Top 10 First Timer Mistakes at Disney World

A first trip to Walt Disney World can be overwhelming. Most people do not realize exactly how big it is, and they also underestimate how much there is to do. Your rookie, Walt Disney World vacation, should be magical, and you don’t want to waste a moment of it. Here are ten mistakes that first-time visitors make. This list is intended to help you to avoid making them yourself.

10 – Not Taking an Off Day

Walt Disney World can be exhausting. First-time visitors don’t realize how much being in a theme park several days in a row will wear them out. Many guests report walking over ten miles each day. Plan to take a day off from the parks in the middle of your vacation. Sleep in, then spend the afternoon at the pool or at Disney Springs. You’ll relax and recharge, and then you’ll be ready to hit the parks again the next day.

9 – Skipping the Sunscreen

The Florida sun can be brutal at any time of the year. Don’t assume that you won’t burn in January or that you can’t get a sunburn on a cloudy day. Even if you don’t typically burn, you need to apply the sunscreen generously while in Central Florida. Don’t let a miserable sunburn ruin your vacation.

8 – Not Drinking Enough Water

The sun and heat can take a toll on more than just your skin. You and your family need to stay hydrated while on your vacation. Plain water is best, so bring a few empty water bottles and fill them up at the plenteous water fountains. Ask for free ice water with your meals. Don’t take a chance that you will become dehydrated, which can make you very sick. Drink your water.

7 – Showing Up Late

The parks are the least crowded when they first open in the morning. If you wait until noon, you’ll end up waiting in long lines. You also don’t want to miss the Opening Ceremony, “Let the Magic Begin” at the Magic Kingdom, which takes place five minutes before the official park opening. If you arrive early, you can hit the popular rides that usually have long waits as the day goes on.

To read more about reasons to get to the parks early, click here.

6 – Skipping a Park

All four Walt Disney World theme parks are unique and have must-do rides and attractions. You might think that it’s not a big deal to skip a park, especially with all the construction and changes taking place. Don’t skip a park, or you’ll miss out on a considerable part of the magic.

5 – Spending too Much

Keep your spending under control while on your first Walt Disney World vacation. You do not have to purchase dozens of T-shirts, toys, and hats. Don’t impulse buy souvenirs, wait until the end of the day or your trip to pick up the things that you really want. It’s also easy to overspend when it comes to meals. Only order what you will eat, and consider splitting dessert or even an entree. The food is too expensive to throw some of it out.

Read more about budgeting for your vacation here.

4 – Not Making Dining Reservations

The table service restaurants at Walt Disney World are all unique and exciting. You will find world-class food in fun or upscale surroundings. If there is a restaurant that you really want to try, make your reservation as soon as you can. Dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance. Cancel them if you’re not going to use them or else your credit card will be charged. Speaking of dining, don’t forget the resort restaurants. Some of the best restaurants at Walt Disney World are not located within the theme parks.

3 – Not Considering Lightning Lane Paid Access

As a first-timer, you’ll want to get as much done as possible. While it’s not right for everyone, you may want to consider paying for Lightning Lane access. There are three Lightning Lane paid options that include different attractions. The first option is to purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass for a day or each day of your visit. It costs each person anywhere from $15-$39 per day. With Multi Pass, you can access the Lightning Lane at select attractions at each park (one at a time and once per day). The second option is to purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass for individual attractions. These are a select group of top attractions at each park that are NOT included with your Multi Pass purchase. They must be purchased separately, and pricing ranges from $7-$25 per attraction, per person. A third option is the new Premier Pass option that gives guests one entry to each available Lightning Lane attraction at any time in the theme park they are visiting that day. Guests can expect to pay anywhere from $129 to $449 (per pass, plus tax) for the new offering. While we encourage you to consider these options for your family, do keep in mind that you do not have to purchase either of these options to enjoy the attractions. However, this may be a good option for you and your family if you want to skip the line and get more done. 

2 – Trying to Wing It

Do not hit any of the Walt Disney World theme parks without a plan. Do your research before you leave home. Watch videos of the rides, read reviews of the restaurants, and study the park maps. Don’t think that you can just show up at a park and wing it. You’ll waste time and possibly end up lost.

Not convinced you need a plan? Read this.

1 – Trying to Do It All

As already mentioned, Walt Disney World is enormous. There are four theme parks, two water parks, over 300 restaurants, countless rides, live shows, and so much more. You are not going to do it all in one trip. Make three lists for each park before you leave home. On the first list, have all of your must-dos. The second list is for the things that you want to do if you have time. The third list should contain items that can wait until your second visit. Don’t worry about the third list until you’ve done everything on the other two. Knowing before you leave home that you won’t do everything at Walt Disney World will take off a lot of pressure, and you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation better.