Walt Disney World is a magical place. There are so many things to see and do. If you’ve never been there, or even if you have, there are many things that you can learn to make the experience better. We’ve been to Walt Disney World numerous times and in those times, we’ve learned a lot. Here are some of our Disney World regrets from our trips to Walt Disney World.
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Disney Bus Transportation
Ok, I get it, it’s included and some people don’t mind it. Some people even genuinely enjoy riding Disney buses. I’m not one of those people. Recently, I’ve ridden it because I knew my son would enjoy, and with the marathon, it was just easier that day. Long waits, overcrowded, rude people ruined it. I’ve been to Disney World 9 times and I’m over the buses. I’d rather drive or get a Lyft, hands down. The rest of my family doesn’t necessarily agree with me.
There is an exception, deluxe resort buses tend not to be so overcrowded. This was our experience when we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Staying Offsite
Yes, it absolutely can be cheaper. Especially, if you have a family of 6 or more. We’ve stayed offsite and, while it didn’t ruin our trip at all, it didn’t have the same “magic.”
Sleeping In
With a preschooler and an infant, there’s no sleeping in for us or other parents with young kids. However, if you’re used to sleeping in or able to sleep in, don’t. Walt Disney World isn’t a relaxing vacation, you can build in relaxing days, but there’s so much to see and do at each park. Not to mention the amount of money you spent on a Walt Disney World Vacation, don’t sleep in.
Not Having a Day for Resting
I’ve had this regret multiple times and I’m finally taking my own advice. I’m the plan it all out and stay from open until closing type of person. I love it, but with that, there may not be a day for relaxation. It’s really easy to get burnt out. This is even more true with young kids. Do yourself and your family a favor and build in a day to rest.
Over Planning
Again, I love planning vacations and trips, Walt Disney World is no exception. As much fun as Walt Disney World is, it can be very overwhelming. Don’t plan out every single minute of your trip, like specific times you use the bathroom, and yes I’ve seen that a lot. Give yourselves time to sit and take a break, leisurely shop, walk around and take in all the amazing details at the parks, etc.
Having too High of Expectations
Take your expectations and immediately lower them. Kids will have meltdowns, it will probably rain at some point, it will be humid, it will probably be hot, there’s a ton of walking, etc. If you know and expect those things to happen then you’re setting yourself for a much more enjoyable trip. We’ve experienced all of that of some sort on every single trip, but we expect it and it doesn’t take away from entering this magical world of make-believe. At the end of the day, s*** stuff happens so just expect it and go with it.
Not Planning at All
If there are any experiences, rides, restaurants, etc. that you want to enjoy then there needs to be some sort of planning. Don’t expect to walk up Be Our Guest for any meal and get a table, that’s extremely unlikely. So, make any of your must-have FastPass selections, experience bookings, and restaurant reservations (ADR) then just go with the flow in between.
Disney World Regrets Will Happen
Yes, Disney World is magical. Yes, it costs a lot of money. Yes, a lot of planning goes into a Disney vacation. Yes, you will have some Disney World regrets. Those Disney World Regrets may be huge or very minor, but in the end, don’t let them ruin your Disney vacation. If you plan on taking a road trip with kids to Disney World, I have a few tips to help make that easier! Have fun!
Xoxo,
Heather
Do you have any Walt Disney World regrets? Share with us in the comments below.
Great post 🙂
Thanks!
Still waiting to visit the place..hope I leave no regrets!!
Great reflection! We have been there twice and had a better time on the 2nd trip! Thank you for sharing, we love Disney World too!
These are awesome tips! There’s nothing worse than an expensive vacation that falls flat. We haven’t travelled yet much since having our first (he’s 2) so I will definitely be keeping these tips in mind. I love the idea of a rest day!
Oh my god! I agree, not planning or overplanning will make a trip to Disney World a miserable experience. Thanks for sharing these tips.
Isn’t that always a holiday woe – not planning enough, and not having enough rest. the paradox!
Not planning is one of the worse mistakes people can make. We never have rest/resort days because we almost always go for a week. The price per day goes down significantly once you’re over five days. We also don’t usually pay the extra money for moderate or deluxe rooms. After all, we’re hardly in our rooms at all. Oh, and for larger families, two rooms at an All-Star resort is often cheaper than a suite anywhere on property.
Good to know, your tips will help many people who are planning a trip to Walt Disney.
Wow, great tips. They are quite helpful for.those who are planning their trip:)
These are great tips, I was a kid that basically grew up on Disney property and as a hard and fast rule we always made sure to stay on property and only in hotels that had the monorails, we only drivers that would drop us off nothing else as far a transportation unless we got caught out in jam, LOL!
We haven’t been to Walt Disney yet, but I am sure my little boy would love it. I love your tips, will surely take them into consideration before preparing a trip there. Yes, I agree, overplanning can have its drawbacks. Find the balance, that’s what we’ll do!
Wow, Awesome tips !!
We built in a rest day when we went in February, and it was the best decision ever!
These are great tips. There is a definitely a balance between planning too little and too much. I actually really like the bus transportation. It’s not the fastest, but it is free and they’ve made improvements with time estimates.