A LOT has changed in Disney World over the past three or so years.

We’ve had to learn how to make park pass reservations (although many of us won’t have to after 2024). We had to learn the ins and outs of Genie+. Even the way we make dining reservations has changed. With that being said, though, it means that a lot of advice we would have once given for visiting Disney World just doesn’t work anymore.

So here are all the pro tips we’ve had to throw out the window because they’re now pretty useless.

Rope drop or stay until park close

Previously, we used to see the shortest wait times at the parks at one of two times during the day: at rope drop (when the parks open) and at park close (just before the parks close). However, with the most popular rides, sometimes that’s just no longer the case. A lot of popular rides will still have long wait times at rope drop — so be flexible, don’t go in expecting to walk on.

That goes for staying until park close, too — sometime the ride lines don’t change that much to warrant you staying in the parks that late if you’re not a night owl. These are still some of the times with the shortest waits of the day, but now we tell you it’s not a given — be prepared to wait.

The Shocking Things I Learned While Rope Dropping Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Go during off-season

Remember when Disney World actually had an off-season?  Well, that’s just no longer the case. We’ve seen times in January, when things used to be quiet, totally surprise us. That’s because so MUCH is going on in Disney World ALL the time. There’s something happening every week, from runDisney events to cheerleader competitions to EPCOT festivals to other events. Disney has planned these events during times when it used to be less busy to bring the crowds, and it has worked!

Now, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t cheaper times of the year to visit or an occasional surprisingly slow day. But more often than not, the crowds are surprising even during the cheaper times of year.

How to Predict if Magic Kingdom Will Be Crowded When You’re There

Eat at certain restaurants

There was a time when we would have told you to make an advance dining reservation for Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. But a lot has changed with the restaurant since then. Not only is the quick service lunch option gone, but the meal is now a prix fixe meal for both lunch and dinner.

Now? We don’t feel this meal is particularly worth its $70 per person price tag, especially now that the lunch option is gone. We’d much rather just hop on over to Adventureland and eat at Skipper Canteen instead.

How Be Our Guest Restaurant Lunch Slowly Declined From Perfect to Pathetic

Get the Disney Dining Plan

Now we know this might be a controversial take because a lot of folks LOVE the Disney Dining Plan, but ahead of its return in 2024, we just have to say this: it just might not be a good value. We get it. The dining plan certainly makes budgeting more meals a little easier, but are you doing your budget a favor by paying MORE for food than you might otherwise?

Also, it might take more planning to use the Dining Plan than just budgeting for your food separately. You’ll need to know what the dining plan includes with each meal (and remember, you’ll still have to pay for gratuity out of your own pocket). Do the math BEFORE you decide to get it. Also, when a FREE dining plan offer comes up, note that it means you’ll usually have to pay the full rack rate for the hotel room that comes with it, which  may end up costing you more.

Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It in 2024?

Make a table service reservation for every day of your trip

There was a time we’d even tell you to make an advance dining reservation for a Disney World table service restaurant for EVERY day of your trip. However, that was back when the counter service spots in Disney World just weren’t very good. Now, though, there are some counter service restaurants we’d recommend OVER table service restaurants.

So we no longer think you need to take time out of your day (especially if it’s a park day) to spend longer on a table service meal when you can grab delicious things like Totchos, Corn Dog Nuggets, Spring Rolls, Cheeseburger Pods, and other delicious fast food in the parks.

Thousands of Disney Fans Voted on the BEST Fast Food Restaurant in Disney World. This Was Their Answer.

Stay on property

We once would have told you to stay on property because staying on property came with some pretty nice perks, including free transportation to and from the parks and extra time in the parks. Well, there are plenty of other hotels in the area NOT owned by Disney where you can get those same perks!

For example, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin (located in the EPCOT area) has easy access to Disney’s Skyliner, plus you get Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours in the parks when available. There are also hotels in the Disney Springs area with similar perks.

Sorry, But You’re Choosing the Wrong Hotel in Disney World

So if you haven’t visited Disney World in some time, know that a lot has changed and the old tips for visiting are not always the best. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on our best Disney World strategies, though, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

People Call Everything a Disney World “Hack,” But Here Are 7 Genius Tips You Actually Need

 

What old Disney World tips don’t work for you anymore? Let us know in the comments!