Are you gearing up for a trip to Walt Disney World? Before you get swept away in the magic of this iconic theme park, it’s essential to be aware of some common pitfalls that can easily turn your vacation into a stressful experience.
From over planning every minute of your day to missing out on dining reservations and much-needed rest, we will guide you through the four mistakes to avoid when visiting Walt Disney World. By steering clear of these missteps, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip filled with unforgettable memories.
So, let’s dive in and make the most of your magical adventure!
Over Planning Your Itinerary
One common mistake that visitors to Walt Disney World make is over planning their itinerary. While it’s important to have a rough idea of what you want to do each day, scheduling every minute down to the second can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Remember to allow some flexibility in your schedule, so you can enjoy the spontaneous moments and unexpected magic that Disney World has to offer.
While it’s nice to think you can enter the park right at opening and be on your first ride within minutes. The reality is it will take you some time to go through the front gate and even longer to walk to your first attraction. The theme parks in WDW are huge.
If you were planning on going to Animal Kingdom at rope drop and sitting on Kilimanjaro Safaris by 8:05 you would be sadly mistaken. From the front gate to the start of the line for Kilimanjaro Safaris is just about a 10 minute walk. You can’t plan a minute by minute or even an hour by hour schedule when visiting Walt Disney World.
Instead try to have a loose plan for every couple of hours. Like say you get to Animal Kingdom at rope drop and by 1130 you’d like to see all of Pandora and do both rides. Around noon you grab some lunch and in the afternoon you see a show and ride Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Kali River Rapids.
Sure you will probably be able to get more things done than five rides but you won’t feel rush or that you missed too many things that you planned. This will also help you to be more flexible with your day. Maybe Flight of Passage has over a two hour wait so you skip it for now and come back in the afternoon when hopefully more people park hop over to another park for the day.
By finding a balance between planning and flexibility, you can make the most of your trip without feeling like you’re rushing from one attraction to the next.,
Neglecting to Make Dining Reservations
Another common mistake that visitors make when visiting Walt Disney World is neglecting to make dining reservations. With so many popular restaurants throughout the parks and resorts, it’s essential to plan ahead and secure your dining spots to avoid long wait times or missing out on your favorite eateries.
You can book your dining reservations starting 60 days out. Many of the popular restaurants will have little to no availability even at 60 days. If you are staying at a WDW resort you can book all your dining reservations starting at the 60 day mark and up until the end of your vacation (as long as your stay isn’t more than 10 days).
If you want to book places like ‘Ohana, Chef Mickey’s, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Space 220, California Grill, Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties, and many more. You should plan on booking those reservations towards the end of your stay. You will have better look getting a reservation.
By taking the time to make reservations in advance, you can ensure that you have a dining experience that fits seamlessly into your itinerary, allowing you to make the most of your time in the parks.
This leads to the next mistake to avoid: ignoring the importance of rest and relaxation.
Ignoring the Importance of Rest and Relaxation
Just as crucial as planning your dining reservations is remembering to prioritize rest and relaxation during your visit to Walt Disney World. With so much to see and do in the parks, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to take breaks throughout the day.
However, taking time to rest and recharge will not only help you enjoy your visit more but also prevent burnout and exhaustion from detracting from your experience. Whether it’s finding a quiet spot to sit and people watch, taking a leisurely stroll through the parks, or simply taking a break back at your resort, make sure to incorporate moments of relaxation into your itinerary.
I always like to suggest taking a rest day in the middle of your Disney Vacation. I for one, normally like to plan my rest day on the weekend when the parks are busier. This way I can spend the day resort hopping, relaxing at the pool, or spending time in Disney Springs.
Having that break in between park days really helps me feel refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of my trip. This also helps in making sure I am not over planning things. I won’t feel like I need to spend all day at the parks and than the rest of the night at Disney Springs. I can just do that on my “rest” day.
By taking time to rest and recharge, you’ll be able to fully savor the magic of Walt Disney World without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. Additionally, it will give you the energy and stamina to make the most of your visit and ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the park’s attractions or entertainment offerings.
Next, don’t forget to check park hours and special events to make the most of your time at Walt Disney World.
Forgetting to Check Park Hours and Special Events
Next, don’t forget to check park hours and special events to make the most of your time at Walt Disney World. Knowing when the parks open and close can help you plan your day more efficiently, allowing you to experience all the rides, shows, and dining options without feeling rushed. Additionally, being aware of any special events or parades happening during your visit can enhance your experience and ensure you don’t miss out on any memorable moments.
Be sure to check out the Disney World website to check the hours for all four parks, the water parks, and Disney Springs. On there you will also see the hours for early entry for WDW resort guest, if there is a special ticketed event that night, extended evening hours for select resort guest, as well as parade times and times for fireworks.
Over at Magic Kingdom the park will close early on select nights from August till December for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Marry Christmas Party. The park will close as early as 6pm for all guests without a ticket. It is important to make sure that the day you are visiting they are not closing early for a special event.
So, take a few minutes to check the park schedule before you head out for the day and make the most of your magical adventure at Walt Disney World.
In conclusion, when planning your trip to Walt Disney World, remember to avoid over planning your itinerary, neglecting dining reservations, forgetting the importance of rest and relaxation, and skipping park hours and special events. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you can ensure a magical vacation experience filled with lasting memories. Remember to balance planning with spontaneity, and leave room for enjoyment along the way. As you embark on your Walt Disney World adventure, keep these tips in mind and make the most of every moment.
Is this your first time planning a Walt Disney World Vacation? How many of these mistakes have you made and do you keep making them? Any other mistakes you often see people making? Let us know in the comments down below.
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