Seeking Disney World Tips

When exactly are you going in April? The last week is when they have Grad Nite and the parks are filled with highschool seniors.

I had posted this about a month ago in a similar thread:

Okay, here goes, advice from a Cast Member (Disney Employee):

This is probably one of the better times of the year to go to Walt Disney World (WDW). Crowds should be smaller which means wait times will be very manageable. However, these days, slow times are still moderately busy. Parks are likely to close earlier, and the Magic Kingdom will be hosting the Pirates and Princess Party on select nights. When this happens, the Magic Kingdom closes at 7 to regular day guests.

As far as the Magic Kingdom (MK) only being for children, that's the silliest thing I've ever heard. The Magic Kingdom is what going to WDW is about and has been for 27 years. It's for the young and young at heart. You are never to old to have fun or feel the magic. Just because you go to the MK doesn't mean you have spend all day with whining children in Fantasyland or ride It's a Small World. The MK is home to classics like Pirates of the Carribean, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion (which was recently redone), and Space Mountain. Also, it has the Hall of Presidents, Big Thuder Mountain Railroad (coaster), Splash Mountain (which I believe is under refurbishment), Mickey's Philharmagic, the Carousel of Progress, Buzz Lightyear's Spaceranger Spin, Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy club, and the perfect place to spend some alone time with your significant other, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority ;-)

At night, the Magic Kingdom has the electrical light parade, Spectromagic and the nightly Wishes fireworks show.

The most adult park is definitely EPCOT which is celebrating 25 years this year. It contains probably the most unique area of any theme park, World Showcase (WS) where you can sample food, alcohol, and culture of 11 different nations. The best attraction in WS IMO is the American Adventure (best comparable to Carousel of Progress and Hall of Presidents but much better). Also, every night at 9pm is Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. It's a fireworks show which can be seen from all around World Showcase Lagoon. My favorite spot is in between Italy and America or at the front of WS.

Between France and England is one Disney's best kept secrets, the International Gateway, an alternate entrance/exit to EPCOT which leads to Disney's Boardwalk which contains the ESPN Club. You can also walk or take a boat from here to Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios).

EPCOT also has Future World which contains Soarin'. To ride Soarin', you will have to go there first thing in the morning and get a Fast Pass and wait in line (so you can ride it twice before it has an 60-80+ wait time. Also, you shouldn't miss Mission: Space (listen to the warnings...they aren't joking), Test Track (you may want to get a Fast Pass for this after Soarin', and the newly refurbished Spaceship Earth (the icon of EPCOT). Also, if you have any interest in the history of EPCOT, there is an exhibit for the 25th Anniversary located behind Club Cool.

Disney's Hollywood Studios is the new name for the Disney-MGM Studios as of January 7th. Must sees are Rock'n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and Fantasmic. The Great Movie Ride, Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, and Muppet Vision 3D are also good. If you are into car stunts, check out Lights, Motors, Action. Also, back in that area is a billboard for MNF featuring the Saints historic MNF game last year. If you're into finding out more about Disney/Walt Disney World, visit One Man's Dream. Next to that is the future home of Toy Story Mania and PIXAR Studios. Toy Story Mania *could* be in previews when you go. Also, don't be too "adult" to enjoy Voyage of the Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast.

Disney's Animal Kingdom is still relatively new, so there is less to do than the other parks. The first thing you should do in the morning is Kilimanjaro Safaris, this is when the line will be shortest and animals will be most active. Next, go to Expedition Everest, get a Fast Pass, and wait in line. Once again, don't be too "adult" to see Finding Nemo the Musical, and don't miss out on Dinosaur and It's Tough to be a Bug.


Not much to do at Downtown Disney besides shop. You can take a boat to and from Port Orleans though which is very cool. Pleasure Island is the nightclub area of Walt Disney World and requires admission for the clubs. My favorite club is the Adventurers Club. You should definitely give it a try. If you do go, keep in mind, it's not a normal club and give it about 30 minutes. Also, Thursdays, the clubs are predominantly filled with Cast Members.


My best advice, take advantage of the Fast Pass system, take your time because you have plenty of it, and don't be overwhelmed by the amount of things there are to do. Also, don't be afraid to let your inner child come out...there's nothing wrong with that, and you'll enjoy yourself more if you do. Have a Magical time!:9:

Good informative post.

How busy is Easter time at WDW?
I've heard Mardi Gras time over there has gotten quite busy over the years. I'm not surprised, as TONS of people from here go there at that time.