How to Save Time and Enjoy Disney World to the Fullest This Summer

A summer vacation at Disney World brings to mind massive crowds and waiting in long lines in the sweltering heat, right? Fortunately, by making preparations, creating a plan of attack and following the Disney World time-saving tips below, you and your family can enjoy the ultimate Disney World vacation getaway.

• Arrive at Disney World early – at least a half hour before it officially opens – so you can get a jump on the crowds.

• Use Disney World theme park maps and tip boards to develop a plan in order to visit as many attractions as possible.

• Don’t follow the crowd – Many people will go to the right and move clockwise throughout Disney World’s theme park, so try going left and moving counterclockwise.

• At Disney’s Magic Kingdom, beat the crowds by hopping aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad, which has train stations in Frontierland and Mickey’s Toontown Fair.

• If you want to experience such immensely popular rides as Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Splash Mountain at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney-MGM Studios or Soarin’ at Epcot, make them your first stop since they tend to draw some of the longest lines at Disney World.

• If you love a parade, stake out your spot early since they usually draw crowds. Also, by picking a spot toward the beginning of the parade, you will get a jump on everyone else. You will have finished the parade and made it to the most popular rides while most of the crowd is still watching the parade.

• Take advantage of Disney’s FASTPASS, a free reservation system that helps you to avoid crowds at the most popular rides and attractions.

• Avoid driving to or from Disney World on Interstate 4 during rush hour, which usually runs from 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 7 PM.

• Eat a good breakfast before you get to Disney World. Once there, try to eat lunch a little earlier or later than usual to avoid crowds (before 12 PM or after 2 PM). Eat while the restaurants are empty and everyone else is on the rides or watching a parade.

• If you are planning to dine at one of Disney World’s themed restaurants, make reservations well in advance if possible. Just call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).

• If you think you've had enough and it's time to leave, get your hand stamped. After a little rest and a shower, you might feel like returning, especially since it cools off a little after sunset and the crowds thin out. Most of the Disney theme parks have a grand finale show such as a big parade, light show or fireworks.

"In addition to the time-saving tips above, make sure you purchase discount Disney World theme park tickets in advance online and avoid long lines at ticket windows, while enjoying substantial savings in the process," said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com.