Be here when the gates open, usually around 8 or 9am. (Call Disney information at tel. 407/824-4321 to check the time.) This will give you the best chance of seeing animals -- they're most active in the morning air (the next best is late in the afternoon, although some can be seen throughout the day in cooler months). If you want to eat at Yak & Yeti or the Rainforest Cafe, make Advance Dining Reservations by calling tel. 407/939-3463 or via the Disney World app.

The size of the park (500 acres) means a lot of walking once you pass through the gates. Don't linger in the Oasis area or around the Tree of Life; instead, head directly Africa to be first in line for Kilimanjaro Safaris. This will allow you to see animals before it gets hot and the lines become monstrous.

Most people beeline to the left to see Pandora—The World of Avatar first. Its biggest ride, Avatar Flight of Passage, has the longest lines all day, but they're longest in late morning. 

Work your way back through Africa, visiting the Gorilla Falls trail and its lowland apes, and then head to the Flame Tree Barbecue for a quick bite to eat, though kids may prefer the Restaurantosaurus just inside DinoLand. After lunch, head to the Tree of Life on Discovery Island for It's Tough to Be a Bug. If you want a bird-show fix, see Feathered Friends in Flight, and then go on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, both in Asia. Expedition Everest will thrill older kids and teens (adults, too). Then you're off to tackle Kali River Rapids, a great way to cool off in the midday heat (some of you might even get soaked).

Make time in your day for the Festival of the Lion King, over in Africa; it's a must-see, but the performances tend to happen on the hour in the middle of the day.

Older kids, teens, and adults can ride Dinosaur in DinoLand U.S.A.; both are good choices if you get there before lines form or if you use FASTPASS. Younger kids deserve some time at the Boneyard and on TriceraTop Spin in DinoLand. 

Sometimes the park is open as the sun sets. If it is, do no miss a return trip to Pandora—its nighttime illuminations are spectacular.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.