I’ve been going to Disney World for the better part of 30 years, so by now you’d think I would know the parks like the back of my hand.
Magic Kingdom
Well, the joke’s on you because I don’t know the back of my hand very well. Just kidding, but being that I am rather directionally challenged and get turned around a lot — I definitely still don’t know all the ins and outs of the parks or what the best shortcuts are. I like to blissfully stroll from place to place like a fairy in a forest. A fairy that also probably has a tequila-based drink in her hand. And if you’re anything like me, you might want to know about these shortcuts!
I’m somewhat of a loose cannon when it comes to Disney World, meaning I don’t often go with a plan since I’m lucky enough to be an Annual Passholder. That means I also don’t fully know where I’m headed all the time — which is why these shortcuts are so convenient!
EPCOT
There are plenty of shortcuts in Magic Kingdom, but one of the best ones travels between Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland. You can enter either by The Barnstormer or by TRON Lightcycle / Run and walk all the way between the two lands, saving you some serious steps and time. As a bonus, the path is usually pretty quiet and has some pretty views. Not only that, but it’s also the easiest way to get to Tomorrowland from the Fantasyland Train Station!
From Tomorrowland to Storybook Circus
Also in Magic Kingdom, another shortcut (that’s more like a way to avoid crowds) few people use is right by Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. You enter the pathway next to the caricatures kiosk and it takes you behind the store, past the Liberty Square Gazebo, and ends near the entrance to Adventureland.
Magic Kingdom Portraits and Caricatures
Okay, this next shortcut in EPCOT certainly isn’t a secret nor is it new, but it is one that I didn’t start using until recently — the World Showcase Lagoon boats! EPCOT runs a boat service daily across the lagoon from the Canada Pavilion to the Morrocco Pavilion, and it can be a great way to save some time and sanity on those busy EPCOT days! The boats often don’t have too long of a wait and can kind of be like a ride, too.
World Showcase Lagoon
My favorite shortcut I’ve discovered recently is the hidden pathway between Africa and Asia at Animal Kingdom! You can enter either by Harambe Village in Africa or by Caravan Road in Asia, but this little walking path is almost always empty — and pretty darn quiet.
Pathway between Africa and Asia
Whether you’ve taken any of these shortcuts or not, hopefully, next time you’re strolling around Disney World you have a better sense of direction than I do and go off the beaten path a bit!
In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates from Disney World and more. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog if you don’t want to miss a thing!
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What’s your favorite Disney World shortcut? Tell us in the comments.
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I think the DAS for people with major disability that’s denied is terrible. I have neuropathy in my feet and ankles. I’m limited to my walking distance and losing my balance standing for any length of time. My doctor has me on Pregabalin.
I also have a heart condition and my doctor has me on medication for heart attach and stroke plus nitrogresion.
Only Autisum and Epilepsy get DAS.