6 Major Takeaways From My First Year as a Disney World Passholder

In 2025, I made the most of my Disney World pass, logging over 50 days in the parks and experiencing Disney World through every season, EPCOT festival, weather condition, and crowd level.

Spending so much time in the parks has helped me understand how to make the most of a Disney World visit, from choosing where to stay to deciding on Lightning Lanes and can’t-miss attractions to following shifts in crowd patterns.

These are my insights that any Disney World visitor can use to plan smarter, have more fun, and find the kind of moments that make visiting feel special, whether you’re on a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a quick weekend visit.

1. Every Visit Is Different

One of the biggest surprises I experienced as a passholder is how much Disney World can change from one visit to the next.

Sure, the rides mostly stay the same, as Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad reliably cranks out “Nothing Can Stop Us Now” as you’re whisked through peril, and you’ll inevitably pick up a hitchhiking ghost at the Haunted Mansion. But I’ve found new details, entertainment, and ways to experience the parks and resorts with each visit.

Some of the new experiences include the constant refresh that Disney World undergoes, with changes to attractions, rotating EPCOT festival menus and experiences, seasonal shows, pop-up characters, and limited-time snacks. A lot of it comes from slowing down to being observant, noticing new features, and trying something different.

When I visited the Magic Kingdom in September, my family happened to be in the right place at the right time to see a horse-drawn rail carriage loading passengers near the park entrance. It took us on an unforgettable ride down Main Street, U.S.A., all the way to Cinderella Castle. I’d never seen it before and haven’t seen it again since.

Other pop-up features have been happy surprises, such as snapping a photo with Launchpad McQuack from “DuckTales,” a rare character on a roaming meet-and-greet at EPCOT, seeing the Dapper Dans perform at the Magic Kingdom, and requesting songs from a Disney Legacy Award-winning pianist at Casey’s Corner. Even finding a new spot to see a fireworks show or trying a new restaurant gives me a fresh perspective on the parks.

It’s also been fun to experience multiple ways to tackle the main features of Disney World, whether I’m staying at a resort I’ve never visited before, soaking up a rest day at the water parks, taking a behind-the-scenes tour, doing a side quest, or something as simple as riding a FriendShip Boat between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios instead of the Skyliner.

Some of my most memorable moments as a first-year passholder weren’t headliner attractions but rather the magic in the unexpected experiences that unfolded beyond the main plot.

2. Timing Is Everything

I learned early on that planning when to do experiences makes a huge difference in how easy the day goes.

Early Entry can have a huge impact, and getting to the park early offers access to one of the quietest parts of the day. Headliner attractions that may have wait times of an hour or longer shortly after park opening may be walk-ons during Early Entry.

Midday in the parks is for breaks, not pushing through. Roughly 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the hottest and most crowded time in any park day, as wait times spike, outdoor queues become uncomfortable, and cranky kids (and adults) start hitting their limit. This is a great time to do something low-key, whether you’re relaxing in the air conditioning for a bite to eat, taking a break or swimming at your resort, or catching a show.

The evenings offer a second wind as crowds thin out, especially in the final hour. Wait times drop, quick-service food lines are shorter, and getting through crowds is less cumbersome. Closing down the parks offers a smoother and more relaxed experience than the daytime, although I always steer clear of the Magic Kingdom fireworks crowd.

Weather can also be a timing strategy, as rain can work in your favor. Crowds rush for shelter and may stay put. If you’re prepared with rain gear, you can find attractions that are still open (which is easy, given the mostly indoor rides at Disney World) and breeze through the lines.

3. Lightning Lanes Are Optional

With frequent visits, I’ve found that Lightning Lanes aren’t critical to a great day at Disney World. I find it stressful to bounce from one reservation to the next, as if I’m filling park days with deadlines we have to meet or miss out on. Booking our next experience as I’m enjoying the current one keeps me glued to my phone more than I’d like, and the bookings we can get on the fly sometimes require hoofing it from one far corner of the park to another.

Lightning Lanes work when you have a tightly scheduled day and want to cover a lot of headliners in a short time. But if you space things out, prioritize your favorites, and take advantage of favorable timing such as early mornings and late nights, you can skip buying Lightning Lane access and have a more relaxed day. Of course, if you absolutely can’t wait in lines, or have can’t-miss attractions you might not make it to otherwise, Lightning Lanes can be worth it.

4. Staying on Disney Property Has Benefits, but Off-Site Does, Too

I’ve stayed at several Disney World resorts as a passholder (which often gets me an up to 40% discount), but I don’t stay on-site for every visit.

