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There’s no arguing with the global appeal of Mickey Mouse. Millions flock to parks like Walt Disney World, in Orlando, Fla., and Disneyland, in Anaheim, Calif., every year. Some visitors are practically regulars: Haydee Chachamovits, 43, of Aventura, Fla., has been to Disney World more than 50 times.
However, a one-week trip to Disney World for a family of four can cost upward of $6,400, according to the personal finance site NerdWallet. And the price tag has only gotten higher since 2021, when complimentary skip-the-line services like Fast Pass transitioned to the paid Genie+ feature, rebranded this summer as Lightning Lane.
The rising costs may be daunting, but the lines for rides and food don’t have to be. Here are some tips to get the maximum magic out of your visit.
Buy passes to skip long lines
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass (starting at $15 per person per day, depending on the date and the park) allows riders to skip regular lines for select attractions at Disney World and Disneyland parks by using designated Lightning Lane entrances at reserved times.
However, some high-demand attractions like Tron Lightcycle/Run are not included in the Multi Pass and require you to buy a Lightning Lane Single Pass (starting at $11 per person per day; prices can change daily, depending on demand). You can purchase up to two Lightning Lane Single Passes per day.
At Disney World, visitors can make Lightning Lane reservations remotely, starting at 7 a.m. At Disneyland, you must be scanned into the park before reserving.
Jenn Johnson, the founder of the family travel blog Those Johnson Boys, who has been to Disney World 12 times in the last eight years, recommends checking the website Thrill Data before heading to the park to know which rides are booking up the quickest. The Lightning Lanes at some rides, such as Slinky Dog Dash and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, book up within minutes of 7 a.m., she said, so if a specific attraction is a priority, make sure you reserve it right away.
At Disneyland, Lightning Lane reservations rarely run out, as they often do at Disney World, said McCayla Butler, 42, of Seattle, who often shares Disney tips on her mc.and.mouse.club Instagram account. At Disneyland, Ms. Butler specifically recommends purchasing a Lightning Lane Single Pass for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (typically around $26 per person), since the wait time is always long and, she said, it is a “must do” attraction.
Join a single-rider line, or book a tour
At both parks, members of your group can split up to take advantage of single-rider lines, which are used to fill unoccupied seats on attractions. “They usually move way faster than the standard standby line,” said Ms. Butler, noting that the single-rider line is typically located near the exit of the attraction.
Similarly, if a member of your group is too small or can’t ride, you can request a complimentary “rider switch” on certain attractions, so that the person who stays behind to watch the nonrider can still have a turn without waiting in line again. Just ask a staff member at either Disney park, said Amy Castro, a Disney planning expert.
If you believe that time is money and have plenty of the latter, you can book a Disney Private VIP Tour for rapid access to parks, rides and attractions. These tours come with a “magic guide,” who personally escorts you and a maximum of nine others to the front of the line for $450 to $900 per hour, excluding park admission.
Take advantage of early entry
Guests staying at one of the 25 Disney Resort hotels or three Disneyland Resorts can usually enter parks 30 minutes before they open to the general public. Disney World offers early entry every day at every park, while Disneyland allows early entry on select days to select parks. A tip if you’re visiting Disneyland but not staying at a Disneyland Resort: “Visit the parks on days when this benefit isn’t offered to avoid the early-entry crowds,” Ms. Butler suggested.
Pack a lunch, or plan ahead for a meal with Mickey
A surefire way to avoid long lunch or dinner lines is to pack your own sandwiches. Guests are allowed to bring outside food and nonalcoholic beverages in bags, backpacks and small coolers. Glass and loose ice are not allowed.
If you still want to sample the park’s culinary offerings, try using your phone. The My Disney Experience app and the Disneyland Resort app have a “mobile order” feature that allows users to order quick-service meals in advance to avoid waiting in line.
Finally, meals with Disney characters can be the highlight of any visit, but how do you get those coveted slots? Ms. Johnson recommends reserving them online as soon as the Disney World booking window opens at 6 a.m. Eastern 60 days before your visit, or for Disneyland, 6 a.m. Pacific up to 60 days before. You may be able to snag a reservation at the last minute, too. People sometimes cancel up to two hours before their meal. Try the My Disney Experience or Disneyland Resort app, or join a walk-up list at a restaurant.
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