Here are 10 crucial things NOT to do at Walt Disney World to ensure a smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful vacation:
- Don’t Arrive Without Park Reservations & Tickets: Simply buying a ticket isn’t enough anymore. You MUST have both a valid ticket and a Park Pass Reservation for the specific park you want to visit each day. Check availability before buying tickets or assuming you can walk up.
- Don’t Underestimate the Walking & Comfort: This is not a stroll in the park; it’s marathon walking! DO NOT wear brand-new, unsupportive shoes (blisters are the enemy). Bring broken-in, comfortable footwear. Also, pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, ponchos (Florida rain is sudden!), and refillable water bottles.
- Don’t Skip Using My Disney Experience App: DO NOT try to navigate the parks without it. This app is essential for mobile food ordering (saving huge time), checking real-time wait times, accessing Virtual Queues (like Tron or Guardians), managing Genie+ Lightning Lanes, viewing park maps, and linking PhotoPass photos. Download it before you go and get familiar with it.
- Don’t Ignore Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes (If They Fit Your Budget): While not mandatory, DO NOT assume you can just “wing it” and ride everything without long waits, especially on peak days. Understand what Genie+ is (paid skip-the-line service for many rides) and what Individual Lightning Lanes are (separate pay-per-ride for top-tier attractions like Rise of the Resistance or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train). Decide beforehand if they fit your budget and touring style.
- Don’t Try to Do Everything in One Trip: DO NOT fall into the trap of believing you must ride every ride, see every show, and meet every character. You’ll exhaust yourself and your group. Prioritize your “must-dos,” be flexible, build in downtime (pool breaks, leisurely meals), and accept you’ll need to come back. Focus on the experience, not just ticking boxes.
- Don’t Forget Hydration & Snacks: Florida heat and humidity are relentless. DO NOT wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. Disney offers free cups of ice water at quick-service locations – take advantage! Bring refillable bottles. Also, pack small, portable snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers) to keep energy up and avoid constant expensive snack purchases or hanger meltdowns.
- Don’t Over-Schedule Every Minute: While some planning is essential (dining reservations, park reservations), DO NOT create a rigid, minute-by-minute itinerary. Allow time for spontaneity – discovering a street performer, exploring a shop, taking an extra ride on a favorite, or simply people-watching. Rigid schedules lead to stress when things inevitably don’t go exactly to plan (rides break down, lines are longer than expected).
- Don’t Negregate Mobile Ordering for Food: DO NOT wait in long standby lines for counter-service food at peak meal times (12-2 PM, 5-7 PM) when you can Mobile Order. Use the My Disney Experience app to order and pay ahead, then just walk up during your return window to grab your food. It saves significant time.
- Don’t Underestimate Travel Times & Crowds: DO NOT assume getting anywhere on Disney property is quick. Buses, boats, Skyliner, and the Monorail take time, especially during peak hours. Factor in 45-60+ minutes for transportation between parks/resorts, plus security and tapstiles. Similarly, navigating crowded walkways (especially after fireworks or parades) takes much longer than expected.
- Don’t Be Unprepared for Post-Fireworks Crowds or Skip Rider Switch: If watching nighttime spectaculars like Happily Ever After or Harmonious, DO NOT expect to immediately hop on a ride or get quick transportation afterward. Everyone leaves at once. Be patient or plan to linger. Families with little ones: DO NOT skip using Rider Switch (also called Child Swap). This allows adults to take turns waiting with non-riders without waiting in the full line twice. Ask a Cast Member at the ride entrance.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget to Be Kind & Patient! Cast Members work incredibly hard. Guests are hot, tired, and excited. A little kindness and patience go a long way in making the magic happen for everyone.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll set yourself up for a much more magical and memorable Walt Disney World vacation! Have a wonderful time!
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