"Its 4 parks, 25 resorts, an entire shopping district, 2 water parks, multiple golf parks, and a partridge in a pear tree." That last addition made me laugh out loud at work.
So is it just me or is AJ a big part of what makes planning your Disney trips fun? My daughter isn't really into meeting characters and autographs, but I think she would wait in a 90 minute line for hers...True story!
Don’t forget to pack reusable straws (if you don’t like the paper ones like my family), ziplock bags, and mask holders! The mask holders are perfect for preventing you from losing your masks-especially on rides.
AJ, let me tell you: because of these helpful videos and mailing list entries of you & your team's, my husband and I have made a big ol' spreadsheet of planning info with prioritized rides, restaurants for meals each day, a general sketch of what each park looks like, etc. I am excited and I'm feeling less and less stressed about it. Thank you!! Hopefully the parks won't be *too* crazy in mid-October, but I feel prepared for that too.
I think my biggest suggestion is to be flexible! It's great to have an outline of plans with reservations and stuff but things will happen so just enjoy the experience and try not to focus on the negative if things don't go according to plan in your head :)
Being flexible and just going with the flow definitely makes it waaay less stressful. Make a list of a few must-dos and then just go where the day takes you. 😌💙
We just got back from WDW. AJ, you and your teams tips were invaluable. It has been 11 years since my spouse and I were there and man, did your videos prepare us for a awesome trip, compared to going on a whim the last time. We had a blast and got to ride all but two or the rides we wanted to hit (and a ton more that was not on our list). Love your videos and although our next trip will be next year, I will keep watching your videos. I always learn something new with DFB.
😂 Several years ago I went to Disneyland with my friends who had never been before so I met with them ahead of time to plan what we wanted to do and to make sure I knew what kind of trip they wanted, a “take your time and absorb the experience” kind of trip or a “let’s bust our butts and get as much done as we can in one day since that’s all they had”, trip. This really did help, but I have to laugh because I was definitely the leader and at times, I was basically just giving orders to them, but it actually went well and my friend still talks about it to this day and references what a fantastic vacation planner I was. 😊
@@shanedavis5799 Yeah the "older" way of having to be on the phone 60-90 days in advance before the sunrises to try to get a few rides at decent times was brutal. Universal Studios in Hollywood does a flat fee (that changes everyday-$40~60) for a single line jump per ride OR even more money to be able to do that multiple times per ride.
@@GLJosh The big thing for me was I got my fast pass reservations at the end of the day so I couldn't use up my 3 early in the day and then get granted 3 more fast passes. It was dumb.
@@shanedavis5799 Say What? They will charge for rides now and I can bet you, ticket prices will be rising again as well. Disney is about making Disney money, not giving you free rides. And once everyone is paying for the Lightening Lane, you will be back to waiting hours to get a ride. (note: that is what happen to fast pass)
As for Disney Merch., I like to purchase my special Disney survivors at WDW because when I look at that item it reminds of my vacation and where I purchased it.
BOOOO!!!! on Disney Genie+!!!!! It's simply price gouging. After we pay a high price to get into the park, we now have to pay another fee to get on high-interest rides. Walt is turning over in his grave!
I don’t mind the pay for ride at all. We’re going for the first time next year, and may not be able to go back for years after that. RoTR is super important to us that we ride. I like knowing that we’re able to pay to ride rather than hoping we get a boarding pass, especially now that the new Star Wars hotel guests will be guaranteed spots on the ride.
I told my mom about disney genie+ and she's trying to go in December. There is 6-7 of us but she's thinking about getting it for me, my cousin, and my sister since we are the older kids. While my brother and cousin can stay with my mom and step dad
Hello! I was just curious if you've done a food video on safe foods for picky eaters or friends with allergies? I think it would be a great topic to cover that would be very beneficial to our friends!
Honesty I think you are making the right decision☹. The cost of everything is up, the fun little freebies are gone and staying on property has lost all its neat little perks. I live in the states and my wife kids and I went 2 months ago and our Disney experience was more stressful than it's ever been before. It was awful hearing all these frustrated angry people being so mean and nasty to the amazing cast members (employees)and others around them, as well. I will take a few years off from Disneyworld unfortunately, but will definitely be back!!
