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Disney has done away with its FastPass and FastPass+ in favor of a new system called Disney Genie and Disney Genie+, which guests access from the Disney Experience mobile app. You can check

the app throughout your visit for useful information — when wait times are lowest for certain rides, for instance. Another way to escape long lines for popular rides: Purchase Lightning Lane

entrance passes through the app.  Buying tickets online for Universal Orlando Resort saves you $20 off the gate price on all multiday tickets. If you opt for an on-site hotel you will get 

Universal Express access, meaning you skip regular lines one time on all participating rides and attractions. Guests at Seaworld Orlando can save over $25 on a single-day visit by buying a

ticket online. The All Day Dining Deal, bought in advance, is a huge value for those with large appetites. You can chow down all day at participating restaurants for $49.99. Book hotels

within the theme parks well in advance. Some of the most popular ones at Walt Disney World Resort get booked months ahead and sell out during prime times. The same goes for table-service

restaurants at Disney. Dining reservations in Disney World can be made up to 60 days in advance for select table-service restaurants, quick-service dining and snack locations. For some of

the most beloved eateries, like Disney’s California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Jiko – The Cooking Place in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll definitely want to

try to snag a table as early as possible before your visit (up to 60 days). If you haven't planned that far ahead, you can sometimes get lucky and snag last-minute, day-of and week-of

reservations at popular restaurants, when cancellations come through.  WHAT TO PACK Pack your comfiest footwear, bug spray, sunglasses, hat, water bottle and all the sunscreen you can

squeeze into your suitcase. No need to dress to the nines: Casual, breezy outfits are the norm. No one will bat an eyelash if you don a fanny pack or a backpack, and strollers are welcome,

too, if you have any children in tow (you might want to bring along a lock for a stroller or wagon, if you'll be parting from it for rides). Flip-flops are always in, year-round, but

opt for ones that offer some support since you’re bound to be walking quite a bit. Ditch the ball caps and flops, however, for a night out. If you are visiting during the winter, don’t

forget a light jacket; even the Sunshine State gets chilly. And during the rainier hurricane season, two words: umbrellas and ponchos. You’ll pay an upcharge for them if you have to purchase

them in the parks last minute.  SAFETY The Orlando Metro area is generally considered safe to visit. Do keep in mind, however: If you are in a crowd, including at the theme parks, always

keep your valuables secure. And don’t store valuables in your car.