Planning your vacation can be overwhelming, however it should be fun. Learn from these 10 mistakes first time guests have made on their Walt Disney World Vacation. Happy Planning!
1. Traveling during Busy Times of the Year
Enjoy your vacation more by avoiding these 8 Worst Times to Visit Walt Disney World. By avoiding peak crowd times, guests will be able to get more done with shorter wait times. This includes holidays and more. If you homeschool or are open to taking your child out of school, September for example is a great month to travel.
2. Not Knowing About Rider Switch
Rider Switch Service is available at rides that have a height restriction such as Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Soarin. How it works: one adult waits with the non-rider (s) while those that meet the height requirement ride the attraction. When the first adult exits, they switch with the other adult that had watched the non-rider (s). The adult that waited (and didn’t ride 1st time) will not have to wait in line again.
3. Eating during the Wrong time
Such as eating at the busiest times. For Quick Service, try an early or late Lunch/Dinner your overall wait time will be less, giving more time to spend roaming the parks. Making Dining reservations ahead of time for most sit-down restaurants. Also avoid sit-down restaurants during ticket events, as they are time consuming, such as: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom or during Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.
4. Park Hopping
Some think they have to add Park Hopper, but this is not true. Park Hopper is an add-on option. For many, one park a day is enough and then doing something else in the evening, such as Disney Springs. Consider, 10 Free Things to do at Disney World with No Park Ticket.
5. Not Maximizing Fastpass+
Time is money at Disney. Making Fastpass+ selection for each day of your trip guarantees 3 rides/attractions per day you know you will get into with no/little wait time. Once these are used, you may get more, one at a time, at Kiosks or My Disney Experience App. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive early, head straight to a ride/attraction before parks get busy and have your first Fastpass+ selection for each day starting at 9:30am, 10:30am and 11:30am.
6. Leaving Park to Get Food
It can be a money saver but the decision comes down to time. Park tickets are expensive, decide if leaving the park to eat is worth the time traveling. On average, 10-30 minutes to get to your car from the main gate, drive time and potential traffic then eat time and drive back. Total Time estimate: 1.5 – 3 hours for an inexpensive meal. Learn more in this break down of Should You Leave WDW Property to Get Food?
7. Not Getting to the Parks at the right time
The early bird does get the worm at Disney World. Taking advantage of “rope drop” or early Extra Magic Hours allows time to sneak in attractions before the lines get long. However, on the flip side Night Owls can enjoy evening Extra Magic Hours. The plan being to either arrive early or stay late to maximize lower crowd levels.
8. Not taking a mid-day Break
This can mean heading to the resort for a shower or nap. Or at least a break in a cool area to recharge. Especially if you arrive at the parks very early, take an afternoon break and head back out in the evening. All considered on this list, 4 Reasons to Take a Mid-day Break.
9. Going with No Plan
Planning a Disney World Vacation can seem overwhelming, but going without a plan isn’t recommended. Planning does not have to be stressful with The Walt Disney World Planning Digest. In fact, it shouldn’t be stressful at all, it should be fun! Go with some sort of plan, such as dining reservations and must do attractions or rides etc.
10. Not being Flexible On Your Plan
I know I just said, go with a plan, but also keep in mind – plans change. Sometimes at Disney, just go with the flow and amazing things can happen. Even the best-laid plans can not plan a Magical Moment.
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more.
Plus my friends at Destinations In Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.