PlanningThe ParksTips

7 Simple Disney Planning Blunders That You Don’t Want to Make

A vacation to Walt Disney World for many is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Because of that, it takes a lot of planning to prepare. When planning this big vacation, you can often get wrapped up in the big decisions—determining where to stay, when to visit, what flights to take, and what transportation you will need often become the focus of planning.

As you focus on those big planning pieces, it can be easy to overlook some smaller but just as important ones. To help make sure you don’t make these simple planning blunders, we will share some of the bigger ones we see. By doing this, we hope you can head into your vacation more prepared and ready for a magical time.

experience disney parks _ disney fanatic

7. Forgetting to Make Park Pass Reservations

Many Guests new to Walt Disney World must remember to make their Park Pass reservations. After booking their Walt Disney World Resort and Theme Park tickets, most often think they are done. This isn’t the case, as there is one more essential step.

After purchasing your Walt Disney World Tickets, the next step is to make sure you book your Park Pass Reservations. Guests can do this on the My Disney Experience website. They can select which of the four Disney Parks they want to visit daily.

Although this is a simple step, it can be a massive blunder if you don’t do it. Guests are not allowed into the Disney Parks without these booked. Although you might be able to find same-day availability, many Disney Parks do book up. This could mean not being able to visit the Disney Parks of your choice.

Don’t make this planning blunder. Book those Park Pass reservations as soon as your Theme Park tickets are booked.

My Disney Experience App

6. Not Having the My Disney Experience App

My Disney Experience is the official planning app for Walt Disney World. With this app, Guests can navigate their way around Walt Disney World. The app is so helpful, but if you wait until you arrive at Walt Disney World to download that app, you may become frustrated with it.

Don’t make the mistake of waiting until you arrive to download the app. Instead, be prepared by looking over the app ahead of time. Look over some of the main features that the app provides. Look over wait times, check the maps to know where things are located, and ensure you know how to use mobile ordering.

We have a variety of posts on How to Disney about My Disney Experience. Use those to help you become familiar with the app before arriving. Please don’t make the simple mistake of waiting to get familiar with My Disney Experience.

Spider-Man shoes
Credit: Target

5. Packing the Wrong Shoes

Another simple but impactful mistake has the wrong shoes in Walt Disney World. We know many of us to want cute outfits for the pictures, but your feet won’t like you much if you aren’t wearing the right shoes.

Guests typically walk between 8 to 12 miles daily, so ensuring you have the appropriate shoes is key to doing this successfully.

We highly recommend packing tennis shoes or shoes that support your feet during the long miles. Don’t choose shoes that aren’t broken in or you haven’t tried walking in, as that could end badly.

Choosing the wrong shoes is a simple mistake, but it can significantly impact a vacation. Make sure to consider what shoes will allow you to get those miles in without discomfort.

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Credit: Inside the Magic

4. Not Preparing for Weather

It would be magical if Walt Disney World always had perfect weather. This isn’t reality, though. Don’t make the mistake of showing up to Walt Disney World unprepared for the weather. No matter when you visit Walt Disney World throughout the year, it will be essential to be prepared for the elements you might face.

We always recommend being prepared for rain when heading to Walt Disney World. Bring ponchos, tiny umbrellas, or raincoats. Having these can help you continue to enjoy the Parks even in the rain.

For those traveling during the summer months, be ready for the heat. Prepare by having cooling towels, fans, and all the sunscreen.

In the winter months, this means remembering to pack layers. We often think of Florida as warm all the time; however, it does get cold and chilly during those winter months, so be prepared.

Don’t make the significant blunder of showing up at Walt Disney World without gear to battle the elements. Always check the weather before you leave, as it does change quickly, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared.

portable chargers
Credit: Amazon

3. Not Having Portable Chargers

A big planning blunder is forgetting to have a portable charger for cell phones. Because My Disney Experience is essential to a successful Walt Disney World vacation, ensuring your cell phone remains charged is essential to a successful day in the Disney Parks.

Although there are fuel rod stations around, they are sometimes difficult to find and expensive. Make sure you are prepared by having portable chargers for everyone with a phone. This will keep everyone happy and connected.

Without a charged phone, you won’t be able to see wait times, use mobile orders, or book your Genie+ return times. This can be extremely frustrating and have a significant impact on your experience. Don’t make this blunder. Instead, pack those extra chargers.

Satuli Canteen

2. No Dining Plans Made

It is essential to have a plan for dining at Walt Disney World. You must have an overall strategy, whether quick or signature, regardless of the type of dining you are looking for.

Before getting to Walt Disney World, think about what type of dining you want to experience throughout the trip. Disney has quick and table service options throughout the Parks and your Disney Resort.

If you prefer table-service dining, those reservations must be made closer to 60 days before your vacation. These popular locations book up quickly.

For quick service locations, make sure you understand the mobile ordering. You can do this through the My Disney Experience app each morning. This is a great way to avoid long lines during dining time.

Don’t make the mistake of showing up without a food plan. This can lead to hangry people during your Disney vacation.

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genie

1. Not Understanding Genie+

Genie+ is a feature in My Disney Experience that Guests can add to their tickets each day of their trip. By adding Genie+ to their ticket, Guests can use the faster Lightning Lane entrances to various attractions throughout the four Disney Parks.

Taking some time to figure out how Genie+ works is essential. Looking into what rides might be the best use of it can help you get the most out of this feature if you choose to purchase it for your vacation.

These are some of the simple Disney planning blunders we see Guests make when getting ready for their Walt Disney World vacation. Make sure you are prepared for a great and magical trip.

 

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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