5 Disney Vacation Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Every year over 40 million people choose to visit the home of Mickey Mouse as their vacation destination with Magic Kingdom and Disneyland being perennial powerhouses. Unfortunately, too many families find out too late that their magical vacation can turn disastrous quickly without proper planning.
But your next trip doesn’t have to end that way. We’ve put together our list of top Disney vacation planning mistakes to help you enjoy your next trip to the fullest. So, before you start making your Disney vacation checklist, browse our list of top mistakes and you’ll enjoy the magic of the parks to the fullest experience.
1. Misunderstanding of the Fastpass System
Too many families skip buying FastPass thinking they don’t make much of a difference. The truth is that you have limited time to enjoy the park during your vacation and you don’t want to spend hours upon hours waiting in line, especially on the popular rides for kids. FastPass can shave a two-hour wait time down to 30 minutes, saving your entire vacation.
Another large part of understanding the FastPass system is knowing which rides to use them on and when. If you’re at the park in the early morning hours before the large crowds you shouldn’t need the pass, just run to your favorite ride first and enjoy. Additionally, their theaters and high-capacity rides have plenty of room for everyone, making FastPass unnecessary.
2. Not Making Reservations Ahead of Time
Late meal times and long lines can turn normally happy vacationers into Grumpy from the Seven Dwarfs. If you want to ensure your meals happen at normal times and avoid the lines, then call ahead to schedule reservations at your favorite in-park restaurants.
Another important feature to remember when making reservations is the themed character meals usually offer reservations as early as six months out. So don’t delay; call and make your reservations early.
3. Overexerting Yourself
When it comes to planning your Disney vacation schedule, you want to remember that you’re on vacation. This means scheduling break time and planning your meals and hydration. Florida and Southern California are quite warm year-round, making them an ideal vacation destination. Nothing will ruin your vacation faster than heat exhaustion.
To avoid this mistake, be sure to plan breaks and naps, and take plenty of extra water. For families with young children, it’s best to plan at least two days at the park. This will allow you to enjoy a midday break without worrying about missing out on anything at the park.
4. Not Checking the Schedule
Before you leave for your next Disney vacation, be sure to check their website. You don’t want to unexpectedly miss a special event or find out that your son’s favorite ride is closed for maintenance.
Disney is known for their amazing cleanliness and safety. However, this comes at the cost of closing rides for short periods due to regular maintenance. So check the calendar before your next trip so you aren’t caught off-guard.
5. Choosing an Off-Site Hotel
For many families, staying at the Disney resort is part of enjoying the true Disney experience. As many families can attest, there are different levels of where you stay and the costs associated with each choice. You can stay outside the park at a local hotel and leave the Disney experience each evening when you leave the park.
However, when choosing a hotel at the park, you continue your experience even when you’re not on the rides themselves. This is where options such as the Disney Vacation Club can offer an affordable way to stay at a luxurious hotel in the park. You can learn more about DVC at resales.dvcshop.com to see how magical staying with them is during your next Disney vacation.
You don’t have to blow your Disney vacation budget on your hotel. Choose DVC to save money while still enjoying the premium Disney experience.
Don’t Make These Disney Vacation Planning Mistakes on Your Next Trip
Don’t let these top Disney vacation planning mistakes ruin your next dream vacation. Instead, bookmark this article so you can refer to it again as you plan your big trip. You’ll be glad you did, and more importantly, your family will thank you for making their vacation truly magical.
