It’s no secret that planning a Disney trip can be complicated, time-consuming, and downright stressful. In order to help you avoid some of the most commonly made mistakes, I thought I’d highlight 10 of the ones I encounter fairly often.
1. Underplanning: I get it, there’s a lot to learn when it comes to a Disney vacation. It’s essentially a language of its own. But to avoid research altogether prior to your arrival can be devastating to your anticipated family vacation. Dining reservations quickly fill up…and those can be made 60 days before you check in! So not planning anything may mean that you miss out on experiences that you were really hoping for.
2. Overplanning: On the contrary, planning out every single step of every single moment leaves no room for fun, magical surprises, or error. Leaving a little flexible wiggle room in your park day is essential to ensuring that things go smoothly. Make sure you leave room to breathe!
3. No rest day: Disney is HUGE. At 43 square miles, Walt Disney World is practically the size of a city. Whether you plan for it or not, you will be taking more steps than usual. Make sure you schedule in a day of no parks – your feet will thank me for it!
4. Weather: Never underestimate the power of the Florida sun. Sometimes that extreme heat can be hard to manage…and no amount of water bottles, fans, or sunscreen can prepare you for it.
5. Park food: With over 200 places to eat on Walt Disney World property, please know that you do not have to resort to days full of “park food”. While corndogs and turkey legs have their place… there are so many better options with which to replenish your depleted energy!
6. Sleeping in: Did you know that if you stay on Walt Disney World property, you have access to the parks before everyone else does!? While I understand that vacations and sleeping in go hand-in-hand… taking those extra hours of pillow time means that you will miss out on some prime time in the parks. In these early morning hours there are lower crowds, cooler temperatures, empty shops, and shorter ride lines!
7. Transportation: Forget Genie+, Disney transportation might just be the most complicated and underestimated part of your Walt Disney World vacation. Did you know that you can’t just park and walk up to the gate of Magic Kingdom? Knowing which option to take (buses, monorail, boat, skyliner, and Minnie Van), and how much time to account for the travel can be the difference between making it to your dining reservation on time, and being an hour late.
8. Not making dining reservations: I know, I know…I may be slightly obsessed with the topic of food at Walt Disney World. But it’s serious business! For our family, we plan at least 1 sit-down meal per day. Not only does it mean that we get to experience some really great food, but we also get a planned break in some much-needed air conditioning. Remember that Florida heat point earlier?
9. Shoes: This mistake can be the most painful of them all… not choosing the right shoes! Everyone is different, and our feet all respond differently to styles of shoes. But please don’t make the mistake of wearing a brand new, not yet broken in pair of shoes to the parks. You need something supportive, comfortable, and lightweight to be able to outlast the mileage that will be required of your feet!
10. Sleeping on the resort dining options: So by now we all know that there are a plethora of food options inside of the parks. But did you know that there are some incredible ones outside of them too? Each of the Walt Disney World moderate and deluxe level resorts have restaurants inside. And you don’t have to be a guest to dine there! Some of our favorite restaurants are in the resorts – like O'hana at the Polynesian Resort, California Grill at the Contemporary Resort, or Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Want to know how to avoid these mistakes and many others? We’d love to help you plan your next magical vacation! Click the link at the top of the page to schedule a complimentary consultation and let us take the hassle off of your plate.
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