Beach Resort 🙈🤦‍♂️

[@michellehartford4937]

Do you have to have park tickets and water park tickets or can you just have waterpark tickets!???

[@TheFrugalBrit]

You can just have water park tickets 👍

[@DodgeBearUK]

At around 9.20 you say that it's 60 days for on site guests and the same for off site guest thought off site had 30 days

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Off site guests get 60 days, but on site guests can do 60 days of the first day of their trip (for all dates during the trip). It’s hard to explain 🙈

[@DodgeBearUK]

@@TheFrugalBrit ah OK so on site can book there whole plans from day one but off site need to wait each day to book there's if I'm getting that right

[@damiankarrassj9225]

I find this so interesting but OMG.... with the Genie+ and Lightning Lane........ I was exhausted when covering this. I am so sorry to anybody who will disagree with me, but the last time I went was in 2000 and WDW was so much better than this. It was a holiday where you can have fun... excitement and YES. ..... relax. Now you seem to be on your phone all day by the sound of it .... the days when you had FASTPASS was so much better and cheaper.... it was free that's why!!!! I think Covid took the magic out of WDW as I am sure they are doing all they can to get their money back after what they had lost and this is one of the ways to do it.... Praise the lord I went during those magical years when you didn't have a phone with you at all time and tearing your hear out if you can't get your place for the queue lines .... as it now sounds like joining the army than an enjoyable time at this once magical land. Sorry to upset anyone but the magic HAS gone for me!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

I’m not a fan of genie+/lightning lanes! Although I’d say the virtual queue system works very well imho.

[@mattalki]

It's too bad they won't ditch the 'skip the line' services. If they did, wait times would plummet. It makes it really hard to enjoy the parks.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah genie+ in its current form is not a good experience.

[@SimplyFloridaTravel]

love your blogs lets talk

[@m3lvn415]

That's a lot of information for idiots to process, but huge thanks!

[@TasteofOrlando-zl8kg]

Still too complicated but nice to see less so.

[@RichieAustinMagician]

virgin Holidays do a ticket price match on there tickets flight hotel packages , if you find a cheaper ticket they refund you the difference

[@martinmccullough5788]

Why is it so complicated , It would put you off going .

[@fatles2008]

Dude, you're obviously British so give a British equivalent of the size of Disney World. E.g. Its the size of Devon or the county of Rutland or city of Manchester. We don't know the size of Manhatten or Universal.

[@theq8688]

Oh woooow this is stupid. Why does anyone even use the lightning lanes or genie +? Seems really unintuitive and like a cash grab.

[@a.f.393]

Too complicated. Universal does it much better than Disney.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

It's far too complicated these days. This video shouldn't have to be 40 minutes lol.

[@leecrawley9862]

A great thorough video again mate 👍The booking systems at Disney are ridiculous now. It just feels like they are trying to grab every last penny from you, reservations, multiple pay extra services, and there's very little new for returning visitors to experience unless you haven't been for many years. Universal does it far easier, and with the opening of Epic next year I think they'll take a huge slice of the pie from the Disney parks. Disney needs to change, look at their pricing, adapt and get building new attractions!!!!

[@gissneric]

If only Universal has rides everyone can ride. Most of my family cant handle thrill rides and screens so we mostly end up going to Disney cause they have more relaxing dark and water rides.

[@a.f.393]

@@TheFrugalBrittrue! 😂 thanks for your work

[@woooooooo9061]

I love Universal, but their staff, whether because they’re underpaid or whatever, ruin the magic. Disney just feels like a much happier place. Much more professional. Although you get what you pay for.

[@DT-kl7uf]

Your voice is way too irritating

[@ChrisUK27]

Incredibly useful videos, many thanks!