Disney Dork Tom

Disney World is always an amazing experience and the most crucial part of that are the attractions (yes, even if you’re a huge Disney Dining fan like myself). We all have our own favorite rides and shows, the rides we run to when the rope drops, and even the stuff we tend to avoid. I’m always a fan of trying to make things even better than they already are, so here are five tips I’ve come up with enhance some of my favorite Disney World rides.

Tip #5 – Incorporate fireworks into the rides

Ok, I admit, this one is a bit tricky and to be honest it’s always a bit of a dice roll. But, there have been a few times where I’ve timed Jungle Cruise perfectly during the fireworks display. Can you see the entire fireworks display for the entire ride? No. But, when you can see the fireworks up in the sky while you sail around on the Jungle Cruise, it’s pretty cool, and gives the attraction kind of a whole new feel.

Tip #4 – Always beat your opponents

If you’re competitive like I am then you take Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin seriously. Not seriously enough where if you lose it has ruined your day, but seriously enough to want to win. Every time you play. There are two targets that’ll help you do just that. In the first room, find the left arm of the left robot and hit it for 100,000 points. When you’re on Planet Z and you finally see evil Zurg, aim for the target at the bottom of his space scooter for another 100,000 points. Of course you’ll need good aim, but nailing these a few times should greatly hedge your chances of winning.

Tip #3 – Save the longest standby lines for the very end

Although the park may close at a certain time, that doesn’t mean Disney cast members go full stop on everything and begin booting people out of line. Typically speaking, if you’re in line by the time the park closes, you will eventually get to ride. This can actually be a big time saver for the rides that always have long lines like Space Mountain, Test Track or Toy Story Midway Mania. Instead of spending 90 minutes in the standby line during the day, save it until the very end, then pop in the line 10 minutes before closing. You’ll get one more ride in without wasting 90 minutes of open park time that could have been used riding multiple other rides.

Tip #2 – Get the right seats

Not every seat in a Disney World attraction is created equally. One of my favorite tips is for Hollywood Tower of Terror which has a 22-person car for guests to sit in. The front row is by far the best albeit hard to explain how much better until you experience it firsthand. The trick is this: before you’ve been given your pre-boarding spot ask the cast member for a position numbered 1 or 2. If you wait until you’re boarding it’s obviously already too late.

This also applies to the shows at night. For example, with Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, there are a few locations that are typically deemed best viewing. Those spots include between the two gift shops right as you enter World Showcase, the bridge between France and the UK, Italy’s Isola, the area behind the Rose & Crown pub, and a window seat in either French restaurant (Chef’s De France or Monsieur Paul).

Tip #1 – Give your favorites a try at night

Sometimes you’re so excited to be there that you get all your favorites out of the way early. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but, you should be sure to save some anticipation for riding them at night. Two in particular are Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Expedition Everest. Both of these take place mostly outdoors, so they’re particularly exciting and glorious when it’s dark outside. Expedition Everest also gives you a fantastic panoramic view of most of Walt Disney World during the one of the coaster’s climbs which can be breathtaking at night.

Did I miss a way to enhance your favorite attraction? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments, too! And, if you’re craving more Disney insight be sure to check out these other fun articles:

• Five Food Tips for Dining at Walt Disney World
• Review of Liberty Tree Tavern restaurant
• Five Mistakes to Avoid at Animal Kingdom

Thanks for reading!!
— Disney Dork Tom (follow me on Twitter and Facebook, too, for non-stop daily Disney action!)