There is no “one size fits all” to a Disney World Vacation. But, you can learn from our mistakes, so you can have a better vacation.
Top Mistakes To Avoid
Scheduling Too Much On Arrival Day
You’re so pumped after months and months of planning, that you just want to get into the parks as soon as you can. I get it…I feel the same way. But, regardless of how you get there, you may be too tired to enjoy what is going on once you actually make it there. This is why on my arrival days, I use it as a day to relax by the pool, walk around the amazing Resorts, and go to Disney Springs. I can go at my own pace and if I’m too tired, I can just skip something.
Assuming Your Child Is Too Old For A Stroller
There is not many things that are more frustrating than when your child suddenly stops walking and wants to be carried because they’re too tired. Even if your child doesn’t use a stroller at home anymore, it doesn’t mean they won’t need one at Disney World. Yes, bringing strollers onto Disney Transportation is a pain in the neck, but so is a cranky child. If the Transportation is too much of an issue, you can rent them in the parks. They stay in the parks, making traveling between parks stroller-free. Just keep your receipt if you plan on visiting multiple parks in one day or you paid for multiple days. Once you show cast members you have already paid for your rental, you can just grab another stroller.
Not Booking Dining Reservations
If you want to eat at a specific restaurant, make sure you are making those reservations in advance (or telling your Travel Agent which restaurants you want and have him/her book them). On our last trip, I wrongly made the assumption that, while I wanted to eat at Be Our Guest, since I was traveling with 3 boys, I would be the only one who would enjoy the Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant. You know what they say about assuming… As we walked by Beast’s castle, I had a few sad faces looking back at me when they found out we didn’t have reservations. So this time around, I made sure that when 180 days rolled around, Be Our Guest was the first restaurant I booked.
Not Scheduling Down Time
Remember what I said about scheduling too much on arrival day? Well, the same goes for other days as well. Avoid temper tantrums and meltdowns by taking a break during the day. The best time to do that is around lunch time when the parks are busiest and the sun is blazing. Even pre-teens like mine need a break from time to time.
Following The Crowds
Did you know that since a majority of the population is right handed, crowds instinctively gravitate towards the right, making the left slightly less crowded? (Thankfully I’m a lefty so I naturally go left 🙂 ) At night, if you stay for Happily Ever After, Fantasmic, etc… following the crowds will lead you to the exit and right to the overly crowded Bus lines. Last trip, we watched Fantasmic, but instead of following the crowds to the exit, I walked to Rockin’ Roller Coaster. The wait time said that it was 30 minutes, but I was riding within 15-20 minutes. It was just enough time for the crowds to die down a little bit.
Did you know that you can watch Happily Ever After from the Polynesian? It’s right next to Magic Kingdom and there are speakers to listen to the music, so while it’s not exactly the same as standing right in front of Cinderella’s Castle, it’s a good alternative if you want to avoid the crowds.
Did you know that there is an entrance to Animal Kingdom inside Rainforest Cafe? If the lines at the entrance to the park is too long, consider checking inside Rainforest Cafe to see how many people are standing in line to get into the park. We did that during our latest trip to Animal Kingdom and we were the ONLY ONES IN LINE!
Not Expecting The Unexpected
Expect the Unexpected may be meant for Big Brother, it also works for Disney World. No matter how much you plan, everything will not go 100% the way you want it to. Rides will close for unexpected repairs. Potty calls and hungry tummies might derail your plans. While planning for Disney World is essential, realize that not everything will go perfectly. And that’s OK. Just enjoy what you are able to do and don’t dwell on the things you couldn’t.
What advice do you have for future travelers?
