Time is of the essence. Good things come to those who wait. Patience is a virtue. Time is money.
Ever thought about how many sayings we have about waiting and time?
Time is huge, especially for us humans who are in the pursuit to squeeze every penny out of our precious time …like sands through the hourglass … right?
I think this philosophy holds especially true when you are visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. I want to see and do as much as possible, and sometimes in that pursuit, I lose sight of what a little wait time might get me. This idea has inspired today’s post all about the things that are worth the wait at Disney World! Let’s get going! After all, time is of the essence!
1. Be Our Guest Restaurant
I only partly know the joy that comes out of waiting for this Magic Kingdom gem. I say partly because I’m still in the “wait” phase for an advanced dining reservation for table-service dining, which is only available at dinner. All of the times I’ve tried to book my ADRs, I’ve been put in the wait zone. So I don’t know the beauty of a true table-service meal at Be Our Guest … yet. YET! That is a powerful sentence right there!!! I do however know the benefits of a short-term line wait … in the scorching Florida sun … for 45 minutes, but it was so worth it! I’m talking about the versatility that allows all of us non-ADR holders to dine quick service-style in New Fantasyland’s culinary delight! Lunch lines start forming at 10:00 a.m. (yeah, seriously) and lunch is served through 2:30 p.m. There’s a wide variety to choose from and it definitely trumps the typical burger and fries that many people associate with quick-service. I highly recommend you order dessert (chocolate cream puff is my favorite). And to make it even better, drinks are self serve … can we say FREEfills?
2. Fantasmic!
I know a lot of people who skip out on fireworks at Disney World. I have to say, this breaks my Disney-loving heart. You simply have to stay for the fireworks (I’ve heard that’s how you get the magic sealed in!). If you’ve ever had the pleasure of taking in Fantasmic!, the ultimate show full of thrills, chills and pyrotechnics, then you know what I’m talking about. Seating for Fantasmic in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater begins 90 minute before the show. On nights with only one showing, I recommend you get there with a little cushion time for that 90 minutes. On really busy times, I’ve been there two hours before show time, and it was well worth the wait. Enjoy a snack once you’re seated or get in the mood with a little forced fun from the cast members, who roll out about a bajillion versions of the wave! It’s totally worth the wait as you take a journey with Mickey into his imagination. Beware, your diligence to timeliness may land you front and center … be prepared to get a little wet!
3. Tink’s Flight
I cannot watch Wishes! without tearing up. Seriously, even if I watch it every night of my vacation, I still get a little misty hearing Jiminy and his gang sing those words! While there are a wide variety of viewing spots that provide good viewing, to me, there’s nothing like a front view of Cinderella Castle in all its glory! That’s because, all that cramming and squeezing and standing and waiting all makes sense when Tinker Bell makes her flight across the sky! A good viewing spot equals great pictures and an awesome experience. Yes, that requires a bit of waiting and staking out is required!
4. “E-Ticket” Rides
There are some rides that are just worth the wait! These personal “E-ticket” rides are the rides that I double up on (in my world this means I get a Fastpass and wait out the line for a ride). For me, a 50-minute wait is the least I could do to enjoy these rides. While I can’t say that a wait is preferred, on the busiest of days in the parks, I’ll endure to ride my favorites like Space Mountain, Soarin’ and Expedition Everest. Fastpasses are a plus, but when it boils down to it, those three (give or take) minutes are worth all the wait!
5. Prime parade viewing
Claiming your stake on a good spot to view the parades is a tough job! I recommend you occupy Main Street U.S.A. … OK, just kidding. But seriously, you do have to contort your body, bags, children and strollers in such a way that everybody else knows that you aren’t backing down! Sure you’ll probably be sitting for an hour, but these moments will repay you in the end! Plus, you can have an awesome pre-parade, people-watching picnic (but seriously, it’s the best). My best tip is to spread out and take shifts keeping watch of your space! Check for parade times in the parks Times Guide or on your favorite app.
So, what are some Disney World things that you think are worth the wait? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!
Until next time, keep it magical!
Ashley
Ashley is the author of Disney: Done Right Blog and a writer for Chip and Co. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter!
