WDWMAGIC.COM - Walt Disney World News and Information WDWMAGIC - An Unofficial Walt Disney World Fan Site
Adding Your Tips
To add your Tips, visit the page for the attraction, event, resort, shop, restaurant you would like to post a tip for, click the 'Tip" tab and then click 'Add Your Tip'.

Walt Disney World Tips
What type of Tips would you like to see?
Which Location?

Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular
"Hidden Mickey in the Sky"
Submitted on Apr 05, 2012  by Katyella
I stumbled on a HM by accident and thought I would share it.

Before you leave for Florida have a look at Magic Kingdom in Google Earth and see if you can spot the HM (a clue is it is near the Indy Speedway).

I was amazed that this had even been considered as you will only be able to see it from an aerial view.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant
"First stop!"
Submitted on Nov 27, 2011  by Patrick2/3
This ride always has a ridiculously long line. When the park opens, run here first and then to Peter Pan to avoid long lines for two of the best rides in the park! :)

Backstage Safari
"pricing"
Submitted on Nov 20, 2011  by domimickey
The pricing is now at 189 dollars p/p! too much if you ask me.
can anyone confirm this price?

Characters in Flight
"Watch the weather"
Submitted on Aug 25, 2011  by wdwmagic
Characters in Flight can only fly in good weather. Storm clouds, winds and other factors may ground the balloon. Keep an eye on the weather before planning a ride.

Pirates of the Caribbean
"cut wait time"
Submitted on Aug 20, 2011  by dsnyfreak
it really does not matter which side you go to, but when you are in line, you are suppose to use up all available space correct??? well, do just that. people tend to stand in thed middle of the line while waiting and talk and text and the like. walk along the walls and as the line moves, sometimes people are not paying attention much anyway ou can sliip past them along the walls as well. i do it everytime and a 30 minute waits becomes a 15 minute wait. used to do the same at haunted mansion til they put in the new line set up.

Hyperion Wharf
"Delayed"
Submitted on Jul 19, 2011  by disney56
Construction has been delayed. No work is being done on the Hyperion Wharf project at this time.

Epcot
"Go to Club Cool for free soda."
Submitted on Jul 05, 2011  by disney_yeti
This is probably the least expensive way to get drinks at Epcot (Obviously). It is right next to the fountain centerpiece. You can also get some cool character cups for the right price.

Typhoon Lagoon
"How to find your locker"
Submitted on Jun 13, 2011  by wdwmagic
A quick way to find the right area for your locker is to look for color-coded flags on the top of each of the locker blocks and match them to your key wrist band. If your wrist band on the key has a blue strap, head for the blue flag block and that will put you in the right area to find your numbered locker.

The Great Movie Ride
"Two Aliens and a Mickey"
Submitted on Jun 01, 2011  by Spinlock
If you sit towards the front section of the two cars you will usually see the Alien from the Segourney Weaver movies drop down from the roof. As the cars move farther through the scene the closer and more articulated Alien comes out of the wall to the right.

Also, look for the really cool Mickey hieroglyphic in the Indiana Jones scenes!

Adventureland
"Cool down in AL"
Submitted on Jun 01, 2011  by Spinlock
Three great things on a hot day in Adventureland:

Pirates of the Caribbean not only has an indoor ride, but a long, dark, air-conditioned que line. Even without people in line it's a long, cool walk down to the boats.

The Tiki Room is a great way to sit and relax indoors for a while.

The fruit/ice cream refreshments in Adventureland are a great alternative to the soda you find in the rest of the park.

Dinosaur
"Check out the Rides "Legacy""
Submitted on Jun 01, 2011  by Spinlock
Check out the actual movie 'Dinosaur' before you ride next time and it changes the experience just a little from a ride with random dinosaurs to characters.

And look around the ride: you will see CTX in quite a few places, evidence of the original, and "better" name, Countdown to Extinction!

Fantasyland
"hurry to get there"
Submitted on Apr 23, 2011  by VDisneyFan18
if you want a little to no wait time in fantasyland, as the park opens go straight back there for little to no waits

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
"Get Some Points"
Submitted on Mar 08, 2011  by MBAlwaysDisney
As you go into a new room, spin your car around to face the entrance. There's a Z at the top of the entrance! Shoot it to get a boost in your points.

Spaceship Earth
"Cool Down"
Submitted on Mar 08, 2011  by MBAlwaysDisney
This ride usually has a short line or no line. It's best to ride this at the end of the day when you're walking out of the park. It's a great ride to just sit down and cool off on because its slow moving and very cool inside.