With all the perks that got taken away, on an already expensive vacation, I don’t think it’s fair to charge for rides AFTER buying a park ticket. First time in 12 yrs we have canceled our WDW vacay. It’s just not magical anymore.
:( I totally agree. such money grabs. hotels and tickets cost enough they can easily have fast passes and magical express be free. it was part of what made Disney so great and above universal
"We needed bandaids and we needed them fast." Me: *visceral reaction* AJ: "I'm sorry for the visceral reaction you're experiencing right now." Me: Thank you.
We set our reservations yesterday. We got every restaurant we wanted except Ogas Cantina. That one was filled up for our dates about 20 min after reservations came available.
We were able to do the walk-up waitlist in Disneyland. You just had to be somewhat near the restaurant and do it earlier in the day. I think we only waited 20 minutes! So, it's a possibility :)
We buy our ponchos at the dollar store. They are too expensive at Disney. For the money, I would rather buy a mug or something else.I prefer to buy my Disney merch at the parks.I like to remember where I bought it on my trip.
I hope genie + fails. It's $15 a day per person, not a group per person, so a family of 4 is $60 a day. And thats not including the more popular rides, it will cost more money separately from others. And why does d-land's genie + cost more than d-world's? $5 more! Does that make sense to you? This is a perfect example of Disney taking inches to see what people are willing to pay for.
It cost more at Disneyland because photo pass is included at Disneyland Disney world you get augmented reality in your photos instead. At least that's my guess.
Yes, please bring your dog but don't say it's a service dog to bring it into the parks with you or to get out of the pet fee. It's a misdemeanor to misrepresent your dog as a service animal. I really don't want to retire my medical equipment cause you couldn't leave Fluffy at Daycare or Home!
Also these last few months of Magical Express don’t expect anything magical. Last week we got busses with no character decoration, no movies and the driver didn’t even speak once not even to announce our hotel or remind to take all belongings.
We used to buy our items at the Disney Stores locally on sale before we would go. Also checked things out on ebay, where people bought at Disney & after 2 months sold it at a fraction of cost!
pro tip: if you rope drop test track with your party, hop right into single rider, you'll all most likely end up on the same one as everyone else is making their cars
Those dining tips are no joke! I was bummed because I didn't think we would be able to get a specific time for breakfast, but our travel agent suggested that we pick the time rather than clicking breakfast and it worked! We were able to switch to the earlier time with no problems.
I was there 22-26 Aug and used the single rider lane at Smugglers Run and snagged a left side pilot seat! Ronto’s Roasters Wrap was the best thing I had to eat the whole trip (and that includes two sit down dinner meals at Skipper Canteen and Les Chefs de France).
I’m glad to hear they are still accommodating those with disabilities. It sounds like the new system is going to be nice. I’d actually prefer to apply in advance and get everything set up ahead of time rather than dealing with it the day of. It always cut into valuable park time waiting in line to get those DAS passes.
Thank you so much for this video, the marching band I'm part of was supposed to go last year, and we are going this year so far... as much as I hate that we have to pay for lighting lanes, my friends and I are doing it. Thank you for keeping us informed!
Tell me about it. I made redundant reservations at 60 days out and didn’t love all of my times. I’ll just keep checking, modify for better times within the next 55 days, and cancel those redundant ones that don’t please me.
@@alisonbyers7022 We just have to relax and be flexible about it. No big deal to check the app a few times a day and try to modify the time through “My Plans.” You don’t have much time for Sept. 9, but they say many people cancel at the last minute. For me arriving Oct. 17th, there are still a lot of Europeans who have to totally cancel their trips because travel to the U.S. just won’t be open to them by then. My first reservation was at The Boat House at Disney Springs, our first night there. (We never do parks the first day, only Disney Springs.) Earliest was 9:30, but no big deal. We could handle that for this kind of relaxed day. But an hour later I tried to modify and got 8:30. I’d still like a little earlier, but if not, it’s still okay.
I don't hate the bubble wands, I reserve that disdain for the parent who doesn't stop their Rugrats from bubble bombing me endlessly when I'm proximate to their child in a tight queue. There's a time and a place people!
