Vacation Planner

Mistakes That Are Ok To Make In Walt Disney World

February 20, 2020

Mistakes happen and everything we’ve planned for our trip can easily go right out the window.

But, that’s ok. You’re on vacation! You shouldn’t be stressing about anything.

Everyone talks about creating the perfect itinerary, wearing the perfect outfit, and getting the best FastPasses.

But, we’re all human. So, let’s embrace the mistakes we all make and will continue to make at Walt Disney World, even when we think we know better.

Mistakes That Are Ok To Make In Walt Disney World

Mistakes that are OK to make in Walt Disney World

Sleeping In

Rope Dropping the latest and greatest attraction is on the top of everyone’s list.

But, Disney vacations are exhausting. And sometimes you just need to sleep.

Mickey isn’t going anywhere. And there will be other opportunities to get on your favorite attraction.

How much better would your vacation had been if you dragged your tired and cranky family members out of bed to get to the Parks?

Stand-by and FastPass Entrance for Slinky Dog Dash

Missing Your FastPass

We wait months planning them and get up early to book them. So, why would we miss the chance to use them?

Well, sometimes life happens.

In the moment, you may be frustrated. But, Disney doesn’t penalize you for missing your FastPass, so you shouldn’t either.

If you can’t make your FastPass window, try changing to a later time on the My Disney Experience App.

If no more times are available, you may still be able to ride. While they don’t often share this information with Guests, Disney actually has a small grace period, in case Guests are running late.

Throughout the years, I’ve always heard that this grace period was 15 minutes past your FastPass window. However, there have been occasions I’ve heard a few Guests still being allowed to enter the FastPass line up to 30 minutes past their window.

While I wouldn’t intentionally test out just how long the grace period actually is, it’s good to know that Disney has your back.

Walt Disney World fireworks at night in Disney's Magic Kingdom

Not Following Your Itinerary

In any other situation, I would never compare Disney to your local amusement park. Because let’s face it, that’s like comparing apples to oranges.

But, think a typical day at your local amusement park. Do you have plan for where you want to go first or do you go with the flow?

If you’re a go with the flow type of person, sticking to an itinerary would be one of the biggest mistakes you can make at Disney.

You may have your whole day planned out. But, when it’s 100 degrees outside and your whole family is miserable, it’s ok to ditch everything for an afternoon in the pool.

Just be careful if you made dining reservations. Not showing up for your dining reservation will cost you a no-show fee.

Once you’ve cooled down and rested, you can always go back to the Parks later when the sun is going down and it’s slightly cooler outside.

The Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom on a day with Extra Magic Hours

Traveling During Peak Times

Of course, we all prefer to travel when the crowds are low and the weather is cooler. But, due to school and work schedules, it’s not always possible.

That doesn’t mean that your trip will be any less magical.

While I typically don’t recommend Extra Magic Hours unless you have purchased Park Hoppers, you can get to ride some great attractions with lower crowds.

If you check the photo directly above this section, it was actually taken during early Extra Magic Hours right after the 4th of July. Of course, Flight of Passage was over an hour long within minutes.

But, other attractions had no wait. And we have a great time exploring other areas of Animal Kingdom with plenty of elbow room.

Peak times are also prime time for Disney to release special event tickets and after hours events.

If hitting up as many of those attractions as you can is what you’re looking for, you may want to skip a day in the Park and go to one of those special events instead.

Time in the Park is limited to around 4 hours. But, many of these events have free treats and lines for the attractions are typically a lot lower.

ExploreWithCatherine.com is not authorized or endorsed by, or officially connected with The Walt Disney Company, or any of their affiliates. For official Disney information, visit http://www.disney.com.

Hawaii Destination Specialist

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