If it’s your first visit, you will certainly learn a lot about a Walt Disney World vacation as you go. However, knowing about these 5 rookie mistakes to avoid at the Magic Kingdom may help you along the way!
Not Planning Enough
Whether you are a first-timer or not, there is a lot to do and see at the Magic Kingdom, it is easy to get overwhelmed or not know where to start. Using your FastPasses are a must and being aware of the locations of those Fastpasses is also pretty important! You may not want to schedule one in Frontierland and then go all the way across the park right afterward to a FastPass in Tomorrowland. Having an idea of where things are in the park will help you avoid this.
If you are using one of the Disney Dining Plans, it would be wise to get familiar with the different options throughout the park for meals and snacks. If you would like to have a sit-down meal, including a character meal, there are a few places where you MUST be ready to book in advance! Having dining reservations is highly recommended if you would like to do a sit-down meal. While recently, there have been some same-day reservations available for places such as Crystal Palace, the most popular options such as Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest are taken quickly, especially during more crowded times.
Planning Too Much
At the opposite end of the spectrum, I do not suggest planning every moment of your day. There is so much to do and see, weather happens, toddlers melt down, you may need a bathroom break! It will quickly stress out everyone in your travel party if every minute of the day is scheduled. You are on vacation after all so enjoy the Disney magic that is all around you! Don’t be afraid to change things if you need to! Maybe your kids just need a nap or you could use a pool break! Be flexible and take it all in! Believe me when I say that your vacation will be better as a result.
Not Bringing Your Phone and/or a Portable Charger
Your phone is a must on your Walt Disney World vacation. I am not suggesting that you can’t “unplug” for a bit and enjoy the magic around you. However, I am saying that to navigate the parks, keep an eye on your plans, make any changes that you might need to, or even look at your PhotoPass photos, your phone is a necessity!
Don’t forget a portable charger either. As you make your FastPasses, unlock your room, get your lunch by mobile ordering, and more, your phone will likely need to charge. You will not want to be stuck with a dead battery halfway through the day!
Not Arriving Early or Staying Late
If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, one of the great perks that you get is the ability to enter the park early or stay late. Extra Magic Hours are offered at all 4 of the parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and vary each day. This is a great opportunity to experience the attractions with lower crowds by either arriving early or staying late. It gives you the advantage of getting in line for all of your favorite attractions a bit earlier!
Skipping Happily Ever After and/or the Festival of Fantasy Parade
The entertainment at the Magic Kingdom is always a must! The Festival of Fantasy Parade features all of your favorite Disney characters, including the fire-breathing Maleficent in dragon form! There are plenty of opportunities to interact with these characters throughout the parade! Don’t be discouraged when you see people lining up along the parade route way in advance. There is a reason for that – it’s amazing and worth seeing!
Then, there is the fireworks show – Happily Ever After. This show debuted in 2017 and a central part of it is watching the projections on Cinderella Castle, featuring memorable scenes and music from many different Disney films. You will see huge crowds of people leaving the park prior to the show beginning, as well as massive crowds along Main Street, U.S.A. and the hub trying to get a good view. It is absolutely worth sticking around for but be prepared with tissues!
The first trip to Walt Disney World will certainly be a learning experience. You will not be able to do everything in one trip, there is just so much worth doing and seeing. Hopefully though, knowing about these 5 rookie mistakes to avoid at Magic Kingdom, and that these are common, will help you have a better experience!
Stay tuned for my next article in this series about Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Are you looking for your next adventure? Let’s get started planning your next vacation! As an agent with Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner of Chip and Company, I can help you plan your trip to any Disney Destination and beyond! Contact me today at k.greer@keytotheworldtravel.com or fill out the quote request form below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram too for all the latest news and planning tips.
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