Summit Plummet
"Be brave, and don't burn..."
Submitted on Mar 06, 2011  by Macca250
Summit Plummet can be intimidating for first-time riders. Some people get put off almost immediately by watching other riders disappear into a spray of water as they come sliding down at 60 mph. Other riders will chicken out when they find themselves at the top looking down at the almost vertical drop. But, if you brave it, you'll love it! There's no sensation quite like it. However just be mindful that its the signature attraction at Blizzard Beach and is prone to long wait times. On a hot day, an hour in line can be a lot to ask, so make sure you don't burn and drink lots!

Dinosaur
"Pretty loud, pretty scary!"
Submitted on Mar 06, 2011  by Macca250
Dinosaur is one of the best rides at Animal Kingdom, but for those of you with little ones Disney doesn't make it entirely clear that this ride is quite different to some of the other dark rides on offer at the resort. Without spoiling it; its quite intense, very dark and very very loud. This all contributes to making it one of Disney's most exciting rides, but it might be a bit much for younger ones who could be put off other offerings at Animal Kingdom. Maybe ride it first and make your own judgement if you think your kids are a bit sensitive. Otherwise its a blast, and normally not busy at all.

Expedition Everest
"The Yeti!"
Submitted on Mar 06, 2011  by Macca250
In the final cave sequence you come to face to face with the Yeti himself...however, currently the Yeti is accompanied by strobe lighting and you may only get a brief glimpse if you weren't paying attention. As you enter the last cave, make sure you look up, and don't miss him!

Mission: SPACE
"Don't get sick!"
Submitted on Mar 06, 2011  by Macca250
If you choose to go with the 'Orange Team' and take on the more intense version of Mission: Space, then be warned that if you do suffer from motion sickness this is a ride to avoid or risk ruining your day. I know that by law all theme park attractions have to warn you of possible side effects of riding. But Mission: Space is an exception, it will make you very dizzy and very ill...hence the reason why Disney had to install sick bags and incorporate the less intense 'Green Team' alternative. Its an excellent experience, but trust me, don't eat before take-off!

Peter Pan's Flight
"The busiest ride in the entire park!"
Submitted on Mar 06, 2011  by Macca250
You may consider signature e-ticket rides such as the three mountains as the first rides to head over to when you enter the Magic Kingdom. However, whilst these may indeed be popular and busy attractions, its essential to pick up a FastPass for Peter Pan or even ride it as close to opening time as possible. Otherwise you may find yourself waiting over 70 minutes for what is a lovely little ride, but very short, and you'll get off it after having wasted valuable minutes of your day, which can be used for so much more! Plus, until the extended queue is built, Peter Pan must have the worst queue in the whole of Walt Disney World, repetitive and very compact, trust me this is an attraction to get done early.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
"Watch the smoke, but there is a "best spot""
Submitted on Nov 02, 2010  by CrescentLake
While you can watch Illuminations from virtually anywhere around World Showcase Lagoon, there is a spot that, smoke permitting, that is breathtaking. In between the two kiosks where Future World meets World Showcase, right by the water. A fair amount of people will think the same, and you might have to get there 45 minutes early (we did), but it was worth it.

Test Track
"Get it done early, and ride multiple times"
Submitted on Nov 02, 2010  by CrescentLake
Test Track is a very polarizing ride, but for those that enjoy it or wish to experience it for the first time, it is best to go to this ride early. The general trend is a rush to either Soarin' or Test Track in the morning, so get a fast pass for one and get in line for the other. After that, ride Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, The Seas, Universe of Energy, or anything, for that matter, that isn't Test Track or Soarin'. A few hours after park opening, the crowds will have subsided briefly, so take advantage of this.

Test Track is rather complex, and more often than not a certain effect will be down. Its best to ride multiple times throughout the day and your vacation to get the full effect of the ride.

Ellen's Energy Adventure
"The best seat on the ride"
Submitted on Oct 13, 2010  by WondersOfLife
There are not any good or bad seats on the ride. Sitting in the front may be the worst tho, because you will tend to look at the track floor and it will take away from the scenery that's around you. The middle and the back are the ways to go. All scenery is either high above you, or on the sides. When you're watching the movie ON the ride, you can still see the screen and hear the audio well.

Country Bear Jamboree
"Audio"
Submitted on Oct 13, 2010  by WondersOfLife
Most people prefer to sit in the back rows when they come in. The audio on this attraction will sometimes be very soft with a few characters, so you should sit no farther back than about the 4th row, and try to sit towards the right of the theater. That is where you cannot hear a little bit of the characters in the back.

Living with the Land
"Hidden Mickey"
Submitted on Aug 05, 2010  by weejonnie
In the aquaculture area on the right hand side - masquerading as a cage.

Ellen's Energy Adventure
"Where to sit."
Submitted on Aug 05, 2010  by weejonnie
For the main show there are three sets of two carriers.

