Over the past few years, Walt Disney World has tried to differentiate themselves from surrounding resorts by adding special perks for Disney resort guests, not available to those who choose to stay off of Disney property. These perks range from the Magical Express to Disney Dining Plans to Extra Magic Hours. These are fantastic, valuable inclusions available to all Disney resorts guests, regardless whether they are staying in a value or deluxe resort.

Extra Magic Hours are special park hours only accessible to those staying in a Disney resort. Disney World offers two different kinds of Extra Magic Hours, morning and evening. The morning Extra Magic Hours are one hour in duration, while the evening ones are three hours. So, if a theme park is normally open 9 – 9, morning Extra Magic Hours would give Disney resort guests access to the park from 8 – 9 in addition to the normal hours, while evening hours would give those same guest access to the park from 9 – midnight.

Now, one thing to understand is that each park does not have morning and evening Extra Magic Hours each day. During a typical week, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom may have one day that has morning hours and one night that has evening hours. Magic Kingdom may have considerably more, depending on the week. During the summer or other busy months, the Magic Kingdom may have as many as three morning and three evening days available. Parks never have morning and evening hours the same day. During summer months, the water parks often have a few days a week of morning Extra Magic Hours, don’t miss them!

So, how do you find out when Extra Magic Hour are? Just head over to the Walt Disney World Park Hours Calendar, put in your arrival date, and Disney will list all park hours for the next 10 days after your arrival, including all Extra Magic Hours.

WDW101 Insight – Morning Extra Magic Hours are great, as very few people make the effort to be at a park by 8AM, so the parks are often dead for the first few hours they are open, a great way to hit many of the popular rides. Evening Extra Magic Hours are very popular, and many people who do not have the park hopper option head to the park with the evening hours for the entire day, making that park unusually crowded. If you have the hopping option, hit another park during they day, then head over to the park with the evening Extra Magic Hours in the afternoon or evening to enjoy the extra 3 hours.

A few notes:

• For morning Extra Magic Hours, you must show your Key to the World Card (room key) and park pass at the turnstiles to gain admission. Once in the park, no further proof is necessary.
• For evening Extra Magic Hours, you must show your Key to the World Card (room key) at each attraction in order to ride.
• You cannot gain admission to the park with the evening Extra Magic Hours unless you have the park hopping option on your tickets, you already entered that park earlier in the day or you have not yet visited a park that day.
• Extra Magic Hours are only available to guests at the following resorts: Walt Disney World owned resorts, Shades of Green, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts and the Hilton Resort at Downtown Disney.
• Not all attractions are open, though most of the big/popular rides are. Here is the current list of open rides:

Attractions open during Morning Extra Magic Hours

Magic Kingdom

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
“it’s a small world”
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Peter Pan’s Flight
Space Mountain
Stitch’s Great Escape!
Tomorrowland Speedway

Epcot

Living with the Land
Mission: SPACE
Soarin’
Spaceship Earth
Test Track

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Muppet*Vision 3-D
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Star Tours
Toy Story Midway Mania!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Animal Kingdom

DINOSAUR
Expedition Everest
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

Attractions open during Evening Extra Magic Hours

Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Haunted Mansion
“it’s a small world”
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Stitch’s Great Escape!
Tomorrowland Speedway

Epcot

The American Adventure
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Captain EO
Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Living with the Land
Maelstrom
Mission: SPACE
Soarin’
Spaceship Earth
Test Track

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Great Movie Ride
Muppet Vision 3-D
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Star Tours
Toy Story Midway Mania!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Voyage of The Little Mermaid

Animal Kingdom

DINOSAUR
Expedition Everest
Festival of the Lion King
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Kali River Rapids
Primeval Whirl
TriceraTop Spin

Of course, this list of rides is subject to change, and rehab closures may remove the ride from the list, and Disney may add another in it’s place. In addition to certain rides being closed, not all dining locations are available, so check with a Cast Member if you are planning on eating during the Extra Magic Hours.

So, what exactly is the Magical Express? In one sentence: Free round trip airport transportation provided by Disney between Orlando International and the Disney World resort hotels.

Originally announced in December, 2004, and service started in May, 2005, as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. The service was originally announced as a free service for Disney resort guests, though no indication has been given that it will remain free. Up until this point, there has been no charge for the service, and that looks to continue in the near future, as it has become a fantastic benefit for staying on Disney property.

WDW101 Insight – The Magical Express is efficient and trustworthy. Get off of your plane, and head straight to the Magical Express desk. Your luggage will be found and taken directly to your resort. Rarely, if ever, does anything get lost. Make sure you have anything important you may need for a few hours in your carry on luggage, such as medications, cell phones or swim suits for the kids.

A few restrictions:

• The Magical Express only serves Orlando International (MCO). If you are flying into Sanford or any other Florida airport, you will need to find some alternative sort of transportation.
• You must be 16 or older in order to ride unaccompanied, children 15 and under must have adult supervision.
• The Magical Express only serves the Disney World resorts. Guests staying at the Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green or any of the Downtown Disney Area Resorts are not included. A list of included resorts is listed below.
• The Magical Express does not go to the Disney Cruise Line terminal in Port Canaveral, Disney’s Vero Beach or Disney’s Hilton Head resort.

