11 Mistakes To Avoid Making When Touring The Disney Parks

11 Mistakes To Avoid Making When Touring The Disney Parks:

1. Underestimating the walking – Walt Disney World is a big, big place. Wearing a Fitbit just confirms that for me. On half a day in the parks (arriving at 8 AM and leaving about 12:30 PM) I will walk 10k steps. In a whole day it would be more like 30k steps. Make sure you are prepared for all the walking!

2. Underestimating the heat – It is hot, hot, hot at Walt Disney World between the months of April – October. Make sure you prepare for the heat with light clothing, plenty of water, handheld fans and even towels for your neck.

3. Underestimating the crowds – It can get very crowded in the Disney Parks. Make sure that you pack your patience. People will stop in the walk paths to talk, the will cut you off, race past you and all sorts of things. People are everywhere! Just make sure you stay patient and don’t let them get to you.

4. Not taking a break – All they walking, heat and the constant go, go, go can wear a body out. Plan on taking a break in the middle of the day or even take off a whole day in the middle of your trip. You don’t have to go back to your resort. You can resort hop, eat at a Table-Service restaurant or just chill somewhere in the parks for a while.

5. Not making Rope Drop – Getting to the parks about 40-50 minutes before they open can save you hours of waiting in line. We can usually ride anywhere from 4-10 attractions in that first hour depending on which park we are in. If you stay until the park closes you’ll also find the last hour or so to be comparable.

6. Not wearing the right shoes – Don’t think that any shoes will work in the parks. You need good, broken-in walking shoes. Make sure that your feet are used to them before you arrive at Walt Disney World. I saw a lady in the gift shop the other day taking off her expensive $100 ‘walking sandals’ and purchasing flip flops to relieve her feet. She commented to her husband “well I just bought them before we left and paid $100!” when he asked her if she wanted to throw them away. HAHA!

7. Not eating the right food – Don’t assume that you can live on junk, sweets and more junk. You will feel awful due to all the walking and the heat. Focus on light foods, fruit and lots of water.

8. Carrying too much into the park – If you have a stroller that can haul the stuff, it isn’t that big of a concern. But if you have to wear the items you are bringing in, be very strategic about what you bring. Your back and arms will thank you later!

9. Not knowing when to ride what – You’ve got to learn ahead of time which attractions rarely have lines, which ones have short lines and which ones quickly have long lines and stay like that. You don’t want to use prime morning time riding/visiting at attraction that is a better choice for the afternoon hours.

10. Not preparing for the weather – Check the forecast every morning before you leave. Know when/if rain is coming and be prepared. Bring inexpensive ponchos with you that you can throw away after using (find them at the Dollar Tree).

11. Pushing your kids too hard – Kids get tired just like grown ups do. Don’t push them too hard just so you can have a great time in the parks. Make sure to keep them well hydrated, fed and rested. I’ve seen many meltdowns of little ones that were caused by parents wanting to ‘get their money’s worth’ out of the day.

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.