If you want to have a magical Disney World Vacation, there are some dos and don’ts you should probably keep in mind.
These tips are essential if you’re heading to Disney World for the first time, but they’re also great for repeat visitors.
Without further ado, here are my top ten dos and don’ts to help you get the most of your Disney World trip.
Do plan ahead
I’ve said this before on this blog and I will say it again: planning ahead is crucial for an awesome Disney World vacation.
Things like FastPasses and Dining Reservations book up, so if you don’t plan ahead, you may miss out on your ideal restaurant, or end up in a forever long line for the ride you’re most excited for.
Planning ahead also means you have to have an idea of what park you plan to be in each day and when you think you’ll arrive and depart. It’s also a good idea to give yourself an extra 15-30 minutes to get around.
For more on Disney planning, check out these posts: What to Plan Ahead for in Disney World, Booking Your Disney Trip, Choosing Your Disney Resort.
Don’t try to do everything
Disney World is huge and it’s designed so every aspect is as awesome and magical as possible. Unless you’re staying for an extended period of time, it’s almost impossible to get to everything.
Instead, make a list of the things that are must-dos, the things you’d like to do, and the things you’d be okay missing out on. Be sure to consider rides, shows, parades, fireworks, and dining experiences.
Do engage with Cast Members
Disney Cast Members are amazing! They genuinely want to do what they can to help you have a magical trip. If there’s anything they can do for you, don’t be afraid to ask.
Now, they’re not miracle workers, and there may be some things that just aren’t possible. But Disney is known for its customer services, so it truly never hurts to ask.
Additionally, Cast Members are usually pretty friendly and willing to chat a little, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions about where they’re from, how they ended up at Disney, and other questions along those lines.
This is especially true for the Cast Members in Epcot’s World Showcase. Most of the Cast Members there are actually from the countries that they’re working in, so they can shed some light on the cultures and traditions of the pavilion you’re visiting.
Don’t be rude
Disney World can be exhausting. People often end up hot, tired, and (sometimes) hungry. This can, understandably, make people a little more irritable. This is especially true when things don’t go according to plan.
If you find yourself feeling frustrated and irritable, do everything you can not to take it out on other guests or Cast Members.
Everyone in Disney World is there to have a good time. Sometimes things don’t work out. And if someone else is rude to you, try not to let it bring you down to a level where you are rude back. That won’t make your vacation magical!
This is especially true when you’re dealing with Cast Members. I’ve never experienced a group of employees who will do so much to make your vacation the best it can be.
But sometimes, they have bad days too. And sometimes, they simply can’t do what you want to be done. Be polite anyway. Aside from this just being polite, it can also be to your benefit. Cast Members can do some pretty magical things for you, and this is much more likely to happen if you’re kind.
Do take care of yourself
Again, Disney World is huge. And if you’re trying to get the most of your trip, this likely means you’re on your feet all day, walking a ton, and up late at night.
But taking care of yourself is going to go a long way in helping you maximize and enjoy your trip. This includes taking breaks, making sure you eat, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep.
And if, for some reason, you realize you’re not feeling good, don’t hesitate to visit a First Aid Center. They have one in every park!
Don’t break your budget
It is absolutely possible to have a magical Disney Vacation for cheap! If you drive, stay off property, and/or bring your own food, you’ll find your costs are cut significantly.
It’s so easy to add extras and upgrades in Disney, but if you’re going to regret those choices after your trip, it may not be worth it.
Don’t let your vacation become something you regret by over-spending and going into debt.
For more on how to save money in Disney World, check out this post!
Do be prepared for the weather
Depending on when you’re going to Disney World, it may be hot (in the Spring, Summer, and Fall), rainy (year-round, but more frequent in the Spring and Summer), or have varying temperatures in a day (Winter). You may also encounter a Hurricane during Hurricane season.
Take a look at the weather before you go and pack accordingly. And no matter when you go, be prepared for rain. Orlando is known for pop-up showers and rain gear in Disney Parks is expensive. You’re better off bringing your own poncho than buying one on site.
Don’t forget sunscreen
No matter when you go, bring sunscreen! Florida is pretty close to the equator, so it’s possible to get sunburn at any point during the year.
Sunburn is no fun, so don’t let your trip be ruined because you thought it was too cold to be burned or because it was a cloudy day.
Do use the My Disney Experience App
The My Disney Experience App can completely streamline your Disney trip.
This is where you’ll book and manage your FastPasses and Dining Reservations, check in to your hotel, mobile order your food, and so much more!
For a complete breakdown of the app and how to use it, check out this post!
Don’t break Disney’s rules
Disney doesn’t have a ton of rules, but it’s not a good idea to break the ones they do.
In most cases, you’ll just be asked to stop doing what you’re doing, but more extreme or repeated offenses can get you kicked out of the park, which would certainly bring down your vacation.
Majority of the rules are in place for either safety or the enjoyment of everyone. Disney Cast Members don’t want to tell you “no,” but they also don’t want anyone getting hurt or having a less-than-magical experience.
So, do what you can follow Disney’s rules and don’t give Cast Members a hard time for enforcing them. We all go to Disney World to have an amazing time, but we’re responsible for creating some of the magic. The more we all buy into that and cooperate, the more magical it is.
You can find a complete list of Disney’s rules, here on their website.
For more Disney World tips and tricks, check out the other Disney World Posts!
Sound off: How have you saved money in Disney World? Tell us about it in the comments!