We’ve all been Disney World Rookies at some point!
Whether we learned the lay of the land as a wee one, or had to do all the research and trial and error as grown ups, it’s true that at one point, all of us were just as clueless when it came to “doing Disney.” There are many questions we all had at one point regarding things that we now do with ease every time we visit the parks. Looking back though, we can definitely think of a few things that we were too embarrassed to ask, that now seem like no-brainers because we are at Disney World ALL the time! If you’re like us and have some questions you’re embarrassed to ask, you’re not alone. Also, you’re in the right place!
This post will be your GUIDE to questions you might be too embarrassed to ask. Planning a Disney World trip and visiting for the first time is no small feat, so we’re here to help. Let’s go!
1. What does it mean to “start in Mexico” or “start in Canada” at EPCOT? Does it matter?
This refers to “drinking around the world” at EPCOT, which is when visitors grab an alcoholic beverage from each of the 11 countries represented in World Showcase. You can enter World Showcase from one of three ways: through Mexico, Canada, or France. However, since Canada and Mexico are near the front of the park, most visitors choose to start at one of those.
The margaritas and tequila-based drinks in Mexico are MUCH stronger than the beers and ciders available in Canada, so the debate is over whether or not you should get the hard liquor out of the way first, or save it until last. It totally doesn’t matter and depends on your alcohol tolerance.
2. Where is Harry Potter World?
We’ll be happy to let you know this BEFORE you enter Disney World so that you aren’t as disappointed as other visitors we’ve seen.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located at Universal Studios, not Disney World.
3. What is Genie+? Do I need it?
Genie+ is Disney’s skip-the-line service that allows you to have the opportunity to book two Lightning Lanes (quicker, shorter lines) at a time, all day long. You can buy a version that allows you to use the service in all four parks or just the park that you are visiting.
Do you need it? It depends. If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios, we’d say you’d be better off by purchasing it. Animal Kingdom or EPCOT? Eh, you’re better off buying an Individual Lightning Lane. You can buy two of these total per day.
4. How does the Monorail work?
Many visitors think that the Monorail can get them anywhere in Disney World, which is unfortunately not the case. You can take the Express Monorail, which has stops at EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). This is the one you need to take if you’re hoping to get to either of those theme parks or the Magic Kingdom parking lot.
There’s also the Resort Monorail, which takes you to the Contemporary, the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian, and Magic Kingdom. This one will take you between the three hotels and Magic Kingdom.
5. What is a Virtual Queue? Do I really need to join one?
Virtual Queues are utilized when a newer ride would be too overwhelmed by a standby line and Lightning Lane alone. The virtual queue allows you to join the line on the Disney World app rather than standing in a physical line for hours on end.
You can join “boarding groups” at 7AM and 1PM each day on the Disney World app for both TRON: Lightcycle/Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind as long as you have a park ticket for Magic Kingdom/EPCOT at 7AM, or are in the park at 1PM. You can also buy a Lightning Lane, though, but a virtual queue prevents you from having to make a purchase.
6. Is it possible to do everything in Magic Kingdom in one day?
Not unless you buy Genie+.
Or unless you somehow manage to not run into a single long line.
7. Can I bring my own snacks?
Yep! As long as you’re not hauling them in in a cooler.
Just tuck them in your bag.
8. What do I wear?
Well, it’s Florida. It’s hot. Wear something comfortable and breezy, and don’t forget rain gear.
It’ll help with those mid-day showers!
9. If I leave the park, can I come back in?
Yep! You’ll just scan your ticket again.
You’ll only be able to enter the park you have a reservation for if you didn’t purchase the Park Hopper option.
10. How does the Skyliner Work?
The Skyliner is a gondola system that takes you between a few Disney World hotels as well as EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
You don’t need a ticket to ride the Skyliner! It won’t take you to every park or hotel, but it’s still a fun way of getting around Disney World.
11. What is a Cast Member?
A Cast Member is just what Disney calls its employees.
Everything at Disney World is about putting on a “show,” so the Cast Members help the show go on!
12. Do I have to be staying at a hotel to eat there?
Nope!
Just make a reservation at a restaurant in the hotel and you’ll be able to park in the lot and enter without a problem.
13. Where can I buy a beer/cocktail in Magic Kingdom?
Magic Kingdom is technically a family-friendly theme park, so alcohol isn’t provided anywhere other than table-service restaurants.
At these restaurants, you can get a drink but you won’t be able to take it out of the restaurant.
14. What is a DOLE Whip?
This iconic Disney treat is a soft-serve sort of ice cream treat that was originally made with just DOLE pineapple, but can now be gotten in orange, strawberry, and even more flavors.
You can get these treats from several places, but fan-favorite spots are in Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
15. Can I take a resort bus without staying at that resort?
Yep!
Hop on!
16. What is the giant ball at EPCOT?
What’s known as the “EPCOT Ball” is actually a ride!
On the inside, you’ll find Spaceship Earth, and the outside architecture serves as an iconic part of EPCOT.
17. Do I need to purchase the Park Hopper ticket option?
We’d recommend it. It just means that after 2PM, you can visit a different Disney World park.
This allows you to split your days between different parks!
18. What is a MagicBand?
A MagicBand can be worn on your wrist and works as a park ticket. You’ll scan it when entering a park or Lightning Lane queue.
You can also use it to make purchases and as a room key. A MagicBand+ is the same, but chargable as it comes with light effects and vibrations that allow you to interact with rides and attractions.
19. Where can I meet Mickey?
You can meet Mickey at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom, Red Carpet Dreams in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Adventurer’s Outpost in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Pixar Short Film Festival in EPCOT.
Of course, you can occasionally meet him elsewhere, but these spots are where he is consistently located.
20. Can I go inside Cinderella Castle?
The only way to go inside Cinderella Castle is to book a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
You can also accompany a little one to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, as the makeovers take place within the castle.
And there you have it! We hope that this list helps you out as you plan your Disney trip and take on the parks. We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news and advice, so make sure to follow along for more so that you never miss a thing.
Looking for more Disney World advice? Click here!
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!
Did you find this list helpful? Do you have more questions? Let us know in the comments!
Some corrections are in order regarding the monorail routes. The route, which you describe as Express or Resort, only serves the Magic Kingdom (MK) park. You describe the Express as going to MK, the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC), and Epcot. But it does NOT go to Epcot…..there is a separate monorail that goes solely between the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC) and Epcot. The Express route simply runs nonstop between the Magic Kingdom and the Ticket & Transportation Center. If a passenger on the Express line wants to go to Epcot, they must get off at the TTC and walk down the Express ramp, followed by a walk up a different ramp to the separate Epcot monorail.
Also, you missed the stop at TTC which the Resort monorail makes. Thus, that route goes from the Contemporary to the TTC to the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian, and then finally to the Magic Kingdom.