I’m a Disney World reporter, and it’s my job to visit theme parks multiple times a week, which means I’ve got it down to a SCIENCE.

I know the fastest modes of Disney transportation, the secret shortcuts in the parks, and yes, even where the best bathrooms are located. But perhaps some of the most valuable tips I have are the ones I learned from visiting Disney World on its most crowded days of the year.

It Starts When You Wake Up

If you’re planning on visiting Disney World on the most crowded days of the year (times like spring and summer breaks, holidays, and runDisney events), your planning for the day will start when you first wake up. 7AM is a particularly crucial time because it’s when you can book virtual queues, make Genie+ Lightning Lane selections, and when Disney World Resort hotel guests can purchase Individual Lightning Lanes.

If you want to get the big rides done in each park, you’ll likely need to make good use of these digital offerings during your trip. If you miss that 7AM drop by even SECONDS, you might be out of luck for snagging access to your favorite rides.

Arriving at the Park

After you’ve made all your morning bookings and you’re ready for the day, it’s time to head to the park. If you’re expecting heavy crowds during your visit, my best piece of advice is to arrive EARLY. Try and get to the park 45-60 minutes before it opens for the day.

Why so early? Well, by the time you park (or get off the bus/Skyliner/boat/Monorail), go through security, and get in the line to scan in the park, you’ll be grateful you had the extra time. You don’t want to be rushing any more than necessary! Plus, arriving early will put you in a good position to be among the first people on the rides.

That first hour or two of park time is absolutely CRUCIAL. I’ve been in Magic Kingdom and the other parks on many a busy morning, and the difference between the crowds and wait times and 9AM versus the crowds and wait times at 10AM is incredibly stark.

Where to Eat

Eating can be a huge challenge on busy park days, and it’s one that even I fall victim to! If you forget to place your Mobile Orders in advance or make your dining reservations 60 days out from your trip, you could find yourself without many options come lunchtime.

Since Mobile Order windows fill up quickly, it’s smart to go ahead and place your lunchtime or dinnertime orders as early as possible — simply choose a later pick-up time and modify it if necessary. However, if you forget to do that, you’re not entirely out of luck. Quick service restaurants with Mobile Order are often the most popular places to dine, so sometimes you can get your meal more quickly by choosing a snack stand or restaurant that DOESN’T offer Mobile Order and standing in line at the counter.

When it comes to table service dining, you can always check the My Disney Experience app for last-minute reservation availability or ask at the restaurant’s podium first thing in the morning when they open. The app also offers a Walk-up Waitlist sometimes, and I’ve been able to snag some great dining by using that feature!

Learn the App, and Learn It WELL

Speaking of the My Disney Experience app, it may be difficult to use at first, but it will be your biggest tool to have a successful park day. Outside of Genie+, Individual Lightning Lanes, and Mobile Ordering, the app also has built-in maps, the availability to check attraction wait times, a chat feature for any difficulties you may encounter, and so much more.

If you study the Disney World app before your visit and play around with its features, you’ll be able to navigate the parks SO much more successfully during your trip. From being able to sort the map to search for Guest Relations, restrooms, and gift shops to using the in-app guides to the EPCOT festivals, My Disney Experience has helped me out more times than I can count. (Yes, even though it can be glitchy and frustrating at times!)

Things to Avoid

And finally, there are a few things you should avoid doing if you’re hitting Disney World during a busy season. I would recommend not skipping the beginning or end of the day — if you need some extra rest, take a break and go back to the hotel midday. You’ll find the shortest wait times first thing in the morning and last thing at night, so missing those valuable hours can wreak havoc on your park plan.

Also, you should definitely avoid going into your day without a plan. You don’t need to schedule every minute, but you might want to at least have a list of must-dos for rides, attractions, shows, and snacks. That way, you know what to prioritize, and anything extra you get done is a fun bonus.

Last but not least, avoid freaking out! Disney World can be very daunting when crowded, but it’s important to keep your cool, be patient with Cast Members, and have realistic expectations about what you can accomplish. Focus on enjoying yourself, and everything will be gravy!

So there are some tips for visiting Disney World on the busiest days — I hope they help you during your next vacation! Stay tuned to DFB for more advice and news from the parks.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Go to Disney World? Click Here!

Have you ever been to Disney World on a crowded day? Tell us in the comments!