Move Through the Parks Like a Pro: Shortcuts and Cut Throughs You Ought to Know

Let’s face it, when you go to Disney World you pretty much open yourself up for being surrounded by people, caught up in crowds, and pushing and shoving your way through tight spots.  Now, there are times where you can find the parks virtually crowd free, but friends, those times are few and far between!  When it comes to packed parks, it is good to know a few shortcuts and cut-throughs to get you around like a pro!  Today I am sharing my top travel tips!

 Work the Walk:  Walking Path Between Hollywood Studios and Epcot

Okay, so before you write this one off because it is more walking, give me a few lines.  I love this self paced choice of a shortcut.  You’ll find this path along Crescent Lake.  It takes you along  the Boardwalk (great eating and shopping…just saying)  and alongside hotels like the Swan and Dolphin and the Boardwalk Villas.  This is a beautiful and peaceful walk.  It takes between 10 and 20 minutes (give or take) to make it from one side to the next.  I would say on a crowded day, this beats a crowded boat or a long bus wait (in the sun by the way).  We found this path a few years ago after waiting to ride the Friendship boat to the International Gateway at Epcot…after 2 boats loaded and pulled away with us still in line, we heard about the path and gave it a shot.  I figure with all the walking you are already doing, why not skip a bus or boat ride (where you might even be standing) and trade it out for a beautiful walk!

 The Emporium Aficionado: Cut-through the Emporium

If you’ve ever been ready to leave the Magic Kingdom on a crowded day, you’ll know the frustration of getting through a crowded Main Street USA.  This is especially true during Wishes! or The Main Street Electrical Parade.  I have a wonderful tip for you!  Did you know that the Emporium (my favorite shopping spot in all of the World) is one long building?  So this means you can go (or come) without pushing and shoving through packed sidewalks and forbidden parade routes. With departments for men, women, children, home and everything in between, this massive store acts as a tunnel with the mouth (for our purposes) entering through Casey’s Corner (quick service restaurant specializing in hot dogs).  Next time you see no way out, remember, Emporium is the light at the end of the tunnel.  (By the way, this is also the case at Hollywood Studios on Hollywood Blvd.).  The store beats the blockade of guests!  Give it a try you won’t be let down!

International Traveler: EPCOT’s International Gateway

So, I sort of eluded to this earlier.  Now it is time to give you the full spiel.  Did you know there are two ways to enter/exit EPCOT?  Yep, there is the main entrance near Spaceship Earth but there is a less frequented entrance near World Showcase.  The International Gateway allows guests to enter from surrounding resorts…and walking paths.  I like this entrance/exit most because it takes the pressure off of bag checking.  With minimal crowds, you are able to quickly enter and get to the fun and food of EPCOT!  Try entering through this gateway on your next trip and cut down on long entrance lines!

Own the Night: Maneuvering the Magic Kingdom During Parades/Fireworks

Now that you are an Emporium expert, let’s talk about getting to and from other parts of the parks during fireworks or parades.   Since Main Street USA is the main route for parades and the parking lot for fireworks, it is important to know how to get around in the Magic Kingdom if you aren’t taking in the show.  Traveling along the right side (facing the castle) will get you toward the Tomorrowland area.  One of my best “party tricks” is getting my friends and family from one side of the park to the other without being held up in the traffic of onlookers.  Cutting through the Tomorrowland Terrace can get you to all of the goodness that Tomorrowland has to offer.  Once you are in Tomorrowland, the rest of the park is yours for the taking.  By walking back toward the Teacups, you can head into Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Frontierland, Adventureland, and back to Mainstreet USA.  I love using firework time or partade time (if there are two) to catch low wait lines!  Use this knowledge next time you are in the parks!

 

Alright, we are all family here so…

What is your favorite hidden shortcut?  List them below in the comment section!

For more tips and ideas check out my blog: Disney:Done Right!

See ya real soon!

Ashley

Related articles

• Transportation: Shortcuts Around WDW (aglassslippervacation.com)
• Cast Member’s Corner: The Magic of Wishes Fireworks (theaffordablemouse.com)

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