Go to the front of the left one. That way you'll get the start of the news broadcasts.

Future World
"Some attractions remain open after 7pm until park close"
Submitted on Jul 01, 2010  by wdwmagic
Mission: SPACE, Soarin', Test Track, The Seas with Nemo and Friends and Spaceship Earth remain open until park closing at 9pm, even though the rest of Future World closes at 7pm.

Fountain of Nations
"Performs every 15 minutes"
Submitted on Jul 01, 2010  by wdwmagic
The fountain performs to a musical track every 15 minutes. On the hour, quarter past, half past, and quarter-to, it also chimes.

Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky
"Performed on both July 3 and July 4"
Submitted on Jul 01, 2010  by wdwmagic
To help alleviate some of the crowds, this show is presented on both July 3 and July 4. Both shows are identical and feature the same fireworks.

Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular
"After you have seen it inside the park, try viewing from outside the park for a different perspective"
Submitted on Jun 30, 2010  by ptaylor
With all the perimeter fireworks it's really neat to see the show from outside the park from a bit further back. The beach at the Polynesian or at the TTC makes a great spot. I'd recommend this only after viewing it inside the park first.

Kali Rapids
"EMH - great time to ride"
Submitted on May 27, 2010  by Batphobic
Went on this ride over and over and over with no line during evening extra magic hours. CMs were standing at the entrance to the line checking room cards.

Astro Orbiter
"Park pictures"
Submitted on May 19, 2010  by kbmum
Interesting park pictures can be taken from the deck, especially after the ride ends and you walk toward the elevator. Pictures can also be taken during the ride. Just be sure to hold on tight to your camera!

The American Adventure
"pre show not to be missed"
Submitted on May 14, 2010  by Frontierland CM
make sure you get there early enough to see the Voices of Liberty. they are absolutely amazing, and truly set the tone for the amazing attraction that is The American Adventure!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
"Ride it at night time!"
Submitted on May 12, 2010  by daikonjam
If you think this ride is thrilling in the day time, just wait until you ride it at night! Everything on property is lit up and the view is magical! Not to mention how much darker it is in the ride, giving it a new element of suspense!

Soarin'
"FAST PASS"
Submitted on May 12, 2010  by Jeany031
get the Fass Pass for Soarin in the morning or right after lunch so you go in before the all of the fast Pass be all gone!

Soarin'
"FASS PASS"
Submitted on May 12, 2010  by Jeany031
get the Fass Pass for Soarin in the morning or right after lunch so you go in before the all of the fast Pass be all gone!

Main Street, U.S.A.
"Main Street Bakery DDP"
Submitted on May 11, 2010  by audiotinker
Did you know that you can get so many great things for breakfast here including the biggest cinnamon rolls you've ever seen AND they only count as a snack on your DDP! It will be all you need to satisfy you until lunch time.

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
"Avoid arriving late"
Submitted on Apr 09, 2010  by wdwmagic
The gorillas at Pangani tend to head inside for the night before the trail closes, so be sure to head here earlier in the day to be sure of seeing them. This is especially important when the park is open until 8pm.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
"Much faster at the back"
Submitted on Apr 09, 2010  by wdwmagic
Big Thunder has the most dramatic difference between the front and back row of any coaster I've ridden. The front row is very slow, as the train hangs on the chain lift from every drop. On the other hand, the back row is much faster as the rest of the train ahead heads down the drops. So in a nutshell, the back few rows are much faster than the front. So if you are looking for a tamer ride, ride towards the front, and if you want something more thrilling, request the back.

Dinosaur
"Wilder ride at the back"
Submitted on Apr 09, 2010  by wdwmagic
Due to the way the vehicle is setup, the back row experiences a higher degree of motion. So if you are looking for a wilder ride, request the back row.

Splash Mountain
"Choose your visit time wisely..."
Submitted on Apr 09, 2010  by cdunbar
During the summer time, the coolest part of the day will be just as the park is opening or first thing in the morning. Most people will save Splash till the hottest part of the day, ie after lunch, to cool themselves down during that time. In order to avoid the longest wait time go to the back of frontierland as soon as the rope drops and grab a fastpass. About 9 times out of 10 you'll be able to then go right next door to Big Thunder ride it, and then use your fastpass for Splash.

Character Meet and Greets at Epcot
"take your pen back"
Submitted on Apr 08, 2010  by RWilliams
If your Disney pen stops working during your trip take it back to any store for a replacement.

Character Meet and Greets at Disney's Hollywood Studios
"take your pen back"
Submitted on Apr 08, 2010  by RWilliams
If your Disney pen stops working during your trip take it back to any store for a replacement.

