Disney-speak can be tricky. There are a lot of them! This list is intended to help you fit right in on your next vacation to The Most Magical Place on Earth.
- ADR – Advanced Dining Reservations. ADRs are required for most Table Service dining at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
- Cast Member – Anyone who works for Disney is known as a Cast Member. In the parks, at the resorts, on the phone, and in the restaurants, even the guy that sweeps up the trash and draws Donald with the wet broom.
- DAS – Disability Access Service. The program is offered to guests who struggle with long waits in a conventional queue. DAS requires pre registration online with a Disney Cast Member.
- Genie – A free service in the My Disney Experience app that assists guests with planning and preparation by selecting favorites. It also provides recommendations for “what to do next” while you’re in the park – but it is NOT AS GOOD as the advice you’ll get from a good travel agent.
- Genie+ – The replacement for Disney’s previous complimentary FastPass Service. Genie+ is a paid service that allows guests to choose a return time for most rides and attractions by entering the Lightning Lane (and skipping the bulk of the line).
- Good Night Kiss – A favorite “secret” at the Magic Kingdom. It runs most nights after park closure, as a reminder, to well, leave the park. The lights on the Castle begin to twinkle and a message plays reminding everyone to have a great evening and a “good night”. So, they ask you to leave without asking you to leave. Very Disney-like.
- Hidden Mickey – If you’ve traveled with me, you know this can be a fun pastime and a bit of an obsession as well. A Hidden Mickey is simply a Mickey Mouse head silhouette spotted in a fun or interesting place. There are books and books about where to spot them all over Walt Disney World® Resort.
- Hopper – There are a few types of park tickets: Base, Park Hopper® Option, Park Hopper Plus® Option. Base tickets allow you to enter one park per day and you may come and go from that same park. Park Hopper tickets allow you to enter more than one park – for example, Begin your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® then “hop” to Magic Kingdom® Park for the fireworks show at night. Park Hopper Plus tickets are Park Hoppers that also allow entry to Disney’s water parks.
- Lightning Lane – Formerly known as the FastPass Lane – this queue is reserved for those who have purchased an Individual Lightning Lane pass or used Genie+ return time for a ride or attraction. Lightning Lane is available for most rides under the Genie+ purchase, but some are only available through a separate purchase.
- Magic Bands – Magic Bands are fun souvenirs that can be worn during your visit (or after if they make you smile). Standard style Magic Bands act as your park ticket, allowing you to enter the park, check in for Lightning Lanes, and charge to your room. The new Magic Band+ does all of this and more – interacting with areas of the park like Galaxy’s Edge, Cinderella’ Castle, and the 50th Anniversary Statues.
- MDE – My Disney Experience. The app that basically runs your Walt Disney World® Vacation. This is where the magic happens. You’ll run your Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane. View your ADRs, plans, and ticket and resort information. Also, view “where are you now” in the park so you can find your way around.
- MNSSHP – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. A special after hours event at Magic Kingdom® that usually runs from August – Halloween.
- Monorail – The Disney-designed train that runs on two tracks. One from Magic Kingdom connecting to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort on a loop. The second track connects to EPCOT® – they intersect at the TTC (Transportation and Ticket Center).
- MVMCP – Short for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party® an after hours event at the Magic Kingdom® that runs from November-ish through Christmas.
- Park Hop – When you have a ticket with Park Hopper® Option you can “hop” from park to park. If you’re feeling especially adventurous you can even complete a 4-Park Challenge and visit all 4 parks in one day. Read about the time I did this!
- Quick Service – Also sometimes known as Counter Service dining, this is Disney’s fast- and fast-casual dining option in all parks, resorts, and Disney Spring® Area. Don’t be confused – this is much more than just a “quick burger and fries” dining experience. With some of the “World’s” best snack options mixed in you’ll find a foodie dream. Explore other blog posts about my favorite snacks and treats from Quick Service locations.
- Rider Switch – This program allows groups of guests to enjoy all attractions in the park even if one (or more) members of the group choose not to ride or don’t meet the requirements for riding. This is most popular for families who have small children and children who are thrill-seekers. For example, Dad and big sister can enjoy Space Mountain® while mom and baby brother have a snack. Then mom can “Rider Switch” and go on Space Mountain® herself – taking along big sister again without waiting in line.
- Rope Drop – Frequent Disney-goers and newbies know that this term can make the best day ever even better. Rope Drop simply means arriving before park opening to ensure that you are through security and at the gate the minute it opens. Note: some parks are known to open earlier than posted – so recommended arrival times vary.
- Standby Line – This is just the regular line for any ride or attraction – nothing special to see here, unless you’re in line for Peter Pan’s Flight® which has a much better Standby Line queue than Lightning Lane queue. (Now you know.)
- Table Service – Dining experiences where you are seated at an assigned table and served a meal are known as Table Service experiences. These require an ADR and very rarely (almost never) have walk up availability. Table Service includes character dining, signature dining, and other fun seated dining experiences.
- TTC – Ticket and Transportation Center. The hub of transportation on Walt Disney World® Resort property. Tickets can be purchased and picked up here, a Guest Services window is located at this popular location. It is also the connection spot for the Monorail – transferring trains from Magic Kingdom® Area to EPCOT® Area. The TTC is also where public transportation and ride share will drop you for entrance into the Magic Kingdom® as only Disney transportation is allowed to move up to the gate. You can catch the ferry or boat to Magic Kingdom® Park and Resorts from here.
Hopefully you learned something new from this helpful list!
