You remember to book your Disney Resort, purchase Disney park tickets and make your park pass reservations, but what else should you be doing? We have some critical steps that many Guests forget to do before and during their Disney vacation.
We want to make sure that you are prepared and ready for a magical trip, so make sure that you don’t forget these critical steps during your magical vacation to Walt Disney World.
Plan Transportation
A new step that many Guests heading to Walt Disney World aren’t used to is figuring out their transportation from the airport to their Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Up until January 2022, Disney provided free transportation to Disney Resorts with Magical Express. As of the first of the year, this service is no longer an option.
Guests traveling from Orlando International Airport will now need to book their own transportation to get to the magic.
There are numerous options to choose from so that isn’t the critical issue here, the big issue is just remembering to do so ahead of time. Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer are both very similar to the service Guests received from Magical Express.
If you are wanting a private option, there are a variety of different companies out there that offer private transfers and often a stop as well.
Don’t totally panic if you arrive at Orlando International Airport and have forgotten to book transportation. There are Lyft and Ubers as well as taxis at the airport and Mears Connect does have some openings most days as well.
After you have your hotel and flights confirmed, we highly recommend taking care of this critical step early as well.
Not Booking Dining
For Guests that are wanting to enjoy a sit-down meal while in Walt Disney World, it is critical that you book dining when your 60 day window opens up. Dining reservations can now be made starting 60 days prior to check-in and if you are looking for popular dining spots such as Cinderella’s Royal Table, Steakhouse 71, Space 220, ‘Ohana, or Oga’s Cantina, being up and ready to book is critical for success.
Because of limited seating still at many dining locations as well as higher crowds, dining reservations are filling up quickly throughout Walt Disney World. If enjoying a sit-down meal is important to your Disney vacation, make sure that you get those reservations made early.
Not Preparing for Weather
Another critical mistake that Guests often make when it comes to their Walt Disney World vacation is that they don’t prepare and pack for weather. Even if you obsessively check the weather app (just me?) before your trip, know that Florida weather can and does change quickly. Make sure you aren’t caught in the rain or cold without the appropriate clothing.
No matter when you are traveling down to Walt Disney World, make sure that you have rain gear as well as layers. By having these items with you, no matter what weather shows up during your Disney vacation, you will still be able to have a great time.
Having the Wrong Shoes
This is an extremely critical step you won’t want to miss. Making sure you have the right shoes for Walt Disney World is so important. You will be walking around 10 miles per day and since most of us don’t do this normally, you will want to set your feet up for success. Bring tennis shoes that are broken in or shoes that you know you can walk long periods of time in.
Do Not bring brand new shoes or shoes that are cute but can’t handle rain, sweat and long miles. There is nothing worse than having blisters and sore feet on day one of a Disney vacation and knowing you have a long way left.
We do recommend bringing an extra pair of shoes (see packing suggestions here) so you can switch out if they start to rub or do get wet and need to dry out. This can help as well keep those feet dancing.
Forgetting to Rest
When you are in Walt Disney World it is easy to get wrapped up in the magic of the day; however, it is critical to make sure you take time to allow your body, and feet, to rest.
Resting can look different to everyone, but making sure you take time to do it is so important. If you don’t want to leave the Disney Park you are in, consider booking a dining reservation or seeing a show. By doing this you are able to get off your feet and relax a little.
We like heading back to our Disney Resort, hitting the pool for a while and then showering and taking a nap. This can be a great way to rest and reset for the evening in the Disney Park.
Another great way to rest is to visit a nearby Disney Resort. If you are at a Disney Park, but you want to get out of the craziness of the afternoon, consider heading to a nearby Disney Resort. You can have a meal, see the shops, and just relax in the beautiful lobbies.
It is critical no matter how old or young you are that you take time to rest during your Walt Disney World vacation. A Disney vacation is magical but also a lot of work so don’t get worn down right away by giving yourself time to relax.
These are some critical steps that Guests often skip over when planning or are on their Walt Disney World vacation. We hope that bringing them to your attention will help you have a magical trip to Walt Disney World.
