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Avoid These Rookie Mistakes on Your Walt Disney World Vacation

Planning your first trip to Walt Disney World is an exciting experience, but it’s easy to overlook important details. Rookies often make common mistakes that can detract from their magical adventure. To help you have the best time possible, we’ve compiled a list of rookie mistakes to avoid so you can plan ahead and enjoy every magical moment.


1. Not Planning Dining in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes rookies make is assuming they can show up and eat wherever they want. While there are quick-service locations and lounges where walk-ins might be possible, table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World often require reservations made well in advance.

Dining reservations can be made 60 days before your trip using the My Disney Experience app. Popular spots like ‘Ohana, Be Our Guest Restaurant, and Wish Makers Enchanted Dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa book up quickly, so planning ahead ensures you’ll enjoy these coveted experiences.

A smiling family of four enjoys drinks and snacks around a table in a cozy room with a stone fireplace. The flames add warmth to the scene as they sit on a patterned couch. The ambiance is cheerful and relaxed.
Credit: Disney

For quick-service meals, take advantage of mobile ordering on the My Disney Experience app. This allows you to pre-order food and select a pickup window, saving you precious park time.


2. Not Downloading the My Disney Experience App

The My Disney Experience app is your ultimate tool for navigating Walt Disney World. From checking wait times and mobile ordering to booking Lightning Lane passes, this app is essential.

Download it before your trip and take some time to explore its features. You can:

  • Make dining reservations
  • View attraction wait times
  • Check bus arrival times for Disney transportation
  • Access your Lightning Lane selections

Pro tip: Familiarize yourself with the app’s layout and functions to avoid confusion during your trip.


3. Skipping a Pool Day

It’s tempting to fill every moment with park visits, but this can quickly lead to burnout. Many Disney Resorts have amazing pools, and dedicating an afternoon or an entire day to relaxing poolside can rejuvenate your group.

Resort pools like Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts or the Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are attractions in themselves. Don’t forget to pack swimwear and sunscreen so you can make the most of these refreshing spots.

A scenic outdoor pool area at Disney's Moderate Resorts features a series of palm trees, a small bridge, and a picturesque windmill in the background. The clear blue sky enhances the tranquil atmosphere, while surrounding buildings and lush greenery add to the relaxing ambiance.
Credit: Disney

4. Overlooking Resort Activities

Rookies often underestimate the variety of activities offered at Disney Resorts. Beyond the pools, resorts host a range of events such as:

  • Campfires and s’mores
  • Movies under the stars
  • Craft workshops
  • Scavenger hunts

Ask for an activity guide at your resort’s front desk or check the My Disney Experience app for a list of scheduled events. These activities are a fantastic way to enjoy downtime without venturing into the parks.


5. Not Using Online Check-In

Waiting in line at the front desk to check in is a rookie mistake you can easily avoid. Use the online check-in feature on the My Disney Experience app before your trip. This allows you to:

  • Add a payment method
  • Indicate your arrival time
  • Receive a notification when your room is ready

With online check-in, you can skip the front desk and head straight to your room—perfect for maximizing your first day’s magic.


6. Not Understanding Disney Transportation

Disney offers complimentary transportation across the property, but rookies often fail to familiarize themselves with the available options. The Disney Skyliner, monorail, buses, and ferries connect resorts and parks, making travel convenient.

Before your trip, learn which transportation methods serve your resort. For example:

  • Monorail: Connects Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and select resorts.
  • Skyliner: Links EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and several resorts, including Disney’s Riviera Resort.
  • Buses: Operate between all resorts, parks, and Disney Springs.

Check bus schedules in the My Disney Experience app to avoid unnecessary waits.


7. Not Taking Advantage of Early Theme Park Entry

Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resorts enjoy early entry to all four parks 30 minutes before the official opening. This perk allows you to:

  • Experience popular rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway with shorter waits.
  • Explore the parks with fewer crowds.

Plan to arrive at the parks early to maximize this benefit. It’s especially valuable for attractions that often have long wait times later in the day.

disney springs crowd levels memorial day weekend
Credit: Inside the Magic

8. Underestimating the Florida Weather

Florida weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers and high humidity. Rookies often forget to pack essentials like:

  • Rain ponchos or jackets
  • Waterproof bags for electronics
  • Sunscreen and hats

While Disney sells rain gear, it’s often more expensive than bringing your own. Packing for all weather possibilities ensures you’re comfortable no matter what.


9. Failing to Budget Extra Time

Transportation delays, long lines, and unexpected events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. Always budget extra time for:

  • Traveling between resorts and parks
  • Finding your way around unfamiliar areas
  • Meal breaks and restroom stops

Allowing for flexibility in your schedule prevents unnecessary stress.


10. Skipping Nighttime Entertainment

Nighttime shows like Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom or Luminous: The Symphony of Us at EPCOT are highlights of any Disney trip. Rookies sometimes skip these experiences, thinking they’re optional, but they’re truly magical moments you won’t want to miss.

Plan your day so you can stay for the evening entertainment. Arrive early for the best viewing spots, and enjoy the perfect end to your Disney day.


Avoiding these rookie mistakes will help you make the most of your Walt Disney World vacation. By planning ahead, using available tools like the My Disney Experience app, and embracing all Disney has to offer, you’ll create magical memories that last a lifetime. Happy planning!

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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