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
Way to tease us with Shades of Green, Random Meme Lady!
That was my first thought on seeing that too 😉
I need to pass this around to my non-Disney loving friends because I use abbreviations so much lol
I know haha! It’s really hard for me to type out “Magic Kingdom” every time but I know not everyone will get it right away.
I love this. i’m proud to say I knew all of these 🙂
Awesome! I’ve been playing around with the idea of creating a quiz of Disney abbreviations or terms to test how many people really know 😉
I barely knew any of these! hahaha, I need to up my Disney term knowledge!
Haha that’s okay, that’s why I’m here to help! 😉
there is so much to know at Disney. SO much. It always amazes me when I’m staying On Property just how much there is to know that can benefit your stay!
There really is! I love staying on property so there are so many perks 🙂
Wow! I had no idea! It is like a different language. I’m pinning and saving this for when we eventually go, so I’ll be a pro!
I know! It can be so overwhelming for someone new to it.
I loved this! I feel like i speak in a different language when I talk about Disney so this will be so helpful for my fiancé!
Haha perfect – I know that feeling too 😉 My husband has finally learned all the lingo I think!
Well, Daddy did say they speak a different language in Florida!
Yeah, but i don’t think this is what he had in mind!