Disney World is one vacation where the more you know, the better you are. For guests visiting Disney World without any planning may make these 5 mistakes. Avoid these mistakes by learning 5 Tips First Time Guests Do Not Know About Disney World.
1. Not knowing all the benefits of Memory Maker
Learn all the benefits of Memory Maker prior to your trip, since adding it before your trip will save money. Advance purchase of Memory Maker costs $169 (when made at least 3 days prior to your stay). A same-day purchase costs $199.
Benefits of Memory Maker:
- All On-Ride Photos included.
- All Character Photos, including interactions before or after photo.
- Easy to capture great group photos.
- Stop by the Disney Springs Photopass Service Studio.
2. Not asking the Characters questions
Turn a character meet & greet into a magical moment by having questions to ask the characters. This makes for an extra fun interaction. Below are examples of some characters guests can meet and questions to ask them:
- Meet Cinderella in Walt Disney World
- Meet Jasmine in Walt Disney World
- Meet Mulan in Walt Disney World
- Meet Tiana in Walt Disney World
3. Not Knowing about Free Souvenirs & Activities
Disney World is expensive, by the time you get to the magical land guests have paid for the resort, transportation to get there such as plane tickets and even pre-paying for food with the Disney Dining Plan. Therefore, saving on souvenirs & activities helps your wallet while you are there, and there is plenty to choose from. Read through, 41 FREE Souvenirs To Get At Walt Disney World. Sample of these include:
- Free Activity at the Kidcot Stations (Epcot, World Showcase)
- Celebration Buttons
- FREE Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game (sign up at the Firehouse at the Magic Kingdom)
- Art of Animation drawing class
- Club Cool in Epcot (Have the camera ready for The Beverly)
- Free sample of chocolate from Ghirardelli (Disney Springs)
Disney Springs is a free outdoor shopping and entertainment area, with free admission. Also read, 21 Free (Or Almost Free) Things To Do At Disney Springs.
4. Not Checking Disney Menus
Before booking Advance Dining Reservations to pricey restaurants, check the Disney Menus. It is a good idea to check the menu prior to any Disney restaurant visit to make sure everyone in your group likes the selection offered. Otherwise it will be a waste of time and money. There are some amazing restaurants on property, take some time to browse the My Disney Experience App for menus.
5. Not Knowing the Benefits of staying On-Site
You may save some cash up front by booking off-site, however the benefits of staying on site may just outweigh those savings. Read through the major benefits of staying at a Disney Resort below.
- Disney Bubble – To be included in the “Disney bubble” (by never having to leave Disney World property) makes your Disney vacation is completely immersive.
- Theme Pools – The pools at Walt Disney World Resort are my favorite. From fun to luxurious, Disney pools have it all. The best pools at Disney World include: Beach Pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation, at Stormalong Bay at Disney’s beach Club Resort and more. The Moderate and Deluxe resort pools also feature a water slide.
- Transportation – From the moment you start your vacation on property guests do not have to worry about driving anywhere. Plus, for those who arrive by plane, the Magical Express provides transportation to and from the airport (Orlando International Airport) and your hotel and your luggage will be delivered to your room. Once at your resort, busses and even the monorail or a boat provide all your transportation needs to the parks and Disney Springs.
- Extra Magic Hours – are exclusive to those guests staying at a Walt Disney World resort. Check park hours during your travel dates to see which “Extra Magic Hours” are being offered. These allow guests either early entry, or late stay at a Disney Park. At least one park will have Extra Magic Hours daily.
- Early Fastpass+ Booking – For those guests who choose to stay on site, enjoy the benefit of booking your Fastpass+ 60 days out from your 1st day of vacation (and up to 10 days thereafter). As oppose to non-resort guests who can only book at 30 days out earliest. On your 60 day mark be ready at 7am EST to grab the most sought after Fastpass+ such as Avatar – Flight of Passage and Frozen Ever After.
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.