What are some of the best Walt Disney World (Orlando) hacks?: originally appeared on Quora: The best answer to any question. Ask a question, get a great answer. Learn from experts and access insider knowledge. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
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Answer by Tom Nikl, huge fan of Disney World trips, legends, and lore. Author of DisneyDorkTom blog.
Planning Hacks:
- One of my favorite hacks, is more of a planning 'hack', and that's making sure you use crowd calendars to book your visit. Knowing what the projected crowd levels are a great way to avoid crushing crowds during your stay. Undercover Tourist has a great one, here: April 2015 Orlando Crowd Calendar
Hotel Hacks:
- Ever have the urge to stay at one of the deluxe resorts but it isn't in the budget? Disney has a great work-around. Book the majority of your stay at a resort in your budget. Then, book the last one or two nights at the resort you've wanted to splurge on. The morning that you check out of your first hotel, that hotel will transport your bags for you to the new hotel. When you're done at the park, head to your new hotel, pick up your bags, and check-in.
Save Money Hacks:
- Rent Disney Vacation Club points, instead of renting a room. You'll get to stay at a Disney resort at what will (typically) be a lower cost than renting a room at the same resorts.
Ride Hacks:
- This one involves some careful timing, but one of my favorite hacks is timing a ride with the fireworks, particularly Jungle Cruise. It's a lot of fun being on the Jungle Cruise and looking up and seeing the fireworks in parallel.
Sore Feet Hacks:
- Unless you're a marathon runner, your feet are going to get sore, and, since you're in Orlando, you may be getting a bit hot, too. Knowing which rides at each park usually have short waits to get on, and also somewhat lengthy duration are a great way to give you and your feet a break:
Magic Kingdom: Carousel of Progress, People Mover.
EPCOT: Ellen's Energy Adventure, Living with the Land boat ride
Hollywood Studios: Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Lights Camera Action Stunt Show
Animal Kingdom: Wildlife Express Train
Upgrade the fun Hacks:
- When you enter, stop by Mainstreet USA and tell them if you're celebrating an occasion. They'll likely have an appropriate button for you for free.