6 Disney World Mistakes That Could Ruin Your First Trip (And How To Fix Them)

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time.

With four theme parks, Disney Springs, and dozens of resorts, there’s a lot to consider. Even the most enthusiastic first-time visitors can make mistakes that impact their trip.

At How to Disney, we want to help you plan the most magical Disney vacation possible!

That’s why we’ve compiled six common mistakes that first-time Disney World visitors make—and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Underestimating How Much Walking You’ll Do

Many first-time visitors know that Walt Disney World is big, but they don’t fully grasp how much walking involves.

On average, guests walk between 8 to 15 miles per day at Disney World, which can be exhausting if you’re unprepared.

How to Prepare:

• Start walking at home. A few weeks before your trip, go on daily walks to get your body used to the extra movement.
• Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes. Avoid wearing brand-new shoes to the parks! Instead, bring a pair that you’ve tested for comfort.
• Pack foot-care essentials. Blister relief bandages, chafing sticks, extra socks, and moleskin can save your feet from painful blisters.
• Take breaks. Plan time to rest by enjoying shows, shaded areas, or even a midday break at your resort.

By planning, you’ll avoid sore feet and enjoy all the Disney fun.

2. Misjudging Disney World Transportation Times

Walt Disney World is massive, and first-timers often underestimate how long it takes to travel between locations.

Even though Disney offers buses, boats, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner, getting from place to place can take 30 minutes or more—sometimes even longer during peak times.

Tips for Managing Transportation:

• Plan extra time for travel. Disney recommends allowing 90 minutes when traveling between resorts via bus.
• Arrive early for park opening. If Magic Kingdom opens at 9 a.m., don’t arrive at the bus stop at 8:45 a.m. Instead, aim to be there by 8:00 a.m. to allow for wait times and transit.
• Use alternate transportation. The Disney Skyliner and monorail offer faster transportation between select resorts and parks.
• Consider rideshare services. If you’re in a hurry, apps like Uber and Lyft (including Disney’s Minnie Van service) can reach your destination faster.

Be sure to plan extra time when navigating between lands. Being aware of transportation times helps prevent delays and missed reservations.

3. Forgetting to Prepare for Florida Weather

Florida weather can be unpredictable, and first-time visitors often forget to plan for it.

Rain showers, extreme heat, and high humidity are common year-round.

How to Stay Comfortable:

• Bring rain gear. Florida rainstorms pop up unexpectedly, so pack a lightweight rain jacket, umbrella, or poncho daily.
• Know what stays open in the rain. Many attractions continue running in wet weather—check our list of rain-friendly rides to make the most of your day.
• Stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at water stations throughout the parks.
• Dress for the heat. Lightweight, breathable clothing and cooling towels can help combat Florida’s humidity.

A little weather preparation goes a long way in keeping your trip comfortable and fun.

4. Not Making the Most of Lightning Lanes

Lightning Lane is the paid skip-the-line system at Disney World, but many first-time visitors don’t know how to use it strategically.

Instead, they waste selections on attractions that don’t need it.

How to Maximize Lightning Lane:

• Prioritize popular rides. In each park, some rides have longer wait times than others. Lightning Lane is best used for these attractions:
  • Magic Kingdom: Tron Lightcycle / Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Jungle Cruise
  • EPCOT: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest
• Book early! Lightning Lane reservations open at 7:00 a.m. for Disney resort guests, so grab them ASAP.
• Stack reservations. You can book another Lightning Lane every two hours or after using your first one—so time them wisely!

Learning the Lightning Lane system ahead of time will save you hours of waiting in lines.

5. Ignoring Mobile Ordering for Quick-Service Dining

Many first-timers don’t take advantage of mobile ordering in the My Disney Experience app, which allows them to skip the lines at quick-service restaurants.

Instead, they waste time waiting in long food lines.

Why You Should Use Mobile Ordering:

• Saves time. Place your food order in advance and pick it up when it’s ready.
• Guarantees a meal at busy times. Mobile ordering is a lifesaver during peak lunch and dinner hours.
• Easy to customize. The app allows for modifications to adjust your meal to your preferences.

Before your trip, download the My Disney Experience app and familiarize yourself with how mobile ordering works!

6. Trying to Do Everything in One Trip

Walt Disney World is too big to do everything in one visit—and that’s okay!

First-time visitors often over-schedule their days, leaving little time for spontaneity and rest.

How to Set Realistic Expectations:

• Prioritize must-do attractions. List your top rides, shows, and experiences for each park.
• Leave time for breaks. Don’t plan back-to-back attractions—schedule downtime to enjoy the magic.
• Remember, Disney is meant to be enjoyed. Rushing from ride to ride can be exhausting. Sometimes, the best moments come from exploring the parks at your own pace.

By focusing on quality over quantity, you’ll have a more enjoyable and stress-free vacation.

Final Thoughts

Disney World is a magical place, and your first trip can be incredible with the proper planning.

By avoiding these common mistakes—preparing for walking, understanding transportation, packing for the weather, using Lightning Lane wisely, leveraging mobile ordering, and setting realistic expectations—you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and enjoyable Disney experience.