Planning your first trip to Walt Disney World can be a thrilling yet daunting experience. With four theme parks, two water parks, countless attractions, and a variety of dining and entertainment options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many first-time visitors (and sometimes even Disney World vets!) make common mistakes that can detract from the magic and enjoyment of their visit. To help you navigate your way through this vast and enchanting world, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to avoid rookie mistakes and make the most of your magical adventure. From strategic planning and navigating the parks to optimizing dining and experiencing unforgettable moments, this guide is designed to ensure your first visit is nothing short of spectacular.
Related: Planning a Magical Trip: Walt Disney World with Little Ones
1. Not Planning Ahead
One of the biggest mistakes first-timers make is not planning their trip itinerary in advance. Walt Disney World is massive, and having a plan can save you a lot of time and stress.
- Tip: Make a plan to tackle the parks, and follow that plan. Many folks who stay for the week start with Magic Kingdom on Monday, then EPCOT on Tuesday, followed by Hollywood Studios and then Animal Kingdom. Planning your park days opposite of this typical flow can help you avoid some of the peak crowd levels.
2. Underestimating the Size of the Resort
Walt Disney World is spread over 25,000 acres, and getting from one place to another can take longer than expected.
- Tip: Familiarize yourself with the park maps and transportation options. Plan for travel time between parks and resorts, and consider staying at a resort that offers easy access to your preferred park.
3. Skipping Rope Drop
Arriving at the parks when they open, known as “rope drop,” can give you a significant advantage in terms of shorter wait times for popular attractions.
- Tip: Arrive at the park gates at least 30 minutes before opening to be among the first in line. This is especially beneficial for headliner attractions that tend to have long wait times later in the day.
4. Not Making Dining Reservations
Snagging a spot at many of the popular Walt Disney World table service resteraunts require reservations, which can fill up quickly, especially during peak times.
- Tip: Make dining reservations as soon as your booking window opens (usually 60 days in advance). Popular spots like Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table are in high demand, so be sure to book your reservations as soon as you can!
5. Overpacking Your Day
Trying to do too much in one day can lead to burnout, especially with young children.
- Tip: Prioritize your must-do attractions and plan for breaks. Enjoy the parades, shows, and character meet-and-greets to give everyone a chance to rest. Remember you pay a ton to stay at your resort-you may as well enjoy it!
6. Ignoring the Weather
Florida weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers and high humidity. The running joke here is if you don’t like the weather, just wait 10 minutes! Some visitors make the mistake of underestimating the intensity of the heat and sun here in Central Florida.
- Tip: Check the weather forecast daily and pack accordingly. Bring ponchos, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Take advantage of indoor attractions and shows during rain showers.
7. Not Using Mobile Order
Waiting in long lines for food can eat up a lot of your park time. Mobile Ordering at Quick Service locations can help streamline this process. As mobile ordering has grown, the number of open registers has declined making it even more difficult to order via a traditional line.
- Tip: Use the mobile order feature in the My Disney Experience app to order food in advance and skip the lines at quick-service restaurants.
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8. Ignoring the Virtual Queue System
Some top-tier attractions, such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT and TRON: Lightcycle/Run at Magic Kingdom do not have a standby line. Guests instead need to reserve a spot in line via the Virtual Queue option in MyDisneyExperience.
- Tip: You can join the virtual queue from anywhere at 7 am each day, and from inside the park at 1 pm. The queues do fill quickly, so be sure to log in and be ready before the queues open!
9. Missing Out on Nighttime Entertainment
Nighttime shows are some of the key highlights of a Disney World visit. You will want to be sure you check out these offerings to maximize the magic on your visit!
- Tip: Plan your day to include a rest period in the afternoon so you can stay for nighttime entertainment. Check the schedule for shows like “Happily Ever After” at Magic Kingdom, “Fantasmic!” at Hollywood Studios, and “Luminous The Symphony of Us” at EPCOT.
10. Overlooking the Small Details
Walt Disney World is full of small, magical details that make the experience special. Spotting things like Hidden Mickey’s and extra details can help make even repeat
- Tip: Take time to explore the parks and look for hidden Mickeys, unique character interactions, and special touches that make Disney so magical. Don’t rush from ride to ride—soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the little moments.
By avoiding these common rookie mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to having a magical and memorable visit to Walt Disney World. Happy planning!
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