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The One Secret Tip Every Disney Expert Swears By!
Oh my gosh, bestie! I am so excited that you are finally going to Disney World! It is literally the most magical place on Earth, and you are going to have the best time ever! I’ve been reading so much lately because I wanted to make sure your trip is perfect. I found this amazing thing where five different Disney experts all sat down to talk. These guys go to the parks every single day, so they know everything. And guess what? They all agreed on one big thing! I was so shocked because usually, people argue about which ride is better, but they all said the same thing for a perfect vacation. Are you ready? The big secret is: YOU MUST TAKE A MID-DAY BREAK!
I know, I know! You want to stay in the park from the second it opens until the fireworks end. You think you’ll miss out if you leave. But trust me, and trust the experts! Florida is super hot and the crowds get really big around 1 PM. If you stay, you will get “cranky” (I’ve been there, it’s not cute!). The experts say the smartest thing to do is go back to your hotel around lunch time. Go swim in the pool, take a nap in the AC, and recharge your phone. Then, you head back to the parks around 5 PM when the sun is going down and everyone else is leaving because they are tired. You will be the one with all the energy to ride the big roller coasters at night! It is a total game changer!
Magic Kingdom: What to Eat and Where to See the Magic
Okay, let’s talk about Magic Kingdom! This is where the castle is and it looks amazing! When you walk down Main Street, the smell of popcorn is everywhere. Budget $8 for a big bucket of popcorn because you’ll want to snack while you walk.
For the best snack in the whole park, you have to go to a place called Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. It is right near the castle. Order the Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich with Nutella. It costs exactly $9. It is huge! You can totally share it, or just eat the whole thing yourself (no judgment!).
When it’s time for the afternoon parade, don’t just stand anywhere. Go to Liberty Square right near the bridge that leads to the castle. Stand right against the wooden fence. You get a perfect view of the characters as they come around the corner, and it’s usually way less crowded than Main Street. For the fireworks at night, everyone crowds right in front of the castle. Don’t do that! Instead, stand back by the trash cans near the Crystal Palace restaurant. I know it sounds weird to stand near trash cans, but they give you a clear spot where nobody can stand directly in front of you, and you can see the whole sky lighting up! Plus, you can make a quick exit when it’s over!
Eating Your Way Around Epcot
Epcot is so cool because it feels like you are traveling around the world in one day! My favorite thing to do here is “Eat Around the World.” You have to try the School Bread in the Norway section. It’s only $5 and it’s this soft bread filled with custard and covered in coconut. It’s so yummy!
If you want a real meal, go to the UK pavilion and get the Fish and Chips from the walk-up window. It costs $13 and you get a lot of food. Take your tray and walk all the way to the back behind the shops. There is a secret little garden with benches where you can eat in peace. It’s so quiet and pretty back there!
For the big ride, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, you have to try to get in the virtual queue on your phone at 7 AM sharp! If you get on, ask the worker if you can sit in Row 9. It is the back of the car and it spins the most. It feels like you are dancing in space! It’s the coolest feeling in the world!
Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Secrets
At Hollywood Studios, you have to go to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It looks so real! Even if you don’t like the movies, it’s amazing. Go to Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land and get the “Totchos.” They are tater tot nachos and they cost $11. They are covered in chili and cheese and they are so good. For a photo, go to the back of the Millennium Falcon. Most people take photos in the front, but the back is empty and you can get a shot with the whole ship without any strangers in your picture!
In Animal Kingdom, the best thing is Pandora – The World of Avatar. You have to ride Flight of Passage. It smells like orange trees and the ocean! Budget $14 for the Cheeseburger Pods at Satu’li Canteen. They look like little white buns but taste like a cheeseburger. It’s wild! Also, make sure you walk through Pandora at night. The ground glows in the dark! It looks like a movie set and it’s the best place for a “wow” photo.
Budgeting for the Magic
I know you’re wondering how much this is all going to cost. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it! You need to have a plan for your money so you don’t stress out. Here is a little table I made to show you the difference between doing a “Budget” trip versus “Balling Out” like a movie star!
| Item | Budget Trip (Daily) | Balling Out (Daily) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | $180 (Pop Century Resort) | $750 (Grand Floridian Resort) |
| Food & Snacks | $60 (Quick Service & Snacks) | $160 (Steakhouse 71 & Character Meals) |
| Tickets | $109 (Base Ticket) | $185 (Park Hopper + Lightning Lane) |
| Souvenirs | $30 (One pair of Ears) | $250 (Custom Lightsaber) |
| Total Per Person | $379 | $1,345 |
As you can see, you can spend a little or a whole lot! Either way, you are going to have the best time. Just remember to wear your most comfy sneakers (don’t wear new ones, you’ll get blisters!) and drink a ton of water. Most places will give you a cup of ice water for free if you just ask!
Don’t Forget to Join the Squad!
I am so excited for you! I want to hear every single detail when you get back. If you want more tips on how to save money and find the best deals for Florida, you have to join this group I found! They post the best secrets and help people plan the cheapest trips ever. It’s like having a team of experts in your pocket!
Go join them right now at https://www.facebook.com/CheaptravelVIP.FL and tell them I sent you! Have the best trip ever, bestie! Love you!
