Disney Speak – Top 10 Terms to Know

Disney Speak – Top 10 Terms to Know

Written by Jennifer Jamieson – Magical Tripcations Travel Planner

Welcome Home!  We’re so glad you joined us at the Most Magical Place on Earth!  Tap your MagicBand here and take a stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. and on to your first FastPass+ reservation!  If you need directions, reference this park map or the My Disney Experience App for up to minute wait times and interactive park maps.  Have a magical day!”

If you followed right along with this conversation, congrats!  You are fluent in ‘Disney Speak’ as this is just one example of any conversation you could have with a Cast Member at Magic Kingdom Park or a similar one at the other theme parks.  When we speak with someone about a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation, we quickly find ourselves speaking ‘Disney’…terms and phrases like “FastPass+”, “ADRs”, “Rope Drop”, “Extra Magic Hours” and the like.  It must sound like we’re speaking another language and to a guest that hasn’t been to the park in years or if ever, we are.  After all, it is Disney WORLD and it makes sense that the World of Walt would have it’s own special language.   Let’s take a closer look at ‘Disney Speak’ and the top 10 terms you  need to know.

10.  Memory Maker – This photo package can be added to your Disney vacation package. Guests who purchase Memory Maker will have online access to any photos taken by a Disney PhotoPass Photographer throughout their trip; access to all photos and videos taken while riding on select attractions.   You can view, edit, download photos, and print them at your chosen photo shop and share them across your social media channels.

Disney Speak Memory Maker

9.  Attractions – Theme park rides or shows.

Disney Speak Attractions

8.  Extra Magic Hours – Extra Magic Hours offer a rare and unique benefit for Walt Disney World Resort guests with access to additional hours in the parks above and beyond the standard operating schedule at no extra charge. Each day, one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks will either open one hour early before official opening or stay open up to two hours after regular closing time.

Disney Speak Rope Drop

7.  Rope Drop – Rope Drop is the official opening of a theme park. Arriving 20 to 30 minutes ahead of rope drop will give you a head start on getting into the park before typical park guests begin arriving late morning.  The perk is that you can get to some of the more popular attractions before the lines start to build and enjoy the park with fewer crowds.

Disney Speak Main Street U.S.A. Magic Kingdom

6.  Cast Member – A Disney employee.

Disney Speak Cast Member

5.  My Disney Experience App – When planning your Walt Disney World vacation, you can build your itinerary online at MyDisneyExperience.com and access your plans from the My Disney Experience App on your smartphone. Your resort & dining reservations and FastPass+ selections will be accessible through the app.  You can build your itinerary from start to finish online and update your reservations on the go from your phone.  You can also use the app for park maps, current wait times, restroom locations and where to find your favorite characters.

Disney Speak My Disney Experience App

4.  Disney’s Magical Express® – Start and end your stay with complimentary bus transportation between Orlando International Airport and select Walt Disney World Resort hotels with complimentary luggage delivery. You get off the plane, skip the baggage claim, and board the bus and head onto your dream vacation!

Disney Speak Magical Express

3.  MagicBand – A MagicBand is a wrist bracelet that you use to access the plans and vacation choices that you’ve already made through My Disney Experience. With a simple touch to a sensor, these colorful, waterproof bracelets will unlock your hotel room; gain your entrance into the theme parks; check-in at FastPass+ entrances and dining reservations.  If you choose, you may tie a credit card to your MagicBand and use it for purchases in souvenir shops, snacks and more.  You will automatically receive a complimentary MagicBand if you stay at a Walt Disney Resort hotel or purchase an annual pass.  Or if you are not staying at a resort hotel, you will receive a card when you purchase tickets for park admission.

Disney Speak MagicBands

2.  FastPass+ – Paper Fastpasses are a thing of the past at Walt Disney World (but still in use at Disneyland®). Disney’s FastPass+ service lets you reserve access to select attractions, character meet and greets, entertainment and more.  Think of it as holding your place in line or saving a special spot to view a show or parade.  With the purchase of a ticket or annual pass, you can start making reservations 30 days in advance or 60 days in advance with a Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation.  And the best news?  There is no additional charge for this complimentary benefit.

Disney Speak Fastpass return time

1. ADRs – Advanced Dining Reservations – Dining Reservations are available 180 days out and 180 days out +10 for resort guests. Guests staying on property can make all of their ADRs for their entire vacation (up to a 10 day vacation) online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463) as opposed to guests staying off property who must call each day as the 180 day mark passes.  ADRs are highly recommended especially if your party has several priority restaurants on the dining must-do list.  For more information on Disney Dining Plans, please read our blog post Which Disney Dining Plan is Right for You.

Cinderella's Royal Table

And, perhaps the most important phrase to know?

“Use a Disney Travel Planner!”  Utilizing a Magical Tripcations Travel Planer is the easiest way to get up to speed on all things Disney.  He or she will walk you through the entire planning process one step at a time.  Why Use a Disney Travel Planner?  Click here to learn more.

Disney Speak Keep Calm and Call Your Travel Agent