Ten “Don’t Dos” for Your Disney Trip

We talk a lot here on Chip and Co about the Disney World “must dos”-must use a Disney travel agent, must get to Rope Drop, must take comfortable shoes, must eat at Be Our Guest, must make ADRs at 180 days.  But today we are going to talk about the “don’t dos” for your Disney trip.  These will make your trip easier, smoother, and less stressful, right?  I hope so!  Here we go with the Ten “Don’t Dos” for Your Disney Trip.

Don’t buy tickets from a ticket reseller or an outside source.  Buy them directly through Disney.  Sure, some companies offer “good deals”, or “buy one day get the next free”, but so does Disney.  Adding your tickets directly to your Disney package should be a no brainer.

Don’t stop in the middle of the walkway.  You wouldn’t stop in the middle of the street, you would pull over, right?  Same goes for the Disney walkways.  Stay to the right, and if you need to stop to tie a shoe, check a map, or take a photo, step to the side.

Don’t complain about everything.  Disney is crowded, it’s usually hot, and patience is key.  CastMembers are there to help you, so keep that in mind.  Some situations are out of their control.  Often, Disney will try to make up for any lack of service or expectation-the nicer you are about complaining, the better off you will be.

Don’t wait until 10 minutes before a parade starts to get a seat.  If you want a good seat for any parade at Disney, then timing is essential.  Start staking out a spot on Main Street at least an hour, if not more if it’s crowded, for the parades and Wishes.

Don’t take flash photos on rides.  It’s uncomfortable for others around you, some attractions and shows Disney asks you explicitly to not take these, and sometimes the photos don’t turn out how you’d hope they would anyway.

Don’t plan to be in the parks EVERYDAY of your trip.  Your family needs a rest from the sights, sounds, and other stimulation of the parks.  Plus, you paid to stay at an awesome Disney resort and you should make plans to enjoy it.  So many resorts have awesome pools, kids’ activities, movies outside, etc.  Make the most of it!

Don’t stay off Disney property.  The many perks of staying on Disney property outweigh the money you may save by staying off site.  FastPass Plus at 60 days prior, the Disney transportation, MagicBands, Extra Magic Hours, the Disney Dining Plan….and so much more!  In fact, if you go when Disney is offering a discount, you can stay at a Value Resort for about the same rate as you could stay off site.

Don’t plan a trip for Easter, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve.  These are not only the busiest times at Disney, but also some of the most expensive times.  Occasionally, you’ll get lucky and Easter might be included in a discount.  BUT, the weeks between Christmas and New Year’s are not.  You’ll be so much happier if you try an alternate time.

Don’t tote your purchases all through the Disney Parks.  Disney has a fabulous perk for on site guests.  When you purchase something in the shops, you can leave it.  Disney will deliver it to your resort.  Then you can pick it up at the resort shop.  Be aware, that if it is your last day in the parks, this may not work.  The packages may not make it to the resort in time.

Don’t crowd the family who is enjoying a character meet and greet.  Let them have their moment and their photos.  I know it can be hard to wait in line with young children who are excited.   But it is also frustrating to be the family enjoying your moment, while those behind you are commenting, rolling their eyes, and are clearly impatient.  Your time will come, and you’ll want others to be patient too.  On the flip side, be aware of others who are waiting patiently.

What can you add to the list?  I am sure we all have our Disney frustrations.  Keep in mind that the Disney parks attract a lot of guests all year round.  That means patience, tolerance, and lots of pixie dust!

Carrie is a Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida-the preferred Earmarked agency of Chip and Co.   She is always ready to help you and your family create lasting memories on your next Disney vacation, Disney Cruise adventure. or Disneyland trip.  Carrie specializes in families of five or more-from first hand experience, she knows how to plan a trip for a family of 5!  Contact her at [email protected] today for a free quote and to get your Disney trip planning started. Mention Chip and Co for a free gift when you book your trip with her! 

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