Orlando Theme Parks Vacation Tips & Tricks
Updated February 12, 2024
Growing up, I spent a lot of time in Orlando on family trips. It’s amazing how much it has grown and changed over the years, especially with the ever-rising costs of visiting theme parks. Still, the joy it brings to people, of all ages, seems to far outweigh what it does to the wallet. While I can’t provide any discounts or offer a lot of unique tips to reduce cost, I can provide some guidance on how to better navigate hotels, dining, and even ride lines that I’ve learned along the way.
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Resort vs. "Off Property"
The biggest debate when you’re trying to save money is whether or not you should stay at a theme park resort. I’ve done it both ways and honestly, there is more benefit to staying on one of the properties than not. While Disney has reduced what you get on some of their less pricier resorts, Universal has made it far more beneficial. Below is a guide that will help you choose what is best for your own stay:
Walt Disney World Resorts
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
A couple of years ago, Disney changed their policies on who would get extra evening park hours, to include only the pricier properties. Otherwise, all resorts enjoy the following:
Access to the parks one hour before everyone else.
Genie+ is included, which gives you fast pass access to 3 rides a day for free (at Disney’s discretion - see the “Navigating Lines” section, below)
Free shuttle buses, boat rides, and a tram (depending on where you are staying).
Walking paths to the park (depending on where you are staying).
Access to exclusive character interactions.
Lots of restaurant and activity options on-property.
Universal Studios Resorts
All resorts enjoy the following:
Access to the park an hour before it opens to everyone else.
A card that serves as your room key, express pass, and also lets you charge purchases.
Free shuttle buses and boat rides (depending on where you are staying).
Walking paths to the park (depending on where you are staying).
Lots of restaurant and activity options on-property.
Navigating Lines
It’s interesting how different parks offer different ways of getting onto rides faster and what that actually means. Below are some tips and tricks for navigating the differences, as well as some tips on how to cope with the rides that do not offer express passes.
Walt Disney World
While Disney has perfected the art of line times, there’s many ways to ride your most favorite/the most popular rides without being stuck in super long lines all day. Start by using the park app to note wait times. Then, follow the advice below:
Staying at a resort? Most of the parks will open one hour for you before it’s open to the general public.
It’s a “no-brainer” when it comes to getting onto the ride you most want to do before everyone else. I’ve learned to be at the park 10 minutes before it’s open to you so you can be one of the first to “hoof it” to the ride of your choice before the line is immensely long. For example: Years ago, I wanted to be one of the first on “Avatar: Flight of Passage” as it was notorious for six-hour lines (I wish I were exaggerating). I walked as fast as my feet would carry me (along with a lot of other people) and offered to be a single rider. I got in right away.
Fast Lane is great, but requires practice in navigating how to do it.
Disney went wireless years ago, which means everything is done through the app. If you’re staying at a resort, the Genie+ feature on the app is included, which allows you to book fast passes for the park you will be at that day. If you’re not staying at a park resort, it will be an additional fee.
What Genie+ is good for:
Each day, at 7am EST, a park will open reservation slots for some of their most popular rides. You must go to Genie+ ASAP to book a lot. Otherwise, you’re waiting in a long line. You may book for your entire party, as long as your entire party is listed on your app.
Allows you to book Fast Passes for other rides that you don’t want to wait in line for. Note that Disney’s app factors in other fast passes you have already reserved, which determines if you can book more than one ride at a time.
Fast pass is great but single rider is greater.
I’ve gotten right onto rides by offering to be a single rider. Most rides have their own single rider lane now, which means skipping the traditional line and offering to wait on standby to fill a seat.
Universal Studios
Universal does things a little bit different and it’s not perfect. You purchase the “Express Pass” separately from the park ticket, which allows you to walk up to any ride entrance, have your card scanned, then access the ride either after a short wait or no wait at all. HOWEVER, not all rides have Express Pass (including “Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure”). In this case, follow the tips below:
Staying at a resort? Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure will open one hour before it’s open to the general public, which means you should get to the ride you most want to do ASAP - especially if there is no Express Pass available for it. For example: I wanted to do the “Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure”, which meant being the first on the Hogwarts Express and running to the ride.