I’m a pin trading maniac, I put a small drawstring bag of traders in my park bag!! (I usually use one of those bags jewelry comes in or you could use a snack size ziplock bag)
Oh my gosh, I followed your advice right now (60 days before) for dinning reservation, I tried “dinner” and didn’t have a spot, immediately tried with a exact time and BOOM, I found our spots, THANK YOU!!!
For the pins, I’d suggest getting locking pin backs. They’re very effective and while they can be a bit fickle when it comes to taking them off, it’s better to struggle to take them off than struggle to keep them on! I’ve used them for my school bag and between crowded lecture halls and running to class when late, I’m yet to lose any pins.
at 26:34- you are SO right, A.J! -We went on our trip once in January & also once in November- both times the weather was Perfect, low crowd levels & tranportation went a lot smoother..... if you do go in November, go anytime right before (or during!) Thanksgiving- before Winter break starts for all the school kids.
I have a nut allergy and I was at I think T-Rex. And they brought the chef out to figure out how to get me a dish I wanted without me having a major reaction. They were super nice and accommodating. They didn’t act like I was bothering them or anything. It was in the middle of dinner too. They made me what I wanted at all was well
It is I. I am the group leader. I planned the fastpasses, checked wait times and asked about food preferences for the last trip. For this trip, I'm going over plans and making the park reservations
Feeling the "designated planner" person right now. I even created park specific forms with yes no questions and NO ONE is giving me feedback. All I get is "whatever, I'm going with the flow". I know this will not end well when we have tired kids and feet on day 5 in the park.
With the prices for parking and tickets, you would think genie plus would be included, also charging you extra to ride the special rides. Plus you have to get lightning lane just to beat the crowds. Oh well! I can only hope. Take your own snacks too..
So far outside of the extra cost, the biggest thing messing with my plans are the park passes! I want the kids in my group to be able to decide where they want to go, and that’s not possible if I have to choose months in advance. Takes all the spontaneity out of it.
AJ, my recent experience regarding dining reservations is that you can make them at 6am on the My Disney Experience web site but not until 7am on the app.
It may have been in the before times in 2019, but I've managed to get Be Our Guest dinner reservations while riding the monorail to Magic Kingdom that same morning, so it totally CAN happen, you just gotta check!
I love your videos. Your voice, the excitement in it, the videos as you speak, i just love it. All the handy info is amazing. Im in Australia and can't travel but one day id love to go back IF I can afford after all the price increases recently. But i still enjoy watching this!
14:30 we used mobile checkout in DCA recently. It was a neat service but had some obvious bugs to be worked out. We each purchased the same thing on separate accounts and when we finally found the mobile checkout, there was some issue with the orders that required a supervisor to come fix. This was only after walking to the end of the store only to see no checkout. When we asked about where we were supposed to go, none of the CMs knew about the program. While they offered to check us out, we already had gone through the mobile checkout and had our QR codes. It wasn't until we made our way to the beginning that we found that mobile checkout booth.
I worked at Disney World back in the 80s. Every January Space Mountain is closed for the entire month for annual maintenance and repairs. In fact, most of the major rides have annual month long refurbishment so check to see if you favorite ride will be operating when you visit. When I worked at The Magic Kingdom in the late 80s the slowest time of the year, the time when there were the fewest visitors were the days right after Thanksgiving and before Christmas. I can remember days when there was literally no wait to ride Space Mountain. The reason I believe, is because people either vacation on the Thanksgiving weekend or for like a week around Christmas. However that 2 1/2 to 3 week period just before people start taking off for Christmas, the whole country is at home wrapping presents. Everybody in Florida is waiting for the relatives to show up before going the theme parks. Which leads me to the busiest day of the year. CHRISTMAS. Christmas day at the Magic Kingdom is a little like being in Mecca during the Hajj. A bit crowded.
I found Joffrey’s coffee in TJ Maxx for $7 a bag! I stocked up lol. I also found the oven mitts I was eyeing up at Disney Springs in TJ Maxx for way less!!