Using the Magical Express upon arrival at MCO:

You must have a reservation, and it must be booked at least 10 days in advance of arrival. Reservations can be made as part of your WDW reservation through disneyworld.com or your travel agent. They can also be made by calling 407-WDISNEY. Reservation can be made without airline information, but it is very helpful to have your complete flight information handy at time of booking. If you have not yet booked flights, you can add that information at a later date. We strongly suggest you make these reservations early in the process as you can, even if you do not have your flight information yet.

About 4 – 5 weeks before your scheduled arrival, you will receive your Magical Express documents, a small booklet containing a map, instructions and yellow luggage tags. Please read through this as soon as you receive it, to make sure everything is clear and included. Disney only sends on luggage tag per person, if you need more, you should call 866-599-0951. Luggage tags are only needed for checked baggage, so only order them if you are checking more than one bag per person.

When you arrive at your home airport, place the yellow luggage tags on each checked bag. Make sure they are on there, that is how they find your luggage once you arrive at MCO, and lets them know where to take it once they pick it up.

Once you arrive in Orlando, head directly to the Magical Express desk, located on level 1, side B. There will be a map included in your documents.

Check in at the Magical Express desk, and present your documents to them at that time. They wil check you in, and direct you to the right bus to board for your resort. Your luggage will be taken directly to your room, a process that usually takes 2 – 3 hours, so it will not be in your room upon arrival. If you did not receive luggage tags, you can present your claim tickets to the Disney CM, they will grab your bags for you. Alternatively, you can go to baggage claim, grab your bags, and take them to the Magical Express desk with you. Please note: If your flight arrives at MCO after 10 PM, you must fetch your own luggage. Very few flights are scheduled to arrive after 10 PM, but make a mental note so you don’t have to take the trek back to find your luggage if you are unaware. This also allows you to have your luggage with you upon arrival at your resort, so you do not have to wait for it to arrive later.

You will board motor coach buses, and be taken to your Disney World resort. Buses make 3 – 4 stops each, so you may need to stop at a few resorts before you make it to your final destination. Please note that car seats are not allowed on the Magical Express, and must be stored below with the luggage.

The process takes about 60 – 75 minutes in total, from exiting the plane to checking in at your resort.

For International Guests:

Disney only mails Magical Express documents to residents in Canada and the United States. If you are working with a travel agent located in the US or Canada, they will receive you luggage tags, which will then be mailed to you. If you are outside of the US or Canada, you will receive all your documents upon arrival at the Magical Express desk at MCO.

Since international guest must claim their bags before going through customs, Disney will not pick them up for you. Proceed through customs, and then head to the Magical Express desk.

Using the Magical Express upon your return home:

The day before your departure, you will receive a letter in your room informing you of your return time and further information. Return times are usually scheduled about 3 hours before your flight time. Your luggage will return with you on the Magical Express, Disney does not transfer it for you.

If you are flying on one of the partner airlines, you can check in for you flight, including your luggage, at your resort. The partner airlines are AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest (currently only at Pop Century and the All-Star Resorts), Northwest, United and USAirways. This service is only available if you are flying domestically.

If you are checking luggage at your resort, and your airline requires a checked baggage fee (most do), you must pay the fee in advance of checking in, Disney will nto accept the fee.

Airline Check in desks are open daily at each resort from 5 AM until 1 PM. You can check in no more than 12 hours in advance of your flight, and you must be at least 3 hours or more from your flight time. If you are unable to use the airline check in, you can still use the Magical Express, just take your luggage with you, and check in at the airport as you did coming to Orlando.

To use the Airline Check in, all guests in your party must be present, and all guests 18 and older must have their picture ID handy. You must also have your Disney World Key to the World card handy for proof that you are a Disney World resort guest.

A few important notes about the Magical Express:

• If you have any questions about your reservation, you should contact Magical Express at 866-599-0951 or call your travel agent.
• Wheelchairs can be accommodated. When you make your Magical Express reservation, you must let them know you will need special accommodations for the wheel chair.
• Service Animals can be accommodated, as long as the owner is on board and all necessary paperwork is in hand.
• You do not need to be flying to use the Magical Express. You can make the reservation and leave the flight information blank.
• You do not need to book the Magical Express round trip. Many people leave the Disney World resort and extend their vacation elsewhere in Florida.
• You cannot book a luggage only transfer. In order for your luggage to be transfered, you must be on the bus. If you do not check in and board the bus on arrival, Disney will hold your luggage the airport until you check in.

Resorts that use Disney’s Magical Express:

• Disney Value Resorts – Pop Century, All-Star Sports, All-Star Music and All-Star Movies
• Disney Moderate Resorts – Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach and Disney’s Fort Wilderness
• Disney Deluxe Resorts – Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Grand Floridian, Polynesian and the Contemporary.
• Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts – Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, Animal Kingdom Villas, Boardwalk Villas, Beach Club Villas and Bay Lake Tower

The Magical Express does change policies and procedures from time to time, so check back here before your trip for any updates.

