Tips and tricks for four Parks in one Day at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World in Orlando is by far one of the most popular travel destinations every year. From families, to newlyweds, to bachelorettes, Disney is a popular vacation for many, both as a first-time experience and a repeat trip year after year.
Like Disney says, “If you haven’t been here lately, you just haven’t been”.
As a Florida girl, born and raised, I have been to Disney more times than I can count. Growing up, we would do day trips to Disney, as well as long extended vacations – being a Florida resident really has its perks.
As a 20-something year old, I still feel the magic every time I step into Magic Kingdom and see Cinderella’s castle. Unfortunately, my travel plans have taken on new priorities, and my Disney trips are few and far between. Most trips now are just one day, where I have to pack in everything; otherwise, I’ll have FOMO.
So here are my tips and tricks on how to do four parks in just one day, a feat I have now accomplished twice!
Plan your trip during an off-time
Weekdays are preferable to the weekends, and avoiding any holiday times will certainly get you on the rides faster. I went on a Friday in November a few weeks before Thanksgiving; none of the parks were crowded, and we were able to do all four parks in one day, including Pandora!
Pre-book your tickets
This is extremely important to ensure you don’t waste any time waiting in unnecessary lines.
Download the My Disney Experience app
Here you can reserve FastPasses, book dining, check wait times, and see photos taken around the park.
Pre-book your Fast Passes
Through the My Disney Experience app, you can pre-book up to three FastPasses at the same park. Make sure you book rides that are a must-do and that often have long wait times. Also, try to book these consecutively, so you can open up your queue for more bookings later in the day.
Book additional Fast Passes throughout the day
Once you have used your three pre-booked fast passes, you can book one FastPass at a time, for any park. This is a great way to continue getting on those hot-ticketed rides. Make sure to book your next FastPass while you are waiting in line for your current one. Once you are checked into the ride, your queue opens up to book another FastPass.
Pro Tip: Continue refreshing the app because ride times and ride openings are constantly becoming available. Don’t just settle for what you see during your first check. Keep refreshing!
Plan your day based on park openings
Each day, Disney parks open and close at different times, so make sure that you check the calendar to ensure you are planning your day effectively.
If your budget allows, stay on property the night before your big day
Being a hotel guest on Disney property has so many benefits. The most important benefit if you are trying to do all four parks in one day is the ability to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. Extra Magic Hours are an extra hour either in the morning or evening that the park is open just for hotel guests.
Driving from park to park is sometimes the best option
Some parks only have bus service to and from one another, like Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom. I found that we wasted a lot of time waiting for the bus to pick us up and drop us off. When we drove, we were able to get in and out quickly and efficiently. Your parking is valid all day and at any park, so you will only need to pay once.
Pro Tip: I do recommend the monorail transportation to and from Epcot and Magic Kingdom, as well as the new skyline to and from Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Get in line at closing
If you are in a line when the park closes, Disney allows you to stay in line and enjoy the ride. So make sure you optimize your time by saving a popular ride for last.
Remember to have fun!
After all, you are at “The Happiest Place On Earth!”
