Disney World Tips

Disney Vacation Planning
Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi-Pass: What You Need to Know for Your Next Visit
- August 10, 2024
We’ve just received the highly anticipated update on Disney’s Genie Plus system, and it’s a game-changer for those planning a trip to the parks. Disney has been teasing improvements that will let guests plan ahead and avoid the dreaded 7 a.m. scramble to book attractions. These exciting changes went into effect on July 24th, 2024, and bring a new level of convenience to your Disney experience. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of the new Lightning Lane Multi-Pass system.

What’s Changing?

New Names and Structure

Disney Genie Plus was renamed to Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, while Individual Lightning Lanes will become Lightning Lane Single Pass. This name change is intended to be less confusing and more descriptive. The free Disney Genie planning tool will remain available.

You can view the official Disney page on the new system here.

Pre-Planning Advantages

One of the most significant updates is the ability to pre-plan your Lightning Lane selections:
- Disney World Resort Hotel Guests: Can purchase and make selections up to 7 days in advance for their entire stay, up to 14 days.
- Other Guests: Can make selections up to 3 days in advance.
This pre-planning aspect allows you to see prices and select attractions before making your purchase, avoiding the frustration of limited availability after purchasing.

Pricing and Availability
- Variable Pricing: The cost will vary by date and park, but you can see the pricing before purchasing.
- No Additional Charge for Park Hopping: The price is based on the starting park for the day.
Preparing for Your Purchase

Before purchasing Lightning Lane passes, ensure you have:
- My Disney Experience App: Set up and ready.
- Connected Family & Friends List: To purchase and plan for everyone in your group.
- Top Attraction Choices Saved: In the My Day feature of the app.
Purchasing Lightning Lane Passes

Here’s how to purchase your Lightning Lane passes:
1. Open the My Disney Experience app.
2. Tap the Lightning Lane Passes section.
3. Select a date and theme park.
4. Choose a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, Single Pass, or both.
5. For Multi-Pass, select up to 3 experiences and arrival windows.
6. For Single Pass, select an arrival window.
7. Follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
How It Works in the Parks

On the day of your visit:
- First Attraction: After completing your first Lightning Lane attraction, you can book another.
- Park Hopping: Book attractions in another park if you have a park hopper ticket.
- Continuous Booking: Continue booking one at a time for the rest of the day.
Multi-Pass and Single-Pass Limits
- Multi-Pass: Always have up to 3 Lightning Lane selections at a time.
- Single Pass: Limit of 2 total per day.
Tier System

Attractions are divided into tiers for pre-planning:
- Tier 1: Most popular attractions (limit of 1 advance selection).
- Tier 2: All other included attractions (limit of 2-3 advance selections).
Once you complete your first lightning lane attraction on the day of your visit, you can book rides from any tier. If you have Park Hopper tickets, you can also book rides in other parks at that time.

Here’s a breakdown of the tiers:

Magic Kingdom

Tier 1:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad®
- Jungle Cruise®
- Peter Pan’s Flight®
- Space Mountain®
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tier 2:
- The Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin®
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant®
- Haunted Mansion®
- “it’s a small world”®
- Mad Tea Party
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic® 3D Spectacular
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor®
- Pirates of the Caribbean®
- Tomorrowland® Speedway
- Under the Sea~Journey of The Little Mermaid
EPCOT

Tier 1:
- Frozen Ever After
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Soarin’ Around the World
Tier 2:
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Living with the Land Presented by Chiquita®
- Mission: SPACE®
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends®
- Spaceship Earth
- Turtle Talk With Crush
Hollywood Studios

Tier 1:
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith
- Slinky Dog Dash
Tier 2:
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Beauty and the Beast—Live on Stage!
- Disney Jr. Play and Dance!
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular!
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Star Tours—The Adventures Continue
- Toy Story Mania!®
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
Animal Kingdom
- The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
- DINOSAUR
- Expedition Everest—Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®
- Feathered Friends in Flight!
- Festival of the Lion King
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!®
- Kali River Rapids®
- Kilimanjaro Safaris®
- Na’vi River Journey
Character meet & greets and parades are not currently included in the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass but may be added in the future.