Character Meet and Greets at Disney's Animal Kingdom
"take your pen back"
Submitted on Apr 08, 2010  by RWilliams
If your Disney pen stops working during your trip take it back to any store for a replacement.

Character Meet and Greets at the Magic Kingdom
"take your pen back "
Submitted on Apr 08, 2010  by RWilliams
If your Disney pen stops working during your trip take it back to any store for a replacement.

Test Track
"Watch the weather"
Submitted on Apr 08, 2010  by wdwmagic
Test Track has a portion of the ride outside, so in heavy rain and storms, the ride will close. If bad weather is forecast for your day at Epcot, try to ride Test Track before the bad weather hits.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
"Head for the mountains"
Submitted on Apr 03, 2010  by cm1988
Try the target at the top of the painted volcano... way in the back of the largest room. It gives a huge boost to your score. The target never moves, but is tough to hit because of the distance. As I recall, it racks up a million points.

Reflections of China
"Best spot to stand/lean"
Submitted on Apr 02, 2010  by cm1988
In both the China and Canada CircleVision theaters, consider entering toward the left. This will put you towards the back of the round theater, and as you face forward, most screens will be visible to you.

Usually, the largest audience moves to the front and center, requiring the guest to turn around for viewing.

So, even if you are among the last to enter the theater, head towards the left (back), and the movie will be easier to watch. You will see more and will probably have more "elbow room".

O Canada! (2007)
"Best spot to stand/lean"
Submitted on Apr 02, 2010  by cm1988
In both the Canada and China CircleVision theaters, consider entering toward the left. This will put you towards the back of the round theater, and as you face forward, most screens will be visible to you.

Usually, the largest audience moves to the front and center, requiring the guest to turn around for viewing.

So, even if you are among the last to enter the theater, head towards the left (back), and the movie will be easier to watch. You will see more and will probably have more "elbow room".

Pirates of the Caribbean
"Go left!"
Submitted on Mar 12, 2010  by nepalostparks
Since most Americans are accustomed to staying to the right, you might be better off going into the left side of the queue for a shorter wait. While this isn't always the case, it is more often than not.

Maelstrom
"It's ok to skip the film"
Submitted on Mar 12, 2010  by nepalostparks
If you only want to ride Maelstrom and skip the film, just walk through the theatre before the next showing starts and through the exit doors.

Fountain of Nations
"A few thing to know"
Submitted on Mar 04, 2010  by themeparkpioner
If you take video stand on the stage side where the speakers are so the water doesn't block out the sound. If you want to see the fountain light display it is worth seeing but go before illuminations because they dont always run after illuminations.

Dinosaur
"Back Way"
Submitted on Feb 28, 2010  by WDW FTW
This is one of the top rides at animal kingdom...yet the lines are never to bad because some people walk right by. Using a fastpass usually isnt necessary even in peak times like december. If you come into to Dinoland USA from everest or nemo then you will probably do the Dino-Rama area first, if so once you have exited Primievel whirl you will see a small path behind the counter service restraunt and if that path is followed it brings you right to the building of dinosaur.

Soarin'
"Park Opening"
Submitted on Feb 24, 2010  by MontyMon
At park opening, Soarin' posts a wait time that means nothing. How could they measure a 70-minute wait when the park has only been open for 15 minutes?

At park open, you can usually grab FPs and ride Stand-By right away with very little wait [there will be people who don't stop for FPs ahead of you, but not very many]. This will get you two rides early on and then you can get more FPs as they become available. On the most crowded days at EPCOT you can easily ride four or more times without long waits while other guests are lucky to ride once.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
"Relaxing"
Submitted on Feb 22, 2010  by trixie21
This ride has almost no line and give you a nice relaxing ride with a spectacular view of the castle. We always go on this after we got our fastpass for Space Mountain. Great for pix

The Great Movie Ride
"Gangster vs Bandit"
Submitted on Feb 22, 2010  by joanna71985
There are 2 different shows within the Great Movie Ride- the Gangster show, and the Bandit show. The Gangster show is the one shown more often. If you would like to see the Bandit show, the best time to see it is between aprox 10am until aprox 4:30 pm (it can run later at times, if need be). Just ask the CM at the podium. And if the show is running, they will place you on the next available vehicle.

Character Meet and Greets at the Magic Kingdom
"general character meet n greet tips"
Submitted on Feb 18, 2010  by friendofafriend
-Make sure to have your autograph books open, pens, cameras and photopass cards ready.

-While waiting in line check to see if your pen, batteries and memory card are working properly.

Character Meet and Greets at Epcot
"general character meet n greet tips"
Submitted on Feb 18, 2010  by friendofafriend
-Make sure to have your autograph books open, pens, cameras and photopass cards ready.

-While waiting in line check to see if your pen, batteries and memory card are working properly.

