I Was a Disney World Cast Member. Here Are My Top Tips for 2024.

Listen. As a former Disney World Cast Member-turned Disney writer, it’s safe to say I know a thing or two about the common problems people run into on vacation. Trust me, I’ve seen and heard a LOT.

I’ve said it once; I’ll say it a million times: no two Disney World vacations are the same. Some families make it their mission to squeeze in as much park time as possible. Other people like to sit by the pool, pop over to EPCOT to catch the fireworks, and then go to a late dinner. It’s all subjective! But no matter what you prefer, some tips just make good sense for everyone.

From a former Cast Member to a friend, these tips will (hopefully) help you avoid some common Disney problems.

Learn how Genie+ works before your trip.

Please, we’re begging you. Don’t assume you’ll figure out Genie+ as you go. It’s not as easy to use as you may expect. It’s not user-friendly. It’s not even reliable 100% of the time. Is this a little harsh? Yes. But even Disney experts run into snags with Disney’s paid FastPass services.

Watch a short YouTube video before your trip. Read an article or two (we have plenty of tips and tricks!). Take some notes on the whole concept of “stacking” your Lightning Lanes. Set alarms so you know when to book those rides. It may sound like dull work, but trust me, you’ll be glad you know what you’re doing when it’s 7AM and you successfully purchased Genie+ AND booked a Lightning Lane without any problems.

8 Sneaky Genie+ Tips You Need to Know for Disney World

Stack your Lightning Lanes

OK, after you’ve followed tip #1, you’ll be ready to implement tip #2: stack those Lightning Lanes, people. There’s no better feeling than strolling into Disney’s Hollywood Studios around 2PM and already having a full queue of rides lined up on Genie+.

This tip takes a good bit of strategy and planning. You won’t be able to actually use your Genie+ Lightning Lanes until later in the day if you follow this advice, but if you do it right, you’ll end up making it on all the most popular rides without having to wait in line. Work smarter, not harder!

How Do You “Stack” Genie Plus Reservations? What Are the Best Ways To Do It?

If you didn’t get the dining reservation you wanted, keep trying.

I’ve seen people get so defeated when they can’t get ahold of the dining reservation they want. But don’t give up!

You never know when someone will decide to cancel their reservation. And when they cancel their reservation, that opens up a spot for YOU! Keep checking the My Disney Experience app — all the way up until the day of your visit. We’ve seen last-minute reservations appear for even the most popular restaurants!

How To Get Day of Dining Reservations in Disney World

Stop listening to other people.

OK, so when I say “people,” I’m talking about the random neighbor who feels the need to share their opinion on everything you’re doing wrong. Or the relative who thinks they can plan a better trip than you. Don’t listen to them.

It’s your family. It’s your vacation. Just because your neighbor had great success rope-dropping the parks six days in a row doesn’t mean you have to do the same thing to have a good trip. Sure, people like to try to be helpful, but at the end of the day, take that advice with a grain of salt.

Grocery delivery services are a game-changer.

One word: WATER. Here’s the thing about Disney World. Unless you don’t mind going to refill those Resort Refillable Mugs every few hours, or you’re okay with the idea of forking over an inflated amount of money for a single bottle of water, there isn’t really an easy way to get water, especially at your hotel.  Enter grocery delivery services.

Whether you’re looking for inexpensive snacks to take to the parks, a little in-room breakfast, or just a case or two of water bottles, I highly recommend ordering through Instacart, Amazon Grocery, Garden Grocer, or another food/grocery delivery service. Trust me — when it’s 11PM, the hotel food court is closed, and you’re hungry, that bag of chips will start looking real nice.

We Instacarted Snacks to Our Disney World Hotel Room. Here’s What We Didn’t Expect.

OK, I tried to keep things simple for you. With a little planning and a lot of patience, you can tackle Disney World like a PRO in 2024. Good luck and have FUN! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

I Was a Disney World Cast Member. Here Are 5 Cringey Things Guests Do.

Are you going to Disney World in 2024? Let us know in the comments!

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