How to shorten your wait in Disney lines – without the black market

by Aimee Heckel · May 16, 2013

By Aimee Heckel

You don’t have to spend $1,000 in the black market to hire a disabled person to join your family so you can skip to the front of the lines at Disney World.

There are other ways to save time in lines — ways that aren’t ethically questionable, and begging for the fiery wrath of other mothers who did have to wait two hours for “It’s a Small World.”

Here are six ways to minimize your waiting time — and save a grand (not to mention, save face), in the mean time:

1. Travel during the off-season when crowds are smaller. Your best windows: between Jan. 2 and mid-February; between Easter and Memorial day; and between Labor Day and late September. The least busy days of the week (even in season): Wednesday and Thursday. Plan accordingly.

2. Arrive early. Be one of the first in line at the gate, and you can move to the front of the line for at least your first few rides.

3. Have a game plan for what you want to see, the order you want to see them in, when you will take breaks and how long you are willing to wait. Be prepared. Bring snacks, drinks and have a budget.

4. Use the RideMax software. Choose a date and select your favorite rides and the software creates an optimized custom schedule for you, with the goal of minimizing the amount of time waiting and walking. It compares tons of data and uses a complex algorithm that surpasses what the average parent can put together in a simple, estimated itinerary. Buy RideMax here, starting at $14.95.

5. Take advantage of Fastpass. Pick up a Fastpass, and then go do something else while it saves your place in line electronically. Best of all, the Fastpass doesn’t cost extra; it’s included in the price of the ticket.

Tip: Don’t lose your entry ticket, and get there early, because the most popular rides only issue a certain number of Fastpasses per day. Hanging a lanyard around your neck may not be the most fashionable choice, but it’ll help keep your ticket close. Consider picking up a pack of 10 lanyards at Office Depot for less than $7.

6. Use technology. Check out the special Disney World apps, such as My Disney Experience (free in iTunes), which helps you plan on your smartphone. Compare wait times, explore an interactive map, find character greeting locations and times, share plans with other friends and family, browse restaurants and make reservations — the list of services goes on.