Do you have a family Walt Disney World strategy? If you haven’t visited recently, your previous Walt Disney World strategies may not be as effective as they once were. Over the last few years, the approach to having a great time has changed. A few wise choices will save you hours (and money). These are our all-new Walt Disney World Mistakes to Avoid.
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Not creating a plan
Planning at Walt Disney World has long been a must-do activity. You don’t need a military schedule, but you do need a simple plan. Guests need to consider where they want to dine and their must-see attractions, but keep space for some spontaneity. Build that around how you’ll use Lightning Lane (more below) and any Early Entry/Extended Evening perks (if entitled).
If you don’t plan, you will miss out! Not planning is one of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make.
If you want help completing your plan, visit our Free Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Sheets.
Purchasing a Lightning Lane Multi Pass for each day
FastPass+ is long gone. Disney Genie+ is gone, too. In their place are several skip-the-line options, the most common being the Lightning Lane Multi Pass. The Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows you to book into a shorter line for a select list of attractions, but it’s not cheap, and you must pre-book your attractions.
If you are on a short vacation, you may wish to purchase it daily, but it is probably not necessary for longer vacations. Many attractions included with the Multi Pass have minimal wait times, and Lightning Lane isn’t required. Even the most popular attractions can have shorter waits just after the park opens or near park closure.
Consider including in your plan the days you want to purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
Ignoring Lightning Lane Multi Pass booking windows
Guests of Disney Resort hotels and select hotels can purchase Lightning Lane Multi-Passes 7 days in advance of their stay, for the duration of their stay (up to 14 days). Guests staying elsewhere can purchase passes up to 3 days in advance of their park visit.
Using the My Disney Experience App, you can choose up to 3 experiences and arrival windows. The most popular attractions can book up quickly, so purchasing a Multi Pass as close to your reservation window as possible is beneficial.
Once you’re in the park and you enjoy your first Multi Pass experience, you will probably be able to make additional selections. You will have the best chance of getting additional reservations by booking an early arrival window for your first attraction.
If you plan to purchase a Multi Pass, ensure you book as close to your reservation window as possible. Disney Resort guests have a significant advantage, as leaving it until two days before arrival is often too late if you’re staying off-site.
Thinking you have to pay extra for Single Pass attractions.
Some of the most popular attractions are not available on the Multi Pass. An individual fee is required to access the Lightning Lane for these attractions. You can buy up to 2 attractions daily, and the costs can soon add up.
Booking windows are the same for Single Pass as Multi Pass. Top rides that use Single Pass can sell out early on busy days. If you want one, secure it as soon as your booking window opens.
However, all attractions also have a Standby line, and waits are not always long, especially close to park closing. If you have an extended vacation, paying extra for Lightning Lane admission may not be necessary.
Park Hopping & Park Reservation Myths
When Walt Disney World reopened, there were various restrictions, including:
- You could no longer park hop, and then when it returned, only after 2 pm
- You need to book a park reservation.
These restrictions have now gone, and park hopping is no longer restricted, subject to park capacity.
The majority of guests no longer need a Park Reservation. However, those with a non-dated ticket (the minority) and some annual pass holders do. Visit our Guide to Disney Park Reservations for more information.
If your ticket allows Park Hopping, take full advantage of the ability to move between parks.
Not taking advantage of Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours
Early Theme Park Entry is available to all Walt Disney World Resort guests and select hotel guests. Guests can gain 30 minutes of early entry to any theme park each day before off-site guests.
Extended Evening Hours are only available for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts. Guests staying at one of these resorts can enjoy extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks. Extended evening hours are typically held at Magic Kingdom park on Wednesdays and EPCOT on Mondays.
If you are entitled to Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours, we think missing it would be a mistake you want to avoid. They are great benefits and you should take advantage of them.
You forgot the sunscreen.
As Baz Luhrmann once said, “wear sunscreen.”
In the summer, many of us will find that our skin burns, and the Orlando Sun can be unforgiving. Apply sunscreen and wear a good hat when visiting the parks. Our Guide to Orlando Weather has plenty of tips and tricks.
Know height requirements before you go.
If the kids can’t ride Space Mountain, let them know in advance rather than getting turned away in line. Disney does strictly enforce height restrictions. If the kids are too small, you can use a rider switch to allow the rest of the party to ride as well.
We have created guides to Rider Switch and Height Requirements at Walt Disney World, which contain further information.
You didn’t realize how much walking the kids had to do.
They don’t need a stroller when you visit the local park, but they will walk more than they do at home. Be prepared to hire a stroller for all children under five and some older kids. Kids will get tired & grumpy in Orlando. Plus, cranky kids often lead to even crankier adults.
