Keeping It Honest: Top Walt Disney World Frustrations

If you’re reading this, you’re probably a Disney fan.  Maybe even a Disney superfan.  But we all know that along with the many, many fabulous things that keep us coming back to Walt Disney World, there are always a few less-than-fabulous things that we have to put up with, too.  Today, we’re keeping it real by discussing some of those top frustrations at WDW.

1. Heavy Crowds

Crowds are to be expected when you visit a place as popular as Walt Disney World, but there are times of the year when the crowds reach truly frustrating levels.  This often coincides with holidays, including Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving, spring break and Veterans Day, or with special events happening in the parks.  Luckily, it’s easy to do a bit of research and avoid visiting during these busy times.

2. MIA Buses

We’ve all been there: fireworks have just ended, and you join the throngs of people waiting to catch the bus back to the resort.  But somehow, even though the line behind you just grows and grows, all the buses arriving seem to be for every resort BUT yours.  Sure, things happen, but waiting for buses that are missing in action can be especially frustrating after a long day in the parks!

3. All the Lines

Lines, lines and more lines.  Ever wonder just how much time you spend in line at Walt Disney World?  Maybe it’s better not to know, actually.  Lines to enter the parks, lines to buy food, lines for rides, lines to buy merchandise, lines for transportation, lines for bathrooms…  It’s easy to become frustrated at all the time spent queuing for fun instead of actually having fun!  Luckily, Disney is always implementing new procedures designed to move guests through lines more quickly – or to eliminate lines altogether.

4. Flashes on Dark Rides

You’ve just reached your favorite part of your favorite dark ride (maybe it’s Pirates of the Caribbean, or The Seas With Nemo and Friends, or DINOSAUR, or It’s a Small World…).  And suddenly, you’re jolted out of the magic when air explodes with light as guests around you take photos with a flash.  This is one frustration that can quickly become infuriating, especially if you’ve spent hours in line and will only have one chance to ride.  Flash photography can reveal parts of a ride that need to remain hidden for the magic to happen, and at the very least, it’s disruptive to everyone else on the ride (not to mention it’s not allowed, and will not even result in a good photo!).  So let’s all turn those flashes off before getting on a dark ride, and we’ll do our part to eliminate this frustration!

5. Ride Closures

With so many attractions constantly in need of updates and renovations, it makes sense that you may find some rides closed when you visit – but that doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating!  Whether it’s a scheduled closure, or a spontaneous closure due to weather or something breaking, closed attractions are never fun.  Luckily, there’s never a shortage of alternate rides to enjoy in WDW when this happens!

6. Pricy Souvenirs

Clothing, toys and merchandise in general at Walt Disney World can be pricy, as anyone who has visited the parks and resorts knows.  But often, merchandise found in the parks can’t be bought anywhere but WDW, and MagicBands are just so convenient for quickly tapping and buying all the souvenirs you need – which can lead to rather upsetting credit card bills after returning home!  If you’re strong enough, you can set a spending budget for yourself to minimize this frustration, or bring a stash of cash specifically for shopping – when it’s finished, so is your shopping!

7. Rude Guests

Thankfully, most of the time, guests are happy to be in Walt Disney World, and are in a pretty good mood (I know I would be if I was in WDW right now!).  But sometimes – maybe having encountered a few of the frustrations above? – you might encounter a guest who’s not exactly on their best behavior.  Witnessing rude or inappropriate guest behavior can be frustrating, but try not to let it ruin your day.  And remember that you can always approach a cast member should you encounter a guest who is being verbally or physically abusive.

8. Waiting for a Table (Even With Reservations)

One of the frustrations we regularly encounter at Walt Disney World occurs when we check in for dining reservations we’ve had for ages.  Too often, even though we arrive early or on time for our reservation, we have to wait until well after our designated reservation time to be taken to our table, which can throw a wrench in a carefully scheduled day in the parks.  Frustration can quickly mount when you waste 30 minutes standing around, waiting for a table you’ve had booked for months.  Luckily, there are some restaurants in WDW that are typically easy to get right into – sometimes even without reservations.