Sometimes, the value is undeniable, especially at low-priced resorts such as the All-Star Value resorts. During my summer visit to Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, I paid $126 per night, a good rate for a hotel near Disney World, but especially when considering it came with Disney resort benefits, including complimentary park transportation, Early Entry, complimentary water park admission on our check-in day, and free parking with no resort fee.

Even a single-night stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort enhanced our visit with Early Entry and Skyliner access, and we enjoyed extended evening hours by staying a night at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Spending 3 nights at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside offered a relaxing way to experience Disney World.

It’s fabulous and convenient to stay on-site, and the benefits can make your visit easier. Still, the experience can be great at one of the many nearby hotels and resorts, particularly Good Neighbor Hotels that meet Disney World’s standards and typically offer complimentary park shuttles. Staying off-site could make visiting more affordable, allowing you to stay extra days or free up some room in your budget for dining experiences, Lightning Lanes, or special tours.

An off-site hotel or vacation rental could also be a strategic choice depending on your plans. For example, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace and Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista have pedestrian paths to Disney Springs.

There’s no better place to stay if Disney Springs is a priority for your visit, as you can be back in your room within minutes. I’ve used these hotels for single-night stays at the beginning or end of a Disney World visit, moving to them when I know I want convenient access to Disney Springs.

5. Don’t Ignore Fatigue

Disney World is a lot of fun, but it can be physically demanding because of the heat, crowds, and hours of walking and standing that can wear you down more quickly than you may realize. Managing your energy can make the difference between an enjoyable day and a miserable one, and you have to treat tiredness as an inevitability.

Be realistic about what can be accomplished in a single day and accept that your day might not go as planned. Pushing yourself beyond what’s comfortable might allow you to do more, but sun exposure, tired feet, and crankiness can suck the fun out of your day. It’s not really worth it.

Build in natural breaks, such as seeing shows where you can sit and cool off for 20 minutes or sitting down for a meal indoors. Riding the PeopleMover or watching the Carousel of Progress can help you take a load off quickly. You’re not wasting time if you park it on a bench and stare at your phone for a few minutes because your feet hurt. If you need a second wind, spending an hour in a pool or taking a nap at your resort can be more enjoyable than trudging through peak crowds. Water parks and resort pools are nonnegotiables for me during summer visits.

Footwear is foundational for comfort, and you should wear your cushiest shoes that you’ve worn regularly for at least a few weeks. Disney World is not the place to break in a new pair of shoes or wear flip-flops. When it’s rainy (which is most of the summer and early fall), keeping your feet dry helps you avoid squishy, swampy feet for the rest of the day. I’ve seen people push down their socks, wear shoe covers, or quickly get out of the rain while dodging puddles, but I prefer to wear hiking sandals that can dry off quickly.

Florida heat can be brutal, and you can’t skimp on hydration. Drink water throughout the day. There are water fountains everywhere in the parks, but the best places to get water are at quick-service restaurants, which offer free cups of ice water upon request (and you can take more than one). I carry a thermal water bottle with me and fill it with icy water, so I can drink whether I’m walking around or standing in a line. I usually mix in an electrolyte packet once a day. Sunscreen, hats, and staying ahead of hunger also make a big difference.

6. Shows Matter as Much as Rides

Shows are easy to treat as optional, especially if you’re visiting with thrill seekers who want to ride everything possible. But Disney is an entertainment company, and the live entertainment in the parks is exceptional.

“Festival of the Lion King” at Animal Kingdom is a must-see every time I visit. I’m always astounded by the high-energy songs, incredible costuming, puppetry, acrobatics, fire spinner, and delightful audience engagement — and the cast puts on the show beautifully 7 times a day.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the best places to see live entertainment at Disney World. The long-running “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular” takes you behind the scenes of stunts on a movie set, with explosions so close you can feel the heat on your face.

The new “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” is an engaging stage show where the audience determines which villain most deserves our sympathy (and it’s not always the same result). “Fantasmic!” is worth staying late for, as you can see favorite characters in a classic show with water, light projections, and live characters.

Each EPCOT festival brings fresh entertainment to the America Gardens Theater in the World Showcase. You can catch concerts from recognized artists at the Garden Rocks Concert Series during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival and the Eat to the Beat concerts during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.

During the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, you can see Broadway performers sing some of their most famous showtunes and reflect on their Broadway experiences. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays features the Candlelight Processional, which shares the story of Christmas with a celebrity storyteller, herald trumpets, and a choir.

Final Thoughts

Whether you visit once a month or once in a lifetime, Disney World is most enjoyable when you let go of perfection, stay flexible, and embrace the experience rather than rushing through it. Consider your priorities, pay attention to timing and your energy levels, and focus on what matters most to you. Unexpected moments may be your most memorable.