The Express pass is great but Express pass + single rider is greater - While most of the rides there do not have single rider lines, they will ask if there are any single riders willing to jump the line and fill a seat. Couple that with an Express Pass line (where available), and you’ll get on a ride in no time. (Note, Express passes come at a fee but do NOT require making ride reservations.)
Rides That Do Not Accept Express Pass
Fievel's Playland
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™ (that line can be upwards of four hours long so be sure to be the first to the park)
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Pteranodon Flyers
Tips On Coping With Long Lines
Get a snack and/or a drink (especially a slushy if it’s hot). I’ve seen a lot of people do this and it’s a good idea, especially if there’s limited shade cover and it’s hot and humid.
Get a large cup of ice and apply sunscreen before you get in line - Ice is great to consume during a longer stretch of time (without needing to find a bathroom faster), as well as to apply on hot skin. Which speaking of, apply that sunscreen before you get in line!
Keep the cell phone out of the locker - Universal (not Disney) require that all personal belongings are to be put in a free locker before they can access the ride entrance (a pain, but it’s better than losing things). I used to put my cell phone in the locker with everything else, until I realized it’s okay to have it as long as it can be secured in a pocket.
Dining Guide
Having Celiac, as well as tending to be a healthier eater, means an added challenge in finding food. Below is my guide to navigating dining when it comes to allergies, quality, as well as when to make reservations. I’ve also included a couple of restaurants to avoid.
Walt Disney World
TIP: All Disney restaurants, including those in Disney Springs, require a reservation no more than 60 days in advance of your trip. Your 60-day window will open at midnight EST and slots will go quickly!
Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
Hands down, this was the coolest things I’ve ever done! Since I was a kid, it’s been a dream of mine to go into Cinderella’s Castle. When I learned Cinderella’s Royal Table was at the top of the castle and is a full dining experience (complete with meeting the Disney princesses), I immediately made a reservation. The food was wonderful (they did a fantastic job of catering to my Celiac), the service was great, and the atmosphere was magical.
Harambe Market (Animal Kingdom)
A fantastic quick-serve market with ethnic food from all over Asia and South Africa (very allergy-friendly)! No reservations are required.
Mama Melrose’s (Hollywood Studios)
A fantastic authentic Italian restaurant that caters extremely well to people with Celiac. Tip: If you have Celiac, you can ask for extra gluten-free rolls to go. The are very generous in packing them up for you.
Morimoto (Disney Springs)
While this Pan-Asian place (started by Chef Morimoto of Iron Chef America) has historically gotten mild reviews, I thought the food was good and the decor, outstanding.
Pinocchio Village Haus (Magic Kingdom)
This is a great place to grab a quick lunch. While it’s almost all flat breads and pizzas, they do have a large gluten-free menu that includes pizzas and chicken strips. No reservations are required.
Rose & Crown Dining Room (Epcot)
Looking for traditional U.K. pub fare? This is one of the best places to dine on Shepherd’s Pie (great for gluten-allergies), a dram of whiskey, and for those with no allergies… stick toffee pudding!
Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater (Hollywood Studios)
This has always been one of my favorites! You get to dine in a 1950’s car, watch old cartoons and funny sci-fi videos while eating typical drive-in food (they do have gluten-free buns available), Make sure to bring a sweater, though, as it gets chilly in there!
Sprinkles (Disney Springs)
We all love cupcakes and for me, I love a great cupcake place that serves gluten-free ones! But the added bonus - the cupcake ATM!
Summer House (Disney Springs)
Ever want to dine an a California-esque beach house, savoring some of the freshest salads and seafoods? Summer House is exactly that spot. TIP: Don’t forget to grab a cookie on the way out :)
The Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom)
One of the oldest restaurants in Magic Kingdom, is one that happens to also be the hardest to get reservations for - it’s close to the front of the park and is super nostalgic for anyone of any age. Make sure to try their root beer floats!
The Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios)
The original Brown Derby (in Los Angeles) was the first place to serve the Cobb Salad, which is exactly what I had at this one. The 1920s vibe is super cool and the rest of the menu is fantastic!
The Plaza (Magic Kingdom)
Another “historical” restaurant on Main Street is the Plaza - a great American food establishment that you will need reservations for. It has a fantastic gluten-free menu!
WHERE NOT TO DINE
AMC Dine-in (Disney Springs)
The food is absolutely terrible as is the service. Definitely grab some snacks and see a movie, but go elsewhere for a full meal.
Universal Studios
While Universal doesn’t have as strict a restaurant reservation policy as Disney, it is best to book your restauants at least 60 days in advanced.
Below are our recommendations, as well as a couple that we advise staying away from:
Hard Rock Cafe (Universal)
If you’ve been to a Hard Rock Cafe, you know the food is consistent - it’s always a great fall back and they do have some great Celiac-friendly options! Reservations are not necessary unless you are heading the park at a busy time of the year.
Leaky Cauldron (Universal)
Want a small taste of Harry Potter’s trips to the Leaky Cauldron were like? They have a great British menu with some gluten-free options available. It’s suggested to make reservations well in advance.
Mama Della’s (Loews Portofino Bay Hotel)
I took Blackbeard here to celebrate his birthday and it wasn’t bad, but there were definitely aspects that could have been improved. The wine list, food, and service were fantastic (they cater very well to gluten-free diets). What was poor was how loud it was with the opera singer, singing from table to table, as well as how pushy they got about singing at your table to get tips - it ruined the vibe to be honest (I sent them away twice). Reservations are required.
Mel’s Diner (Universal)
Relive a little bit of Back to the Future at Mel’s Diner! Serving typical drive-in food, it’s a great lunch spot for a quick meal. Note: They do have gluten-free buns but the french fries are NOT gluten-free. You do not need reservations however, lines do get long.
Three Broomsticks (Islands of Adventure)
We ate lunch here twice and loved it both times! The half roasted chicken and butter beer are so darn good! No reservations are required however, lines do get long.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (Universal)- While I’ve not eaten in the restaurant, I have spent time in the macaron and steampunk-style confection section and OMG - it’s hard to choose one thing! They will tell you which macarons are allergy-friendly and they come in dozens of flavors.
Where NOT to eat
Pirates Dinner Adventure (6 minutes from Universal)
Having always loved Medieval Times, we figured a Pirates dinner would be super fun. We were wrong. While the welcoming experience was pretty good, the service after that was horrid, especially since I noted I had Celiac on my reservation and they didn’t bother to see that. I was handed lettuce to eat (no joke) because they didn’t know what else to do. The show, itself, was sad and tired and the audience, a bit something to be desired. We ended up leaving early.
Halloween & Other Holidays
In the case of Halloween and other holidays, the parks have different rules for night time access.
Walt Disney world
In the case of Disney’s theme parks, it varies on what park you are at. Usually, Magic Kingdom is the only one to offer extended park hours to everyone with a valid ticket, as well as bonus extended hours for resort guests (I’ve gone there as late as midnight for rides as a park guest).
Not all rides are available during those extended hours, nor are Fast Lanes, so be sure to check your app for those details.
Universal Studios
In the case of Universal during “Halloween Horror Nights”, you will find almost all parks will close at 5pm in order to reopen for the Universal Studios haunted attractions (haunted houses, scare zones, shows, etc.) at 7pm. This means if you do not have a special event ticket, you will have to leave the park and purchase one. In addition, in order to cut the lines for any attraction, be it a ride, haunted house, etc., you must also purchase an Express pass for that, too. We didn’t know this going into it and while we flashed our park express passes with ease on most, the last one we did it at, tried to confiscate our park tickets (they didn’t read our multi-day passes correctly at first).
Note that only the Universal Studios theme park is open for this event, and not all rides are running during these extended hours either.
Tip: Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume, grab a drink from any bar and walk through the scare zones, etc. to get maximum enjoyment out of it. It was so much fun!