When planning a trip to the most magical place on earth, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. However, there are some big mistakes tourists can make when visiting Disney World. From overspending to overestimating how much you’re actually able to do, see, and eat, there are lots of little things to keep in mind as you’re planning your trip to Disney World. Here are just a few Disney World mistakes you should avoid at all costs!
1 – DON’T AUTOMATICALLY OPT FOR THE DISNEY DINING PLAN.
The Disney Dining Plan can be an excellent way for some families to save on food throughout the parks, but you should review it carefully to determine whether or not it’s a good choice for your family. Many people sign up without realizing the sheer number of meals they’re committing to and leave without spending all of their credits, which is the equivalent of throwing away dollars.. If you’re on a mission to maximize convenience, the Dining Plan may be the right choice, but if you’re trying to be practical, bring some snacks into the park and keep your food spend at a minimum.
2 – DON’T FORGET TO RESEARCH RESTAURANTS IN ADVANCE.
While Disney World is known primarily for its rides and shows, you’ll be surprised to find some seriously impressive dining experiences hidden throughout the parks. Whether you’re looking for an incredible upscale meal, an interactive family-friendly experience, or something entirely off-the-wall that you won’t find anywhere else, you can have it at Disney World. See what options interest you before you go and find a way to work them into your schedule.
3 – DON’T GO DURING THE SUMMER.
Disney World was mostly built over a swamp in the middle of Florida, far from the refreshing sea breeze that keeps the coast cool. During the summer, you’ll face soaring temperatures, sky-high humidity, and fierce afternoon thunderstorms. While summer is the most natural time for most families to travel and get away, it’s best to save your Disney vacation for the colder months if you can help it.
4 – DON’T AUTOMATICALLY GO WITH PARK HOPPER PASSES.
Many families view Park Hopper passes as a great idea, especially when they’re only given a few days to enjoy all that Disney World has to offer. Experiencing two parks in one day can be done, but it’s hard to do it well without feeling rushed and frazzled. Don’t put the extra pressure on yourself to see and do everything in one day. Instead, pick a park and experience all it has to offer before moving on to the next one.
5 – DON’T DO TOO MUCH TOO FAST.
It can be easy to get to the parks and immediately want to tackle everything on your to-do list, but you should plan your trip and pace yourself. Disney World can be exhausting. Between the sheer amount of walking you’re doing, the hot Florida sun, standing in lines, and experiencing new things, it isn’t hard to find yourself totally wiped out by the early afternoon. If you’re committed to making the most of your time in the parks, take it slow and plan a few breaks throughout the day. Catching a live performance can be a great excuse to sit down and rest.
6 – DON’T SPEND TOO MUCH ON SOUVENIRS.
Disney World is packed with merchandise you and your family can purchase to commemorate your trip. Whether you’re getting off of a ride, grabbing a snack or are merely trying to find a restroom, you’re sure to find Disney branded stuff to splurge on. Unfortunately, many of the souvenirs sold on Disney property are marked up and sold at a premium. Try to set limits around souvenirs before you even step foot into the park. Let your children decide what one thing they’d like to take home, or set a small budget for each person to spend. If you aren’t careful here, you can easily spend hundreds on Disney t-shirts and swag to haul home.
Equip yourself and your family with these tips, and you’ll eliminate a lot of the headaches and hassles that plague other Disney World visitors. Now get out there and have some fun!