Better still, bring your own stroller. Stroller hire is not cheap. At the time of writing, the current charges are: Single stroller, $15/day; Double stroller, $31/day (multi-day discounts are available: $13/$27). Rentals are park-only, but keep your ticket and swap for a new unit if you park-hop. Prices are subject to change; please check the App.
Not drinking and having rest breaks.
Dehydration and sunstroke are easily acquired but also easily preventable. Be sure to plan plenty of breaks throughout the day.
Not drinking enough is perhaps the biggest mistake you can make at Walt Disney World. Carry water and drink regularly. There are numerous free water stations throughout the parks, and you can get a complimentary glass of water at any quick-service restaurant.
Most people no longer wear face masks, but if you decide to wear one, it will make you even hotter.
Wearing new shoes.
Ensure your shoes are worn in and comfortable, as you will be doing a lot of walking at Walt Disney World. Did you know Queen Elizabeth II used to hire someone to wear in her new shoes?
Not bringing park essentials.
Make a list of what you need, such as a camera, an autograph book, and a poncho. Pack your bag the night before and recheck it in the morning. Ensure you have a device that can access the park’s WiFi to use My Disney Experience.
However, in our opinion, many guests bring far too much into the park. Remember, whatever you pack, you will have to carry all day. We have created a guide on what to put in your Walt Disney World park bag.
Not checking opening hours!
Walt Disney World hours are regularly updated and often change with little notice. The good news is that they are usually longer than those initially advertised. Click the link to get all the latest Walt Disney World Park Hours.
Not checking for refurbishments.
Attractions do close for refurbishments, and these are usually advertised well in advance. While most of these closures will not ruin your vacation, would you be happy if Flight of Passage were closed during your vacation?
However, perhaps more problematic is if your resort is undergoing significant refurbishment.
Click the link to find the latest information on Walt Disney World scheduled refurbishments.
Not downloading My Disney Experience.
Ensure you have My Disney Experience available before entering the parks. My Disney Experience is a free online planning tool for Walt Disney World, allowing guests to plan their vacations. Through this free service, you can:
- Keep track of your plans & reservations, including those of your family & friends.
- Make Reservations
- Order food in advance via Mobile Ordering at Quick Service Locations
- Access maps, wait times, showtimes, park hours, and a lot more essential information via the App.
- Check on all the latest resort changes, including any closed attractions.
Please read our guide to My Disney Experience to learn more.
Not staying for the night.
All Walt Disney World parks are even more magical at night. Make sure you don’t leave before it gets dark.
Evening entertainment in Walt Disney World is always one of the highlights of any Disney Vacation. You won’t want to miss the new nighttime parade at the Magic Kingdom, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. Remember, nighttime shows are not shown every night.
Also, the last few hours of park opening often attract much quieter waits at the most popular attractions.
Not booking dining reservations in advance.
Be sure to book dining reservations in advance, as the most popular locations fill up quickly, and same-day bookings are often unavailable.
A 60-day Advance Dining Reservation window exists (on-site guests can usually book for their length of stay). Read our Guide to Advance Dining Reservations to learn more.
Treating Mobile Order as an afterthought
Mobile Ordering can be a fantastic time saver. Choose an arrival window, select your food, and when you arrive at the restaurant, notify the App that you have arrived. Then, collect your food. Simple!
On busy days, Mobile Order windows slide later and later. If you want to eat at peak periods, expect your first-choice locations not to have any availability until later in the day. Order your lunch in the morning and pick a time—you’ll thank yourself at noon.
Visiting on major holidays
Unfortunately, this might be unavoidable. However, avoid visiting Walt Disney World during major holidays if possible. You will have a great time no matter when you visit, but fewer crowds mean less stress.
Our Guide to Beating Crowds at Disney World may help if you’re visiting during the busiest times.
Don’t forget, extra expenses add up.
Before you arrive, you will likely have paid for your hotel and park tickets; however, remember that dining, gratuities, and souvenirs can be expensive. Do you need that extra pair of Mickey Ears?
Have you wondered who you should tip at Walt Disney World? This handy guide has the information you need.
Make sure you have fun!
Be flexible, laugh off the occasional delay, and avoid over-scheduling.
It’s a vacation, not an exam.
Read More
Visit our Guide to Walt Disney World to learn more.
Thank you for all the information.
Masks are only required on buses and monorails….
Also currently there’s only 1 individual lightning lane fast pass in each park.
My little were turned away at Tower of Terror and ride switching was not allowed.
Out of date information!
Yes, a few bits need an update. I will be doing this over the next couple of weeks
However, ride switching should “usually” be allowed on the Tower of Terror
This was phenomenal. Thank you.