Character Meet and Greets at Disney's Hollywood Studios
"general character meet n greet tips"
Submitted on Feb 18, 2010  by friendofafriend
-Make sure to have your autograph books open, pens, cameras and photopass cards ready.

-While waiting in line check to see if your pen, batteries and memory card are working properly.

Character Meet and Greets at Disney's Animal Kingdom
"general character meet n greet tips "
Submitted on Feb 18, 2010  by friendofafriend
-Make sure to have your autograph books open, pens, cameras and photopass cards ready.

-While waiting in line check to see if your pen, batteries and memory card are working properly.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
"Becomes the daytime parade right before Christmas Day"
Submitted on Feb 17, 2010  by wdwmagic
Although this parade is performed during the evening at 'Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" hard-ticket event, after the last party night, it becomes the daily Magic Kingdom afternoon parade. Typically this is from Dec 20 to Jan 1, but varies slightly each year.

Kilimanjaro Safaris
"Camera settings"
Submitted on Feb 17, 2010  by wdwmagic
The safari truck moves pretty quickly over very rough terrain. This causes problems with getting good blur-free photos. If you have a point and shoot camera, set the mode to 'Action' or 'Sport'. If you have a DSLR, raise the ISO to as high as you can comfortably go, set your aperture as wide as it will go (smallest F number) to give you the fastest shutter speed. Generally not zooming in too far will also help reduce blur.

Epcot
"Buy a passport to get stamped around the world"
Submitted on Feb 17, 2010  by wdwmagic
You can buy a "passport" at most of the gift shops in Epcot, and Cast Members at each country will stamp your passport as you make your way around.

Candlelight Processional
"Very popular show, consider the dinner package"
Submitted on Feb 16, 2010  by wdwmagic
The Candlelight Processional has become very popular over the years, and the introduction of the dinner package for the show has meant less and less seats available for non-package guests. If the show is important on your list of must-sees, consider the dinner package, or get in line at least an hour or two before the show.

Stitch's Great Escape!
"stitch spits"
Submitted on Feb 13, 2010  by DDavis
when stitch spit on you it just water

Epcot
"Get a Times Guide"
Submitted on Feb 06, 2010  by wdwmagic
Once you get into the park, grab a map if you need one, but most importantly, get a Times Guide. The Times Guide has all the information on shows, parades and fireworks times, along with any attractions and restaurants that have different hours to the main park hours.

Disney's Hollywood Studios
"Get a Times Guide"
Submitted on Feb 06, 2010  by wdwmagic
Once you get into the park, grab a map if you need one, but most importantly, get a Times Guide. The Times Guide has all the information on shows, parades and fireworks times, along with any attractions and restaurants that have different hours to the main park hours.

Disney's Animal Kingdom
"Get a Times Guide"
Submitted on Feb 06, 2010  by wdwmagic
Once you get into the park, grab a map if you need one, but most importantly, get a Times Guide. The Times Guide has all the information on shows, parades and fireworks times, along with any attractions and restaurants that have different hours to the main park hours.

Magic Kingdom
"Get a Times Guide"
Submitted on Feb 06, 2010  by wdwmagic
Once you get into the park, grab a map if you need one, but most importantly, get a Times Guide. The Times Guide has all the information on shows, parades and fireworks times, along with any attractions and restaurants that have different hours to the main park hours.

Kiss Goodnight
"Ask a Cast Member for show time"
Submitted on Feb 06, 2010  by wdwmagic
The Kiss Goodnight is not in the times guide, so if you want to know the show time, ask a Cast member in the park who will then check the time for you.

Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party
"Be in the hub for this one"
Submitted on Feb 06, 2010  by wdwmagic
Unlike other Magic Kingdom parades, this one takes place in the hub. So for the best view of the action, find a spot in the hub (in front of the castle).

Club Cool
"Save Beverly for last..."
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by Figment1986
Beverly is currently the best sample being offered at the moment. It is best you try it last so you can savor the flavor and wash off the other flavors.

Club Cool
"Free soda, airconditioning- cool off at Club Cool"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by wdwmagic
This is a great location to cool off on a hot day and try some Coca-Cola products from different countries. All of the samples are free, so be sure to check this one out.

One Man's Dream
"Take your time"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by brkgnews
This is an exhibit that really does a fantastic job paying tribute to the entire Walt Disney legacy; no matter if you prefer the films, the parks, the television shows, or just Walt himself, you'll find lots of great exhibits and momentos. You'll miss a lot if you rush through just because the next showing of the movie is about to begin. Also take the time to talk with the cast members here; a lot of them have a very vast knowledge of Disney history and offer interesting information not presented in the exhibit.

