Don’t Make These Rookie Mistakes in Disney World

Not Planning

The exterior of Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park in front of a clear blue sky. — Credit: Michael Gray, Flickr

Going into Walt Disney World blind and being fun and petty is what a lot of people do, but we recommend having at least a loose outline of what you want your Disney day to look like before you actually enter the parks.

Knowing which rides you want to ride and which shows you want to watch beforehand can make or break a Disney World vacation.

Guests should also make their dining reservations well in advance of their visit, although some restaurants offer walk-up seating.

Missing Park Opening

A group of four people, including two children and two adults, walk happily with a person in a Goofy costume at a theme park, with a fairytale castle visible in the background. — Credit: Disney

One of the most crucial parts of a Disney vacation is knowing when the parks open and close. Hours and schedules change weekly, so it’s essential to know when a theme park opens and closes each day.

Magic Kingdom typically opens at 8 or 9 a.m. However, guests staying at official Walt Disney World Resort hotels can enter the parks 30 minutes prior to their scheduled opening times.

Spending Too Much Money

An illustration of Mickey Mouse in a white tuxedo holding a burlap sack filled with cash. Behind him, Disneyland's magical castle is illuminated with colorful fireworks lighting up the night sky. The background evokes a festive and whimsical atmosphere. — Credit: Inside The Magic

Time is arguably the most valuable currency when inside a Disney theme park, though cold, hard cash is still very important too. It can be easy to spend, spend, spend during your trip, and while there are many great things to spend your money on, it’s easy to overdo it.

Add-ons like Lightning Lane and Photo Pass can make a Disney vacation even more magical, but they aren’t required to have an amazing trip. Guests can still knock out all the popular rides and attractions without spending a dime on Single or Multi Passes; they just need to know where to go and when to be there.

Early entry can make a significant difference, giving guests the opportunity to experience popular rides and attractions like Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Expedition Everest, Soarin’ Around the World, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror before they become too crowded.

Feeling Overwhelmed

A large crowd of people gathers on Main Street at a Disney theme park in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle, surrounded by festive decorations and colorful buildings under a cloudy sky. — Credit: Nicholas Fuentes, Unsplash

It can be very easy to feel overwhelmed during a day at Walt Disney World. With four massive theme parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, and a large outdoor shopping mall, we totally understand how a Disney World vacation could feel stressful.

But remember to take it easy and that you are at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” It’s okay if you don’t get to do everything you planned. Allow some flexibility in your plans and schedule.

Save room for a special dessert or snack. Take a break and let it all in. Nothing is fun when you are stressed, so don’t be.

How much do you plan before your Walt Disney World vacations?