Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is an exciting adventure, but certain mistakes can turn your dream vacation into a stressful experience. To help ensure your trip is as magical as possible, we’ve rounded up some of the most common mistakes that guests make when visiting Walt Disney World.
Avoiding these pitfalls will help you have a smooth and enjoyable experience from the moment you arrive until the end of your stay.
1. Forgetting to Make Park Pass Reservations
After purchasing your Walt Disney World tickets, securing your Park Pass reservations should be your next step. Every guest needs a valid theme park ticket and a Park Pass reservation to enter the parks. These reservations allow you to choose which of the four Disney parks you plan to visit each day of your trip. Since these passes are limited, it’s crucial to make your reservations as early as possible.
Failing to secure Park Pass reservations could result in being turned away at the gate, even with a valid ticket. Don’t let this ruin your vacation—plan ahead and make those reservations early to guarantee entry into your chosen Disney park.
2. Not Downloading the My Disney Experience App in Advance
The My Disney Experience app is your key to unlocking all the magic at Walt Disney World. This app allows you to manage reservations, check wait times, use mobile ordering, and access important updates about your visit. If you wait until you arrive at the park to download the app, you could find yourself feeling overwhelmed.
Make sure to download the app and explore its features before your trip. Familiarize yourself with where to find dining reservations, ride wait times, and other key information. By learning how to use the app ahead of time, you’ll save time and avoid frustration during your visit.
3. Skipping Rest Time
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and plan every minute of your Disney trip, but skipping downtime is a major mistake. Without breaks, you might find yourself exhausted and overwhelmed—especially with the Florida heat and all the walking.
Schedule some downtime into your itinerary. This could mean taking an afternoon to relax by the pool, taking a nap back at your Disney Resort, or even dedicating a day to enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Resting gives you the energy to enjoy the parks more fully, especially in the evening when the weather cools down and crowds thin out.
4. Not Enjoying Your Disney Resort
While the Disney parks are a huge draw, don’t overlook the incredible experiences that your Disney Resort has to offer. You’re paying for more than just a place to sleep—Disney Resorts offer a range of activities that can add a lot of magic to your vacation.
Many resorts host daily activities like trivia games, pool parties, and outdoor movies. In the evenings, you can often enjoy a movie under the stars or gather around for a campfire. Be sure to ask for an activities guide when you check in or look for it in the My Disney Experience app so you can take advantage of these fun extras.
5. Skipping Online Check-In
One of the easiest ways to save time during your Disney vacation is to complete online check-in for your resort. Available through the My Disney Experience app, this feature allows you to enter your payment information and estimated arrival time before you even set foot in Florida.
Once your room is ready, you’ll receive a notification, and you can head straight to your room without stopping at the front desk. This is especially helpful during busy times when lines at the check-in desk can be long. With online check-in, you’ll save precious time and start your vacation sooner.
6. Not Planning Dining Options
Walt Disney World offers a wide range of dining experiences, from quick-service meals to character dining and elegant table-service restaurants. However, dining at Disney requires planning, especially for table-service restaurants, which often fill up quickly.
If you have your heart set on dining at popular spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Oga’s Cantina, make your reservations as soon as the 60-day booking window opens. For quick-service meals, take advantage of mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app to avoid long lines during peak meal times.
Having a dining plan will help you avoid frustration and ensure that you get to enjoy some of Disney’s best culinary offerings. Plus, it can save you time by minimizing waits during busy periods.
7. Not Understanding Disney Transportation
One of the perks of staying at a Disney Resort is access to Disney’s free transportation system, which includes buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney Skyliner. However, not knowing how to use this system can lead to delays and frustration.
Before your trip, familiarize yourself with the different transportation options available to and from your resort. Knowing how to get to the parks, Disney Springs, and other resorts can save you time and make your travel between destinations smoother. Planning your routes ahead of time helps you avoid unnecessary stress and makes navigating Disney World a breeze.
8. Trying to Do Too Much
It’s tempting to try and squeeze in every attraction, show, and character meet-and-greet during your trip, but attempting to do it all can lead to burnout. Disney World is massive, and even with several days, you won’t be able to experience everything.
Set realistic expectations for your trip and prioritize the attractions and experiences that matter most to your group. Make peace with the fact that you might not see everything and focus on enjoying each moment instead of rushing from one thing to the next.
Planning breaks, setting priorities, and taking a more relaxed approach will allow you to fully enjoy the magic without feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
9. Skipping Snacks and Hydration
Florida’s heat can be intense, especially during the summer months, so staying hydrated and keeping energy levels up is crucial. Many guests make the mistake of skipping snacks or forgetting to carry a water bottle, which can lead to dehydration and fatigue.
Pack a refillable water bottle and make use of Disney’s water fountains or ask for a free cup of water at any quick-service restaurant. Additionally, having some snacks on hand can save you money and keep you going between meals. Grab a granola bar or some fruit to avoid those afternoon energy slumps.
10. Ignoring the Weather Forecast
Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers and hot, humid conditions. Not preparing for the weather can lead to discomfort and missed opportunities during your Disney trip.
Pack for all kinds of weather, even if the forecast looks sunny. Bring ponchos, sunscreen, hats, and cooling towels to stay comfortable throughout the day. This way, you’ll be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way and can continue enjoying the parks.
Final Thoughts:
Avoiding these common mistakes can make a world of difference in how much you enjoy your Walt Disney World vacation. By planning ahead, understanding the tools and resources available to you, and taking time to enjoy the little moments, you’ll set yourself up for a magical and stress-free trip.
From securing Park Pass reservations to taking advantage of Disney’s transportation and dining options, these tips will help you make the most of your time at Walt Disney World. Remember, the key to a great Disney trip is balancing planning with flexibility—so have fun, make memories, and enjoy every moment of the magic!