Since I left earlier this month I’ve been hearing about the short wait times. I am still checking the wait times wishing I was walking through a queue to get on…
I just got back. No wait at all really. Only a few were 30 minutes. Most were about ten and a lot we just had to walk through the maze and then we got right on.
Thank you AJ for a wonderful and informative video. I thought I was a Disney vet. With so many changes you helped this "group leader" feel better prepared. Lol I currently in a grad school and this felt like another class. Lol hope I pass!
Can two people going on a trip together both make dining reservations at 6am 60 days out? Like if my friend does half the restaurants and I do half does that work?
Absolutely. My husband and I each have our accounts linked on My Disney Experience and both do dining reservations for the whole family as a team at the 60 day mark.
"Its 4 parks, 25 resorts, an entire shopping district, 2 water parks, multiple golf parks, and a partridge in a pear tree." That last addition made me laugh out loud at work.
So is it just me or is AJ a big part of what makes planning your Disney trips fun? My daughter isn't really into meeting characters and autographs, but I think she would wait in a 90 minute line for hers...True story!
Don’t forget to pack reusable straws (if you don’t like the paper ones like my family), ziplock bags, and mask holders! The mask holders are perfect for preventing you from losing your masks-especially on rides.
AJ, let me tell you: because of these helpful videos and mailing list entries of you & your team's, my husband and I have made a big ol' spreadsheet of planning info with prioritized rides, restaurants for meals each day, a general sketch of what each park looks like, etc. I am excited and I'm feeling less and less stressed about it. Thank you!! Hopefully the parks won't be *too* crazy in mid-October, but I feel prepared for that too.
Jesus lol
I think my biggest suggestion is to be flexible! It's great to have an outline of plans with reservations and stuff but things will happen so just enjoy the experience and try not to focus on the negative if things don't go according to plan in your head :)
Being flexible and just going with the flow definitely makes it waaay less stressful. Make a list of a few must-dos and then just go where the day takes you. 😌💙
We just got back from WDW. AJ, you and your teams tips were invaluable. It has been 11 years since my spouse and I were there and man, did your videos prepare us for a awesome trip, compared to going on a whim the last time. We had a blast and got to ride all but two or the rides we wanted to hit (and a ton more that was not on our list). Love your videos and although our next trip will be next year, I will keep watching your videos. I always learn something new with DFB.
AJ: I know that group leader is you.
Me: I feel so called out.
😂 Several years ago I went to Disneyland with my friends who had never been before so I met with them ahead of time to plan what we wanted to do and to make sure I knew what kind of trip they wanted, a “take your time and absorb the experience” kind of trip or a “let’s bust our butts and get as much done as we can in one day since that’s all they had”, trip. This really did help, but I have to laugh because I was definitely the leader and at times, I was basically just giving orders to them, but it actually went well and my friend still talks about it to this day and references what a fantastic vacation planner I was. 😊
Same 🤣🤣🤣
Can't afford to go but I can dream. Thank you for these videos.
Same, but I hope you can go someday soon! 🌠
@@mysticxjuice Thanks. I hope to as well.
Before or after Genie?
you will one day
I already HATE this Disney genie thing and it hasn’t even launched yet! I hope it tanks…
It's going to be SO much better for reserving rides. It just costs more but they just woulda increased the price of tickets otherwise.
@@shanedavis5799 Yeah the "older" way of having to be on the phone 60-90 days in advance before the sunrises to try to get a few rides at decent times was brutal. Universal Studios in Hollywood does a flat fee (that changes everyday-$40~60) for a single line jump per ride OR even more money to be able to do that multiple times per ride.
@@GLJosh The big thing for me was I got my fast pass reservations at the end of the day so I couldn't use up my 3 early in the day and then get granted 3 more fast passes. It was dumb.
i say we all just boycott it until they bring back fastpass
@@shanedavis5799 Say What? They will charge for rides now and I can bet you, ticket prices will be rising again as well. Disney is about making Disney money, not giving you free rides. And once everyone is paying for the Lightening Lane, you will be back to waiting hours to get a ride. (note: that is what happen to fast pass)
Best part of the Morning; When DFB Uploads.
Same here
For the pin bags, you can also search for an “ita” bag! That’s what they’re called in Japan.