Lightning Lane Single Pass Attractions

These remain the same as the current individual Lightning Lanes:
- Magic Kingdom: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, TRON Lightcycle Run
- EPCOT: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Hollywood Studios: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Animal Kingdom: Avatar Flight of Passage
Streamlined and Stress-Free

With the new Lightning Lane system, the confusing 120-minute rule is gone. You can book another Lightning Lane pass immediately after scanning in for one. These changes streamline the process and give guests greater flexibility in selecting rides before arriving at the parks.

Conclusion

These changes are based on guest feedback and are meant to make the booking process more efficient and less stressful. While it will be an adjustment, especially for those familiar with the old systems, the new Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass are designed to enhance your Disney experience. Stay tuned for more updates and tips on making the most of your visit.

Happy planning, and see you at the parks!
Disney Vacation Planning
Eating Healthy-Ish At Disney World
- May 29, 2024
If you’re a Disney enthusiast, you know that the food is one of the best parts of visiting Disney World. From delicious snacks to trying new restaurants, Disney offers a culinary adventure. However, maintaining healthy eating habits can be challenging amidst all the temptations. In this post, we’ll share practical tips and strategies to help you enjoy healthy-ish meals while still indulging in the magic of Disney dining.

1. Don’t Skip Breakfast

Mornings at Disney can be hectic, especially if you’re aiming for early park entry or rope drop. Despite the rush, make sure you don’t skip breakfast. Even if it’s just a protein bar in your park bag, having something to eat will keep you from getting too hungry and cranky. Include some protein, like eggs or a breakfast sandwich, to keep you full longer.

2. Incorporate Fruits and Vegetables

While indulging in Disney’s treats, try to include fruits and vegetables in your daily meals. Focus on adding healthy options rather than denying yourself. Opt for berries with breakfast, a salad with lunch, or a vegetable side instead of fries. Most food courts offer yogurt parfaits with berries and fruit cups, and salads are available at almost any restaurant.

3. Pack Healthy Snacks

Bringing your own healthy snacks can save time and money while helping you maintain control over your diet. Pack items like nuts, protein bars, or jerky that won’t melt or spoil in your bag. Many people don’t realize you can bring your own food and drinks into the park, which is perfect for those with specific dietary needs.

4. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is crucial, especially in the Florida heat. Pack water bottles and make sure you drink enough throughout the day. Set reminders if needed. If plain water isn’t your thing, opt for beverages with electrolytes. Staying hydrated helps prevent dehydration and keeps you feeling your best.

5. Plan Ahead

Research menus in advance to find healthy options you’ll enjoy. This can prevent last-minute, less healthy choices when you’re hungry and in a hurry. Planning ahead also helps streamline your day, allowing you to place mobile orders and avoid long lines.

6. Request Modifications

Disney is known for its excellent accommodation of dietary needs. If you have food allergies or preferences, don’t hesitate to ask for modifications. Disney offers a variety of gluten-free and plant-based options, and the staff is usually happy to help you find suitable meals. Just be polite and specific in your requests.

7. Consider Kids’ Meals

If you prefer smaller portions or are watching your food intake, ordering a kids’ meal at quick service locations can be a great option. It’s often the perfect amount of food and can help you avoid overeating in the heat. Plus, kids’ meals often come with healthier sides like fruits or vegetables instead of fries.

8. Plan Your Treats

Decide in advance which treats you really want to try each day. This helps you look forward to specific indulgences without going overboard. Being intentional about your treats can enhance your enjoyment without leading to overindulgence.

