In-the-Know Magic: Walt Disney World Resort Pro Tips from a Seasoned Expert! 

They’ve walked the (Main) streets of the Magic Kingdom Park more times than they can count, mastered the art of Disney Genie, and can tell you which snacks are a must-try! For seasoned Walt Disney World Resort fans, every visit is an opportunity to unlock new layers of magic, and now they’re spilling the secrets! 

We caught up with one of Walt Disney World Resort’s most well-travelled experts and It’s Orlando Time member Mhairi Jarvi, ready to share their top 10 best-kept tips, favourite experiences, and ultimate hacks for navigating the parks like a true pro…you can thank us later! [Warning: question 5 will require tissues!]

1. After visiting Walt Disney World Resort so many times, what’s the one experience you always go back to, no matter how familiar it feels?

Hmm I suppose the most familiar, but still the most magical, is walking underneath the railway station and up Main Street, USA to see the castle in its magnificent glory! I cried the first time I saw it in 2008, and again in May 2022, our first post pandemic trip! That sight, those sounds, the smells, the atmosphere – bottle it and sell it please!

2. What’s your secret weapon for planning your Walt Disney World Resort days – how do you make sure you don’t miss anything? 

The secret weapon would be the My Disney Experience app. To be completely honest, we’re older and usually like to go with the flow rather than plan (I know that’ll freak some people out, but we love the spontaneity!), But if there’s an event or show on that we want to see, the app is the secret weapon!

3. What’s your go-to method for maximising your time during a day at the parks? 

Outside of the obvious Lightning Lane Passes, I would say the best way to maximise time during your day is to always make sure you check the times of parades and castle stage shows etc. so you can plan around them. If there’s a show you’ve already seen, try heading to the more popular rides then, for example, as they tend to be quieter, and opt for the less popular rides at peak times instead!

4. Are there any off-the-beaten-path locations or under-the-radar experiences you’ve discovered that seasoned Walt Disney World Resort-goers should check out? 

I’m not sure about any ‘off-the-beaten-track’ areas as such, but there are certainly quieter areas, where you can take your time and relax. Like the Rafikis Planet Watch (who doesn’t want to pet a baby goat!), and the Gorilla Falls walk, both at Animal Kingdom. At EPCOT, go further into each country to discover more shops and shows, from which you can learn more about the countries.  

5. After so many trips, what Walt Disney World Resort memory still gives you goosebumps every time you think about it? 

 Oh crikey! There are too many – how long have you got?! Right, bear with me – there are two!  
 
We’ve been going since 2008, so that’s 17 years, minus pandemic years (2020/21), but with the occasional year we’ve had two trips, so think it balances out at 17 or 18 times now?  
 
Memory 1 – my first ever trip, February 2008. My own Dad introduced me to Disney when I was a kid but could never afford to take me anywhere other than the cinema, which is why I like the old classic characters. I was 35, with my husband, Alan, and my lovely stepdaughter Christine, and as we approached Magic Kingdom on the bus and I saw the castle, my mouth opened wide, and my eyes got a tad misty!

Then when I walked up Main Street USA…and I lost it! I couldn’t stop myself from crying, and I remember saying “dreams really do come true, I’m actually here!”. Christine muttered something and walked away, mortified (that’s my job as stepmum done!), Alan put his arm round me, and there were a few “awwws” from passers-by!  

 
Memory 2 – Again, based around Dad. He was such a character! We lost him to Covid early on and our first trip post pandemic was May into June 2022, which meant we’d be there on what was Dad’s birthday on 7th June. We decided to do Magic Kingdom on Dad’s birthday, in his honour. He had big ears, so we’d jokingly call him Dumbo! He could be a cranky old so-and-so at times too, so we also called him Grumpy, a character he strongly resembled! So we did the Dumbo ride, and went on Seven Dwarves Mine Train, all in his honour. 

[Sidenote: Copywriter is a little misty eyed right now.]

6. What Walt Disney World Resort tip have you learned over the years that feels like the ultimate game-changer? 

Oh, the tips! Sensible footwear!! Cooling towels!! Sun cream!! Take a collapsible water bottle and a diluting juice squooshie things [more commonly known as Ribena minis!] , and get free water at the quick serve places. If you want to cut costs, feel free to take packed lunches with you.

Do what YOU want to do! It’s your holiday, that you’ve saved blooming hard for, and yes you can pick up tips, but my biggest tip? Do what you want and relax!  

7. Is there a Disney Genie feature that has truly enhanced your experience on repeat visits? 

Most recently we’ve used it a lot for transport times, but also cast compliments! We feel it’s important to recognise a good job well done, especially if they’ve gone above and beyond, as they usually do! It’s probably not the most common use for Disney Genie but the difference it makes to your day when someone says “thank you”, or “good job”, is amazing!

8. What’s your favourite hidden gem in Walt Disney World Resort that most guests don’t know about? 

There’s a little food spot near the Christmas shop in Magic Kingdom – I wish I could remember its name [we believe she refers to Sleepy Hallow]! They serve the most amazing funnel cakes, and it’s usually not too busy!

If you’re looking for a quiet area to sit, relax and have your packed lunch, there’s a spot over by Dumbos Circus Tent.

I also love hunting for hidden Mickeys – it’s such a fun activity to see how many you can spot and so many people walk right past them without even noticing! 

I don’t think a lot of guests are aware of little activities you can do with kids too. For example, there’s a fantastic activity at Animal Kingdom Park where they can earn their Safari Ranger badges and stickers. It’s such a great way to keep them entertained, especially when it’s hot and they’re starting to get a bit tired. Little touches like that really make the parks extra special!

9. What’s the best snack you’ve discovered that adds a little pixie dust to your day? 

Mickey beignets!! Freshly-made pieces of sugar dunked heaven! Top tip – let them cool a bit before taking a bite!

10. Over the years, how has your approach to exploring Walt Disney World Resort changed—what have you learned that you wish you knew on your very first visit? 

Shaun Mall

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