If you have never been to Walt Disney World it is hard to really grasp what exactly to expect. Here are 5 misconceptions about Walt Disney World vacations:
1. Thinking it is just one park – Walt Disney World is not just made up of the Magic Kingdom but yet that is one that I hear often from Guests who don’t research their trip. They think that it is just one park and they can just show up and go with the flow. When they arrive and realize it is made up of 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, Disney Springs and a whole lot more, they often get very overwhelmed. I once met a woman at the airport who grabbed my arms and said “It is HUGE. So so big.”
2. Thinking Animal Kingdom is a glorified zoo. Just because they have a ton of animal exhibits doesn’t mean that it is like the zoo back home. The animal exhibits are built to closely resemble the animal’s natural habitat. You also have the incredible Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction that takes you through a replica of the African savanna and allows you to view animals in a way you have never seen them before.
3. Thinking Disney will be a ‘once in a lifetime vacation.’ If you think you can go to Disney once and be satisfied you are in for a surprise. There is so much to see and experience at Disney that you’ll find yourself dreaming of coming back multiple times. One trip is all it takes to turn you into a Disney addict.
4. Thinking you can eat what you want, walk 12+ miles per day and spend opening to close at the parks. If you aren’t use to the physical exertion of a Disney vacation, you are going to be exhausted. If you aren’t used to consuming tons of high calorie foods in large quantities, you are going to be exhausted. If you aren’t used to spend 12+ hours in the Florida weather, you are going to be exhausted. Don’t expect your body to stand up to the exertion of a Disney vacation without rest. Make sure you schedule in some time during the day to relax or even take a day off in the middle of your trip to regroup.
5. Thinking Disney World parks, resorts and shopping are within close proximity to each other. Walt Disney World property is 40 square miles or approximately the size of San Francisco. Nothing is close to each other. You will need to utilize Disney transportation or your own vehicle to get between everything. You’ll also need to allow 1-2 hours to get to each destination especially for dining reservations.
What misconception did you have about Walt Disney World before your first visit?
Learn more about planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Plus overwhelmed with all the planning? Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect trip.
Beth Folsom says
These are so true! I have discussions with coworkers about these all the time.