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Avoid These Rookie Mistakes on Your First Walt Disney World Trip

Heading to Walt Disney World for the first time? Avoid these common rookie mistakes to ensure your trip is as magical as possible. By preparing like a pro, you can sidestep unnecessary stress and focus on making memories that last a lifetime.


Check the Calendar

One of the biggest rookie mistakes is not checking a crowd calendar before booking your trip. While many know that holidays and spring break bring heavy crowds, other busy times—like three-day weekends or special events—can sneak up on you.

For instance, runDisney events can significantly increase attendance, so it’s helpful to research these dates beforehand. If you can only visit during a busier season, check out our tips and tricks on navigating crowds for a more enjoyable experience.

Run Disney
Credit: Disney

Picking the Wrong Resort

Choosing the right resort is crucial to a successful Disney vacation. Walt Disney World offers three resort categories: value, moderate, and deluxe. To find the best fit for your family, consider factors like budget, amenities, and proximity to the parks.

Beyond selecting a category, dive into the specific resorts to see what works best for your needs. For example, some resorts excel in transportation options, while others offer standout pools or dining experiences. Doing your homework will ensure your resort adds magic to your stay rather than frustration.


Consider the Weather

Florida weather is unpredictable, so it’s essential to be prepared. While most know about the summer heat and humidity, the warmth often extends into September and October. Conversely, winter visits can be surprisingly chilly, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, so packing layers is a must.

Rain is another constant in Florida. Be sure to pack ponchos, waterproof bags, and shoes that can handle a sudden downpour. Preparing for all weather scenarios will save you time, money, and stress during your trip.


Not Planning for Food

Dining at Walt Disney World requires planning. With table-service restaurants often filling up months in advance, making reservations ahead of your trip is vital. Don’t expect to walk up and snag a seat at popular spots like Wish Makers Enchanted Dining or Space 220.

For quick-service dining, use the mobile ordering feature on the My Disney Experience app. Placing your orders early in the day can help you avoid long waits and ensure you get the meals you want. Whether you opt for table service or quick service, having a dining plan will keep your family fueled and happy.


Overplanning

While planning is essential, overplanning can sap the magic from your vacation. It’s tempting to schedule every minute of every day, but leaving some flexibility in your itinerary allows for spontaneous and magical moments.

Focus on prioritizing your must-dos while leaving room for downtime and unplanned experiences. Striking a balance between structure and spontaneity ensures a more enjoyable trip.


Under planning

On the flip side, some guests arrive without any plan at all. In today’s Walt Disney World, planning ahead is crucial for securing park reservations, dining, and Lightning Lane selections.

Having a loose plan for your must-do attractions and activities will help you make the most of your time in the parks while still allowing for those magical surprises.

Lightning Lane Entry, Magic Kingdom
Credit: V Mills

Know the Extras

Walt Disney World offers several extras that can enhance your vacation, especially for guests staying at Disney resorts. Early entry and extended evening hours are exclusive perks for resort guests, providing lower crowd levels and shorter wait times.

Consider adding special experiences like fireworks, dessert parties, or other premium activities to your itinerary. Learning about these options beforehand ensures you won’t miss opportunities to add extra magic to your trip.


Mastering My Disney Experience

A common rookie mistake is not downloading and familiarizing yourself with the My Disney Experience app before your trip. This app is essential for making dining reservations, using Lightning Lane, and checking wait times.

Spend some time exploring the app’s features before you arrive. Practicing in advance will make your experience smoother and reduce frustration during your vacation.


Trying To Do It All

Walt Disney World is massive, with four theme parks, two water parks, Disney Springs, and over 20 resorts. Trying to do everything in one trip can leave you exhausted and overwhelmed.

Instead, focus on a few must-do experiences and build your schedule around them. Allow time for relaxation and spontaneous moments, which often turn out to be the most memorable.


Avoiding these rookie mistakes will help you make the most of your first Walt Disney World vacation. With proper planning, flexibility, and preparation, you’ll be set for a magical adventure filled with memories to treasure forever.

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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