Walt Disney World introduced the FastPass system in 1999, as a way to shorten lines on many of the popular rides in their theme parks. Think of the FastPass akin to showing up at a busy restaurant with a long wait, but being able to put your name on the list, and come back after a certain time, and your table will be ready. No waiting in long lines, and it fits to your schedule.

One of the most important things to understand about Walt Disney World is how to use the FastPass system. Once you figure it out, it will allow you to ride more rides during the day, and stand in fewer lines.

Here is how the FastPass works:

1. Walk up to a ride that offers the FastPass
2. Find the FastPass distribution Center near the entrance of the ride
3. Notice the current time, along with the return time listed on the FastPass sign
4. If the return time is not too far away, insert each of your park passes into the FastPass machines
5. You will receive one FastPass for each ticket you insert (children under 3 do not need a FastPass to ride the ride)
6. Look at the return times printed on the tickets, you will not be allowed to ride the ride until that time.
7. Go fill your wait time with other rides, food or relaxing while others foolishly wait in line

FastPasses are free to all theme park guests, they are not limited to Disney resort guests or anyone else.  Not only are they free, there is not way to purchase them, and they do not come as part of a Disney resort package, you can only get them in the theme parks with your tickets

WDW101 Insight – Make sure to note your return time, and also the time listed when you can get your next FastPass, usually one hour after the FastPass was issued. Get another FastPass as soon as you can, and keep doing so throughout the day. Also, even though you have a one hour window to return to ride the ride, Cast Members will allow you in after your one hour has past, so don’t worry about getting back in time.

Do not be afraid of the FastPass system, it is free to use, and really makes your vacation just that much better.

Currently, these are the Disney World rides that offer FastPasses:

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Jungle Cruise
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Space Mountain
• Splash Mountain
• Stitch’s Great Escape
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Epcot

• Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
• Living with the Land
• Maelstrom
• Mission: SPACE
• Soarin’
• Test Track

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
• Star Tours
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Toy Story Midway Mania!
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• DINOSAUR
• It’s Tough to be a Bug!
• Kali River Rapids
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Primeval Whirl
• Expedition Everest

For more information, along with a tutorial on using the FastPass, visit FastPass.info.

For the most part, kids of all ages can enjoy all of the rides at Walt Disney World. However, whether due to thrills or chills, some rides have height restrictions. It is good to know in advance which rides your little ones will not be able to ride, so you can plan around them.

WDW101 Insight – Admit it, you really want to ride all those big kid rides, even with the little ones in tow. Consider the child swap option. This allows one adult to ride the ride with the big kids, and then the other adult to go to the front of the line with the same kids, while you swap places watching the little ones.

Animal Kingdom Park

• Dinosaur – 40″ – The most intense ride at WDW, you should consider how your child will react even if they are tall enough
• Expedition Everest – 44″ – Roller coaster, not too intense, no loops
• Kali River Rapids – 38″ – Water ride, fun for all if you like getting wet
• Primeval Whirl – 48″ – Mini-roller coaster with spinning cars. Kids love it, parents get sick

Epcot

• Maelstrom (Norway) – No height restrictions, but kids must be 3 or older to ride
• Mission:Space – 44″ – If you are prone to motion sickness, consider the green side, it doesn’t spin
• Soarin’ – 40″ – Simulates hang gliding, “vehicles” get high off the ground
• Test Track – 40″ – Simulates car testing conditions, high speeds

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Rock N Roller Coaster – 48″ – High speed roller coaster, loops, corkscrews and tons of fun!
• Star Tours – 40″ – Causes motion sickness for some
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40″ – Quick, unexpected drops, a bit spooky at times

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 40″ – Mild roller coaster, great for kids who want to ride roller coasters
• Goofy’s Barnstormer – 35″ – Roller Coaster built for little kids
• Space Mountain – 44″ – Dark roller coaster, no loops
• Splash Mountain – 40″ – One big drop, the rest is classic Disney fun
• Stitch’s Great Escape – 40″ – Intense, dark ride. Scary for some little kids
• Tomorrowland Speedway – 32″/54″ – You must be 32″ to ride, and you must be 54″ to drive

Blizzard Beach Water Park

• Chair Lift – 32″
• Downhill Double Dipper – 48″
• Slusher Gusher – 48″
• Summit Plummet – 48″
• Tike’s Peak – must be under 48″ to enter

Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

• Crush ‘N’ Gusher – 48″
• Bay Slide – Must be under 60″ to ride
• Humunga Kowabunga – 48″
• Ketchakiddee Creek – Must be under 48″ to enter
• Shark Reef – Kids 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult

If you have any concerns about a ride, ask any of the cast members around the ride, they will be happy to help you. If your child is scared of a ride, consider finding a milder alternative, and see how he does. He may be scared to death looking at Expedition Everest, and may love Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, enough that he realizes Expedition Everest is about the same ride, just a little faster.

Cast members will measure your child for each ride, so if they are close the limit, they may make it on some rides but not others, depending on the cast member.