Don’t Make These Mistakes On Your Next Walt Disney World Vacation

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be quite an endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be! While there are so many ways to customize your trip to the Walt Disney World Resort just for your family, there are some mistakes that every Guest should try to avoid.

Between the Disney Park Pass reservation system, Lightning Lane, and even just the attractions and shows you either must-do (or could skip) we’ve got you covered with mistakes you should be sure to avoid during your next getaway to ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth.’

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Don’t forget to make Disney Park Pass reservations

Do confirm your reservations for each theme park you plan to visit before you go. Fans may not love the Disney Park Pass reservation system, but it is a required part of planning your Walt Disney World vacation. And according to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, the system might be here to stay.

There has been a lot of availability on the Park Pass calendar as of late, but we still recommend making those reservations on DisneyWorld.com as soon as you have your tickets, just to be safe. All of Disney’s capacity limits and availability is subject to change, and we don’t want you to be on the wrong side of a sold-out Disney Park.

Don’t sleep in too late

Do arrive at the Parks bright and early for shorter wait times and lighter crowds. It is always tempting to sleep in while on vacation, but doing so at Walt Disney World means you could lose valuable time in the Park. The morning is the best time to hop in line for favorite attractions before the wait times become too long, and for capturing photos without tons of crowds in the background.

If you plan to purchase Disney Genie+, you will also want to arrive at each Disney Park early to make the most out of this paid service. You will find more attractions available if you start using Genie+ earlier in the day, and we at DisneyTips want you to get your money’s worth.

Don’t forget to prepare your wallet

It is no secret that the Walt Disney World Resort is an expensive vacation experience. To avoid disappointment during your stay, you will want to prepare your budget before you leave home. Once your Park tickets and Resort accommodations are paid for, use the My Disney Experience app to browse menus for Disney restaurants to plan a dining budget.

While looking at the financial side of a Disney vacation, do not forget about these added costs that could sneak up on you:

• Transportation between the Orlando International Airport and your Resort (the Sunshine Flyer extended their ‘Kids Ride Free’ promo!)
• Tips and gratuities for housekeeping, bartenders, bell services, drivers, valet, service, salon techs, etc…
• Genie+/Individiual Lightning Lane selections ($15/person/day or $8-18/person/ride)
• Stroller, wheelchair, or ECV rentals
• Parking

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Pack your camera and consider purchasing Memory Maker

Photos are the best souvenir you can have from a Walt Disney World vacation, and Disney has a way to get everyone in the picture. Whether you use a DSLR camera or are content with your phone, be sure to charge whatever you are using to capture photos so you can come home with lots of memories from each day of your trip.

To get everyone in the photo, you may want to consider purchasing Memory Maker. It does come with a hefty price tag ($169.99 when purchased in advance and $199.99 if you purchase during your stay) but it can be well worth it. Memory Maker allows you to download all of your Disney PhotoPass photos, on-ride photos, and photos from select character dining experiences and meet-and-greet locations.

We hope these tips help you make the most of your next Walt Disney World vacation. Have a magical time!