How to Keep It Easy

Buy tickets early. Skip the ticket-buyers’ line by purchasing admission directly from the park’s Web site. Some sites even allow you to print tickets at home.

Arrive early. Not only will you find a better parking spot, but you’ll be in prime position at choice rides when the gates open. And many parks allow attendees to enter before the published opening time.

Make reservations. Certain parks let you go on a ride without standing in line. With Walt Disney World’s free FastPass, you insert your ticket into a machine to be assigned a one-hour block of time during which you can bypass the ride’s line.

When you enter the park, turn left, since most people going through the area start by turning right. You can also avoid crowds by starting your day at the back of the park and gradually working toward the front.

Map out your itinerary. Figure out the must-do attractions beforehand so you avoid wandering around aimlessly.

Pick an easy-to-find meeting spot, such as the park entrance or a well-known ride, in case someone becomes separated from the group.