An Idiot's Guide to WALT DISNEY WORLD | 2024

[@TheFrugalBrit]

UPDATES & CORRECTIONS: Last reviewed on : 11 September 2024 - Disney Announced in August 2024 that Tron will operate a standby line instead of the virtual queue. - Disney recently announced a complete overhaul of it's Lightning Lane and Disney Genie+ service, which came into place on July 24. It's sort of a merge of the recent system with the older fastpass+ system. The Genie+ service will now be called Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and the Individual Lightning Lane Selections service will be known as Lightning Lane Single Pass. Instead of only being able to purchase and make reservations on the day, guests will now instead be able to do all this in advance of their day of visit. Resort guests will be able to plan up to 7 days in advance, for their entire trip, and non resort guests can plan up to 3 days in advance. - NEW LIGHTNING LANE MULTI PASS - you can make up to 3 lightning lane selections in a theme park in advance (and choose the times). When making the reservations, you can make one reservations from the the tier 1 list of attractions, and two selections from the tier 2 list of attractions. On the day of your visit, once you use a selection, you can check the app for availability to make an additional selection. - NEW LIGHTNING LANE SINGLE PASS - This is going to operate very similar to the lightning lane selection service, as discussed in the video, but you'll be able to purchase passes in advance. - 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).

[@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 🙈

[@jimnirman161]

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

[@cameronashton7150]

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

[@caseydalton1234]

Frugal Brit. Your videos are awesome and so helpful. New subscriber here. Thank you!!!! Going for my first time ever to WDW in January 2025 and trying to gear up and get ready. I feel like no matter what I’m gonna be overwhelmed and ill prepared lol.

[@manoelsilva2449]

Me too! Taking the family this January 🎉

[@metallicnole4514]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Tell me about it!!

[@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 😁

[@brettjones5336]

by far the most ive learned from any of these type videos thank you for going over iightening lanes in more detail.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

@@brettjones5336 thanks for that! Glad you’ve found it useful. Be sure to check out all changes on lighting lanes since I posted this video. There’s no genie+ anymore.

[@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! 😁

[@JasonHornbuckle-ti5fw]

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

[@mr2swole141]

Your videos are amazing. So helpful and well spoken.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Appreciate that 😁

[@stevenparkin6486]

Well said. Your dialogue is the "Cliff Notes of Disney". I thank you for your efficient overview and commentary, which was (unintentionally) filled with humor. You spent $1000s to save me much wait time, cost, and frustration.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

😂

[@voiceoverguyharris]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Very welcome, thanks for watching 😁

[@richardmartinez4522]

How did it go?

[@voiceoverguyharris]

@@richardmartinez4522 Ah thanks for asking. It was a great trip. Just want to be back there now 🙂

[@mattmoore6218]

Although I know much about what you mention, I just love watching your videos. Gets me excited for my next trip.

[@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!

[@TD3Vlogs]

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 👌

[@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.

[@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 😁

[@Laubie]

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

[@Bauer07]

Perfect. Keep up the good work.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Kevin 😁

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@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 !

[@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?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Ashley! Sorry I'm a bit late to this...my faves do change, but currently I'd say the followingL Magic Kingdom: Tiana's (although preferred Splash) Epcot: Guardians Hollywood Studios: Rise Animal Kingdom: Flight of Passage

[@bryanthecelticsfan]

I love your channel and all your vids!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Bryan! 😁😁

[@daxhausentraveller8488]

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

[@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.

[@AlfySousa]

Super review, great description

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@charliejay8_24]

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]

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 👍

[@DavidStead-h7v]

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 🙈🤦‍♂️

[@realgg.offical]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@nickpavlidis5735]

I think we need an update now since Genie + isn’t anymore and that new things have opened.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah timing is a bit frustrating. Unfortunately not likely to update until January/February next year.

[@rowan5229]

Boss video mate, very informative 😊

[@sarahl534]

Hi wheres list of top picks for places to eat for fussy eaters please?

[@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?

[@judithwardley]

Could anyone advise about lockers? Can you leave bags next to the ride as you get on or are you forced to get a locker? How much are the lockers?

[@Arthur.Albert.Archie]

Thought one of the water park had closed down? Are they now both open

[@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 👍

[@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. 😀

[@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

[@Ashleyenglish24]

Great video, thanks

[@merf64]

what hotel is at 11:25

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista

[@disneystarmichaeltownes]

I'm Watching It Right Now On KZbin Thank You

[@TheFrugalBrit]

😁😁

[@nickpavlidis5735]

Will we be seeing an update for 2025 soon?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

@@nickpavlidis5735 not soon I’m afraid, but hopefully early February.

[@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.

[@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

[@TasteofOrlando-zl8kg]

Still too complicated but nice to see less so.

[@martinmccullough5788]

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

[@firstlast1732]

Just got back from Disney world it totally sucks now so sad it’s run by a new group of incompetence it’s a waste don’t go and travel to a real place with culture

[@SimplyFloridaTravel]

love your blogs lets talk

[@LEHA0210]

Hi I would watch this as I like some of your other videos have been helpful. However, as I am not an idiot, I will not be watching this or any other video titled "idiots guide". However, keep up the good work.

[@m3lvn415]

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

[@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.

[@differentman1878]

Ty. A but much of clicks from a dry mouth but otherwise good voice work

[@DT-kl7uf]

Your voice is way too irritating

[@ChrisUK27]

Incredibly useful videos, many thanks!