For those of you who are unaware of the Disney lingo, DCP stands for Disney College Program. My sister completed this program in December after my family and I visited her. I have been to Disney World a few times and always had fun, but I had never done Disney like my sister, Anna, now knew how to do Disney.
Here are a few hacks and must-dos!
1. Resort hop!
If you are balling on a budget and do not want to go to a park one day, resort hopping is a super fun alternative. You do not have to be staying on Disney property to access the monorail or the skyliner which are both transportation options to get between resorts. We did the "Monorail Crawl," and visited the Legacy Resorts; the Contemporary, the Polynesian Villiage Resort and The Grand Floridian. All of these hotels have bar and restaurant options that you do not necessarily need reservations for. That brings me to my next must-do...
2. The Enchanted Rose
The Enchanted Rose located at the Grand Floridian Resort is a must-do! It is a pretty popular spot though, so I would go a little before or after happy hour. I also recommend getting the Lavander Fog cocktail!
3. Watch the Epcot fireworks from Topolinos
Topolinos is a rooftop restaurant on top of the Riveria Resort (you can get to it by the skyliner). To watch the fireworks without a reservation, simply say you would like to get a drink at the bar! Then get a Topolino Tramonto and "sit back, relax and enjoy the show!"
4. Oga's Cantina
Just make the reservation. Oga's is located at Hollywood Studios in the Star Wars section of the park, Galaxy's Edge. It is pretty pricy and pretty hard to get into, but it is very worth it. I have not yet accumulated very many bucket-list bars since being 21, so you do not have to take this advice from me. However, my dad has quite the list of cool bars he has been to and he said that Oga's was now one of his favorites.
5. Disney App! Disney App! Disney App!
Not that I was on the app very much other than to look at wait times during our trip, but my sister obviously knew all of the ins and outs of the Disney Experience app. She secured us ride times in the virtual cue for the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride in Epcot (one of the best rides on Disney property) and made last-minute reservations to some pretty cool restaurants by watching the app for cancelations. So, it is important that at least one person in your party knows how to work the app.
5. The Boathouse
Not looking to argue very much on this one, but the Boathouse is hands down the best restaurant on Disney Property. I probably would have had a different opinion when I was 5 and genuinely thought I was going to be a Disney princess when I grew up; however, now that I have grown to appreciate things other than seeing pretty dresses and prince charmings at character dining dinners, the Boathouse is where it is at. It is pretty difficult to get a reservation because of its growing popularity, but do not worry I have a hack for you. Most people do not know that the Boathouse has a bar on the dock at the back of the reservation and serves a full menu! So you can sit outside and enjoy the sunset on the water while eating oysters and filet mignon sliders with no wait or reservation.
6. Kid's meals
If you are not super hungry but need a quick pick me up, Disney kid's meals are kind of a steal. You get two sides and most portions are very filling. Personally, I love a kid's chicken nuggets.
7. Watch the later showing of Fantasmic in Hollywood Studios
I cry every time I see this show. The amount of nostalgia it brings me is unreal. Fantasmic is a must-do in itself, but as a little hack, it is recommended that you watch the second viewing for two reasons. The first one being all of the littles that have early bedtimes go to the first show, so the wait times for rides are shorter during the show. The second reason is that at the end of the later showing, the park is closed and empty with cool photo opportunities.
8. Ride rides during the fireworks
If you have had enough Disney entertainment for the day, you could also ride rides during all of the fireworks shows in each park. Anna said that the wait times are always at least 25% less during shows.
9. Stickers!
Almost all restaurants, attractions, etc, have free stickers unless they run out. All you have to do is politely ask a cast member.
That is all our suggestions for now! So proud of Anna for working in her happy place for an entire semester, but I am so glad she is back in NC.
With love,
MLC
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