Healthy Restaurant Options at Disney World
- Magic Kingdom: Skipper Canteen (table service), Columbia Harbour House (quick service; try to avoid the fried options)
- EPCOT: Sunshine Seasons (Land pavilion), Teppan Edo, Restaurant Marrakesh
- Hollywood Studios: Anaheim Produce, Docking Bay
- Animal Kingdom: Satuli Canteen (variety of bowls), Harambe Market (fresh fruit, grilled corn)
Plenty of healthy options are also available at the Disney resorts and Disney Springs.

Conclusion

Eating healthy at Disney World is not only possible but can enhance your overall vacation experience. With a little planning and mindful choices, you can enjoy Disney’s delicious offerings while maintaining your healthy eating habits. If you need personalized planning and recommendations, feel free to reach out to me. Let’s make your Disney dream trip a reality, filled with joy, magic, and healthy meals. Happy planning!
Disney Parks
What to Do When It Rains at Disney World
- September 21, 2022
Nobody wants to think about it raining on their dream vacation to Disney World. But the fact of the matter is the weather in Orlando can be unpredictable. And during certain times of the year, you might see rain in the forecast for every day of your trip.

But that doesn’t mean your vacation is ruined. With a little planning, you can be prepared for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw your way. Here are a few tips on what to do when it rains at Disney World

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase an item through one of my links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Prioritize Outdoor Rides Early in the Day

If there is rain in the forecast, it’s a good idea to prioritize any rides that may potentially close due to weather. While there are many rides and attractions you can enjoy in the rain, there are some that will close down. Here is a list of attractions in each park that may close when it rains.

Magic Kingdom
- Astro Orbiter
- Barnstormer
- Dumbo
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Splash Mountain
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Swiss Family Treehouse
Epcot
- Test Track
Hollywood Studios
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Alien Swirling Saucers
Animal Kingdom
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Kali River Rapids
- Expedition Everest
- TriceraTop Spin
If you have a Genie+ reservation, and the attraction is closed due to weather, you should receive a “multiple experience” return pass to choose another ride.

Pack for the Weather

I highly recommend packing rain gear in your park bag. Here are some of my favorite items to prepare for the rain.

Ponchos

If it’s not raining too hard you can just throw on some ponchos and continue your day. Bringing your own ponchos can save you from spending a fortune in the stores inside the parks. I also recommend bringing a Ziploc bag to store your wet ponchos when you’re finished.

Check out the ponchos we get here

Umbrellas

Umbrellas can be difficult to carry through the park crowds, especially if it’s windy. But if you do want to bring an umbrella I recommend one that is super compact. It can also be helpful in providing some shade if you are in a long outdoor line.

Check out my favorite umbrella here

Waterproof Shoes

I like to wear or pack flip-flops or waterproof sandals to avoid having wet socks. They have to be comfortable since we do a ton of walking.

The most comfortable sandals I have found are here

Best Attractions to Visit in the Rain

There are plenty of attractions in each park that you can visit to escape the bad weather. Here is a list of some of the best rainy day attractions at each park.

Magic Kingdom
- Mickey’s Philharmagic
- Dumbo’s Indoor Playground
- Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Hall of Presidents
- Carousel of Progress
Hollywood Studios
- Muppet Vision 3D
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Epcot
- The Land pavilion
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Gran Fiesta Tour
- Spaceship Earth
- Soarin’
Animal Kingdom
- Finding Nemo Musical
- Festival of the Lion King
- Dinosaur
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Navi River Journey
The Rest of the World
- Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs
- AMC Theater at Disney Springs
- Monorail Resort Tour
As you can see there is plenty to do even when it’s raining. As a bonus, the crowds can be a bit lighter in the parks during the rain, so you may be able to get even more accomplished with less waiting. So don’t let the weather stress you out, just be prepared.

