The DFB team is in Disney World every single day, so we can bring you the latest news and stories from inside the parks. During our time, we have learned A LOT about what to do on your Disney day, and we’re sharing those with you.

Our team is in the parks constantly, trying new foods, testing strategies, and learning what actually works (and what definitely doesn’t) when it comes to navigating your day at Disney World. Because we’re there day in and day out, these are the nine rules we follow every single day in the parks, and trust us, you don’t want to ignore them.

1. Rest

Even with all our experience, the parks can get hectic fast, and pushing yourself nonstop is a guaranteed way to crash early. The key is intentionally building in rest — not just at your hotel, but inside the parks.

A few of our favorite spots are:

• Indoor Attractions with Great AC: Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom and The American Adventure in EPCOT.
• Slower Traffic Paths: the tucked-away street off Main Street, U.S.A., or hidden seating along Discovery River in Animal Kingdom.
• Underrated table-service restaurants: Skipper Canteen, Yak & Yeti, and Brown Derby Lounge.

2. Hydrate

No matter the season, hydration matters at Disney World. You’re walking miles, spending hours outside, and probably sweating more than you realize. The good news? Disney makes it easier than you think. Quick-service locations will give you free cups of ice water, refillable bottle stations are scattered throughout the parks, and bringing your own reusable bottle can save both money and time.

Adding electrolytes is also a smart move, especially if you’re doing long park days. Staying hydrated isn’t just about comfort; it also helps prevent fatigue, headaches, and burnout. So even if you don’t feel like you are thirsty, still drink the water.

3. Grab Your Favorite Treat

For us at DFB, that treat is plastic cheese. The iconic, gooey, golden dipping sauce we’ve loved for years. You’ll find it all over Hollywood Studios and at spots like Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom, usually for about $1 extra, and it’s worth every penny.

But your favorite snack might be something totally different, and that’s the point. Whether it’s popcorn, churros (only the ones from Nomad Lounge), Mickey bars, or fries dipped in questionable-but-delicious cheese, get the snack you really want. Skipping it almost always leads to regret, and Disney days are too expensive for snack remorse.

4. Know the Best Bathrooms

When you gotta go, waiting in a cramped, chaotic restroom is the last thing you want. Knowing where the quieter bathrooms are can genuinely save your sanity. The ones you want to avoid are in crowded areas like the Tangled restrooms at Magic Kingdom.

Some of our favorites include the restrooms at the Caribbean Beach Skyliner station (clean, quiet, and rarely crowded), the bathroom inside of Tortuga’s Tavern across from Pirates of the Caribbean, the hidden alleyway restrooms near the Disney Springs bus stops, and the secret bathrooms near EPCOT’s Imagination Pavilion. Bookmark these in your brain, and you’ll thank us later.

5. Always Carry a Portable Charger

Your phone is everything at Disney World: your park ticket, your wallet, your camera, your food ordering system, and your planning hub. Using My Disney Experience alone can drain your battery fast, then add photos and videos, and you’re toast without backup power. A

portable charger isn’t optional; it’s essential. Nothing kills momentum like a dead phone at 2PM. If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know our favorite one is the Fuelrods because they have kiosks all over Disney World where you can switch out your charger for a fully charged one for free!

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6. Use DFB Guides

Disney World is complex, especially when it comes to dining. That’s why we revamped our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining to clearly show just how different each Disney restaurant experience truly is. If you want to plan smarter, our guides break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand and actually helpful. You can find them over on the DFBstore website.

7. Utilize Mobile Order

Waiting in a long food line is one of the biggest time-wasters in the parks. Mobile Order lets you skip that entirely, and you can even schedule a pickup time in advance. This means your meal fits your day, not the other way around. Once you start using Mobile Order strategically, you’ll never want to go back. It also allows you to view the menu so you can plan what you want to eat and clearly see how much everything costs without holding up the line in the restaurant to order.

8. Use Hand Sanitizer and Wash Your Hands

Disney World is magical… and also full of germs. Thousands of people touch the same ride vehicles, railings, and door handles every day. Carrying hand sanitizer and using it often is a must, but don’t skip good old-fashioned handwashing when you can. Getting sick on vacation is not magical, and a little prevention goes a long way.

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9. Don’t Feel the Need to Do Everything

You are not going to ride every ride, see every show, eat every snack, or do everything in one trip, and that’s okay. The happiest Disney trips happen when you focus on your must-dos and stay flexible with the rest. When you’re rushing nonstop, you miss some of the best moments. Set realistic expectations ahead of time, and let yourself enjoy the experience instead of racing against it.

As Disney World changes, so do our go-to rules. Be sure to stay up to date on all things Disney by following us at DFB!

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What is a rule that you follow every Disney trip? Tell us in the comments below!