Jim Henson's MuppetVision 3-D
"Spend plenty of time in the preshow"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by brkgnews
There are TONS of muppet-style slapstick/punny gags in the preshow warehouse area. Take the time to look all around at the different crates, and don't forget to look up.

Finding Nemo - The Musical
"Seating tips"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by brkgnews
Action takes place all around you in the "Finding Nemo - The Musical" theatre. If you want to make sure the majority of it takes placce in front of you (so you don't have to crane your head backward during the show), sit on a level above the walkway where you entered the theatre. If you'd rather be closer to the action, sit in teh sections further down, but you may find yourself straining to look up (and back) at points during the show to see everything.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
"Always better at night"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by RCT2 Imagineer
Big Thunder Mountain is a fun ride during the day, but an AMAZING ride at night. The ride feels faster and the lighting fills this attraction with life. To top it off, the wait times are almost always lower at night!

Club Cool
"Be sure to try the Beverly!"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by brkgnews
It's the best!

Haunted Mansion
"The Loading Area Dash"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by RCT2 Imagineer
After you exit the Stretching Room, be sure to stay against the wall or railing as you move toward the loading area. On extremely crowded days, this section of the queue can become a mess and parties can be separated. Walking along the edges and keeping your group connected makes getting to the ride as one much easier.

Voices of Liberty
"Get a good seat under the dome"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by brkgnews
The Voices of Liberty are a real treat; and you can get an even better listen if you sit on the floor in the rotunda, under the domed ceiling. The performers do not turn around during the performance, so to get a "front and center" view, you'll want to be sitting on the floor, just outside the red circle, with your back to the museum exhibit on the right hand side of the lobby.

Storm Struck
"A 4-D experience for weather junkies"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by brkgnews
Storm Struck puts you in a simulation of a storm, so don't be surprised if you wind up getting a bit wind-blown or even spritzed with a bit of water; however this is not a very-intense attraction, so only the most sensitve will find it unpleasant.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
"Islands."
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by EPCOT Explorer
Don't watch from Pavilions with an island in front of them.

Ice Station Cool
"Be sure to try the Beverly"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by brkgnews
It's the best!

Kilimanjaro Safaris
"The earlier the better; and try for a two-fer"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by brkgnews
My favorite time to ride KS is immedately after the park opens. The animals are "fresh" onto the course for the day, and are usually on the move looking for food during the cooler morning temps. I will often walk directly to Fastpass distribution, obtain a fastpass (since at park opening, the return time is within a few minutes), then ride Standby (again, with a short wait). By the time the "standby" ride is over, it's often already time for your re-ride via Fastpass.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
"How to max out your score"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by hack2112
There are two targets that if you hit twice in a row will net you 1,000,000 points. Hitting them multiple times can make maxing out much easier.

The first target is in the first room. It is on the farthest saw-blade of the giant robot. The second target is at the bottom of the cone of Zurg's ship in the room right after the planet surface.

Keep aiming at those Z's, and you'll become a pro in no time!

Alien Encounter
"Here's my advice for Alien Encounter"
Submitted on Feb 01, 2010  by Laura
If someone claiming to be a Disney Imagineer ever suggests that you transform yourself from a creepy, slimy, alien monster into an obnoxious, burping, blue fur-ball....don't listen.

Africa
"This area gets very busy during the afternoon parade"
Submitted on Jan 30, 2010  by wdwmagic
During the afternoon parade, Harambe gets very busy as the walkways are full or guests securing viewing spots for the parade.

Blizzard Beach
"water park lines"
Submitted on Jan 28, 2010  by Eeyore
To avoid the longest lines visit the water parks either right when they open or after 2pm.

Typhoon Lagoon
"water park lines"
Submitted on Jan 28, 2010  by Eeyore
To avoid the longest lines visit the water parks either right when they open or after 2pm.

Magic Kingdom
"welcome show"
Submitted on Jan 28, 2010  by Eeyore
The Magic Kingdom welcome show is performed about 15 minutes prior to opening daily. Plan to see it on a non extra magic hours morning- there is an abbreviated show performed on extra magic mornings those days.

Magic Kingdom
"emh and non resort guests"
Submitted on Jan 28, 2010  by Eeyore
If you are not staying at a Disney resort, avoid the park that has morning extra magic hours until the afternoon. Those parks tend to be busier until about noon when guests start hopping to other parks.

Pirates of the Caribbean
"Shorter lines later in the evening"
Submitted on Jan 26, 2010  by wdwmagic
Pirates of the Caribbean is one of those attractions that has much shorter lines later in the evening.

Blizzard Beach
"HOT!"
Submitted on Jan 26, 2010  by wdwmagic
It may seem obvious, but the water parks get VERY hot during the summer months. Take lots of sun screen and drink plenty of water. Some footwear to wear around the water is also useful because the ground can get very hot.