I hope this post was helpful. Let me know in the comments what your favorite rainy day tips are.
Disney Vacation Planning
12 Disney World Tips for Introverts
- June 24, 2022
Are you dreaming of a magical Disney World vacation, but worried that it’s all going to be too much to handle? Do you get a little uncomfortable just thinking about all the lines and the crowds? If so, you’re not alone. Even the biggest of Disney fans can sometimes find themselves on “people overload”.

There’s no denying that Disney World can be overwhelming at times. But with a bit of planning, you can create a trip that brings the fun without the chaos. Here are my top 12 Disney World tips for introverts.

Know your triggers

Every one of us is different, and you know yourself best. Take some time to think about what you are most worried about for your Disney trip. Is it crowds in general? Is it waiting in long lines near a lot of people? Is it lots of noise? Or maybe you are someone who gets very stressed out about being on a strict itinerary.

Knowing your triggers is half the battle. Once you have an idea of specifically what you want your vacation to look and feel like, and what you want to avoid, you can start to plan accordingly.

Do your research

If you’re anything like me then going blindly into unfamiliar territory can be really overwhelming. Doing a bit of research ahead of time can put your mind at ease. For help with planning your Disney vacation check out this post. Some things you may want to know ahead of time:
- Important dates for planning your trip
  - When are payments due
  - When can you book your dining reservations
- Where is your resort in relation to the parks
- What are your transportation options
- Operating hours and security and entry procedures for the parks
- A general layout of the parks, and where your top priority attractions are located
If doing research is something that is overwhelming for you then try to find a way to make it fun. There are some really entertaining YouTube channels that can help you get familiar with the parks and the important details you need to know. My favorites are All Ears.net- YouTube and DFB Guide- YouTube.

Visit during slower times of the year if possible

If you are an introvert, I think it’s pretty safe to assume you would rather plan your trip for a time with lower crowds. The days of having an off-season at Disney World are pretty much over, but that doesn’t mean you can plan to visit during a LESS busy time.

In general, it’s best to avoid holiday weeks and school vacations. You can check out a yearly crowd calendar to plan your perfect time here: WDW Prep School Crowd Calendar

Choose your resort wisely

If you are staying on Disney property, choose a resort that is going to fit your needs best. If you are someone who will dread taking the bus to the parks each day, choose a resort that is on the monorail, Skyliner route, or within walking distance to the parks to limit your bus rides.

If you are someone who does not enjoy eating in a crowded cafeteria you may want to opt for a Moderate or Deluxe resort that offers sit-down dining options. If you know you are going to want to spend a lot of time relaxing at the resort, it may be worth choosing a Deluxe resort with more space and a more adult vibe.

If you are trying to decide whether or not to stay at a Disney resort, check out this post: Is Staying at a Disney Resort Really Better?

Zig when others zag

Going along with the crowd is not always the best plan. This is particularly true when it comes to your Disney World vacation. In general, it’s best to have a different strategy than the majority of park-goers.

For example, the parks typically get busiest during the mid-day. Lines are long, it’s hot, and people are scrambling to find lunch. This is a key time of day to go in another direction. Head to some of the attractions with lower wait times, or to an air-conditioned theater to see a show.

Another option would be to go back to your resort for a nap or a swim. This will help to keep you out of the heaviest crowds, and you can get more done during the less busy hours of the day.

Set reasonable expectations

Before your trip begins take some time to consider what your top priorities are. I like to break mine down by park. For each park, make a short list of your must-do attractions and activities. Take an honest look at your list and evaluate whether you need to scale it back.

This can help you strategize the best time of day to get your most important things done. It can also help to keep you from getting overwhelmed and overstimulated when you get to the park for the day.

Sometimes the FOMO is real, and you feel like you need to do EVERYTHING. If you have a list in advance it can keep you calm and focused so you can enjoy the moment.

Use table service meals as a chance to relax

Taking a break from the hustle of the parks can be a great way to keep calm and relaxed.

Table service meals tend to be less busy and crowded. They typically offer more space and have a more relaxed pace than quick-service restaurants. One of my favorite ways to avoid the mid-day rush of the park is to book a table service meal to take a break.