As for Disney Merch., I like to purchase my special Disney survivors at WDW because when I look at that item it reminds of my vacation and where I purchased it.
BOOOO!!!! on Disney Genie+!!!!! It's simply price gouging. After we pay a high price to get into the park, we now have to pay another fee to get on high-interest rides. Walt is turning over in his grave!
I don’t mind the pay for ride at all. We’re going for the first time next year, and may not be able to go back for years after that. RoTR is super important to us that we ride. I like knowing that we’re able to pay to ride rather than hoping we get a boarding pass, especially now that the new Star Wars hotel guests will be guaranteed spots on the ride.
Walt was first and foremost a businessman. Wouldn’t bother him in the least.
I told my mom about disney genie+ and she's trying to go in December. There is 6-7 of us but she's thinking about getting it for me, my cousin, and my sister since we are the older kids. While my brother and cousin can stay with my mom and step dad
Hello! I was just curious if you've done a food video on safe foods for picky eaters or friends with allergies? I think it would be a great topic to cover that would be very beneficial to our friends!
I know they have , I would search DFB allergy and see if it pops up
Tbh we’re thinking of cancelling our trip from U.K.; more stress and cash than magic these days. 💔
Honesty I think you are making the right decision☹. The cost of everything is up, the fun little freebies are gone and staying on property has lost all its neat little perks. I live in the states and my wife kids and I went 2 months ago and our Disney experience was more stressful than it's ever been before. It was awful hearing all these frustrated angry people being so mean and nasty to the amazing cast members (employees)and others around them, as well. I will take a few years off from Disneyworld unfortunately, but will definitely be back!!
@@Sparty-pi3jq Thanks for your thoughts!!! So so sad but we’d rather remember the magic as it used to be- hopefully it will be back one day. 💔
With all the perks that got taken away, on an already expensive vacation, I don’t think it’s fair to charge for rides AFTER buying a park ticket. First time in 12 yrs we have canceled our WDW vacay. It’s just not magical anymore.
I live down here, and stopped going when they started charging for PARKING at their resorts. Like, are they simply out of their minds!?
:( I totally agree. such money grabs. hotels and tickets cost enough they can easily have fast passes and magical express be free. it was part of what made Disney so great and above universal
@@katycoe9244 universal has started to look more appealing lately....Disney's cash grabs and greed is so disappointing.....sigh
Can you tell me what things dissuaded you the most from going? What are the biggest cons?
@@clubbasher32 It’s a money-grabbing rip-off every step you take.
"We needed bandaids and we needed them fast."
Me: *visceral reaction*
AJ: "I'm sorry for the visceral reaction you're experiencing right now."
Me: Thank you.
These videos are the best part of my morning routine!
How about.. DEAR DISNEY STOP MAKING THINGS CONFUSING FOR YOUR GUESTS, THANKS
And stop making things more expensive!
We set our reservations yesterday. We got every restaurant we wanted except Ogas Cantina. That one was filled up for our dates about 20 min after reservations came available.
We were able to do the walk-up waitlist in Disneyland. You just had to be somewhat near the restaurant and do it earlier in the day. I think we only waited 20 minutes! So, it's a possibility :)
We buy our ponchos at the dollar store. They are too expensive at Disney. For the money, I would rather buy a mug or something else.I prefer to buy my Disney merch at the parks.I like to remember where I bought it on my trip.
"I know that group leader is you, not gonna lie"
Who me? The one with the spreadsheets? Nah. ;)
Yes the swan and dolphin information was really helpful. It's what I am leaning towards.
I always enjoy these videos, and I live my most prevalent tip every day to make Disney World Easy:
Just stay home and watch videos about it.
AJ said “twice a year they have their Twice a Year Sale” and my face was like 🤨
I love when DFB releases 40 minute videos!
Way too long losing interest
I like them too! For some reason I like really long videos lol
@@ashleysimmons3210 Ashley! Fancy seeing you here at DFB hahah
@@JamesonThomas24 Haha I know right!! It’s a small work after all 😂
These videos have been so helpful in planning our trip!
