It is no surprise that Walt Disney World is high on the list for one of the most visited vacation destinations. Whether you’re gearing up for a family vacation or traveling with your school for Cook Around The World, Dance The World, or a senior class trip, it is important to know the facts in order to get prepared for your trip. Walt Disney World is one of the most exciting and also one of the most exhausting places to go. Because there is so much to do in so little time, we have created a list of things you should know when you travel to the most magical place on earth. Here are some Walt Disney World do’s and don’ts from the experts!
- Take your time.
Walt Disney World is huge. In fact, the entire property is 43 square miles. Epcot Center’s parking lot is the largest parking lot in North America. With that being said, take your time when you travel from park to park and don’t try to rush through everything. Take your time to pay attention to the details. In addition, give yourself plenty of time. If you have a dining reservation at 6pm, leave around 5:00 or 5:15. It’s always better to be early than late.
- Plan ahead, but don’t get discouraged if your plans change.
We’ve all been there – we’ve all been upset when something doesn’t go as planned. If an attraction goes down due to technical errors, go explore another attraction or show. Do not get mad at the cast members because chances are the issue is something beyond their control. With FastPass+, Walt Disney World will give you an alternative FastPass+ if the attraction you had a FastPass for is down during the entire hour window.
- Prepare for the weather.
You are traveling to Central Florida, which means a lot of sun and rain. During the summer months, it is extremely hot and it rains almost every day. During the fall and winter, it may be warmer than the north; however, it has gone down into the 20s and 30s, and there have been overnight frosts that catch visitors by surprise. Check the weather before you go, but also be prepared for the weather to change while you’re there. This brings us to our next topic….
- Wear sunscreen and drink LOTS of water.
To prevent getting severely burned and sick, wear lots of sunscreen and reapply when needed. Also, stay hydrated and drink water whenever you get the chance. Drinking soda and other soft drinks containing sugar will only dehydrate you more. Bring a refillable water bottle or bring bottles of water with you, as long as they are not glass.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
Ideally, it is not a good idea to walk through the Magic Kingdom in uncomfortable shoes. Your feet will get tired and it will only make you frustrated and sore the next day. Wear sneakers or any kind of shoe that you wouldn’t mind walking long distances in. This will help you in the long run and you won’t get tired as easily.
- Understand ticketing and park policies.
One of the cool things about Walt Disney World is that you can personalize your vacation. Just like snowflakes, no trip to Walt Disney World is alike. You can purchase tickets according to what you need and what you want to get done. Be aware of how these tickets work and where you can use them, or else you might be out the money. In addition, pay attention to park policies. For a complete list of park rules, please visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/ .
- You will wait for everything.
Many people are not aware that Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for Disney. In fact, Walt Disney World is always busy. Be prepared to wait in line for everything. You’re visiting the number one destination after all! Give yourself time and make the most of it – you could end up having engaging conversations with the guests next to you!
- If you’re not sure, ask!
It is impossible to know everything about Walt Disney World. If you aren’t sure about what time shows are or where to go, ask a cast member! They are there to help you. Guest Relations also exists in every park, including Disney Springs. They are there to assist you, and they would love to chat! They can give you some pointers and cool fun facts as well.
- Don’t feel like you have to get everything done.
Most likely, you will not get everything done in the parks. Walt Disney World plans it that way so you have to return! Pick some things that are absolutely on your list and have fun with them. Hurrying and staying in the park from sunrise to sunset will only make you frustrated and exhausted. If you need a break, don’t be afraid to take it. This is advice that is always given to first timers.
- Explore!
Walt Disney World is really cool. It may be a theme park, but it is filled with history. Walt envisioned a place where families would be able to have fun – together. His legacy continues to live on, and he left a few reminders for cast members and guests alike for us to realize why this was created in the first place. There’s history everywhere on WDW property. To learn more about what happens behind the scenes, the Keys to the Kingdom tour in Magic Kingdom is highly recommended. Keep in mind that this tour is for guests 16 years of age and older.