On a Magic Kingdom day, I recommend heading to one of the monorail resorts for lunch. Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary are both great choices.

Eat during non-peak times

Another key to beating the crowds is to plan your meals during off-peak times. In general, it’s best to avoid 12:00-1:30 for lunch and 6:00-7:00 for dinner. If you’re booking a table service meal it also may help you to snag a reservation at a hard-to-get dining spot.

If you are dining at a quick service location I highly recommend using mobile ordering. As a bonus, it cuts down on your human interaction.

Pro tip: Do NOT wait till you are hungry to place your mobile order. Try to place your lunch order sometime in the morning and choose your preferred return time. That way you won’t run into an issue with their not being a quick enough return time. Again, choosing an 11 am or 2-3 pm lunch is going to help you to avoid some of the heavier crowds.

Build breaks into your day

Don’t fill your itinerary up so much that you don’t leave time for breaks. As magical and fun as Disney can be, it can also be exhausting. Some of my favorite times on a Disney vacation are sitting in a quiet area with a drink and a treat and people-watching. You can also take a break while enjoying some of the more relaxing attractions in the parks. Here are some great options:

Magic Kingdom
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Liberty Belle Riverboat
- Hall of Presidents
- People Mover
EPCOT
- Gardens of Canada Pavilion
- United Kingdom Gardens
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Living with the Land
Hollywood Studios
- Star Wars Launch Bay
- Walt Disney Presents
- Animation Gallery
Animal Kingdom
- Discovery Island Trails
- Na’vi River Journey
Use rope drop and evenings for touring

Some of the least busy, and most pleasant time in the parks is right at park opening (or preferably during early entry if you are an onsite guest) and at the end of the evening. You are avoiding the throngs of the midday crowds, and you are able to tour the parks at a much more leisurely and relaxed pace.

This is an area where you need to know yourself. If you are not an early riser, it may not be worth it to force yourself up early enough to be at the parks before they open. In that case, maybe the end of the night strategy will work best for you. Sleep in, enjoy your resort and head to the parks later in the day.

If you are not a night owl then it might make sense hit the parks in the early morning and be back to your resort to relax by dinner. If you are planning your first trip don’t plan on being in the parks from open to close each day. This is setting yourself up for a potentially miserable and exhausting day.

Utilize Genie +

If it’s in your budget I recommend purchasing Genie +. Yes, it’s annoying that you have to pay for something that used to be free. But as they say, time is money. For me, it is worth it to pay to skip the long lines at popular attractions. I’m able to get more things done and spare myself the anxiety of standing in the queues for hours with strangers. It just makes for a much more enjoyable experience in my opinion.

View fireworks from less crowded areas

I absolutely love fireworks. And Disney fireworks are a cut above all the rest. But I hate standing shoulder to shoulder in a huge group of people to watch them. Even worse is the fighting my way through that whole crowd of people to exit the parks.

Ok, maybe I’m being a bit dramatic. But really, I just want to be able to enjoy the fireworks without all that hassle. I love to find less crowded areas to view the show in peace. There are plenty of options for some amazing fireworks experiences. Here are a few:
- Spring for a resort room with a theme park view
- Have a late dinner at a nearby resort and then watch the fireworks from there. My favorite place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks is from the beach of the Polynesian resort after dinner at the Kona Cafe
- Transportation- Try to time it right to watch Harmonious from the Skyliner or Enchantment from the ferryboats.
- Take a Ferrytale Fireworks Cruise
- Try a fireworks Dessert party inside Magic Kingdom
- Book a fireworks dining package in EPCOT
There are plenty of ways for introverts to reduce the stress of a Disney World vacation. It takes a bit of planning and preparation, but you can craft a vacation that feels like a dream come true.

I hope you enjoyed these tips. Leave me a comment and let me know which one was your favorite.