Typhoon Lagoon
"HOT!"
Submitted on Jan 26, 2010  by wdwmagic
It may seem obvious, but the water parks get VERY hot during the summer months. Take lots of sun screen and drink plenty of water. Some footwear to wear around the water is also useful because the ground can get very hot.

Typhoon Lagoon
"Extra Magic Hours at Typhoon Lagoon"
Submitted on Jan 26, 2010  by wdwmagic
Sometimes Typhoon Lagoon operates evening Extra Magic Hours. This is a great time to visit because the crowds are usually very low, and the park takes on a great atmosphere after dark.

Studio Backlot Tour
"Be part of the show"
Submitted on Jan 26, 2010  by wdwmagic
The Backlot Tour features a guest participation segment, where a group of 4 or 5 guests are chosen to star in a special effects demonstration. Guests are chosen from the top of the queue ramp before the show.

The American Idol Experience
"Head to the finale"
Submitted on Jan 22, 2010  by wdwmagic
The finale show is by far the best of the day. It features the best talent from all shows from that day, and the standard can be high.

Kilimanjaro Safaris
"Entrance moves during the parade"
Submitted on Jan 22, 2010  by wdwmagic
During the afternoon parade, the standby entrance for Kilimanjaro moves to the FASTPASS entry location. This allows the attraction to keep operating without the entry being blocked by the parade route.

Wishes
"View from Main Street USA"
Submitted on Jan 22, 2010  by wdwmagic
The best viewing location for Wishes is along Main Street USA, directly in-line with the castle. From here, the large fireworks appear from behind the castle, and blend perfectly with the low level fireworks fired from the rooftops surrounding the castle.

Splash Mountain
"The wettest part may not be where you think"
Submitted on Jan 22, 2010  by wdwmagic
Despite what you might think from looking at Splash Mountain, the wettest part is not the final drop. The biggest soaking comes from just before the second lift when a water cannon fires as another log comes down the final drop.

Splash Mountain
"A different view of SpectroMagic and Wishes"
Submitted on Jan 22, 2010  by wdwmagic
If you can time it right, you can get some great views of SpectroMagic and Wishes from some of the higher parts of Splash Mountain.

Dragon Legend Acrobats
"Bad weather moves shows indoors"
Submitted on Jan 19, 2010  by wdwmagic
If it's raining or very cold, the show will move inside the Temple.

Soarin'
"Soarin' open until close"
Submitted on Jan 19, 2010  by wdwmagic
Unlike most of Future World's attractions, Soarin' remains open until park closing (usually 9pm). For a shorter standby line, try riding at the very end of the night.

Soarin'
"FASTPASS often runs out"
Submitted on Jan 19, 2010  by wdwmagic
On busy days FASTPASS for Soarin' can often run out around noon. So on a busy day, head to Soarin' first to get that FASTPASS.

Spaceship Earth
"Early evening queues much shorter"
Submitted on Jan 19, 2010  by wdwmagic
Most people tend to ride Spaceship Earth when they first arrive at the park. If you head over to Spaceship Earth in the early evening you should find the queue to be very short to non-existant.

Expedition Everest
"Use the standby queue on a first ride"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
The standby line has a lot of detail and some important storyline details that are not part of the FASTPASS line. If it's your first ride, or if you have not been through the standby line before, try it.

Fantasmic!
"Exit madness"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
6000 guests exiting at the end of the show can be a crush. If you wait 5 or 10 minutes after the show, things will be much calmer and you will be easily able to exit.

Fantasmic!
"Center of a screen"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
To get the full impact of the water screens, it's important to be sitting directly facing one of the three screens. If you look at the surface of the water you can see the 3 spray heads that craete the screens (semi-circle shapes). Try to sit facing the center of one of the 3. You do not want to be sitting between two of the water screens. The ideal section is Mickey.

Fantasmic!
"Second shows are usually less busy"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
If there is more than one showing of Fantasmic!, the later showing will usually have a smaller crowd and you'll have an easier time getting in and out.

'It's Tough to be a Bug'
"Sit back in your seat"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
Without giving too much away, some of the effects for this show are integrated into the seat. Be sure to lean back into the seat to get the full effect.

