You might not have realized it, but the world of Disney theme parks practically needs its own dictionary. Talk to a Disney person and it’s almost like you’ve started talking another language. I always try to be careful here on the blog not to use abbreviations too often, but I assume people know at least some of the basics. When I work as a travel agent I also try to be mindful that people may not know what it all means so I try my best to explain everything.
However, a friend of mine recently came up with a “glossary” of Disney terms for another friend of ours who wasn’t as familiar with all of our lingo. I thought it could be useful here for those just diving into the world of Disney theme parks! If you’re in the beginning stages of planning a trip hopefully this will help you sort it all out.
(Decoded: Walt Disney World, Shades of Green, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Pirates of the Caribbean, Fastpass, Hoop-de-doo Revue).
Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR) = When you book a table service meal ahead of time. ADRs can be made 180 days before you travel and are recommended for many of the popular restaurants.
Cast Member(CM)= Disney employee
Counter Service (CS) = Meals that you order at a counter, have handed to you, and then you find your own place to sit.
Dark ride = a usually slow moving attraction where you ride in a car and follow a track. Most of the rooms are in the dark with various scenes lit up as you go along.
Disney Dining Plan (DDP) = a way to prepay for all meals at Disney. Includes 1 counter service meal, 1 table service meal, and 1 snack per person per night.
Disney’s Magical Express (DME) = the bus that takes you to and from the Orlando airport for free if you’re staying at Disney resort hotel
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) = Disney’s timeshare
Extra Magic Hours (EMH) = extended hours when the parks are open beyond the “official” operating hours – can be in the morning or in the evening. Only available to guests staying at an official Disney resort hotel.
FastPass (FP/FP+) = reserving a time on a ride so you don’t have to wait in the full line
On Property = anywhere in Disney World, including the hotels
Park hopping = visiting more than one of the 4 parks in one day
Photopass = Locations where Disney photographers will take your picture, usually outside of major “landmarks” or with characters.
Rope Drop = park opening. They used to have a physical rope across the path and at opening the cast members would drop it at the official time.
Single Rider Line =for rides that have people riding in pairs, they have a separate line for single riders who fill the “holes” when an odd-numbered party comes through. Your party can all stand in the single rider line together, but you’ll be separated during the ride. Usually (but not always) this is a MUCH quicker wait than standby.
Standby Line = the regular line for people who don’t have a FP for that ride
