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  • Walt Disney World cast members know what it takes to have a good time at the theme park.
  • Business Insider reached out to a number of former cast members to get their best tips on making the most of your Disney vacation.
  • From avoiding unnecessary stress to embracing Florida's unpredictable weather, here's what they had to say.

Walt Disney World trips are a major investment for many guests.

If you're going to throw down thousands of dollars for you and your family or friends to enjoy yourselves at the resort, you're going to want to make sure you're getting the best possible experience.

You're going to need some insider information to take advantage of hidden hacks and avoid common pitfalls. And who knows the ins-and-outs of Walt Disney World better than cast members?

Business Insider recently reached out to a number of former cast members who worked at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios and asked them about their best tips for park-goers.

Here's what the cast members had to say:

Stay hydrated

Orlando is a hot place. Average temperatures can spike into the 90s in the summer.

So it's important to stay hydrated as you're maneuvering around Walt Disney World.

Devin Melendy, a former cast member who wrote "Devin Earns Her Ears: My Secret Walt Disney World Cast Member Diary," told Business Insider that she often saw "a lot of dehydrated-looking people walking around." She noted that guests are welcome to bring their own water into the park.

But don't worry if you somehow forget your water bottle.

"Every quick-service location will give you tap water, free of charge," a former cast member who used to work in the Magic Kingdom told Business Insider.

Chantelle Judd, a former cast member who worked in Frontierland, added that "you can go to a restaurant and ask for cold water — they will give this to you in a cup and this saves you money."

Judd also recommended, wearing "light clothing," bringing sunscreen, and drinking water throughout the day.



Don't get too upset about the rain

Don't be surprise if a little April shower dampens your trip. Rain in Florida isn't exactly an unheard of phenomenon.

Missy Farni, a former Disney cast member who worked at Epcot and Animal Kingdom, recommended always checking the weather before heading out.

"Florida rain is unpredictable, but being able to know when you need a poncho or an umbrella before you go to the park would probably be really beneficial to you as well," she told Business Insider. "Just so you're not taken off guard when it rains."

That being said, she said sporadic, five minute bouts of "torrential rain" are always a possibility, "because Orlando."

But a rainy day at Disney doesn't have to be a complete washout.

"Honestly, if you come on a rainy day you'll have a great time," Meghan O'Neill, a former Disney cast member who worked in Future World in Epcot, told Business Insider. "There are a few rides that go down due to weather, but there will be significantly less people at the parks."

So, to paraphrase Disney's "Winnie the Pooh," if you're adverse to crowds, you're better off hoping that the rain, rain, rain comes down, down, down in rushing, rising rivlets.



Bring in your own food and drinks to save money

The food at Walt Disney World is often tasty, and some of the park's restaurants serve up delicious meals.

But it's also incredibly expensive. If you're looking to save money, you're better off bringing in your own food.

That's right. You're free to lug a cooler loaded with snacks and drinks into the park.

"Most people don't realize that and, of course, the company doesn't advertise it," former Walt Disney World cast member John Quagliano, who worked in the Magic Kingdom, told Business Insider. "You can physically bring in an entire cooler full of snacks, water, whatever you want."

He used to work near the storage area where cast members would store guests' items. Once you check in your cooler, cast members will put a tag on it and store it in the back.

"You can come back at any time of the day and pick up your water and your food and save yourself a crap ton of money throughout the day," Quagliano added.

Judd also recommended bringing your own food and drinks.



See the rest of the story at INSIDER