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
"Great ride on hot busy days"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
The Gran Fiesta tour is a great ride on hot (or even cold) busy days. It rarely has a queue, and offers a nice relaxing ride in air conditioning.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
"Photographing fireworks"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
Don't try take photos of fireworks with flash (your flash can't illuminate things that far away, and you don't want fireworks lit anyway!). You need a stable surface such as a wall (ideally a tripod), turn your flash off, and set the camera to firework mode if you have one. If you don't have a firework mode, try landscape mode, or with an SLR, go to manual, set ISO 100, Aperture F11, and shutter speed around 5 or 6 seconds. Tweek the shutter speed to lengthen or shorten the exposure time based on results. A cable release or self timer will help eliminate any movement caused by pressing the shutter.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
"Watch the wind direction"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
Unlike all the other WDW firework shows, IllumiNations let's you choose your viewing angle. Make sure that the wind direction is not blowing towards you. Illuminations can generate a lot of smoke, particularly in the summer when humnidity is high. If you don't feel like working it out for yourself, check out the WDWMAGIC mobile site at http://mobile.wdwmagic.com - it includes live smoke direction by country around World Showcase.

Kali Rapids
"Don't ride if you don't want to get wet"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
Simple one this, but Kali Rapids has about a 95% soak rate. You WILL get wet. If you don't feel like getting wet on a particular day, don't ride. Likewise, if you are wanting to cool off on a hot summer day, head here.

Maharajah Jungle Trek
"Tigers head backstage early"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
The tigers tend to go backstage in the late afternoon, so try visiting earlier in the day to be sure to see the tigers.

Rafiki's Planet Watch
"Late in the day is very quiet"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
Planet Watch becomes very quiet towards the end of the day after the majority of guests head out after the parade. If you are heading to Planet Watch for the characters or exhibits, try the end of the day for minimal crowds.

Kilimanjaro Safaris
"Ride at different times of day"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
The safaris can differ according to the time of day. The animals can be more (or less) active as the temperature varies. Recent (or impending) rain can also change things. Try riding at different times for different experiences.

Expedition Everest
"Try different rows for a different ride"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
Like many coasters, Everest has a different feel and sight-line in different rows. The front row gives a stunning view at the summit and a lot of speed in the reverse sections. The back row gives a lot of speed on the drops, a lot of G in the reverse section, but doesn't offer such a good view at the summit. The middle gives a little of both. My tip - try different rows - you can request the front or back.

The Great Movie Ride
"Two different rides"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
The Great Movie Ride has two different middle scenes that guests experience depending on seating position. The front cars have an in-depth western scene, and the back cars have an in-depth gangster scene.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
"See the switch on"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by 
For a real "wow" moment, make sure to be in the Streets of America just before dusk so that you can see the light switch on. The transition from darkness to the lights being lit is quite something to see!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
"Different ride at night and day"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
Try to ride the Tower in daylight and after-dark. The different light levels when the doors open and the view below make for a different experience.

Streets of America
"Want the street to yourself?"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
Head to the Streets of America towards the end of the evening, and you'll find the place empty. After dark, everyone heads to Sunset Blvd for Fantasmic, Tower of Terror, and Rock n RollerCoaster.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
"chicken exit"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
If you are not a coaster rider, you can still go through the queue and see all the details and preshow. Just before you enter the boarding area there is an exit for non-riders. Just tell the cast member when they ask how many in your party.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
"Try different rows for a different ride"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
Try sitting in different rows to vary your ride experience. The back car gives a lot of speed coming off the inversions. The front row is a little slower, but gains the benefit of surprise - since there are no cars in front of you, the path of the ride can't be seen. The middle gives a balance of both.

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
"Check the sightlines"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
The stadium for the show is huge, and there are a lot of great seats. However, some seats have partially blocked views due to support columns. So before taking your seats, make sure you can see the scene below without being blocked by a column.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
"How to be part of the show"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
As part of the show, several park guests are chosen from the audience to be part of the show as "extras". If this sounds like your thing, when they ask for volunteers, jump up and down, and be VERY animated. If you're lucky your enthusiasm will be spotted and you'll be in the show.

Earffel Tower
"Photo spot"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
If you are trying to get a good photo of the Earffel Tower you'll find it difficult from within the park walkways. A good place to shoot from is on the Studio Backlot Tram Tour.

Jim Henson's MuppetVision 3-D
"Try sitting near the front"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
Sitting close to the front of the theater lets you see all the details of the orchestra of penguins. There is a lot of detail there that you often miss by sitting further back from the front.

Catastrophe Canyon
"Where you sit and how wet you get"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
Sitting on the left side of the tram (if facing the direction of travel) puts you closest to the water effects and increases your chances of getting wet.

Toy Story Mania
"FASTPASS"
Submitted on Jan 18, 2010  by wdwmagic
FASTPASS tickets for Toy Story Mania often run out very quickly, so if you plan to ride Toy Story using FASTPASS, make the FASTPASS machines your first port of call when you arrive at the Studios.




Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin


The Timeshare Store

Kingdom Konsultants

Orlando Fun Tickets
Discount Disney Tickets
Own The Magic

Quicksilver Tours & Transportation