Top 5 rookie mistakes when visiting a Disney Theme Park

Whether you are first timers, last minute planners or just too busy, don’t make some simple rookie mistakes! Visiting Disney is one of the most exciting times. Like ever. Every time. There is so much planning that goes into it. So much to do, pack, remember, save, plan. It’s exhausting just thinking about it. Sometimes we don’t think about the smaller details. So let me help you!

5 mistakes you don’t want to make at a Disney theme park! 

1. Weather preparation- Know the weather. Look at a forecast. Granted, weather is quite unpredictable and it could be a 20% chance of rain and downpour. Either way, be prepared! Going during the summer, sunscreen will be your best friend. Nothing worse than being fried (or worse- your children!) the first day of vacation. Or if there is chances of rain during the week, by a poncho ahead of time and save some money. This way you aren’t stuck in the rain paying a fortune for a poncho at a park! Or sitting there soaked. Although it is fun to play in the rain, and no place better to be than Disney, it could put a damper on your trip. No pun intended!
2. Footwear- You are going to Disney. Who are you kidding? You are going to be doing a lot of walking. Finding the right pair of shoes for you is very important. Sneakers are best and you can even get fitting for the right shoe for you at most athletic shoe stores. Walking with a limp or making silly faces while trying to hide the pain of that blister is no way to relish in the magical atmosphere. Those adorable shoes that you might of outgrown just a little is just asking for trouble. Trust me, at Disney there is too much to do to be held up because you didn’t wear the right footwear.
3. Fast Pass or Fast Pass+- Regardless of what coast you are on, Lock in your FP+ early or go to a FP distribution at DL. Enjoying a few attractions at no wait is awesome. Some of those wait can get pretty long, and some times you just don’t have time for that! Take advantage of the Fast Pass (+) system that Disney offers for free!
4. Hours- Plan accordingly and know the Park hours and hours of special attractions. Don’t miss your favorite parade, or that show that makes you cry tears of joy! If there are Extra Magic Hours, maybe you want to take advantage of that. If you’re not staying on property, know that time isn’t an option for you. Want to go to Rope Drop, know to be there at least 20-30 minutes prior to park opening. There is a lot more you can do when avoiding peak hours. Go early or close it down and plan the middle of the day to rest, play at the pool or enjoy a Character Dining.
5. Rest- After all the walking around, excitement and long hours, you need to rest at some point. You don’t want to full on crash, or have to cancel a fun night, miss a FP or get charged for missing a Dining reservation cause you just couldn’t hang. Even if it’s just half a day. Or an early night to get some extra sleep. Depending on the length of your trip, I suggest a “rest day”. Take a day in the middle or towards the end of your trip to unwind. Actually get some relaxation time in. Hang out by the pool, nap, take some time to appreciate your resort and what it offers and enjoy an evening at the new Disney Springs (DTD). It will recharge you and you will be right back at it to finish off your vacation strong!

There is so much to do at the wonderful world/land of Disney, you don’t want to miss a second of it! Follow from others rookie mistakes and avoid these to ensure you have the best time. Ever.

Have any rookie mistakes to add?

My name is Jamie Porter. I am a local WDW addict as well as a writer for Chip & Co and a Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel. My goal is to help you have the most magical vacation, and my service is free. I’d love to help you get the best rate and tips for your next Disney Adventure! You can ‘like’ me on Facebook- click here or email me at Jamieporter@worldofmagictravel.com. I’d love to hear from you!

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