Exactly what you need to know on a Disney trip according to people paid to visit

A team of experts who help holidaymakers build their perfect breaks say they have the “the best job in the world” - getting paid to travel the globe and visit Disney resorts and attractions. TUI has dedicated Disney experts working in their retail stores across the UK as well as a 10-person homeworking division on a dedicated ‘Disney helpline’ answering calls about Florida, Disneyland Paris, and Disney Cruise Line all day long.

TUI’s Disney experts describe their roles as “the best job in the world”, as they enjoy all-expenses paid trips building their knowledge and expertise. The experts have experienced the best of Disney and have tips and tricks to share with their customers. When they’re not overseas riding rollercoasters and meeting characters, they’re often visiting Disney’s London HQ to learn about exclusive offers.

Some of the experts have even worked for Mickey Mouse – Millie from the homeworking team worked in Animal Kingdom in Orlando for over a year. She says her work trips with TUI opened her eyes to an entirely different side of Florida. She said: “I experienced things I had never tried before, and I wouldn't be able to help customers with their trips as well if I hadn't gone with work. We got to truly experience every type of attraction, food, mode of transport and hotel.”

Erin said: “I love getting to be a part of everyone’s magical journey. Whether that’s hearing about them meeting the princesses for the first time or experiencing a new ride.”

Francesca said her “favourite part of the job is sharing my passion for something that I love with customers and colleagues and inspiring them to go on their trips”.

The team have shared their top tips for flying to Florida

1. Travel in October and September. The time of year means spooky season is looming, and Halloween decorations will be found across the parks. The weather also tends to be cooler, and the parks are generally less crowded. Guests also get to enjoy Epcot’s food and wine festival.
2. Beat the queues by heading to attractions during show times. Most guests are drawn towards the parade or fireworks, so if visitors have already seen them, people can head to a popular ride as the wait times will be much less.
3. Get there for ‘rope drop’. If guests can manage an early start, it pays off to get to the park as it opens
4. Go back to front. Starting at the back of the park instead of the front is another pro-tip for avoiding large crowds.
5. Visit mid-week. Weekends get busy at Walt Disney World resort, especially with the locals heading into the parks. That’s why TUI’s experts suggest going to a waterpark or shopping at Disney Springs to avoid the huge crowds on Saturdays.
6. Animal kingdom in the morning. The animals are always more active at that time of day. If guests secure an early dining reservation for breakfast, they can even head into an empty park before it opens for other guests.
7. Take a water bottle. All quick service restaurants provide free iced water, which guests can use to avoid the $5 water bottle price tags.
8. VIP treatment. Park concierge hand out celebration badges for special occasions like first visits and birthdays. Guests wearing them will be sure to get the VIP treatment.
9. Take up early booking offers. TUI’s early booking offer gives customers the chance to get a 14-day park ticket for the price of a 7-day ticket, up to $2100 in Disney Dining & Merchandise Credit, plus an additional $200 of spending money.
10. Use the experts. Our Disney experts offer Florida-focused appointments in stores where they can help customers plan their park days, book restaurants, link tickets to the MyDisneyExperience app, and even print Disney planners to organise each day of their trip.

TUI Offers

TUI’s 2024 Early Booker Package includes up to $1,400 dining and merchandise credit, 14 day tickets for the price of 7 days and a $200 Disney gift card per booking if you ook by 9 ^th Novermber 2023.

TUI offers 7-night holidays to Orlando, Florida staying at the 4T Disney's Coronado Springs Resort on a room-only basis. Prices start from £1458pp. Price is based on two adults and two children sharing a Standard Double Room with flights departing from Newcastle Airport on 28 ^th May 2024. This package is eligible for TUI’s 2024 early booking offer.

TUI offers 7-night holidays to Orlando, Florida staying at the 3T CoCo Key Hotel & Waterpark on a room-only basis. Prices start from £763pp. Price is based on two adults and two children sharing a Double Room with flights departing from Manchester Airport on 22 ^nd July 2023.

TUI offers 7-night holidays to Orlando, Florida staying at the 3T+ Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort on a room-only basis. Prices start from £797pp. Price is based on two adults and two children sharing a Courtyard Family Suite with flights departing from Manchester Airport on 18 ^th July 2023.