I hope genie + fails. It's $15 a day per person, not a group per person, so a family of 4 is $60 a day. And thats not including the more popular rides, it will cost more money separately from others. And why does d-land's genie + cost more than d-world's? $5 more! Does that make sense to you? This is a perfect example of Disney taking inches to see what people are willing to pay for.
It cost more at Disneyland because photo pass is included at Disneyland Disney world you get augmented reality in your photos instead. At least that's my guess.
Yes, please bring your dog but don't say it's a service dog to bring it into the parks with you or to get out of the pet fee. It's a misdemeanor to misrepresent your dog as a service animal. I really don't want to retire my medical equipment cause you couldn't leave Fluffy at Daycare or Home!
Another great video AJ - id say watch your RUclips videos and your already 5 steps ahead of the game ♡
Also these last few months of Magical Express don’t expect anything magical. Last week we got busses with no character decoration, no movies and the driver didn’t even speak once not even to announce our hotel or remind to take all belongings.
We used to buy our items at the Disney Stores locally on sale before we would go. Also checked things out on ebay, where people bought at Disney & after 2 months sold it at a fraction of cost!
Love this channel, we have learned so much before we go in October. Haven’t missed a video yet
I hope you have a great trip
I'm going in October with my husband for our anniversary! :) Have so much fun! Hopefully the crowds will be okay for you
@@posthumorously anniversary trip in October too :) happy anniversary and I hope you have a lovely time!
I´ve never been to Disney World and don`t even live in the US.....and yet here I am.
That was great information. As a Disney veteran of many years i learned those lessons the hard way. You hit ever point right on the head. Great job.
I'm going for the first time ever soon. Seeing all these planning tips is preparing me and stressing me out at the same time lol.
Thank you, AJ, fellow Texas gal! Planning for October, and so glad to get yours and Molly’s tips about ever-changing DW. We are excited!
So, you're okay with Genie?
pro tip: if you rope drop test track with your party, hop right into single rider, you'll all most likely end up on the same one as everyone else is making their cars
Those dining tips are no joke! I was bummed because I didn't think we would be able to get a specific time for breakfast, but our travel agent suggested that we pick the time rather than clicking breakfast and it worked! We were able to switch to the earlier time with no problems.
"I know that group leaders you..." She's on to me...👀 😂
I was there 22-26 Aug and used the single rider lane at Smugglers Run and snagged a left side pilot seat! Ronto’s Roasters Wrap was the best thing I had to eat the whole trip (and that includes two sit down dinner meals at Skipper Canteen and Les Chefs de France).
I’m glad to hear they are still accommodating those with disabilities. It sounds like the new system is going to be nice. I’d actually prefer to apply in advance and get everything set up ahead of time rather than dealing with it the day of. It always cut into valuable park time waiting in line to get those DAS passes.
I love you how in depth you got- people dont think about these things until it happens!
Thank you so much for this video, the marching band I'm part of was supposed to go last year, and we are going this year so far... as much as I hate that we have to pay for lighting lanes, my friends and I are doing it. Thank you for keeping us informed!
ADR availability is no joke. I got online at 6am 60 days out from my September 9th trip and it was already slim pickings.
Tell me about it.
I made redundant reservations at 60 days out and didn’t love all of my times. I’ll just keep checking, modify for better times within the next 55 days, and cancel those redundant ones that don’t please me.
@@Ira88881 Doing the same thing. It has become my second job. It is too much work (unpaid) to book a happy vacation at Disney World.
@@alisonbyers7022 We just have to relax and be flexible about it. No big deal to check the app a few times a day and try to modify the time through “My Plans.” You don’t have much time for Sept. 9, but they say many people cancel at the last minute.
For me arriving Oct. 17th, there are still a lot of Europeans who have to totally cancel their trips because travel to the U.S. just won’t be open to them by then.
My first reservation was at The Boat House at Disney Springs, our first night there. (We never do parks the first day, only Disney Springs.) Earliest was 9:30, but no big deal. We could handle that for this kind of relaxed day. But an hour later I tried to modify and got 8:30. I’d still like a little earlier, but if not, it’s still okay.
Oh the bubble wand hate, haha! My son brought his home, still loves it and still plays with it. Every kid is different ;)
I don't hate the bubble wands, I reserve that disdain for the parent who doesn't stop their Rugrats from bubble bombing me endlessly when I'm proximate to their child in a tight queue. There's a time and a place people!
