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Top Time-Wasting Activities to Skip at Disney World

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is all about maximizing the magic and making the most of your time in the parks. With so much to see and do across four theme parks, the last thing you want is to spend precious vacation time on activities that don’t add to your experience. To help you get the most out of your Disney vacation, we’ve put together a guide on some of the common time-wasters at Walt Disney World.

Keep these in mind to ensure every moment of your trip is as magical as possible!

Attractions That Might Be Worth Skipping

Walt Disney World is home to a variety of attractions, but not all are created equal. Some attractions might not be worth prioritizing, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. Here are a few that, while part of the Disney magic, may not be the best use of your time.

Magic Kingdom offers some classic experiences, but a couple can become time traps. For example, Swiss Family Treehouse is a nostalgic walkthrough attraction, but it involves climbing numerous stairs, which can be exhausting, especially in the heat. The treehouse doesn’t offer much shade or places to rest, so it may not be the best choice during peak afternoon temperatures.

Numerous colorful, small cars navigate a track at an amusement park. The track is surrounded by greenery and various flags, with a gated entrance visible in the background. As one of the important rides in Magic Kingdom, the atmosphere is lively, with people enjoying their joyful rides.
Credit: WDW Magazine

Tomorrowland Speedway is another ride that often has long waits despite being a simple car-driving attraction. The slow-moving line and the ride itself may not justify the time spent, especially with so many other unique attractions available in Magic Kingdom.

Surprisingly, even Peter Pan’s Flight can be a time-waster if you’re not strategic. This classic ride often has wait times stretching close to two hours, despite its relatively short ride time. While it’s a beloved attraction, consider using Lightning Lane (if available) or catching it first thing in the morning or later in the evening.

Knowing what attractions align with your family’s interests and how long you’re willing to wait can help you avoid spending too much time on experiences that don’t deliver the most magic.

Do You Really Need the Perfect Spot for Fireworks?

The nighttime shows at Walt Disney World, like Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom, Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT Forever, are breathtaking and create unforgettable memories. But many guests make the mistake of staking out a spot hours before the show starts, which can be a major time-waster.

While securing a front-row seat for fireworks might sound appealing, the reality is that many spots around the parks offer great views. Spending two or more hours sitting on the pavement means missing out on other attractions and experiences during your visit. Plus, there’s always a chance that other guests will move in front of you or block your view, which can be frustrating after waiting so long.

Instead, consider arriving closer to showtime—around 20-30 minutes before the show begins. This allows you to enjoy more rides or entertainment during those extra hours. If you want a guaranteed good spot without the wait, think about booking a dessert party that includes reserved viewing for the fireworks.

Is Starbucks Worth the Wait?

This might be a controversial one, but hear us out—Starbucks can be a significant time-waster at Walt Disney World. The lines at Starbucks inside the parks are often among the longest, especially in the morning when everyone needs their caffeine fix.

Instead of spending valuable morning hours in a coffee line, consider alternatives. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you’ll likely have access to coffee in your room or at a quick-service location. Joffrey’s Coffee, which is served throughout the parks and resorts, is another option with shorter lines. This can give you a caffeine boost without sacrificing time you could be spending on rides with shorter wait times.

Starbucks Coffee
Credit: Disney

For those who can’t imagine a morning without their favorite Starbucks order, consider getting your fix before entering the park or later in the day when the lines tend to be shorter.

Park Hopping: Is It the Best Use of Your Time?

Park Hopping can be a great way to experience multiple Disney parks in a single day, but it can also be a time-consuming activity. Park hopping is only available after 2 p.m., which means you need to plan your morning and midday activities accordingly.

If you’re planning to take a break at your Disney Resort in the afternoon, park hopping might make sense since you’ll already be traveling. But if your goal is to maximize your time inside the parks, consider whether the travel time—often 30-60 minutes each way—fits into your plans. Moving between parks involves transportation, security checks, and navigating new park entrances, which can eat into the time you could be spending on attractions.

Before adding park hopping to your itinerary, think about your priorities and whether you’re comfortable sacrificing some time for the chance to experience another park.

Make the Most of Your Dining Time

Dining at Walt Disney World can be one of the highlights of your trip, but it can also be a source of frustration if you don’t have a plan. To avoid wasting time during meals, consider these tips:

  • Make Advanced Dining Reservations for table-service meals, especially at popular spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Topolino’s Terrace. Reservations open 60 days before your trip, and securing one can save you from long waits at the restaurant.
  • For quick-service meals, use mobile order through the My Disney Experience app. This allows you to place your order in advance and pick it up at a designated time, bypassing long lines at popular eateries.
  • If you want to avoid crowds, try eating at non-peak times. Lunch before 11 a.m. or after 2 p.m., and dinner before 5 p.m. or after 7 p.m., can help you enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.

Find Hidden Relaxation Spots in the Parks

Even when the parks are bustling, there are hidden corners where you can escape the crowds for a bit. Seek out quieter spots like Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom, the shaded paths around The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, or the Japan Pavilion gardens in EPCOT. These areas can provide a welcome break from the excitement and let you recharge before heading back into the action.

Spaceship Earth at EPCOT framed from the arch in the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase. At EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

Knowing where to find these spots can make a big difference during busier times, giving you a chance to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed.

Final Thoughts: 

Time is precious during any Walt Disney World vacation, and being mindful of potential time-wasters can make your experience more enjoyable. While every family has different interests and priorities, understanding what might not be worth the wait can help you plan a smoother, more magical trip.

Whether it’s skipping long coffee lines, opting for attractions with shorter waits, or finding alternative ways to enjoy nighttime shows, these tips will help you avoid common time traps. Make the most of your Disney days by focusing on what brings you joy and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Disneyland Guests in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Southern California
Credit: Disney

By planning ahead, being flexible, and keeping an eye out for those hidden gems, you’ll ensure that your trip to Walt Disney World is filled with magical moments, not wasted time.

Happy planning, and may your vacation be as enchanting as you’ve dreamed!

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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