A Walt Disney World vacation is a significant investment. You save for years, and when it’s finally time to visit, you want everything to go as smoothly as possible. To help you plan, we’ve highlighted some common mistakes that can derail your trip—and how to avoid them.
Choosing the Wrong Walt Disney World Resort
Selecting the right resort for your family’s needs is one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make when planning your vacation. Walt Disney World offers three main resort categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Each offers unique amenities, price points, and accommodations, so matching your choice to your plans and budget is essential.
Here are some tips to help you decide:
- Assess Your Plans: If you plan to spend significant time enjoying the resort’s amenities, such as pools and dining options, consider staying at a Moderate or Deluxe resort. On the other hand, if you’ll primarily be at the parks and only need a place to sleep, a Value resort might be the best choice.
- Space Needs: Can your family comfortably share one room, or will you need additional space? Some Deluxe resorts offer villas and family suites that might better suit larger groups or those requiring more room to spread out.
Taking the time to research and evaluate your options ensures you choose a resort that meets your family’s needs and enhances your experience.
Forgetting to Check Theme Park Reservation Requirements
Walt Disney World’s theme park reservation system has undergone recent changes. As of January 9, 2024, date-based tickets no longer require separate park reservations. However, some ticket types, such as Annual Passes or promotional offers, may still require reservations.
Before your visit, confirm the current requirements for your tickets on the official Walt Disney World website. Ensuring you meet all entry requirements will save you from stress and ensure a smooth start to your park days.
Overbooking Dining Reservations
Walt Disney World is renowned for its incredible dining experiences, from character meals to fine dining. While it can be tempting to book multiple table-service meals each day, this can take up valuable park time and leave you feeling overstuffed and overwhelmed.
Why You Should Limit Reservations:
- Time-Consuming: Table-service meals typically take 1-2 hours, reducing the time you have to enjoy rides and attractions.
- Food Overload: Multiple large meals daily can leave you feeling sluggish, especially in the Florida heat.
Instead, consider incorporating Disney’s quick-service dining options. These meals are faster, more budget-friendly, and still delicious. Striking a balance between table-service and quick-service meals will give you more flexibility and energy to enjoy the parks.
Neglecting to Strategize Your Park Visits
Each Walt Disney World park offers a unique experience, and having a strategy can make all the difference:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: This park features a mix of attractions, animal exhibits, and shows. With fewer rides than other parks, prioritize must-do experiences like Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest. Note that DinoLand U.S.A. is currently transforming, with exciting new attractions on the horizon.
- Magic Kingdom: With the most attractions, planning your day is essential. Decide which rides are must-dos and use early entry if you’re staying at a Disney resort.
- EPCOT: Whether your focus is on the park’s festivals or its World Showcase, plan your day to balance attractions, dining, and entertainment.
- By planning your days with your family’s interests in mind, you’ll make the most of your time in the parks.
Ready for a Magical Vacation?
Avoiding these common mistakes will set you up for success when planning your Walt Disney World vacation. From choosing the perfect resort to strategizing your park days, a little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring a magical experience.
For more tips and tricks, check out our comprehensive guide to planning your Disney vacation. Happy travels!