I have no desire to visit a Disney park, but I've been binging your videos because it makes me feel like I've experienced it!
Have to keep these in mind for when I go again in a few weeks. Gotta get more content for my channel
Used to live in Melbourne, FL, but haven’t been to Disney for nearly 25 years. I’m sure nearly everything has changed 🤣
Each one has a group leader
Me: it's me
AJ; I know it's you
Me: WITCH
I’m a pin trading maniac, I put a small drawstring bag of traders in my park bag!! (I usually use one of those bags jewelry comes in or you could use a snack size ziplock bag)
Those orange bird plushes are really adorable!
I don't know about that AJ... Molly says test track is one of the few Epcot rides that closes due to Stormy weather.
Oh my gosh, I followed your advice right now (60 days before) for dinning reservation, I tried “dinner” and didn’t have a spot, immediately tried with a exact time and BOOM, I found our spots, THANK YOU!!!
For the pins, I’d suggest getting locking pin backs. They’re very effective and while they can be a bit fickle when it comes to taking them off, it’s better to struggle to take them off than struggle to keep them on! I’ve used them for my school bag and between crowded lecture halls and running to class when late, I’m yet to lose any pins.
at 26:34- you are SO right, A.J! -We went on our trip once in January & also once in November- both times the weather was Perfect, low crowd levels & tranportation went a lot smoother..... if you do go in November, go anytime right before (or during!) Thanksgiving- before Winter break starts for all the school kids.
Disney's Genie App: Hi! How can I help you?
Me: I know more than you.
I have a nut allergy and I was at I think T-Rex. And they brought the chef out to figure out how to get me a dish I wanted without me having a major reaction. They were super nice and accommodating. They didn’t act like I was bothering them or anything. It was in the middle of dinner too. They made me what I wanted at all was well
As we got to the point where you talk about if you're OK eating at odd times like 2 or 3 pm, we are sitting in kine for Chick-fil-A at 3pm!
This was EPIC! Thank you AJ!
Saved for my January trip 🙌🏼
It is I. I am the group leader. I planned the fastpasses, checked wait times and asked about food preferences for the last trip. For this trip, I'm going over plans and making the park reservations
AJ thank you for information about disabilities. I had no idea they had a service.
I want tusker house or check mickeys breakfast… can’t find those ADRs at all! Gonna try stand by since it’s a solo trip 🤞🏽
Also magnetic eyeglass cases will set off the security screen. Found that out the hard way after 3 days!
These videos are the closest I am going to get to ever go to Disney parks again. Love them! .....the videos, not the parks!
“I know that group leader is you” way to call me out!!! Lol
Great tips and I don't mind viewing these long videos 👍
Locking pin backs are the way to go! They sell them in the parks, but you can buy them cheap online, too.
Feeling the "designated planner" person right now. I even created park specific forms with yes no questions and NO ONE is giving me feedback. All I get is "whatever, I'm going with the flow". I know this will not end well when we have tired kids and feet on day 5 in the park.
I would love someone like you on my trip. I always appreciate peoples hard work, planning a disney trip is no joke!
With the prices for parking and tickets, you would think genie plus would be included, also charging you extra to ride the special rides. Plus you have to get lightning lane just to beat the crowds. Oh well! I can only hope. Take your own snacks too..
This has to be one of your best vids. Do you have any info on the pressed pennies at all?
What is the weather app? I need it for my incoming trip
I look forward to your guides.
So far outside of the extra cost, the biggest thing messing with my plans are the park passes! I want the kids in my group to be able to decide where they want to go, and that’s not possible if I have to choose months in advance. Takes all the spontaneity out of it.
You can change them while you're there, if other parks are available. You just have to cancel the one you have first, which is a little scary.
@@Ingrid-pg1gs Oi - that is a little scary!! But thanks for the info!!
@@michellemontgomery4834 You can get park hopper & have some flexibility too.
@@gwenstaples4588 that was my plan - but is the ability to park hop only after 2:00 permanent?
Excellent tips thanks a lot every minute of this video was very valuable
Great video to watch for newbies and seasoned Disneyers! It covers many basic but essential tips for any trip to Disney! Thanks AJ and team!!!
AJ, my recent experience regarding dining reservations is that you can make them at 6am on the My Disney Experience web site but not until 7am on the app.
Fyi, a backpack/bag with a clear window is sometimes called an icchi bag
As always, super helpful! Thank you!
It may have been in the before times in 2019, but I've managed to get Be Our Guest dinner reservations while riding the monorail to Magic Kingdom that same morning, so it totally CAN happen, you just gotta check!
I love your videos. Your voice, the excitement in it, the videos as you speak, i just love it. All the handy info is amazing. Im in Australia and can't travel but one day id love to go back IF I can afford after all the price increases recently. But i still enjoy watching this!
14:30 we used mobile checkout in DCA recently. It was a neat service but had some obvious bugs to be worked out. We each purchased the same thing on separate accounts and when we finally found the mobile checkout, there was some issue with the orders that required a supervisor to come fix. This was only after walking to the end of the store only to see no checkout. When we asked about where we were supposed to go, none of the CMs knew about the program. While they offered to check us out, we already had gone through the mobile checkout and had our QR codes. It wasn't until we made our way to the beginning that we found that mobile checkout booth.
“I know that group leader is you”
I feel seen 💀😂😅
I see Orange Bird, I click!
Why am I just now hearing that finish reservations start at 6am. No wonder I was not able to get Satuli when I tried at 12:01 am
This is a very helpful video (as always). Big appreciation for the info on disability assistance.
DFB should have an app I would definitely use it
Thank you! I've never heard of the zoom photos before.
I worked at Disney World back in the 80s.
Every January Space Mountain is closed for the entire month for annual maintenance and repairs. In fact, most of the major rides have annual month long refurbishment so check to see if you favorite ride will be operating when you visit.
When I worked at The Magic Kingdom in the late 80s the slowest time of the year, the time when there were the fewest visitors were the days right after Thanksgiving and before Christmas. I can remember days when there was literally no wait to ride Space Mountain.
The reason I believe, is because people either vacation on the Thanksgiving weekend or for like a week around Christmas. However that 2 1/2 to 3 week period just before people start taking off for Christmas, the whole country is at home wrapping presents. Everybody in Florida is waiting for the relatives to show up before going the theme parks.
Which leads me to the busiest day of the year. CHRISTMAS.
Christmas day at the Magic Kingdom is a little like being in Mecca during the Hajj. A bit crowded.
I wish I was alive back then gosh that would be the dream.
But AJ - How do I get the mobile order to send the food to my home in Sweden? :) Johan. Hey Disney, I just tip you a billion dollar idea.
28:32 that didn't age well. 😳 Yikes, it's tough out there these days alllllll the time.
Window bags are also called Ita Bags and it might be easier to find them with that name :)
I found Joffrey’s coffee in TJ Maxx for $7 a bag! I stocked up lol. I also found the oven mitts I was eyeing up at Disney Springs in TJ Maxx for way less!!
Since I left earlier this month I’ve been hearing about the short wait times. I am still checking the wait times wishing I was walking through a queue to get on…
I just got back. No wait at all really. Only a few were 30 minutes. Most were about ten and a lot we just had to walk through the maze and then we got right on.
Thank you AJ for a wonderful and informative video. I thought I was a Disney vet. With so many changes you helped this "group leader" feel better prepared. Lol I currently in a grad school and this felt like another class. Lol hope I pass!
My kid loves watching this to!😊😂
Can two people going on a trip together both make dining reservations at 6am 60 days out? Like if my friend does half the restaurants and I do half does that work?
Absolutely. My husband and I each have our accounts linked on My Disney Experience and both do dining reservations for the whole family as a team at the 60 day mark.
Reducing our trip to Orlando to one WDW day. Too much gouging everywhere on property as well as the sad end of the Magical Express.
Ah yes, disappearing pin backings. Or “dam it’s” as we call them in the Army. Because when they fall off we say… we’ll… you get it.
We consistently find Joffrey's at TJ Maxx and Homegoods...I even found the Not So Scary Pumpkin Pie flavored one there last month.